Open Mic night at The Railway, Alton

02/08/2024

With the weather forecasts spouting gloom and doom, and my own walk to the Railway meaning I arrived rather soggy and wet footed, I have to admit tonight felt a tad on the edge. It was a slightly late slow start, and I thought my opening songs lacked some flow but someone has to be first and it's part of what I do, the "awkward bit" :) After that Jude and I wobbled a little less, the bar began to lift and the audience grew. For all the oppressive heat there was a lovely vibe only a great audience can give, the place felt strangely, really good, and we had,

Graham ... witty eloquent and very poetic as ever
Kenny ... A new face giving us Jazz and blues abound, all that was missing were the wafts of cigarette smoke an old school club once gave you
Becky Brown ... At times breathing the lyrics in an exquisite blend of singer songwriter moments that feel so personal, like we are in a private space while you just do as you do, quite special.
Luke ... Another new face, and so confident, so good, so just get "on and do it" regardless of technical issues, like a showtime pro with a massive smile
Graham (again) ... Once is never quite enough .. I think you stole the room there for a bit :)
Ian and Jenny (with some help from Kenny) .... after all these years, you're still pulling tricks out of the hat, the Billy Joel song was magic
Tris and Liv ... A duo here for the first time, who drove through the floods to bring us a truly strong set that held the room totally
Justin ... Really very good, you've visited before, but never played, great you stepped up and yes ... very good
Bryn ... obviously you broke my guitar cable :) .. So great recovery there, you are as always, reliably brilliant

Just when you think "tonight might not be much of a night, perhaps a little difficult" it morphs, it turns and it is in truth a wonderful mix of music, words, moments and audience, and it just keeps rolling to the end.

As so often, we felt humbled, and inspired because clearly, this little town needs and deserves this on all sides.

Big thanks to The FFF for giving us the space, and to Chloe, Sam and Kirsty for running a slick embracing bar, you're all part of the vibe, it is how it all just works ....

Jude and Adam :) xx

12/07/2024

Tonight we hoped for a good turnout, what with it being part of the first Alton Arts Festival and all ... however we suspect the many footie lovers among you may well have been in "celebration mode" last night and perhaps that ripple had an effect. Regardless, it was a wonderful, warm and eclectic night with some really perfect moments. It might sound like an old line, but it still counts, great to see so many familiar faces, and new faces popping up, and all had their moments, so many brilliant moments and I will apologise if I fail to mention some. A massive shout out to you all, so here goes.....

Following the sloppy jokey starting set with Jude and myself, but it was fun....
Patrick ... a pure harmonica and vocal set, stripped down and more ... very roots, edgy and much appreciated by all, cracking stuff.
Becky Brown ... Such an enchanting set, it's so great watching young artists grow in this space, sublime brilliance.
Niall and Soraya ... Really lovely, relaxed and inviting, you warmed the room with grace.
Mike Sinatra ... You returned, old school tunes, big smiles, and your bluetooth embraces totally respected :)
Ian Jenny and Nick ... reliably excellent and reminding us all ... those were the days ... as truly these are the days, real magic there.
Sammy ... a passionate, and brilliantly crafted thing, the expressive gravel in such a young voice is so powerful.
Brook ... First time in front of an audience, we felt your nerves, and you did so well, you may have chosen just the one song, but great choice, come back for more, be proud you crossed the bridge and you created a moment that the audience embraced ... nobody gets judged in this room, only respected and encouraged.
Kingsmith ... Brilliant end to end, vocally, musically, the synergy was apparent and ... The best beard ever to fill the room along with a serious lack of footware ... Nobody has ever performed barefoot in our near seven and a half years of doing this ... Respect given, it's a wooden floor :)

Sometimes .. One wonders the "why"
And the night, the moments, the energy in the room gives us the answer,

Peace, respect and thanks given

Feel blessed, because we do,

As always ... Jude and Adam xx

06/06/2024

It was another initially strange and then revealing night where the momentum gathered slowly, but gather it did. The crowd were both talkative, yet full of appreciation, the music, well it certainly flowed, that much we observed. It was a really chilled, relaxed vibe which is always nice, and after a slow start we just about squeezed every performer through without letting anyone down :)

A big shout out to.....

Dave
Dirty Lilacs
Becky Brown
Bryn
Graham
Sammie
Ian and Jenny
Steve
Jorosalv

We return next month on the 2nd Thursday of July which is the 11th, thus we are a part of the Alton Arts Festival as an official, and free event. Thanks to all the folks who came along, music and laughter filled the room as it should, you were truly a lovely audience.

Peace and Blessings.

Jude and Adam xx

02/05/2024

Not sure where to start but here I go :)

Jude was unwell last night, all night, so she stepped out of tonight's proceedings and of course, she was missed and I hope she bounces back because in simple, you are the glue my friend, not sure if you're cow gum or Bostik, maybe just "super" but ... glue you are :), it's not the same without you mate x

It all started a bit slow and tentative, it all became far more, it was a slightly quieter night than many this year thus far, but it was a really lovely evening packed with vibes, faces we know, and others new. So glad to have Ian and Jenny back however Ian ... you have to stop stealing my beers fella :) :) ... We also had both of the bar staff do a song together while Chloe held the bar up, brilliant to see and hear ... we had the return of "Mike Sinatra" fresh from his spell at the MGM in Vegas (so I believe) so nice he's come back putting the "swing into our thing" and so much more. Thanks and blessings to ...

