The Crown Hotel, Eamont Bridge, recently hosted the first meeting of the relaunched monthly Folk Session for the area.
The “singaround” event attracted 20 singers/instrumentalists and another 10 who came along to listen. Session organiser Neil Stretton described that as a very promising start.
All types of folk music were played — ranging from traditional ballads like Wayfaring Stranger, sung by Neil, which kicked off the session, through contemporary song covers from Pete Rowan and Jane Metcalfe, to songs by local writer Ian Cumpstey and tunes from Northumbrian piper, Richard Evans.
The music mix was comprehensive, with many other local singers and players contributing.
Neil said he felt that all who came enjoyed the session and most had told him that they intended to make it a regular event in their music calendar.
He hopes that many more will come and find that it gives plenty of opportunity to sing, play and enjoy the sheer variety of music, that ‘folk’ is these days.
The session will be held at the Crown on the last Sunday evening every month, starting at 7-30pm and finishing at 10pm.
On Tuesday, the Crown also hosted the first meeting of the Penrith Shanty Session, after its move from the Beehive.
A dozen singers came and all contributed, covering traditional Shanties, like Roll Boys Roll and more modern Songs of the Sea, such as Geoff Lakeman’s Tie ‘em Up. For those that wish, they can choose and lead on a song, but all who come have the chance to join in with one of the rousing choruses that shanties offer.
Neil hopes there will be an opportunity to form a shanty group, to sing at local festivals or gigs.
These sessions will be held at the Crown on the first Tuesday evening every month, 7-30pm to 9-30pm.
For further details and information on either session, see the Folk Music Cumbria Facebook page.
