Category: Guests

A one-man folk industry in the shape of Pete Coe will be the guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 11th May. Those who have been in the audience at one of Pete’s previous Irvine gigs will reckon the one-man folk industry description to be pretty accurate. Who else do you know who does step-dancing while playing and singing at the same time!
Tall, lanky Cheshire born Pete is dry of wit and has an impressive instrumental versatility. He has been a professional musician since 1971 and has played at Festivals, Concerts, Clubs, Dances and Schools throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and the USA. From this, he has accumulated a vast repertoire of traditional and original songs and performance experience.
Pete can switch with ease from Melodeon to Banjo to Dulcimer to Bouzouki and uses his feet as percussion. He plays classic ballads, tells rural yarns and travellers’ tales, sings songs of love and loss and industrial protest that he has learned from the song-carriers and songsmiths he has met over his lifetime.
Pete has released a number of CDs and been a member of a number of significant musical outfits including the marvellous and colourful New Victory Band and as part of a much-loved duo with his then wife Chris.
Therefore, to hear this man of many parts – singer, songwriter, raconteur, step-dancer, multi-instrumentalist who is Pete Coe, be at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 11th May for 8pm at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road.
Finally, from 6th – 8th May the 15th Moniaive Folk Festival will be worth a visit whilst at the opposite end of the country from 26th – 29th May, Orkney Folk Festival will be en fete! Rarely is there a week without a Folk Festival somewhere in Scotland. They all help to keep music live.

Ian Bruce, Ian Walker & Moe Walker

Ian Bruce & Ian Walker have become a trio! Ian W’s wife Moe has joined the band and you can hear all three of them at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 27th April. Whilst Moe has on occasion joined the Ians on stage, this is the first time for Irvine audiences that she will be a formal band member.

Visits by Ian Bruce & Ian Walker are always welcome. They are two gifted songwriters with fine voices who play guitar and banjo respectively – and they are really nice guys. Moe is a singer and lends another dimension to an already classy duo. Sadly, little background info on Moe is available being that she is new-ish – all things in time!

Ian Bruce now resident in Edinburgh and Bo’Ness based Ian Walker joined forces in 1987 as an occasional duo, they quickly established themselves as a winning musical combination. Ian Walker says that his introduction to the world of entertainment was via the legendary Scots actor and entertainer Jimmy Logan. Ian has honed his skills playing at countless Folk Clubs and Festivals amassing a wealth of experience that comes from decades in the business. A very fine Banjo player, Ian sings and plays in an uncomplicated way and believes passionately in the power of music.

It’s hard to pin down Ian B’s style – his repertoire includes traditional material, country plus some almost pop items. What’s certain is that his exceptional vocal range and fine guitar playing make him an artist that is hard to match. As well as playing alongside the other Ian, Ian B also does solo gigs and over the last year or so, has teamed up again with big brother Fraser under the name Mrs Bruce’s Boys. If you have heard the marvellous Far, Far From Ypres show produced by Ian McCalman, then you have heard the powerful vocals of Ian Bruce.

The thoughtful and challenging songwriting style of both Ians continues to produce gems. Ian W’s Hawks and Eagles Fly Like Doves was used on a CD to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain and the respect of other musicians is evident from the number of artists who cover material from both Ians.

Ian Bruce, Ian Walker & Moe Walker are at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 27th April. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road and starts at 8pm. Better get there in good time to make sure of a seat.

Winter Wilson is one of the hardest working and most talented duos on the UK acoustic music scene and happily, Irvine Folk Club is included in their current touring schedule. The husband and wife team top the bill at the Irvine Club on Wednesday 13th April.
The duo are back by popular demand. The fine singing, stunning harmonies and off-the-wall humour of Winter Wilson on their debut appearance at the Irvine Club ensured that they would be back. Kip Winter and Dave Wilson turned full-time professional musicians in 2012 and their busy touring schedule indicates that it was the right choice.
Kip’s nomadic upbringing saw her being raised in Holland, Germany, England, Scotland and France. She loves singing anything, but especially folk and blues. Kip learned to sing harmonies on long car journeys back to the Outer Hebrides in the family car and as well as having a fine voice, she plays Accordion, Guitar and Flute.
Lincolnshire man Dave bought his first Yamaha Guitar as a 17 year old and taught himself to play by studying The David Bowie Songbook. As well as having an excellent voice, Dave plays Guitar and Banjo. He is also recognised as an accomplished contemporary acoustic songwriter whose songs are much in demand.
Together, Winter Wilson have released seven CDs including a song on their Cutting Free release which was written especially for Kip’s Mum by their good friend the late and much missed Nick Keir.
Winter Wilson is a class act. Their faultless harmonies seem effortless and added to their well-chosen repertoire and easy on-stage chemistry all add up to a duo well worth a listen. To hear Winter Wilson be at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 13th April for 8pm in Vineburgh Community Centre where it’s BYOB.
And finally, The Glenfarg Folk Feast takes place 8th – 10th April in stunning Kinross. All info from 01577 830370 or www.glenfargfolkclub.com
ENDS

Tribute Night to mark IFC’s 50th Birthday: Irvine Folk Club celebrates its 50th birthday this year and to mark this notable achievement, a number of events are planned throughout 2016. The first one is on Wednesday 30th March and it’s a Tribute Night to some of the much loved artists who have played at the Club over its 50 years history and sadly are no longer with us.

