Performers: England, West Midlands region
Below: list order is by category, by county, and then by first name.
Pf.1 Folk Music & Song ~ Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups (incl. Choirs, Quires, Community Bands), Pf.1b Duos, Pf.1c Solo, Pf.1d Shanty
Pf.2 Folk Dance ~ Pf.2a Folk Dance Callers, Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands, Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)
Pf.3 Spoken Word ~ Pf.3a Folk Shows, Theatre, Mummers, Pf.3b Poetry & Monologuists, Pf.3c Storytellers
Pf.4 Workshop-Providers
Counties are listed in the same order as Folklife West magazine's West Midlands pages:
Staffordshire → West Midlands County incl. Birmingham → Warwickshire with Coventry
→ Herefordshire→ Worcestershire
Many performers travel; but we give the home area for information.
England: West Midlands 🄵 Folklife members, Ø Associates; see their Folk News on Folklife West magazine's West Midlands pages
We also list, free, in this Directory, 🅄 UK Updates-signups (other than above), and 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal subscriber/contributor.
We also list, free, in this Directory, 🅄 UK Updates-signups (other than above), and 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal subscriber/contributor.
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG Pf.1a Bands/Groups
Bands / Groups (incl. Choirs, Quires, Community Bands). Sorted by first name. Back to top of page, Performers: West Midlands
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefs/Worcs BANJAXXED (no website)
⇒ Bookings - please phone Pippa on 075228 24450 or Peter on 07774045830 or email bernieuptonfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Based in Malvern and Ledbury, playing mainly Celtic and Irish music. Versatile, playing a diverse range of traditional instruments and one or two not so traditional ! We really enjoy playing for audiences, from family functions to cafes and theatres. [Jan 2024, new entry]
🄵 Herefs CROWS www.facebook.com/crowsfolk/
⇒ Lynne Barker. To book: barkerlynne93<at>gmail.com or mickryan.songs<at>gmail.com
⊕ Crows are Mick Ryan, Dave Bordewey, Pete Harris, and Paul Downes; a folk band performing a mix of original and traditional music, with imaginative instrumental arrangements and powerful 4-part harmonies. [May 2023, new entry]
🄵 Herefs HEREFORD COMMUNITY CHOIR www.herefordcommunitychoir.uk
⇒Tom Hughes. Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com, or message us via FB See also: https://www.facebook.com/herefordcommunitychoir
→ Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY. 7:30pm-8:30pm, Thursdays, during term time.
⊕ We provide an opportunity for people to gather and sing in an informal and friendly environment. “Very uplifting sessions”. New members welcome! (updated 12/2022)
🄵 Herefs HEREFORD FOLK ENSEMBLE www.herefordfolkensemble.uk
⇒ Tom Hughes. Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com, or message us via FB See also: https://www.facebook.com/herefordfolkensemble
→ Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY. 7:30pm-9pm 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
⊕ Hereford Folk Ensemble is a community music group creating a positive environment and an opportunity for people to gather and perform instrumental folk & traditional music. A great way to end the week and start the weekend! New members welcome! (updated 12/2022)
🄵 Herefs/Worcs SHEPHERD’S PURSE www.herefordfolkensemble.uk
⇒ Eric & Eileen Payne 01886 880061. eric_payne<at>btinternet.com
⊕ Eric & Eileen Payne and Jim Preston sing in close harmony - songs with a story to tell! Three distinctive voices that can fill the air, blending gentle, precise and delicate harmonies. [2018 Dec, new entry]
🄵 Herefs/Worcs BANJAXXED (no website)
⇒ Bookings - please phone Pippa on 075228 24450 or Peter on 07774045830 or email bernieuptonfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Based in Malvern and Ledbury, playing mainly Celtic and Irish music. Versatile, playing a diverse range of traditional instruments and one or two not so traditional ! We really enjoy playing for audiences, from family functions to cafes and theatres. [Jan 2024, new entry]
🄵 Herefs CROWS www.facebook.com/crowsfolk/
⇒ Lynne Barker. To book: barkerlynne93<at>gmail.com or mickryan.songs<at>gmail.com
⊕ Crows are Mick Ryan, Dave Bordewey, Pete Harris, and Paul Downes; a folk band performing a mix of original and traditional music, with imaginative instrumental arrangements and powerful 4-part harmonies. [May 2023, new entry]
🄵 Herefs HEREFORD COMMUNITY CHOIR www.herefordcommunitychoir.uk
⇒Tom Hughes. Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com, or message us via FB See also: https://www.facebook.com/herefordcommunitychoir
→ Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY. 7:30pm-8:30pm, Thursdays, during term time.
