9 Jan
Cupola
Cupola brings together Sarah Matthews, Doug Eunson and Oli Matthews as a three-piece band, playing English and European dance music, and singing English songs in three-part harmony. Melodeons, fiddles, viola, soprano saxophone, vocals, clarinet and hurdy-gurdy combine effortlessly with sublime harmonies. The choice of material is inspired by tradition and contemporary works alike, with the emphasis on great melodies and intricate arrangements
cupolamusic.wordpress.com 
23 Jan
Marc Block Trio
With his “folk ‘n’ roll” trio, Marc is a regular on the Nottingham music scene, and a number of festival appearances this summer are set to gain MBT a reputation further afield. Performing a mixture of Marc’s own songs, trad folk and up-tempo covers, their lush vocal harmonies are complemented by the interplay of Milli Galgut’s fiddle and viola with Marc’s harmonica, guitar and Bodhràn, underpinned by Chris Pitcher’s electric upright bass.
Marc has been involved in the folk scene for many years, and his debut album “The Hawthorn Spring” received great reviews and wide radio play with Mike Harding calling him “One of the most exciting singers I’ve heard in a long time”.
www.marcblock.co.uk
6 Feb
Steve Hicks and Lynn Gouldbourn
Having first met in 2007, Steve and Lynn are fast becoming an established act on the folk and acoustic music scene in the UK and abroad. Their music is characterised by pure acoustic tones, reflective lyrics, well crafted arrangements and intricate, complex guitar work. Whilst the genres in their typical sets are wide ranging there is no compromise in quality and their live performances are interspersed with engaging anecdotes and humour.
20 Feb
Moira Craig and Carolyn Robson
A harmony master-class. Moira is a silvery voiced singer of Scottish, Irish & English songs & ballads whilst Carolyn, warm and honey toned, specialises in the songs of her native Northumberland & Scotland.
Together they combine to magical effect, whether a Shetland melody, a hymn from the Ozark mountains or contemporary ballad, the duo create a sound which is all their own.
27 Feb
Charity Concert
Many thanks to everyone who took part in the charity concert and who kindly donated to this very worthwhile cause.
6 Mar
Skyhook
Skyhook (Cath James, Martin Harwood and Eoin Teather) play traditional tunes and songs from Scotland, Ireland and Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, plus self-penned compositions by Cath, finalist in the 2008 and 2011 Niel Gow International Fiddle Composition Award.
The band are characterised by breathtaking twin fiddles combined with sublime guitar, bouzouki and voice. They shift seamlessly between exhilarating dance music, with unique interplay and harmonies from the fiddles, to spine-tingling songs which are sensitively arranged and beautifully sung.
20 Mar
Ewan McLennan
Ewan McLennan has come to be known as a guitarist at the very forefront of his generation; a troubadour, balladeer and storyteller cut in the old style; a singer that can move audiences with his passion and pathos; and a songwriter for whom social justice is still a burning issue.
From a BBC Horizon Award for his debut album to his recent performances on the acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions, recent years have been marked by numerous awards and accolades for his music.
BBC Radio 2’s Mike Harding has said of Ewan, ‘he sings beautifully, with great sincerity and great empathy, he’s terrific!’.
www.ewanmclennan.co.uk
3 Apr
Dan Walsh
Touted as one of the finest banjo players in the UK as well as being a superb singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dan has two critically acclaimed solo albums with another on the way and many tours of the UK and recent successful trips to Canada, Germany, India and New Zealand to his credit. Having made his name with duo Walsh and Pound and now a member of the award winning Urban Folk Quartet, as well as guest appearances on stage and on record with the Levellers and Seth Lakeman, this unique musician has stunned audiences across the world.
His eclectic and innovative approach has led to many exciting collaborations including tours with Northeast concertina legend Alistair Anderson and recent work with sensational Indian sarangi player Suhail Yusuf Khan as well as Canadian country singer Meaghan Blanchard.
