QAUTUM PENGUIN + THE LOST FOLK CLUB | Albert's Shed Shrewsbury

Schedule

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026 at 08:30 pm

UTC+01:00
Location

8 Barker St, SY1 1QJ Shrewsbury, United Kingdom | Shrewsbury, EN

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Albert’s Songwriters Showcase – Live Folk Night
🗓 Wednesday 1 July | ⏰ Doors open 8:30 pm | 📍 Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury – Free entry!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, foot‑stomping tunes, and pure folk magic. First up is Quantum Penguin – the stage name of Shropshire’s own multi‑instrumentalist Matt Woolley. With a gift for weaving vivid narratives into his songs, Matt swings from delicate, lilting verses to high‑energy fiddle bursts that will have you clapping along. A two‑time “Folk Musician of the Year” nominee and winner of “Best Album” at the Shropshire Music Awards, his set is a whirlwind of bouzouki, guitar, fiddle and even a chin‑cello, covering everything from shipwrecks to modern‑day woes.
Following him, the electrifying duo The Lost Folk Club (Dave Nettleton & Ian Haigh) will take the stage. Their blend of raw acoustic guitar, haunting fiddle, and Americana‑infused edge sits at the crossroads of traditional folk and modern grit. Inspired by The Pogues, Fairport Convention and Martin Carthy, they deliver brooding ballads and soaring choruses that feel both timeless and fresh.
Whether you’re a lifelong folk fan or just curious for a night of great music, Albert’s Shed is the place to be. Bring a friend, bring a smile, and let the songs carry you into the heart of Shrewsbury’s vibrant folk scene. See you there! 🎶
QUANTUM PENGUIN
Matt Woolley is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Shropshire who plays under the name of Quantum Penguin.
His love of storytelling through song blended with driving instrumentals means his set is one minute lilting and filled with emotion and the next joyfully energetic with soaring Fiddle, Guitar or Bouzouki.
Matt is a founding member of the Folk music group String Workshop and enjoys collaborating with fellow musicians and artists on various projects and art installations from Cornwall to Shropshire.
Past performances include Bromyard, Warwick and Chippenham Folk Festivals, the Shrewsbury LoopFest Music Festival, Folk In The Orchard Festival, Lichfield Festival of Folk and Brimfield and Dreamers Folk Clubs.
He was nominated for “Folk Musician of The Year” at the Shropshire Music Awards in both 2023 and 2024. His song This Gift, about the importance of the countryside and preserving it for future generations, was also awarded 3rd place at Lichfield Festival of Folk.
His second album Adélie won "Best Album" at the Shropshire Music Awards and “Album of The Series” on the Salopian Mixtape podcast. In the album, Matt takes advantage of being able to layer-up instruments to his songs that he otherwise wouldn’t be able to in his live performances, featuring his collection of instruments that include Fiddle, Guitar, Bouzouki, Vocals and Chin-Cello. The album includes several of his songs covering a wide range of topics, from shipwrecks to homelessness to songs about musicians’ woes.
From songs that make you cry to rip-roaring Fiddle tunes that will make you stomp your foot, Matt will guide you through the full spectrum of emotions while you sing along!
“Matthew Woolley played an incredible set at Chippenham 2023 so much so that we invited him back in 2024. Matthew’s love for the folk tradition shines through his soulful singing and exceptional multi instrumental accompaniments.” (Debra Hannis – Chippenham Folk Festival)
"It was a joy to see an artist play in a finger picked style, it’s not a style usually adopted by bouzouki players, but Matt did a wonderful job, and it very much complimented the songs he chose to sing... He rounded off the performance with a set of tunes on the fiddle and it was very apparent that this was his forte... A rising star indeed.” (Will Sartin – Patakas)
“A talented multi-instrumentalist, switching effortlessly from bouzouki to guitar to fiddle, Matthew’s song and tune writing abilities are truly impressive. His songs, though based in the time-honoured folk tradition, sound fresh and contemporary and pursue arresting and intricate narratives. His violin compositions provide welcome additions to the established canon of fiddle tunes and he sings with a rich mature voice which belie his years.” (Fergus Reid – Wheatsheaf Open Mic Shrewsbury)
“Matthew approaches folk music with such a refreshing exuberance… The multi-instrumentalist is a delight to watch and hear. This is a new generation of Folk Singer, and it is exciting, he leaves one with no doubt that our traditional music will be left in safe hands if all performers were to apply themselves as Matthew has… With a clarity of vocal akin to crystal, Matthew is undoubtedly on the right end of a very busy and active career. (Sofia Lewis - Sound of Shrewsbury Folk)
https://www.quantumpenguin.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/@quantumpenguinmusic
https://www.facebook.com/QuantumPenguinMusic
https://www.instagram.com/quantum_penguin_music/
THE LOST FOLK CLUB
The Lost Folk Club is a folk duo formed by Dave Nettleton and Ian Haigh, combining evocative songwriting with the raw, earthy energy of acoustic guitar and fiddle. Their sound sits at the crossroads of traditional folk, stomp-and-holler, and dark Americana, balancing intimacy with drive.
Influenced by artists such as The Pogues, Mumford & Sons, Fairport Convention, and Martin Carthy, The Lost Folk Club draw on deep folk roots while embracing a modern, rhythm-led edge. Hints of back-room folk clubs, late-night Americana, and foot-stomping choruses run through their music, giving it both grit and warmth.
Whether delivering brooding, atmospheric songs or uplifting, harmony-rich moments, their performances are grounded in connection and storytelling. Equally comfortable reworking traditional material or presenting original songs, The Lost Folk Club create music that feels timeless but alive — music for close listening, shared moments, and crowded choruses.
At home in intimate venues, pubs, and festival stages, The Lost Folk Club offer a sound that’s honest, textured, and quietly powerful.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/900543892314654
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Where is it happening?

8 Barker St, SY1 1QJ Shrewsbury, United Kingdom, 8 Barker Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QJ, United Kingdom

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