⊕ We provide an opportunity for people to gather and sing in an informal and friendly environment. “Very uplifting sessions”. New members welcome! (updated 12/2022)
🄵 Herefs HEREFORD FOLK ENSEMBLE www.herefordfolkensemble.uk
⇒ Tom Hughes. Contact: tomhughesmusic<at>outlook.com, or message us via FB See also: https://www.facebook.com/herefordfolkensemble
→ Hampton Bishop Village Hall, Hereford HR1 4JY. 7:30pm-9pm 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
⊕ Hereford Folk Ensemble is a community music group creating a positive environment and an opportunity for people to gather and perform instrumental folk & traditional music. A great way to end the week and start the weekend! New members welcome! (updated 12/2022)
🄵 Herefs/Worcs SHEPHERD’S PURSE www.herefordfolkensemble.uk
⇒ Eric & Eileen Payne 01886 880061. eric_payne<at>btinternet.com
⊕ Eric & Eileen Payne and Jim Preston sing in close harmony - songs with a story to tell! Three distinctive voices that can fill the air, blending gentle, precise and delicate harmonies. [2018 Dec, new entry]
Worcestershire-based
🅄 Worcs DUBLIN JACKS www.dublinjacks.uk
⇒ Ray 07594 204481. r.hadden94(at)btinternet.com
⊕ 4/5 piece band. Specialists in traditional music (often Irish) and “good time” music (more modern music people like); pubs, weddings, birthdays, village events, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes, ceilidhs. May also be booked as a trio or duo. [Mar 2018, new Member]
🄵 Worcs ONEACHORD www.oneachord.co.uk
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peter<at>peterwarner.co.uk, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ New line up: Nick on drums, Tony on accordion, & Jenny on whistle and tenor sax join Sue on fiddle, Glynn on bass and Peter on guitar and vocals. (updated 3/2023)
🅄 Worcs THE POACHERS (no website)
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Longstanding (since 1966) 4-piece band specialising in well-known songs from around the British Isles, many with choruses, all delivered with enthusiasm. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, village events, pubs, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes. May also be booked as a trio or duo. [Mar 2018, new Member]
🄵 Worcs SET EM UP JOE [no website]
⇒ Alan Courtney. Contact alanjoecourtney<at>icloud.com for information/bookings.
⊕ Fabled Malvern-based band, huge repertoire largely folk, country, jazz music. Jackie Gribble (vocals and concertina), Alan Courtney (vocals and guitar, Dave Young (Roland melodeon and concertina), joined regularly by very talented friends at gigs. Lively evening is guaranteed for all! [added July 2022]
🄵 Worcs THE TRUCKSTOP TRIXIES www.facebook.com/truckstoptrixies
⇒ Contact Tyler for info/bookings: tylerdmassey<at>gmail.com
⊕ A musically-renowned Malvern-based band: Tyler Massey (guitar/vocals), Vo Fletcher (guitar/vocals), Dave Young (Roland melodeon), Mikey Mann (keyboards), Eric Haj (percussion) and Neil Poulter (mandolin). Performing mainly classic Americana - Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Lowell George and others. [Mar 2018, new listing]
🄵 Worcs VITAL SPARK www.vitalspark.org.uk
⇒ Sue Smith 01905 423488. 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billandsuesmith<at>hotmail.com
→ Practising every Wednesday evening in West Malvern Village Hall.
⊕ West Gallery and American shape-note Quire and band. New members welcome.
🅄 Worcs DUBLIN JACKS www.dublinjacks.uk
⇒ Ray 07594 204481. r.hadden94(at)btinternet.com
⊕ 4/5 piece band. Specialists in traditional music (often Irish) and “good time” music (more modern music people like); pubs, weddings, birthdays, village events, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes, ceilidhs. May also be booked as a trio or duo. [Mar 2018, new Member]
🄵 Worcs ONEACHORD www.oneachord.co.uk
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peter<at>peterwarner.co.uk, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ New line up: Nick on drums, Tony on accordion, & Jenny on whistle and tenor sax join Sue on fiddle, Glynn on bass and Peter on guitar and vocals. (updated 3/2023)
🅄 Worcs THE POACHERS (no website)
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Longstanding (since 1966) 4-piece band specialising in well-known songs from around the British Isles, many with choruses, all delivered with enthusiasm. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, village events, pubs, Burns, St Patrick’s, wakes. May also be booked as a trio or duo. [Mar 2018, new Member]
🄵 Worcs SET EM UP JOE [no website]
⇒ Alan Courtney. Contact alanjoecourtney<at>icloud.com for information/bookings.
⊕ Fabled Malvern-based band, huge repertoire largely folk, country, jazz music. Jackie Gribble (vocals and concertina), Alan Courtney (vocals and guitar, Dave Young (Roland melodeon and concertina), joined regularly by very talented friends at gigs. Lively evening is guaranteed for all! [added July 2022]
🄵 Worcs THE TRUCKSTOP TRIXIES www.facebook.com/truckstoptrixies
⇒ Contact Tyler for info/bookings: tylerdmassey<at>gmail.com
⊕ A musically-renowned Malvern-based band: Tyler Massey (guitar/vocals), Vo Fletcher (guitar/vocals), Dave Young (Roland melodeon), Mikey Mann (keyboards), Eric Haj (percussion) and Neil Poulter (mandolin). Performing mainly classic Americana - Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Lowell George and others. [Mar 2018, new listing]
🄵 Worcs VITAL SPARK www.vitalspark.org.uk
⇒ Sue Smith 01905 423488. 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billandsuesmith<at>hotmail.com
→ Practising every Wednesday evening in West Malvern Village Hall.
