Regular picking sessions and Bluegrass & Acoustic music clubs

'Court Sessions'- South London's only traditional song and music club, takes place [nearly] every Friday, at: St Boniface Social Club, 185 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9PG [near Amen Corner] and is normally in 'The Function Suite' The next guest is the inimitable Martin Carthy on Friday 9th December at 8pm. He may not be old time but "he is One of the most important, and most exciting performers of the revival. An outstanding artist, respected by his peers and a giant of British Folk music". Tickets are £7.50 in advance- £8.50 on the night.. Membership (oblig)- £1.00pa.. Enquiries & info. 020 8677 9989 courtsessions@yahoo.co.uk http://sessioneast1.tripod.com

BALHAM
The Grove, Oldridge Rd., Every Sunday from 8.30
Tel: David East, 020-8677-9989

Caledonian Road
Weekly Session 9:00 p.m., Mondays.
Hemingford Arms, Offord Road near Caledonian Road tube
Casper Cronk, 020-8340-4683

Mount Pleasant Harlequin Pub, Arlington Way, (behind Sadler's Wells) Nr Angel
Old Timey every Sunday 8pm.
Tel: Frank Weston 020-8552-8308

OLD ISLEWORTH, Bluegrass session every Wednesday, The Victoria Pub, Worple Rd., Old Isleworth, Middlesex with THE GIN SOAKED BOYS.
(Banjo Bob 0208 400 2705)

STOKE NEWINGHAM, N16

Every other Wednesday, 9pm, Ryan’s Bar, Church St. , Stoke Newington.
With Foghorn Leghorn.
Tel:Tim Kent 020-7502-0483
The Auld Shillelagh Chruch St. most Wednesdays (PLEASE ring first!)
with The Other Brothers
Tel: Declan 020-7-275-9306
Also check out the Camden Based Country & Roots club "www.comedownandmeetthefolks.co.uk"

Bluegrass & Country Busking – is at The George, 52 High St. Hadleigh Suffolk IP7 5AL 01473-822151 on the first Tuesday each month from 8.30 p.m. Mike Green willow4@streetlegal.wanadoo.co.uk 01473-213740 See also www.streetlegalmusic.com

A new bluegrass session is taking place every second Saturday of the month at The Three Horse Shoes at Scottow – between Norwich and North Walsham in Norfolk. The first session takes place on the 11th March and everybody welcome to bring an instrument or just go along to listen! Contact John by calling; 01603279927 and give support to this new venture.

INGATESTONE (Nr Chelmsford)
The Star Pub. General accoustic picking session every Monday 9 pm.
Dave, 01708-372010

SAFFRON WALDEN
Last Sunday of the month, King's Arms, Saffron Walden, Essex. Lunchtime session.
Paul 01371 810334

STANSTED
Last Sunday each month. Picking session at The Cock, Silver Street, (Old A11), Stansted
Roger Burrows 01279 647118

STEEPLE MORDEN
Mondays at Waggon and Horses
John Pearman, 01763-852721

Coulsdon, Surrey
The Bluegrass Plus Club is situated in Coulsdon Surrey CR5 1NE. It is a members only club costing just £6 a year to join . It is held every 2nd Friday of the month except August. We cover Bluegrass, Ballads and Blues in fact any acoustic music. We have regular guests artists and open mic nights see our website for details http://www.bluegrass-plusclub.co.uk or contact Ray or Sheila on 01737 551191 or email sheila@bluegrass-plusclub.co.uk. There is a bar which also serves tea coffee and soft drinks and there is plenty of parking. Singers and Pickers most welcome.

Surrey

If you are in the neighbourhood of Surrey on Wednesday evenings – you’ll find Acoustic Music Sessions - Bluegrass, Celtic, East European, Folk, Country - hosted by the Acoustic Astronauts  every Wednesday at The Windmill, 37, Stafford Rd, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 9AP £4 on the door, musicians Free

ANGMERING, Alternate Tuesdays at the Woodman's Arms, (A 27, opp. Hammerpot Garage), Nr Anmering, W. Sussex Bluegrass/Old Time with THE GREENHILL STRING BAND
Tel: Reg 01903 717962

BIGGIN HILL (Flying Club)
2nd Thursday monthly. Anglo-Irish Pact
John MacDonagh 0208-3095-7350

BODLE STREET (near Herstmonceux)
Fortnightly on Mondays at The White Horse. Mainly Old-Timey.
Info: Dave (Landlord) 01323-833243

