Welcome to

The Saltburn Folk Festival.

This was the 12th such gathering and the organisation and set-up was very slick. It was a great time for lots of performers, jammers, and friends to renew acquaintances.

With over 45 varied performances there was something for everyone. If that wasn’t enough, the bars were open for more improvised renditions of songs old and new.

The weather was fine for most of the weekend but very blustery and this affected some of the out door events and there was not a lot of jamming in the streets!

I know that I missed some good performances, here are some comments…

Johnny Silvo accompanied by Tim the Timpanist on an improvised percussion set, performed some old classics with lots of participation and appreciation for the public.

The New Rope String Band entertained and amused with a range of unusual yet very musical songs and dances, highly recommended when things are getting a bit too serious, laughter is a good medicine and there was plenty to be had.

Edwina Hayes sang some haunting songs from her own pen. The audience were taking notes as Edwina talked us through her varied love life and travels.

Kerfuffle were suffering from illness and their set did not include any vocal work which features well on their CD’s. Even so the instrumentals performed by Tom, Sam, Jamie and Hannah and Hannah’s clog dancing were very well performed and received.

Leap to your feet Appalachian Clog pulled some good moves and were very entertaining.

There was a song writing contest which produced a variety of styles from a mixed group of talented musicians, the winning song ‘Whistling Joe’ being performed in front of an appreciative audience by the composer.

A last jam on Sunday afternoon allowed Kath Edmonds some time in the limelight, lets hope we see her on stage there soon. The lovely Sue from Sunderland sang some delightful songs. A couple of Irish contributors got peoples feet tapping accompanied by fiddles and banjos.

All in all a very friendly gathering. I did not see one ‘incident’ even though people were in ‘party’ mode.

Follow this link for more details http://www.saltburnfolkfestival.ukforum.com/
and watch out for next years bash!

John at Playrecord