21st April 2005

Another busy night and it's great to see some new audience. Obviously the word is spreading - Ashington Folk Club is the place to see and be seen!

In the spotlight tonight were Touchwood (Dave, Helen and John). We all had a smashing time. Another grand evening - thanks to everyone.

1 Peter Murphy began the evening with 'The Battle of Peterloo' and Ewan MacColl's  'The Manchester Rambler' which had us all joining in with the chorus.	2 Next up was Kevin Robinson (joined by Dave Donohoe on guitar).  Tonight he sang 'Restless Heart' which he said was written for John Campbell and followed this with 'Angel'.
3 & 4 In a piping duet Ann Sessoms and Alan Bailey played 'Whittingham Green Lane' followed by Maisie Malone's Jig'. Then Ann played two smashing hornpipes.	5  Jack Hakin sang the Boxcar Willie song 'The Clothes On His Back' and showed his yodelling mastery with Frank Ifield's 'She Taught Me To Yodel'. Well done Jack!

6 Spotlight Touchwood began their 1st set with 'Late Night Radio'. They followed this with 'Tyree Love Song' and 'Coal Town Days' by Jez Lowe. Then Helen sang  Maddy Prior and Rick Kemp's lovely ballad 'Deep In the Darkest Night'. Next was the McCalmans song 'It's a War Outside' and Christy Moore's 'Ride On' to close the 1st half in style.

7 First up after the break were Jimmy & Carol with 'The Blue Hills of Virginia' and then 'Oh Mandolin' (very appropriate as Jimmy has quite a collection of mandolins).	8 John Campbell did a witty parody of Bob Dylan's 'My Back Pages' followed by a straight (non-spoof) rendition of 'Don't Think Twice, It's All Right'. A man of many talents...
9  By now there was only time for one song each. Dave Donohoe gave his unique take on 'Songbird', the Christine McVie classic.	10  New face to the club was Ricky Silvester who was up from Lincolnshire with his mandolin (a long way to come, but worth it!). He gave us 'The Bold Nelson'. Hope to see you again soon Ricky.
11 George Rosenthal was in fine form, singing the Kieran Halpin song 'Streets of Everywhere'. If you want to see and hear more of George then be sure to come along in July when he is in the spotlight!	12  Yeavering Bell, the site of the largest hill fort in Northumberland, was the inspiration for a thoughtful self-penned Jim Wigfield song.

13 Spotlight Then it was back for more from Touchwood, the audience swelling the choruses of 'Back Home Again'. Next was the gentle 'You Are There' followed by 'After The Goldrush'. Then Jimmy of Jimmy & Carol was on the stage and joining them for 'Ain't Goin' Nowhere'. All great stuff. Cries of 'more' persuaded them to encore with the Robin Laing song 'Black Clothes'. Phew! What a night!

1 spotlight act,11 floor spots, 27 songs and tunes. It all made for another great night. We must make special mention of performers who gave up their allotted timeslot to ensure everyone else got a turn - this kind of selfless act typifies the warmth and generosity of our local and visiting performers. Thank you... thank you... one and all. 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.

Thanks again -  a great night... a great club... a great place to be.

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