Great night at the Folk /Jazz Club

Well the 40 or more people who came out on a cold night in February were well recompensed.
A super evening with music and song in the first half by Gavin Porter, Trevor Carter and Anna and Charles ( Charles playing banjo)  The second half we had the band called " Martins Jazz Band " who are a group of French players who had travelled all the way from Toulouse to entertain us. They enjoy playing Dixieland New Orleans Music and the six players included Trombone, souzaphone,clarinet,trumpet,washboard and Anna on banjo. Charles sang to some songs and played violin in a couple of others. They also have a bass player who was unavailable that evening. One of the things we all liked was the music was good, but the band were obviously enjoying themselves playing and entertaining us. If we can persuade them to come again sometime then " venez nombreux"

martins-jazz-band.fr

Dixieland New Orleans Music tel 0680404324

mjb@martins-jazz-band.fr

taglines82@gmail.com

Folk / Jazz Club 28th Feb

Cor what a treat! For next Folk/Jazz evening, Thursday 28th Feb, we have Martin's New Orleans Jazz Band coming to play for us. Their line-up is trumpet, trombone, clarinet, sousaphone,washboard and their new banjo player who is to replace the one in the picture.

They are coming up from Toulouse so let's have a good turnout for them

Charles
Val says for those of you who have not been before the club is at the Salle des Fetes at Le Riols starts 8pm. 

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 taglines82@gmail.com

An exhausting, but fun evening.

Burns at the Folk / Jazz Club celidh

With many of the regulars seeking excitement and / or sunshine elsewhere we had concerns that a) no one would turn up and b) those who did turn up wouldn't dance. No problem though - last night there was a respectable turn out for the Burns night (well a bit late but never mind) celidh at the folk/jazz club at Le Riols and dance they did!

Between dances Gavin Porter valiantly kept the Burns theme going with poems and songs from the bard and Anna sang too. The Riols band for the evening were Trevor, Anna and fiddle player Michel Alloza with percussion from Frank. Special thanks are due to Michel a French fiddle player friend of Trevor's who stepped in when Charles found he would not be able to play. Dances included Scottish favourites the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow and also some popular French ones. Carole and Alan had come along to demonstrate and everyone was soon joining in and having fun. At the end of the evening there was even some talk along the lines of  "we must do this again sometime".

One notable absentee was Charles Ketteringham - and it had been his idea all along! He was at home recovering after his operation ( actually too scared to come in case he had to dance with me!). Anna reported that things had gone well and we all passed on our good wishes for his speedy return. He will undoubtedly be back as MD next month.

The next club night is Thursday 28th February - hope to see lots of you there and if you want to entertain us contact Charles at  chas5strings@orange.fr before the evening so that he can arrange the programme.
Sue Carter

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Ceilidh At The Folk / Jazz Club.

Message from Charles concerning the next Jazz/folk club

As the snow falls and the roads become impassable, many of you will be staying by the 
cheminee staring at the computer avidly reading TAG's latest missives.
Now is a good time to remind you of the ceilidh at Le Riols 31st January.
Trevor Carter has kindly ageed to provide the music, as I will be incapacitated, and two 
beautiful ladies, Sue and Carole (oh! and Alan) will be there to show you the dances .
Don't worry if you you don't want to dance, it's not compulsory, just turn up and enjoy the 
spectacle. After all a ceilidh would not be a ceilidh without all the aunts and uncles sitting 
round the edge of the hall watching the 'young 'uns' enjoying themselves.
We do need a couple of recitations of Burns' poems or a song or two. Come on, don't be shy.

Charles can be contacted  at email       chas5strings@orange.fr
Val says Just a bit worried where we are going to find the " young uns"
Sue Carter says

I hope Charles realises that not being able to play the fiddle means he

will be fair game as a partner!

We have chosen VERY easy dances - some Scottish and some French so I do

hope there will be some willing dancers.

