Bobby Shafto's gone to sea, my favourite

Folk / Jazz Club all at sea in April
The next club night is Thursday 25th April- and Charles has come up with a plan to make this month's event a bit different by having the first half as a sea shanty session.

For any of you who don't know, sea shanties are rousing sailors' work songs with a call and response giving the audience a great chance to join in and raise the roof. Regular singers have already been contacting Charles to let him know the shanty they want to sing ( we don't want the same one seven times) so if you have a favourite and want to make your debut go for it! You need to contact Charles as soon as possible at  chas5strings@orange.fr and let him know the shanty you want to sing.
It should be lots of fun and hopefully will get the audience singing loud enough to drown me out. Hope to see lots of you there.
Sue Carter
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A Good Night was had

Charles played the fiddle with Anna on banjo and got the evening off to a lively start, after that the only problem was fitting everyone in. 

Stalwarts of the dark winter months Betsy, Gavin and Trevor were there and there was the welcome return of Ian, John and Linda. We had songs in English, Dutch and Occitan ranging from blues to folk and jazz. My personal favourite songs last night were the spinning wheel and poverty knock sung by Ian and John respectively. I haven't heard either of these for a few years and it took me back to our folk club in England where they were sung regularly. The audience is coming on well too - not quite raising the roof yet but we had some good choruses last night.

It is also really gratifying to see the folk club is increasingly getting people together between events to work on music and songs to perform together. Last night Linda had joined up with Brian, Betsy played recorder and sang with Boris the young French guitarist, and Trevor had his new "band" (only kidding Charles and Anna!).

Talking of Charles - he is back playing the fiddle and clearly loving it - possibly ignoring medical advice but having fun - in fact his only complaint last night was that he hadn't been able to play enough! My advice though is to always leave the audience wanting more so they come back next time - hope you do.

The next club night is Thursday 25th April- hope to see lots of you there and if you want to entertain us contact Charles well in advance at chas5strings@orange.fr   New performers are always very welcome but Charles does need to know who is going to be there so that he can arrange the programme.

(Oh and by the way, we do still need to hear your thoughts on summer venues, and any other ideas /suggestions you have about how the club should develop.)

Sue Carter
Val says liked the lights out at the back of the room and stage lit, worked well I thought. Thanks to Celia Berry for that idea.

Visiting Jazz band from Toulouse, Thursday, Le Riols

Reminder : Don't forget the folk club this Thursday (28th) at the

Salles de fetes in Le Riols.

We are promised a great evening of entertainment with new guests and a

visiting jazz band from Toulouse and all for free - can't be bad!

All you need to do is turn up in time for the 8pm start bringing a

bottle and glasses if you want refreshments (eat before you come). The

hall is warm and comfortable and a convivial evening of music and song

is just what we all need to banish the end of winter blues.

Sent by Sue Carter  (from Rome !)

Val adds As the weather is forecast to be very cold I would still wear your 

thermals and balaclavas. You can always strip!

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It' all about having fun.

The Folk / Jazz Club was held in a warm hall, yippee. Thirty of the hardy regulars came for a lovely evening with lots of songs to sing along to. We have now taken enough money to cover the cost of the Salle des Fetes until May, so it will be free from now on. We have 10 euros extra, so if Charles is in agreement we will give that to Mark, the caretaker to say thanks for his help. Not worried about the depleted numbers as so many regulars were away and that continues in January when there is a migration of some to Spain
For the January 31st Folk / Jazz night, a Ceilidh / Burns Night is being planned and the  MD at this event will be Trevor Carter. We were sorry to hear that the present MD Charles has to have an operation on his jaw and will not be available for that meeting. We wish him a speedy recovery. Still to make bookings for a slot to sing or for the Ceilidh perhaps a recital contact Charles who will liaise with Trevor.
Click on the pictures to increase size.
Charles -  chas5strings@orange.fr
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Trevor and Betsy

Gavin

Linda and John

Max and John

Anna and Charles

Folk / Jazz Evening Unplugged at The Vigerie

Jeremy now tells me that the field next to the Vigerie will be open. It can be used for parking if it has not rained between now and then. Thursday 30th at 8pm, .in the courtyard if a nice evening, bring a cardigan and in the barn if raining

Fiddling up a Storm !

The inaugural meeting of The Folk /Jazz Club took place last night just outside Varen. A group of 45 people heard a mixture of jazz, folk and  Dylan with 7 different artistes performing, singing, fiddling, guitars and even playing the jug. A lot of foot tapping, handclapping, photographs, singing and appreciation of the aims of the Musical Director Charles Ketteringham. Without amplification we listened to the singers and musicians from 8 through to 10.30pm.  A few spots of rain sent us scurrying under the Grange for the finale of the evening, which wound up just before we were hit by an incredibly powerful storm. Every one got away safely and went off with shouts of  'put me down for the next one'. And the next one will be as mentioned in an earlier post on  Thursday the 30th of August in the courtyard or barn of Iga and Jeremy Rewse Davies.Directions given nearer the time.