⊕ West Gallery and American shape-note Quire and band. New members welcome.
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG Pf.1b Duos
Staffordshire-based
🄵 Staffs PAUL WALKER & KAREN PFEIFFER www.paulwalkermusic.co.uk
⇒ Karen Pfeiffer 07772 006427. karen<at>paulwalkermusic.co.uk
www.youtube.com/PaulWalkerKarenPfeiffer , www.facebook.com/paulwalkerandkarenpfeiffer , www.instagram.com/walkerpfeiffermusic
Birmingham-based
🄵 B’ham THE DARING YOUNG MEN www.chrislowestories.com
⇒ Chris Lowe 07876487267. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Fabulous Music Hall Duo. See also Andy Casserley's website [New phone number, Nov 2023]
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks MALC GURNHAM & GILL GILSENAN www.malcandgill.co.uk
⇒ Malc Gurnham, 024 7634 5568, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk
🄵 Warks SQUEEZE-BOW HARMONY facebook.com/SBHFolkMusic
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ Paul Bryan and Des Wynes. Playing traditional music with fiddle, accordion, guitar, concertina and vocals. At The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, monthly 1st Fridays,12.30pm, and the Shifting Sunday Sessions. CDs: Live At The ‘White’-House, Shutford; A Touch Of The Irish. [new Member, Oct 2019]
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs BILL and SUE SMITH (no website)
⇒ Bill & Sue Smith 01905 423488. 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billandsuesmith<at>hotmail.com
⊕ Traditional songs in harmony, and with concertina & dulcimer. Available for folk clubs & festivals as performers and/or singaround/session leaders.
🄵 Worcs DIMINISHEDACHORD www.oneachord.co.uk
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peter<at>peterwarner.co.uk, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ Peter and Sue from OneAchord often perform as a duo 'DiminishedAchord'; Peter, Acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Sue, Fiddle.
[Feb 2020, new member]
🄵 Staffs PAUL WALKER & KAREN PFEIFFER www.paulwalkermusic.co.uk
⇒ Karen Pfeiffer 07772 006427. karen<at>paulwalkermusic.co.uk
www.youtube.com/PaulWalkerKarenPfeiffer , www.facebook.com/paulwalkerandkarenpfeiffer , www.instagram.com/walkerpfeiffermusic
Birmingham-based
🄵 B’ham THE DARING YOUNG MEN www.chrislowestories.com
⇒ Chris Lowe 07876487267. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Fabulous Music Hall Duo. See also Andy Casserley's website [New phone number, Nov 2023]
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks MALC GURNHAM & GILL GILSENAN www.malcandgill.co.uk
⇒ Malc Gurnham, 024 7634 5568, Mob: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk
🄵 Warks SQUEEZE-BOW HARMONY facebook.com/SBHFolkMusic
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ Paul Bryan and Des Wynes. Playing traditional music with fiddle, accordion, guitar, concertina and vocals. At The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, monthly 1st Fridays,12.30pm, and the Shifting Sunday Sessions. CDs: Live At The ‘White’-House, Shutford; A Touch Of The Irish. [new Member, Oct 2019]
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs BILL and SUE SMITH (no website)
⇒ Bill & Sue Smith 01905 423488. 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billandsuesmith<at>hotmail.com
⊕ Traditional songs in harmony, and with concertina & dulcimer. Available for folk clubs & festivals as performers and/or singaround/session leaders.
🄵 Worcs DIMINISHEDACHORD www.oneachord.co.uk
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peter<at>peterwarner.co.uk, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ Peter and Sue from OneAchord often perform as a duo 'DiminishedAchord'; Peter, Acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Sue, Fiddle.
