Founded in 1972, the Willows Folk Club in Arundel, West Sussex, has a longstanding reputation for presenting some of the very finest in folk, roots & acoustic music, with many of the folk scene's most famous names having stood on the club's stage throughout the course of its long history.
Since the end of 2005, the Willows has been located in the spacious function room of Arundel Football Club - for more information on how to find the club, check out the Willows' official website, www.willowsfolkclub.org.
The Willows prides itself on showcasing "folk in its broadest sense" - something we passionately believe is that there is something within the spectrum of "folk music" that everyone can enjoy, and the Willows tries to showcase all of that diversity, with Celtic music, singer-songwriter driven acoustic music from both sides of the Atlantic, traditional English & Scottish music, acoustic blues, bluegrass, traditional American, even forays into acoustic country, acoustic (hot club style) jazz, "old favourites", classic pop from the 1950s & 1960s played in a "folky" way, all of this and more you are likely to see upon regular visits to the Willows!
Check out this video, recorded by our good friend Tim Kent of Hat Music, and you'll see what I mean - featured within are songs by James Taylor, Jake Thackray, Dave Swarbrick, Jimmy Buffett, the Everly Brothers, a traditional English song, a traditional American song, a self-penned song from Tim Kent himself, and, of course, many fine songs written by our special guest that night, Steve Tilston!
STEVE TILSTON + floorsingers
August 2008
As an example of the diverse range of acoustic music you're likely to hear at the Willows, check out this video of local duo Davis & Griffiths playing a medley of two instrumentals originally recorded by The Shadows, "Apache" and "F.B.I." - originally recorded with an electric line-up, this version features acoustic rhythm guitar and mandolin!
DAVIS & GRIFFITHS
May 2009
Check out also this video of local bluegrass band The Southdown Ramblers playing at the Willows' 2008 Christmas Party:
To give a flavour of what the club has coming up over the next couple of months, check out the following YouTube videos of some of our artists!
GRASSROOTS
Our special guests on Wednesday 20th January Kent-based bluegrass band Grassroots have long been pioneers of bluegrass music in the South of England, and return to the Willows in January to play some more great music!
HARVEST HOME
Performing an extended Showcase set on Wednesday 3rd February Amazing local group Harvest Home are set to show off their brilliant vocal harmonies when they play an extended Showcase Special set at the Willows in February.
NORAH RENDELL & BRIAN MILLER
Our special guests on Wednesday 17th February
These two videos show off two different aspect of Canadian duo Norah Rendell & Brian Miller's superb music - the first showcases Norah's beautiful vocals, and the second video shows the pair performing a supercharged set of reels on guitar and flute.
THE VILLAGE BAND
Performing a 45-minute set on Wednesday 17th March
The Village Band are one of the most popular Celtic groups in Sussex, and are performing a special 45-minute set as part of the Willows' St. Patrick's Day Special on 17th March. These two videos show the band performing a barnstorming instrumental, and a driving rendition of "I'll Tell My Ma".
RAY HEDGES
Performing an extended Showcase set on Wednesday 31st March Local legend Ray Hedges is much loved in Sussex for his great chorus songs, and for his loyal support of the local folk scene. The Willows is proud to present an extended set from Ray at the club's Showcase Special in March.
THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS
Our special guests on Wednesday 7th April Legendary Scottish band The Tannahill Weavers, internationally acclaimed for their amazing vocals and superb musicianship, make a rare southern folk club appearance at the Willows on 7th April - this video shows the band performing the classic Scots folksong "The Ploo'boy Laddies".
For more information about the Willows Folk Club, check out our official website, www.willowsfolkclub.org! We hope to welcome you to the club very soon! :)
Important Notice!
All of the tracks reproduced on this MySpace site have been added for promotional purposes only, and with the FULL PERMISSION of the artists who have recorded them. If anybody has a problem with any of the sound clips, music tracks or videos included in this MySpace page, please contact us and we will ensure that they are removed immediately. Many thanks!
Willows Folk Club, Arundel's Friend Space (Top 38)
Hi Chris, thanks for such a great night on Wednesday, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, it's always such a pleasure to play for you guys. Looking forward to coming along to the Christmas party already.
Chris, Thanks very much for your kind message. It was great that you were able and willing to join us, to perform on 'Lyin' Eyes' last night. Your playing really added a sparkle to our performance. Great job! Thanks. A really good evening at 'The Woodies' I thought. Best wishes... Greg.
appreciate the kind words Chris.......always a pleasure to play the Willows........and always good to see yourself....thanks for jamming.......be lucky, best, ron
Hello Chris, Welcome to the world of myspace. I'm glad that you've got your page up and running. Hopefully it will bring some new contacts for you. With best wishes as always. Your friend... Greg
Hi Chris, great to see you on Myspace, really looking forward to coming along to play for you again, there's always such a great atmosphere & welcome at The Willows.
