Don’t just take our word for it that folk clubs are vital to the future of grassroots folk.

MARTIN SIMPSON

STEVE TILSTON

LUCY WARD

KRIS DREVER

“For me nothing currently replaces a great live gig, either as a player or listener. I can get a lot from listening to recorded music but I’ve never said, “Wow, I still remember that night when I sat in with a bottle of red and felt the magic of whoever.’ Sure, it can be good, but it’s just not the same experience that the atmosphere and buzz a great night of live music produces. If I leave a venue with a smile on my face, that feeling can last for a couple of days. It’s addictive too and makes you want to repeat the experience. It’s one reason why artists go on performing and live music fans keep on going. I guess this is what Folk21 is all about. Maintaining clubs that give both performers and punters a place to share a unique moment. And it can be unique. It’s not easy promoting. It’s tough running a venue and sometimes it’s frustrating for performers and organisers alike. I’ve travelled through every kind of difficulty to make a gig but when it works everyone realises why we do it.” – MARTIN FITZGIBBON (Jigantics)