Tom McConville, Lewes Saturday Folk Club

About

Award-winning fiddle player and singer Tom McConville is internationally renowned for his fiery, heart-stopping performances.

Winner of the BBC Folk Musician of the Year in 2009, he is truly the most original fiddle player in the UK.  Blending traditional music from his home town of Newcastle with Irish, American and Scottish influences, he creates a sound that has jazz, folk, bluegrass and classical influence.  His live performances are a roller coaster of musical delights; fast rhythmic dance tunes through beautiful slow airs and of course great singing – all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style.

Tom has recorded with and appeared alongside Stephane Grappelli, Barbara Dickson, Lindsifarne, Richard Thompson and many others on well over a hundred albums - and continues to be in huge demand.

Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby count him as a huge influence.  Indeed, it was Seth who presented Tom with his Musician of the Year award. Having played all the major UK festivals and concert halls, Tom has no intention of slowing down. Always keen to put his music in front of anyone, anytime.  Audiences are always happy to listen and come away with the tunes in their heads, singing the choruses, and with the memory of an unforgettable show.

Tom will give us two 45-minute slots and the rest of the evening is filled by members of the audience doing a song or tune if they wish.

Everyone is welcome, especially if you'd like to sing or play. We mostly sing and play traditional music from the British Isles, but we enjoy other styles as well.  We always start off with some English dance tunes for anyone with an instrument to join in.

During the day Tom leads an all-day fiddle workshop (places £45, 2 under-25s at £22). Email valmaigoodyear@aol.com to reserve a place and bring the right money in cash on the day.

We have a loyalty card. Six visits earn you £5 off an evening when admission is £5 or more. It's £12 tonight. Email valmaigoodyear[at]aol[dot]com to reserve your ticket & brign the right money in cash on the night.

The club meets in an upstairs room. There is a handrail on each side of the stairs but no stairlift. Assistance dogs only, please.