Hi Folks

All of you who deserted us to go and see Show of Hands (again??) on Sunday missed a great night.  Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne were superb and Megson just get better and better.

 Just in case you don’t make it to the bottom of this newsletter, may I draw your attention to a concert this Friday, details of which are at the end.  If I have done it right, clicking here should take you straight to it.

 This Sunday, May 4^th, we have another of our special nights, “THREE AGES OF BRITISH FEMALE SONGWRITERS” with Jenna Witts, Edwina Hayes and Liz Simcock.

Jenna first appeared at the club in September 2004 with Steve Knightley and Seth Lakeman, and has supported Steve a couple of times since then. At the tender age of nineteen, she already has a wealth of recording and touring experience behind her. Three years ago she co-wrote the haunting 'Seven Days' - one of the highlights of 'Show of Hands' 'Country Life' CD. Then with Steve Knightley and Mercury prize nominee, Seth Lakeman, she recorded 'Western Approaches'- a unique collaboration of the three West country songwriters. This led to a successful nation wide tour in 2004. Jenna's original songs are very much inspired by the sea and landscape of her native North Devon and accompanying herself on piano and guitar, she possesses an astonishingly mature voice and stage presence.

Edwina has played the club twice before, supporting first Chris & Kellie While and then, last November, John Tams & Barry Coope, impressing John so much that he invited her to sing on his next album.  Edwina grew up in Preston, Lancashire before moving to the East coast of Yorkshire as a teenager, where she has been based ever since. Dividing her time between the UK and America, Edwina's second home is Nashville where she is a much loved as a songwriter and artist.  In 2005 Warner Brothers released Edwina's debut album 'Out On My Own' on produced by Clive Gregson and John Wood, and her song 'I Want Your Love' from the album was included on the No.1 best-selling CD 'Acoustic Love'. Both Michael Parkinson and Bob Harris have been tremendous supporters of Edwina on BBC Radio 2.  Since 2005 Edwina has opened several shows for Van Morrison, twenty-six shows for Jools Holland, three UK tours for Nanci Griffith and has performed twice for Michael Parkinson at his Maidenhead pub The Royal Oak.

Liz has played many times at Hitchin, both solo and with her trio. Liz writes songs and performs them in folk and acoustic clubs, mainly in and around the Southeast.  In 1999 she featured on the Playpen Album of New Acoustic Music alongside Eliza Carthy, Billy Bragg, Eddi Reader and Kathryn Williams.  Since then she has trodden an independent path, recording two albums and gaining a growing reputation as a performer and songwriter.  At many gigs Liz is to be found in the illustrious company of Warwick Jones on guitar and Ian Newman on bass.  Liz is already a firm favourite at Hitchin.

 Sunday 11^th we see a welcome return for the Tannahill Weavers.  The Tannies have been playing at Hitchin since the Talisman venue days, 30 years ago.  There have been many personnel changes since then, but Roy and Phil are still there, and their passion is also still there.  They are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands.  Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies.  Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people.  These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.

 Tanglefoot make their annual visit Sunday 18^th.  Since they were last with us Tanglefoot have been voted “Best Vocal Group - 2007 Canadian Folk Music Awards”, not hard to imagine why if you have seen them before! Intelligent, well-written folk-influenced songs played with hell-bent, rampaging abandon… that may be why they were once described as "Stan Rogers meets Van Halen." Tanglefoot is a thunderous live band with a reputation for spectacular vocal harmonies. It is also a band of adept songwriters who specialize in portraying the Canadian experience and after more than twenty years of performing, this Canadian roots institution is stronger than ever with an impressive new addition on violin and viola.  Sandra Swannell made her Tanglefoot debut in January 2006. Guitarist Steve Ritchie has the longest tenure, having played with Tanglefoot since 1988. Toronto bass player Al Parrish has been around since 1994. Terry Young joined in 1999, bringing with him a gaggle of instruments including mandolin, guitar, tenor and five-sting banjo, harmonica and whistle. Tanglefoot's original keyboardist, Rob Ritchie, returned to the band last year after a two year break.

 We end the month on the 25^th with Harvey Andrews.  Harvey was born in Birmingham on May 7th 1943. He trained as a schoolteacher but began his singer/songwriter career in 1964 when he was paid ten shillings for singing three of his songs for the first time in a folk club. He turned full time pro in 1966. Television appearances include The Old Grey Whistle Test, Rhythm on Two and over 50 other shows. He has made two television specials featuring his songs, The Camera and The Song, and The Same Old Smile. Two further specials were produced in Holland and Ireland.  A night with Harvey will have amused you, made you think a bit and generally leave you thoroughly entertained.  Support will be Keith Pearson and Tim Jellis.

 There is a Special concert on this Friday 2nd May  at Redbourn Village Hall, 63 High St Redbourn (next to the Bull PH, AL3 7LW). The guest is THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC SKIFFLE ORCHESTRA who will be appearing from 8.00pm - 10.00pm.  Tickets are on sale direct from Janet Strapp on 01582 452954

£8 and £6 (concessions). There will be a bar.

Below is a review by Comedy actor and writer, Chris Emmett (The Burkiss Way etc.) from last year.

It was a terrific show and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  I am still in awe of the LPSO, what a fantastically talented group you are - I was lost in admiration for Martyn's fiddle playing and your banjo routine - absolutely brilliant and long may you reign.   It was a slick, professional show that blew everyone away..... It was only as I was getting ready for bed last night that I got the Fox Hat gag! I tell you, I nearly choked on my toothpaste - which just goes to show what a terrific pace you were going at - there was enough energy being generated on that stage to power the national grid for a fortnight.  Fabulous - and congratulations again on a terrific evening.

 As always, thank you for your continued support.

 Keiron