Auckland New Zealand
Alistair Brown has been singing the old songs, and new songs written by people who like the old songs, since he was fifteen years old. He began his career helping out in the folk clubs of his native Scotland, opening bottles (and occasionally concerts) for many of the great names in folk music.
From 1972 to 2002, he lived in Canada, where he was active in many aspects of folk song and dance, as a recording artist, radio broadcaster, reviewer, columnist, festival director, dance teacher, university lecturer, and program director at folk music and dance camps. With several visits each year, he continues to make regular appearances in North American folk clubs and festivals. In 2002, he returned to the UK, to live in Cornwall, where he calls dances and performs regularly in folk clubs, festivals, pub sessions and several ancient seasonal rituals that require the presence of accordions.
Audiences at concerts and festivals across North America and the UK have responded enthusiastically to his performances, covering the field from big ballads, comic ditties, songs of struggles (usually unsuccessful) against temptation, odes to conviviality and songs of unashamed sentimentality, to outrageously funny stories from a master of the art - all this accompanied by anglo concertina, button accordion and harmonica.
Alistair has performed in Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada, as well as in clubs and festivals in the UK.
‘..replete with versatility and good humour - a true folk entertainer...’ - Living Tradition Magazine
The House Concert will start with a 20 minute support set from our very own Scallywag.
Jean and Andrea Reid and Ian Bartlett are already well known in the folk scene and often accompany each other's solo performances. As Scallywag they already have some gigs under their belt so if you’ve missed their performances to date you can hear them at the concert.
Top of PageWe are thinking about getting together a band of those Friday Club people who may be interested. The idea would be to practise two numbers over the early part of 2018 with a view to a floor spot at a regular Saturday club night. Interested? Contact Robin
What is Folk Music? – You'll be amazed at what is covered by the heading Folk Music: from traditional finger in the ear to modern acoustic, soft lilting ballads to modern Folk Rock, the field is huge and there is a little bit in there for everyone.
We're a totally informal, small friendly group of people who like to sing and play music. If you do not sing or play and would like to then here you'll find encouragement. There is never any pressure and you may wish to visit a few times to get confidence or you may already be confident, it does not matter, no one will criticize, only support.
Last Update: 2018-01-18
The Club was conceived in 1965 when the Clancy Brothers didn't come and someone had the astounding idea of having a sing-a-round thus transforming an audience into a folk group. Formally established in 1966 we're still going strong.