For our 30th birthday on 21st October 2013 we updated our 'Compleat History of the Ram Club' booklet (PDF format, 10Mb). Click to view or download - it's a 'must read', with a list of all the guests we have ever had plus some stories and pictures!
Below is a list of the past guests from September 2006.
A welcome return. Both come from well known folk families and since winning the Best Duo award in the 2003 BBC Folk Awards they've gone from strength to strength, with their brand new CD 'Strands of Gold' picking up rave reviews. Nancy sings and plays ethereal fiddle and viola, whilst James sings and plays guitar-bouzouki and mandolin. Expect everything from Northumbrian tunes, contemporary Australian songs and lots of their own. With their warm stage presence and infectious exuberance, they are a joy to experience.
If the UK was to have its own Bruce Springsteen, JON would be it! Powerful, punchy contemporary songs about the people for the people, underpinned by his unique percussive guitar style honed during early tours on the West Coast of the USA. It's a Hard Road, and Jon has driven down most of them on incessant tours of Europe, firstly with KIERAN HALPIN in the late 70s and for the last decade with his band. With most of the major festivals under his belt, and appearances with everyone from Van Morrison to Clannad, he decided it was time to head for home to rediscover some roots and his first love - the Folk Clubs.
Originally formed in the mid-70s, the BULLYs cut a swathe from their South East base throughout Europe with their powerful brand of Folk Rock, fiddle & guitar to the fore. In the 80s MAARTIN ALCOCK was a member (is there any band he hasn't been in?), but after much success they called it a day. Two years ago original members IAN CUTLER, COLIN REECE, FERGUS FEELY & JIM YARDLEY reformed and played a blinder here to a packed house. It was so good they're doing it again!
These two were last here in 2001 with their invigorating Celtic-style band SERIOUS KITCHEN. VICKI studied classical double bass at the RCM and is a seriously good player of the Scottish small pipes and flute, while JONNY is an outstanding and innovative accompanist on guitar and accordion and an excellent singer. Together their music is by turns spell-bindingly beautiful, haunting, dynamic and kicking, with jigs and reels, ballads and original songs and tunes, all cooked up into the finest musical casserole. Enjoy.