Salford Folk Fridays is an all new regular acoustic happening at the Kings Arms from 7th September and every first Friday of the month after that. It throws the net out to a wide range of creatives, performers and eccentrics, and promises to be a popular and top event for singer/songwriters, acoustic acts, poets or those just looking for a night out with a difference. Better still, it also takes place at the weekend...and it's free...
Salford boasts many great evenings that encourage all manner of local creatives to get involved and showcase or develop their talent. Salford Folk Fridays is the latest addition to an incredible roster of regular events that we have on our doorstep...
Salford Star award winner Evidently is a top evening for anyone with a passion for poetry; the Star Inn's Folk Night brings musician's from far and wide to try out some tunes; while the Deli Lama's Jazz Night is a beacon for beatniks. The one thing these gatherings have in common is their friendly, inclusive nature. Newcomers can mix with experienced circuit stalwarts whilst being given the time and space to develop their act.
This traditional Salfordian welcome is at the heartbeat of this new Kings Arms event. The men behind the venture are well known on the local circuit as members of the Mather Robinson Band. Not only do they play gigs and host open mics, they also present Salford Folk on Salford City Radio. Their passion for music is infectious and they're keen to help others get involved.
I spoke to Salford musician Pete Robinson about the layout of the event, and found that it's going to be a pretty relaxed affair without any rules... "We might start with a couple to get things going and then just pass it around" he said.
Some hosts have been known to be precious about the format of their evenings and insist on original material only, but Pete wants an open atmosphere..."Covers, originals, spoken word...as long as it's acoustic then great."
Having previously hosted a folk night at The White Swan in Swinton, they've already had a couple of musicians get in touch. The acoustic nights at The White Swan proved popular and they managed to get some name acts like The Houghton Weavers along to play. It's something that they may consider at the Kings Arms... "We might pass a bucket round for a bit of a war-chest to see if we get a paid act sometime".
It seems that the lads behind Salford Folk Fridays are laid-back and happy to let the event evolve naturally. Pete accepts that the only real limitation is space: being in a cosy room, "it might not be wise to get a folk five-piece down".
This monthly event is an ideal opportunity to take in some of the area's burgeoning talent. You can watch, take part or sing-along. It's an ideal opportunity to meet up with fellow performers, and it's on the first Friday of every month so expect tipsy troubadours and wonky wordsmiths, all in an encouraging and friendly environment.
Salford Folk Fridays
First Friday of every month starting 7th September
Doors open at 7pm for a 8pm start
Kings Arms (in the snug), 11 Bloom Street M3 6AN
For further details see the Kings Arms website ? click here or email
Mather-robinson@outlook.com
Words by Ian Leslie
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