The James Brothers

The James Brothers are not really outlaws, neither are they brothers and only one of them is called James.

They come from the lands down under – Australia and New Zealand to be precise; lands in which the traditional songs and tunes of the British Isles have evolved their own unique characteristics, like musical marsupials. And it’s these songs and tunes, and several of their own making, that The James Brothers have united to play.

The James Brother who is called James is Sydney-born James Fagan - best known as one half of Nancy Kerr & James Fagan (musically and maritally), but also spotted playing guitar and bouzouki in The Cara Dillon Band, the live circus that is Bellowhead and with his parents and sister as The Fagans, where his folk career began (in a decade which has only just become fashionable).

The James Brother who isn’t called James is Jamie McClennan - a Kiwi who found himself in a duo with Scotland’s BBC-award-winning Emily Smith (whom he also married) having chosen not to follow his first bandmates to Ireland, where they formed the much celebrated Gráda. Jamie has been sighted on fiddle, whistle and guitar next to the likes of The Waifs, Beth Nielson Chapman, Brian Finnegan and John McCusker.

For Fagan and McClennan this is about bringing their distinct Antipodean-steeped folk to a new audience, with songs and tunes brought to life by a fraternal bond between two very silly, but captivatingly gifted musicians.

Please note - due to the continuing Footway Resurfacing in Trampers Lane, North Boarhunt, there is access to the hall and its car park from the B2177 Southwick Road, but no through access for traffic for the duration of the works - a fully signed diversion will be in operation during the closure utilising Southwick Road, Staple Cross Lane and Shoot Hill.  This means there will be access from either one end or the other of Trampers Lane, but you may need to make a short diversion depending on progress of the works.

See below for details of all forthcoming events.  Forest Folk meets on the first Monday of the month for Singarounds – 7.30 to 11 pm; and third Mondays of the month for Concert Nights – 8 to 11 pm, doors open 7.30 pm, unreserved seating.

Membership:  Forest Folk membership costs £10 per person or £15 per couple per year, your year starts when you join up. Membership will give you a discount on your guest night ticket.

To find us:  The North Boarhunt Village Hall & Social Club, Trampers Lane, North Boarhunt, near Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6DD
 Take the B2177 from Wickham to Southwick, Trampers Lane is second left (at North Boarhunt), the hall and social club are about half a mile down the road on the right, opposite the bottle bank sign. There is plenty of room in the car park behind the village hall so please do use it - many thanks. There are two disabled spaces at the front of the building (which is wheelchair accessible) - please keep free for those who need to use them.

PROGRAMME 2016

4 January                     Singaround

18 January                    Steve Knightley

1 February                     Singaround

15 February                   Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle

7 March                          Singaround

14 March                        The Poozies

4 April                             Singaround

18 April                            Bob Fox

25 April                             Show of Hands SOLD OUT

2 May                              Singaround

16 May                            Jim Causley (tickets £12 non members, £10 members)

6 June                             Singaround

20 June                           Martyn Joseph (tickets £16 non members, £14 members)

4 July                               Singaround

16 July                            Forest Folk Day

18 July                            Martin Simpson and Dom Flemons (tickets £16 non members, £14 members)

(No events during August)

5 September                    Singaround

19 September                 Tony Christie & Ranagri (tickets £16 non members, £14 members)

3 October                        Singaround

17 October                      The James Brothers (tickets £12 non members, £10 members)

7 November                    Singaround

21 November                   Skerryvore (tickets £16 non members, £14 members)

(Friday) 2 December        Christmas Ceilidh with Banter (tickets £15)

5 December                    Singaround

19 December                    Les Barker (tickets £12 non members, £10 members)

2 January 2017                Singaround

16 January                        Steve Knightley (tickets £16 non members, £14 members)