The Folk Forecast: 28 Dec 2020–10 Jan 2021
Including Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden, The Young'Uns YTV, a round-up of festive viewing and our album of the year
As 2020 draws to a close, it’s time for our final issue of the old year and our first issue of the new one!
Things have quietened down a bit post-Christmas, but there’s still plenty to keep you occupied in the next couple of weeks. As well as this fortnight’s gigs, we’ve included a round-up of festive concerts that you can still catch if you missed anything. We’ve also picked our album of the year, so scroll down to see what we chose!
We hope you have a lovely New Year and that 2021 holds better things for all of us and for the music sector.
MONDAY 28 DECEMBER
The Almost Acoustic Show with Eliza Carthy on Radio Scarborough — 8pm GMT
Radio Scarborough
Eliza Carthy now hosts the Almost Acoustic show on Radio Scarborough every Monday at 8pm. With Eliza’s incredible musical knowledge, you’re sure to discover some rare records and find new favourites! Tune in via the Radio Scarborough website. The show is also repeated through the week — view the schedule here.
Free to tune in.
TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER
McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle Christmas at Home: Benderloch Victory Hall — 8pm GMT
Active Events in partnership with Benderloch Victory Hall
Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle continue their virtual tour of the UK with an online concert in partnership with Benderloch Victory Hall.
Tickets from £12, with the option to pay more to support the musicians and venue.
WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER
McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle Christmas at Home: Stamford Guildhall — 8pm GMT
Active Events in partnership with Stamford Guildhall
It’s your last chance to catch Christmas at Home with Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle! Join them for the final night of the tour, in partnership with Stamford Guidhall.
Tickets from £12, with the option to pay more to support the musicians and venue.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
The Young’Uns YTV: Episode 5 — 8pm GMT
The Young’Uns on YouTube / Facebook
This is the last of five planned episodes of YTV from The Young’Uns. It’s been a heartwarming and hilarious series that’s kept many of us smiling through these difficult months. Not to be missed!
Free to view, but donations gratefully received via their website. Donate £50 to get a jingle of your very own created during the show.
The Isolation Pub Sessions: New Year’s Eve edition
The Isolation Pub Sessions on Facebook
John Spiers presents a special New Year’s Eve edition of the Isolation Pub Sessions, featuring Piers Cawley. Piers will lead a performance of Auld Lang Syne, whilst John will be playing two tunes often played for the Gay Gordons at a typical New Year’s Eve ceilidh. You can join in and be part of the video — record yourself singing, playing or dancing and send them to John by the morning of New Year’s Eve.
Free to watch, but donations encouraged via John’s website
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Afternoon Tea with Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer — 4pm GMT
Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer on Facebook and YouTube
Put the kettle on and enjoy 45 minutes of music, songs and fun with Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer. Catch them every Friday at 4, including on New Year’s Day!
Free to view, but donations gratefully received via PayPal.
Skerryvore & Special Guests: New Year’s Day Live — 7pm GMT
Skerryvore
Skerryvore will kick off 2021 with a very special live show that includes an exclusive virtual tour of Robert Burns Cottage and Museum, as well as special guest performances from Norrie MacIver and some other surprises along the way.
Tickets are pay as you feel.
SUNDAY 3 JANUARY
Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter @ Readifolk at Home — 8pm GMT
Readifolk
Join singer-songwriter Sally Ironmonger and guitarist Brian Carter for a mix of humorous and thought-provoking songs, presented by Readifolk.
Free to attend - email colin@readifolk.org.uk to be added to the mailing list.
MONDAY 4 JANUARY
Mummers Symposium — from 10am GMT
International Mummers Festival
An international programme of papers and talks on mumming, mummers plays and related customs. Sessions will be held via Zoom.
Tickets £7.50
The Official Folk Albums Chart Show — 7pm GMT
Folk on Foot website, YouTube and podcast feed
See which albums have made the Official Folk Albums Chart this month, with Folk on Foot. Packed with stories, music and insights, this is always a joy to watch.
Free to access, but you can support the podcast by becoming a patron.
The Almost Acoustic Show with Eliza Carthy on Radio Scarborough — 8pm GMT
Radio Scarborough
Eliza Carthy presents the Almost Acoustic Show on Radio Scarborough, featuring her record choices of the week! Tune in via the Radio Scarborough website. The show is repeated through the week — view the schedule here.
Free to tune in.
TUESDAY 5 JANUARY
Covid Sings Singaround — 8pm GMT
Soundpost
Join Fay Hield and volunteers from Trad Song Tuesday for an online singaround held via Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month. If you’re feeling shy or just want to watch, it’s also streamed live to Facebook.
Free to join - register via the website or email hello@soundpost.org.uk to take part.
THURSDAY 7 JANUARY
Anthony John Clarke — 7.30pm GMT
Poppleton Live
Singer-songwriter Anthony John Clarke presents an evening of songs and hilarious storytelling, sure to dispel any post-Christmas blues.
