It's alway illuminating after another NFC evening at The Queens Hall to retrospectively read the reviews,study the feedback and admire the photography. We are blessed in this region by having several outstanding photographers of the highest quality to record our venues and artistes for posterity. People like John B.Smith,John Wright,Andy Jones and Ray Buckler. Or Jon Harrington, John Kearney, John Neal,Mark Taylor and many,many more. Their work does justice to the drama of the venue. Surroundings which (as on Wednesday seem to lift performers to new and exciting heights. I have been overwhelmed by the public reaction to Wednesday. It has exceeded all expectations. Take a look at the NFC Facebook page-it's astounding-as are the portfolios of breathtaking photographs.
Such analysis provides pointers to what we get right on each night and what if anything needs attention It's good practice to be self critical and reflective when one shares music with the public. However small and insignificant a part we may play, it is a cog in a living machine. If we all tread blindly down a common route ,without the capacity to change, adapt, renew and innovate,then "Live" music and Folk Clubs (and consequently Folk Music) are doomed. The majority of "Folk" music is first aired,in a Folk Club or a licensed premises of some kind. Whether rearranged Trad. Arr. songs, newly written material or the music of a thousand regions and a dozen genres, this is where a lot of stuff gets performed,
On a warm Wednesday night in August we knew beforehand that we had assembled a good line-up. they are all good,but this one looked to be exceptional. Each one of those on the bill could be ( and indeed have been) the headline act elsewhere. Don't take my word about it. Just read what people said about them below. Rather than me tell you about it let the audience speak. At the bottom of the text there are some musings on why a few ex-regulars continue to stay away. Each to their own.
Those who came,(in larger than average numbers) liked Wednesday a lot. They liked the variety, the quality of the performances and their diversity. They liked having the choice of sitting down or standing up. They polished off sausages onions and chip butties provided by Guvn'or Richard Burlingham. They had asked for more Real Ale and they got Coffin Dodger Stout brewed by Champion Brewers Church End. They had 100% visibility wherever they were because of the elevated stage. And, after a sweaty start,the air conditioning switched in,making it comfortable for all.
"What a stunning night …. so much talent on stage giving a wonderful mix of styles … great sound and lighting … fine food and Church End Stout Coffin on the bar... Thanks to all."-Ray Buckler-a regular at NFC and at Atherstone.
Here's what our featured Guest, the beautiful and talented Kristy Gallacher had to say:
"Enjoyed playing at Nuneaton Folk Club so much last night. Was so great to see so many faces I haven’t seen in a while, thank you for coming. All of the sets were superb. Got that music buzz again! Fabulous night! Nunc monkey on cracking form! Loved every act. Thanks for the music ."
It had been a while since we had last seen Kristy. Check out an independent review of her performance and an overview of the club by local writer Pete Clemons. http://coventrygigs.blogspot.com/
Here are the views of Hilary Wilson and John Wright. As Wilson Wright, they were making one of their last appearances locally before relocating to Scotland. :
" Fabulous set Kristy and thanks for the wonderful music. Brilliant night. What a way to say farewell to Warwickshire." (Hilary)
Hilary's partner in Wilson Wright wrote:
"Absolutely enjoyed the evening and a big thanks for all the hard work you put in to organise and run this fine club. A great venue brings out the best in you, I feel. Fond farewell, but we will visit at some time in the future."-John Wright
They were outstanding. How we'll miss their sophisticated arrangements,Hilary's songs and John's magnificent photography.
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| DruncMonkey by Mark Taylor |
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| DruncMonkey by John B.Smith |
On a warm Wednesday night in August we knew beforehand that we had assembled a good line-up. they are all good,but this one looked to be exceptional. Each one of those on the bill could be ( and indeed have been) the headline act elsewhere. Don't take my word about it. Just read what people said about them below. Rather than me tell you about it let the audience speak. At the bottom of the text there are some musings on why a few ex-regulars continue to stay away. Each to their own.
Those who came,(in larger than average numbers) liked Wednesday a lot. They liked the variety, the quality of the performances and their diversity. They liked having the choice of sitting down or standing up. They polished off sausages onions and chip butties provided by Guvn'or Richard Burlingham. They had asked for more Real Ale and they got Coffin Dodger Stout brewed by Champion Brewers Church End. They had 100% visibility wherever they were because of the elevated stage. And, after a sweaty start,the air conditioning switched in,making it comfortable for all.
"What a stunning night …. so much talent on stage giving a wonderful mix of styles … great sound and lighting … fine food and Church End Stout Coffin on the bar... Thanks to all."-Ray Buckler-a regular at NFC and at Atherstone.
Here's what our featured Guest, the beautiful and talented Kristy Gallacher had to say:
"Enjoyed playing at Nuneaton Folk Club so much last night. Was so great to see so many faces I haven’t seen in a while, thank you for coming. All of the sets were superb. Got that music buzz again! Fabulous night! Nunc monkey on cracking form! Loved every act. Thanks for the music ."
