Folk club kicks off 2026 with “brilliant” Newfoundland band
Grayshott Folk Club’s first gig of 2026 promises “brilliant” musicians who will be visiting from Newfoundland, Canada.
Rum Ragged play on Wednesday, January 21 at 7.30pm at Grayshott Village Hall, Headley Road, Grayshott, GU26 6TZ.
Club spokesman Des O’Byrne said: “Rum Ragged played their first gig for us on Saturday 20 July 2024 and went down an absolute storm with our audience.
“My review of that gig stated: ‘As the evening progressed, the applause grew, the audience got more and more behind the band and the band fed off that energy. It was inevitable that Rum Ragged would be asked to do an encore. ‘They finished the night with a gentle but beautiful song called Another Fading Light and this was followed by a scintillating set of tunes.
‘By this time, the whole audience were clapping in unison and the band and audience were in awe of each other. Neither party seemed to want the evening to end but like all good things, it had to...........but everyone went home very happy.’
“We've re-booked them at the earliest opportunity and Newfoundland's finest will help lift the gloom of a dreary January. Their gig at Grayshott Folk Club will be the first of an extensive spring 2026 tour around the UK.
“Rum Ragged take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland.
“They sound even more vibrant and exciting when playing live than they do on recordings and their sets are arranged so there is great variation in what they play, both in the pace of the songs and the instrumentation used on them.
“Founding members Aaron Collis (mostly accordion and vocals) and Mark Manning (guitar and vocals) are ably assisted by multi-instrumentalist Zack Nash and the one constant throughout the evening: the incredible fiddle-playing of Colin Grant.”
Tickets £20 available from Grayshott Post Office (in person only); for reservations by phone, call Des O'Byrne on 01428 607096; or book online from Ents24.
“With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band has quickly become known as the finest performers of their great, living, musical tradition. “Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Always honest, thought-provoking, and often humorous, it’s Rum Ragged’s live show that makes them a fast favourite with any audience. Their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship and captivating storytelling gives concert-goers an experience they won’t soon forget.
“Since their inception in 2016, Rum Ragged has maintained a rigorous tour schedule, performing at some of the world’s premier folk, celtic and roots venues all while managing to record four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums. Rum Ragged is not your run-of-the-mill folk band, they are the genuine article.”