Bromyard Music Sessions

Bromyard Sessions at Bromyard Gala

I am arranging live music for Bromyard Gala on Sunday 5th July from 2.45 to 4.45. The stage is next to the Beer Tent (wonder who thought of that?) and a good time is anticipated for all.

If you are coming to the Gala that day please come along and say Hi. I do have a few slots left for performers so email info@bromyardsessions.co.uk to express an interest in being included.

The Gala is really a terrific day out, proper Country Fair with Shire horses, fairground organs, vintage cars, caravans, tractors, steam engines and much more.

Visit their website at http://www.bromyardgala.org.uk.

Two Big Events - We Need Your Support

There are two big events coming up in the next week and a bit - and we need your support!

Firstly on Tuesday next, 28th April, we have the relaunch of the session at the Wheelwrights Arms in Pencombe. For many years this was one of the finest sessions in the West Midlands till long standing licensees Colin and Sue retired. Then we had an object lesson in how to ruin a successful pub in no time flat and the session died. Now it's back again! The atmosphere is great; very pleasant beer from Holdens, Greene King plus a guest or two and very nice straightforward food - all the meats from Legge's in Bromyard, cooked to perfection! I'm not joking - seems like me and Brigi are eating there at least once a week.

Next Tuesday, 28th April is the first session back there. Please come and support us, kick off the revived session with a bang and give Liz and Paul (the new licensees) a bit of encouragement for getting the session back. I'll be doing my usual slavedriver thing, making sure there's more music than blather. Make the effort, come along, bring your friends. For directions post code is HR7 4RN. Just find Pencombe - the pub's in the middle of the village.

Then there's the big event!

From 1st to 4th May is Spring Festival in Bromyard. All sorts of events going on including Town Criers' Competition, Maypole dancing and lots of music. Prime venue is the Falcon Mews, the medieval banqueting hall behind the Falcon Hotel. This is an astonishing venue - if you haven't seen it yet don't miss this chance. It was  the stables of the Falcon in 18th and 19th centuries, the town's cinema in early 20th century but research suggests it was part of a medieval monastery or such like even earlier.

On Friday 1st May it will be graced by HotFeat, a really fun soul band but for your particular delectation it's the venue, on Saturday 2nd May, for another "Bromyard Sessions In Concert". Not for the first time, we have a selection of the acts who turn up to play in our pub sessions presenting themselves in concert. The lineup is a bit fluid but so far includes Foxtail Soup, AngelCynn, Ramshackle Bluegrass Band, Al Clearwater, Brian Jones + whoever he drags along, Tony Burt, Ken Crowther and more.

This will be the 3rd "Bromyard Sessions In Concert" and if you missed the first two make amends now!

Doors open at 8.00, music from 8.30 till we get fed up, it costs nothing so be there early as it will be busy (Bromyard folk love a bargain!), Wye Valley Bitter + Brains Rev James from the barrel. It'll be some night. Turn up in droves, tell your mates, support us PLEASE!!!

The Fleece, Bretforton, Evesham

The 'open mic' acoustic session previously held in Pershore on first Wednesday of each month has now re-located to the Fleece at Bretforton and will happen on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of each month starting from 12th March, 2008. Great pub, great atmosphere, great beer!! Starts 8-30 but get there early if you want a decent seat. For further details contact Paul on 07849 834175.

Internet Radio : Folk Music Stations

Just stumbled across a couple of radio stations on the internet with folk music in its playlist, as follows:

www.folkradio.co.uk

www.themusicwellhome.co.uk

http://wumb.org/home/index.php

Has anyone else got any favourites to share. If so please add details in a comment and when there's enough I'll produce a links page with a selection of the best.

BTW - quick plug for one of my businesses - PlanetStream provide an internet radio platform starting at just £14.99 per month. So if you have a hankering to be a DJ yourself gimme a shout!

The Talbot at Knightwick

First session of the New Year is on tomorrow Wednesday 2nd January.  Phase II post-flood renovations due to start on 2/1/2008 so will either be in Back Bar or Lounge/Gold Room. Hope to see as many as can make it. JT

Kempsey, Green Dragon & Falcon Sessions

Rather than do three separate posts, have decided to do an "all-in-one" update. Kempsey on 9th Dec was absolutely packed out (27 players), Green Dragon was moderate (16 players) and sadly last night the Falcon was rather mediocre (only 9 players). Falcon has to be put down to seasonal fluctuation and ill-health. Loads of nasty colds going around! It was however, exceedingly nice to see Nonnie James there (despite her still recovering from a bad case of the "lurgi"). Good to have appreciative listeners in the bar too! Let's see what Jan 2008 brings!

The Talbot at Knightwick

Just an update to let everyone know that this session will be starting this coming Wednesday, 5th December, in the yet-to-be renovated Back Bar of the pub. Look forward to seeing all those that can make it.

The Falcon session

As Tony passed me the baton to deputise for him at last Tuesday evening's session at the Falcon, I should just add a few words on yet another good turn-out. It was not anticipated that John and Sylvia would provide us with splendid food as happened at the inaugural session in October. However, hardly had the music started than platters of tasty welsh rarebit , and a huge dish of delicious chicken legs were laid out for everyone to tuck into (especially those who had NOT had supper before coming out for the evening)! Now we really are being spoilt - but a huge thank you to John and Sylvia.

A big turn out of musicians made the night pass very plesantly with plenty of variety. Those there included - Dave, Kevin, Phil, Terry and Terry's son (Golden Lion Light Orchestra) : Ray & David Whittaker : Pat "On the Fiddle" Heslip : Peter (from Stourbridge) : Richard and Anne : Bob Dovey : Bob Fox : Rebecca Fox : "Two Guitars" Dave : Myself : and our ever-present audience - Ros.

Next gathering is on 18th December.

First Post

This blog is intended to be used as a news and events notice board for live music sessions in and around Bromyard in Herefordshire. There is no particular geographical limit but I wouldn't normally expect it to include events outside of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and maybe Shropshire and Gloucestershire.

There seems to be a resurgence of such events in this area and as a happy participant I am keen to spread the word and make it even more successful.

I will post dates and times for those sessions I know of and invite input from anyone who knows of others. I will also welcome reviews of sessions that have taken place, profiles of those who take part in the sessions and notification of one off music events in the area in question.