It’s nice to hear
the old songs,
sung the good old
way…


It’s nice to hear the old songs,
sung the good old way…

Welcome to
Openhouse Studio
Folk Music Legacy

Created by Brian Jones, with daughter; Samantha, this website is a legacy project designed to bring ‘folk up to date.’

Explore the website, listen to the music, Explore folk music heritage UK and read the stories starting from the 60’s revival through to present day.

Welcome to
Openhouse Studio
Folk Music Legacy

Created by Brian Jones, with daughter; Samantha, this website is a legacy project designed to bring ‘folk up to date.’

Explore the website, listen to the music and read the stories starting from the 60’s revival through to present day.

KEEP FOLK TALKING

PODCAST

KEEP FOLK TALKING

PODCAST

We want to ‘keep folk talking’ in our NEW Openhouse Studio Podcast with a new special guest for every episode including stories and songs from past to present.

What began as a spur-of-the-moment “scratch” gig in a shared flat at 69 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, soon grew into something extraordinary. That impromptu group of local musicians became Silly Wizard – a name dreamed up for fun, but one that would go on to define one of Scotland’s most celebrated folk bands.

Experience the magic of Silly Wizard’s legendary 1985 San Francisco concert – exclusively on Openhouse Studio.

OUR latestPODCAST

KEEP FOLK TALKING

Brian Jones with Jacqueline McDonald

In this very special episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones sits down with Jacqueline McDonald to trace back to her unlikely beginning and the legacy it sparked: from her time with The Spinners, to the packed and joyful nights at the Coach House, to unforgettable encounters with Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton and Peggy Seeger. Jacqui reflects on the friendships, adventures and community harmonies that defined those years, showing how a moment of shelter grew into a lasting folk tradition built on belonging, generosity, and the simple joy of shared song.

KEEP FOLK TALKING

WITH Jacqueline McDonald

In this very special episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones sits down with Jacqueline McDonald to trace back to her unlikely beginning and the legacy it sparked: from her time with The Spinners, to the packed and joyful nights at the Coach House, to unforgettable encounters with Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton and Peggy Seeger. Jacqui reflects on the friendships, adventures and community harmonies that defined those years, showing how a moment of shelter grew into a lasting folk tradition built on belonging, generosity, and the simple joy of shared song.

Every folk club has its stories, but few have a history as colourful and heartfelt as the one shaped by Jacqueline McDonald. Her journey began unexpectedly in Leeds, when missing a bus led her to a free concert featuring The Weavers. That accidental moment ignited a lifelong passion for folk music and eventually guided her to Liverpool’s thriving scene.

READY TO TELL YOUR story

We would love to hear and share your stories from the folk scene,
get in touch to feature on our next podcast.

The Resident

He’s always there week after week he puts up with a lot
He does what’s known within the trade as ‘The Kamikaze Spot’
He’s there to warm you buggers up and try to make you sing
But the highlight of the evening is when he breaks a string!
Folk don’t always listen they’re busy at the bar
Or chatting to each other and drowning his guitar
Sometimes he thinks he’s cracked it
When some open mouths he’ll see
But it’s only some old friends he’s brought
And they came in for free!
Why do we do it? I don’t know, we masochistic band
Maybe one day we’ll find that never, Neverland
Where an audience has ears and sings just like a choir
When you ask them to join in they raise their voices higher
Like some Eisteddfod winners far removed from any pub
Why then I’ll know I’ve really died and hosting Heaven’s Folk Club.

OUR song OF THE MONTH

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1990, Ian Chesterman sat watching the television. On the screen, a small, thinning line of veterans – proud survivors of two world wars – marched slowly toward the Cenotaph. Their medals caught the pale winter sunlight, glinting with quiet dignity.

As he watched, Ian was deeply moved by the sight. These were the last of a generation who had given everything in their youth. Their numbers were fading, yet the weight of what they represented — courage, sacrifice, and an unspoken bond — remained immense. In that moment, he felt the depth of a debt that could never truly be repaid.

Later that day, his thoughts found their way into words that would one day become a song.

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