Folk'n'Jazz John Taylor Charity Concert

Folk'n'Jazz now does a three part summer tour in outdoor venues, but this one at La Vigérie is very much associated with John because it was he who first had the idea of a themed concert there, in 2014.  All proceeds go to Médecins sans frontières, and of course thanks to Jeremy and Iga for the superb venue, which even has a very attractive indoor alternative.   Very important:

Please bring a folding (or otherwise portable) chair.

World music in Verfeil

With no bridge club this Thursday the sub-editor was free to accompany a group of local refugees and asylum seekers (and Val) to the monthly Folk n'Jazz evening in the salle des fetes in Verfeil. Stalwarts Trevor Carter and Eric Vandaele were a bit short of the usual suspects (on holiday or ill), but were ably supported by local French singers Jeanne, Alain, Edwige, Laure and others.
A big boost was given by our group, plus Lili who we met here at Mas del Sol last week. She turned out to be a talented musician, singing in Swahili and playing the drums (sometimes aided by Ayman from Sudan).
Sohail sang in Pashtun and he and Shahzeb gave a love song in Urdu.
It also transpired that everyone was an enthusiastic folk dancer (it helps to remember that Arabic type languages go from right to left, which may explain some tendency to circulate in the opposite direction to Sue Carter's instructions). The "12 days of Christmas" in French and English provoked some merriment, but symbolised just how much everyone was enjoying themselves.
All in all it was a lovely warm evening that we will remember, so thanks to Eric, Sue and Trevor (not least for the little keg of English beer).

Trevor, Eric, Lili and Laure

Tango Corse (with Alain)

This way round please

Male voice choir

comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Thursday evening could be busy

Folk n' Jazz will be holding its annual charity concert in the grounds of La Vigerie, Varen on Thursday 28th July, augmented by the Fifi Ladies' choir. The theme this year is The Movies. 8pm

Acte82 will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of Des Croches et la Lune at La Seye et Vous, Verfeil from 7.30pm. Aficionados of the famous music festival are invited to come and exchange memories of the acts and look forward to this year's concerts to be held on 19th and 20th August.
TAG editorial staff will not be able to attend either of these tempting events but hope readers will go "nombreux".

comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk'n'Jazz returns to Verfeil sur Seye

Folk'n'jazz returns to the salles des fêtes in Verfeil this Thursday 25th September for the start of the winter season.
Start 8.pm . Free entry. Would be performers contact Trevor, this month's compere, at folkjazz82@outlook.com, phone 0563679335, or facebook at Folk'n'jazz
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Trevor Carter plays at Folk'n'Jazz last night at La Contie

Photo  taken by Gareth Brown  shot at  ISO 25200, 

Folk'n'Jazz at La Contie

Next Thursday Folk'n'jazz returns to La Contie (between Verfeil and Najac) for the last of our outdoor "summer" (has there been a summer?) events. Brian and Lorna hosted a great evening there last August ( see picture) so we are looking forward to the return evening. The garden has seen some changes in the last year including the conversion of a lovely sheltered barn area so bring a chair, something to drink, a jumper for when the sun goes down and enjoy and evening of music from the regulars plus guests.Directions to La Contie:
On the Laguepie to Monteil road D47....After a few kms just past the Najac turn off, turn left at St Salvary signed St Martial (there is an agricultural repair place on the corner).  After 2km or so, at St Martial turn right and then right again signed La Contie and Villvayre.  In La Contie on entering the village on a right hand corner the road goes between is a house and barn (parking will be signed), at the barn turn left down little lane, our place is second metal gate on left.Anyone wishing to perform or needing further information should contactfolkjazz82@outlook.com, phone 05 63 67 93 35  or find us on facebook at Folk'n'Jazz

Sue Carter

No fault of the Maire' s office.

