First of a fortnightly look at what’s going on, by Martin Browne.
The New Year got off to a great start at the South Holland Centre in Spalding when Spalding Folk Club was entertained by The Hut People.
The Hull-based duo of Sam Pirt, formerly of folk group 4-2-2, on piano accordion and Gary Hammond, former percussionist with The Beautiful South, held the audience spellbound with a mixed bag of global rhythms and tunes.
Humour was a constant thread throughout their two sets and their skill at involving the audience was epitomised by encouraging us to perform a bout of massed, sedentary morris dancing.
The highlight of the evening was a furious display of French Canadian seated tap-dancing by Sam while playing an intricate folk tune on his accordion.
Spalding Folk Club has been running continuously since 1979 – and a couple of the original members are still involved with the club.
There has been a strong tradition of songwriting among members over many years.
The club’s stated aims are to “have a good time, encourage local performers and to present the best professional guests that we can afford”.
The club takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, in the Lounge Bar of the South Holland Centre, at 8.15pm until 11pm.
For enquiries contact Elizabeth Padgett on 01406 381339. Admission is usually £6 and £5 for members.
The club runs an informal “Singaround” on the third Thursday of every month.
It is held at the Welland Yacht Club, Cradge Bank, Spalding. Admission is free and it starts at 8pm. Running costs are covered by a raffle.
For enquiries contact Colin Hayes on 01205 723884.
The club also runs a Tune Session, usually on the second Thursday of each month, at the Lincoln Arms, Bridge Street, Spalding, and is hosted by the Beltonas Ceilidh Band. This starts at about 8.30pm. For enquiries contact Paul Dickinson on 01775 723026.
Musicians and dancers from the club are actively involved in performing outreach concerts in the area and anyone wishing to involve themselves in the club’s activities will be made most welcome.
Most information about the club’s pursuits can be found on the club’s website www.spaldingfolkclub.co.uk or on its Facebook page.