Fiddlers Various Logo

Fiddlers Various:
KentFolk Fiddle Festivals.

The Fiddlers Various events have been running since 2000.
They are organised by live-music enthusiast Dr. Beau Webber, who has created the KentFolk.com website in support of Kentish music, and is also chairman of the Littlebourne Barn committee. Fiddlers Various and related gigs consist of especially crafted fiddle-led events which, whenever possible, are staged in or around the wonderful Littlebourne Thatched Barn, near Canterbury, with lighting and quality sound to do them justice, and with space for all those who wish to come. In colder months and for smaller gigs, other venues may be used.
kentfolk_logo_sm3.gif
Littlebourne Barn Exterior

Fiddlers Various - 2016

The first Fiddlers Various event of 2016 is

2016-02-29 - Locust Honey String Band - USA - Appalachia

- Touring UK & Ireland 2016

8pm, Monday 29th February - at Rainham Oast House Community Centre - Granary Close, Rainham, Medway, ME8 7SG; MAP
next to Rainham railway station . A venue for regular Old Time Sessions.

www.facebook.com/theoasthousecommunitycentre/
Facebook Event
Book Tickets here :
Web booking closed, please pay on door - plenty of tickets still left.

We first saw Locust Honey when we were in Dahlonega, North Georgia, on a trip into the Appalachians - were blown away. Some great music from these lasses .
As Locust Honey, Chloe Edmonstone and Meredith Watson bring their experience in Old-Time, Bluegrass, and Pre-War Blues to both their original material and the traditional songs and tunes of the American Southeast. With a rotating instrumentation of fiddles, open-back and resonator banjos, acoustic and resonator guitars, they set an emphasis on lively arrangements that showcase their signature vintage vocal harmonies. Joined by John Miller, (The Fox Hunt, The Hackensaw Boys,) on upright bass, they have been touring the US, UK and Ireland since 2012.
Tickets now available for
Locust Honey String Band - USA - Appalachia
from www.WeGotTickets.com

Locust Honey

Locust Honey


Fiddlers Various - 2014

Well 2014 is proving to be a bumper year for KentFolk
- The fourth Fiddlers Various event of 2014 is

2014-09-23 - Whitetop Mountaineers Band - Appalachia

8pm, Tuesday 23th September - at The Anchor Inn, Wingham, CT3 1BJ - Facebook Event

Martha Spencer (fiddle, banjo, lead/harmony vocals) and Jackson Cunningham (mandolin, guitar, lead/harmony vocals) have visited us before, but this time it is the family coming over, and they are joined by Thornton Spencer (fiddle), Emily Spencer (banjo, guitar, lead/harmony vocals), Debbie Bramer (bass, dance) and Ersel Fletcher (guitar, vocals).
From the highest mountains in Virginia, they feature old time country duet singing, up-tempo old time fiddle, clawhammer banjo, bluegrass mandolin and guitar instrumentals as well as high energy Appalachian dancing.

Whitetop Mountaineers


2014-06-19 - Monkey Puzzle, with Laura Targett - Aus

8pm, Thursday 19th June - In the Bar at The Anchor Inn, Wingham, CT3 1BJ

Fiddle lead, Kentish lass Laura Targett, now resident in Australia and very well known on the Aus scene.
Irish, Balkan gypsy, ethnic, .. www.lauratargett.com/ https://www.facebook.com/LauraTargettMusic
Peter Gazey on guitar, now I am pleased to say playing regularly with a number of heavyweights including the Tim Edey Collective Band. www.facebook.com/peter.gazey
Lucy Randall, on percussion and particularly Bodhran, (an internationally known tutor), plays regularly with Tim Edey Collective Band, Brendan Power, and also now the excellent Kentish group Arlet. www.bodojo.com/forums/topic/lucy-randall-goatwhackers-guide-2006-review/

Laura Targett Laura Targett

"Free" gig in the bar (money in the jug). Excellent music pub. Supported by landlords Michelle and Kevin Abbott.

Laura is also offering a fiddle workshop and lessons, Are you interested ? Any particular genres ? Irish, Balkan gypsy, ethnic ? Any particular days ? Would the day of the 19th work for you ? or Sat 21st ? Contact Beau_at_KentFolk_dot_com

2014-05-14 - Tumbling Bones - USA

8pm, Wednesday 14th May - In the Bar at The Anchor Inn, Wingham, CT3 1BJ

Tumbling Bones are young men inspired by old music. They play a mix of original compositions and traditional material drawing on bluegrass, pre-war folk, and a bit of contemporary rock 'n' roll. A "free" gig - money in the jug -in the downstairs bar.