Marcia Scott who is trying so hard to get things going in Varen was very relieved to let it be known that the wrong date was no fault of the animatrice and the Mayors office. Oops! thank heavens not a mistake that TAG is involved with ... apart from having possible French visitors on the Sunday after the event.
Remember folks you read it here, the next  Folk'n' Jazz is at Mas del Sol on Thursday June 26 th.  more details will be supplied nearer the time.
Malc and I are planning on decorating the courtyard with fairy lights and are crossing fingers for a warm evening after a hot day. One thing that  I must mention for both evening events at Mas del Sol, although the two houses are brightly lit, we have no street lighting ( the stars are wonderful) so putting a torch in your pocket for when you  leave for here is a good idea.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

The best laid plans of mice and men

Val says  You can work away as hard as you like but somewhere along the line things can go awry. The bulletin Municipal came today, we were told we had missed the deadline for the  Salon du Jardin d'été so that would have been a miracle if it was in.  No miracle of course.

It is the 11th year of the Varenly Regatta and  Wed 20 th Aug that is in,  with a picture for the first time ever, so that is brilliant.

The Picnic in the Park is in Wed 23 July at Mas del Sol contact ...  a misspelt email address!

Then The Folk and Jazz being hosted by us on, yer what! the SUNDAY 29th, scream no, it is always the last Thursday in the month and this one will be Thursday June 26th.
 I have visions of us hosting one of the usual great folk and jazz nights on Thursday  followed by an impromtu sing along when the Varen villagers, councillors and  Mayor  arrive on Sunday night.
So any Varenois reading this now please mark it in your diaries  folk ' n ' Jazz will be Thursday 26th of June. It is looking as if it is going to be a great night with lots happening.
And for all those who asked at the Book swap how to get here, below are directions

The route to Mas del Sol, Varen

From Varen take the main road towards Laguepie, then turn left onto the D20, Verfeil road. At 400 metres turn right (signposted St Martial). 400 metres further take the right fork towards Mas del Sol - look for the little sheep sign for La Bergerie. Climb 2kms until you see La Bergerie group on the left, with white gates. You can enter the parking area  30metres further on.

From Verfeil 

Take the main D20 towards Varen and the St Martial sign is the last on the left - then proceed as above.

Please do not go to St Martial - you will get lost unless you know the way. In desperation phone us on 0563640673

The quote in the heading is of course from John Steinbeck's novel  of  Mice and Men (and it was actually best laid schemes but plans are often substituted)
 comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Lovely evening at the folk club

A small but dedicated group of  people who enjoy their folk music were joined last night by Roger and Eileen, the new to France English couple who have lived for the last 20 years in Norway. Rana was back from working in England over the winter and these new performers joined the usual stalwart performers for a lovely foot tapping night. I really enjoy these evenings, the music, the camaraderie and next month the club will be celebrating its 2 years of musical evenings.
The first ever evening of the clubs inception was at Mas del Sol and for the next meeting, last Thursday in June it will once again be at Mas del Sol. Let us make it a celebration of two years of great free entertainment. Every evening is free and all the performers do it for the pleasure, these nights remind me of family get togethers when we were young, when my Dad got out his accordion and played whatever anyone wanted to sing to.
So what is happening at Mas del Sol this summer.
We are hosting the  always free Folk'n' Jazz on the last Thursday in June starting at 8 pm. Arriving just after 7.30pm, have a fold up chair in the back of the car but only carry it in if we ask. We have 50 spare chairs in place.

Then on Wed July 23rd we have our " Picnic in the Park" extravaganza arriving at 7pm, a night of Dixieland Jazz with Martin's Jazz Band. The tickets for this evening are 15 euros and every penny will go to the Association Via Sahel Enfants d' Afrique. We have to pay the band but we are in negociations with the group about this as they want to do what they can to help to feed and educate starving street children. We will let you know how this develops. We have 52 booked in and we are hoping to sell 100 tickets. If you cannot come for any reason we would be more than delighted to be given donations big or small. I am not afraid to beg to save the life of a child. This is our" big "yearly fundraiser so please support us with this fun event.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk' n' Jazz at Verfeil sur Seye, next Thursday

The last evening of folk'n'jazz in the salles des fetes at Verfeil ( until it returns in the Autumn) is next week folks. That's to say Thursday 30th May at 8.00pm.

