(a non-profit collective promoting traditional & roots folk
music in London since 1973)
OUR NEXT CONCERT
Sunday, October 19, 2025 – 7:30 pm
(Doors at 7:00 pm)
Chaucer’s Pub, 122 Carling Street, London
$25 Advance / $30 at the Door
Advance
tickets can be purchased at Grooves (Wortley Village),
Long
& McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) and online
Ian Tamblyn was born in
Thunder Bay, Ontario in 1947. He has been playing music and writing plays since
the age of seventeen. His first “professional” and self titled album was
recorded in 1976 at Marc Sound in Ottawa. It was the first fully produced album
in Ottawa. It was awarded a JUNO for its unique cover design. Since that time
Ian has recorded forty–four more albums, CDs and cassettes as well as producing
albums for over thirty other artists. His songs have been covered by over forty
artists and his song “Woodsmoke and Oranges’ has been presented by close to one
hundred choirs in North America and Europe. His song "Angel's Share"
has often been performed by the Canadian Celtic Choir (a commissioned
arrangement by Londoner Jeff Christmas).
Ian
Tamblyn has won several awards for his work including a JUNO award and
nomination, songwriting awards and nominations from the Canadian Folk Music
Awards as well awards and nominations for his theatre and film soundtracks. He
holds an honourary doctorate from Lakehead
University, a distinguished alumni award from Trent University and he is a
Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. In 2021 Ian Tamblyn was
selected as an Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General Mary Simon.
Ian is also the recipient of the Jackie Washington Award, the Victor Tolgasy Award, Estelle Klein Award and the J.D. Coulsen
Award.
For Information call
519-319-5847 or e-mail folk@iandavies.com
If you have dinner at The
Marienbad Restaurant (519-679-9940), next door to Chaucer’s, prior to the
concert, you can reserve your seats for the concert by placing your coats on
your choice of chairs prior to the doors opening to the general
public.
The Marienbad Restaurant
has been undergoing renovations.
Please call 519-679-9940 to
make sure it is open for Sunday dinner prior to this concert.
Scottish singer-songwriter
& acoustic fingerstyle guitar virtuoso
Sunday, November 9, 2025 – 7:30 pm
(Doors at 7:00 pm)
Chaucer’s Pub, 122 Carling Street, London
$25 Advance / $30 at the Door
Advance
tickets can be purchased at Grooves (Wortley Village),
Long
& McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) and online
Simon Kempston is ‘one of
Scotland’s very best songwriters’ (The Sunday Herald), a composer and ‘a
master of fingerstyle guitar’ (The Scotsman) based in Edinburgh,
Scotland. There are very few artists who manage to create a sound on an
acoustic guitar which is distinctive, instantly recognisable. Simon’s
complex finger-picking style, which draws from the disparate genres of
classical, Celtic and blues (amongst others) confirms he is certainly one such
artist, his subtle style providing the perfect accompaniment for his rich,
powerful and compelling tenor vocals. His outstanding songs showcase
thought-provoking, inspiring poetic lyrics which often sidestep the usual
themes of love and attraction, in favour of offering crucial, important
political and social commentary. Fascinations with architecture, travel
and English literature have all informed his impressive lyrical style, words
which can stand alone as poetry in their own right apart
from the music.
Live
performances are well-known for their intensity, Simon’s true passion for music
and songs shine through in his critically acclaimed shows. With more than
a decade of international touring behind him in 32 European countries, Siberian
Russia, Uzbekistan (the first Scottish artist to do so), Canada (9 tours), New
Zealand, Argentina and Brazil he has performed at a countless number of
esteemed venues, festivals, and on a plethora of international radio and
television stations.
Simon’s latest
album (his 10th as a singer-songwriter), is his most honest, direct and
heartfelt collection of songs yet, the perfect companion piece for these
troubled times. My Dreams Are Theirs, released in late summer
2024, showcases his sheer talent for songwriting of the highest
order. Never one to follow expectations, only his prolific, creative muse,
in Summer 2023 Simon released his first album of classical guitar pieces,
entitled Moonrise Over Mostar, following on from four instrumental
acoustic guitar albums. Immerse yourself in the soundscape of this
incredibly talented performer and allow his beautifully crafted music to
transport you on a uniquely Scottish journey. ‘A stunning talent’ – STV
(Scottish Television)
‘Beautifully
authentic guitar style & heartfelt vocal’– Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6
‘Beautiful
tunes…infinitely talented’ – BBC at the Edinburgh Festival
For Information call
519-319-5847 or e-mail folk@iandavies.com
If you have dinner at The Marienbad
Restaurant (519-679-9940), next door to Chaucer’s, prior to the concert, you
can reserve your seats for the concert by placing your coats on your choice of
chairs prior to the doors opening to the general public.
Music of Midwinter
Tour
Sunday, November 23, 2025 – 7:30 pm
(Doors at 7:00 pm)
Chaucer’s Pub, 122 Carling Street, London
$25 Advance / $30 at the Door
Advance
tickets can be purchased at Grooves (Wortley Village),
Long
& McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) and online
“The most
exciting vocal group in a generation,” Windborne’s
captivating show draws on the singers’ deep roots in traditions of vocal
harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old
songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their
harmonies are bold and anything but predictable.
“Stunningly
powerful vocal harmony...Windborne sets a new bar for folk harmony singing
today” — Brian O’Donovan, WGBH Boston
With a more
than 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren
Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant
energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of
friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly
between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on
a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on
the profound power and variation of the human voice. The singers educate as
they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context
and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.
