Janet Russell is the guest at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 3rd October and if you like good singing it is strongly recommended that you put the date in your diary. Scots born and raised and now based south of Hadrian’s Wall, Janet is blessed with a terrific voice and a gift for getting others to sing – irrespective of their vocal talents!
Janet has played on the folk scene professionally for more than twenty years and has previously appeared at the Irvine Club with her singing partner Christine Kydd – and what a talented duo that was!
Starting off singing in Edinburgh Pubs was Janet’s introduction to playing in public. From those beginnings she has since played in concert halls, church halls, village halls, folk clubs and arts centres all over the UK, Europe and the USA. As well as being a solo performer Janet is a committed and enthusiastic promoter of participation in folk arts. She is recognised as an accomplished vocal harmony workshop leader.
Clearly Janet is in her element organising, promoting and participating community singing events. She is involved with the Silsden Singers, the Street Choirs Festival inSheffieldand a harmony workshop in Angus. Her workshops include Pub Carols and Street Choirs and this year, with a number of others, has been working on a show called ‘Celebrating Subversion: an anti-capitalist roadshow’ As well as all of this Janet still finds time to record albums. Her third solo album Love Songs & Fighting Talk was long awaited and well received. Such is her standing among her peers that musicians of the calibre of Tom McConville and Steve Tilston were happy to provide musical support on the album.
Therefore, to hear this singer, songwriter and general singing enthusiast, get along to Irvine Folk Club in Vineburgh Conmmunity Centre in Quarry Roadon Wednesday 3rd October for 8pm.
Heather Heywood is the guest at the Girvan Folk Club this Friday 28th September.
Heather Heywood is the guest at the Girvan Folk Club this Friday 28th September. Irvine Folk Club and Girvan have always had friendly relationships and Bobby Robb, the founder of the Girvan Club, has been a regular participant at the Irvine Folk Club and Marymass over the years. If you fancy a trip, this Friday would be a great opportunity to experience a friendly club that has a lot in common with Irvine and to touch base with Bobby and the singers down there. The club meets in the back room of the Queens Hotel at 8.30. For those late birds among you, there is always an after hours session or you can wend your way home after the club finishes.
The Whistlebinkies at Irvine Burns Club and Folk for Heroes concert at Irvine Sports Club
Finally, you are reminded of two concerts in Irvine in early October. On Wednesday 10th October in Wellwood home of Irvine Burns Club the very talented Whistlebinkies will be taking the stage. Admission at the door is £10 and this includes a glass of wine. Meanwhile on Friday 12th October at Irvine Sports Club at Marress there will be a Folk for Heroes concert. This fundraising night starts at 7.30pm and admission is £5 and features many local weel kent musicians.