SO this weekend was a tad busy – though I am not complaining!
We choose the life of itinerant folk musicians. It can be exhausting but it is so rewarding! This weekend we played a gig for a private party on board the fabulous Golden Hind in Brixham Devon and I dare say a good time was had by all! It’s true to say that it feels like a home from home for us – playing as we do lots of shanties and songs of
the sea alongside some more land bound folk music! We started the evening play ing through the PA but then took the music to the audience and lead them in dancing and hornpipes – as well as singing a few rowdy sea shanties – and a lovely bunch of people they were too, all too willing to join in and sing with gusto!
Cornwall Folk Festival
Then as soon as we’d struck the last note and sung the last syllable we heaved all the gear off the ship as if we were looting treasure and chucked into the stagecoach – well the car actually, and thundered down the lanes to Cornwall. The lanes being mostly the A38. It was about two hours drive from us, not a big drive in the scheme of things but after throwing ourselves into a gig I’d generallly prefer to retire with a glass of the black stuff in my hand – but no, ’twas not to be! Go West came the cry, Go west! Cornwall beckons!
This was our second year at the Cornwall Folk Festival and I think I would have to say it might be my favourite. It is held in Wadebridge, a pretty town in North Cornwall and it is a very well organised event. The music is incredibly varied. with loads of very talented and versatile musicians – playing not just folk music – blues, apalachian, singer songwriters, skiffle, you name it – every kind of music made an appearance!
Our slot this year was on what they call “Shanty Street” a collection of small venues around the town and we were stationed outside the Molesworth Arms pub and our very capable sound man Mark was kind enough to take the above video during our performance.
Check out our YouTube channel here to listen to more shanties and folk songs!
Hooligan's Rule 