Another Fine Night at the Shirley Red Lion Folk Club

Another fine evening of entertainment was enjoyed by all last Friday. This was our first performer’s night since March and along with many of the regulars we were entertained by some first timers and joined by a number of people in the audience who had not been before.
 
The evening began with songs from Paul, Laura and Pete all performing solo followed by Finbar who brought smiles to everyone’s faces as usual with his verse. Next up was Tom Patterson who modestly introduced himself as someone who is “getting back into it” and then performed two lovely songs. Karl came along for the first time with Dave from the comedy club and played two blues songs on his 12 string and Simeon ended the first half with two lovely English folk songs sung unaccompanied.
 
Diane reminded us of the folk CD collection in Solihull library. It is a really big and varied collection and well worth a look. You don’t even have to live in Solihull to join the library so go along to the central Solihull library and have a look.
 
Sandra joined us for the first time and introduced herself by insisting that she would win the £20 in the raffle. Sure enough the moment came when the envelope prize was drawn and Sandra’s number came out. Without a thought she chose envelope 2 and a £20 note was hers! Amazing! Sandra’s night was improved even further when Barry gave a way a bodhran that Barbara had told him not to bring back to the house and Sandra’s was the only hand that went up. Thanks to Barry for this generous act.
 
The second half brought a rash of chorus songs from Paul and Laura followed by a very welcome return to performing by Betty who charmed us with a song. A second excellent spot by Tom and a second helping of Finbar were followed by a brilliant piece of ragtime guitar from Karl and another song from Pete. The evening was ended in grand style by Barry and Ed. Barry fought through a bad throat to lift everyone’s spirits with some rousing songs and send everyone home happy after yet another great evening.
 
Next up is a perfomer’s night with a feature spot from Norman Wheatley on 17th May.