Having presented Folk Music in all its various forms for 50 years on a continuous basis, the Irvine Club is very fortunate in having a rich seam of artists who were and are so much appreciated. To acknowledge the music, song and stories of some of these artists, a Tribute Night is planned at which local Floor Singers will sing songs sung associated with artists including Iain Mackintosh, Hamish Imlach, Matt McGinn and of course Johnny Silvo. It would be remiss not to mention the late Danny Kyle in this list: a man who regaled Irvine audiences for many years with stories about his Uncle Wullie and Auntie Petronella. But who could replicate Danny’s quick wit and sense of fun?

Wednesday 30th March is a first for the Irvine Club and it’s entirely appropriate that tribute is paid to some of the artists who helped put Irvine Folk Club on the musical map. The Tribute Night starts at 8pm in the usual venue of Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road and it’s BYOB.

Finally, it is sad to report the death of Eileen Whyte of Irvine. Eileen had a fine voice for whom harmonies were easy. She was a member of Tapsalteerie. Her introduction to folk music was via the Irvine Club when The Eglinton Arms was the Club’s home and where the late Joe Caldwell, Eileen’s uncle, was Mine Host. The Club’s sympathies go to Eileen’s family.

Too many moons have passed since Jim Malcolm and his trademark vocals, guitar and harmonica graced Irvine Folk Club. So, his many fans will be delighted to know that Jim is the special guest at the Irvine Club on Wednesday 16th March.
Jim Malcolm is a quality performer – very polished and very relaxed. He is an accomplished songwriter but for many it is his thoughtful vocal interpretations of traditional Scottish music that is his great strength. Jim is a longtime admirer of the work of Burns and one of his 14 solo CDs Acquaintance is made up entirely of the Bard’s compositions.
The outstanding and confident guitar work and subtle harmonica playing of Jim just have to be heard. He is a master of inventiveness. So don’t be altogether surprised if you hear a Calypso or Jazz rhythm now and then during one of his sets ! Holding the music together is Jim’s wry humour plus the history and story of the songs. A particular love of his and a source of his choice of much of his material is the wildlife and nature of the Angus Glens.
People who haven’t heard Jim as a solo artist may well recall him fronting Old Blind Dogs, a band he played with for six years. He also used to sing with the late and much-missed Jim Reid and indeed that duo played at the Irvine Club when The Redburn Hotel was its home.
As well as playing at Clubs and Festivals, Jim works with Schools and along with his wife Susie, does Tours of Scotland which have gone down a storm. The 2016 programme is already sold out.
So, to re-acquaint yourself with the talented Jim Malcolm or to hear this much respected and talented Scottish musician for the first time, get along to Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 16th March for 8pm in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road. You’ll be glad you did!

Due to very sudden serious illness in Wendy’s family she won’t be able to be at Irvine on Wednesday night. However Fiona Cuthill and Stevie Lawrence will be our guests and it should be a good night.

The Irvine Folk Club audience is in for some spectacular singing and playing on Wednesday 2nd March when The Wendy Weatherby Band are the special guests. The four Band members are each in their own right extremely talented musicians and joining forces, they will demonstrate the wealth of talent on the Scottish music scene.
Sandy Brechin, Stevie Lawrence, Fiona Cuthill and of course Wendy Weatherby make up the Band. All of them in some guise have appeared in Irvine – although only those who used to frequent the Irvine Club when The Redburn Hotel was its home will have heard Sandy play here. He is an off the wall Scottish Accordionist who plays superbly and with great energy. He plays in the popular ceilidh band The Jimmy Shandrix Experience, Burach, Seelyhoo and his own Sandy Brechin Band.
If you’ve heard Iron Horse or Rallion at the Irvine Club then you’ve heard the mesmerising guitar and bouzouki playing of Stevie Lawrence. He is an unassuming fellow who has toured all over the globe and is in great demand as a session musician. Stevie also plays in a duo with Fiddler Fiona Cuthill. She is a classically trained musician from Glasgow and is also a member of Rallion. Fiona’s Fiddle playing is quite exceptional and it will be great to hear her again in Irvine.
Wendy Weatherby is a Cellist, Singer and Composer and is the linchpin of the Band. She has wide musical interests and with her clever and sensitive Cello playing and warm vocals, it’s easy to understand why she has played at Folk and Jazz events all over the world. Wendy has composed music for theatre and film – she was part of the terrific John Bryden productions The Big Picnic and The Ship.
Four distinguished musicians in one Band. Make sure you are in the audience on Wednesday 2nd March to hear The Wendy Weatherby Band at Irvine Folk Club in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road. The Club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.

