The Monkseaton Arms, home to the Monkey Folk Club on Sunday evenings, is just one of many pubs and bars in the Newcastle area hosting acoustic music nights. Although the Monkey, along with most others here and all over the UK, charge no entrance fee and all musicians play for free, the standard of performance is generally very high. Many playing are in fact pro or semi-pro, and attend simply for the fun of it or, maybe, to try out material.

The Monkey is hosted by Eddie and Tracey Gorman who, apart from being very proficient musicians, are unfailingly good-natured and supportive of all acts whether beginner or veteran. Apart from the MCs, there are a regular band of performers and audience members who come most Sundays but there are always new-comers or returning guests who make sure each event is different and full of surprises. The term ‘folk club’ is, these days, a misnomer as almost any style of music (and spoken word) is acceptable. Being entertaining is the main criteria – also not being too precious about yourself or your material. Having said that, many of the musicians are extremely experienced and knowledgeable and, for example, can usually be counted on to recall background information on any artist or piece of music however obscure.

The main reason I attend this and other similar clubs in Newcastle is simply that they are fun and democratic. There is a camaraderie amongst performers who are almost always supportive of one another irrespective of talent or experience. Long may such live music venues thrive.