It was glorious to return to the world of folklore and strangeness, as the Brighton Folk Choir found ourselves in an artistic studio looming above the port of Newhaven.
The only time I’d previously been here was to take the ferry to Dieppe, and my train today was full of French families readying themselves for the afternoon crossing.
The gig was with our old friends the Hognutters, and we performed our own set (trying very hard not to knock over any of the folklore exhibits) before singing accompaniment to the mummer’s play.
We were in good voice, and I quickly learned the songs I was unfamiliar with due to my Monday pub quiz hosting.
I also enjoyed wandering the studio with Elle and Rachel, a Druid, who sang a delightful solo and showed me the outfit from her own morris troupe, which formed part of the exhibition.
Between our sets, I bumped into Jason Pegg, and talked about the possibility of my running a regular folk night in Brighton.
I wasn’t feeling brilliant today, so got a lift home with Elle and didn’t stay for the drinks and further hobnobbing, but it was a delightful afternoon and a reminder of the sheer joy of this world I’ve found myself on the delightful margins of. I’m very lucky to sing with such brilliant people.
jamesofwalsh 