John and Di run the Beacon Folk Club in Tunbridge Wells. They sing and play mostly contemporary folk songs, complimenting each other beautifully with touches of humour thrown in.
Event Review Linda Carter...
July 1st at Orpington Folk Club proved to be an excellent night of entertainment by John and Di Cullen from The Beacon Folk Club Tunbridge Wells. They commenced the evening with an unaccompanied number that gave us an indication of how well their voices complemented one another's. Listening to John's sensitive guitar playing and Di's clear vocals was a wonderful way to relax on that hot balmy summer evening. Their repertoire included a Mike Silver cover and a few humorous songs such as DHSS. These and many of the other songs performed were from their CD Moonlighting and for those who would like to buy it, I found this link below.
Linda Carter 3rd July 2010
"Moonlighting"
Big voiced John is joined by Brian and Marion Rodgers (‘No Worries’) - three great singers, two guitars and a bodhran! They promise a mixture of traditional and original songs delivered with power and commitment.
Event Review Linda Carter...
John Barden and the Bardettes wowed the audience at Orpington Folk Club with a fine selection of songs (mostly John’s) and John’s mellifluous voice superbly augmented by the Bardettes backing vocals and instrumentals. While between songs all was chaos, with guitars going out of tune and John attempting to surprise his colleagues by wandering off list, the easy charm of the group and the informality of the environment made for a very enjoyable evening for everyone. Looking forward to the next time.
Linda Carter 15th July 2010
Two local performers; each with a different approach to folk.
Doug field is a singer guitarist and is a fine exponent of rag time guitar.
Brian Cope is an unaccompanied singer originally from the West Country. His repertoire includes chorus songs and music hall. It should be an interesting evening!