Folk Around Fishponds, Bristol
Folk Around Fishponds (FAF) is an acoustic folk club run by live music enthusiasts. "Folk" music can mean different things to different people, but basically FAF is a live music performing club with a foot firmly in the folk tradition. During an average evening, music played may range from traditional folk to blues, Americana, jazz, rock, pop covers, old faves, humorous songs and more. We're acoustic, so can't really be called an "open mic" night, and use amplification only occasionally if guest performers require it. All welcome - singers, musicians and audience!
We cater for different levels of ability ranging from experienced performers to relative beginners, but you do obviously need to be able to hold a tune! We're a friendly bunch, very supportive of newcomers and regulars alike. Come along and give it a try! Normally there's an MC and other members of the "committee" are there to see things run smoothly, and on a normal night we may start with each performer playing or singing 2 songs each in turn, then see how the time goes! We have special guests every 3-4 months, so on a "guest" night other performers may be limited to 1 or 2 songs each depending again on time.
FAF started in 1999 as an informal musical get-together, and 2 of the 4 "founder members" - Colin and Richard - are still regulars at the club. Over the years, living up to its name, the club has at various times been held in a number of pubs in Fishponds - starting out in The Cross Hands, residing for a couple of lengthy spells at The Cross Keys, and also briefly flirting with The Portcullis and The Star. Autumn 2012 saw the club move back into The Cross Hands, in the very pleasant atmospheric upstairs function room. Since late 2012, folk nights are held twice a month - on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 8pm.
Venue details: Cross Hands Tavern, 1 Staple Hill Rd, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 5AA - at the junction of Fishponds Rd and Staple Hill Rd up by Straits Parade. Entrance: £2 to cover the cost of the room. The bar is downstairs, and has a good selection of ales, lagers, cider, wines and other drinks. If you're arriving by car, there is plenty of parking space on nearby streets - Straits Parade, Downend Rd, Staple Hill Rd or Fishponds Rd itself.
For more info see: www.folkaroundfishponds.org.uk