News from the Crows Nest
Keep up to date with news and features from the Raven Folk Club. We will post things of interest to club members as we go. Scroll down for articles we have posted.
Singers Night
8th March 2026
A wonderful evening with a wealth of talent and variety, including visits from Lucy, Fi and Dave and Helianthus. Oh yes and 80% of Full House (which probably makes them a masionette).
First Guest Night of 2026 - Cobalt Tales
22nd February 2026
Well, our first guest night of the year was absolutely fabulous. The residents, Full House stormed through some cracking songs and beautiful tunes - Fluff's Eleanor was breathtaking... and then the lovely Pat and Nuala (aka Cobalt Tales) took to the floor. Wow, stunning voices and arrangements brought to life some amazing original songs, full of history and family, but also open and universal. We joined in with gusto and I think they enjoyed themselves nearly as much as we did. Thanks both. Oh yes and we had a raffle. Well done to our winners Dave and Ian.
A packed singers night once again.
February 2026
As the 789th day of January gave way to the first of February, there was a full singers list even before the doors were open. It was a great all round night of high class singing and playing.
As part of another fantastic night at the Raven we were treated to a visit of 80% of Virginia Kettle's Rolling Folk, showcasing a fabulous new song! This lady truly is a legend. For those who missed it, there are still a few tickets left to see 100% of The Rolling Folk at the Blue Lantern Sessions in the Storyhouse on Tuesday 3rd Feb.
I know I am biased, but it really was an excellent night. A wonderful mix of old, new, classic, original and traditional songs. All performed with skill, sensitivity and commitment. We even had a Raven debut. Adam and Hattie . (see above right). Adam is a great guitarist and signer and Hattie has a voice that could melt chocolate. We hope they come back very soon.
The last singers night of 2025
December 2025
The final Raven gathering of 2025 was a joy. Without any question two acts stood out. We had our first visit from Jack. Jack used to live next door and told us that as a 14 year old, he would regularly fall asleep listening to the songs from the Raven coming through his bedroom wall. And then, aged 29, brilliantly delivered a couple of Hank Williams numbers! Seriously, this music thing builds relationships and connections way beyond what we are aware of.
Without question, Jean and Pam Brandon were the stars of the evening. Aged 87, Jean still delivers a song with punch and style. Living proof that no matter what age, quality will out. Pam treated us to a mixture of authentic Blues and Americana showcasing her versatility and amazing vocal skills. Thanks to you both, it was a real treat.
Thank you to all our friends who came to the Raven and sing us their wonderful renditions in 2025. Happy New Year and see you in 2026.
Igloo Hearts launch new album
November 2025
"Eyes Closed Against The Sun", that's the name of the brand new album by Igloo Hearts. Great friends of the Raven Folk Club, Katie and James, launched this new album at St. Mary's Creative Space in Chester on 14th of November to an enthusiastic, albiet chilly audience. (heating on the blink again!). It was a great honour for Mark, Fluff and Chris to be invited to play at the launch alongside Jim Pearson. The album, produced and engineered by Chris Lee features some musicians you will know from the Raven as well. Who? well you will just need to buy the album. Igloo Hearts website
Pictures courtesy of Claire Jorgia Knight
The Autumn Trilogy
November 2025
Chester Folk Festivals Autumn Trilogy took place on 15th November. No strangers to the Raven Folk Club, Oktober Hollow, Will Riding, Phoebe Rees and Ben Robertson took centre stage with three great performances. A grand finale featuring them all on Snow Falls. Stunning.
Ben Robertson and Phoebe Rees
The Autumn Trilogy ensemble perform Snow Falls
Will Riding
Oktober Hollow
Juniper play to a packed Raven Folk Club
November 2025
Sunday,16th November 2025 was Juniper night at The Raven FC and saw Anna Emslie, Emily Hicks, Dominic O’Sullivan, Rob Roberts, Aidan Hammond & Harry Thorpe, doing what they do best, playing brilliant eclectic Folk Music with an energy, flair and innovative imagination that takes one’s breath away. An enthusiastic, very supportive and pretty much capacity audience was treated to two stunning sets, both of which heavily showcased songs and tunes from their recently-recorded but as yet unreleased new CD. Good luck with the album guys.
….and if there had been a competition for the, ‘most efficient getting of a 5-piece band with drums into a small space‘ they would have won it hands down. ‘Oh what a night’, as Frankie Valli might have put it if he’d been there.
Return of the Vintage Boy Band.
September 2025
Another sell-out night at the Raven with vintage boy band, Welcomme, Finnan and Chrimes. A glorious evening of wonderfully arranged and performed songs with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. We all went home with smiles on our faces and a song in our hearts.... and in Debs case, an ear worm that is still with her... (Hush, Hush time to be sleeping....") An absolutely brilliant night - thanks gentlemen.
Donation to the Alzheimers Society.
May 2025
Thanks to all who came to the Old Firm night supported by Jackie, Richard and Carol. It raised £107.50 for the Alzeimer's Society. A huge thank you to all the performers for a lovely night and to our audience who where as generous as always in supporting a great cause.
Down and out out in Upton..... on Severn
May 2025
In 2023 the renowned Upton Folk Festival, which is held in Upton On Severn in Worcestershire on the first Bank Holiday in May every year, invited The Raven Folk Club to be one of the guest folk clubs at their event. Accordingly, we put together a contingent of fifteen regular Raven Folk Club performers and supporters and had a great weekend.They clearly liked what we did as they’ve asked us back each year since!
On Friday 2nd May this year our third expedition to Upton FF set out. The party consisted of twelve Raven FC ‘regulars’ including Chris & Debbie Lee, Jamie Matthews, Helen Delemos, Ian Jones, Helen Armstrong, John ‘Jock’ Watson, Will Riding, Emma Riding, Katrina Turner, Martin Turner and Nick Mitchell. We had another brilliant weekend at this very friendly and excellent-quality festival in the lovely Malverns. We ran our club night on Saturday in the legendary Star Inn & Hotel and it was a very enjoyable and successful event with a dazzling array of fine floor-singers.
Meanwhile, back in Chester on the Sunday our good friend Captain Andy took the helm of the good ship Raven, thus establishing a first….two Raven Folk Clubs in one weekend! Our thanks to Upton Festival for inviting us and to Andy (aided and abetted by Fluff) for running the club in our absence. There are some pictures here of some of our adventures.
