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An Evening With Anthony John Clarke
What a fabulous evening’s entertainment we were treated to last Thursday, courtesy of the amazing Anthony John Clarke.
Accompanied by his lovely wife Julia, on piano, he performed a string of his home-spun songs, many of which were autobiographical, some tongue-in-cheek, but all designed to raise a smile.
And the Ruthin AllStyles audience needed very little encouragement to join in on the choruses.
It wouldn’t have been an Anthony John gig without “Tuesday Night is Always Karaoke”, and we were not disappointed.
A prompt start, enabled us to begin with a round of floor spots from a dozen or so of our regulars, making for well rounded evening of music and mirth.
Another Busy Singers’ Night
Wow! Seventeen performers again this week – and we just managed to get everybody on with two songs each, thanks to making a 7.45 start.
Please arrive early to register for a floor spot. We always strive to give every performer two songs but if we look like running out of time, we may have to limit one or two of the later arrivals to one song.
Another good reason to arrive early (from 7.00 pm onwards) is to have some time for a chat and catch-up.
We’ve had a few complaints over the past couple of weeks about people talking during the actual performances. A few words during the change-over is okay but when someone is singing, even a whispered conversation can spoil the enjoyment for those nearby. We want you all to enjoy the music, but if you do need to have a discussion, please do so out in the bar.
Thanks, everybody. See you Thursday,
July 27th Singers’ Night
Oli Bradley Hughes and Anna
What a wonderful evening; 17 performers, including one “new face” and a couple we’d not seen in a while.
Join us this Thursday at The Feathers. Doors 7.15pm, music starts at 7.45pm. Come early to register for a floor spot.
Steve Jukes-Hughes
July 20th Singers’ Night
Ruthin AllStyles Music Club
A rare but very welcome visitor from Chester, Mr Will Riding (left) turned up for a floor spot last week, joining a dozen regulars for another incredible evening of music at The Feathers.
Also pictured here is club veteran, Tom Degney, putting the dobro through its paces.
Looking Forward to our Singers’ Night this Thursday (20th July)
Well, along with several Club members, we had a splendid weekend on Anglesey, attending the ninth annual Folk on the Farm Festival, despite a rather damp Saturday. We enjoyed music from the likes of Edwina Hayes, Merry Hell, Wet the Tea, John Williams, Will Riding, and headliners Henry & Les with guests Jimmy and Sarah Lou, all of whom have appeared at Ruthin AllStyles.
As for our members, Penni Neale, Neil Martin and his band, Glyn Hudson and some bloke called Chris Birchall, all smashed it on the various stages at this fabulous festival.
And besides all the performers it was great to catch up with so many friends. One lady even came over to say hello. We’d never met, but she recognised Jayne and me from the Online Lockdown Shows.
There will be No Music Night on July 13th
So, those we don’t bump into at Folk on the Farm, we look forward to seeing you back at The Feathers the following Thursday (July 20th).
Meanwhile here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks…
22nd June – Another Cracker of a Singers’ Night
Well, the Thursdays seem to be coming around quicker than ever. It must be something to do with time flying when you’re having fun, and that’s exactly how we could describe our regular Singers’ Nights because they are always full of music and mirth.
New and Familiar Faces
Last Thursday was no exception, for as well as our core regulars, we had two new faces and the return of a familiar one.
Every year, Ron McSweeny (pictured left) travels up from Nottingham for a holiday in North Wales, staying with club member Harry Robertson and his wife Mari.
Harry always brings him along to join us at The Feathers, where he entertains us with a couple of floor spots.
The new faces belonged to the Nannerch duo Rob and Sue. Their songs were very well received, as we knew they would be, having seen them perform a few times at the Rhyl Folk & Acoustic Club in Llanddulas.
Coming up
So, what have we got to look forward to? Well, very much more of the same really. Our Singers’ Nights are going from strength to strength. Remember when Frank Hives and An Croenen entertained us just over 12 months ago? Well, a little bird tells me they may well be turning up for a floor spot this week and might even be bringing another couple of musicians along too.
June 15th Singers’ Night
It is so nice to see the function room at The Feathers once again filled with familiar faces and beginning to feel like it did pre-lockdown. In fact, we were hard-pressed to fit everybody in, with a total of 19 performers vying for a floor spot, creating heartwarming moments that reminded us why we love this club so much.
Among the participants, one new face stood out, belonging to Martin Pleass, an incredible Celtic Harp Guitar player. Martin teamed up with fellow Wirralite (yes, I just made that word up!) John Williams, and together, they created magic on stage as a dynamic and mesmerizing duo. Their performance left everyone in awe and set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
John had been away for a while due to ankle surgery. It was good to see him back at the microphone, serenading us with his soulful voice and enchanting cello mandolin strumming. We couldn’t be happier to see him back where he belongs.
In fact. our club is a community of resilient souls. Geoff Durno, who had been under the weather, bounced back stronger than ever, reminding us that music has the power to heal.
The evening was made even more special with the return of some cherished regulars. We were treated to the delightful melodies of Lizzy Pegler, whose powerful performance transported us to another world. Richard and Wendy, who spend their Thursdays rehearsing with the Harmony Singers for their charity concerts in Llandudno, took the stage with infectious enthusiasm. Their dedication to both music and good causes inspired us all.
And let’s not forget Alan Thompson, whose original songs captivated us for the second week in a row. His talent and creativity shone brightly, lighting up the room with each strum of his guitar.
The Heart and Soul of Our Club
Our regulars, the backbone of the Ruthin AllStyles Music Club, made the evening complete. Cath & Pete, Lynda & Tom, Glyn, Richard, Joe, Robin, Steve, Penni, and Neil all brought their unique styles and contributions to the stage, filling the room with laughter, applause, and pure joy. They are the heartbeat of our club, and we’re grateful for their unwavering support.
Come and join us again this Thursday, on this incredible musical journey. Let’s keep the rhythm alive and let the music unite us all!
Igloo Hearts Showcase
Well, that was another corker of an evening. The main event, of course, was a superb showcase by Katie and James, aka Igloo Hearts.
However, we also managed to squeeze in no fewer than twelve floor spots, including some Egyptian vibes from Yasmin, from Wrexham, who was visiting the club for the first time.
After the floor spots, we all settled back to enjoy an hour of beautiful sounds courtesy of our showcase guests Katie and James. Listening to their lovely mix of original songs and covers, it is hard to believe they have only been performing together for a couple of years or so. In fact, one of their first performances as a duo was on one of our online lockdown shows.
Their music and harmonies left us all spellbound, and the shouts of “more” saw them closing their set with a fine Radio Head classic.
For the final segment of the evening, the Random Generator delivered some extra songs from Peter Leslie, Tom Degney and the Jackson Williams duo, Skeet and Debs. and what turned out to be a “see-ya-later” spot from Canada Phil before heading off across the Atlantic for three months.
Next Thursday – a little bird tells me that the Wizard from the Wirral, John Williams, will be back behind the microphone following an enforced sabbatical whilst recovering from surgery.