From Nimes in France via Darlington comes Flossie Malavialle and she is the guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 17th February. Flossie has been at the Irvine Club a number of times and is a popular guest.

Flossie plays cover versions of a wide range of songwriters including McCartney, Allan Taylor, ABBA, Janis Joplin. She also plays music from different genres particularly Jazz as well as material by Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf. Eclectic or what? Her strong and clear voice is accompanied by her energetic acoustic guitar style. Flossie has 12 albums to her name, the most recent one, If I have to go, released in Spring 2015.

Having now been based in England for almost two decades, Flossie’s accent is difficult to describe and she uses the resultant franglais patter throughout her performances. She trained and taught as a teacher in France and now being Darlington based, she is a singer who on occasion does supply language teaching. Flossie tours all over the UK mainly as a soloist but sometimes as a duo with Keith Donnelly who also appears on some of her albums.

To hear Flossie Malavialle, make sure you are in the Irvine Folk Club audience at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road on Wednesday 17th February. The club starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.

Elsewhere, a Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar Festival takes place from Friday 11th – Sunday 13th March in Kelvinside Academy in Kirklee Road in Glasgow and it sounds like very heaven for devotees of these instruments. ‘Heavy Classic’ is a band from Germany and they headline the Opening Concert. They play guitar, mandolin and cello in impressive style. Workshops galore are available for players of all abilities on the Saturday. Sounds excellent and it’s an easy venue to get to. All info at bmgfestival.org or phone 07415 758146.

It is great to be saying that Steve Turner will be the guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 3rd February. He last played at Irvine about five years ago

Manchester born Steve comes from a family of concertina players and singers. His musical career started off he says ‘as a pretend Geordie’ in the Canny Fettle band in 1970 playing concertina. From then until 1991 he toured with them internationally and in the UK and also established himself as a professional solo musician. He drifted away from folk music for thirteen years and used that time to build up an internationally known stringed instrument business, from which he is now semi-retired.

After that ‘break’ in his performing career, Steve made a welcome return to the folk scene – some say as an even better performer. He is a man of considerable talents and his style is understated. Known best as a master of the concertina, Steve also sings superbly and sings clearly – always relaying the full meaning of songs. He also plays cittern, mandolin and tenor banjo. He is much sought-after as a concertina accompanist and gives workshops on accompaniment. As well as being a talented performer he also has a delightful personality.

Steve regularly tours the length and breadth of the UK and has also toured in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. He played at Celtic Connections a couple of weeks ago as part of The King’s Shilling production. Steve has six albums to his name, the most recent one being Rim of the Wheel.

For those of you for whom Steve Turner is a new name, get along to the Irvine Club on Wednesday 3rd February to hear for yourself this very fine, self-taught concertina player. You will not be disappointed. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road, starts at 8pm and it’s BYOB.

And finally, it is sad to report the untimely death of Iain Frame of Arran. In his early days as a Community Worker in Irvine, Iain was a regular attender at Irvine Folk Club. When Iain and his wife Maggie moved to Arran, it was no surprise that he was one of the founder members of Arran Folk Festival. The family’s musical background undoubtedly played a major part in their daughter Gillian’s decision to make a career in music. As Gillian is a Trad Music Tutor in North Ayrshire Schools, the annual Young Trad Musician of the Year competition scheduled for 10th February has been postponed. The sympathy of everyone at Irvine Folk Club goes to Maggie and the family.

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Irvine Folk Club will host their very own Burns night later this month.
The club will meet on Wednesday January 20 at Vineburgh Community Centre not for a supper, but an evening of celebrating the music and verse of the Bard in the town where Burns lived and worked for a while and found inspiration for some of his writing.
The club Burns night starts at 8pm, its BYOB as usual and there will be some appropriate food, but, as club Treasurer Joyce says: “Don’t go without your dinner before you come!”
Last week’s guest Brian McNeill – who was in tremendous form – confirmed that floor singers and musicians are the backbone of any good folk club.
Since its inception, the Irvine club has been fortunate in attracting a steady stream of good singers and musicians to do floor spots.
The club Burns night gives the floor singers, musicians and a particularly skilled Burns verse speaker a chance to showcase their own favourites from the music and verse of the Bard.
Club memberships are also now due – priced at £15.
The only ‘elsewhere’ to mention at this time of year is Celtic Connections in Glasgow – the 10th year that Donald Shaw has been in charge. There’s a stack of concerts and workshops plus late night sessions in venues all over Glasgow, but the key venue is of course The Royal Glasgow Concert Hall. Whether it’s strathspey and reels, new voices, gaelic americana or afro celtic, there will most likely be something to suit you
For more information head over to:www.celticconnections.com