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.
BOO's wonderful album 'A Live One' (still available) was born in this very club in 2001, using nothing more than a MiniDisc and the Angels of Patience. Formerly front man of 80s Rock group THE BIBLE, it was Boo's first gig in years, having been busy as a producer with EDDI READER and THE CORRS. Afterwards he proclaimed himself "re-energised, a very happy man" and he's toured and recorded to great acclaim ever since, with regular returns here. Great, melodic, thoughtful songs accompanied by sublime guitar, Boo has recently released 'Harmonograph', a CD of his own versions of all those songs he's written for other artists. Never one to follow a 'normal' path, Boo has also just released two 6-track EPs of new songs!
http://www.boohewerdine.net£9 members/£11 non-members
Singing and playing folk music since his teens, and with over twenty years a professional musician, Alistair sings songs mainly from his family homeland Scotland, its neighbour Ireland, self-penned songs inspired by his world-wide travelling with Scotland's legendary Battlefield Band, lots of well-known but oft' unheard favourites and any other song that takes his fancy. His thirteen years with the BB were a whirlwind of touring - one million miles of it, so after nine albums and two videos he jumped off the global tour bus to "recharge the batteries". Those years of touring have honed his playing, singing, song writing and 'way with a song', and also the relaxed communication so vital in creating a great gig. Always busy - be it in his studio recording others and doing the sound and compering at many a festival - he still does what he loves best, which is entertaining.
http://www.alistairrussell.co.uk£8 members/£9 non-members
Belfast's finest are back at last for what promises to be a stunning celebration of Irish music and song. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it', should be their motto, as this exciting, internationally-renowned acoustic four-piece present their refreshing, unpretentious and uncommonly skilled run at some of the greatest music in the world. Craobh Rua (pronounced Crave Ru-ah) play Irish Traditional Music from the heart in all its glory, with rousing jigs, reels, polkas, airs and more. They are all superb musicians; the exciting banjo and mandolin playing of group founder BRIAN CONNOLLY, the captivating vocals and guitar of JIM RAINEY, the stunning fiddle, flute and whistle playing of Ram Regular CLAIRE MANN and the virtuosity of CONOR LAMB on Uillean pipes and whistles. A supergroup by any notion, they are rightly regarded as true ambassadors of Irish music and this is a long-overdue return (well, we have the space now).
http://www.craobhrua.com/£10 members/£12 non-members
Since her last gig here with Mat Martin, KIRSTY has moved effortlessly from 'up-and-coming' to 'established' singer/songwriter. After many a tour, festival and collaborations with the likes of BOO HEWERDINE, her quirky songs - always beautiful, sometimes dark and weird, all born from her own-made guitars - have gently forced themselves into the Folk consciousness and even floated out from mainstream radio. The Hobopop Collective is their latest evolution and is just what the name suggests - a pool of musicians drawn mostly from outside the Folk scene who introduce a new dimension to their music. The HBC made their debut at Celtic Connections last year to much acclaim, and currently comprises two of the country's most exciting emerging jazz musicians - the inspired double bass of NICK BLACKA and the imaginative drumming of ROB TURNER. Blending with Mat's sensitive banjo and guitar playing they add dimensions of trad jazz and rockabilly to Kirsty's songs, shading and colouring them to give a unique edge. With a touch of New Orleans and Tom Waits, this is accessible, refreshing, liberating, joyously engaging 'Vaudebilly music for the new depression era'. Mustn't grumble...
http://www.kirstymcgee.com/£10 members/£12 non-members