The evening will be hosted this month by John who has been busy preparing the programme, he writes : 

"I just wanted to say that we will have a full complement of artists this coming
Thursday, with new-commers Eileen & Roger (English, but having spent last 10
years in Norway), the welcome return of Rana (who at least lowers the age
profile a bit),Ian has returned from his travels, Boris ,Regis and Betsy are a
new collaboration, Gavin will be offering his unique contribution
and the usual suspects have been exploring even wider avenues of musical
creativity."

As always artists are always welcome to come along and perform but to be sure of a spot make sure you contact folkjazz82@outlook.com in advance. Everyone else come early to get yourself settled in, bring a drink and nibbles if you want and enjoy an evening of music and song - which if John's message is anything to go by should be varied and interesting.

Although this is the last evening at Verfeil for the season folk'n'jazz will continue throughout the summer months touring the area at various venues starting in June with a return to its birthplace Mas de Sol. More details of all that later, for now remember next week at 8.00pm Verfeil

Sue C
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk'n'jazz

March brought Martin's jazz band from Toulouse and for April we had a surprise bonus for the evening with Camille from Sri Lanka who was excellent ( pity she won't be a regular living so far away).

The three musketeers John, Brian and Trevor worked hard all evening, playing and singing in every possible combination. Gavin gave us  his " optimistic" scottish song - next month he has promised the "cheerful" one.

All in all it was a great evening's entertainment as always. If you were there thanks for coming and adding to the atmosphere, if you missed it do better next time, 29th Maywhich will be the final evening at Verfeil before folk'n'jazz goes on its summer tour.

To perform or for further information contact folkjazz82@outlook.com or phone 05 63 67 93 35

Sue Carter

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk 'n'Jazz next week

Folk'n 'Jazz is next week Thursday 24th April - how time flies and all that.
The regulars have a "follow that" issue after the jazz band last month so have been working extra hard - don't miss it.

There are just two more evenings at Verfeil Salle des Fetes,  before folk'n'jazz goes on "tour" for its al frescoe summer season ( more details of that later).

This month, as always , the evening will start at 8pm, entry is free just bring yourself a drink, some nibbles and be prepared to be entertained, unless of course you want to join in as a performer, in which case contact folkjazz82@outlook.com or tel 05 63 67 93 35
Sue Carter
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Coming all the way from Toulouse just to entertain us

Tomorrow night a rare treat in the area, a totally FREE evening, not even pay what you think it is worth. A  French group Martin's Jazz Band are coming all the way from Toulouse to the Salles des Fetes at Verfeil sur Seye to play for our pleasure.
We need to support them as it is such a generous gesture and what a way for a group of French men to give their time to us all,  our mixed nationality group. If we wanted to start forging links what better way.
Check out the band on their website      martins-jazz-band.fr      
and be there for a prompt start at 8 pm, bring a drink, glasses and nibbles  and come and enjoy what promises to be a super evening.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Martin's Jazz Band puts the Jazz back in, to Folk'n'Jazz

Hi Val , please can you put this reminder on Tag.

After its "conge annuel" folk'n'jazz returns next Thursday (27th) in the
Salle des fetes at Verfeil.
The usual suspects will be there to entertain for the first half but the
whole of the second half will feature Martin's Jazz Band.
The band, which despite its English sounding name , is a French group
based in Toulouse and were very popular when they appeared at
Folk'n'jazz previously.
Usual starting time 8pm, free entry, bring your own drinks and nibbles.
Sue Carter
Val says to all who have said they miss the Jazz on these evenings, well here is a night for you. For more info. on the group check out their website given below the picture.

martins-jazz-band.fr         A photo of them last time, some changes in the line up this year

comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk'n'jazz Burn's night

Folk'n'jazz Burn's night

So cold and wet it could remind some of bonnie Scotland and so what could be more appropriate for the January meeting of folk'n'jazz to celebrate the Bard with a Scottish themed evening of music,song,poetry and dancing.Regular singers have been hard at work preparing their Scottish repetoire and  the resident band, after their successful debut  at the celidh in November,  will be making another appearance and hoping they can get a few people on their feet. Compere for the evening will be Gavin Porter, a great Burns enthusiast. The only thing which will be missing is the haggis and bagpipes (maybe some of us will be thankful for that).