Tickets £10
FRIDAY 8 JANUARY
Afternoon Tea with Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer — 4pm GMT
Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer on Facebook and YouTube
Put the kettle on and enjoy 45 minutes of music, songs and fun with Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer. Catch them every Friday at 4.
Free to view, but donations gratefully received via PayPal.
Miranda Sykes — 7.30pm GMT
Miranda Sykes on Facebook
Join Miranda Sykes over on Facebook, as she performs an online concert to celebrate her birthday.
Free to view, but donations gratefully received via PayPal.
The Often Herd — 8pm GMT
The Globe Newcastle
The Often Herd blend the sunshine of California with their home in the North East of England to create a mix of bluegrass, American old-time and folk.
Tickets £7.50, with the option to pay more to support the artists and venue.
Dana Immanuel + Xylaroo + Minnie Birch — 8pm GMT
Green Note website, Facebook page and YouTube channel
Enjoy an evening of song-sharing from banjo player Dana Immanuel, harmony duo Xylaroo and singer-songwriter Minnie Birch, as they perform in the round for London’s Green Note.
No ticket required, but donations gratefully received on Paypal (suggested £10)
AJ Lee & Blue Summit — 8pm GMT
The Live Room Saltaire
Yorkshire’s The Live Room plays host to Californian bluegrass and Americana band AJ Lee & Blue Summit. The band was due to tour the UK this Spring, which didn’t go ahead, so this is the next best thing.
Tickets £10
Oxfolk Zoom Ceilidh — 8pm GMT
Oxfolk
Join Oxfolk on 8 January for one of their ever-popular Zoom ceilidhs. Music will be provided by Jenny Newman and Andy Glass from 3sticks, who were the pioneers of the first Folk Weekend Oxford Zoom ceilidhs back in April. They’ll also be joined by caller Mary Panton, who will lead you through a great selection of dances adapted for solo dancers, couples and small groups.
Tickets £10, with options to pay a bit more or less depending on your circumstances.
SATURDAY 9 JANUARY
Virtual Fiddling Demystified Workshop with Eliza Carthy — 5pm GMT
Philadelphia Folksong Society
Accompanying yourself on the fiddle whilst singing is a tricky skill to master. Get tips and tricks from one of the best in the business, with this 2-hour workshop from Eliza Carthy. A recording of the workshop can also be watched again later.
Tickets $35 for non-members of the society (around £26) or $30 for members (around £22.50)
PFS Digital Concert Venue Presents Eliza Carthy — 8pm GMT
Philadelphia Folksong Society
Enjoy a concert from folk powerhouse Eliza Carthy, presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society. A recording of the concert can also be watched again later, if you aren’t free at this time.
Tickets for a suggested donation of $15 (around £11), with the option to pay more or less depending on your circumstances.
Jon Boden — 8pm GMT
Live to Your Living Room
Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden is one of the foremost names in English folk music. Thanks to Live to Your Living Room, you can invite him round to your place, via the magic of Zoom.
Tickets £14, with options to pay a bit more or less depending on your circumstances. Gig is streamed via Zoom.
SUNDAY 10 JANUARY
Phil Beer with Hitchin Folk Club — 8pm GMT
Firebrand Music Events
Phil Beer is best known for being half of the much-loved duo Show of Hands, but this is a chance to see him play solo for Hitchin Folk Club. Ticket holders can access it via a private YouTube link.
Tickets £15 plus booking fee.
Last chance for festive viewing
If you missed any of these shows in December, catch them while you can!
A Winter Union - available to view until midnight on Monday 28 December
Awake Arise - available to view until Thursday 31 December
WinterFolk at Home With The O'Hooley-Tidows - available to view until New Year’s Day
Bellowhead - available to view until Monday 4 January
Christmas Concert with Jackie Oates and John Spiers - available to view until Wednesday 6 January
Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band - Carols from Stones Barn - available to view until Wednesday 6 January
Towersey Festiv-all: The Big Gig (featuring Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band, Jim Moray, Manière des Bohémiens and Edwina Hayes) - available to view until Tuesday 19 January
Folk Forecast Album of the Year
Unearth Repeat by Sam Sweeney
Think you know what to expect from English fiddle tunes? Think again. Sam joins forces with Jack Rutter, Louis Campbell, Ben Nicholls and Dave Mackay to explore old tunes and new, bending their shapes, drawing out their beauty and creating something completely original.
Keep up to date - find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Folk Forecast is created for artists, for audiences and for the UK folk scene. All information is correct to the best of our knowledge. If you have queries about the events listed, please contact the artists or promoters. If you have any suggestions for inclusion in future newsletters, please email TheFolkForecast@gmail.com. We may not be able to include absolutely everything, but we’re interested in UK folk events with a broad appeal, and would particularly welcome suggestions from Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The Folk Forecast is compiled by one person, so please bear with me if I can’t get back to you right away.