Club Programme

A New Show Celebrating Two of Our Funniest Wordsmiths from JOHN WATTERSON Without Jake: Jake Thackray, Leeds-born songwriter (1938-2002), is now regarded as one of England’s finest twentieth-century songwriters, known for poetic and witty songs. Gaining fame from TV shows like Braden’s Week and That’s Life, his work has seen renewed appreciation posthumously, admired by artists such as Jarvis Cocker and Neil Gaiman. Without Les: Les Barker, once a chartered accountant in Manchester, found success writing and performing humorous poems at folk clubs and festivals. His musical collaborations include Tom Paxton and June Tabor, and the Financial Times praised his style as inventive and playful. Among his celebrated works are "Reg was a Lonely Glow Worm," and "Spot of the Antarctic."

Gary Stewart is a singer/songwriter from Perth in Scotland who cut his teeth performing on the Leeds music scene, before moving to York where he currently resides. Stewart writes songs in the Folk/Pop style and is influenced primarily by the prominent singer/songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s, with Paul Simon as his biggest inspiration. Expect to hear a mix of Gary’s back catalogue and songs from his new album, interspersed with some of Paul Simon’s best-loved hits.

After a popular appearance at this years Folk Festival, we are very pleased to welcome Phil Cockerham and Dickie Dixon, Janglebuddies to the Black Swan for a full gig. Phil and Dickie perform original and traditional songs and tunes in a variety of styles and moods. For many years they have performed around the north of England, delighting audiences wherever they appear. Armed with guitar, Irish bouzouki, harmonium and percussion, they accompany themselves and their well-crafted harmonies to perform songs ranging from thoughtful to exuberant. Previously, they have played in large and small venues as part of the Philip Cockerham Trio in clubs and theatres, for festivals and on trains (!) and they have regularly appeared on radio, including on the BBC. Now joined by their friend Helena and her delightful Cello with music for all who wish to join in. Guaranteed to be a great night.

Chris (Concertina) and Denny (Vocals and Guitar) have brought their unique sound to audiences across the globe since 1993. In 2016, they joined forces with Emily (Fiddle and Vocals) blending vocal harmonies and strings to their unique sound. Now, their soul-stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and quick-witted banter ensures that no two concerts are ever the same. From festival stages to intimate venues, their performances are filled with warmth, laughter, and exceptional musicianship. Don’t miss the chance to experience their magic live

Back for us again in York. Michael McGoldrick and Tim Edey are celebrated musicians in the realm of Celtic folk music, renowned for their exceptional skills and innovative approaches. Former BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year Michael McGoldrick is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and composer. Born in Manchester to Irish parents, he is a master of the wooden flute, low whistles and uilleann pipes, making him a go-to contributor for many artists. Mike has collaborated with Mark Knopfler since 2009 and been a core member of the Transatlantic Sessions since 2007. Steeped in Irish traditional music, he has, from his ground-breaking 2000 solo album Fused onwards, assimilated a wide range of musical styles into his work including jazz, funk, African and Indian rhythms. Mike has made an immense contribution to the Irish and UK folk scenes through his many solo and collaborative projects including being a founder member of the supergroup Lúnasa and later through his work with Capercaillie. Recently nominated as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2024 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, Mike's reputation as one of the leading musicians of his generation is undeniable. Tim Edey is a guitarist & melodeon player, a BBC musician of the year & BBC Scotland best traditional musician winner. Having spent years touring with acts like The Chieftains, Seamus Begley, Brendan Power, Natalie MacMaster to name a few, Tim is now an accomplished solo artist and joins Mike, a huge musical influence, having first met him at Rochester Sweeps Festival in 1996. The duo is a special meeting of old friends bringing together virtuosity and sheer musical magic.

A live celebration of Nic Jones’ music, performed by BBC Folk Award winner Sam Carter There are few folk singers as revered as the great Nic Jones. A towering figure of the English folk revival, his emotive singing and groundbreaking guitar style continue to inspire generations of musicians and listeners. His masterpiece Penguin Eggs remains a touchstone album, treasured more than forty years on. In 1982, just two years after the album’s release, Nic’s career was cut short by a devastating car accident. Yet his influence endures, shaping generations of folk musicians too young to have seen him perform in his prime. Among them is BBC Folk Award-winning singer and guitarist Sam Carter. Hailed by Jon Boden (Bellowhead) as “the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation,” Sam first immersed himself in Nic’s recordings as a young player. His faithful rendition of Canadee-i-o went on to attract over 115,000 views on YouTube and led to an unforgettable invitation to perform alongside Nic himself at Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2010 — Nic’s first public performance in 28 years. Sam has since recorded Nic’s Ruins By The Shore and was chosen as Nic’s guitar double in the BBC4 documentary The Enigma of Nic Jones.