Join us at Verfeil in the salles des fetes at 8pm this Thursday, entrance is free. The room is well heated and comfortable just bring yourself something to drink and forget the weather outside!

If you have a "burning" desire (sorry) to perform or want further information contactfolkjazz82@outlook.com or phone  05 63 67 93 35Transport request - Is anyone is coming from the St Antonin area who could provide a lift for two people? If so please contact as above.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk'n'jazz does Scottish

For those of you in search of a good evening out this is a reminder that folk'n'jazz is back on 30th January with a Scottish themed Burns night. Local Burns enthusiast Gavin Porter will be compering the evening in our great winter venue, the salles des fetes at Verfeil. The evening will start at 8pm sharp. As always anyone wishing to perform should contact folkjazz82@outlook.com or phone 05 63 67 93 35.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk n Jazz meets FIFI

Everybody welcome - bring a drink and something to eat - contact Linda or John.

Folk'n'jazz ceilidh this Thursday at Verfeil

We have a great new winter venue - Verfeil salles des fetes - its warm and inviting.

We have a great band lined up - Folk'n'jazz allstars ceilidh band - for several months Trevor has been  twisting arms, emailing music and generally enthusing our musicians and has got together a great sounding band ( I sneaked in on Sunday's rehearsal and they aren't bad at all!)
 

We have singers John and Linda who will be singing between dances.

Now all we need are an encouraging audience and especially dancers.

For those  not so keen on dancing there will be plenty to listen to. For those willing to have a go  the dances have been chosen to be mostly simple to join in and not too energetic. We are hoping for a nice international evening - the band is fairly evenly a mix of French/English and Dutch. There will be French and English traditional dances - explained in English and my bad French.

The evening will start at 8.00pm sharp. Entry is free but bring your own drinks/refreshments.

as they say - venez nombreuses! 
Sue Carter

comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk'n'Jazz Celidh

28th November 2013 folk'n'jazz  presents a celidh - an evening of music, song and dance.

Music and songs plus traditional French and English dances (with instruction) accompanied by the musicians of folk'n'jazz

Everyone welcome, musicians and audience - especially dancers.

20.00 in the salle des fêtes

Free entry

For further information contact folkjazz82@outlook.com

or tel:05 63 67 93 35

28 novembre 2013 folk'n'jazz présente un "celidh" (soirée musicale / dansante)

La musique, les chansons et aussi les danses traditionelles (avec enseignement) animées par les musiciens de folk'n'jazz

Musiciens,spectateurs et danseurs sont invités à nous rejoindre.

20.00 dans la  salle des fêtes

Entrée gratuite

Plus d'informations:

folkjazz82@outlook.com                                                          

ou tel 05 63 67 93 35

comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Folk'n'Jazz went "moody blues"

Last night La Vigerie once again provided a wonderful venue for folk'n'jazz - this time in the magnificent barn. Many thanks to owners Jeremy and Iga for their hospitality and for providing chairs for everyone.
A few of the regular performers were unavailable this month so it was left to JLT ( not a new sandwich without bacon but John,Linda and Trevor) and Betsy to keep us entertained - and a great job they did too. They do work hard every month learning new material to sing/play individually and together and its always "good on the night". Its also good to see new faces on stage,and we are lucky that it seems that every month we do, yesterday newcomer Jared Coffin played guitar and sang, hopefully he will be back as he lives in the area.

Our special guest for the evening was John Stannard on a visit from England. John plays and sings mostly his own material in what he describes as a blues - based style. The audience really enjoyed his brilliant guitar playing. Lets hope he visits again too!

Next month we are returning to the chateau in Parisot for the last evening of our "tour" before we move into our winter venue the salle de fetes in Verfeil. John Taylor will be compere for the evening and performers wishing to contribute should contact him on folkjazz82@outlook.com or phone 05 63 65 93 35

important please note

The reminder flyers for the evening at Parisot distributed last night had the wrong date printed ( my blunder - I blame the poor lighting in our office - surely its not my age!)

Folk'njazz will be on the last Thursday on the month as usual which is 31st Octoberand NOT 24th

John Stannard plays the blues

Trevor,  Linda, John , ''JLT''

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com