Those folkies who believed the past is another country could never get along with those in the other half of the folk clubs who believed that tradition must be preserved at all costs by repelling all boarders (or borders).
It is obvious how much professionalism and organisation has been brought to the UK folk scene by EFE, and how they have created a productive and cost efficient environment, that enable artists to better focus on their artistic skills so that their song-writing and playing flourishes.
As one of the founding members of Dire Straits (with Mark Knopfler, his brother David and drummer Pick Withers) John played a major role in the development of the Dire Straits sound. When Dire Straits finished touring in 1993, John became involved in the art world. Having carved a reputation for himself as a painter, John had solo exhibitions in London, New York, Sydney, and across Europe. He also cofounded the children’s charity Life Education in 1987, which was recently integrated into Coram, one of the oldest UK charities. John also owns a pub, the East End Arms in the New Forest.
So, are you a keen reader? You must be if you have travelled down this far in this article, so perhaps you might like to write, record or film your own book review? Research a Forest book or author? Help run an event? (The organisation behind this site can show you how, and are creating their own online ‘how to’ guides).
In their strange, dotted costumes Los Diabletes are a rare spectacle. So don´t blink or you´ll miss them. These ´creatures´ create their mischief and are gone in a flash. So don´t blink or you´ll miss them
I would wager that this new book will have echoes of Cesar´s wisdom that will have us nodding our heads sagely, and exclaiming, ´Yes, that´s the way to do it´.
Taking this imaginary journey has led me along the back roads, by the rivers of my memory, with Rochdale ever gentle on my mind, and encouraged me to subscribe to the I Love Manchester (left) newsletter. The arts scene of Oldham, Rochdale, Bury and Bolton seems, in fact, healthier than when I left it, notwithstanding the sadness about the Oldham Coliseum. The area could have no stronger and has working champions Steve Cooke and all his cookies, producing so much positivity all across the arts from behind the scenes.
For the first half of the twentieth century mobsters and musicians enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership. By offering artists like Louis Armstrong, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, and Ella Fitzgerald a stage, the mob, including major players Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, and Charlie “Lucky” Luciano, provided opportunities that would not otherwise have existed.
Folds has also written scores for classic animated movies such as Hoodwinked! and Over the Hedge. The jack-of-all-trades in music has brought a refreshing sound to the world of singer/songwriters. It helps to know how to play the piano, bass and drums when making some of the best songs of the 21st century.
There is something mystical and magical and medieval about the streets of this town that was once the capital of the island, with its churches and convents and large houses and a castle dominating its horizon. Only a few years ago my wife, Dutton the Button, and I witnessed street gang fights, in the pitch black of night illuminated only by the lit clock at the top of the church tower
SIDETRACKS & DETOURS: 7 / 12 / 25 classical, jazz, folk, rock, americana; songwriters & invisible angels7th December 2025 - 7:00 am
SIDETRACKS & DETOURS Pass It On 2/11/2025 Jenny Bray, Nash and Asher, Opus 222nd November 2025 - 7:00 am
A LITTLE BUNDLE OF SUMMER. sidetracks & detours 3rd September 2025 featuring Jazz Artist, Jenny Bray. Broadcaster and writer, Steve Bewick, Expo Folk and Sound Roots3rd September 2025 - 7:00 am