Music / News
Bristol’s longest-running acoustic music night comes of age
A much-loved music event is celebrating its 18th birthday aboard a ship.
Folk Tales, the (almost) monthly celebration of acoustic music and storytelling, has been running since 2006. Popularity spreading mainly through word of mouth, it is now firmly established as a DIY cultural institution.
Over the years it has played host to countless acclaimed musicians including Rachael Dadd, Lady Nade, cellist Beth Porter of the spell-songs project and Mike and Solveig, featuring Mike Hastings of Trembling Bells and psychedelic folk favourites the Incredible String Band.
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Folk Tales holds its cosy evenings of music and story on board the 100-year old John Sebastian Lightship – photo: Cabot Cruising Club
The Benjamin Perry scout hut, also know as the boathouse, initially hosted the cosy gatherings that feature song and story accompanied by tea and biscuits.
Post-covid the night moved to the legendary John Sebastian Lightship. The 100-year old ship is the last of many once anchored out in the Bristol channel warning ships away from sandbanks. Towed into the harbour in 1959, it is now home to the Cabot Cruising Club.
The 18th birthday party on June 5 will feature emotionally-charged French folk and jazz singer Julie Abbe and soundscape composer Thomas Calladine. Stories come from Jane Flood.
Local folk enthusiast, ceilidh caller and swing dancer Joe Medler is the evening’s regular host and curates its lineups – photo: Folk Tales
Originally hosted by storyteller Martin Maudsley and musician Jet Macdonald, the night’s hosting duties have now passed on to Mr Medler, a well-known local proponent of ‘adventures with folk’ who celebrated his own birthday at the Folk Tales May edition.
Stepping out as ceilidh caller, world music DJ and local events promoter, Joe Medler is an enthusiastic advocate for Bristol’s folk scene. He says Folk Tales creates a unique atmosphere.
“Even though we’re in a slightly bigger venue now it’s still important that it feels like we’re all sat round a camp fire,” he said.
“Perhaps the fact that it’s fully acoustic also helps. It feels more personal and intimate – there’s no barrier between you and the performers.
“I know that’s one of the main things I love about it, and I think the audience does too. So that’s what we’re trying to do in a way – bring a bit of that campfire feel to the centre of the city.”
Bristol-based Thomas Calladine will bring his clear voice and Bert Jansch-esque guitar compositions to the 18th birthday celebrations – photo: Thomas Calladine
The show on Wednesday is the last chance to catch Folk Tales before its annual summer break.
It takes place aboard the John Sebastian Lightship in Bathurst Basin from 7pm. Find more information at www.facebook.com/events/7080004135438540 and buy tickets at hdfst.uk/e109766
Main photo: Joe Medler
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