Woodman Folk Club - Newsletter

Hello Folketeers!

‘Tis the holiday season and summer is just around the corner. There is a long weekend coming up, so why not start it at The Woodman Folk Club!

On Friday the 1st of May, @20:00hrs, we have a wonderful Woodman Singers’ Night. These nights are always extremely popular, so get there early and soak up the atmosphere, and the beer, and the wine etc. To be sure, it would be best to book a spot in advance by contacting Debby & Derry - contact details are on the home page. And don't forget the revised timing, starts at 20:00hrs sharp!

Then on Friday the 8th of May @20:30hrs we are once again delighted to bring you the brilliant songstress, Liz Simcock, for what will be her seventh appearance with us believe it or not! She made her Woodman debut way back in 2014, went down a storm and has consequently become a firm favourite at the club. Liz is a singer/songwriter who performs in folk and acoustic clubs mainly in and around the South East. In 1999 she featured on the Playpen Album of New Acoustic Music alongside Eliza Carthy, Billy Bragg, Eddi Reader and Kathryn Williams. Since then, she has trodden an independent path, busy recording five albums and gaining a glowing reputation. An absolutely superb night is guaranteed.

Maintaining the marvellous musical momentum. On Friday the 15th of May, @20:30hrs we stretch our harmonious hands of friendship across the water to welcome the fantastic David Starr and Erik Stucky. We are REALLY looking forward to this one!! David Starr is an American guitarist/singer-songwriter and Erik Stucky is a talented mandolin player/multi-instrument instrumentalist and also a great singer/songwriter too. This uber-talented duo last graced The Woodman Stage back in 2024, and stormed it! David really has got the perfect surname (despite the extra 'r'). He was of course originally due to be with us back in May 2020….but we all know what was going on back then! It has most definitely been worth the wait. David & Erik have toured internationally, David opening shows for esteemed artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates), The Steel Wheels, Survivor, and more. Starr's prestige extends beyond the stage as well, having launched Starr's Guitars in Little Rock in 1998, then relocating to Cedaredge in 2001. Today, the store is such an institution that Cedaredge proclaimed the musician's birthday as David Starr Day in 2016! This will be a night of contemporary Americana at its best.

On Friday the 22nd of May @20:30hrs, we are delighted to be welcoming back a banjo virtuoso in the inimitable form of Mr. Dan Walsh. Dan is a cracking singer and all-round nice guy, what more can I say! Well, this’ll be Dan’s seventh visit to the club, sixth as a solo artist and of course with his fantastic trio on an earlier visit. He last appeared at the club with a blistering performance back in 2024. Undoubtedly one of the best banjo players in the UK, (and no slouch on the guitar either!), Dan plays a very varied mix of styles taking in folk, funk, bluegrass, jazz, rock and even a few Indian Raga’s thrown in for good measure. He really does make it sing in whatever way he likes! Welcome back again Dan! It's going to be a bit special, so rock-up for a cracking night.

It’s a five-week month! So, on Friday the 29th of May, @20:00hrs, we have yet another wonderful Woodman Singers’ Night. These nights are always extremely popular, so get there early and soak up the atmosphere, and the beer, and the wine etc. To be sure, it would be best to book a spot in advance by contacting Debby & Derry - contact details are on the home page. And don't forget the revised timing, starting at 20:00hrs sharp!

Don’t forget!

You can view lots of wonderful Woodman performances and much more, on the John Bailey YouTube Channel

Bob & Des do Radio!

Tune in to Black Country Radio Xtra to listen to Folk & Beyond with Bob Bignell and myself, you will hear some of the best Woodman FC, Bromsgrove FC and other local folk club guests and international folk legends from past, present and future. There is a new show every month, so tune in or click the link on the home page to support your local Folk radio station.

Enjoy Yourself!

Derry xx