New Cross Songwriters Circle

The indefatigable Martin Howard is doing more than most in keeping the flame of acoustic live music going in SE London, promoting the long running Acoustic Anarchy nights at waterintobeer in Brockley, helping with Deptford Folk at the Endeavour bar and in the latest move putting on a monthly night upstairs at the Shirkers Rest SE14. The New Cross Songwriters Circle, on the first Sunday of the month, aims to showcase people's own songs. I went along for the July session and caught the great Magic City Trio. Next one is on August 3rd with Chris, Lou and Leo (who are really good), Neil Gordon-Orr and Martin himself.

 

Goblin Band and some South London folk nights/open mics

Goblin Band were great at the Goose is Out last week (Friday 31st January 2025) at the Ivy House, bringing a new energy to traditional folk song including not one but two versions of Widecombe Fair, a song which as they note they have resurrected after it being out of fashion for years. Excellent support too from Scottish singer/harpist Holly Murphy and unaccompanied singer Victoria Lynn (Goblin Band also played a few days later at the New Cross Inn, a benefit for Transgender Action).

Holly Murphy

Folk music is pretty accessible for those who want to take part, you don't even need to learn an instrument! For people who want to try singing and performing themselves there are plenty of entry points locally. The Goose is Out has a monthly singaround at the Ivy House (next one is  Sunday 9th Feb) where people take turns with standing and singing a song.

Deptford Folk is on the last Thursday of every month downstairs at the Endeavour, 39 Deptford Broadway, and has floor spots. Folk of the Round Table is a weekly Sunday open session  at SET Social (55a Nigel Road SE15 4NP). There is a Thursday night open mic at the Shirkers Rest in New Cross. As a spin off from that a New Cross Songwriter's Circle is doing a night there too.

Update May 2025:

Goblin Band were amazing at the Broadside Hacks May Day event at St Giles Church in Camberwell (30 April 2025), ending with a hobby horse and the Belles of London City dancing in the church in a night that also featured singer Daisy Rickhman.

Shirkers Rest SE14

Don't think I've given enough love out to the Shirkers Rest, beer shop/bar at 9 Lewisham Way opposite Goldsmiths in New Cross.

They have beers (and cider)

They have events including open mics and comedy nights

And of course they have a slacker aesthetic

Yes there's a 'Never Work' poster and the legendary 1980s 'I didn't go to work today... I don't think I'll go tomorrow' poster. Despite the claims of some cheeky f*cks online to have designed and therefore sell this image, I believe it was actually designed by a nice Leeds anarchist called Brian  who also did some radical Tin Tin cartoon strips. Remember having lots of arguments about this at the time  - along the lines of yes the sentiment's great but many working class people don't have the luxury of sleeping in and losing their job. Something to debate over a pint of Common Sense or whatever you fancy at the Shirkers Rest.