The Singaround Sessions
Nitten Folk Club
By far the most popular thing about Nitten Folk Club is the Singaround sessions, which take place every Thursday (except for guest nights) from 8:30pm till 11:00pm. It’s here where members and visitors alike can come to sing, play an instrument, recite a piece of poetry or just simply enjoy the company. Whether you’re an accomplished musician or just an enthusiastic fan you’ll always be treated as ‘one of us’. If performing in public isn’t your thing and you’d prefer just to listen that’s absolutely fine – although you’ll almost certainly find yourself singing along to an all too familiar song before too long – it’s really hard not to get swept up in the moment.
There are a couple of things you should know about. First of all. admission is absolutely free for the Singaround sessions although if you want to make a small donation to the club funds you can drop a quid (or two) in the ‘Nitten Coo’. It’s actually a wooden tub but at one time we did have a coo, honestly – just a wee one.
You might also find yourself the proud recipient of the ‘Fair, Fair Braw’ award. This is a special trophy, donated by the family of one of our former members, John Gray – now sadly deceased. It’s awarded to the performer who has made the biggest impression on the audience during the evening – and it’s not really about ability or skill. It might just be a particular song or a poem that touches the heart in some special way. You don’t get to keep it, unfortunately – you just become the custodian of the trophy at the next singaround session.
If you enjoy visiting the club why not consider becoming a member? The cost of full membership is only £5 and this entitles you to a number of benefits: reduced prices for guest nights, reduced rates on subsidised club events and reduced admission to Edinburgh Folk Club. If you enjoy good music, good company and good friendship (and who doesn’t) then it’s well worth a fiver.
The Nitten Coo
The original 'Coo' is now too old and fragile to remain in service and has been put out to pasture. The current wooden tub was crafted and donated by John Haldane Snr. Donations are completely optional but every penny helps to ensure the future of the club.
The 'Fair, Fair Braw' award
The trophy was donated by the family of one of our former members, John Gray. It’s awarded to the performer who has made the biggest impression on the audience during the evening. The winner becomes the custodian of the trophy at the next singaround session.