Folk / Jazz Club Thursday 29th

Once again at the Salle des Fetes at le Riols, we are on course for another evening of music unplugged. Charles And Anna Ketteringham have as usual got a full evenings entertainment booked so all you need to do is come along with your  two euros, bottle of wine for your consumption and glasses and hey presto away the evening will roll. Charles asks me to give a reminder to wear your thermals as although the hall has heating the forecast is to be a chilly night. Good thought Charles.
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Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt

Stephane was French, born in  Paris in 1908. Django Reinhardt was Belgium born in 1910 and spent his youth in gypsy encampments around Paris playing his banjo.
Stephane, jazz violinist extraordinaire formed the "Quintette du Hot Jazz Club de France" in 1934 with Django.  Django had been playing banjo but changed at this time to guitar.
The style of jazz guitar popularised by Django is often called " manouche".  The two young  French guitarists  from Toulouse  who are very keen and coming to the Folk / Jazz club 29th Nov. say  this is the style  that has inspired them and they like to play. So let's hope they inspire us and  Charles gives us a bit of Stephane Grappelli.
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Folk / Jazz Club news

Everyone who has mentioned it to me will be pleased to hear that the two young musicians from Toulouse are coming with their guitars and have 3 spots in the first half and the same again in the second half.  Ian Alison and Trevor Carter will be away  so any talented singers,  musicians  or spoon players  please contact  the MD  Charles Ketteringham at    chas5strings@orange.fr
The next evening will be at Le Riols Salle des Fetes on Thursday 29th at  8pm

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Good evening again at Le Riols

The Folk / Jazz club last night  was once again a good evening with 40 people braving the wet cold evening , some coming long distances. Our two young French  musicians came from Toulouse and have promised by popular request to come at the end of November to play. The take at the door was 64 euros and musicians and singers get in free. Forgot to mention Trevor Carter in my thanks as along with Charles and Anna he is one of the high lights of the evening and should not be forgotten. Gavin Porter singing the occitane song " Se Canto" was brilliant and I hope we can encourage him to come again and sing more occitan numbers. Sadly as it was Toussaint the village French people who  supported us  last time did not come but want to come to the next one. The next is on Thursday 29th Nov same time 8pm and same place.

Folk / Jazz Evening Thursday 1st Nov.

Thursday 1st of Nov. is the Folk / Jazz Evening at Le Riols Salle des Fetes, kicking off at 8 pm sharp. This time we have decided you might like a table, so as long as you help us put out and put away the tables and chairs then that should work. Charles and Anna and myself will be there from 7.30 pm so that gives you time to arrive and be in your seats for the start. Once again bring your bottles and glasses and eat before you come. Look forward to seeing you on the night.

Whisky in the Jar at the Folk /Jazz Club

Why do I get so nervous ? I am not even entertaining. I think I was worried few people would turn up and we would be rattling round a hall and stage with out audience. Well I certainly did not need to worry as today 78 people are walking around  humming and singing whisky in the jar. The hall was full with 67 people paying 2 euros and 7 singers and  musicians and a few late entries. So around 78 people in all and the door take was 134 euros. Excellent news, as if we have a shortfall in Jan. and Feb. we will have money to cover it.
There were 7 entertainers, 5 who are now regulars Ian Alison, John Taylor, Trevor Carter and Charles and Anna Ketteringham. Charles controlled the evening and arranged the running order of the acts. Two new comers were Linda Hatfield who sang two Geordie numbers, the Keel Row and the Waters Of Tyne. The Keel Row had everyone singing along and the Waters of Tyne sang unaccompanied was superb. I knew she was OK when  Charles sitting next to me at that time nudged me and said  'she's got a voice' . After the interval Nigel Shamash sang 'Whisky in the Jar' and the  'Boxer 'and a third song which was equally super but cannot think what it was. Someone will remind me I am sure.
Anyway he was great and I will add a link later to a short clip of him singing. My thanks to all the musicians from me and the audience who were very complimentary on leaving. I think Charles and Anna have started something which is going to give us all lots of pleasure through out the year. For booking your slot at the next evening on Thurs. Nov 1st. contact Chas5strings@orange.fr
This is the link to the group Nigel plays with called Naijar
https://www.facebook.com/naijarmusic/app_2405167945

