Enchanting evenings of music in Whinlatter Forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal session to round off the evening
Cafe Ambio
Whinlatter Visitor Centre, Keswick CA12 5TW
7pm - 10pm
Apr 18th - May 23rd - Aug 15th - Sep 5th
A folk club with a difference - set in the glorious surroundings of the Whinlatter forest, showcasing local artists and with opportunities to join in yourself. The combined magic of music and nature is an unforgettable experience, and a great way to connect with others through music.
Each evening starts with floor spots, followed by special guests (see below), and we finish the evening with an open session - bring an instrument or a song to share…
If the weather's favourable, we'll have the event outdoors on the verandah, so dress warmly! If the weather's bad, we'll move indoors to the cafe.
Tickets by donation - suggested amounts £3 - £10. Please pay what you can afford, and help us keep prices low for those facing financial hardship.
Cafe Ambio has a licenced bar and is serving delicious food from 17:00 so enjoy a hearty meal followed by some great entertainment.
April 18th
Dave Camlin & Friends
Mainstay of the local folk scene, singer / song-writer Dave Camlin writes idealistic songs of hope to lift hearts and stir spirits, joined by bandmate Catherine Reding from The Lonnings and possibly other special guests.
Evans & Wood
Owen Evans & Ryan Wood are a fine duo of accordion and fiddle, with their own uniquely energetic take on folk traditions. Inventive, lively and lots of fun!
May 23rd
Anne-Marie Sanderson
Anne-Marie Sanderson is a Cumbrian singer-songwriter whose music is at once earthy and airy, grounded yet ethereal. Drawing inspiration from nature, literature and her travels, Sanderson's haunting melodies and poetic lyrics mesmerise and enchant, with transportive effects on listeners.
The Celandines
The Celandines create music inspired by wild Cumbria, the quiet beauty of everyday nature, and our shared human journey. Abigail Driver and Mark Gormley craft enchanting songs that stir the listener’s heart, blending a wide range of musical influences into a truly distinctive “Celandine” sound, with Ian O'Regan (guitar), Jessie Binns (cello) and Pete Garnett (keys).
Aug 15th
Shanty Story
West Cumbrian vocal groups The Shanty Girls and The Shanty Lads have joined together to bring you a special helping of song. Telling a story of love, loneliness and the hardwork endured by sailors at sea and their loved ones on shore. There will also be songs of laughter and joy all told through shanties and narration. You will be encouraged to join in the choruses, song sheets will be provided.
Sep 5th
Pete Garnett
Accordion virtuoso Pete Garnett - formerly of Scottish Klezmer / Balkan band Moishe's Bagel - is a remarkable musician, drawing on global folk traditions to create a captivating set of tunes from around the world, all played with dextrous skill and an eminently danceable vibe.
Quickbeam
Quickbeam, whose name comes from the Old English term for the Rowan tree, is made up of four talented vocalists and musicians from Cumbria: Abigail Driver, Alison Scott, Arwen Heaton and Jessie McMeekin. Their repertoire features a blend of new arrangements of traditional and contemporary folk songs, as well as inventive original pieces, drawing inspiration from blues, gospel, folk and classical genres.