[Feb 2020, new member]
🅄 Worcs DUBLIN JACKS www.dublinjacks.uk
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Duo performing a wide range of well-known popular music from 1940s and 50s onwards, as well as traditional material. Two singers, guitar, tenor banjo, fiddle, concertina, mandolin. Birthdays, community or family events, entertainment for elderly folk, wakes. Daytime, evenings. [new member, Mar 2018]
🅄 Worcs THE ENGLISH DULCIMER DUO www.reverbnation.com/englishdulcimerduo
⇒ Lisa: info<at>englishdulcimerduo.org.uk, Listen at: https://youtu.be/RgMIiyemXZc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4SqWvUpDis&feature=youtu.be
⊕ Sue Harris (Umps and Dumps, John Kirkpatrick) and Lisa Warburton (Malthouse Passage, Blarney Stone). Mainly English tunes, including a number of jaunty 18th century melodies. Their different styles and qualities of their dulcimers combine to make a powerful and spelling-binding sound. [new website 2/2017]
🄵 Worcs THE NIGHT WATCH www.the-night-watch.org.uk
⇒ Ian Pittaway 07504 269 855. contact<at>the-night-watch.org.uk
⊕ 13th—17th century songs and music. We perform and teach early music, deliver primary/secondary school workshops involving music, history and drama, gigs for folk clubs, music clubs, music festivals, weddings, celebrations, corporate events, private events or … surprise us! [added 2017 Feb]
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Duo performing a wide range of well-known popular music from 1940s and 50s onwards, as well as traditional material. Two singers, guitar, tenor banjo, fiddle, concertina, mandolin. Birthdays, community or family events, entertainment for elderly folk, wakes. Daytime, evenings. [new member, Mar 2018]
🅄 Worcs THE ENGLISH DULCIMER DUO www.reverbnation.com/englishdulcimerduo
⇒ Lisa: info<at>englishdulcimerduo.org.uk, Listen at: https://youtu.be/RgMIiyemXZc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4SqWvUpDis&feature=youtu.be
⊕ Sue Harris (Umps and Dumps, John Kirkpatrick) and Lisa Warburton (Malthouse Passage, Blarney Stone). Mainly English tunes, including a number of jaunty 18th century melodies. Their different styles and qualities of their dulcimers combine to make a powerful and spelling-binding sound. [new website 2/2017]
🄵 Worcs THE NIGHT WATCH www.the-night-watch.org.uk
⇒ Ian Pittaway 07504 269 855. contact<at>the-night-watch.org.uk
⊕ 13th—17th century songs and music. We perform and teach early music, deliver primary/secondary school workshops involving music, history and drama, gigs for folk clubs, music clubs, music festivals, weddings, celebrations, corporate events, private events or … surprise us! [added 2017 Feb]
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG Pf.1c Solo
Birmingham & West Midlands county-based
🄵 Birmingham CHRIS LOWE www.facebook.com/Chris-Lowe-Storyteller-702932336552020
⇒ Chris Lowe 07876487267. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Music Hall Singer and More! Hear the verses to the choruses you always knew. [New phone number, Nov 2023]
🅄 Birmingham STEVE ANDISAW https://stevename5.wixsite.com/steveandhissaw (or just google Steve Andisaw wix)
⇒ Steve Andisaw 0752 3300 798. steveandisaw<at>hotmail.com www.facebook.com/steve.hodgson.718/?locale=en_GB
www.instagram.com/steveandisaw https://twitter.com/SteveAndisaw
⊕ Singer/Songwriter/Musician/Poet/Puppeteer/Dancer/Weirdo. Dancing gothic steamfolkie. [New listing, May 2023
🄵 W Mids IAN PITTAWAY www.ipmusic.org.uk
⇒ Ian Pittaway 07504 269 855. contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Ian performs solo traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music with voice, guitars, harps, lutes and other early instruments, and primary and secondary school and adult workshops in historical music, involving history, drama and dance.
🄵 Birmingham CHRIS LOWE www.facebook.com/Chris-Lowe-Storyteller-702932336552020
⇒ Chris Lowe 07876487267. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Music Hall Singer and More! Hear the verses to the choruses you always knew. [New phone number, Nov 2023]
🅄 Birmingham STEVE ANDISAW https://stevename5.wixsite.com/steveandhissaw (or just google Steve Andisaw wix)
⇒ Steve Andisaw 0752 3300 798. steveandisaw<at>hotmail.com www.facebook.com/steve.hodgson.718/?locale=en_GB
www.instagram.com/steveandisaw https://twitter.com/SteveAndisaw
⊕ Singer/Songwriter/Musician/Poet/Puppeteer/Dancer/Weirdo. Dancing gothic steamfolkie. [New listing, May 2023
🄵 W Mids IAN PITTAWAY www.ipmusic.org.uk
⇒ Ian Pittaway 07504 269 855. contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Ian performs solo traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music with voice, guitars, harps, lutes and other early instruments, and primary and secondary school and adult workshops in historical music, involving history, drama and dance.
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefs DENNIS HOMES www.dennishomes.net
⇒ Dennis Homes 07712 565 590. Please contact Dennis via leogem3@icloud.com www.dennishomes.net
Music also on https://dennishomes.hearnow.com, Spotify, www.cdbaby.com/cd/dennishomes.
⊕ A very original singer/songwriter with a style influenced by folk, rock and country. Dennis writes and performs all his own songs. These include love songs, songs about people, songs about places, comic songs, sad songs and songs about life. [Feb 2020, new Member]
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs ALAN COURTNEY alancourtney.bandcamp.com
⇒ Contact alanjoecourtney<at>icloud.com for information/bookings. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUoY017AW-U
⊕ Well known singer and guitarist, folk music ancient and modern in clubs, concerts and festivals, Worcestershire and beyond for many years. His repertoire draws on a variety of songs he’s written about people, places and events from his native Devon. [added July 2022]
🄵 Worcs COLIN PITTS www.colinpitts.co.uk
⇒ Colin Pitts 07939 782280. colinpitts<at>live.co.uk
⊕ Singer-songwriter. Writer of ‘Australian Wine’ and ‘Looking For England’.
