Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Off to a rousing start with the man who, as Sheena Wellington put it, makes an accordion sound like a musical instrument (well, nearly!). Sandy will be playing with Colin MacFarlane (guitar), Jim Walker (drums) and Greg Borland (bass), and they’ll just be back from Dubai in the Middle East, where they’re playing at Hogmanay. More about Sandy on his website at http://www.squeeze.demon.co.uk

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Now here’s one not to be missed at all costs: Shetland’s fiddle ace Aly Bain teams up with Norwegian multi-instrumentalist (mandola, cow’s horn, willow flute, harmonica, whistles) Ale Möller. Their new CD ‘Fully Rigged’ has received rave reviews: “myriad unexpected alignments of texture and the snugly sympathetic duo synergy lend…scope, depth and charm to an immediately rewarding album.” (Sue Wilson, Sunday Herald). Come and hear for yourself! http://www.whirlierecords.co.uk

Great night - Read the Evening News review

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

A foursome to follow, with the great voice of Mick West, and known for their superb live performances. his present band features Wendy Wetherby(cello), Frank MacLaughlin(guitar) and Stevie Lawerence

“definitely one of the hits of the last couple of years.” (Living Tradition)

Admission £5; Concession £4; Members £4

Not the full pomp and ceremony, but a merry get-together, including haggis, tatties & neeps, of course, and a dram! And a sing-around led by the wonderful Margaret Bennett. Tickets will be available during the previous three club nights, and at the above address.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Right, Karine Polwart, Gill Bowman and Jez Lowe are only three of the weel-kent singers from our shores who have recently sung the praises (and the songs) of Canadian singer-songwriter James Keelaghan. He will be accompanied by ace Canadian fiddler Oliver Schroer, who has produced James' most recent albums. A first-time visit to these parts, so be there (or you’ll regret it forever and a day!).

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Keep It Up launch their latest CD. . Simon Thoumire on Concertina & Lowland Pipes, Eilidh Shaw on Fiddle & Vocals, Malcome Stitt on Highland Pipes and Bouzouki and Kevin MacKenzie on Guitar. Collectively this Supergroup play Scots traditional music with style and a sensitivity not always associated with celtic music. Simon’s féis class will provide support – a footstompin’ night out is guaranteed

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Two mighty voices harmonising on muckle ballads and plenty of comic relief when the body count threatens to get too high.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Guitar wizzard McMonster in the company of bass player Ewan Vernal(Capercaillie) and Guy Nicolson(Salsa Celtica) on tablas who are featured on his new CD (launched a few days earlier in Glasgow). Tony has a great website at http://www.tonymcmanus.com/

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Bag o' Cats - Original and traditional music for Border pipes, Scottish Small pipes, whistle, cittern, manditar, clarinet, bass clarinet, 2 soprano saxes, recorders, double bass and more percussion than you can shake a stick at.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

It’s a long time since the ‘Dobroudja Nightingale’ was a guest at Edinburgh Folk Club (in the Café Royal days). Formerly the first soloist with ‘Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares’, “Vulcheva carries the drama, passion and sadness of her region in her quivering, tender voice.” (Revolutions). She is accompanied by her husband, former "Whippersnapper", "Dando" "Shaft" and "Hedgehog Pie" multi-instrumentalist Martin Jenkins (vocal, mandocello, mandolin, fiddle, flute). A very special evening of outstanding music to savour!

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Widely travelled, gravel-voiced Edinburgh bluesman Tam White, accompanied by Edinburgh's finest blues guitarist Jim Condie.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Up and coming trio of Anna Wendy Stevenson (fiddle), Nuala Kennedy (flute) and Kris Drever (song & guitar). The name derives from the many fine Friday sessions they have taken part in at Sandy Bells. They will, if all goes according to plan, have their first CD to present at the Pleasance.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Recognized as one of the finest American traditional ballad singers, the front man of "Cordelia's Dad" Tim Eriksen's eponymous totally solo album on Appleseed Records was one of the best release's last year. Accompanying himself on guitar, fiddle and banjo Tim Eriksen's grasp of the idiom of the American tradition sets a standard that very few will match. Find more about him on his wonderfully named website www.eyelovemusic.com

Evening News Review

"The watchword is Passion. And he does not lose sight of the fact that all this constitutes having a good time." - Martin Carthy>

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

One of scotland's finest traditional singers teamed up with one of our finest fiddlers promises a night not to be missed. Posessor of one of the best voices on the scene, member of "the Easy Club", "Ceolbeg" and "Jock Tamson's Bairns", Rod Patersons interpretion of Burns and traditional ballads is truly matchless. While Pete Clarke is recognised as a great accompanist and interpreter of the music of Neil Gow.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Another visit by a renowned singer and superb guitarist from across the water. John McCormick is a fingerstyle guitarist and singer who offers traditional and contemporary music along with original compositions. He has mastered the intricate styles of the Celtic, American and British Isles folk traditions while developing a rich, resonant and wonderfully expressive voice. Originally from Indiana, he has long since made San Francisco his base. A long overdue return to Edinburgh Folk Club!

