Informal Gatherings in South Hampshire and area

As well as the many groups that are regularly covered in Solent Waves, there are many other musical gatherings, informal and rather more formal/organised, going on, in and around our area. We hear about some of these and there is a network of movers and shakers who seek to avoid clashes and thus lose someone half an audience. With the help of the Editor, we'd like to tell people about these events from time to time and this addition to the music web page contains the list with more detail than the printed mag where available. These informal gatherings are often free (although if based in a pub, the landlord might expect you to buy something to drink) and of an 'anything goes' nature with songs, instruments and poetry welcome. They often have an associated FaceBook page, but these are not always viewable by non-members.

By their very nature these more informal groups are often less organised than some other clubs on our website, so there are more likely to be changes and updates that do not get to us. Please let us know about omissions or mistakes and we'll try and correct things as fast as possible. In particular, we expect that there are lots of great sessions going on that we don't know about - please tell us and we can help spread the word.

The slightly more formal sessions are often for musicians who have reached a 'grade' with their instrument and are looking to improve as they play with others. Some of these make make a charge to participate, but where we can, we have included a contact name from whom you can find out more.

You can see where these various sessions are on our locate a club page.

MONDAYS

Acoustic Singaround  8pm  every Mon.  The New Wheel Inn, Bowling Green, Sway Road, Pennington, Lymington  SO41 8LJ (sometimes at New Milton Memorial Centre, Whitefield Rd, New Milton  BH25 6DE, depending on darts matches at The Wheel)  Steve West 014 2561 9950  or stevewest82@btinternet.com  for confirmation, or ring pub 015 9068 8963  [confirmed March 2024]

The Doghouse Session - fourth Monday, 8.30 pm at The Guide Dog, Earls Road, Southampton, SO14 6SF. Nic Bradford  nic@meltingpot.org.uk. Tunes with occasional song, hardly suitable for beginners — check with Nic, first (See also third Tue). [updated February 2024]

Nightingale Session  7pm  second & fourth Mon.  (the) Nightingale, Latimer St, Romsey SO51 8DF. Somewhat under the radar, by intention  “We are not really a folk group”, but “an acoustic group with no unaccompanied singing.” — a questionable definition!? [Ed.]  “… a lovely friendly group and we welcome anyone new that would like to come along”.  Sue Hatch  suehatch1@outlook.com  for full details and to join notification list  [confirmed February 2024]

Southampton Ukulele group Jam Fortnightly (8/1/'24 was a meet night). The 1865, Brunswick Square, Southampton SO14 3AR. 7.30pm - 9pm. Playing everything from folk to punk. All standards welcome. Spare ukes available for newbies. More from southamptonukulelejam@yahoo.co.uk [updated March 2024]

Traditional Folk Session. Generally second and fourth Mondays at 7.30pm at The Hyde Tavern, Hyde Street, Winchester, SO23 7DY. See www.hydetavern.co.uk/all-events for all the dates. (No response from pub, so probably not running)

TUESDAYS

Alton Steady Sessions first Tuesday of the month, 8pm, at the The Three Horseshoes, East Worldham GU34 3AE. Aimed at beginners and improvers. David Johnson deejaysqueeze@gmail.com.  http://altonsteadysession.wordpress.com [updated March 2024]

Concertinas Anonymous third Tuesdays.  The Elephant and Castle, White Hill, Lewes  BN7 2DJ  not winter months  “We are currently (post-Xmas '23) meeting in a member’s living room and numbers are rather restricted”.  Bryan Creer bryancreer@aol.com to check. [updated January 2024]

English tunes session 8 - 10 pm on second Tuesday of the month (except August) Woodies, The Junction Inn, Priory Rd, Southampton, SO17 2JZ. Blog (needs updating) at englishtunes.wordpress.com. Cath Watkins  cath@meltingpot.org.uk [confirmed March 2024]

"Euro" Session 8:30 to 11pm  first Tue.  The Guide Dog, 38 Earls Road, Southampton, SO14 6SF  More European-based than most Trad. sessions  Helen Gentile  https://www.facebook.com/groups/195796887273407 (page says it’s at The Junction, St Denys, but confirmed it is at The Dog)  [confirmed January 2024]

Folk Sessions 8pm  most Tue. The Ship Inn, Old Redbridge Lane, Redbridge, Southampton  SO15 0NN (when function room available;  decamps to Nursling Men’s Shed, next to St Boniface Ch., Church Lane  SO16 0YB, when not, sometimes at short notice).  Mainly instrumental, only a few singers and that’s how they want to keep it  Mike Bunce  077 4295 7858  or mike@mikebunce.co.uk or mikebuncewoodsiders@gmail.com  to check. [confirmed January 2024]