Tumbling Bones

2014-04-10 - Rachel Eddy - Appalachia, Sweden

Thursday 10th April - In the Bar at The Anchor Inn, Wingham, CT3 1BJ

Appalachian & Old-Time : Banjo, Fiddle & Guitar from the excellent Rachel Eddy, in Kevin Abbott's great music pub, The Anchor Inn, Wingham, Kent.
This a free gig (money in the jug for Rachel, please), in the Anchor Bar.
Originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, Rachel now lives in Sweden. racheleddymusic.com/
I last put Rachel Eddy on in 2011 (with Allison Williams) - see 2011-06-17- Raleigh & Spencer - Allison Williams & Rachel Eddy -

A KentFolk Fiddlers Various event, - KentFolk supports quality live music in the County of Kent, UK.

Rachel Eddy


Fiddlers Various - 2013

2013-09-20 - Monkey Puzzle
Laura Targett - Australia, plus Peter Gazey and Lucy Randall.

Monkey Puzzle with Laura Targett on fiddle, Peter Gazey on guitar, Lucy Randall on percussion.

Anchor Inn, Wingham, CT3 1BJ.

NOT Friday 20th September, 2013 :

Laura Targett : dear people, I am so sorry but won't be making it over this time after all.... next April will be over for a few weeks and will play as much as I get the opportunity for! So sorry to disappoint. xxx (hopefully now in October).

The weekend of music in the Anchor will be still going ahead.


2013-04-26 - Al Scorch & his band - Chicago

- Fiddle, Banjo, Double Bass ....
Now with support from Gentlemen of Few.
Friday 26th April - Note new start time of 7pm. Upstairs at Anchor Inn, Wingham, CT3 1BJ
£6.60 Book Tickets (£8.00 on door)

As a student of musical history, Al Scorch appreciates tradition, but he is not bound by it. "Sitting in on an old time session, the musicianship is incredible, but it's almost like there's no mystery to it. I don't want to know, that's what gives me chills and makes the eyes well up - It sounds like an Irish ghost on a gypsy pirate ship drinking beer with a cowboy - what the hell is it? Where is it coming from?"

owlsworld-roster.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/al-scorch-his-band.html

Al Scorch + Band

A KentFolk Fiddlers Various event, in conjunction with :
Owlsworld - Purveyors of Fine Quality Entertainment,
and
Smugglers Records - Built on a love of music and community, adventure and memories; for those involved with it Smugglers Records is more than just a label, it's a way of life.


Fiddlers Various - 2012

2ish - Toronto

On Tour from Canada :
the instrumental collaboration between the two virtuosic musicians:
Saskia Tomkins: nyckelharpa, viola and violin.
Brandon Scott Besharah: acoustic fingerstyle guitar, saxophone, clarinet and banjo.

Saturday 13th October, 2012. Doors 7:30pm for 8pm at

The Plough & Harrow
(Upstairs Function Room)
86 High Street,
Bridge, nr. Canterbury,
Kent, CT4 5LA,

2ish at the Plough & Harrow, Bridge
Saskia Tomkins & Brandon Scott Besharah

Again thanks to all those that came and made it a sold-out event !
2012-10-13 - 2'ish - Saskia Tomkins & Brandon Scott Besharah - Plough & Harrow, Bridge - Photo Report


2011

Fiddlers Various 2011

2011-03-29 - KentFolk Fiddlers Various - `Ish - Saskia Tomkins & Brandon Scott Besharah - Toronto

'Ish - an evening of music from Saskia Tomkins - violin, viola, nyckelharpa (Kentish fiddle lass, particularly known for her gypsy-jazz / Eastern European fiddle, also recent Fleadh winner, but this seems to have a contemporary slant) and Brandon Scott Besharah - acoustic guitar, banjo, saxophone.
Saskia comments : "Yes Beau, all of the above influence the new thing - sometimes, it's hard to box music, hence the 'Ish!"
Saskia now lives in Canada, so these are now rare opportunities. In case you are wondering, Steafan is looking after the kids ...