Reminder for the Folk / Jazz Club

Thursday 27th at Le Riols Salle des Fetes 8pm, is the third  event of the newly formed Folk / Jazz Club. The first in the new permanent winter venue. From the line up I can tell you a great evening is promised. If you have been before you know you need to eat before you come, bring a drink and glasses. If you bring  crisps  eat only at the interval as the club artists play unplugged. The evening will start promptly at 8pm and the Musical Direction is under the control of Charles Ketteringham.
If you need more information you can contact me Val  mail@ bromlea.com or tel  0563 640673 and for artists wishing to perform contact Charles  chas5strings@orange.fr

A message from our Leader

When you do the next announcement for jazz / folk can you add that we want to start prompt at 8 because we have a lot to fit in AND the floor spots were filled pretty quickly so it pays to contact Charles early to get on the list.  chas5strings@orange.fr
Val says
That is the message just received from MD  Charles Ketteringham . The Folk / Jazz evening  Thursday 27th Sept.at Le Riols Salles des Fetes which is in the centre of the village, with parking all around the square.Starting at 8pm means it starts at 8pm so you should think of being in your seats for 7.45pm ish. We have some exciting musicians and singers booked, but my lips are sealed. If you are wanting to perform at the next one consider contacting Charles now so that you get  a slot. Le Riols is just outside Varen but if you want directions let me know  mail@bromlea.com.
Bring your singing voices, a bottle of wine and glasses and your 2 euros entrance fee. The right money being appreciated. I will give a reminder 2 days before. Be there or be square. 

It is Swingin' along, this Folk / Jazz Club

Well I have done it. I have booked the Salles des fetes at Le Riols  for the next 9 months for the Folk / Jazz evenings. I think you all need to be involved with this as it is a big commitment, although TAG  will stand any losses. Being upbeat I am not expecting losses but lots of pleasurable evenings listening and having some musical fun.
We are changing the venue from the Koppenols to the Salle des Fetes as it has disabled access, plenty of parking, lots of chairs, heating in the winter and I got a better deal for booking more evenings.We hope in the summer months to visit the Koppenols and other beautiful country locations. For those who do not know Le Riols is a little village very near Varen and is very easy to find. Anyway it is going to be our home for all the dates given at the bottom of this post, ready for your diaries. Note there is going to be a special Christmas event on the  Saturday 29th of Dec.and as you know  all are welcome and we will try and make it a special evening. Nitty Gritty, the cost for hiring  each evening will be 37.50 euros so I reckon if we all pay 2 euros  each at the door that will more than cover it. If we have a surplus it can be carried forward and then if it is a quieter month in January we will be covered. Very reasonably  we will have to pay the first instalment on the 31st of Jan., 166 euros and the second instalment at the end nine months of 133 euros.
Once again it will be eat before you come and  bring your bottle and glasses.[ but you will not need chairs] Charles Ketteringham is MD and if you want to entertain us contact Charles chas5strings@orange.fr
The important dates, all Thursdays except the Christmas one which is Saturday
27th Sept
1st Nov
29th Nov
29th Dec Sat
31st Jan
28th feb
28th Mars
25thApril
20th May
Before the 27th I will be in touch with a reminder and directions.
Hope you will all come and support as having all year round entertainment will be so good. Tell your friends and in fact bring your friends.A quick thank you to Le Riols resident Alison Croft for coming up with the idea  and chatting up the Maire
Val

Folk / Jazz Club at The Vigerie

The second of the  Folk / Jazz  Club Evenings was held Thursday evening in the courtyard of The Vigerie at St. Vincent de Varen. A much cooler evening saw cardigans being worn  but the desire to perform 'outside and unplugged ' was still in evidence by the musicians. The MD Charles Ketteringham kept everything flowing smoothly and a variety of singers and musicians kept us entertained. Trevor Carter with his numerous squeeze boxes played, sang and entertained us well, Ian Alison  sang with guitar, Brian Green sang, Charles Harris played the flute, John Taylor sang along with Charles and Anna and Celia sang with Anna playing guitar . She has promised tap dancing next time! I hesitate to say star of the show but 'Princess',  Jeremy and Iga's dog was certainly up for an award and spent more time on the stage than most. Thank you to all the entertainers and we look forward to the next one on  Thurs.27th of Sept  being held at The Koppenol's at St. Martial . More details and directions given nearer the time. The fourth evening at the end of October/Nov. will probably be held in St. Antonin, venue to be announced nearer the time.