17 Apr
Winter Wilson
Winter Wilson are known across the UK acoustic music scene for their fine original songs, stunning harmonies and off-the-wall humour.
Kip Winter’s voice is simply one of the best in the business, delivering power and emotion in equal measure. In the past she has sung everything from jazz to opera, but is at her best and happiest when singing folk and blues.
Described by the great John Tams as a “magnificent” songwriter, Dave Wilson is now recognised as one of the best on the English acoustic scene, with his songs covered by some of folk’s “greats” including Vin Garbutt. Add to this a mellow, relaxed singing style and some mean guitar playing and the result is an evening not to be missed.
1 May
The Willows
The Willows are a folk roots family band from Cambridge. Fronted by the breathtaking voice of Jade Rhiannon and supported by rich vocal harmonies and sensitive acoustic musicianship, the band draws inspiration from the Americana and British folk traditions in equal measures.
Supporting the likes of LAU, Rory McLeod and Peatbog Faeries and standout festival performances including the Cambridge Folk Festival, has helped build a reputation as a compelling live act.
Debut album ‘Beneath Our Humble Soil” has been championed by Mike Harding and Bob Harris.
www.thewillowsband.co.uk
8 May
Paddy Griffin Memorial Concert
I would like to thank everyone who attended the concert on May 8th. and, in particular, all who performed on the night. A special thanks to singers and musicians from the Coopers Tavern who helped make this such a great night in the memory of Paddy. It never ceases to amaze me, the wealth of local talent in our area.
In addition, a fantastic £240 was donated to the Rainbow Hospice in Loughborough.
The audience included Francis Brewin and family, Ray/Jane Currin, Jon/Angie Day, Tess Hartley, Jane/Neil Dalton, Mo/Ian Bradshaw, Dave/Marg Naylor, Ursula Griffiths, Martin Tabraham. Ayliffe Edwards, Tony/Frank Fowkes, Teresa Rock, Keith Thompson, Ben/Marie Smith, Dave Bruton, Kev/Lin Goodfellow, Tony Downey, Danny/Karen Kreft, Nigel Moss, Geoff/Jan Noble, Pat Kelly, Sarah/Kyran Farrell, Barbara Ross, Corrina Hampton, Sandra/Dan McCarthy, Andy/Rhoda/Alison Castle, Chris Jones, Dave Bull, Dorothy Taberner, Mike Lancaster, Judith Walsh and John/Carol Worker.
My apologies to anyone I may have omitted from the list.
15 May
Artisan 2015 Reunion Tour
Brian and Jacey Bedford, along with the incomparable Hilary Spencer, are a nationally and internationally renowed acapella trio. Many of their songs, covered by top folk luminaries, have flown from Brian’s prolific pen and are enhanced to even greater heights by delicious harmonies.
Artisan last performed as a threesome in 2010 and have reunited to perform at a few venues in 2015. Brewtown Folk Club is lucky enough to be one of them.
www.artisan-harmony.com
29 May
Cloudstreet
Cloudstreet – hot harmonies & beautiful ballads. Australians John Thompson and Nicole Murray’s performances are packed with vitality, humour and excitement, as they breathe new life into some of the great songs of the Australian, English and Celtic traditions and carry the tradition forward with original songs and tunes. Driving guitar and Irish flute support their enthralling vocals, their trademark dazzling harmonies and their impassioned presentation are leavened with humour and great tales from their travels.
Special guest on this tour will be Emma Nixon, an extraordinary fiddle player and Director of the Brisbane Celtic Fiddle Club.
www.cloudstreet.org
28 Aug
Bernard Wrigley
Bernard’s career has always combined singing and acting. From TV programmes and films such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Phoenix Nights, Dinnerladies, Alan Bennett films, Brassed Off and Steve Coogan’s Coogan’s Run, to a steady stream of CDs – eighteen to date.