🅄 Worcs MIKE WEAVER www.mikeweavermusic.com
⇒ Contact 07887 523770
⊕ Singer-songwriter. CD ‘Live At The Top Of The Stairs’ (£10) available via www.mikeweavermusic.com
🄵 Herefs DENNIS HOMES www.dennishomes.net
⇒ Dennis Homes 07712 565 590. Please contact Dennis via leogem3@icloud.com www.dennishomes.net
Music also on https://dennishomes.hearnow.com, Spotify, www.cdbaby.com/cd/dennishomes.
⊕ A very original singer/songwriter with a style influenced by folk, rock and country. Dennis writes and performs all his own songs. These include love songs, songs about people, songs about places, comic songs, sad songs and songs about life. [Feb 2020, new Member]
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs ALAN COURTNEY alancourtney.bandcamp.com
⇒ Contact alanjoecourtney<at>icloud.com for information/bookings. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUoY017AW-U
⊕ Well known singer and guitarist, folk music ancient and modern in clubs, concerts and festivals, Worcestershire and beyond for many years. His repertoire draws on a variety of songs he’s written about people, places and events from his native Devon. [added July 2022]
🄵 Worcs COLIN PITTS www.colinpitts.co.uk
⇒ Colin Pitts 07939 782280. colinpitts<at>live.co.uk
⊕ Singer-songwriter. Writer of ‘Australian Wine’ and ‘Looking For England’.
🅄 Worcs MIKE WEAVER www.mikeweavermusic.com
⇒ Contact 07887 523770
⊕ Singer-songwriter. CD ‘Live At The Top Of The Stairs’ (£10) available via www.mikeweavermusic.com
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG Pf.1d Shanty
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefs FISHMONGERS' FRIENDS (no website)
⇒ Bookings - please contact Richard by email rcmam.74<at>gmail.com or phone 07989501047
⊕ Fishmongers’ Friends are an informal group of shanty singers based in Bishops Frome, Herefs. Anybody interested in booking The Fishmongers' Friends for your event please contact Richard as above. [Jan 2024, new entry]
🄵 Herefs FISHMONGERS' FRIENDS (no website)
⇒ Bookings - please contact Richard by email rcmam.74<at>gmail.com or phone 07989501047
⊕ Fishmongers’ Friends are an informal group of shanty singers based in Bishops Frome, Herefs. Anybody interested in booking The Fishmongers' Friends for your event please contact Richard as above. [Jan 2024, new entry]
⇒ Malc Gurnham
⊕ The country's most landlocked Shanty Crew, the infamous Hawkesbury Trawlermen. Featuring two North Warwickshire Folk Club organisers, and at least four more ancient doyens of the genre, and available for club bookings via our website. [Contact changed, April 2024]
⊕ The country's most landlocked Shanty Crew, the infamous Hawkesbury Trawlermen. Featuring two North Warwickshire Folk Club organisers, and at least four more ancient doyens of the genre, and available for club bookings via our website. [Contact changed, April 2024]
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE Pf2.a Folk Dance Callers
entries welcome
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE Pf2.b Folk Dance Bands
Birmingham-based
🅄 B’ham MAD MOLL www.tradartsteam.org.uk/MadMoll
⇒ Pam Bishop 0121 247 3856
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks COTTESWOLDE COUNTRY DANCE BAND (no website)
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ A ‘fun & energetic’ style ceilidh band from South Warwickshire - with melodeon / fiddle/mandolin / bouzouki / electric bass / drums + occasional whistler ! Tina Morris is our ‘engaging caller’ - who also plays accordion - available for barn dances - folk evenings - parties - tailored to fit any occasion.
[new Member, Oct 2019, revised description & picture, April 2020]
🄵 Warks GLORISHEARS CEILIDH BAND www.folkfax.net/gshears
⇒ Malc Gurnham 024 7634 5568, mobile: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk
🄵 Worcs STEP ON BOARD APPALACHIAN (no website)
⇒ Cynthia 0121 476 5938
🅄 Worcs THE POACHERS (no website)
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Experienced 4-piece band plus caller: ceilidhs, barn dances, weddings, birthdays, village/local events, Burns, St Patrick’s, all interspersed with song and good humour. [new member, Mar 2018]
⇒ Pam Bishop 0121 247 3856
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks COTTESWOLDE COUNTRY DANCE BAND (no website)
⇒ Paul Bryan, theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210
⊕ A ‘fun & energetic’ style ceilidh band from South Warwickshire - with melodeon / fiddle/mandolin / bouzouki / electric bass / drums + occasional whistler ! Tina Morris is our ‘engaging caller’ - who also plays accordion - available for barn dances - folk evenings - parties - tailored to fit any occasion.