Tuesday 29th March, 2011.
Doors 8pm for 8:30pm at

The Plough & Harrow
(Upstairs Function Room)
86 High Street,
Bridge, nr. Canterbury,
Kent, CT4 5LA,

Lynda Borley
" 'Ish' at Bridge..
Thank you for a wonderful evening...the music and entertainment was unsurpassed, the venue worked very well, the whole company was like being with a bunch of friends in the living room while two other friends jammed happily for us! Oh and the beer was good too! Well done. "

Well thanks to all those that came and made it a completely sold-out event !
2011-03-29 - Saskia Tomkins & Brandon Scott Besharah - Plough & Harrow, Bridge - Photo Report
For video of the 'Ish Ramsgate gig, see :
2011-03-26 - Saskia Tomkins & Brandon Scott Besharah - Ramsgate - Video Selections

`Ish - Saskia Tomkins & Brandon Scott Behara
`Ish Performance Poster
Saskia Tomkins, Fiddlers Various 2005
Saskia Tomkins, Fiddlers Various 2005.


2011-06-17 - KentFolk Fiddlers Various

Allison Williams with Rachel Eddy - Appalachia & Sweden

Allison Williams - Old Time music, Claw Hammer Banjo, vocals - played the London Barbican a couple of years ago : www.youtube.com/allisonwilliamsmusic
KentFolk had Allison Williams at Grove Ferry last year, with Chance McCoy on Fiddle (both from Tennessee) :
www.kentfolk.com/gig_reports/2010/2010-05-22_AllisonWilliams+ChanceMcCoy_GroveFerry_Kent/

This year Allison Williams is with Rachel Eddy, "a fantastic West Virginia fiddler/multi-instrumentalist"
www.myspace.com/banjorachel

Do please book your tickets in advance, there is limited space and we completely sold out at the first gig at the Plough & Harrow :
£8.00 Book (£10.00 on door).

Fri 17th June : Appalachian Concert : Allison Williams & Rachel Eddy - 8pm fo 8:30pm, Plough & Harrow, 86 High Street, Bridge, CT4 5LA
Sat 18th June : Afternoon workshops ( 4'ish ) - in Littlebourne Thatched Barn, CT3 1TU
Sat 18th June : Americana jam session / dance after the workshops - 5'ish / 7:30pm, in Littlebourne Thatched Barn, CT3 1TU :

There will be a fiddle workshop (Rachel Eddy) simultaneously with a banjo workshop (Allison Williams) - if you are interested in another instrument, then Allison says : ": let's have a fiddle workshop and banjo workshop, separately but at the same hour. Rachel & I will teach the same tune or tunes to both our workshops, then, we can all come together with anyone who wants to learn some guitar, etc, and play together. afterwards, if there are enough folks, we can have a little dance. We could also add a separate harmony singing workshop, if enough folks want it."

There will be an Americana jam to follow the workshops, in the wonderful Littlebourne Thatched Barn, About 7:30/8pm. There will also be some American Square Dancing, with an introduction from caller Allison.

£20 apiece for the fiddle/banjo workshops. The folks who want to come to the jam and/or dance - donation/pass the hat basis.
Bring food and drink.
Should be a great evening. Ending 10:30 'ish.

Contact me about workshops and dance : beau@kentfolk.com .

Allison Williams & Rachel Eddy
Allison Williams & Rachel Eddy

Concert :
Friday June 17th, 2011:

Doors 8pm for 8:30pm at

The Plough & Harrow
(Upstairs Function Room)
86 High Street,
Bridge, nr. Canterbury,
Kent, CT4 5LA,

Map & Directions :
Plough & Harrow : Directions

Appalachian Workshops / Americana Jam Session / American Square Dance :
Saturday June 18th, 2011:

Littlebourne Barn,
Church Rd.,
Littlebourne, nr. Canterbury,
Kent, CT3 1TU.

Map & Directions :
Littlebourne Barn : Directions

Littlebourne Barn Exterior
Littlebourne Barn


The third Fiddlers Various event of 2011 is

2011-09-18 - Whitetop Mountaineers - Appalachia

Martha Spencer (fiddle) and Jackson Cunningham, visiting us from the highest mountains in Virginia. The Whitetop Mountaineers is made up of the young duo, Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham. They both live in Whitetop, VA, at the highest mountains in Virginia. They feature old time country duet singing, up-tempo old time fiddle, clawhammer banjo, bluegrass mandolin and guitar instrumentals as well as high energy Appalachian dancing.

