'The Black Nun'
  
     
Folk Club
     
 
 
     
 
Eight years ago, myself, & Brian Boyle, started the 'Black Nun', in the seaside town of Ballycastle. We felt there was a real need for the introduction of an acoustic music club to North Antrim, a suitable venue, where we could attract first class international touring acoustic musicians, & show off some of the excellent local musical talent at the same time. In our first six years, we have managed to bring nearly 200 musicians & singers to perform at the club, & they have come from all over the world too, from Canada, America, Australia, Africa, all over Europe, England, Scotland & of course all over Ireland too.
 
 
Brian, a Bass player himself, runs 'Festival Productions' which provides first class sound & lighting systems for all manner of theatrical & musical events in the area, both indoor & outdoor. Brian, as well as providing first class sound for all the clubs guests over the years, also does the sound for the prestigious 'Gig 'n the Bann' each year with guests like Mike McGoldrick & Sharon Shannon, & also runs the very successful ‘New Road Studios’ from where a large number of excellent CDs & Tapes have been produced over the years.
  
 
Both Brian & myself are enthusiasts, who ran the club for the love of the music. However, it also gave us a chance to see & hear some brilliant musicians & singers each year who would otherwise come no closer than Belfast. As we ran the club as a non profit making venture, it meant that every penny of the paltry £5 collected at the door, went to the Guests. The club's last home was the 'Tap Room', Kelly's on Church Street, Ballymoney.
  
     
   
 
LOCAL SINGERS
 
 
 
     
 
Over the years we welcomed local amateur talent to the open mic. session during the first half of each night, and regulars often included locals like the Bandits, Dessie Hassen & Riley Peddington, Patsy & Stephanie Hill, Greg Gault and a whole host of local singers & musicians.
 
     
   
 
VISITING SINGERS
  
 
 
     
 
Phyllis Martin (sitting) and Moira Greenwood (singing) who comprise 2/4 of the group Stravaig
  
     
   
 

Incidently, I was always being asked, "Why the Black Nun", or "Don't you mean Blue Nun!"

Well the truth is, 'The Black Nun' was the pet name for Julia McQuillan, who lived in Bonamargy Friary in the C17th. She is said to have made several predictions in her time. Her grave lies near the entrance to the Chapel, & is marked by a small standing stone, with a hole in the centre. Bonamargy, which was built in the C15th for the Franciscan Third Order, lies just to the East of Ballycastle, on the road to the Glens.

 
     
     
 
Over the years we had some great nights & here are just a few quotes from the many letters of thanks we received.
 
     
 
'Reynardine' Drogheda
  
 
"Hello Dick, ...I wanted to say a big thank you for looking after us so well and for a brilliant night. The club is one of the best places we've played, and in fact, I have never enjoyed a gig as much. I hope you were pleased with what we did, and it would be a pleasure to play for the Black Nun again in the future. Thank you again to yourself and Sabine, all the best Neil + Reynardine"
  
     
 
'Tony Taffinder' Lancashire
 
 

"This was my first trip to Ireland and it has been an absolute joy, the openness and the friendlyness of everyone we have encountred on our travels has been good for the soul of this North of England cinic.
I didn't know what to expect from Irish audiences being that there is such a strong music and song tradition over there, I needn't have been concerned.
Thank you for taking a chance and giving us the opportunity to play in your beautiful part of the country.and could you thank all those who came for the warm reception they extended to us and we hope to see them and you, soon."

  
     
 
'Tony McLoughlin' Co. Down
 
 
"Good morning Dick , thank you for a wonderful gig and welcome to Ballycastle, both Keili and I were bowled over by the place and how we were so respected. Many thanks" Tony
 
     
 
'Donal O'Connor' Co. Louth
  
 
"Thanks a million for having us at the folk club. We had a great night and enjoyed it very much. I hope it all goes well for yourself and Brian and I will certainly be spreading the word to musicians and listeners all over. Your review was far too kind and I look foreward to having tunes and the craic with you in the coming year." Donal
 
     
 
'Ben Sands' Co. Down
  
 
"Just now finishing the digestion of last Monday night's enjoyment at that wonderful North-Eastern University of traditional and contemporary music and song known as The Black Nun Folk Club. It was a great delight to perform with and for the learned professors and students therein and I'd love to be part of the curriculum again sometime before I get too much older. I just acquired a copy of the Bandits CD (with Liz Weir) from brother Col and will play tracks from that on my radio programme before long. I do a Sunday evening show on Clanrye Radio (101.5FM) from 5.00 to 7.00, which sometimes makes its way as far as Ballymoney, at least, when the wind is in the right direction. Thanks again, Dick, to yourself and Brian for making the evening very enjoyable for me and my *family circle!* - and for the fine, generous review of the gig which could well be quoted extensively! - if you have no objections. Ben
 
     
 
'Colum Sands' Co. Down
  
 
"Many thanks for the gig, we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the audience and I must say, you have it really well set up there." "Good luck with all your future gigs up there and I'd be glad to come back sometime in the future ........ in some shape or form." Colum
 
     
 
'The Gordons' Illinois
  
 
"Thank you for keepin a cool folk club, alive and well." Gary Gordon
  
     
 
'Roisin McCaughan' Portstewart
 
 
"I enjoyed myself thoroughly last night . It was great to hear Fil live and have the opportunity to chat to her and to you Brian and Patsy. I would certainly love to come to the Black Nun again and I will spread the word if I can. Do keep me informed and keep up the good work." Roisin
 
     
 

'Fil Campbell' Co. Down

  
 

"Thanks for an enjoyable night in Portstewart - what the audience lacked
in numbers they certainly made up for in enthusiasm." Fil

  
     
 
'Donal O'Connor' Co. Roscommon
  
 
"I got the review... thanks..... I procured 4 gigs in folk clubs in Scotland and I think it was mostly on the strength of the review. Thanks again Dick and don't ever be stuck for an act at your club." " Thanks to doing the Black Nun and going with Brians advice of sending a CD to the Bennett Show on BC Northern Ireland I will be doing an interview and live spot on the show on Oct. 7th hopefully after having played at the Iona Folk Club Hollywood Co Down on the night previous. Thanks a million for "the start" in Northern Ireland." Donal
 
     
 
'Michael E. Thomas' New Jearsey
  
 
"Hi, Thanks for a great review. I'm going to post it to my website. I've also sent it to some friends in NYC.
.... I'd like to link Black Nun info on the site if that's o.k." Michael
  
     
 
'Martin Donnelly' Co. Down
  
 
"Dear Dick, I can't thank you enough for your kind words. I'll come back any time. I had a great evening at the Black Nun. God bless her and all who sail in her. Best wishes" Martin
 
     
 
'Martin Egan' Dublin
  
 
"....Jim (Page) WAS DELIGHTED WITH HIS NIGHT WITH YOU, as I'm sure will anyone else I send in your direction." Martin
 
   
     
Previous Guests
Black Nun Fest
Dulcimer Concert
     
Sound Systems
Rick & Brandy
Irish Venues
Northern Lights