The evening performance started with a distinct move to the East with Loyko. As their name suggests, they originally formed in Russia and consists of a couple of Russian Gypsies, Sergei Erdenko, Oleg Ponomarev and Siberian born Vadim Kulitski, who makes up the last of the trio.

The band is named after a Gypsy fiddler from some three odd years back. Sergei & Oleg, the two are cousins, are members of one of Russia's oldest music based Gypsy clans. Despite all the Eastern connections the band are now based in Ireland where their music has developed into something that can truly be called `world music'.

Three closely related traditions, Gypsy, Jewish & Russian folk form the heart of the band's music. Around this central core a number of other influences, mainly from the Celtic traditions, are woven. It gives them a sound that sets them apart from a number of their contemporaries, such as the Terem Quartet.

Another difference between Loyko and a number of similar bands is that the band's fiddlers are supported by a guitarist rather than a balalaika. It's another of the aspects that gives the band a more cosmopolitan edge to their music.

With all three of the trio taking a turn with the vocals, there was plenty of scope for even more variety. A rich mix of fast and slow numbers meant that the audience was never quite sure what was coming at them next, though generally they found it easier to get behind the faster songs. The set was well received and at just under an hour about the right length.

Playing Stage 2 at the same time Lokyo were gracing Stage 1 was Sinead Lohan. Sinead was making her second appearance of the day, having played the folk tent earlier and in the process became the second artist to appear on all three stages.

The more intimate setting of Stage2 brought her music into far better focus. She seemed to relate with the audiences closer proximity. She also seemed more relaxed. That might have been because she was happier with the size of audience or simply that three sets in two days had given her a chance to really get into the festival vibe.

Whatever the reason, the net result was a set that simply shone. Mellow and laid-back, Lohan's material managed to hit the spot musically. She played a number of songs from her debut album, "Who Do You Think I Am?", Well based on this performance the answer would have to be "One of folks rising stars".

There was more to this set than just what she has already done. Here was an artist laying down the markers for her next album and if it captures the spirit of this set then go for it.

It was all change at the Folk Tent as well. The time had come for the Mayflower Club to pack their bag and make room for the St Neots Folk Club. One of the acts the Mayflower had included was a Welsh folk band. We missed them, though not by design, but it served to make us think about the forgotten fringe of the Celtic revival. Where are the Welsh bands? Why have they been so left behind by the Scots, Irish and even the Bretons? It only needs one good band from Cornwall to make the breakthrough and even the Cornish will have reached a higher zenith.

1996 Index