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| photo by Ray Buckler |
Here are the views of Hilary Wilson and John Wright. As Wilson Wright, they were making one of their last appearances locally before relocating to Scotland. :
" Fabulous set Kristy and thanks for the wonderful music. Brilliant night. What a way to say farewell to Warwickshire." (Hilary)
Hilary's partner in Wilson Wright wrote:
"Absolutely enjoyed the evening and a big thanks for all the hard work you put in to organise and run this fine club. A great venue brings out the best in you, I feel. Fond farewell, but we will visit at some time in the future."-John Wright
They were outstanding. How we'll miss their sophisticated arrangements,Hilary's songs and John's magnificent photography.
 |
| photo by Jon Harrington |
DruncMonkey kicked off the evening. We felt good, we felt wired in fact. Starting with "When Love Comes To Town" a duo of CSNY songs segued and "Knocking On Heavens Door" warmed the audience up a little concluding our first cameo. We got a good response from them. Thanks,guys.
Ian Bourne followed us. He was a late call-up and (as always) he rose to the occasion with a quality perfomance. Highlight for me was his interpretation of the Gretchen Peters song Hello Cruel World. Ian writes his own material but his covers when he does them are first class.
Ian Bourne. Photo by Ray Buckler
Maria Barham followed Ian. The Gremlins were out for her but,as energetic and as enthusiastic as ever the stage became a little damp in places as her drink got displaced. Our Sound Crew went to work around her as poor Maria became thwarted by a malfunctioning battery in a guitar and various Knights in less than shining armour rushing to her aid. Eventually she delivered three songs of the usual high standard. As one of our audience members said:"We were definitely spoiled last night. Some great music, and laughs. Maria always make me smile."
Each of the successive support acts built on a tension which was palpable, feeding from each others' adrenalin rush and enthusiasm. Unpaid, they got up on that stage and delivered powerful performances.
The wonderful Paper Circus, continue to go from strength to strength based on Jennian's stunning voice and the Boys' unique instrumental support. Playing to a crowd like this was a good rehearsal for their forthcoming debut at The Cornish Folk Festival.
This week, after several years I finally enticed Ian Bland, out to NFC whilst he was here on one of his whistle stop U.K. Tours. Visiting here on a biennial visit away from his native Oz. Ian's a popular festival turn and is in constant demand whilst over here. So it was a bit of a coup to get him out to deliver three typical songs with confidence,charisma and style. It was bonzer,mate!
And finishing a memorable first half, we at last also persuaded Rob Halligan to join us. .Another name I've been pursuing and trying to introduce to an NFC audiences since the club re-opened. He led us up to the Interval with a measured, electric performance, powering out his great songs with immense presence and bags of confidence. Rob,besides being a prolific recording artiste,has championed Folk and Roots music in Coventry and Warwickshire,notably at The Godiva Festival and MotoFest. He is one of the driving influences behind CV21 the organisation committed to having a Folk Input into Coventry's year as The U.K. City of Culture. It was an honour to have him there.
Rob Halligan Taken by Ray Buckler.
A tiny minoruty of those present last night see themselves as critical friends,who will always tell me candidly what needs improving. (Even though everyone working in NFC is unpaid and voluntary). So there were a few grumbles about the temperature,(it has air conditioning!) the lighting,(it's brilliant!) the sound,(our crew work so hard and are never beaten) the Guest beer, (a potent Church End Brewery Stout) the hold-ups (it's life) and the noise from downstairs-(some bloke from Wishbone Ash,apparently)
But the overall consensus was that it was bloody good entertainment,for free,in a setting far more welcoming than the previous one. Here's the view of another Midlands Folk Club organiser,a first time visitor and one who has been hosting far longer than I have and whose judgement I respect tremendously:
"Fab evening! A venue to rival the Red Lion Folk club at Kings Heath! Better stage lighting at your club and a wider stage."
John B. Smith, one of our fabulous photographers who records everything and never misses a night wrote:
" Absolutely fantastic. Well done for organising a brilliant night's, quality entertainment; as always really, but you excelled yourself this time."
And yet, a few once familiar faces were again missing. (Surely they can't all be permanently on holiday or gigging elsewhere?) Perhaps with the venue changing, they don't want to bother travelling the extra quarter of a mile round the Ringway to the new one. People can be very perverse. What exactly is it that the absentees miss about the old venue. What are the drawbacks about attending the new one? What factors make the stayaways stay away?
Ian Bourne followed us. He was a late call-up and (as always) he rose to the occasion with a quality perfomance. Highlight for me was his interpretation of the Gretchen Peters song Hello Cruel World. Ian writes his own material but his covers when he does them are first class.