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Jimmy Crowley Uncorked - Jimmy Crowley is an Irish traditional folk singer and musician from fair Cork City in the Republic of Ireland. No-one sounds like Jimmy, and few can match him for the humour, joy, tenderness and sheer storytelling craft which he brings to his repertoire of songs.

Christy Moore says:
"Jimmy and I have been on the one road for many's the mile and my journey is always shortened when I meet him."

Rob Adams, folk critic of The Herald, says:
"A troubadour in the grand tradition of Christy Moore and Andy Irvine. "

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

What could me more appropriate for Mayday than Leon Rosselson's "wry, poignant and political songs that are as intelligent as they are entertaining" (Time Out)? The man who wrote "The World Turned Upside Down", "Don"t Get Married, Girls", "Who Reaps the Profits? Who Pays the Price?" and our chairman Paddy's favourite!! "Wo Sind die Elefanfen?" will guarantee an unforgettable night at the Club!

Tickets for the Flook and Bert Jansch gigs will be available at this event

Admission £8; Concession £6; Members £5

Tickets for this gig will be available in advance to anyone who attends the gigs on April 24th and May 1st

Now, that's a bit of a coup for the Club. The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking band Flook. This group possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. And all that in our nice, intimate venue!

"Never have I seen so many people so completely and utterly spellbound...the most magical of experiences." (The Irish Post)

Admission £8; Concession £6; Members £5

Tickets for this gig will be available in advance to anyone who attends the gigs on April 24th and May 1st

Isn"t it great to follow Flook with living legend Bert Jansch? Bert's ground-breaking virtuoso acoustic guitar playing, deeply affecting songwriting and dark, passionate voice have delighted audiences since the mid-sixties. Famously admired by the likes of Jimmy Page, Neil Young, and Nick Drake, more recently young luminaries such as Noel Gallagher, Jarvis Cocker, Bernard Butler and Johnny Marr have paid homage to this unassuming but hugely revered master.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

The legendary Irish button accordion master Joe Burke, expertly accompanied by his wife Anne Conroy-Burke, herself a wizzard on the box, but also a very sensitive guitar player. With their trademark charm and wit, Joe and Anne bring alive the music, stories and traditions of East Galway.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Combining mastery with mischief, tradition with modernity, and technical maturity with youthful freshness, Orkadian twins Jennifer (fiddle) and Hazel (guitar & piano) Wrigley bring their impeccable musicianship and inimitable humour to the Pleasance.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

"Vin Garbutt is the funniest and most serious man on the Folk Scene!" (Acorn Entertainments) His strong emotive singing voice, combined with his unique singing style, makes him instantly recognisable. So compelling is it that it is easy not to notice that he is a superb and, again, unique guitar player. His tin whistle playing is wondrous, he has a style that can only be Vin Garbutt. Throwing all this talent into a Concert, with his songs, can often have the audience in tears. This would be a total wrist slashing experience if it wasn't for his brilliant sense of humour!

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

The return of the ex-Battlefield frontman. For years, Alastair has travelled the world as an ambassador of folk music; with a new solo album under his belt, he"ll give us an evening of great ballads and poignant contemporary song!

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

The annual songfest at the Club. Up to 25 brand new songs, performed by up-and coming as well as established singer-songwriters. Going by the experience of the last few years, an entertaining night of rich diversity can be expected.
Click here for the full information.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Traditional music marked by vibrancy and virtuosity, Brian (melodeon and anglo-concertina) and Gordon (guitar and flute) sound more like a band when they combine their instrumental skills and vocal harmony. "They shake the shackles of the English tradition with a full-blooded acoustic attack, dynamism and robust delivery, bravado and gall, an edge rarely associated with English folk music." (Rock"n Reel) "Proof that British folk music can be modern, respectful of tradition, powerful and exciting." (Folk Roots). Quite simply Brian is one of my favourite English singers with the influence of the late Harry Boardman clearly apparent

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Young Scottish five-piece band ­ headliners at Orkney Folk Festival, with a mind-blowing blend of Scottish and Irish tunes, interspersed with the occasional song.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Ivan (guitar and vocals) and Duncan (fiddle) are both individually among the most accomplished musicians in Scotland. Together, two ex Wolfstone partners are one of the finest duos imaginable on the Scottish scene.

Read the "Evening News" review

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

One of the great discoveries in Scottish folk of the past few years. Their second album (with new line-up Karine Polwart, Steve Byrne, Mark Dunlop, John Bewes and Leo McCann) gives the band an even tighter sound and confirms their status as one of the most exciting new bands, rapidly gathering international accolades.