Sunday 18th September, 2011. Doors 8pm for 8:30pm at

The Plough & Harrow
(Upstairs Function Room)
86 High Street,
Bridge, nr. Canterbury,
Kent, CT4 5LA,

Whitetop Mountaineers
Martha Spencer & Jackson Cunningham


2010

2010 was Bluegrass & Old-Time year

These were mostly fiddle led - there were 6 events :

  1. 2010-02-19 - KentFolk Bluegrass - The Biggin Hillbillies - Photo Report & Review
  2. 2010-04-16 - KentFolk Bluegrass - A Band Like Alice - Photo Report & Video
  3. 2010-05-22 - KentFolk Old Time - Allison Williams & Chance McCoy - Photo Report & Video
  4. 2010-06-18 - KentFolk Bluegrass - Grassroots - Photo Report & Video
  5. 2010-06-18 - KentFolk Bluegrass - The Water Tower Bucket Boys - GroveFerry - Photo Report & Video
  6. 2010-10-15 - KentFolk Bluegrass, Blues & Americana - Chris Haigh & Paul Kerr

See also Bluegrass page


2010-05-22 - Allison Williams & Chance McCoy - I'm Leaving Cheyenne - P1080737


2009

2009-09-12 to 13
Fiddlers Various 2009 - Tommy Peoples tour - Photo-report (31 photos)

South East of England, 2009 :

Friday 11th September 2009 : London Irish Center, Camden - Tommy Peoples - fiddle concert - 7.30pm - £10
Saturday 12th September 2009 : The Lewes Saturday Folk Club, Lewes, Sussex - Tommy Peoples - all day fiddle workshop - £40 SOLD OUT
Saturday 12th September 2009 : The Lewes Saturday Folk Club, Lewes, Sussex - Tommy Peoples - fiddle recital during folk evening - £9
Sunday 13th Septmnber 2009 : Littlebourne Thatched Barn, Kent - Tommy Peoples - afternoon fiddle workshop- 2pm - £25
Sunday 13th September 2009 : Littlebourne Thatched Barn, Kent - Tommy Peoples - fiddle concert- 7.30 for 8pm - £15

Note: The Lewes Saturday Folk Club was formerly the Lewes Arms Folk Club.
Their new web site is www.lewessaturdayfolkclub.org/ .
Now at : Elephant & Castle, White Hill, Lewes BN7 2DJ www.elephantandcastlelewes.co.uk

Download Poster

Fiddlers Various Logo 2009


2008

2008-05-25
Dindon Sauvage Spring Cajun Dance - Photo-report (22 photos)

Littlebourne Barn, 2008.

2pm Sunday 25th May, 2008 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - Dindon Sauvage - Spring Cajun Dance
Fiddler Yves Langlois paid us a visit from France to give us, with Chris Taylor, some more of their excellent Cajun music.
2008-05-25 Dindon Sauvage Spring Cajun dance Littlebourne barn poster

2008-06
Laura Targett

Laura Targett + Chris Taylor - Barnaby Rudge, Broadstairs, 2008-06-16.Photo-report (31 photos)

Laura Targett (Monkey Puzzle) - Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs, 2008-06-21.

Laura Targett + Greg Sheehan (percussion), multi-instrumentalist Tim Edey and Brendan Powers (harmonica) - Steiner School, Canterbury, 2008-06-25.

In 2008 Kentish fiddler Laura Targett came back to Kent on a flying visit from the fiddle circuit in Australia. KentFolk tried to build a Summer fiddle gig in Littlebourne Barn, but ended with setting-up some pub gigs with Laura, in the Wrotham Arms and the Barnaby Rudge. Laura also had a gig in the excellent Steiner School concert hall.
Laura Targett back from Australia, on one of her rare visits.	<br> Now fiddling at virtuoso level ....


