SILD
MARTIN LEAMON and SILLE ILVES formed their unique Welsh–Estonian collaboration SILD (Estonian word for bridge) shortly after the 2001 Viljandi Folkmusic Festival. Since then they have developed a truly original fusion of two different musical cultures, rooted in tradition yet thoroughly modern, creating timeless music. Sille is one of the best fiddle players in Estonia. She is also the leading exponent of the Hiiu-kannel (bowed harp), and an astonishing singer. She has performed at festivals and concerts in throughout Scandinavia and Europe. In Wales she has played with top Welsh traditional musicians including Ceri Rhys Matthews, Cass Meurig and the KilBride Brothers. Martin plays guitar and bouzouki with great skill and sensitivity. He performed for five years with Welsh band Boys From The Hill, and has also accompanied leading Welsh singer Julie Murphy. With these and other projects he has played throughout the British Isles, Brittany, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Estonia. SILD
PAMELA WARD & PAUL CHERRINGTON
Pamela Ward and Paul Cherrington are a lively duo presenting traditional & contemporary folk along side ragtime & blues. They started their musical careers after winning the Brewhouse music prize in a U.K. folkfinder competition in the late 80's. Pamela's versatile, mature and melodic voice is suited to both pure & haunting traditional songs as well as the more gutsy blues style of Bessie Smith as she subjects the audience to a mix of cheeky humour, passion and pathos. Pam has worked as a session singer on a wide variety of projects and Paul's accomplished guitar playing acts as the perfect foil to Pam's voice whilst never detracting from the vocals. All in the audience can expect to be delighted, amused, moved and inspired, but most importantly entertained by this dynamic duo who present an impressive and professional performance whilst so obviously enjoying themselves.
PAMELA WARD & PAUL CHERRINGTON
CHRISTENE LeDOUX Armed with a map, the road ahead, an acoustic guitar and infectious laughter Christene travels the world. Recipient of numerous songwriting awards in USA her ease with her audience, down to earth approachability and heart-warming songs are quickly winning the hearts of fans and industry alike. Her stories, both funny and tragic are true tales of family & people she has met on the way but also bringing a candid glimps of her full time life on the road. Experiencing Christene perform live can be like spending time with your closest friend. CHRISTENE LeDOUX
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF VALLEY FOLK CLUB
Huge party in The Gilbertson Suite, Church Street, Pontardawe SA8 4JB Bar open till midnight. Invitation open to all. Food, live music, songs and a ceilidh to finish off. For more details email Cas IT WILL BE ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A TICKET
JOHN BILSBOROUGH Writer, broadcaster and performer of hilarious verse, tall tales and impossible songs. John Bilsborough is a Lancashire lad who, after 20 years in the Gwendraeth Valley, frets about what to do when he grows up, but the house is nearly finished, the goats are long gone, the garden is coming on a treat and his wise and witty words have appeared everywhere from "The Bee-Keepers Journal" to "Cosmopolitan" magazine, from postcards to rag-mags, learned journals and teaching packs for kids. He has created hundreds of topical poems and features for local radio, Radio 1, 2, 3 and mostly 4, the BBC World Service and assorted tv series and made millions of people think a little and laugh a lot. An old favourite at the club. JOHN BILSBOROUGH
THE QUEENSBERRY RULES Hailing from the working class suburbs surrounding Stoke-on-Trent, The Queensberry Rules were formed in September 2001. Hitting the live scene a year later and playing original compositions, they performed with the unusual line up of double bass, guitar and percussion. Slowly, they added mandolin, bouzouki, fiddle and harmonica - as well as watertight harmonies - to their sound. Cultivating the rich seams of local history and tradition, they exhibit storytelling ability and social awareness that belie their years. THE QUEENSBERRY RULES
THE VAGRANTS CREW Formed around 1984 and based in Pembroke Dock. The group's repertoire encompasses a wide range of traditional music from the British Isles and beyond. They specialise in Sea Shanties and Songs of the Sea. The present Crew stands as folows. Peter Pearce (Guitar, Mandolin, Melodeon, Vocals) Val Canton (Tambourine, Spoons, Vocals) Tonie Jones (Melodeon, Vocals) Phill Jones (Whistles, Didgeridoo, Vocals) Phil Warren (Percussion, Vocals) Phil White (Percussion, Vocals) Mike Cook (Melodeon, Vocals) THE VAGRANTS CREW
THE YORKIE BARTRAM EXPERIENCE (a.k.a. 'May Contain Nuts' when they play for ceilidhs) are the band of choice for the XMAS PARTY. Expect silly songs and superb musicianship from Rees Wesson (melodeon, guitar & vocals) Flos Headford (fiddle & vocals) Sue Reid (banjo, cello & vocals) Chris Bartram (percussion & vocals) Get your tickets from Cas
FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER GUEST ARTISTS FOLLOW THE LINKS ON DIARY PAGE