Green Man Folk Club  7:30pm  second Tue.  The Wheatsheaf Pub, 7 Market Square, Alton  GU34 1HD  Relaxed singaround style, free, all welcome   www.facebook.com/people/Green-Man-Folk-Club/100069434223693/   (note that website www.greenmanfolkclub.weebly.com appears to be defunct)  Barbara Parry parry.barbara@btinternet.com  [updated January 2024]

Gypsy Swing ‘Steady’ Session  8:30pm  third Tuesday.  The Guide Dog, 38 Earls Road, Southampton, SO14 6SF  Nic Bradford  nic@meltingpot.org.uk  (See also fourth Mondays). [updated January 2024]

The Lamb Session 8 pm start, fortnightly Tuesdays. The Andover Tap at The Lamb Inn, 21 Winchester St, Andover SP10 2EA. Instrumental session  “All welcome”.  Pub offers Real & Craft ales and its home-produced gin!  www.facebook.com/lamb.session (the page is public)  [added March 2024]

"Live on the Lawn" ("Live in the Lounge", if held indoors!) 7:15 to 9:30pm/10-ish third Tues. Different house venues around Southampton (and, occasionally, the SO postcode area, or beyond). Singarounds, in private homes, indoors or out-, depending on the weather. A music-continuing option during COVID, now with the added plus of venue-certainty: we can decamp indoors if the weather turns. BYOB, hot/soft drinks usually provided; may be wise to BYO Chair. Not all homes will be "accessible", but will try and warn via our usual channels. Planned to run all year. Under FOCSLE Music auspices: check www.focsle.org/#LotL for each venue, and we'd rather you e-mailed Jonathan Klein jonathan@focsle.org to indicate attendance (tho' we don't anticipate hordes turning up). The website will say if a particular event is numbers-limited, o/wise you CAN just turn up ad hoc. [added April 2024]

Unplugged Singaround  8 to 11pm  fourth & fifth Tuesdays.  The Guide Dog, 38 Earls Road, Bevois Valley, Southampton  SO14 6SF. Very intimate venue. No music-genre restrictions, exc. all acoustic. VERY occasional Guests (main Guest nights on second Tue., with Singaround element) Lin Rayner 02380 252112 / 07730873899 / lin@focsle.org or Jonathan Klein 02380 737198 / jonathan@focsle.org Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FoczleMusic  Entry free, but £2 donation invited to cover costs.  Fine range of superbly-kept beers. [updated November 2024]

Wickham Steady Sessions 7:15 for 7:30pm sharp  fourth Tuesday, was at the The Roebuck Inn, Wickham, now at The Hunters Inn, Cott St., Swanmore, SO32 2PZ. Acoustic instruments only, mostly well-known English tunes.  Pam Eastwood  pamreastwood@gmail.com  “We use a tunes list, so my session suits people who like to read music.  If you wish to be sent the list a week before, send a message”.  http://altonsteadysession.wordpress.com/about/other-local-sessions/, see also http://altonsteadysession.wordpress.com [updated July 2024]

West Hants. Tuesday Session (WHaM)  7:30,  1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Mixed session - English and Irish music - at The Fox and Hounds, High St., Lyndhurst, SO43 7BG. WHaM’s FBk page: www.facebook.com/groups/691319154392153/ Session run by Sylvia Crocker sylviacrocker@btinternet.com.  (No sessions Dec. 2024; restart 3rd Jan.) [updated Nov 2024]

WEDNESDAYS

Acoustic Jam Session  9pm  second Wednesdays.  The Black Swan, 159 High Street, Swanage  BH19 2NE  darren@blackswanswanage.co.uk  [confirmed January 2024].

The Anchor Session New session, 8 to 10pm, third Wed. at The Anchor Inn, North Warnborough St., North Warnborough, Basingstoke RG29 1BE. First one on the 17th April. The organisers write, "A gathering of musicians, singers and music-lovers playing a selection of folk songs together. We'll print some simple tunes for people to follow, but feel free to suggest any other well-known songs on the night. Lots of communal playing: all instruments welcome. Music is available on the FBk page, and on the night, but if you have a good song all can join in with, then great. Hope to see you there!" www.facebook.com/events/2124512231274746/?active_tab=discussion Hosts Paul Stone and Dave Webb. [added April 2024]

Folk and acoustic session 7.30 every wednesday at the Steamtown Brew Co, 1 Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh,  SO50 6AD. "Bring your instruments and join us fo acoustic folk, blues, country & pop. Relaxed informal sessions open to all, play a solo slot or just join in the jam." Jim Shepperd. Also see Sundays. [confirmed January 2024].