Bernard (the “Bolton Bullfrog”) loves the varied nature of it all and is delighting audiences up and down the country with an evening of songs, stories and silliness! A great entertainer, not to be missed.
www.bernardwrigley.com
11 Sep
Tom McConville
Tom McConville, “The Newcastle Fiddler”, is one of the leading fiddle players of our time. A virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich and warm voice makes his interpretation of traditional and contemporary songs greatly admired by singers throughout the world, In great demand as a performer, session musician and teacher, playing the fiddle is his lifelong passion and he has achieved every player’s dream of creating his own unique, instantly recognizable sound.
His live performances combine a rollercoaster of musical delights from fast, rhythmic dance tunes – through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing – all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style.
25 Sep
Jez Lowe
Jez Lowe has built an enviable reputation as a songwriter and performer in the world of acoustic music, and as a recognised musical ambassador for his native North East England, with more than a dozen albums and countless live performances around the world over the last twenty years.
Songs like “Back in Durham Jail”, “The Bergen”, “Greek Liightning” and “These Coal Town Days” have generated scores of cover versions around the globe, and are now classics of their kind. Jez has been nominated for 2015 BBC2 Folk Singer of the Year and also for Best Song at the same awards.
www.jezlowe.com
9 Oct
Steve Tilston
Ask anyone on the English acoustic music scene, who their favourite guitarist, singer, songwriter and entertainer is and nine times out of ten the same name will crop up in the top three of every department.
Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated song-smiths; widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music. The words, arrangements and subtle, quite superb guitar playing could be no one else.Writer of the classic songs, Slipjigs and Reels, Here’s to Tom Paine and The Naked Highwayman and joint winner (with Bella Hardy) of the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for “Best Original song” with “The Reckoning”.
www.stevetilston.com
23 Oct
Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley
Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Europe and America since the early 1990s, creating one of folk music’s most enduring partnerships.Chris grew up surrounded by folk music of all kinds – his home was a regular haunt for passing folk singers and musicians. Denny, born in Co. Limerick, is drawn to the inheritance of age-old slides, slow airs, slip jigs and wild reels.
Known for their soul stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and a love of the craic, Chris (concertina) and Denny (guitar and vocals) ensure that no two concerts are ever the same. Founder members of “Last Night’s Fun”.
www.chrisanddenny.co.uk
6 Nov
Martyn Wyndham-Read
Martyn has been involved with folk music for over forty years and is one of the most engaging performers you are ever likely to see.
In his late teens, he left his mother’s farm in Sussex and headed off, with his guitar, to South Australia where he worked on a sheep station.
Greatly influenced by time spent there, his exceptionally intimate performance combines songs, humorous bush poetry, recitations, stories and anecdotes on outback life and Australian history. Sit back and enjoy.
www.martynwyndhamread.com
20 Nov
The Wilson Family
The Wilson’s consist of brothers Tom, Chris, Steve, Ken and Mike, all members of the same family from Teesside. Regarded by many as the foremost acappella group on the British folk scene, their choice of material is firmly based in the folk tradition and, in particular, from the North East of England. In January and February 2013, they recorded, with Sting, songs for his play and album, The Last Ship, which was released on 23 September 2013.
A night not to be missed.
www.thewilsonfamilyalbum.co.uk
4 Dec
Kelly’s Heroes
The rich sound provided by button accordion, powerful rhythm guitar, bodhran, banjo, whistles and uillean pipes give a fullness of sound that belies the number of people on stage. With a repertoire that encompasses fast and furious Celtic songs and tunes, gentle ballads, quality contemporary numbers as well as some original material, this Nottingham-based band are one of the most sought after on the circuit.
www.kellysheroes.co.uk
18 Dec
Vin Garbutt
Powerful, hugely moving, warm, humane, inspired, funny and gut wrenchingly honest. These are just some of the superlatives used to describe Vin’s performance.
Vin’s career has spanned over 40 years with constant world wide touring which must make him some kind of elder statesman of folk. His songs are inspired by the folk tradition, but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations.
He is renowned for his hilarious intros, but for him, his song lyrics are the crux of his performance.