DARTFORD
The Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby, Nr Dartford, "Open Mic Club" welcomes Bluegrass & old time pickers.
Tel: 01322 862299

Rainham(Kent) First and Third Wednesday Every Month Oast Old Time Sessions.
Info: http://www.roots.ik.com/

Finchingfield
Picking session, 1st Tuesday monthly, 3 Tuns, Finchingfield, Essex.
Paul 01371 810334

Hastings
The Stag, Old Town, Hastings, East Sussex
Every Thursdays with Gerry Rolph & Friends
Gerry: 01424-8523
Fairlight Lodge Hotel, Old-timey probably on Wednesdays - check details
Colin Meadows 01424 714065 or Banjovey@aol.com

There’s also a new session in Hastings: Every Thursday - Bluegrass/Old-time with Roger Churchyard & Friends in the Clarence, Middle Street (bottom end - near shopping area), Hastings - details from Roger 07871 844332

TONBRIDGE, Kent.
Foresters' Arms, Quarry Hill. “Imperial Bluegrass Band”, 3rd Monday monthly.
Ron Jacobswood 01892-784714

WADHURST
Wadhurst Bluegrass Club. First Monday monthly (except August):
The Greyhound,High Street Wadhurst.
Gerry Williams 01892-782947 (evenings)

Felixstowe, bluegrass jamming at The Orwell Crossing Truck Stop on the A14 near Ipswich. The Last Tuesday of each month, All are welcome Tel. Chris 07889607612

ABBOTS LANGLEY, Nr Watford.
Beginners only picking session. 1st Thursday of the month at The Kings Head, Bridge Rd., Abbots Langley.
Andrew 01442 394974 or Chris 01442 215826

EWSHOTT, nr Farnham, Surrey
Picking session first Friday monthly. The Windmill, Church Lane, Ewshott.
(Seperate children's room at back).
Gary or Sherryl Payne 01276 609954

Oxford
The Soggy Bottom Friends of Bluegrass and Old Time Music in Oxford LAST Thursday of each month, Fox and Hounds pub (easy parking for pick ups and hitchin’ posts for horses) Abingdon Road and Weirs Lane Just north of Redbridge Park and Ride, the Southern By Pass and the A 34 8.30 p.m. South Oxfordshire--- Wallingford 2 nd Tuesday of the each month Cross Keys pub (easy parking for pick ups, tractors and broncos) The Green Wallingford , Oxon. 8.30 p.m. Tel. Paul on 01865 723451 Taube on 01865 552111 taube.marks@lang.ox.ac.uk

Wallingford
Coach & Horses, 2nd Tuesday monthly.
Richard Holland 0118-942-3535

High Wycombe Bluegrass Traditionals/Songwriters Sunday Jam in High Wycombe. Hosted by myself and Martin Selman (Papa Truck) it's at the Red Lion from 4pm till 7pm on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Address: 551 London Rd, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1ET Contact: Dan on 07747 840644 with any questions. We want to promote a traditional acoustic jam feel where anyone can join in, as well as an opportunity for songwriters to perform their own songs and jam with the regulars. The first event was held on the 8th and was a great success with the landlady and punters alike!

We have started a new jam session down here. It is held once a month Wednesday nights From 8 / 8.30 pm s every 4^th Wednesday of the month. The venue is the Knowle Inn.  115 Bath Road, Bawdrip, Near Bridgwater, Somerset. TA7 8PN. Tel. 01278 683330.The room is upstairs and is separate from the main bars, so only people interested in the music will be involved. Directions: From Junction No 23 on M5 motorway, take the A39 towards Glastonbury. About one mile turn left at T junction, and about 300 yds the Knowle Inn is on your left. There is a car park behind the pub, and you access down the steps through the garden into the back of the pub. My phone numbers are 01278 684809 evenings and mobile 07774 968455 day time.Ticketyboo, Drew.

For information on what's happening in Cornwall contact Dave Wilkinson 01736-793545 e-mail Dave Wilkinson. Some of the new venues here are taken from his publication "String Band News"
For information on sessions in east Cornwall and West Devon:
Dave Morriss 01752-845686 e-mail Dave Morriss

ASHBURTON, Devon.
The Victoria. Bluegrass and Old Time on alternate Thursdays.
Phil Brimilcombe 01364-652725

BATH

Occasional Bluegrass gigs at The Bell.
John Wirtz, 01373-813590
Session - mainly Irish... Every Friday at The Porter Butt, London Road
Phil Bunce 01225-335111
BLAGDON HILL, nr Taunton
At The Lamb & Flag. Old Timey sessions every other Thursday
Derek Parsons 01823 442713

