News, comment and features

Hopperstomp: Dave Bucknell, Ruth Bucknell, Pete Abernethy, John Crowther

Featured at Bowes Park Folk Club's first 2023 session this week will be some familiar local faces in a new line-up, offering an eclectic mix of music played not too seriously.

Hopperstomp will be making their debut at Mum's Bistro, a minute's walk from Bowes Park Station, on Thursday. The line-up consists of Ruth Buckwell (ukulele and accordion) and Dave Buckwell (guitar), who make up the duo That Blue Patch (last spotted braving the rain on Sunday at the Broomfield Orchard wassail), joined by two stalwarts of the local Blues scene, John Crowther and Pete Abernethy. In their familiar roles as part of the Low Down Dogs, John wields an electric guitar, while Pete can be found behind a full drum kit. But at Thursday's acoustic session we can expect some mandolin magic from John and washboard percussion from Pete. To quote from the folk club's publicity:

Recently formed by musical friends looking for a new collaboration with a difference. Trying not to take themselves too seriously, and never knowingly over-rehearsed, they start with early 20th century jug band songs and work outwards.

Hopperstomp's session will be part of one of Bowes Park Folk Club's Singers/Open Mic Nights, so expect an interesting mix of styles. Entry is free with a collection to pay the musicians.