The quiet informal singers night got underway with 3 songs from Jimmy and Carol with a smashing mix of country and Irish that generated lots of audience harmonies. John Baston's 2 songs and 1 instrumental highlighted his deft guitar work and gravelly vocal delivery. Next was Sue Bardsley with a fine range of songs in her own distinctive style encompassing Joan Baez and Emy Lou Harris. John Richardson gave a fine mix containing an Eric Clapton love song, a humorous parody of Sally Wheatley and some Joni Mitchell to finish. Fresh from his successful Ashington spotlight Jim Wigfield took us through unaccompanied social and political comment, a join-in medley, finishing the 1st half with 'Wet Dreams' - phew!

John Campbell got the 2nd half underway with a crop of traditional American, Blind Willie McTell, and a Leadbelly meets Big Bill Broonzy meets Mike Harding song to finish with. The Cramlington choir was back on form as Ken Cross led the way with some well established chorus favourites. A mixed set from jiva included a Melanie medley, then 'Bread And Fishes' for the chorus singers, and a gentle love-song rendition of an Eagles classic. Allan Savage followed with his trademark Scottish songs with banjo accompaniment - again the audience were in singing mood. Finishing the night in fine style was Gerry Tapscott whose set included Ralph McTell and 2 Nanci Griffiths numbers.

jiva