New Venue: In March 2013 Ely Folk Club is moving to The Old Dispensary, 13 St Mary's Street, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4ER. There is no bar, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks.
Concerts take place most months, usually on Wednesday evenings, and start at 8.30pm unless otherwise stated. We also hold occasional extra events.
Tickets may be booked in advance by telephoning 01353 740999 or 01353 664706.
Hailed as the best act of the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival 2012 by The Guardian; the multi award-winning Belinda O’Hooley (Rachel Unthank and The Winterset, Nic Jones Trio, Jackie Oates) and Heidi Tidow are now one of the most popular and unique acts on the contemporary folk scene. Their latest album ‘The Fragile’ garnered 4 star reviews from The Guardian, Mojo, Uncut and Songlines, and was described by The Independent as a ‘must-buy’. Their 2010 debut album ‘Silent June‘ received widespread acclaim and was listed in Mojo Magazine’s top 10 Folk Albums of 2010. The duo’s beautifully unusual songs touch on every human emotion; drawing on love and loss, dark and humorous folk tales and everything from the invisibility of the elderly, through to ecology, rumour-mongering and the global economy. Championed by folk icon Nic Jones, Radio 2’s Mike Harding and 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews; expect an irresistible blend of thought-provoking songs, intricate harmonies and striking arrangements, tempered by cheeky Northern banter.
Singer-songwriter Mark Ellis, based in Ely, will be opening the evening. Heavily influenced by the song-writing of The Beatles and the heavy sounds of early 90s bands such as Weezer and Oasis, Mark can write a perfectly penned pop song but loves to rock too! In his short career so far he has found himself writing and playing alongside artists like Athlete, Hamfatter (BBC Dragon’s Den), and Boo Hewerdine. Mark also has his roots in the folk tradition, and is currently playing in Ely-based ceilidh band "Fen Blow".
Luke is a rising 18 year old Roots singer/songwriter from Canterbury, Kent, and 2013 saw him nominated for both the Horizon Award for Best Emerging Talent and the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. With a bold, show-stopping voice and honed guitar skills, Luke is a confident and captivating performer demonstrating an astonishing maturity. He has been making ripples on the live acoustic scene supporting such luminaries as Show of Hands, Paul Brady, Chris Wood, Steve Knightley, Lucy Ward and Boo Hewerdine and playing Sidmouth, Bristol and Trowbridge festivals.
Tom, who won BBC Folk Musician of the Year in 2009, is truly the most original fiddle player in the UK, blending traditional music from his home town of Newcastle with Irish, American and Scottish influences, creating a sound that has jazz, folk, bluegrass and classical influence. He has appeared alongside Stephane Graphelli, Barbara Dickson and Lindsifarne, and recorded with Richard Thompson and continues to be in huge demand. Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby count him as a huge influence - indeed, it was Seth who presented Tom with his award. David's guitar playing is unique and unrivalled, encompassing both the flatpick and fingerstyle techniques with power, fluency and control. With the release of his latest CD 'Tommy on Song', Tom is showing that he has no intention of slowing down, always keen to put his music in front of anyone, anytime. They are always happy to listen, coming away from a show with the tunes in their heads, singing the choruses, and with the memory of an unforgettable show.
Tracey is a singer-songwriter with years of experience behind her. She is a multi-instrumentalist, and a regular musician in Thea Gilmore's band, both live and on her recordings (including 'London', which was played to millions of viewers during the 2012 Olympics' coverage on the BBC). Admirers and fans of Tracey's work include Thea herself, Nigel Stonier (producer of Tracey's album 'Everyone Is Ordinary'), Lavinia Blackwall of 'Trembling Bells' and O'Hooley and Tidow, who Tracey will be supporting on tour in 2012. From producing and recording other artists, to singing and playing live with bands and songwriters of many different genres, Tracey has made a name as one of the best musicians to work with in the UK. Playing guitar, piano, tenor guitar, Q-chord and providing outstanding vocals, both on her own songs and harmonising with others, she is in demand on the professional circuit.
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