Future Programme
Programme Spring- Summer 2025
Wednesday 8th of January – The 65 Special
We kick off the new season in true style by welcoming to the club for the first time, the brilliant acoustic trio , The 65 Special.
In a nutshell, this local group perform Skiffle as it was originally played in the 1950’s . So expect to hear instantly recognisable songs that you haven’t heard for an awfully long time and which are guaranteed to put a big smile on your face.
Hosted by Geoff
Wednesday 22nd of January- Laura Williams.
Laura has been associated with the Club from pretty well it’s earliest days and therefore really needs no introduction.
For those however, who haven’t seen her perform before,expect really great songs performed in her own inimitable style.
Hosted by Nigel
Wednesday 5th of February- 60’s and 70’s Acoustic theme night.
We hold these theme nights twice a year, when we turn the whole evening over to floor singers performing some of their favourite songs from the 60’s and 70’s.
Its always fabulous and nothing else to say really.
Hosted by Diane
Wednesday 19th of February-Dave Harris,Mike Green and Phil Watkins.
We are delighted to welcome back the acoustic trio which probably represents the very best of local ‘homespun’ talent.
Expect some seriously good guitar flat picking , mandolin playing and of course, singing.
Hosted by Simeon
Wednesday 5th of March -Nick Evans
Long time friend of the Club,Nick Evans is a wonderful singer, truly fabulous guitarist and never fails to delight when he performs for us.
Hosted by Laura
Wednesday 19th of March-Steve and Chris Bayes
Father and son super duo, Steve and Chris Bayes have been performing for us from the earliest days of the Club and always bring wonderful songs, accompanied fabulously on the guitar and bouzouki.
Hosted by Geoff
Wednesday 2nd of April -Robert Barnett
We are truly delighted to welcome to the Club for the very first time , guitarist, singer and songwriter Robert Barnett.
Robert has received widespread recognition especially for his finger style guitar playing technique and very recently could be seen supporting the likes of the ‘Bygones’ (Josh Turner,Allison Young) on their UK tour.
Hosted by Nigel
Wednesday 16th of April -Juniper
Following their wonderful extended set for us last year, we are truly delighted to be able to welcome the superb ceilidh band Juniper back to Shirley Folk Club once more.
Juniper are a group of six talented friends who quite simply, make wonderful traditionally influenced music together.
Expect driving riffs and joyous tunes played in their own dazzling, intricate and yet intimate style.
Hosted by Diane
https://youtu.be/SwPPjvAHQ2Y?si=JHczMNTYmAgfg_u6
Wednesday 7th of May- Amit Dattani
Friend of the Club for many years, Amit Dattani is a wonderful ‘americana-blues’, singer songwriter and guitarist.
With an enviable reputation across both the UK and European festival circuits, his highly acclaimed debut album Santiago even reached the attention of Cery’s Mathews of BBC Radio 2 ,who called it a ‘fantastic album’.
Hosted by Simeon
https://youtu.be/OV9zjgcyZcM?si=zHQ7gF2LSUVqM0iY
Wednesday 21st of May- Found in a Field.
After their debut spot for us last year, we have invited traditional (ish) band Found in a Field to come and play for us once more. Featuring amongst others, our friends Kate Ackers and Karl Merrick,expect vocal harmonies,multi-instrumental carnage and also traditional songs given a whole new lease of life.
Hosted by Laura
Wednesday 4th of June -Emma Langford
Emma has played the floor for us on a number of occasions and finally we have got her to come and do a full feature spot for us.
Expect brilliant songs played in her own inimitable style. Here’s a taste of what to look forward to.
https://youtu.be/9Ir3ov3ikGk?si=Q2NtVCwxgALRczTR
Hosted by Geoff
Wednesday 18th of June –Slip Jigs and Reels
Another local band who made their debut performance for us last year and who we just had to get back for more.
David (Guitar, Mandolin),Graham (Guitar) and Jake (Concertina) play traditional tunes brilliantly and this will therefore be an evening for some pretty serious foot and table tapping.
Hosted by Nigel
Wednesday 2nd of July – Dominic O’Sullivan, Rob Roberts and Aidan Hammond
We are truly delighted to welcome back Juniper members Dominic,Rob and Aidan for an evening of truly exceptional traditionally inspired music, played in their own unique and quite brilliant style.
Hosted by Diane
Wednesday 16th of July–Farefeld
It’s the final meeting of our summer season and once again we will go out in style with a visit from our great friends, the wonderful Staffordshire based folk duo Farefeld.
Featuring Chris and Caitlin Elliott, expect a wonderful mix of traditional and self penned songs, accompanied by driving guitar, bouzouki,fiddle, whistles, harmonium and vocal harmonies.
https://youtu.be/0QeiKo443lo?si=ViByTwxaWq3Pfszi
Hosted by Simeon