Review - John Kirkpatrick
29/05/26

The Everyman Folk Club season ended last night with an enthralling appearance by squeezebox virtuoso, John Kirkpatrick. We were treated to a celebration of folk music at its best. The huge variety of tunes was exhilarating as John’s fingers flew across the keys of his button accordion, Anglo concertina, and single row melodeon (in D!). His understanding and love of the Morris tradition shone through, and his recently composed Double Dream Waltz was astonishing. A certain gravitas was brought to songs such as Fare Ye Well, Lovely Nancy and The Gown So Green, whilst zest and enthusiasm were directed at The Handling of Your Sword and Riding Down to Portsmouth. This performance of traditional, contemporary, and original songs and tunes showed the remarkable versatility of this folk titan.  

The evening included entertaining songs from Bill Johnston & Sheila Darling, Louise Forster, and Tracey Wisdom, with MC Charlie Haylock ending the floor spots with two moving poems by the late Suffolk poet, Elizabeth Davey (1919–2019). Well done one and all.  

Thank you to our amazing audience for your support over the last year – and, indeed, the last 30-years! It was brilliant to end the season with a sell-out crowd; your stunning singing was truly overwhelming. Have a lovely Summer, and we’ll see you on Friday 25 September 2026 when friendly ghost, Sailor Swift (aka Pete Morton), will take our breath away.