To see a simple list of events, just click on “Collapse All”. To see the detailed view again, click on “Expand All”.
You can move forwards and backwards to see more events by selecting the date range at the top or bottom of the calendar.
If you notice a difference between the information below and that on an artist’s website or social media, please let us know so that the differences can be reconciled.
Dear artists
We welcome approaches from you asking if you can play at the club. It would be appreciated if you could read the notes here, and then check available dates below, (TBA is a bit of a hint) before contacting us.
Please note that a basic PA will be provided. If you want anything fancier, feel free to bring your own, of course.
Thanks
Stanley Accrington
Stanley emerged from the dark days of the late 1970’s and has been terrorising the cultural world ever since.
He has written hundreds of songs in a range of styles on a vast rake of subjects. There are old-style songs on current happenings and modern style songs on ancient events. There are poems, pastiches, parodies, and possibly anything.
Apart from the silly and very silly material, Stanley has always been writing serious songs to confuse the situation further. He has performed hundreds of times at a wide range of events all over UK and occasionally beyond.
Stanley has been performing all over UK and occasionally beyond at a wide variety of locations and events. He always tries to be both relevant and entertaining. (The pigeon-hole to put this stuff in is “miscellaneous-ish”)
The photo:
Me: Hi, Stan. The photo on your website is small. Got anything bigger?
Stan: Will this one do? (It is a nice bus.)
stanleyaccrington.blogspot.com
Support by
Thrup’nny Bits
Thrup’nny Bits is a three voice unaccompanied harmony group singing traditional and contemporary folk songs with some Early Music and humourous songs for good measure. They like to feel their performances have light and shade.
The group evolved from the four part Ninepenny Marl after one of its members became unwell.
Gareth and Barbara Wyatt and Des Patalong come from Warwickshire and Coventry and are well known on the local folk scene having been in various line ups in the past, and Des is currently a member of “Sharp as Razors” – a shanty crew.
The group have had appearances at Bedworth Folk Festival and Folk Club, Warwick FC, Rowington FC, Harbury FC, Bromsgrove FC, Brackley FC, Chipping Norton FC, Black Diamond FC, Banbury FC, Shirley FC, Alcester FC and Warwick Folk Festival . They’ve also appeared at The Nursery Tavern in Coventry and at Kristy Gallagher’s session at The Royal Oak in Kenilworth.
As a result of an invitation by Folk 21, they appeared at the South East Regionsl event at Cecil Sharp House.
The group have completed their first CD available now and called “Here’s a Bumper”.
thrupnnybits.com
And
John Meechan
John has been on the folk scene for 40-odd years. Hailing from Yorkshire, many of his songs are rooted there.
His passion for folk songs has resulted in a wide-ranging repertoire, always particularly well-presented.
Elaine Meechan
Elaine, keyboard and accordion player in many an ensemble, has that rare talent that true musicians possess; the ability to empathise with those she performs with. She is an important part of a number of folk-related bands in the area.
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
Get rid of that post-Christmas feeling. Come and sing! No guests, just you.
Just get in touch to be included. Lots of 10 minute spots available.
Please contact Phil Benson if you want to perform, but spots may still be available on the night, subject to the time available, of course.
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Brian Phillips
Brian Phillips, is one of the rare people that every Folk Club and Festival should book on a regular basis.
When Brian takes to the stage, you know that before the evening is finished you will be taken into a world of laughter and amazement. Laughter from the intros and occasional poem and amazement at the perfect ‘clawhammer’ guitar technique and sincere singing voice.
Brian draws his material from trad folk and blues, with some contemporary songs and instrumentals as well. Brian has performed at many folk clubs and festivals in the Midlands and the South West, both as a performer and also a workshop leader.
He has a book of short stories “Stuff That Rhymes’, published in 2020 and a beautiful CD available, ‘Living Legacy” recorded with his late wife Marie, in 2014.
Brian is not one to miss, life’s too short, give yourself a treat!
Kevin Dempsey
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Craig Sunderland
Craig is a fingerstyle guitarist who is regularly seen around the folk clubs of Warwickshire and beyond.
Returning to his roots on the folk scene in 2018, he became an established act at the famous Wurzel Bush Folk Club.
Craig has been called “good” by Gordon Giltrap and “The voice of Coventry folk music” by Pete Willow of CV Folk.
