For Folk's Sake

The ridiculously titled For Folk's Sake was initially a fanzine where I could witter on to my heart's content about the folk world, the way in which punk and indie zine writers have for what seems like eternity, leaving the folk world seemingly untouched by this phenomenon. Lack of money, time or technological know-how saw this venture become bi-annual before disappearing from view entirely, though it's something I'd love to do again. Maybe I even will.

Then MAPS festival in Manchester's Northern Quarter asked whether I'd curate an evening of folk and spoken word as part of the weekend's lively programme. Part ego, part attacking a gap in the market, I did and I must admit, it was a busy little affair. So the staff at Cup, the lovely cafe on Thomas Street where the event was held, asked whether it could become a regular occurrence. So that ego revved up a little once again, and For Folk's Sake became just that.

Folk-influenced musicians from Manchester and much further afield have called in to entertain a loyal following, alongside some of the stalwarts of the city's vibrant spoken word scene. It's always a little shambolic - running behind schedule, losing leads, forgetting PA equipment, tripping over furniture, my profound inability to public speak - but hopefully it doesn't matter too much, as it's the artists the audience have come to see and they're always excellent.

Recently FFS joined with two of the city's finest promoters, Tom Kerswill from Songs For The Bathtub and Mat Martin from the Hobopop Parties, to form the Undergrowth Collective, a collective force to ensure some of the best names in folk, roots and acoustic music make sure Manchester is always on their touring wishlist.

See www.myspace.com/forfolkssake for more up-to-date news about FFS