[new Member, Oct 2019, revised description & picture, April 2020]
🄵 Warks GLORISHEARS CEILIDH BAND www.folkfax.net/gshears
⇒ Malc Gurnham 024 7634 5568, mobile: 077 6019 0309. Email: mail<at>bedworthfolkclub.co.uk
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs STEP ON BOARD APPALACHIAN (no website)
⇒ Cynthia 0121 476 5938
🅄 Worcs THE POACHERS (no website)
⇒ Alasdair 01684 892264. alasdair.mckeane(at)gmail.com
⊕ Experienced 4-piece band plus caller: ceilidhs, barn dances, weddings, birthdays, village/local events, Burns, St Patrick’s, all interspersed with song and good humour. [new member, Mar 2018]
Pf.2 FOLK DANCE Pf.2c Ceremonial & Dance Display (including Clog, Morris, Sword)
Pf.2c Ceremonial & Dance Display (including Clog, Morris, Sword). Back to top of page, Performers: West Midlands
→ indicates venue and times
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks PLUM JERKUM www.plumjerkum.co.uk
→ Most alternate Monday evenings, 8.00-10.00pm, Northgate Methodist Church Hall, Barrack Street. Warwick
⇒ Peter 07963 850001. plumjerkum<at>plumjerkum.co.uk
⊕ Warwick's very own mixed Border Morris side! We are always pleased to see potential new members either as dancers or musicians age 16 to 70+ who are welcome to attend for a few weeks to see if they like us! (Nov 2023, new listing)
🄵 Warks THE TRADITIONAL ILMINGTON MORRIS MEN http://ilmingtonmorrismen.org.uk
⇒ Paul Bryan (Bagman), theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210. Also on Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/TIMM1974/)
→ Practice Wednesday evenings, September to April, Ilmington Village Hall. Dance around the local villages and towns on Wednesday evenings, May to August.
⊕ Dancing the traditional dances which have evolved in the village over 300 years. A living tradition, welcoming any Morris man, experienced or beginner, who would like to join us. The side joined the Morris Ring in 2002. [new Member, Oct 2019]
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefds LEDBURY MORRIS Facebook: Ledbury Morris
→ Sunday afternoons, 2.00-4.00pm, The Royal Oak Hotel Ledbury, HR8 2EY. Contact us first for more details.
⇒ Ceri James 07870 382678, ceridwen.james<at>sky.com
⊕ Ledbury Morris is a new and upcoming mixed side, dancing all the Border Morris dances collected by the late Dave Jones. It is available for bookings now. We welcome new dancers and musicians who want to keep the tradition alive. [new listing, Nov 2019]
Warwickshire-based
🄵 Warks PLUM JERKUM www.plumjerkum.co.uk
→ Most alternate Monday evenings, 8.00-10.00pm, Northgate Methodist Church Hall, Barrack Street. Warwick
⇒ Peter 07963 850001. plumjerkum<at>plumjerkum.co.uk
⊕ Warwick's very own mixed Border Morris side! We are always pleased to see potential new members either as dancers or musicians age 16 to 70+ who are welcome to attend for a few weeks to see if they like us! (Nov 2023, new listing)
🄵 Warks THE TRADITIONAL ILMINGTON MORRIS MEN http://ilmingtonmorrismen.org.uk
⇒ Paul Bryan (Bagman), theflyingmorrisman<at>hotmail.com, 07711 121210. Also on Facebook (https://m.facebook.com/TIMM1974/)
→ Practice Wednesday evenings, September to April, Ilmington Village Hall. Dance around the local villages and towns on Wednesday evenings, May to August.
⊕ Dancing the traditional dances which have evolved in the village over 300 years. A living tradition, welcoming any Morris man, experienced or beginner, who would like to join us. The side joined the Morris Ring in 2002. [new Member, Oct 2019]
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefds LEDBURY MORRIS Facebook: Ledbury Morris
→ Sunday afternoons, 2.00-4.00pm, The Royal Oak Hotel Ledbury, HR8 2EY. Contact us first for more details.
⇒ Ceri James 07870 382678, ceridwen.james<at>sky.com
⊕ Ledbury Morris is a new and upcoming mixed side, dancing all the Border Morris dances collected by the late Dave Jones. It is available for bookings now. We welcome new dancers and musicians who want to keep the tradition alive. [new listing, Nov 2019]
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs APPLEYARD LADIES TRAD. DANCERS www.Appleyardfolk.co.uk
→ Thursday. Earls Croome Village Hall, near Upton-on-Severn. 8pm to 10pm. Weekly during winter, dancing in summer at pubs, festivals & other venues.
⇒ Diana Maiden 01684 565204. info4appleyard<at>gmail.com, or dianamaiden6<at>gmail.com
⊕ Dances from all over the country, new and old. [Email change: FQ Apr 2016]
🄵 Worcs FAITHFUL CITY MORRIS MEN www.faithfulcitymorris.org.uk
→ Every Wednesday at The Talbot, Knightwick (A44, 7 miles from Worcester).