Bath
Old-Time Country and Blues at The Green Park Tavern is to host an acoustic music open performance night on Tuesdays, starting on Tuesday, February 15.         Players, singers and songwriters in all types of music are welcome.  This is a great opportunity for people to get together  and share and listen to music in an outstanding setting.    The nights will be funded by an admission charge of £2 for both performers and non-performers.  All door takings will be used to support the event,  and to put on occasional paid concerts and workshops by both local and touring  artists.  Please come along for the opening night, and succeeding Tuesdays, at 8pm, The Green Park Tavern at 45 Lower Bristol Road,  Bath BA2 3BD.    For further information, contact James Slater on 07968 630239 or Kate Lissauer at the Green Park Tavern on 01225 400050

COALEY, Glos.
Bluegrass Bands appear fairly regularly at the the Fox & Hounds on Saturdays
Stuart or John: 01453-890366

CREWKERNE, Somerset
Session occasional Sundays (8:30) at the Oscar's Wine Bar, Market Square.
Richard Hall, 01460-77494

Lostwithiel
The Globe Inn - 3rd Thurdays monthly, Bluegrass and Old Time.
Tony Taylor 01208-844691

LYME BAY
Lyme Bay Folk club (odd Bluegrass spot welcome).
The King’s Arms, Stockland, first Saturday of the month.
Ruth 01884 821177

PAUL
Bluegrass/American/Old timey session, every other Tuesday at The King’s Arms, nr Mousehole.
John Watson 01736 731931

PITNEY, Nr Langport, Sommerset.
Half-Way Inn, Bluegrass and Old Timey. Mondays but not every month
Julian, 01458-252513

St.IVES

Alternate Wednesdays, The Gurnards Head at Zennor. Irish / Bluegrass
Lawrence Kell, 01736-796928
Also sometimes at The Western Hotel - Alan or Chris Gillam 01736-795277
STAPLEHAY
Old Timey sessions, every other Thursday (alternating with BLAGDON HILL)
The Crown, Trull, nr Taunton.
Derek Parsons 01823 442713

TAUNTON, Somerset
The Half Moon Pub, Alternate Thursdays
Mainly Old Timey but Bluegrass welcome
Derek Parsons 01823-442713

TOTNES, Devon
Bluegrass session every Sunday at The Kings Bridge Inn
Dave Morris 01752-845686

Sessions on alternate months at The Eldon Arms, Clifton Hill, Bristol & The Dursley Arms, Dursley Road, Trowbridge.
Tel: John Wirtz 01373 813590

For details of gigs in the Torbay Area by The Bluegrass Flyers -
Info: Mark Woodward 01626-774966.

For information on gigs by “Contraband” in the Southampton area contact Rick Tarrant 023-8073-9467

Sessions on alternate months at the Eldon Arms, Clifton Hill, Bristol and the Dursely Arms, Dursely Rd., Trowbridge.
Info: John Wirtz, 01373-813590

This is just to let you know a little bit about our club. We started the Wildwood Flower Mountain Music Club in January 2004 after being encouraged to do so after visiting the folks in Cornwall. There didn’t seem to be anywhere in North Devon where people could play, listen to Old Time, Bluegrass and American Roots Music. The club has been a great success ever since, with regular musicians and people who just want to listen – 65 turned up 13 July 2005. We are a warm, friendly club and welcome anyone who has an interest in this kind of music, we especially like to encourage young people, and anyone who has for years sat in their kitchen/bedroom playing to themselves.  The club is not run as a jam session, it’s more of a concert – a bit like a folk club where people get up to play. What people have told us is that they’re so pleased to be able to play to an audience who listens! The club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the George Hotel, South Molton, North Devon at 8.30 pm in a room upstairs which has great acoustics. Our next night is Wednesday, 10 August 2005. A nominal charge of £1 is made (free to musicians, singers). There is no bar upstairs so the music is of first concern – alcohol is available in the downstairs bar though and can be brought up, as is great food, particularly the 2-course evening meal for £12.95 (booking essential: Tel 01769 572514).  Wishing you all the very best. Martin & Marianne Lucas tel: 01237 472083

Information: Andy or Linda Quelch 01558-668908
or area rep Tony Mear 01792-885222
or e-mail Terry Holland

