A new duo is at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 25th April in the shape of John Graham & Jim Jack. John is a veteran of The Clydesiders and will be familiar to some people.
The Clydesiders, a five-piece band formed in the 70’s, were regular guests at Irvine Folk Club when folk music was at its zenith with artists like Matt McGinn, The Clutha and The Laggan also on the go. Those with good memories and age on their side will remember the strong singing and really good harmonies of The Clydesiders – Sandy Kelso and John Graham are two band members who readily come to mind. Songs like Band O’ Shearers and The Land o’ the Leal featured in Clydesiders’ set lists.
Move on a wheen of years and whilst The Clydesiders are no more, ex-band member John Graham has teamed up with Jim Jack to form a duo. John plays Fiddle and sings and Jim plays Guitar. Well-chosen trad and contemporary material will most likely be the focus of John and Jim.
Wednesday 25th April at Irvine Folk Club in Vineburgh Community Centre with guests John Graham & Jim Jack will be a night for joining in with well-known songs – and that’s always appreciated at the Irvine Club. 8pm is the start time and it’s BYOB.
Elsewhere, an interesting event takes place on Saturday 21st April when friends of the late Brian Brown will get together to raise funds for the Music Fund of Cuba. This was one of the many causes which Brain supported by dint of hard work. The aim is raise enough money to get a plaque on a seat in The Mirimar Theatre in Havana in memory of Brian. The event starts at 12noon in the Labour Party Cottages in Townhead. Contact Arthur West on 07826 127759 or Eileen Sinclair on 07733 325561 for more info.
And finally, the 44th Girvan Folk Festival runs from Friday 4th – Sunday 6th May. Guests galore that include The Tannahills, Margaret Bennett, Kevin Macleod, Len Graham and the Lori Watson Trio. All info at www.girvanfolkfestival.org.uk