Pontardawe VALLEY FOLK CLUB

Feb 18th THE CALENNIG CONCERT BAND (£6)

For more than 40 years, Calennig have been one of south Wales’ leading dance bands. Specialising in Welsh dance music, they have played twmpaths world wide, for experts and novices alike. And now they are a concert band!

With the voices of Pat Smith (plus concertina, spoons, harmonica) and Ned Clamp (guitar, harmonica), and the expert musicianship of 

Iolo Jones (fiddle) and Jem Randles (bass, whistle, bodhran), they guarantee a night of thoughtful  and entertaining songs from, of, and about Wales, plus a fair smattering of  Welsh tunes, from delicate airs to foot-stomping jigs. 

8pm start.

March 18th ROBIN HUW BOWEN (£8)

Robin Huw Bowen is an artist who represents the very soul of the Welsh musical tradition. Drawing on his own long research, and using authentic techniques learned from living sources, he brings together the different strands of tradition, to give new vital expression to the music of Wales.
Contemporary attitude often suggests that safeguarding one’s heritage is little more than ‘living in the past’, but far from merely demonstrating dusty museum relics, Robin’s inspired playing ensures that he rekindles the very soul of the music and delivers it as a living entity to his listeners. Although he is prepared to push the recognized limits of tradition, and to extend himself musically, Robin never compromises the integrity of that tradition. His interpretation and playing are enhanced by the depth of his own personality and by the power of an artistry shaped by his own individuality, but yet still rooted in centuries of Welsh music. The audience is presented with the true sound and nature of Welsh tradition, reflecting perhaps an earlier aesthetic, but as vibrant and as colourful as it ever was.For over twenty-five years Robin has carved out a career as the only full-time professional Welsh Triple harpist, and has introduced the Welsh Triple Harp and its music to thousands all over the world. He has researched, recorded, and published many old ‘lost’ Welsh airs, and his influence on the world of Welsh folk music and harping has indeed been far-reaching. He ranks among the most important figures that the Welsh folk tradition has ever produced, and it is no surprise therefore that he is recognized as today’s leading exponent of the Welsh Triple Harp and its music. 8pm start. PLEASE BOOK AHEAD cas@casbar.co.uk 

Apr 15th   MARTIN CARTHY (£8)

"Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, 
collector and editor of them all"  Q Magazine

8pm start PLEASE BOOK AHEAD cas@casbar.co.uk 

May 20th ANDY IRVINE

ANDY IRVINE is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as "a tradition in himself".

Musician, singer, songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 50-year career. Andy has been at the helm of legendary bands like Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, and then Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and recently Usher’s Island. Andy has been a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians. As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. To quote the Irish Times, "Often copied, never equalled", his repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes and a compelling canon of his own

                                             self-penned songs. Just wonderful! 

                               8pm start.PLEASE BOOK AHEAD cas@casbar.co.uk