2007

2007-06-06 to 11
Fiddlers Various 2007 - Tommy Peoples tour - Photo-report (35 photos)

South East of England, 2007 :

(Wednesday 6th June 2007 : Newport in Wales - Tommy Peoples - fiddle concert)
Friday 8th June 2007 : London Irish Centre in Camden - Tommy Peoples - fiddle concert
Saturday 9th June 2007 : The Lewes Arms, Lewes, Sussex - Tommy Peoples - all day fiddle workshop
Saturday 9th June 2007 : The Lewes Arms, Lewes, Sussex - Tommy Peoples - fiddle recital during folk evening
Sunday 10th June 2007 : Littlebourne Thatched Barn, Kent - Tommy Peoples - afternoon fiddle workshop
Sunday 10th June 2007 : Littlebourne Thatched Barn, Kent - Tommy Peoples - fiddle concert
Monday 11th June 2007 : The Barge, Gillingham, Kent - Tommy Peoples - fiddle recital
Fiddlers Various Logo 2007

KIF_3058_Tommy-Peoples_giants_audience_Littlebourne-barn_cr_br_sh_web.jpg
KIF_3058 Tommy Peoples, Littlebourne river giants + audience in Littlebourne thatched barn.

KIF_3074_Tommy-Peoples_Littlebourne-Barn_cr_en_sh_web.jpg
KIF_3074 Tommy Peoples Littlebourne Barn.

There is also a review of these events with Tommy Peoples on Folk & Roots :
www.folkandroots.co.uk/ReviewsTp.html

2007-04-01 to 02
Saskia Tomkins + Steafan Hannigan - Photo Report (9 photos)

Littlebourne & Faversham, 2007.

Sunday 1st April, 2007 : Workshops: Fiddle, Pipes, Flute, Whistle & Bodhran - Saskia Tomkins and Steáfán Hannigan
Sunday 1st April, 2007 : Celtic Session with Saskia Tomkins and Steáfán Hannigan
Monday 2nd April, 2007 : Concert: Saskia Tomkins and Steáfán Hannigan
Saskia & Steafan - Littlebourne 2007 - Poster


2005

2005-09-24
Littlebourne Barn Autumn Dance

Littlebourne Barn 2005.

Saturday 24th September, 2005 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - Longstone and Camine - Autumn Barn Dance
2005-09-24 Littlebourne Barn Autumn Dance poster

2005-10-16
Fiddling Around the World 2005

Kingston - Canterbury Festival, 2005.

Sunday 16th October, 2005 : Kingston Barn, Kingston - Chris Haigh - Fiddling Around the World - Afternoon Illustrated Talk
Sunday 16th October, 2005 : Kingston Barn, Kingston - Chris Haigh - Fiddling Around the World - Evening Concert
Fiddling Around the World

2005-06-03 to 06
Fiddlers Various 2005 - Photo Report (56 photos)

Littlebourne & Wingham, 2005.

Friday 3rd June, 2005 : King William IV, Littlebourne - Saskia Tomkins and Steáfán Hannigan.
Sunday 5th June, 2005 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - Ben Paley - Morning Fiddle Workshop
Sunday 5th June, 2005 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - Saskia Tomkins - Afternoon Fiddle Workshop
Sunday 5th June, 2005 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - 7 Fiddlers - Fiddlers Various Showcase
Monday 6th June, 2005 : Red Lion, Wingham - Laura Targett - (Monkey Puzzle).
Fiddlers Various Logo 2005

2005-05-07
Wild Turkey Spring Cajun Dance

Littlebourne Barn 2005.

Saturday 7th May, 2005 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - Wild Turkey - Spring Cajun Dance
2005-05-07 Wild Turkey Spring Cajun dance Littlebourne barn poster


2004

2004-07-26
Laura Targett - (Monkey-Puzzle) + Tim Edey

King William IV, Littlebourne 2004.

Monday 26th July, 2004 : King William IV, Littlebourne - Laura Targett - "Flying visit" gig.
2004-07-26_Laura-Targett_Monkey-Puzzle_King-WilliamIV_Littlebourne

2004-05-08
Cajunologie Spring Cajun Dance

Littlebourne Barn 2004.

Saturday 8th May, 2004 : Thatched Barn, Littlebourne - Cajunologie - Spring Cajun Dance
2004-05-08_Cajunologie Spring Cajun dance Littlebourne barn poster


2000

2000-11-26
Laura Targett - (Monkey-Puzzle) + Tim Edey - Photo Report (23 photos)

Evenhill, Littlebourne 2000.

Sunday 26th November, 2000 : Evenhill, Littlebourne - Laura Targett - "see you soon" gig.
2000_11_26: Laura Targett's 'see you soon' gig.


KentFolk Music web page

www.kentfolk.com