4th November 2004

The Folk Bar was filled with performers and audience. It's wonderful to see Ashington Folk Club blossoming again as a great place to play, and to listen, and to chat (not during performances!), and to be immersed in the friendly, warm and sociable atmosphere.

Let's hope 2005 builds on this great year.

1 In quieter vein than usual, Ray Derrick started the night with his latest composition, 'The Pits Of Cramlington', followed by his grumpy-old-man song, 'It Comes And Goes'. Be sure to join us on 16 December when Ray is our featured Spotlight artist.

2 Next up was Alan Bailey who, like Ray, has become a welcome regular visitor. He treated us to 'Battle Of The Somme' and 'The Breamish' on Northumbrian pipes... lovely!

3 In a change from his renowned blues & slide playing, long time resident John Campbell sang Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone' and 'You're A Fool To Cry'. John will be giving us an extended set in February 2005 when he'll be our Spotlight performer.

4 Jack Hakin had us smiling with his enthusiastic performance of 'Hey Good Looking'. Then it was back to his forte of yodelling and whistling as he sang Slim Whitman's 'Dry Up Your Tears And Kiss Me'.

5 We've seen Rob & Lynn (half of Real to Reel) a few times at Ashington. Tonight we got one step closer to the full line-up as Sue joined them to make three quarters of the band. Mandocello, Northumbrian pipes, and now fiddle too... lively jigs, reels and polka - a smashing sound.

6 Following on from The Magick Circle's successful spotlight in October, Ben Yeowart sang two reflective numbers. He started with his newest song 'The Best Friend'. Then, for his dad, he played 'Momma, you've been on my mind'.

7 Cramlington residents Jimmy & Carol finished the first half with guitar, stand-up bass, harmonica and fine harmonies. They sang 'Lonesome Dove' by Garth Brooks and 'Remember Me'.

8 Pat Yeowart shared the Spotlight in October, and tonight was in equally fine voice as she started the second half with 'Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies' and a great rendition of 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes'.

9 Dave Donohoe has an instantly recognisable delicate guitar style which was in evidence as he sang 'Where The Wind Blows' and 'White Lightning Blues (7.5% proof)'.

10 Our November Spotlight will feature Ann Sessoms, an accomplished Northumbrian piper. Tonight she gave us a great taster with 'York Central' & 'Sarah's Waltz' with a second tuneset of 2 local hornpipes, 'South Shields Lasses' & 'The Wonder'. Come along on the 18th for more great piping!

11 Jim sings with humour and aplomb. His self-penned 'Agree To Disagree' was a wry look at the real-life irritations of living together. He finished with a fun medley where we laughed and sang along.

12 It's 2 months since we've had a poem from Ann Lunam-Cowan, but it was worth the wait. 'Ashington, My Home Town' was insightful, pointed and fun all rolled into one.	13 Last spot of the evening went to Dave Anderson whose sensitively crafted songs are a delight to the ear. He finished the night beautifully with three of his own covering such diverse subjects as Byker, the state of the world that we leave to our children, and a heartfelt warmth for his Northumberland homeland.
13 acts, 26 songs, poems and tune sets. But the numbers don't tell it all - tonight was as much a social gathering as it was about the music - lots of people stayed on for a chat with each other as we packed away the gear... it was as if no one wanted to go home and end the evening. Don't forget... Singers, Musicians & Poets on the 1st Thursday of every month, and more of the same but with extended Spotlight sets on the 3rd Thursday. Be sure to come along and experience the Ashington Folk Club magick... and bring your friends.
Thanks to audience and performers for another smashing night. See you again soon...

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