Archive Programme

In the summer of 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival had the grand idea of pairing Peter Knight (ex-Steeleye Span) and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers (ex-Bellowhead) for a special 'one off' concert at that year's festival. In the event, it ended up being a genuine festival highlight, with no space to be found in the Marquee and people standing five deep in pouring rain. For a few minutes at the close of their performance, with a standing ovation and roars for more, it didn't seem as though the audience was going to let them go. As the MC commented, it was one of those occasions when people could say "I was there". It was also clear that leaving matters there was not an option, and plans were made to record an album and undertake a country-wide tour during March 2018. The album and tour were a great success and 2 years later the pair are back on the road. To have them perform in such an intimate setting is a real coup for the Black Swan Folk Club.

UFQ has ignited audiences across the world with its cross-genre contemporary take on folk music for the past 10 years. Rooted in Celtic tune forms and traditional song, UFQ also take influence from Afrobeat, Indian classical, funk, rock and a whole lot more. Featuring Joe Broughton fiddle, guitar, mandolin, Paloma Trigás fiddle, vocals, Tom Chapman cajón, percussion, vocals and Dan Walsh banjo, guitar, vocals, their show is a multi-instrumental spectacle of high-energy virtuosity. “A sizzling hot ensemble who fuse folk with elements of dub, house and rock with an ease that shouldn’t naturally follow that list of genres. There’s a palpable electricity to a UFQ gig that surges through the band and into the crowd.” Songlines

Our March open house evening. All singers and musicians are very welcome. Come along and sing a few songs play a few tunes or just enjoy the music. Everyone welcome. If you want to perform,leave your name on the door when you come in. Music from 8-15pm doors open around 7-45pm.

No BROOKS WILLIAMS as guest this week. His appearance at the club has been postponed. But we are running a virtual folk club on youtube.com to compensate. See the link below

Scheduled to take place 5 to 7 June 2020 suspended for the time being.

“They light up the room with their amazing energy” James Taylor Truly gifted human beings" Richard Hawley With more than 25 years of unrivalled musical partnership, gathering numerous nominations, awards and critical acclaim along the way, much beloved British singer-songwriters Chris While and Julie Matthews celebrated a quarter of a century last year as one of the best loved and most prolific female duos to come out of this country. This year due to the ongoing Corona Virus situation their performing a series of virtual concerts exclusive to some of their favourite venues including The Black Swan Folk Club in York. Chris and Julie have played more than 2,600 gigs, appeared on over 100 albums, written hundreds of original songs and reached millions of people around the world. Now, 25 years after their debut, they sound as fresh and vital as ever on their most recent and 11th studio album, Revolution Calls. This exclusive on-line concert will be followed by a Zoom Q and A session with Chris and Julie.

A folk singer, songwriter and activist from Leicester, UK, she has been writing, recording and touring relentlessly for ten years. Her unique takes on life, love and politics, and the warmth and wit with which they are delivered, have won over audiences everywhere, across the alternative, folk, political and comedy scenes.

2020 marks 25 years of making music together for this popular wife and husband duo. Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. To celebrate and acknowledge this milestone, the couple will revisit and reinterpret songs which span their career. From the early days of folk supergroup ‘Equation’ through to the current release ‘Personae’ with a nod or two along the way to their extracurricular musical adventures, the evening promises a whistle stop tour through their artistic journey to date. ‘It’s folk music for the modern age.’ The Telegraph

Eliza Carthy MBE should need no introduction. A multi-award winning singer, songwriter and musician from a formidable English music dynasty. Describing herself simply as a “modern English musician”, Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces of the English folk revival. Her first “solo” album of traditional music in 14 years, Restitute is literally a homely affair, recorded at Eliza’s home in the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire. The band for the Restitute tour comprises Eliza Carthy, Ben Seal, Ben Somers, Willy Molleson and David Delarre with a support slot and special guest appearance from Saul Rose. In addition to the Restitute material, the band will perform songs from brand new recordings of original songs by Eliza Carthy & Ben Seal – taken from their forthcoming album Through that Sound my Secret was Made Known.