New session of folk club set to get feet tapping
The new session of Stonehouse Folk Club will kick off tomorrow (Friday).
Members will gather at St Ninian’s Church to welcome Adam Mcculloch, with doors opening at 8pm and entry costing £5. Children under 16 are free.
The club was formed 21 years ago, with members meeting at St Ninian’s Church for the past seven years.
Over the years, the club has built up a reputation as a family-friendly and welcoming club, encouraging children and new talent to entertain audiences who enjoy contemporary acoustic and traditional music.
As well as the successful local talents of David Gibb, Robin Laing, Tom Clelland, Rudeigin, Clova and Haggerdash, the club has welcomed the likes of Calisaig, The John Wright Band, Alistair Macdonald, Colm Sands, The JSD Band, North Sea Gas and Gaberlunzie to entertain.
A spokesperson for the club said: “The Folk Club continues to thrive in Stonehouse but for that to continue we need the support of the community and our regular visitors to ensure the club’s survival.
“Traditional music is an essential ingredient of our cultural heritage in Scotland and has never been as popular and prevalent as it is today.
“Stonehouse has played its part in the evolution of musical entertainment both locally and nationally, with our Pipe Band recognised as the first non-military band to win the world championships in 1909 and our own Silverband, prominent in the 1920s, who were Scottish Champions. Not bad for a village the size of Stonehouse.
“Let us also not forget the village celebrated one of the oldest Burns Clubs in Scotland dating to at least 1859 and the present Male Voice Choir who were one of the largest in Scotland.
“In continuing that tradition the folk club encourages people to support singer songwriters and bands who regularly come along to perform in the village.
“As well as our regular entertainment, the club also holds monthly open sessions for musicians and singers to share a night in music and fellowship, very much in keeping with the old time parties folks used to enjoy at family gatherings prior to the evolution of digital entertainment.
“Such nights are still enjoyed in the company of the folk club and with the support of St Ninian’s church we ensure that tradition continues.”
For further information on the club’s activities, charity work and future attractions, find them on Facebook or email stonehousefolk club@gmail.com