July/ August 2025

The next singarounds at Folk at the Barlow will be on 4 July  and 1  August.
The Hunch are five musicians at the top of their game, honed from years of
performance. With talent in great measure, they showcase their creativity & technical
brilliance in every song. Intriguingly crafted classics and soul searching ballads shine
with five-part harmonies and instrumental virtuosity, all introduced with dry wit and
audacious humour. A unique band ….. to see them is a must.  
 
Mick Doonan was a founder member of the legendary 70s folk-rock band Hedgehog
Pie and comes from the famous Tyneside dynasty. John Doonan Snr, was an All-
Ireland flute champion.  Michael also fronts The Mighty Doonan’s folk-rock band. In
The Hunch he provides vocals as well as flutes and pipes.
Bob Thomas fronted another highly respected folk-rock outfit, Kitsyke Will, and has
since lent his wonderful soul-inflected vocal style to The Solicitors, as well as
singing, playing percussion and harmonica with The Hunch.
Alongside these two are the stunning acoustic guitarist/vocalist Chris Hanks and
keyboards/accordionist/vocalist Tony Bacon, both alumni of West Yorkshire’s thriving
roots scene. Marcus Frost is the latest addition to the line up; with
extensive experience in the local blues/rock scene, Marcus brings his unique style of
percussion and vocals.
 
The Hunch are a collective ready wit & easy rapport with audiences of all sizes
ensures that any gig involving The Hunch goes with a swing - tasteful, exciting,
assured, soulful, enjoyable and lasting in the memory. 
The Hunch will be supported by superb singer songwriter, Nat Clare who has
appeared at The Barlow several times and has been a great supporter of the Club.
For details of these events, booking details and future events at Folk at the Barlow,
please visit our website at www.folkatthebarlow.com
We are all familiar with changes in banking provision in recent years, and the Club
are not immune from these ‘developments’. Cash is becoming harder to handle,
especially in relation to actually paying it into a bank. Hence, can we ask that
wherever possible that you book your places in advance via our website, or
alternatively at the door by Debit or Credit card. We will. Of course, always accept
cash, but if we can keep this to a minimum it will make life much easier.
The tunes sessions that have taken place at various venues in Edgworth over the
last few years, have resumed at the Rose and Crown, and will start at 8pm on the
third Monday of the month. This means that the next one will be on 21 st July. The
monthly song session will be at the White Horse in the first Monday each month,
starting at 8pm; the next, therefore will be on 7 th July.

For fans of open mic style sessions, The Saggy Bottom Girls hold their events at the
Masons’ Arms in Egerton. The next one is on 16 th July, and again on the third
Wednesday of each month thereafter.

The Met, in Bury present a varied and interesting programme of related music. Visit
their website at themet.org.uk/whats-on/folk-music/ .
Bolton Socialist Club & Bolton Love Music Hate Racism present Emma Gee on 5 th
July. This Brummie/Irish singer/songwriter will be making her first visit to Bolton
Socialist Club as part of a tour of the UK, bringing songs of love and defiance.
In support will be Nat Clare. Nat is an amazing, local singer/songwriter and great
friend of the club.

5.7.25 Emma Gee, supported by Nat Clare, Bolton Socialist Club, 16,
Wood Street, Bolton BL1 1DY. Tickets: £10 Contact Julia on
07734464236

7.7.25 Song Session, White Horse, Edgworth. 8pm
16.7.25 Folk Evening Masons’ Arms, Egerton
18.7.25 The Hunch, supported by Nat Clare, Folk at The Barlow

www.folkatthebarlow.com

21.7.25 Tunes Session, Rose and Brown, Bury Road Edgworth. 8pm