June 22, 2013 By SimonC

Midsummer in Shirley

It was a packed room at the Shirley Red Lion Folk Club with a lovely central feature spot from local group Red Shoes. Paul hosted the evening in the way only Paul can and we saw Karl with his six string banjo, Tuesday Minus Shirts; Ray with an intimate tale of May, June and the Cookerman, fabulous vocals from Simon Baylay, cracking tunes from Mike & Dave, some open D special magic from Simeon and a half rounded off by Barry & Ed taking a break from their usual spot and giving them the chance to leave the Wild Rover and sing us a few ballads.

In the second half Simon C followed Red Shoes’ feature spot and then Mickey and Sam made a really welcome return and played a song each. We thought the next act was the last, Where’s Mary back with style but then our host Joe made a special request for Paul to revisit his opening song, Crow on the Cradle. A stirring end to a midsummer night.

Thanks to everyone who played and listened. Next club is the 5th of July