Folk /Jazz Club Thursday 30th at the Vigerie

A reminder for your diaries that the Folk / Jazz Club  will take place 8pm Thursday 30th of Aug, being held at The Vigerie St. Vincent de Varen. Passing through Varen head towards Laguepie, turn left on to the D106 Najac road. Follow the road to the small church of St. Vincent and opposite this is a small chateau with  a large grass parking area. Park here and walk up a small road opposite to another chateau The Vigerie. Remember you need your chairs, your drinks and glasses, eat before you come. The hosts only provide the venue. For those who did not come to the first evening the night is one of singing and music unplugged. So we ask for the audience to be quiet for the performers unless we are invited to sing along. Those people performing with instruments or people with walking difficulties  can take their cars up the small road to the chateau.. As parking area is small near the Vigerie if you are driving up please give a lift to others carrying chairs ,please do not drive up with two in the car and space. A little thought goes a long way.

Second Folk / Jazz Evening 30th of August

Folk / Jazz Evening

The second Folk  and Jazz Evening will be held on

Thursday, 30 August, in the courtyard of Iga

and Jeremy Rewse Davies at the Vigerie (or

in the barn if damp). It will start at 20h00 and

you will need to bring your own chairs and a

bottle and glasses. Eat before you come.

This will be another evening of enjoying the

music with the odd sing along.

Reserve early as the inagural Folk / Jazz Evening

was a sell out. Contact Val on mail@

bromlea.com if you are going to be there,

and if you wish to perform contact the MD,

Charles, on:

chas5strings@orange.fr

Folk / Jazz Club, directions

The inagural Folk /Jazz Club evening which is on Friday 27th of July at Mas Del Sol has had a lot of interest and we have 45 seats booked already. If you have not booked in you will need to do so, and now bring a couple of folding chairs in the back of your car, just in case. Directions to Mas Del Sol are as follows. From Varen head towards Laguepie, then turn left onto the D20 Verfeil road; at about 200 metres turn right to St Martial, then at the T junction turn right again (see the Mas del Sol "sheep" sign) and climb 2kms to Mas del Sol. The venue is at La Bergerie on the left. From Verfeil come down the D20 then as above. From Laguepie take the Najac road and at the top of the hill turn left towards Borie de Gres, just after the Lez turning, then straight on to the cross roads and straight on following our "sheep" signs to La Bergerie. We look forward to seeing you on the night and Musicians please contact Charles Ketteringham, musical director so he can formulate the programme. chas5strings@orange.fr Also bring a jumper in case the evening turns chilly.

Folk /Jazz Club monthly through out the year.

Interested in creating music or listening to music then think about joining us monthly through out the year in different local venues. Run on the lines of folk clubs in England. There will be a Resident Duo, Charles and Anna Ketteringham who will also act as MD/MC.
Groups or persons wishing to perform will get a three song 'floor spot' in the first instance with the possibility of a full evening later. As well as performers you always need the listening public and that is where a lot of us fit in. The artistes will not be paid and there is no entry fee. The first evening will be in 'The Grange at Mas Del Sol'  Varen Friday 27th of July. Starting at 8 pm. Eat before you come and bring a bottle of wine with your instruments . If you would like to attend contact Val    mail@bromlea.com and if you wish to perform contact Charles at chas5strings@orange.fr
If you cannot make this date but would be interested in being involved contact Val or Charles.
Any one interested in providing a venue for a one off please contact us.