Colwyn
Hello Everybody, Both I and Sue hope this finds you all well. We have moved our very popular Hillbilly Bluegrass Club learners session to the Marine Hotel, Function room, Old Colwyn same time 8pm 1st Tuesday every month. As usual everybody is most welcome, and we look forward to seeing you at the new venue. The marine Hotel is situated in Old Colwyn, if coming off the A55 take the Old Colwyn turn off, when you hit the mini roundabout the Hotel is on the far left hand corner, you will have to go through the bar area to reach the function room. Wendy and Brian the friendly owners for many years and great lovers of live music keep an excellent place with full restaurant facilities, 4 bars. We will be have more guest spots in our new format, and look forward to hearing from anybody wishing to do a few numbers. And remember this will entitle you to the coveted sticker only available for playing on the open mike. it says I have played live on the open mike., with the Hillbilly logo and can only be got for doing this prestigious event. For more info call John or Sue 01492 533969

British Legion club, Llandulas, North Wales, Hillbillys, Open pick, John or Sue Blissitt 01492 533969

LLANELIAN, Old Conwy nr Colwyn Bay.
Old Time, Country and Bluegrass at the White Lion every Wednesday.
Not the usual "all-play-together" jam session.
John Les 01492-580454 Hosted by Highly Strung E-mail

Bridgemont (near Whaley Bridge, West Derbyshire Pennines)
First Sunday afternoon monthly at the Dog and Partridge Inn (01663-732284)
Bluegrass (mainly) jam session 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m in a private room.
Tel: Tom Travis - 01457-861789

The Swan at New Mills on the A6 between Stockport and Whaley Bridge. 8.00 pm every Thursday, bluegrass open pick. Chris Horseman 01663 762641

Chester
Looking for a new venue following change of landlord. Bluegrass jam session.
For latest details: 01244-683563

CLAPHAM, Near Lancaster
Flying Horseshoe Hotel, 3/4 mile S. from Clapham village in the Limestone dales, 18 miles from Lancaster. 1st Saturday monthly. Folksy Acoustic; Bluegrass welcome.
Camping/Caravanning (discount for BBMA members - show m/card) Campsite details
Pub: 01524 251229

HALTON, LANCASTER
Bluegrass and Old-Time session, every Tuesday night, 8:30 until closing at the White Lion, Halton, near Lancaster M6 J.
Mark Curry 011524-812295 or Bill Gilson 015397 35653 | e-mail Bill | Web page |

LIVERPOOL
The Pig & Whistle (Nr the Liver Building by St Nicholas Church). 8:30pm Thursday nights. Mixed acoustic format, some Bluegrass (maybe).
Brian 0151-7344-721.

MOSSLEY, near East Manchester
Every Tuesday: The Rising Sun, Mossley (on A670 between Mossley and Greenfield).
Old Time and Bluegrass pickin' session. “Rank Strangers”.
Dave Pope 01457-837166

PRESTWICH The Welcome Inn pick run by Tom Degney is EVERY Tuesday Night. There is no workshop now and we usually start at about 8.45 pm. Tom Degney has moved house and his new number is 01492 541175

RAINFORD (near St.Helens).
Bluegrass Picking Session + Country every Wednesday.
The Junction 3/4 mile along Bushey Lane, past The Wheatsheaf Hotel on the Rainford By-Pass, near St Helens. Beginners session 7.30 to 9.00
Jack on 01942-522309, Owen or Paul 01744-630104

First Sunday monthly, Robin Hood (7:00 pm, open pick) followed by Open Mic (8:30pm)
Tel 01928-723256

WALTON Walton Social Club,Church Road,Walton (off Rice Lane) near to Everton Football Club. Every Wednesday from 8.30 pm Pete Mackie 01704-870129

CLEVELAND, Marske By Sea
Zetland Hotel, Every second friday in the month please ring before travelling
Chris Tranter 01642 298171

Harrogate
Knox Arms, Bachelor Gardens. Saturday night picking session, all singers/musicians welcome. Also sessions on alternate Fridays.
Tel: Roger Knowles 01423 562540 e-mail

Leeds
Leeds Bluegrass Club. Last Thursday every month: The Grove Inn, Back Row, Leeds (200 yards from the Leeds Hilton Hotel in City Square).
Resident bands: The Generation Gap, 3 Out Front and Ken Tardley Playboys
Kevin Garrat 01132-677040 e-mail Kevin (also Pete Wraith 01484-307424)

Sheffield
Picking Session every Monday, The Bath Hotel, Victoria Street, off West St.
Steve Read 01298-871645

Helsby Ex Serv. Club, Mountain View, Helsby - Bluegrass Workshop With Stuart Williams. Tel 01928 726587