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Teyr
Folk trio TEYR (‘3’ in the Cornish language) evolved out of London’s thriving session scene; that by combining bothy ballads, focsle shanties, folk tunes and Irish poetry, their trademark blend of voices and instruments draws links between the many sounds of the British and Celtic Isles, as well as the Nordic countries.
Having honed their craft over the best part of a decade, they thrive on weaving their diverse threads together by using close vocal harmonies, fiddle, uilleann pipes, guitar, low whistle and accordion, to characterise themselves and the influences of the great folk musicians who’ve come before
TEYR have released two highly acclaimed studio albums in which they strive to continue the living traditions of music and art in which they grew up around, and highlighting the important themes of travel, migration and identity. A three-piece whose roots lie in a myriad of places (Cornwall, Ireland, Wales and London) but continue to develop a unique sound through mixing up a blend of assorted traditions and modernity. Whether they are playing their own original melodies, or reworked ballads, TEYR continue to push on with a distinctive sound, full of innovative and peculiar notes.
The Support Artists on the night will be …
The Lost Notes
The Lost Notes are a band born and based in the creatively fertile blaglands of Moseley, Birmingham UK. They write songs about things that matter. Like the perils of one night stands and plastic surgery, the plight of bankers, greaseballs, snakes, Greco-Roman health and safety failings, mules, mermaids and the downright miserable.
The principal songwriters are Ben and Oli. Oli likes folk and Ben digs jazz. Both are stubborn. So each seeks to exert their own subtle influence on the music. The result is part folk with a drag of soul roots, a slug of gospel, or downright country with a thump of jazz around the edges.
The band are: Ben Mills: vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica; Oli Jobes: lead guitar, vocals; Lucy Mills: vocals and, on a good day, cowbell.
Silas Wood and Max Tomlinson ignore the prima donnas vying for attention out front and thump out driving rhythms on double bass and drums.
They have built up a loyal fan base across the folk and festival circuit through performances at places such as Moseley Folk Festival, Bromsgrove Folk Festival, Beardy Folk Festival, The Glee Club, The Jam House, the MAC, Birmingham Conservatoire Theatre and folk clubs across the Midlands and beyond. They already have bookings for the 2021 Festival season, including Llanwyddn Folk Festival, Wirral Folk Festival, Moira Folk Festival, Bromsgrove Folk Festival and others. Lowlifes and High Times.
As well as performances with the full band, Ben, Lucy and Oli also frequently perform as an acoustic trio at smaller clubs and house gigs.
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Red Shoes
Soaring, passionate vocals, chiming acoustic guitars and a superb catalogue of original songs in the Folk/Roots/Americana vein written by Carolyn and Mark Evans lie at the heart of the Red Shoes success story. They have become a live favourite on the Folk Club, Theatre and Festival circuit.
Dave Pegg (Fairport Convention/Jethro Tull) produced the album “Ring Around the Land” and went on to record his version of Carolyn and Mark’s song “Celtic Moon” for Fairport Convention’s “Festival Bell” CD.
Red Shoes follow up, “All The Good Friends” produced by Mick Dolan (Show of Hands, Traffic, Fisherman’s Friends) gained 5 star reviews in the music press.
“It Isn’t Over Yet” their third release was awarded “Band Album of 2017” by FolkWords and hailed as “A Classic!” by FATEA Magazine
Currently touring as a guitar based trio, they have shared stages with The Strawbs; Fotheringay; Iain Matthews; Pentangle; Show of Hands, Richard Digance, Steve Knightley, Fairport Convention, Los Pacaminos.
Sandy Denny-era Fairports and the contemporary American country-folk of Lucinda Williams sewn together neatly in these well crafted songs – SHINDIG
The Angels want to hear these Red Shoes – Maverick
Many years ago I had the good fortune to see Sandy Denny fronting Fairport Convention on several occasions. Red Shoes front-woman Carolyn Evans has the same kind of strong but fragile voice – Blues Matters
Acoustic gems with splashes of rocking country fire. The trio of Red Shoes make a comfortable, timeless sound and open a window into small town nostalgia, regret and real lives lived – Northern Sky
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
The BBC once described Rob Halligan as “Bruce Springsteen having English tea with Billy Bragg”. It’s been a good comparison although you could maybe invite more people along to the party, as Rob has been compared to Neil Diamond, Martyn Joseph and John Mayer and many others. A professional musician for over 15 years, Rob is an award-winning singer/songwriter and has toured across the world, gaining a reputation as a passionate and engaging performer.
