Woodman Folk Club - Newsletter

Just like the recent weather, we have yet more red-hot musical mega-stars, hot-rodding it into the wonderful Woodman spotlight. We start with an artist whose talent has featured on national television at the highest level.

On the 5th of June we welcome the magnificent Joe Topping. It’s been a long time coming but it’s great to announce the return of the excellent Joe Topping. It was in 2023, believe it or not, that Joe was last at the club so his return is long overdue. He is a singer-songwriter who has been described as a cross between Ry Cooder, Woody Guthrie, and Paul Brady. He has developed his own unique bottleneck guitar style which he employs in many of his original songs and has a voice that can move from velvet soft to steely and powerful. Joe has played on stage and in the studio with many legends of the British folk scene including members of Fairport Convention, While and Matthews, Andy Irvine and many more as well as in the bands Elbow Jane and The Rainbow Chasers (with Ashley Hutchings). Of course, Joe rocketed to stardom upon reaching the semi-final stage of the hit TV show "The Voice", where viewing figures went through the roof!

Then, on the 12th of June we have yet another top-class act and long-term friends of the Woodman Folk Club, The wonderful Winter Wilson. It's always with great pleasure that we welcome back old friends and firm favourites. Being regular club visitors over recent years Kip and Dave will be making their sixth Woodman appearance tonight having last delighted us back in June '24. You can reliably expect masterful renditions of beautiful songs, beautifully sung, stunning harmonies, thought-provoking and often challenging lyrics, all held together with an infectious, off-the-wall humour all of their own. They had a triumphant night with us last time they were here as they always do, and we are delighted to welcome them back again.

On the 19th of June we are so happy to welcome back the fantastic Flossie Malavialle. It was way-back in 2019 that the Marvellous Flossie Malavialle last played the Woodman. Needless to say, we all remember that global health disaster that rudely interrupted us all for the next few years, but now Flossie is back! It would be easy to say that Flossie sings, plays and tells us funny stories but that cannot possibly capture the hilarious atmosphere in which a Flossie gig is conducted at the Woodman FC. Last time the room was rammed to the rafters – getting to the bar was a challenge. The interaction between the audience and Flossie was unbelievable. Flossie said from the outset that she never knew what to expect when she plays the club and she was right. She will not be surprised to hear that because she is “such a sport” she was "set up" before the evening to actually mention when she thought it would be right for the audience to play percussion. What she did not know was that when she did, the audience had been primed to bring out various instruments – mainly tambourines which flashed on and off, augmented by a glitter ball on the side of the stage. She, of course, collapsed with laughter. But make no mistake. Despite the hilarity, the quality of Flossie's performance was outstanding. You will never hear a better voice anywhere, ever!

On Friday the 26th of June, @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, the music programme starts 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