Bulkington
Bluegrass and Country with Ken Harris and Grass Style. Bulkington War Memorial Club 2nd Tuesdays monthly. £2.50
Club: 024-7622-3842

COVENTRY (Walsgrave)
'Leg & Cramp' , Walsgrave, every Tuesday, about 8.30 (Brade Drive, off Hinckley Road, Coventry (behind the ASDA superstore), close to M6/J2, heading towards Coventry). Bluegrass & acoustic session,
Chris Elson 02476-448834

‘The Pineapple Pickers’ have moved to NEW MILLS, near <>Stockport. The venue is ‘The Swan’, on the A6 at New Mills Newtown next to the traffic lights….and there will be a bluegrass picking session every Thursday at 8-15 pm with the Pineapple Pickers.   Call Chris Horseman 01663 762641 or Graham Tossell 07759 592676 for more information.

Hammerwhich (near Lichfield)
Every Wednesday at Ashmole WM's Club. Leo's Pick. “Middleton Bluegrass Band” - pickers welcome.
Leo Shaw 0121-329-2511

Kenilworth
Heart of England Bluegrass every Friday at the Kenilworth Sports and Social Club, Upper Rosemary Hill, Kenilworth. For a copy of the band appearance schedule send SAE to Ron Stevens, 50 Blenheim Cresc., Broughton Astley, Leicester LE9-6QY. 01455-284211 or 024-7622-3842

Long Eaton, nr Nottingham
Tiger Inn, Tuesdays, weekly, at Tamworth Road and Lower Brook St. Informal picking session.
Keith Bowdler 0115 972 7239 ; Patrick O'Byrne 0115 925 6034

Michaelchurch Escley
Picking session 3rd Tuesdays monthly at The Bridge.
Christine Cleaton 01981-510674 Milton Keynes Every Wednesday 8.30 at the Cannon Public House, High St, Newport Pagnell.

Wavendon
Folk plus Bluegrass and Old Timey
Tel: Pat Mason 01908-610919 or Adam Hepburn 01908-211495 The Stables, Wavendon, first Thursday of the month, predominately Bluegrass.
Paul Smith 01234 750228 or Dave Cromack 01525 237715

Shrewsbury
Alternate Sundays: Corn House Wine Bar, Shrewsbury.
Resident band: Wrekin Havoc Mountain Boys.
Mal Salisbury: 01952-505565STOURBRIDGE
The Plough and Harrow (locally known as "The Steps"), High Street, Kinver, nr. Stourbridge, 1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly. Tel:01384 872659.

STOURPORT
The Bird in Hand (by the canal) in on the 2nd Friday of each month, Holly Road (off Baldwin Road), Stourport on Severn 01299 822385

Warwick
New Bowling Green Inn, St. Nicholas Church St.
Picking session every Sunday, hosted by Stained Glass Bluegrass. Pete or Shirley 01926-832693

Worcester:
For information on what's on in this area contact Harry Whale 01562-68044

The Clubhouse Sessions Get your Bluegrass 'fix' throughout the winter months'. Friends, family and public welcome for the free entertainment and friendly atmosphere. Acoustic sessions - the FIRST Friday of each month Friday, September 7th, 2007 Friday, October 5th, 2007 Friday, November 2nd, 2007 Friday, December 7th, 2007 - Xmas Party Friday, January 4th, 2008 - Last Pick B4 Work! at Kemble Airfield (Sign posted from the main entrance - site of the Didmarton Bluegrass Festival) Bar Open 7.00 p.m.'til late Info: 01566 502543 or 01666 503946 31st August - 2nd September Didmarton Bluegrass Festival

Edinburgh
1st Thursday monthly. Informal picking session,
Castle Bar Café, Johnston Terrace
Tel Betty Cooper 0131 661 2106

FIFE,
Bluegrass picking session, 1st Wednesdays monthly.
The Gateside Inn, Gateside, Fife. M90 jct 7S, jct 8N .
John & Jackie Sheldon 0131 333 5009

Glasgow

Every Saturday afternoon at The Clutha Vaults, Stockwell Street
Rob Mairs 01355-233613
Every 3rd Saturday, Victoria Bar, Stockwell Street 3.00 pm.
Informal bluegrass session Tel Sean McGhee 0141-882-1898
Irvine
Alternate Sundays, informal session (increasingly bluegrass)
Harbour Arts Centre, Harbour St
Tel Junior Clark 01294 217306

West Lothian
Monthly Bluegrass Concerts. Free entry at Bar 57, Hopetoun St., Bathgate
John & Jackie Sheldon 0131 333 5009 E-mail