In 2002 Rob left his ‘real job’ to pursue music as a profession. With a desire to use music to make a difference, his down to earth faith, honesty and storytelling connects with audiences everywhere and having lived a colourful life, “his songs and stories pack a powerful punch” (Rock’n’Reel). The BBC’s Paul Gambaccini commented “These are some of the strongest songs I have heard”.
With live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and numerous television and radio slots, Rob has also performed at some of the UK’s most iconic venues and festivals. He is as at home on stage at the Manchester Apollo or main stage at the Godiva Festival as he is at a local church cafe or folk club. He has toured extensively across the UK as well as shows in Canada, USA, Brazil, Hong Kong and Europe.
After a busy 2019 which included a UK tour, album release and various TV and Radio appearances, 2020 saw the release of Rob’s 13th studio album, “Always Heading Home”, largely written and recorded during lockdown. It includes guest appearances from Wet Wet Wet’s Graeme Duffin, Ewan Cameron on Whistle and Chris Haigh on fiddle and has received 5 star reviews from the music press. The Always Heading Home tour began in autumn 2021 to sell out shows.
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
KC Jones
KC Jones are Karen Killeen and Colin Jones (Ceejay).
They are a husband and wife acoustic duo from Nuneaton in Warwickshire who musically joined forces a few years ago when Ceejay joined Karen’s band ‘KKB’ as a lead guitarist. When the band split they decided to carry on performing together.
Separately they both have long histories of being in the music industry.
Karen is a singer/songwriter who has been performing for over 30 years, as a solo folk artist and both with a jazz band and a rock and roll band.
Ceejay, also a songwriter, has performed in bands and duos for over 30 years.
KC Jones performs a mix of original music and their own unique arrangements of popular songs.
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Our annual August Singers Night!
The recipe will remain the same, just get in touch to be included. Lots of 10 minute spots available.
No PA; this is an acoustic session.
Please contact Phil Benson if you want to perform, but spots may still be available on the night, subject to the time available, of course.
phil[at]atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
The Lost Notes
The Lost Notes are a band born and based in the creatively fertile blaglands of Moseley, Birmingham UK. They write songs about things that matter. Like the perils of one night stands and plastic surgery, the plight of bankers, greaseballs, snakes, Greco-Roman health and safety failings, mules, mermaids and the downright miserable.
The principal songwriters are Ben and Oli. Oli likes folk and Ben digs jazz. Both are stubborn. So each seeks to exert their own subtle influence on the music. The result is part folk with a drag of soul roots, a slug of gospel, or downright country with a thump of jazz around the edges.
The band are: Ben Mills: vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica; Oli Jobes: lead guitar, vocals; Lucy Mills: vocals and, on a good day, cowbell.
Silas Wood and Max Tomlinson ignore the prima donnas vying for attention out front and thump out driving rhythms on double bass and drums.
They have built up a loyal fan base across the folk and festival circuit through performances at places such as Moseley Folk Festival, Bromsgrove Folk Festival, Beardy Folk Festival, The Glee Club, The Jam House, the MAC, Birmingham Conservatoire Theatre and folk clubs across the Midlands and beyond. They already have bookings for the 2021 Festival season, including Llanwyddn Folk Festival, Wirral Folk Festival, Moira Folk Festival, Bromsgrove Folk Festival and others. Lowlifes and High Times.
As well as performances with the full band, Ben, Lucy and Oli also frequently perform as an acoustic trio at smaller clubs and house gigs.
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Rack and Ruin
Rack and Ruin are a Warwickshire based folk-rock five-piece band playing a mixture of loud and lively folk-rock: fiddle driven traditional songs and tunes and jigs and reels – with added saxophone.
Rack and Ruin are just as comfortable headlining a large music festival or performing at a wedding, birthday, house concert or other private party. Their contemporary blend of lively folk rock, celtic, roots music is interwoven with foot-tapping jigs and reels that makes for an enjoyable and entertaining event.
