Folk/rock legend entertains

Spokeswoman Caroline Thomas said: “Steve has played a significant role in the development of British folk-rock, performing as a lead singer with the first Albion Country Band, then with his own Ragged Robin and various line-ups of The Steve Ashley Band. He has also performed occasionally with members of Fairport Convention and is well regarded on the club circuit for his upbeat, modern take on the traditional style.

“Long regarded as one of British folk’s finest singer-songwriters, his reputation for writing contemporary songs inspired by the English tradition was established in 1974 with his innovative debut album, Stroll On. Since then his songs have been recorded by many leading folk artists including Fairport Convention, Anne Briggs, Dave Pegg and PJ Wright, The Arizona Smoke Review, Martin and Jessica Simpson, Grace Notes, Phil Beer, Maggie Boyle and The Bushwackers.”

Born in London in 1946, Steve Ashley began singing traditional songs in the folk clubs of West London in 1961. In 1964 he moved to Maidstone to study Graphic Design. There with Peter Bellamy he helped to establish the successful Maidstone Folk Club. He also sang and played harmonica in the Art College blues band The Tea Set. In September 1967 he returned to London to begin his first job as a graphic designer at The Observer. It was at this time that he began writing and performing songs.

Starts 8pm. Tickets: £6 (Members £4), under 21s and students free; available on the door from 7.45pm. Information: 01403 276273.