Red-Pages - Cambridge - June 2004 - Preview

Preview from www.red-pages.co.uk, 14th June 2004, issue 11. [Microsfot Word version of preview]

Cambridge Folk Club Celebrates 40 Years

...and you can join in!

“We probably wouldn't go for heavy metal or techno," explains Anne Ryan, the programme co-ordinator for the Cambridge Folk Club. Red Pages wants to know what's acceptable on the Unicorn inn stage ­– the club's current home – and what's not. Anne rethinks: "Actually, people have come along and included that sort of thing in their songs…"

Perhaps it's this open approach that has led to the Cambridge Folk Club reaching 40 years of age. During that time, the club has witnessed all sorts of music, a few famous people, plenty of acclaimed folk artists and an abundance of weddings. It's also had quite a few homes, including The Portland Arms, The Mitre, The Golden Hind and the Man on the Moon!

So, is the Unicorn inn another fleeting home for the club? Anne explains: "We're very happy here. A venue is at the whim of a landlord, and in the past this has caused us to move venues. At the moment, we have a very good landlord."

The new Entertainment (Licencing) Act looks set to come into effect towards the end of 2005, which may cause the club further concern. "I think we'll overcome it," Anne says pensively, "but it's going to be very difficult, especially because we're a voluntary club."

Red Pages is impressed that the club has survived as a voluntary entity throughout the decades, despite being at the mercy of landlords, law reform and a fickle public. It may have something to do with the long-standing membership of the club, with president, Joan Woollard, and her late husband Ken, both being involved over the years. Or perhaps it's the abnormally long list of marriages between members that keeps the club strong. Red Pages wonders if the folk club is the best-kept secret in the singles dating game.

And new blood is always welcome. Anne explains: "We could do with a couple of volunteers who would like to train as sound technicians. In general, we're always looking for more help". So if there are any budding (and single?) sound technicians out there, you might find your perfect match at the Cambridge Folk Club!

Joking aside, the club has reached its 40th birthday through the diligent work of these volunteers. To celebrate the milestone, the club - together with the Cambridge Crofters - is putting on a day of entertainment for the public to enjoy. Saturday, 26th June is the day to head down to the club for an eclectic mix of music and more. Expect some traditional English music, traditional Irish music and some original songwriters from a variety of musical backgrounds. Entrance is free, with the family-friendly daytime celebrations kicking off at 1pm and the evening celebrations starting at around 6.30pm.

Anne, who was first involved in the club as a punter back in 1992, has been involved in organising the day. Red Pages wanted to know what she loved most about the job: "I've seen the development of some musicians who started off as nervous beginners" declares Anne. Satisfying indeed.

Satisfying, but not as funny as some of the antics that the Cambridge Folk Club has either caused or witnessed over the years; such as smashed up bass guitars; drunken insults at special guests; chicken-leg-loving stars; and sweet-talking the constabulary. More dubious events include numerous fist-fights over girls, a few thefts, and the club moving into the a place of ill repute back in the Sixties - The Red Cow.

But it isn't the Sixties anymore and the club now hosts all sorts of music, from ambient jazz nights to alt-country bands. Anne explains: "We have a PA. We promote the club as acoustic but that isn't to say that someone can't come along with a computer and something pre-programmed." And before Red Pages can pull out a synthesiser, Anne adds with a laugh: "We're modern as well as ancient." At 40 years of age, we figure it's somewhere in between.

For more information and details of the upcoming gigs, visit www.cambridgefolkclub.org. For a full history of the club, visit www.cambridgefolkclub.com.