((with thanks to Tony Cooke): Here’s the line up for folk events at the Robert Gillow on Upper Market Street, Lancaster, for September:
Thursday 4 September: Hard Times
Hard Times comprises Andrew Service (bass), Gordon Johnston (banjo, mandolin, guitar) and Laurie Johnston (everything) – all superb musicians playing a mixture of traditional and modern tunes and songs from the UK, the USA and Europe. They are some of the finest acoustic musicians around, they always present dazzling entertainment, and we give ‘em to you for free!
Thursday 11 September: Glyn Shipman
New to the Gillow, Glyn Shipman is a singer and guitarist from Ribchester. He is usually to be heard around Preston, East Lancashire or “on the fringe” of the Colne R&B Festival. Tonight he will present a mixture of his own material and songs by the likes of Neil Young, the Beatles, Bowie etc.
Thursday 18 September: The Ugly Jug Band
The ancient and revered tradition of the jug band – exquisitely performed by a duo of local virtuosi whose deep knowledge and understanding of the genre will soften the heart of the most care-worn and cynical. The rarefied talents of these musicians, the breadth of tonality and sonority of their instrumentation and their subtlety of rhythmic dynamism, serve to counterpoint the poetic and cryptic nature of the lyrical content.
Thursday 25 September: Simon Nicholls
Simon lives in Rugby and is a singer and guitarist of great repute who makes regular tours of Great Britain. A set from Simon will typically contain both traditional and contemporary songs in the folk idiom, together with pieces borrowed from the world of rock music. He is an all round entertainer and a perfect accompaniment to a pint or two.