Folk in fine form at music night
May 15th, 2012There is certainly a lot of talent among us here at St Francis’ Church. The latest of our social events was a folk music night on Saturday, May 12, at which a number of regulars took part with the addition of some invited guests.
The musicians at the folk music night. Pictures by Mike Ellis.
Music was sung and played by a house band comprising David Rose, Jyl Wheeler and Brian Walter from the church, with addition musicians from David’s own band, Sammy Rat and the Resonators.
Their music covered a wide field, from tradtional songs from around the British Isles and the USA to those by Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and on to songs by today’s musicians who are inspired by folk music.
Additionally, Catherine Hall gave beautiful renditions of two traditional folk songs, Peter Turner gave us another of his much-loved monologues, and Penny Smith read an apt poem called Sat Nav.
Brian and Jyl also gave readings. The Murrells grandson William also took part, singing a song from the musical Hairspray.
Bryony Rose joined the band to play guitar and sing Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, and Jackie Drake-Smith came on stage to sing Simon and Garfunkel’s The Boxer as a duet with David.
Our very special guest was Matthew Alexander, former curator of Guildford Museum, who not only sang a traditional folk song that had everyone joining in with the chorus, but performed his special one-man mummers’ play – a traditional drama usually performed around Christmas time.
He finished it off with a morris dance (playing the tune on a harmonica as he danced). The band then drew the evening to a close with the traditional song All Around My Hat.
The evening raised nearly £200 for church funds. Thanks also to our excellent in-house caterers and all those who helped in one way or another on the night.
Others who contributed songs, readings and so on during the evening.
