Club Programme

Steeped in the British folk tradition, Chris has been described as “a true singer-guitarist in the manner of Martin Carthy, Nic Jones and Martin Simpson”, praised equally for his guitar artistry, vocal prowess and modern yet sympathetic arrangements, on top of which he is building a strong reputation as a live performer. Another exciting debut.

Welcome back one of America’s foremost folk musicians, playing fiddle, guitar and banjo and singing too. Bruce is closely identified with Old-Time Appalachian music but takes on board influences from Delta blues to the haunting modal strains of Irish music to the rhythmically nimble sounds of Eastern Europe. His many credits include TV’s Transatlantic Sessions and Andy Irvine’s band Mozaik.

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along.

FREE MUSIC from 8pm, in the Marquee and in the Wolfe Room upstairs. See the full programme on our Folk Weekend page, and download our Folk Weekend poster (PDF or Jpeg)

FREE music from lunchtime until late, in the Marquee and in three rooms indoors. See the full programme on our Folk Weekend page, and download our poster (PDF or Jpeg)

FREE music from lunchtime until late, in the Marquee and in three rooms indoors. See the full programme on our Folk Weekend page, and download our poster (PDF or Jpeg)

Son of noted folk song collectors Anne and Frank Warner, Jeff is an acclaimed performer of North American traditional songs. His singing reconnects us to the lives and music of ordinary 19th century people: whalers and fishermen, farmers and lumberjacks, and he deftly accompanies the songs on concertina, banjo or guitar. Note that Maz O'Connor (previously advertised for this date) has had to postone her visit until 24th October, again accompanied by Matthew Jones.

Acknowledged as one of the finest folk singers in England, Bob’s velvet voice, lovely guitar work and wonderful set of songs, many from his native North East, have delighted audiences since the 1970s. Latterly he has been kept busy as Song Man in the hit stage show Warhorse, so this brief return to the club scene is most welcome.

These guitar-playing, banjo-frailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American rural experience had to cancel their 2012 tour so we are delighted they can now be back with us. Their blend of original songwriting and old time mountain music is unique and rather special, we think. Do give them a listen!

A Double Bill of much-loved local acts. The Foresters have been performing their melodic blend of folk, country and pop, laced with humour, for 40 years and comprise Mike Brown (mandolin, banjo), Fred Ring (bass), Dee Marshall (flute), Brian Oxberry (percussion), Stephen Marshall (guitar) and newcomer Jo Wheldon (fiddle), with all members singing. Stan Graham writes powerful songs which capture emotions and reflect on real people and events. With their strong words and great tunes, several have been covered by other artists. Stan is a relaxed and accomplished entertainer with a great voice and bags of personality.

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along. In view of today's date, American songs are suggested!

A Black Swan debut for this South Yorkshire celebrity. Ray is a critically respected songwriter, poet and singer who has won comparison with Richard Thompson's writing and Dick Gaughan's voice. His songs have been covered by such as Roy Bailey, Kate Rusby and John Wright, but there's nothing quite like his own passionate performances.

Soaring vocals and exquisite harmonies from a recently re-formed Australian women’s group. Rose, Tess, Penny, Anna and Jenny perform a richly varied “folk plus” repertoire, mostly a cappella, with lashings of silliness and laughter, and the occasional tear-jerking moment. This is sure to be a stand-out event in our summer season.

This great guitar picker, singer and all-round entertainer is one of our firm favourites, performing a seamless blend of old blues, rags and hillbilly numbers, traditional and modern British and American folk songs, guitar instrumentals and original pieces. He is shortly to retire from active touring, so don’t miss this final appearance!

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along.

“A contemporary sound immersed in the elements of traditional music”. Rebekah is a singer, guitarist and fiddle player developing an enviable reputation for her distinctive and evocative music. Both CDs have had glowing reviews and radio airplay; Mike Harding even chose a track for his final Radio 2 show, devoted to all-time favourites!

With bags of charm, talent, and enthusiasm, Teesside lads Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes bring freshness and dynamism to their close harmony arrangements, both with and without accompaniment. Sea songs, work songs, modern songs and more are delivered with originality, flair and an irreverent sense of humour.

These five former University of York students say they are “captivated by the disarming immediacy of folk music and the joy of playing together”. With patchwork musical backgrounds (which include Manx and Irish music), they are known for bold yet sensitive arrangements involving fiddle, flute, guitar, bass and bodhran.

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along.

Emily and Ben were mainstays of York’s folk scene before a young family and a move to Manchester took them out of action. Happily, they are now gigging again with the old mix of folk songs, political songs, instrumentals and originals. Emily is an expressive vocalist and fiddle player and Ben provides some fine guitar accompaniments.

After a sensational debut in 2007, this American country/roots singer has become a fixture in our club schedules. Solo or with partners like Tom Russell, she has written many great songs and performs them beautifully in a warm, rich voice. Katy has great charisma and fits snugly into our “up close and personal” small venue ethos.

Sarah is a versatile and beguiling performer making her second visit to the Black Swan. She blends elegantly crafted originals with traditional Irish and Appalachian songs, Elizabethan ballads, Thirties jazz numbers, surprise covers and lively guitar instrumentals, on top of which she has an open and engaging stage manner.

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along.

After a two year break, Faustus recently returned to the fray with a vengeance. Saul Rose on melodeon (Waterson:Carthy, Warhorse), Benji Kirkpatrick on guitar (Seth Lakeman Band, Bellowhead) and Paul Sartin on fiddle and oboe (Bellowhead, Belshazzar’s Feast) have bags of experience and share a deep love of English folk song. Join them tonight for a virtuosic display of musical testosterone! Support from Rakish Collier

Details TBA

Details TBA

Details TBA

Postponed from 13th June. Details TBA

Details TBA

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along.

Details TBA

Details TBA

Details TBA

All acoustic performers are made welcome, and listeners besides, at our popular Open House session. The more the merrier, so do come along.

Details TBA

Details TBA