When a singer draws praise from folk royalty such as Nic Jones, John Tams and Kate Rusby, you can be sure they have something very special. 

The subject of this praise is RUTH NOTMAN, who headlines Downend Folk Club’s May event.

"I was totally blown away!"

- Kate Rusby 

Ruth is a contemporary folk singer/songwriter based in South Yorkshire, who has been maturing and honing her style and skill for over a decade in front of festival and venue audiences all over the UK.

“What sets Ruth Notman apart is the disarming beauty of her voice.” 

 - Rock n Reel

After a musical sabbatical to concentrate on studies, Ruth is returning with more style than ever and is currently preparing to record her new album, six years after her last record “The Life of Lilly”. 

Ruth’s debut album “Threads” came out in November 2007 and really did, to quote BBC Radio 3’s Verity Sharp, “cause quite a stir”.  Rarely has a young folk artist’s first album had such a huge impact on what is sometimes a difficult genre to please.  But it did more than please the folk fraternity.  It went on to receive plaudits in major nationals including The Independent (album of the week), The Guardian and MoJo. Ruth played live in session on Radio 2 with Bob Harris, who loved the album and Ruth’s live set. 

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Opening the evening will be JIMMY ALDRIDGE & SID GOLDSMITH, who are themselves forging a superb reputation on the UK folk scene.

Jimmy and Sid play traditional and original folksong of the British Isles. They tell stories of hardship, joy, struggle and celebration held together with driving banjo and guitar arrangements and close vocal harmonies.

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The event will be held at Frenchay Village Hall on Friday 15th May. Doors open at 7.30pm and there will be a full bar serving GWB real ale, cider, wine and a range of soft drinks, as well as a raffle. 

Tickets are £8 in advance, £10 on the door and are available from Melanie’s Kitchen, Kafe Karma, Bristol Ticket Shop and online here. Members tickets are £7 from the website or direct from Ant Miles.