Drooling Banjos and John Harper hit Lancaster's Gillow

Top folk musician John Harper returns to Lancaster's Robert Gillow later this month

There's a great line up of folk music at the Robert Gillow this month, kicking off on Thursday with the Drooling Banjos and the welcome return of top act John Harper on 21st April.

The Drooling Banjos (appearing Thursday 7th April) are a trio of muscians - Steve on guitar and voice, Martin on banjos various and guitar, and Jack, described as "the 15-year old boy wonder on harmonica.”  They capture the ancient and revered tradition of the jug band – exquisitely performed by a trio of local virtuosi whose deep knowledge and understanding of the genre will soften the heart of the most care-worn and cynical. 

Phil Hare (Thursday 14 April) is widely regarded as one of the finest and most distinctive acoustic guitarists working on the current folk music circuit.  Over the years he has increasingly been in demand as a session guitarist and the list of those with whom he has worked is almost unending – it includes the late Jake Thackeray, The Spinners, Vin Garbutt, Chris Newman and Bill Caddick…
“This guy is clearly a world class player” enthuses Dirty Linen, while the Daily Telegraph says “Phil’s songs are today’s broadsides”.

Thursday 21st April marks the welcome return of the exceptionally talented guitarist and singer John Harper. A regular Lancaster entertainer who always dazzles everyone with his powerful renditions of British and American contemporary songs, he offers music to make you sing and reaffirm that the best live music is to be heard at the Gillow.

The month's folk rounds off with an appearance by Preston-based River County Incident (Thursday 28 April), offering an evening of acoustic, rootsy, lo-fi Americana. Dave Gardner plays guitar and sings and Matt Wells plays guitar, Dobro or Weissenborn lap steel guitar and banjo.
Throw in a bit of harmonica, some Springsteen, a little Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and Gram Parsons and mix with a heap of “old-timey Appalachian murder ballad stuff” and you’ve got the idea.   

• There's folk music every Thursday night at the the Robert Gillow, 64 Market Street, Lancaster, LA1 1HP. Tel: 01524 36092 Web: www.pubfoodlancaster.co.uk