The Support Artist on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Sunjay
www.sunjay.tv
Supported by …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Keith Donnelly
Stand-up comic, fall-down comedian, surreal snigger-songwriter, guitar-hero, performance-artist, [tall] story-teller, philosopher, scriptwriter, [none can] compere, man-of-mystery, inner-childminder, actor, stuntman, metaphysical-poet, human ping-pong ball, life and soul of the [kids] party, world-class athlete, leading socialite, raconteur, business tycoon, wit, author, half-wit, secret[sh!]-agent, [vauxhall] astral-traveller, shamen, geordie-cultural-attache, word-juggler, snake-charmer, underline-dancer, unexpected clairvoyant, dream-weaver, daydream believer, psycho-linguist, shark-wrangler, mile sculptor, [compulsive] lying-tamer, Great-British eccentric, [alleged] international-jewel-thief, hot-dog-skier, alien-abductee, zen grand-master, champion tiddly-winker, sand-dancer, friend to the pantomime horse, erstwhile slice of bacon, and all-round good egg.
‘I have the best job in the world, I get to reminisce with people I don’t know, about things that never even happened!’ (Keith Donnelly)
The Support Artists on the night will be …
TBA
Floor Singer booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
Get rid of that post-Christmas feeling. Come and sing! No guests, just you.
Just get in touch to be included. Lots of 10 minute spots available.
Please contact Phil Benson if you want to perform, but spots may still be available on the night, subject to the time available, of course.
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Gerry Colvin Band
Gerry Colvin was born in Barrow-in-Furness.
In the 1970’s Gerry joined pop band ‘The Man Upstairs’. They released three singles and toured with ‘The Smiths’.
In the early 1980’s he co-founded and fronted the legendary John Peel favourite skiffle-cowpunk indie outfit ‘Terry & Gerry’. This seminal band toured Europe and the USA and appeared on countless Radio and TV shows including “The Tube” and “The Old Grey Whistle Test”. Their five singles and album all reached No.1 in the indie charts. In 2010 Cherry Red released ‘Let’s Get the Hell Back to Lubbock’, the definitive ‘Terry and Gerry’ compilation.
In the early 1990’s Gerry worked in Nashville as a professional songwriter and back in the UK collaborated with Alison Moyet, co-writing on an album project. He also penned TV themes, musicals, film scores and wrote and presented for BBC Radio 2. His band ‘Gerry Colvin’s Inexperience’, a fusion of Soul, R and B and Folk-Country, became a firm favourite on the College circuit.
In 1993 Gerry formed the folk-pop band ‘The Atlantics’: they toured extensively including a slot at Glastonbury Festival where Gerry was compere, and appeared on BBC’s prestigious ‘Pebble Mill at One’.
Colvin’s other major project at this time was film music as vocalist with ‘The National Screen Orchestra’; he also performed as a comedy double act with Hollywood superstar Mackenzie Crook.
In 1995 Gerry co-founded the five piece folk band Colvinquarmby. They released six critically acclaimed albums and were voted best band at the prestigious Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival in 2009. In 2010 they won the Hancock Award for ‘Best Live Folk Act’. In May 2013 Gerry was invited by New York producer and Robert Plant song collaborator Dave Barratt to record ‘Revolution’ for the ‘Beatles complete on ukulele’ album and website.
In 2015 the original line-up of Terry and Gerry reformed and toured nationally with rock heroes Status Quo culminating with a concert at The Albert Hall!! Terry and Gerry also appeared at Glastonbury that year and released the ‘Dear John’ EP: a self penned tribute to the late John Peel. Cherry Red re-issued the greatest hits album too!!
In 2013 Gerry released a self-penned solo album ‘Jazz Tales of Country Folk’ . His new CD ‘Six of One half a Dozen of the Other’, a collection of ten(!) brand new songs, is available now. And his novel ‘The Rabbits of Zakynthos’ will be published [2023].
Support by …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Hazjak
Hazjak are Yorkshire duo Steve Chapman Smith and Lynne O’Malley, both well known and respected musicians on the Northern acoustic scene. Together they play an eclectic style of Roots, Americana and Folk music.
Steve – vocals, guitar, banjo, bouzouki, bass and mandolin. Lynne – vocals, piano, tenor guitar, banjo, percussion, whistle and harmonica, and of course Hazjak’s trademark harmonies.
