3rd July – Barbara Dymock and Chris Marra

The very good news is that the special guests at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 3rd July are Barbara Dymock & Chris Marra. Expect a night of well-chosen songs well sung with hunners of opportunities to join in!

Between them, Barbara and Chris have been part of a number of musical collaborations. Dundonian Chris began playing guitar when he was a teenager and has been in every kind of band imaginable – from Bighair Rock to sophisticated pop plus a lot of time recording and performing with his late brother Michael.

Barbara on the other hand learned Scottish and Irish traditional songs from her grandparents in Fife and probably it was from such early influences that Barbara’s natural storytelling talent came to light. Whilst at Dundee University playing at sessions in the 70’s, Barbara was one of the founder members of the celebrated band Ceolbeg – their inspiration coming from bands like De Danann and The Bothy Band. Then, after a 20 plus year break to concentrate on her career and raise three sons, she became known as a tradition bearer. As well as Ceolbeg, Barbara has been part of Rathlin and Palaver and, along with Christine Kydd, she formed a duo called Sinsheen. Barbara freely admits that she doesn’t like singing on stage on her own – preferring the comfort of other musicians.

After her 20 year enforced break from singing, Barbara’s return to the folk scene was very well received and she was happy to hang around sessions and festivals and has since released a couple of albums. She was invited to do a track on Malinky’s 20th anniversary CD Handsel which was released at the beginning of this month – a recognition of Barbara’s enduring quality singing.

Barbara loves being part of the constant evolution of tradition. It’s that enjoyment which has sustained her 35 plus years interest in music. At the Irvine Club expect Barbara and Chris to play Jacobite songs, Bothy Ballads, Burns, Michael Marra and perhaps a bit of Dylan.

Barbara and Chris have a considerable musical pedigree. Make sure you are in the audience on 3rd July at Irvine Folk Club to hear this duo. The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.