Maria Barham followed Ian. The Gremlins were out for her but,as energetic and as enthusiastic as ever the stage became a little damp in places as her drink got displaced. Our Sound Crew went to work around her as poor Maria became thwarted by a malfunctioning battery in a guitar and various Knights in less than shining armour rushing to her aid. Eventually she delivered three songs of the usual high standard. As one of our audience members said:"We were definitely spoiled last night. Some great music, and laughs. Maria always make me smile."
 |
| Maria Barham snapped by Andy Jones. |
Each of the successive support acts built on a tension which was palpable, feeding from each others' adrenalin rush and enthusiasm. Unpaid, they got up on that stage and delivered powerful performances.
The wonderful Paper Circus, continue to go from strength to strength based on Jennian's stunning voice and the Boys' unique instrumental support. Playing to a crowd like this was a good rehearsal for their forthcoming debut at The Cornish Folk Festival.
 |
| Paper Circus at NFC. Photo by Andy Jones |
This week, after several years I finally enticed Ian Bland, out to NFC whilst he was here on one of his whistle stop U.K. Tours. Visiting here on a biennial visit away from his native Oz. Ian's a popular festival turn and is in constant demand whilst over here. So it was a bit of a coup to get him out to deliver three typical songs with confidence,charisma and style. It was bonzer,mate!
 |
| Ian Bland by Ray Buckler |
And finishing a memorable first half, we at last also persuaded Rob Halligan to join us. .Another name I've been pursuing and trying to introduce to an NFC audiences since the club re-opened. He led us up to the Interval with a measured, electric performance, powering out his great songs with immense presence and bags of confidence. Rob,besides being a prolific recording artiste,has championed Folk and Roots music in Coventry and Warwickshire,notably at The Godiva Festival and MotoFest. He is one of the driving influences behind CV21 the organisation committed to having a Folk Input into Coventry's year as The U.K. City of Culture. It was an honour to have him there.
A tiny minoruty of those present last night see themselves as critical friends,who will always tell me candidly what needs improving. (Even though everyone working in NFC is unpaid and voluntary). So there were a few grumbles about the temperature,(it has air conditioning!) the lighting,(it's brilliant!) the sound,(our crew work so hard and are never beaten) the Guest beer, (a potent Church End Brewery Stout) the hold-ups (it's life) and the noise from downstairs-(some bloke from Wishbone Ash,apparently)
But the overall consensus was that it was bloody good entertainment,for free,in a setting far more welcoming than the previous one. Here's the view of another Midlands Folk Club organiser,a first time visitor and one who has been hosting far longer than I have and whose judgement I respect tremendously:
"Fab evening! A venue to rival the Red Lion Folk club at Kings Heath! Better stage lighting at your club and a wider stage."
John B. Smith, one of our fabulous photographers who records everything and never misses a night wrote:
" Absolutely fantastic. Well done for organising a brilliant night's, quality entertainment; as always really, but you excelled yourself this time."
And yet, a few once familiar faces were again missing. (Surely they can't all be permanently on holiday or gigging elsewhere?) Perhaps with the venue changing, they don't want to bother travelling the extra quarter of a mile round the Ringway to the new one. People can be very perverse. What exactly is it that the absentees miss about the old venue. What are the drawbacks about attending the new one? What factors make the stayaways stay away?
Perhaps they resent having free food provided for them, maybe finding it patronising or invasive? Would they prefer to buy their own? At the old venue they didn't do food ,so if anyone was hungry they had to walk round to Asda and buy a sandwich. Who wants chip and sausage butties, Chilli Con Carne or ham sandwiches laid out for them? (We do!) So thanks to Richard and Jenna for continuing to provide tasty bar snacks like they do.
Previously, if the needs of nature called, could it be that some hardy fellows with strong bladders actually preferred the long trek downstairs and through a roomful of War Gamers before relief was at hand? Do some traditionalist diehards miss the luxury of having "facilities" so far away. Queen's Hall has that rare commodity in local pubs, running hot water and flushing toilets. Admittedly, you cannot stand and watch rainwater trickling through the roof whilst performing so I suppose if Troopship Holds are your thing men of a certain inclination or age might miss that.
Perhaps those few still operating their lonely boycott prefer to pay to get in (or play!) and have gone elsewhere, on the premise that free admission is somehow common or degrading? Perhaps having clean tables, (indeed,having a clean room to sit in) is,an anathema? I used to clean the previous room myself, on arrival,often found that during the intervening month,no-one else had bothered.Unwashed beer glasses on the tables,food on the floor and furniture sticky with beer. I had to move all the furniture back sometimes and once or twice had to remove an entire Sound System from the stage before even being able to set up our own P.A. I took in my own broom,mop, black sacks and cleaning cloths. Personally I don't miss that at all.
The stairs at The Queen's Hall are much more forgiving than at the previous venue. There are less of them and they are wider. They are definitely cleaner,and there is no view of a flat roof littered with waste material to contemplate, as you stopped and struggled for breath half way up. Sometimes I found the stairs at the previous venue barricaded when I arrived, and had to move stacked furniture away just to access them. Some people like a challenge. Me? I'm all for the easy life. Our "new" venue is not so new now,professionally run, well staffed and an inspiration to acts performing there. SPREAD THE WORD!