Hazjak released their debut album “Listerville” in December 2020 to great critical acclaim, including a 4 star review in R and R magazine.
“Uplifting evening of most enjoyable music by Hazjak… Brilliant entertainment and great fun as always… You really take the listener with you” Topic Folk Club, Dec 2021
“A highly talented duo… Excellent songs, superb musicianship and harmonies in abundance” Tykes Stirrings, Spring 2021
“High calibre musicianship. Roots based music of the finest kind. They write raw and penetrating songs of truth and heart-rending stories to stir your souls.” Ian Mayor, Drystone Radio
With Support by …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Daisybell
Since forming in 2016, Daisybell have been making waves on the local and national folk scene, delivering performances of passion, wit and raw emotion at clubs from Minehead to Gateshead, Worcester to Sheffield, releasing an EP and a video, fitting in a couple of live radio appearances and drawing acclaim for their “Sing Like A Daisybell” vocal workshops.
To date, the trio have appeared at festivals in Warwick, Broadstairs, Moira, Lichfield, Bromyard, Alcester, Bedworth and more.
Lauded for their song-writing, harmonies, and engaging stage presence, now is a great time to check out their gigs, recordings and social media banter.
With Support by …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
Miriam Backhouse-Erasmus
Mim’s roots go back to the UK Folk Scene of the ’70s when “Our Mim” was likened to Joan Baez, and ranked alongside Maddy Prior and other revivalists of the time.
Then, she played a significant role in the folk revival, appearing at most of the Folk Clubs and Festivals of the time, including Edinburgh and Cambridge, with acclaim from all the leading critics of the day. Miriam’s interpretation of traditional and modern folk songs are unique, and her ability to lead a Folk audience into chorus singing, particularly, ‘Keys of Canterbury’ at Cambridge Folk Festival 1976, is the stuff of legends.
Over the years in South Africa, she has entertained for many concerts and festivals, including Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and Splashy Fen ‘Over Africa’ features on the 10 years CD – and established herself as a shining light in the entertainment business.
She is unique in South Africa, her songs, like ‘The beautiful pass at Van Reenen’ and ‘Over Africa’ have become part of their music heritage.
Her ‘protest’ songs about the border war ‘I don’t want my child to die’ (Richard Haslop featured this on his ‘Roots to Fruits’ radio show) and ‘Mother’s lament’ have been recognised as some of the best, ranking alongside those from other troubled lands like Ireland, USA etc.
These songs, and the music of South Africa, are becoming world renowned now, and Mim is part of this surge.
She originally retired from the UK Folk Scene in 1977, to have a family, and now they have flown the nest, the family encouraged her to get back ‘out there’, and she is now re-established as Miriam Backhouse-Erasmus, Professional Folk Singer, in the UK. Folk Club, Arts Centre and Festival appearances there have been a great success and Miriam’s UK 2007 tour was a sell out.
Since marrying John Erasmus, relocating to South Africa, in 1977, and raising a family, she has diversified into the full range of music, playing ‘Anna’ in ‘The King and I’ under the direction of EOH’s Steven Stead, amongst countless other musicals, concerts, Radio and TV appearances.
“A lady of exceptional talent, Her voice is immaculate, impeccable and scintillating.. What a joy to hear every word she sings with perfect diction. ‘Mim has a delightful personality that immediately envelopes her audiences, her enchanting voice and easy-going banter captivates every audience whatever age… from toddlers to serene-agers.
We have often used her various talents for product launches… fashion shows… celebration entertainment and social events. One of the few entertainers that make one’s heart smile.” Sandy Day Promotions sandyday@telkomsa.net
“Together with a professional approach to audiences, Miriam’s haunting voice and tasteful instrumental work never fail to impress”. John Leonard. Smooth Operations. Producer of Radio 2 Mike Harding Show
facebook.com/MiriamBackhouseErasmus
With Support by …
TBA
Floor Singers booked to perform on the night …
TBA
… and there are still floor-spots available!
Your residents are WatlingStreet
WatlingStreet are Anne Beeson, Phil Benson, and Pete McParland.
Separately, they have been singing for as long as they can remember, and together, on and off, since the mid 2010s.
They formed the new band in September 2023, in order to become the residents at Atherstone Folk Club.
Just email Phil and ask.
phil~at~atherstonefolkclub.org.uk