⇒ Bill Smith 01905 423488. 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billthefiddle<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕ Cotswold Morris. New members (experienced or beginners) welcome.
🅄 Worcs HAGLEY COUNTRY DANCERS (no website)
→ Every Monday. 2pm - 3.30pm. Hagley Free Church, 95, Worcester Rd, Hagley, DY9 0NG (take Chapel St & left into church car park).
⇒ Ray 01384 836924.
⊕ Mostly Playford Style. (Nov 2023, new listing)
🄵 Worcs NANCY BUTTERFLY MORRIS DANCERS http://nancybutterfly.co.uk/
→ Practice night (8-10pm) Monday, at Catshill Methodist Church Hall, 66 Golden Cross Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0LG (check our calendar during the dancing season!)
⇒ email: butterfly<at>nancybutterfly.co.uk Fb: Nancy Butterfly Women's Morris Dancers
⊕ Nancy Butterfly dance in the North West style wearing distinctive red clogs. We have fun around Worcestershire and beyond dancing at pubs, festivals and other events. We are always ready to welcome new dancers and musicians. (Aug 2024, new email)
🄵 Worcs STEP ON BOARD APPALACHIAN (no website)
⇒ Cynthia 0121 476 5938
🄵 Worcs APPLEYARD LADIES TRAD. DANCERS www.Appleyardfolk.co.uk
→ Thursday. Earls Croome Village Hall, near Upton-on-Severn. 8pm to 10pm. Weekly during winter, dancing in summer at pubs, festivals & other venues.
⇒ Diana Maiden 01684 565204. info4appleyard<at>gmail.com, or dianamaiden6<at>gmail.com
⊕ Dances from all over the country, new and old. [Email change: FQ Apr 2016]
🄵 Worcs FAITHFUL CITY MORRIS MEN www.faithfulcitymorris.org.uk
→ Every Wednesday at The Talbot, Knightwick (A44, 7 miles from Worcester).
⇒ Bill Smith 01905 423488. 21 Vernon Park Road, St John’s, Worcester, WR2 4NF. billthefiddle<at>yahoo.co.uk
⊕ Cotswold Morris. New members (experienced or beginners) welcome.
🅄 Worcs HAGLEY COUNTRY DANCERS (no website)
→ Every Monday. 2pm - 3.30pm. Hagley Free Church, 95, Worcester Rd, Hagley, DY9 0NG (take Chapel St & left into church car park).
⇒ Ray 01384 836924.
⊕ Mostly Playford Style. (Nov 2023, new listing)
🄵 Worcs NANCY BUTTERFLY MORRIS DANCERS http://nancybutterfly.co.uk/
→ Practice night (8-10pm) Monday, at Catshill Methodist Church Hall, 66 Golden Cross Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0LG (check our calendar during the dancing season!)
⇒ email: butterfly<at>nancybutterfly.co.uk Fb: Nancy Butterfly Women's Morris Dancers
⊕ Nancy Butterfly dance in the North West style wearing distinctive red clogs. We have fun around Worcestershire and beyond dancing at pubs, festivals and other events. We are always ready to welcome new dancers and musicians. (Aug 2024, new email)
🄵 Worcs STEP ON BOARD APPALACHIAN (no website)
⇒ Cynthia 0121 476 5938
Pf. 3 SPOKEN WORD PERFORMERS
Pf.3a Folk Shows & Theatre, Mummers, Pf.3b Poets & Monologuists, Pf.3c Storytellers
Pf.3a Folk Shows & Theatre, Mummers
Coventry-based
🄵 Coventry COVENTRY MUMMERS www.coventrymummers.org.uk
⇒ John Havell 02476 672297. 35 Belvedere Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6PG. john<at>havell45.plus.com
Worcestershire-based
Coventry-based
🄵 Coventry COVENTRY MUMMERS www.coventrymummers.org.uk
⇒ John Havell 02476 672297. 35 Belvedere Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6PG. john<at>havell45.plus.com
Worcestershire-based
🄵 Worcs FOLD THEATRE Folk Plays www.ericpaynefolksongs.co.uk/Folkplay.html
⇒ Eric & Eileen Payne 01886 880061. Eric & Eileen Payne, eric_payne<at>btinternet.com
⊕ 11 talented local actors, singers and musicians, based at ‘The Fold” at Bransford, near Worcester. The plays are written by Eric and Eileen Payne and involve narration, songs, music, sketches and poetry. [2018 Dec, new entry]
Pf.3b Poets & Monologuists
entries welcome
Pf.3c Storytellers
Birmingham-based
🄵 B’ham CHRIS LOWE www.chrislowestories.com
⇒ Chris Lowe 07876487267. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Stories that amuse, stories that intrigue, stories that transport. All from the West Midlands’ champion teller. [New phone number, Nov 2023]
🄵 B’ham LOWE AND PLANT www.chrislowestories.com
⇒ Chris Lowe 07876487267. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Two of the most powerful and entertaining tellers of tales. Black Country yarnsman, Ron Plant brings English as a second language enhancement. You must hear Ron’s telling of Eli’s Cap, Whose The Saftist and Big Sal. [New phone number, Nov 2023]
🄵 B’ham GRAHAM LANGLEY www.storytelling.uk.net
⇒ Graham Langley 07946 718286. 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU. graham<at>storytelling.uk.net
⊕ “A twenty first century teller of tales .... he casts a verbal spell over his wide-eyed audience” - The Times.