BBC Traveling
Folk describes Windborne as “subverting expectations and redefining the genre
[of vocal music] ... just absolutely phenomenal!” Audiences and critics lavish
praise upon the singers not only for their technical mastery, but for the
passion, engagement, and connection with each other and the audience that
imbues each performance with a rare power.
For Information call
519-319-5847 or e-mail folk@iandavies.com
If you have dinner at The Marienbad
Restaurant (519-679-9940), next door to Chaucer’s, prior to the concert, you
can reserve your seats for the concert by placing your coats on your choice of
chairs prior to the doors opening to the general public.
Carols from the Barrel
Sunday, December 14, 2025 – 7:30 pm
(Doors at 7:00 pm)
Chaucer’s Pub, 122 Carling Street, London
$25 Advance / $30 at the Door
Advance
tickets can be purchased at Grooves (Wortley Village),
Long
& McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) and online
We are pleased
to present The Barrel Boys holiday concert "Carols from the
Barrel." A bluegrass powerhouse featuring rich vocal harmonies,
killer picking, and a fun-loving, down-to-earth stage presence, The Barrel Boys
are a unique staple of Canadian roots music. Informed by the deep traditions of
bluegrass, country, old-time, and Americana, The Boys have crafted their
unmistakable sound into a joyful and deeply soulful musical experience.
Established in 2012,
The Barrel Boys are a 4-piece acoustic string band based in Toronto. The band’s
sound is built around rich vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumental playing,
and their unique repertoire of original material is informed by their fluency
in classic bluegrass, old-time, country, and Americana. Each of the four
members writes and sings their own songs, making for a wide stylistic range
within the band’s sound. The Barrel Boys are Nathan Smith (Fiddle); Rob
McLaren (Banjo); Ben Wright (Guitar) and Tim O’Reilly (Bass).
In addition to
being great songwriters, The Barrel Boys are also seasoned performers. All four
members crowd around a single vocal mic, making for a beautiful vocal blend, as
well as an energetic and engaging experience. They have been featured on stages
of all sizes across Canada, including Mariposa Folk Festival (ON), Folk Fest
sur le Canal (QC), Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old-Tyme Festival (SK),
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival (AB), and Salmon Arm ROOTS and BLUES (BC).
“There's a
certain "band next door" feel to The Barrel Boys. They may be
accomplished musicians with tight harmonies and great arrangements, but their
music is also brimming with the kind of personality that makes you want to buy
them a beer and hear their life stories.”
For Information call
519-319-5847 or e-mail folk@iandavies.com
If you have dinner at The
Marienbad Restaurant (519-679-9940), next door to Chaucer’s, prior to the
concert, you can reserve your seats for the concert by placing your coats on
your choice of chairs prior to the doors opening to the general
public.
Pub
Caroling
with Paul Grambo & Steve Holowitz
Friday, December 19, 2025 – 7:30 pm
(Doors at 7:00 pm)
Chaucer’s Pub, 122 Carling Street, London
$10 Suggested Donation
Proceeds after
expenses will be donated to the London Food Bank.
Paul Grambo
& Steve Holowitz will lead a wonderful night of "Pub Caroling"
which promises to be a night of fun and joyous singing to get us in the mood
for the Christmas season. All music will be provided (SATB arrangements). All
singers and non-singers are welcome.
For Information call
519-319-5847 or e-mail folk@iandavies.com
If
you have dinner at The Marienbad Restaurant (519-679-9940), next door to
Chaucer’s, prior to the concert, you can reserve your seats for the concert by
placing your coats on your choice of chairs prior to the doors opening to the general public.
UPCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR
Sunday, January
18, 2026 – ONION HONEY
Saturday,
February 7, 2026 – LANGILLE & SIMS – “Blue Valentines #7”
Sunday,
February 22, 2026 – NEW CUMBERLAND
Sunday, March
1, 2026 – PORTAGE – “Canadian Fiddle Show”
Sunday, March
15, 2026 – STEAFAN HANNIGAN & SASKIA TOMKINS
Sunday, March
29, 2026 – PRESSGANG MUTINY
Sunday, April 12,
2026 – IONA LANE (from Scotland)
Friday, May 1,
2026 – MELISANDE
(presented by
Sunfest in cooperation with Cuckoo’s Nest)
Sunday, May 31,
2026 – MOONFRUITS
The Marienbad Restaurant is
open for dinner on concert days.
Concert day diners
can reserve their seats in Chaucer’s prior to doors opening.
Make your reservation by
calling 519-679-9942
All concerts at begin at 7:30 pm and most are held at Chaucer's,
122 Carling Street, London, ON
(unless otherwise indicated)
Advance tickets can be purchased during the season at
Chaucer's/Marienbad Restaurant, Grooves (Wortley Village),
Long & McQuade North (Fanshawe Park Rd W) and online.
For
Information call 519-319-5847 or e-mail folk@iandavies.com
Special
Advance “5-for-4” Multi-Ticket is available for $100 only
at the Concerts
(pay
for 4 concerts and get the 5th one free)
We
continue to be a completely volunteer run organization. We thank you for your
support of live music and look forward to seeing you at the concerts. – Ian Davies, Artistic Director.
What’s happened
so far in the 2025-26 Season
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 – Friends of Fiddler’s Green - SOLD
OUT!
(photo courtesy
of Ian Gifford)
Sunday, Sept. 28,
2025 – Pierre Bensusan
(special concert presented by Pierre
Bensusan in cooperation with the Cuckoo’s Nest)
Sunday, October 5, 2025 - Paul McKenna
L to R – Ian Davies,
Paul McKenna, Sam Hornby (volunteer)
(last update October 6, 2025)
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