Read the "Evening News" review

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Piper and singer Allan McDonald and Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart presented a stunning show at the Reid Hall during the festival. And we're sure that those of you who were there will be delighted to hear more from that duo, and those who couldn't make it to the Reid will welcome the opportunity to catch up with them at the Pleasance.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

"Tommy Sands has achieved that difficult but wonderful balance between knowing and loving the traditions of his home and being concerned with the future of the whole world ...." Pete Seeger

Yes it's "freshers Week" again, when we get thrown out of The Pleasance and take the oportunity to hold our A.G.M. at 8pm downstairs in "The Royal Oak" in Infirmary Street.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

"One helluva guitar player" Bo Diddley
"Dazzling! Armed with a smokin' repertoire he breathes new life into acoustic blues" Guitarplayer Magazine
"Theessink makes the delta blues ring with renewed vibrancy. He alternates between an acoustic guitar and a National steel. On the latter, his deft slide work is particularly noteworthy, suggesting journeyman guitarist Ry Cooder. .,,, Theessink ... keeps the blues flame burning. He is indeed a worthy ambassador of this rich genre." The Music Paper, USA

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Winners of the Horizon award in the BBC Radio 2 folk awards in 2000.

"a class act which both sparkles and has substance" Living Tradition

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

The Bad Pennies are virtuosos on a dozen instruments, including guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, fiddles, and percussion. Jez Lowe's songwriting is striking in its powerful ability to comfortably cast contemporary issues in a rich vale of traditional sensibilities, creating a timeless song cycle delivered in his rich, northern English voice.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer - the West Country duo who have taken acoustic music to a new level

'England's leading acoustic duo' Q Magazine

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

For 30 years Allan Taylor has been considered as the consummate performer, a writer of literary gracefulness whose troubadour chronicles encapsulate the realism of otherwise unsung heroes, otherwise uncharted lives. His songs are faultlessly constructed and flawlessly performed, with his instantly recognisable voice, attractively dark and mellow, accompanied by his intricately detailed yet full-sounding guitar.

"Taylor is much more than just a performer who skilfully stitches tunes and words together. He manages to draw you into his own world, sometimes amusing you, at other times disturbing you. His gentle sense of humour wins you over as he regales you with anecdotes. Then, when your guard is down, he gives you a song that leaves you with a lump in your throat." - Edinburgh Evening News

Full info at www.carryingstream.org.uk.
Tickets available from Coda Music on the Mound

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman contemporary folk with a traditional twist. 'The acoustic approach works well in every respect - Kathryn's vocals are pure and clear, every inflection and expression is present, and the emotions in each song are wonderfully conveyed." (Fish Records)

"a class act which both sparkles and has substance" Living Tradition

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Folk, blues, ragtime and hillbilly

"sublime, sweet light tenor voice, fluent guitar runs and creative choice of chords - that rare combination of real sensitivity and brio." Living Tradition

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

One of the most influential fiddlers of his generation, Bruce Molsky is also a remarkable guitarist, banjoist and singer. His high-spirited music melds the archaic mountain sounds of Appalachia, the power of blues and the rhythmic intricacies of traditional African music. Darol Anger has dubbed him "The Rembrandt of Appalachian Fiddling." With all this, Bruce insists that music must be fun and engaging. Seeing him in concert proves how personal and powerful the musical message can be.

"old-time music's answer to Ry Cooder - a commanding musician with a voracious appetite for traditional music styles."Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Bruce Molsky grabs that trembling, unstoppable, skeletal groove of the Appalachians and cranks it to 999. If you want to travel up the flinty spine of American fiddle, Bruce is the guy to ride with. He'll leave you with all your internal organs aligned, and feet moving by themselves.

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Alastair McDonald is firmly established as Scotland's leading musical minstrel. Alastair`s programme is selected from a vast repertoire of traditional, contemporary & original material. Alastair has the rare ability of lifting a song directly from the written page and into the hearts and minds of the listening public. - A great entertainer

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

Alyth McCormack the voice at the leading edge of Gaelic song has joined forces with mistress of harmony Corrina Hewat and Mary Macmaster emotion-bearer of the Scottish tradition to form this fantastic new trio. Shine will uplift you with their challenging, breath-taking harmonies and rich rhythmic harps in beautiful arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs in Gaelic, Scots and English.

"Shine shone vocally, their twin electro harps used effectively but minimally in a set that entwined the voices in brave, original arrangements of songs from centuries-old Burns to recent Michael Marra." - Norman Chalmers, The List

Admission £6; Concession £5; Members £4

finally we end the year with Jock Tamson's Bairns, who were voted in our audience survey as the best act of 2001, Great songs and wonderful tunes from some of the most experienced musicians in Scotland and one of the few groups to stick to an entirely Scottish repetoire.

"Not a group that compromises - they play Scottish music the way it is.. the arrangements are very crafted, but there is also a lot of variety, a lot of fun and spark....a great band." Archie Fisher/Sue Wilson, BBC Radio Scotland