A very inactive time post-wise lately, I am afraid – rather too many things going on!! Of those, here are a couple of folk-related things…
Folk21 Regional Day
Last weekend however I spent a fascinating day attending the Folk21 organisation’s latest Regional day. Held in the fantastic Cecil Sharp House, it proved to be a packed day of workshops, networking, showcases from various new acts and an evening concert from some well-known performers.
One of the best acts I saw was the Cardiff-based duo BarlowCree - I highly recommend checking them out if they are playing near you!
BarlowCree’s debut CD
My Guitar Workshop
I was just about to start properly publicising my new acoustic guitar workshop at Halsway Manor, when unfortunately, through no fault of our own, we have had to postpone it. . .(not cancel, it’s just been moved to a date tbc in July). Apologies to those who have enquired or booked places (you will be officially informed by the venue of what will happen next etc)
However, I’m pleased to say that instead I’m running a slightly shorter, non-residential version of the course on the weekend of 23rd and 24th March, as part of the St Albans Music City event. More details and a full PDF programme for that umbrella event can be found on their website.
The description from the leaflet of my course goes like this:
Acoustic Guitar Techniques with Clive Batkin
Saturday 23 March – Sunday 24 March
Weekend Guitar Workshop run by Clive Batkin in the Old School Room, behind the Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn, AL3 7DU
Day 1: 10.30am – 5pm
Day 2: 11am – 4.30pm
(Coffee and lunch available in the bar)
A weekend course for beginners and intermediate guitarists to explore a wide range of acoustic guitar techniques. The course, over two days will focus on an overview of different techniques that can be applied to modern acoustic guitar playing.
The course is suitable for beginners/intermediate level players; ideally, everyone should have a basic grasp of the instrument. It is open to
both plectrum and fingerstyle players and does not require one to read music. The course can be applied to other stringed/fretted instruments such as the mandolin and mandola.
Clive Batkin is an experienced player, performer and teacher, specializing in acoustic folk/roots music. As well as acoustic guitar, he also
plays mandolin and electric and bass guitar, plus home-made instruments such as the balalaika and his unique ‘harp guitar’. Spaces will be limited, and early booking is advised.
Tickets £20 (£15 concessions)
www.redbournfolkclub.org.uk
Folk in Focus
Tomorrow marks the start of the following exhibition at the Museum of St Albans – will be interested to see what is in the archives!!!??
Folk in Focus
Folk in Focus
1st – 31st March 2013 at the Museum of St Albans
An exhibition celebrating a century of folk music and dance in St Albans District. Come along and see photos and memories of many of the local folk groups that have existed here for the past one hundred years. There are several events also taking place to accompany this exhibition, find out more here.
Launch event: Saturday 2nd March, 11am – 1pm, live music and dance to celebrate the opening of the exhibition
Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 2pm-5pm
Admission: Free