Wessex Folk Nite 7:30 to 11pm   every Wed.  The Sailor’s Return  St. Nicholas St  The Quay  Weymouth  DT4 8AD   Play-/Sing-around  “Earlier you arrive, the better the seat”  Roger Quigley   www.facebook.com/roger.quigley.35 (via Mssngr facility)   www.facebook.com/wessexfolknite (Fbk page is public) [added March 2024]

Winchester Acoustic Club generally first Wednesdays, 8pm. Was Winchester Folk club but has "rebranded" and returned to its old home at The Railway Inn, St.Paul's Hill, Winchester, SO23 7DY. https://m.facebook.com/WinchesterAcousticClub/ (Fbk page not public) [updated February 2024].

THURSDAYS

Acoustic Music Sessions  8pm  third Thursday.  The Golden Bowler, 122 Stubbington Lane, Stubbington  PO14 2NQ “If you sing or play an instrument (or even both at the same time!) come along and join in this informal mix of tunes and songs”.  Jo Drew  drewpartnership@gmail.com  www.goldenbowlerpub.co.uk/ (the session’s upcoming dates are on the pub’s homepage!!!)  [confirmed January 2024]

Acoustic Singaround  7:30pm  first & third Thursdays.  The Gun Inn, Keyhaven Rd, Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, Lymington  SO41 0TP  Steve West 014 2561 9950 stevewest82@btinternet.com [added March 2024]

The Angel Singaround Was at the Musketeer, now at The Angel & Blue Pig, 108, High Street, Lymington, SO41 9AP. Meets every Thursday, 8.30pm start. All welcome  “If you didn’t favour The Musketeer, do try The Angel;  it’s more congenial and less noisy”. Contact Jon Ellis jonpardeshi@yahoo.co.in [updated March 2024].

FRIDAYS

Acoustic Blues Club 8pm first Friday of the month in The New Milton Memorial Centre, Whitefield Rd, BH25 6DE. Details from Peter Gabony  petergabony@gmail.com or Steve West, 01425 619950 or stevewest82@btinternet.com. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1274780782731480 [confirmed January 2024]

Acoustic Folk Night  8 to 11pm  third Fridays.  The Foyer Bar of The New Milton Memorial Centre, Whitefield Rd, New Milton  BH25 6DE  “Enjoyable entertainment for local amateur instrumentalists and vocalists in a relaxed atmosphere with the added advantage of a licensed bar, so come along and play or just listen”.  Steve West 014 2561 9950  stevewest82@btinternet.com [confirmed January 2024]

Chichester Acoustic Music Club (Chi Pickers) “Club Sessions” [ex- @ The Gribble, Oving]  7:30 to 11pm  third Fridays.  Village Hall, Barnham Road, Eastergate, Chichester  PO20 3RP  off-road car park,  tea/coffee & small bar available   All skills and unplugged genres welcomed, “for the companionship and to share our music”.  Open Mic format “but not as loud”:  ‘cabaret’-style seating, small PA, single condenser mic, so no plugging in.  15-min. sets, “first come, first — well, I’ve never turned anyone away yet”.  Pre-booking helps.  Andrew Perry  chipickers2016@gmail.com  https://www.facebook.com/chichester.pickers  (Fbk page not public). Large hall space, so ‘social distancing’ possible and sensible:  hand-sanitizers provided  £5 pp, towards hall hire  [updated and confirmed January 2024]

Forget-Me-Not Singing Club, 2 to 3:30pm weekly, £3 per session, incl. tea/coffee & biscuits. "Aimed at those living with dementia and their friends, but anyone else who fancies a good sing on a Friday is very welcome!" Brockenhurst Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7RT. Amy Hopwood, folksinger, songwriter and Natural Voice Coach amy@thesongwritingproject.co.uk / 075 9082 7887 to inform that you're attending (useful, as just occasionally, the sessions will take a break) www.thesongwritingproject.co.uk [added January 2024]

Free Folk Fridays Relaxed singaround-style session, 7.30, third Friday each month at The Lounge Bar, Amery Street, Alton, GU34 1HN, free parking after 6pm, Bank car park, Amery St.  Relaxed singaround-style session.  Run by Rough Ditch Folk Barbara Parry  parry.barbara@btinternet.com. [confirmed January 2024].