Pf. 4 WORKSHOP-PROVIDERS:
Study Centres, Folk Teachers, Tutors, Development Workers, Workshop Organisers
- See also Folklife Traditions Directory, Folklife Studies & Institutions: Fs.2, Lecturers & Speakers
- For long-term workshop series, and for tune clubs, see Venues: England West Midlands
- For occasional workshops (whether 1 day or 1 week), see our Folklife Members'Festivals & Workshops Diary
Birmingham & West Midlands county-based
🄵 Birmingham CHRIS LOWE storyteller www.chrislowestories.com
⇒ Chris Lowe 0121 308 2298. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Stories that amuse, stories that intrigue, stories that transport. All from the West Midlands’ champion teller. Workshop Organiser [New website, Jan 2018]
🅄 Birmingham GRAHAM LANGLEY storyteller www.storytelling.uk.net
⇒ Graham Langley 07946 718286
⊕ Storyteller. Traditional storytelling for all ages, including HE and professional development. “An uplifting experience...” Times Educational Supplement. Workshop organiser and presenter for Traditional Arts Team storytelling workshops.
🄵 Birmingham HOBGOBLIN MUSIC BIRMINGHAM offers instrument tuition, see our England West Midlands folk news page
🄵 West Midlands EARLY MUSIC MUSE http://earlymusicmuse.com/school-workshops
⇒ Ian Pittaway. contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music workshops for voice and any instrument. Primary and secondary school workshops and adult workshops in historical music, involving history, drama and dance. [added 2017 Feb]
🄵 West Midlands IAN PITTAWAY www.ipmusic.org.uk
⇒ Ian Pittaway. contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Solo traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music with voice, guitars, lutes, harps and other mediaeval/renaissance instruments. Primary and secondary school and adult workshops in historical music and dance. [added 2017 Feb]
🅄 West Midlands TRADITIONAL ARTS TEAM www.tradartsteam.co.uk
⇒ Pam Bishop 0121 247 3856. 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU
Worcestershire-based
🅄 around UK NONSUCH DULCIMER CLUB http://dulcimer.org.uk
⇒ Sally Whytehead 01527 64229. Please use our contact pages https://www.dulcimer.org.uk/contact-form/
⊕ We provide workshops for hammered and mountain dulcimer at a range of venues and levels and can also loan instruments. For the latest news and information on what we are doing or to get in touch go to http://dulcimer.org.uk
🄵 Birmingham CHRIS LOWE storyteller www.chrislowestories.com
⇒ Chris Lowe 0121 308 2298. chrislowe30<at>hotmail.co.uk
⊕ Stories that amuse, stories that intrigue, stories that transport. All from the West Midlands’ champion teller. Workshop Organiser [New website, Jan 2018]
🅄 Birmingham GRAHAM LANGLEY storyteller www.storytelling.uk.net
⇒ Graham Langley 07946 718286
⊕ Storyteller. Traditional storytelling for all ages, including HE and professional development. “An uplifting experience...” Times Educational Supplement. Workshop organiser and presenter for Traditional Arts Team storytelling workshops.
🄵 Birmingham HOBGOBLIN MUSIC BIRMINGHAM offers instrument tuition, see our England West Midlands folk news page
🄵 West Midlands EARLY MUSIC MUSE http://earlymusicmuse.com/school-workshops
⇒ Ian Pittaway. contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music workshops for voice and any instrument. Primary and secondary school workshops and adult workshops in historical music, involving history, drama and dance. [added 2017 Feb]
🄵 West Midlands IAN PITTAWAY www.ipmusic.org.uk
⇒ Ian Pittaway. contact<at>ipmusic.org.uk
⊕ Solo traditional, mediaeval and renaissance music with voice, guitars, lutes, harps and other mediaeval/renaissance instruments. Primary and secondary school and adult workshops in historical music and dance. [added 2017 Feb]
🅄 West Midlands TRADITIONAL ARTS TEAM www.tradartsteam.co.uk
⇒ Pam Bishop 0121 247 3856. 19 Springfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DU
Worcestershire-based
🅄 around UK NONSUCH DULCIMER CLUB http://dulcimer.org.uk
⇒ Sally Whytehead 01527 64229. Please use our contact pages https://www.dulcimer.org.uk/contact-form/
⊕ We provide workshops for hammered and mountain dulcimer at a range of venues and levels and can also loan instruments. For the latest news and information on what we are doing or to get in touch go to http://dulcimer.org.uk