The Sound Of Shrewsbury Folk The Third.

Last year I started with what I call The Sound of Shrewsbury Folk. It’s a series of concerts in reaction to Putin’s invasion of the Ukraine. Naturally like everybody else I felt it was very difficult to make any kind of difference and I was feeling so terrible about what was going on over there that I really wanted to do something. This was so that I could feel that I had addressed the issue for my own sanity I think, probably. I struggled to make any kind of sense over what was going over there and daily on the television I was seeing horrible pictures, as we all were.

I had been involved in folk music in Shrewsbury and around the UK all my life I know the musicians and I know that the Shrewsbury session scene in the pubs and cafes is absolutely buzzing and has been for 60 years or more. I believed that although the music genres may have changed over the years, one could draw a direct straight line back 60 years to when folk singing in public and in the pubs first really got a hold of the town. Since then, the music scene has gone from strength to strength.

I wanted to show the artists in a better setting; all these musicians are fantastic in the pub sessions in the town and they're also incredibly talented. I knew that if I could set up a concert with the sound of these Shrewsbury folk then it was almost bound to be a winner.

Bearing that in mind, I set off to set up my first concert.  It was May of 2022 and  it raised over 1000 pounds for me to send to UNICEF’s relief for the Ukraine.  Spurred on by that I thought, why not do another one? So, I did, the other was  in October of last year. It was working people and were enjoying it; I realised we were all helping the Ukraine, but we were all helping in a way that we were thoroughly enjoying. How could I get rid of the formula? So, I continued, and the next concert is happening very, very shortly on May the 26th at The Hive in Shrewsbury.

There is a very special guest that will be attending this concert and performing his songs, we're going to be joined by the epic folk singer Martin Carthy. It turns out that he is desperate to do something about the situation in the East as well. When I explained to him about the Sound of Shrewsbury folk and what my objectives are, and what I was trying to achieve; he very quickly agreed to come down to Shrewsbury from his home in North Yorkshire and play for me in the next concert. This is indeed a great honour.

The career of Martin Carthy is remarkable. Spanning over 60 years, Martin has worked with Dave Swarbrick, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, and not forgetting the most influential acapella singing group in Britain, The Watersons. He has acted with the National Theatre and appeared in Keith Dewhurst’s, Lark Rise to Candleford. His television appearances are many and his radio work is unequalled I know how lucky we are as a town to have Martin joining us.

The concert will start at 7:30 on May 26th at The Hive in Shrewsbury. In the line up we have local musicians, Singer Songwriter Rowan Bartram, the incredibly entertaining lady Gabriella La Foley and international renowned guitarist and singer Chris Quinn just home form his season in France. There will be surprises too and a video clip or two from artists that can’t join us live. There will be a raffle and naturally, every Penny of profit will go the UNICEFs work with the refugees of the Ukraine. I aim to make another thousand if possible.

Join us and help Ukraine whilst having fun. Tickets are available either online or from The Hive or you can pay on the door. This will be a night to remember.

The Sound of Shrewsbury Folk, The Third. (In memory of Ken Hughes) May 26th at The Hive. Tickets just £18.00. 7.30 start. Let’s see you there, come and say hello. Oh and tell your friends too.

Sofia Lewis