Milton Ukulele Strummers Klub - Last Friday at the New Milton Memorial Centre, Whitefield Rd, New Milton BH25 6DE. Starts 7pm. All levels including beginners welcome. [confirmed January 2024]

Shanty Singers, 7.30pm second Friday of the month at The Hyde Tavern, Hyde Street, Winchester, SO23 7DY. See www.hydetavern.co.uk/all-events for all the dates. [No response from pub, so probably not running]

SATURDAYS

Chichester Pickers Acoustic Music Club “Song Circle”  1 to 4pm   first Saturaday.  Village Hall, Barnham Road, Eastergate, Chichester  PO20 3RP  off-road car park  tea/coffee & small bar (sometimes home-made cake)  Singaround format, welcoming “folk of all skill levels, and all are equally appreciated — it’s a sharing hobby!”   Andrew Perry  chipickers2016@gmail.com   https://www.facebook.com/chichester.pickers (Fbk page not public).  Large hall space, so ‘social distancing’ possible and sensible:  hand-sanitizers provided  £5 pp, towards hall hire  [confirmed January 2024]

Acoustic Singaround 3:30 to 5:30pm  (usu.) third Saturday, not August. or December. Lanes Restaurant, Ashley Lane, Lymington, SO41 3RH. All kinds of unplugged music  Worth joining mailing-list, to keep abreast of occasional date-variations.  Jonathan Klein  klein.jonathan@rocketmail.com.  Free. (Note: should you arrive early and find people still dining, please DON’T occupy the space until the MC arrives - assemble in another part of the bar.) [added Oct 2019, updated March 2024].

SUNDAYS

Acoustic Singaround The Hourglass Micropub, Station Rd, New Milton BH25 6JU. last Sunday each month, 3pm - 6pm. Steve West 014 2561 9950  or stevewest82@btinternet.com [confirmed January 2024]

FolkActive Youth Ensemble, For young musicians of Grade 3 standard and above. Cantell School, Violet Road, Southampton, SO16 3GJ. Monthly, 10.00-13.00, check website www.folkactive.org.uk/education/youth-ensemble/ for further details and dates. [confirmed March 2024]

Folk Session  3pm third (probably worth checking before attending) Sunday.  La Havana, 3 Little London, Chichester  PO19 1PH. “Come along to play, sing or enjoy the music, amplified, or unamplified, together or on your own for a folky Sunday afternoon.  Traditional music from England, Ireland and elsewhere”. 01243 771771 info@lahavana.co.uk  Venue recently re-opened after refurbishment. [added March 2024]

The Madding Crowd West Gallery Quire, open rehearsals most first Sundays, but phone Mike Bailey 01962 713392 to check. St. Boniface Centre, Hursley Road, Chandlers Ford.

Mick’s Singaround (Branksome Folk Club)  3 to 6 pm  every Sun., usually Oct. to March only. The Committee Room,  The Branksome St Aldhelm’s Centre   (BH13 6BT, entrance off Lindsay Road, behind The Den Scout & Guide HQ),   Branksome,  Poole  All sorts of material,  BYO drinks, tho’ free tea & coffee available  Free entry, with collection.  VERY occasional guests   Mick Ryan  mickryan.songs@gmail.com (due to restart 24th November 2024). [added March 2024]

The 'Occasional' Folk Club [ex-City Folk Club, ex-Friday Folk, Chichester], second Suns. 2 to 5pm. BYO drinks. Chidham and Hambrook Village Hall, Main Road (A259), postcode is PO18 8TL but look for Chidham Lane - car park is on the right a very short way down - Midway between Chichester and Emsworth, Hall is roughly opp. Bosham Inn, near junction with Chidham Lane https://cityfolkchi.blogspot.com/ contact: Colin cityfolkclub@gmail.com 01243 574021 [updated January 2024]

Southampton Folk Orchestra. Southampton Folk Orchestra  10:30am to 12:30pm   usually two Sundays per month, but not on regular pattern, Next two terms’ dates on website https://www.folkactive.org.uk/community/southampton-folk-orchestra/.  11th Southampton Scout Hall, Kentish Road, Southampton SO15 3GX  no e-mail:  contact via website www.folkactive.org.uk/contact-us/  An open-access group that plays traditional folk music with connections to the local area, and welcomes all players of acoustic instruments from confident experienced musicians to beginners  [updated January 2024]

Southampton Traditional Music Session. Now two events:  3 to 5:30 pm  every Sunday at the Steam Town Brew Co., 1 Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh  SO50 6AD (original venue)  mostly Irish.  More recently:  6 to 8pm  first Sun.  Woodies, The Junction Inn, Priory Rd, Southampton  SO17 2JZ  www.facebook.com/groups/traditionalirishsession  [updated January 2024]

Whitchurch Acoustic Sessions  start varies between 2pm & 4pm  first & third Sundays.  Whitchurch Sports & Social Club, Longmeadow, Winchester Road, Whitchurch  RG28 7RB  https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Whitchurch-Acoustic-Session/100088052557254/   Contact via the Facebook page. [Added January 2024]