We don’t often have visitors from outside the UK at Nitten Folk Club: most of our guests hail from our own sunny (?) shores, although many of them have visited America, and many other countries, when touring. Last night it was the USA’s turn to reciprocate as we we welcomed Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, collectively known as Friction Farm to the club. And what a show they gave us. Friction Farm is a husband and wife team of internationally traveling troubadours who combine storytelling, social commentary and humour to create songs of everyday life, local heroes, and quirky observations. From ballads to anthems each song is filled with harmony and hope. Christine’s crystal clear vocals combine with Aidan’s powerful, inventive guitar work to produce a wonderfully engaging experience. It’s not always easy to win a crowd over with a set entirely comprised of original compositions, all of which are unfamiliar to the audience but Aidan and Christine’s easy relaxed manner set the appreciative Nitten audience at ease and the quality of their songs spoke clearly for themselves. From the glorious ‘Stars’ and the genuinely moving ‘Rosalita’ to the rousing singalong ‘Raise Your Hand’ every moment was a joy. Haste Ye Back, Aidan and Christine.
The usual excellent floor spots were provided by Ronnie Miller, Robert Mackie, Tom & Jane Fairnie, Jim Weatherston, Ian Young and Gillian Anderson. Aidan and Christine were totally knocked out by the quality of the home-grown talent the club has to offer. The raffle was, of course, a resounding success, as always, and our grateful thanks go to the kind people who continue to donate prizes for this.
Next month we welcome the wonderful Barbara Dymock, accompanied by Chris Marra. At university Barbara became a founder member of the band Coelbeg. Since then she has been a popular attraction on the Folk circuit and in 2011 she was nominated as Scots Singer of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Chris is the brother of Scots song writing legend Michael Marra and is a fine performer in his own right. We look forward to another fabulous evening of entertainment at Nitten Folk Club. We’d be absolutely delighted if you could join us – come along and join the fun.
The Committee.