Run by artist and promoter Martin Val Baker, Rainyday Promotions ran a wealth of dances and gigs going back to the mid-60s. Although not going under the name Rainyday Promotions until the mid-80s Martin was instrumental in bringing some of the key players in the UK folk and folk rock scene to Cornwall in the 60s and 70s.
Starting out running folk nights at the Winter Gardens he also ran folk nights at Mr Peggotty's in St Ives and St Ives Guildhall, featuring Steve Tilston, Wizz Jones, Clive Palmer, amongst many many others.
Martin has continued to put on events up to the current day. I would encourage all kernowbeat readers to check out his website - www.rainydaygallery.co.uk - which includes a list of the all the shows he has run as well as his hugely fascinating memoirs.
Martin (third from left back) and friends, extras in Donovan's short film, St Ives 1966 |
