The Official Website of the Star Folk Club

The Star Club was started in the late 70s by Arthur Johnstone of the Laggan in conjunction with other stalwarts of the folk scene in Glasgow and included amongst its founders Norman and Janey Buchan . Based initially in the Communist Party premises in Calton Place, it has consistently sought to provide a platform for local artists and those from further afield. Following Arthur’s decision to step down as club organiser after 16 years, Kenny Caird took on the role, keeping things running through some lean years (which saw many other local clubs close) including 3 venue changes but ensuring the club’s survival through dedication and some very hard work.
Following Kenny’s “retiral” as organiser, the club has been run by a small committee for the last few years, who have recently overseen a further venue change to its new and permanent home in the city’s Traditional Music and Dance centre at St. Andrew’s in the Square (just off the High St. in the Saltmarket).

The club still meets every Thursday at 8pm with recent guests such as Alastair Hulett, Jez Lowe, Tommy Sands, Jock Tamson’s Bairns and The Wrigley Sisters illustrating the diversity of artists appearing. Some future guests including Donal Maguire from Ireland, Dick Gaughan, Dan Milner and Bob Conroy from the US and Enoch Kent, a Glaswegian living in Canada for over 30 years. A further highlight is the annual songwriting contest, which in keeping with the club’s beginnings gives a platform to local artists looking to perform some new material.
Annual membership is £8-00 which entitles you to a nightly discount on entry as well as access to information on any special nights.
Future plans include a members’ newsletter and arranging reciprocal visits to other clubs as well as the possibility of exploring links with the RSAMD traditional music degree course and also the Easterhouse Arts project as well as widening access to include local social inclusion projects.