Fabulous folk at the Plough

NO one can accuse the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington of not catering for its folk fans.

Over the next few months the arts centre is putting on a feast of fabulous acoustic music. Whether you're a fan of traditional tunes, soulful songwriters or funky fusion, there is a great variety to be enjoyed.

"This season The Plough is particularly proud of its programme of international folk events from the powerful emotional ballads of Dick Gaughan to the fresh, multi-instrumental approach of Megson," said Julie Cook.

"This is a rare chance to hear cutting-edge ensembles, featuring a number of unique collaborations. Powerful songs, stirring tunes and memorable new compositions performed by outstanding instrumentalists and singers.

"For all you 'folkies' out there this is an ideal excuse to sit back and enjoy the very best of the folk scene and what nicer venue than the intimate atmosphere of The Plough."

Here's what you can look forward to:

Sid Kipper — Silver Darlings, Friday September 18, 8.30pm

SOME say Sid Kipper is an institution. If so, he is one people seem delighted to be committed to. For the last 25 years, he has presented the public with hundreds of songs, stories and anecdotes. He has recorded a dozen albums, published numerous books and produced series for Radio 2 and Channel 4 Radio.

There's a Café Theatre pre-show Norfolk supper available. Reservations: 01805 625925.

Tickets: £8.50 (full); £8 (concessions); £7 (supporters); £5 (child).

Fernhill with Julie Murphy, Saturday September 19, 8.30pm

SINCE they formed in 1996, Fernhill have become highly regarded, innovative cultural ambassadors for Wales and folk music, having toured in over 20 countries and three continents.

They have appeared at UK festivals as diverse as Greenman, Womad, the Oxford folk festival, Whitby Musicport and Glasgow's Celtic Connections.

Pre-show Welsh supper available. Reservations: 01805 625925.Tickets: £9 (full); £8 (concessions); £7 (supporters).

Angel Brothers featuring Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll, Friday October 9, 8pm

THE Angel Brothers have a proven track record on the live music circuit, already having won over audiences at Glastonbury, Womad and Cambridge, among many other key festivals.

Hear the band live for yourself – a great example of folk fusion.

Tickets: £11 (full); £10 (concessions); £9 (supporters); £5 (child).

Mabon, Friday October 16 (standing gig)

FOR the past few years these high octane festival favourites from Wales have been fizzing, frothing and fermenting into the intoxicatingly heady brew they are today.

They are said to be an insatiable blend of world music, Celtic roots and rabble rousing funk folk.

The band is also capable of slowing down the tempo for mellower, moving numbers.

A knock out in Europe and beyond, they have played castles in Poland, forest parks in Italy and woven their magic in Mexico, Canada and Australia.

Tickets: £12 (full); £10 (concessions); £9 (supporters); £5 (child).

Waterson:Carthy, Sunday October 25, 7.30pm

BACK by popular demand Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy are icons of the English folk scene. Joined by their daughter, singer and fiddle player Eliza Carthy, as well as returning original member melodeon player Saul Rose, together they form one of Britain's most successful and influential folk bands.

Tickets: £15 (full); £14 (concessions); £12 (supporters)

John Martyn — In Memory, Keith James and Rick Foot, Thursday November 26, 8pm

KEITH James and Rick Foot return to the Plough with their affectionate tribute to the music of John Martyn, whose death in January brought to an end a career which produced classic songs and albums such as Solid Air.

Tickets: £7 (full); £6.50 (concessions); £6 (supporters).

Lunch and Folk with Dick Gaughan, Sunday November 29, 2pm

DICK Gaughan's radicalism and emotion are legendary on the folk circuit.

He has been playing and singing for almost 40 years and his songs have been recorded by, among many others, Billy Bragg, Christy Moore, Mary Black, Roy Bailey and Capercaillie.

Tickets: £8 (full and concessions); £7 (supporters). Plus £7 for two course lunch available from noon.

Box office: 01805 624624. www.plough-arts.org