Folk club need new faces to avoid closure
Stonehouse Folk Club have made an impassioned plea for music lovers to join them in a bid to avoid closure.
The club was set up 20 years ago, with musicians and singers enjoying open sessions in the Thistle Inn on New Street.
As their popularity grew, the club began inviting musicians, bands and songwriters to perform for ever-increasing audiences from Stonehouse and all over Lanarkshire.
They soon built a reputation as a family-friendly and welcoming club, encouraging youngsters and new talent to entertain audiences who enjoyed 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, North and Gaberlunzie.
The club now meets in St Ninian’s Church on Vicars Road, and is hoping to welcome new faces through the door.
The group’s John Young said: Sea Gas “We need to get folks through the door or we will need to consider the possibility of closing.
“The club was established in 1997, originally meeting as a group of musicians and singers for open sessions in the Thistle Inn, held on the second and fourth Fridays of the month between September and June.
“As a consequence of changes to the licensing laws in 2009, the club were invited to move to the small hall within St Ninian’s Church on Vicars Road to ensure children were still able to participate and experience live music in a safe environment.
“The venue opens from 8pm, with entry £5 (annual subscription £5) and children under-16 are free.
‘Acoustic Session Nights’ are £2 for everyone except children who are free. Support artists at start of the night will get free entry too.
“The venue allows visitors to bring their own beverage or soft drinks and snacks. The audience also has the opportunity to win half a cauliflower in the infamous raffle!”
He added: “Now in our 20th year, Stonehouse Folk Club hopes you will continue to support the club and encourage the growth of traditional music in Lanarkshire.”
Forthcoming sessions for the club include The Wanlockhead Sessions on September 22, Andy Munro on October 13, and an acoustic session on October 27.
For more information, find the club on Facebook.