Entertainment

Live music: Folk, roots, country and blues, May 26 - June 1

May 25, 2006

THE Blues Band – Paul Jones, Dave Kelly, Tom McGuinness, Gary Fletcher and Rob Townsend – return to Chiddingfold Live Music Club for another great night of blues and R&B on Saturday, May 27. Always good to catch them in a small venue – and they will be playing two long sets. Further details on 01428 682046.

VETERAN British blues guitarist and staple of the folk scene, Wizz Jones, makes a welcome return to Claygate’s Ram Folk Club on Friday, May 26.
And on Friday, June 2, the club at The Foley Arms in Hare Lane plays host to award-winning American country, folk, gospel, blues and pop singer songwriter Kate Campbell, who will be accompanied by her producer, the superb Will Kimbrough. Details from Bob and Maggie Wood on 0208 686 9421.

AUSTRALIAN guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, who comfortably spans country, bluegrass and jazz – Chet Atkins once hailed him as “probably the greatest finger-picker in the world today” – appears at Cranleigh Arts Centre on Friday, May 26. Details on 08456 128128.

A DREAM double bill of two of West Africa’s musical giants can be enjoyed at The Anvil in Basingstoke on Friday, May 26, when kora master Toumani Diabate’s Symmetric Orchestra are joined by mesmerising Senegalese performer Cheikh Lo. Call 01256 844244.

A DOUBLE helping of blues and R&B is served up at The Three Lions in Farncombe this weekend, courtesy of The Flying Tigers on Saturday, May 27, and The Lost Roberts Blues Band on Sunday, May 28. Call 01483 417880.

A COME all ye, with optional theme You Can’t Do That Here – songs you wouldn’t normally sing in a folk club – can be enjoyed at Horsham Folk Club at the town’s cricket club in Cricketfield Road on Sunday, May 28. Judith Snelling: 01306 875653.

THE Star pub in Church Street, Godalming, hosts a folk music session to which all singers, musicians and listeners are invited every Monday evening. Details from Kevin Gorton on 01483 415962.

SAMBA band Bloco do Sul host samba percussion workshops every Monday in Dorking. Call 07734 051932 for more details.

A SINGERS’ night is on offer at Dorking’s Chanticleer Folk Club at The Friends Provident Social Club in Pixham Lane on Wednesday, May 31. Details from Neil McRitchie on 01306 888530.

ROBIN Bibi will be playing acoustic blues before being joined by his band for an all rocking set at Farnham Maltings’ Boogaloo Blues & Boogie Club on Thursday, June 1. Details on 01252 793430.

THAT fine singer songwriter Liz Simcock makes the latest of her recent appearances in the What’s On area with a date at Byfleet’s Anchor Folk Club at The Blue Anchor pub in High Road on Thursday, June 1.
And on Saturday, June 3, the club hosts its annual folk picnic by the Thames at Chertsey Meads, weather permitting, from 1pm. Details from Mike Peach on 01483 476715.

HIGHLY rated fiddler John Dipper appears with his band at Guildford’s Electric Theatre on Friday, June 2, in the latest Electric Voices presentation to feature some of the finest young musicians on the folk scene.
A member of various groups, including The English Acoustic Collective, Patterson:Jordan:Dipper and Martyn Wyndham-Read’s No Man’s Band – as well as joining Bellowhead on their latest tour – he has now recruited three other young musicians for his own outfit.
Joining him for the date at the riverside venue will be English border pipes player Michael Beeke, clarinettist and singer Alice Jones and James Tween on melodeon.
Expect a night of music from the English tradition, ranging from ancient ballads and bransles to recent dance tunes and broadsides. Details on 01483 444789.

SKAVILLE UK, featuring the UK’s top ska musicians, celebrate 40 years of the music at Aldershot’s West End Centre on Friday, June 2. Band members have played with the likes of Bad Manners, The Selecter, Prince Buster and Judge Dread, among others. Support comes from Skant. Call 01252 330040.