CHESTER FOLK SURVIVORS
February Folk Day
Review & Pictures by Tony Ballard
It's that time of the year again. It seems no time since last year's folk day, but once again
the stage is set and the barrels are rolled out for another "boozy chant-up", as my mother-in-law
once so beautifully described it.
I must say that, the folk survivors certainly came up with the goods this year. We were all
treated to a day to remember.
Full House kicked off the day with their Music and Song Session providing an
opportunity for those of us not on the programme to have a sing. The standard of performance was
as high as ever. FULL HOUSE
CAROL ALEXANDER The afternoon concert was full to capacity as usual and was compered by Barbara
Bell. The concert opened with a set from Carol Alexander from the Frodsham folk club. Her
effortless style of singing was a joy to listen to and she treated us to a wide range of
material.
Carol was followed by the local band, Yardarm. This was a "blast from the past" for me
as the original Yardarm, Goff Jones and John Evans, were the resident duo at the Bull & Stirrup
folk club of the 1960's.
This time, Goff was joined by Ian Chesterman, Dave Russell, Ken Prydderch and Steve
Whitley.
YARDARM
ROGER WILSON
Their material was both varied and lively and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them.
Roger Wilson followed with a performance which commanded respect from even the
most hardened folky. He left us wanting more and we were treated to this when Roger held his
"chance to meet" session in the early evening.
No folk day would be complete without a "Drop of the Irish". This was provided by
Gava, a firm favourite with Chester audiences. It was unfortunate that Terry Coyne was unable
to perform, due to an accident, and we wish him well for a speedy recovery.
GARVA
PETE COE
His place in the band was taken by his brother Eamon Coyne who demonstrated why he was such a
driving force in the Clare music scene. Tony Gibbons and Lesley McGough completed the group and
they showed why they a so highly thought of.
Pete Coe finished the concert with a predictably polished performance. Pete has
given so much to this country's folk scene and appears as fresh and agile as ever. He seems to
improve with age, like a good wine, and he never loses his sense of humour.
Those who came for the evening session were offered a varied programme. The Ceilidh was
called by Pete Coe and The Black Box Band provided the music. It was clear that those who went
to the ceilidh enjoyed themselves. This was indicated by the enthusiasm of a group of glowing
young ladies who were cooling down outside the hall.
Those of us who believe in conserving our energy were treated to an evening of
song in the Folk Club hosted by the Waite Collective, who are so supportive of our folk day and
never lose their touch. We heard sets from Roger Wilson and Garva in addition to a number of
spots from floor singers.
The session room was well supported throughout the day. It was encouraging to see
how many younger musicians were in evidence and it was clear that they could hold their own with
the more seasoned performers who still scrub up quite well.
THE WAITE COLLECTIVE
In conclusion, I must offer all of our thanks to the unpaid army who work so hard
in the background, setting up the rooms, working the bar and producing the food. If it wasn't
for their efforts we would not have a folk day.
If you missed this excellent day, "hard luck". Make sure that you don't miss it
next year and DON'T FORGET THE FOLK FESTIVAL
Saturday 24th February 2007
