April 3, 2008

5:31pm Thursday 3rd April 2008

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ONE of the UK folk scene's biggest names, the celebrated Devon-based duo Show Of Hands, are making a rare visit to the region for a concert at Durham's splendid Gala Theatre next Wednesday, and I can't recommend them highly enough.

They transcend their albeit proudly brandished "folk" tag, with a repertoire and a stage show of which any mainstream music act would be envious. I have certainly learned a lot from them while in their company in recent times.

For anyone thinking of dipping their toe into folky waters, this is certainly the place to start. Other splendid acts in the area this week include Irish entertainer Anthony John Clark, who is recording a new live CD at Washington's Davy Lamp on Saturday (a good move, from my own experience!), the same night the Swaledale Outdoor Club in Richmond presents a concert with local bard Richard Grainger and singer Ray Storr.

Brother Crow venture North to the Chillingham Arms in Newcastle on Sunday, and on Monday Steve and Kristi Nebel are at Newcastle's Bridge Folk Club, soon to be celebrating it's 50th anniversary with much excitement and merriment later this year.

More news of that when the time comes. Meanwhile, you can win one of three recent folk CD releases by emailing me the names of those two Show Of Hands lads at Jezfolk@aol.com before Monday, with winners announced next week.