Steve,
Dave,
Steve, (the other one)
Sam,
Mike,
Kirsty,
Dave (the other one) + Ian
Ian and Jenny (not the Ian mentioned above btw)

Seriously you guys need to all have names that are not the same as each other, like stage names, I'm terrible with names..!!

Plus notes ....

Great night thanks to all who made it so, it's always nice when a night grows into something more.

We now have a spanking new Fender Rumble bass amplifier that didn't get used tonight , but it is now part of the backline it's a lovely bit of kit so don't be shy :) I'm going to so annoy all who live with or near me for a while with that wee beast now + Bass players are now very welcome of course :)

Peace up and here's to June 6th as we return then, along with more of the more.

04/04/2024

We had a few folks booked to play, less however turned up, but hey, no problem there was enough vibe and unique in simple, if you missed it, hey you should have been there.....

Yes things started a little slow, awkward perhaps, then on came our first newcomer Noah aged just 15 and the bar was set, so high, so eloquent.

Our nights are often difficult to put into simple or few words but I will try ... exquisite, diverse, with a brilliant twist of new alongside the known chaotic of course :)

Tonight 4 songs were performed totally in a foreign language, French and then Spanish, then later in Ukrainian and finally in Hungarian, in over 6 years we have never before even had one person sing a complete song end to end in a foreign tongue let alone four languages by three people doing four whole songs in such a way, all being part of some brilliant yet succinct moments and yes, they really all cut it, as did everyone....

Thanks to you all, you were all so in your moment so owning it, and apologies if I missed or misspelled any names here, it's late, I'm a bit tipsy yet as always so humbled :)

We opened the room, and then we had
Noah
Hattie
Jason
Deanie
Ian and Nick
Niall and Jaroo ?
Graham
Steve + more Jaroo

and of course, anyone else I called Steve as I am so hopeless with peoples names ... You know if you know :)

We return on the 2nd of May, as will the summer, so lets bring it on.....

Jude and Adam :) xx

08/03/2024

Once again we had a long list of pre-booked acts wanting to play, then more also came.
Once more we tried to fit you all in for at least 2 or 3 songs, or 10 minutes of spoken word, comedic prose perhaps.
The vibe, the sheer bounce in the room, astounding and gracious.
Once in so many moments there was this "wow" in this little town, in this little space, we were all just frozen, encapsulated, hanging in the air in truth, I saw the faces, one knows.

I can only add....

Adam, Jude
Ukelele Dave, and his kazoo
Steve Gratton
Niall and crew
Ian and Nick
Becky Brown
Bryn and Adam the violin
Graham
Sam
Jason
Deanie
The Hedge Inspectors
Mick

Sorry if I missed anyone
And super big sorry to Dave who we ran out of time for .. please come back :)

Massive shout out to the team who run the bar, and to Chloe for allowing us to do it all as we do :)

That was hectic,
That was brilliant,

Peace up x

02/02/2024

Tonight ... What can I say.....
February seems to be the month for all and everybody wishing to get up and play turn up, and this, our first one of the year smashed any expectations, it was sublime, pressured on our side, yet a seemingly endless flow gathered and we all ran. We are simply the glue, with the so many brilliant artists, musicians, plus an audience who remain engaged, the magic is simply held and not lost.
We were blown away, wrapped in the energy that was so many moments, so many of you are amazing performers, I can only name those I can now recall, so respect to you all, and apologies if I fail to mention or spell wrongly,

Cassidy
Otis B Driftwood
Sam
Bryn
Niall
Jenny
Nick
Jacob
Zeahira
Nadeene
Mike
Ian
Nigel
Graham

You always know it was a great one, when you don't want the music to ever end .... Blessed x

03/01/2024

Hi everyone, tomorrows open mic is now cancelled due to illness, apologies to anyone who planned to come along. We hope to be back on February 1st, :) Best wishes Jude and Adam.

08/12/2023

The Christmas night is always steeped with elements of trepidation on our side, the scattering of what festive elements may occur, tonight certainly had a bright scattering of the season truly starting. It was a relaxed and warm vibe, another "high bar" in terms of all who stepped up, and a bit frantic for Jude and I time just slipped from under us, but it is a lovely pressure that in truth is a driver.

The December open mic not only marks a start of something, but also a year end, another one done, but with the optimism of a new year resonating of course. We're both feeling blessed for all this year has been, it's been quite something, so many faces we've seen smile, and so many moments just made in the room. Faces old and new gathered tonight, thanks to all of you, we like the circles they're always so prominent. Tonight's list.....

Niall.
Graham.
Becky.
Ian, Jenny and Nick.
Sam.
Steve.
Sue and Andy.
Jim.
Bryn.

Have a great Christmas, lets all do some more in "24" :)

Jude and Adam xx

03/11/2023

Tonight had an ominous air before even the start. Several acts lined up to perform either felt the storms meant a difficult drive to and from our little town, or were too unwell to be able to deliver their best, so on our side the evening had an air of “will it even be much of a night”?

The whole flow however began quite early, nothing dropped, it was just a very pure escalation, a gradual crescendo in fact, if we’d had another hour to carry on and throw a few more performers out there, it’s highly unlikely it would have waned. It’s always so nice to end on a high.

Thank You to all of you who were the audience, your grace felt, you are almost too kind and giving.

Thank You to all who performed, some of you solo, some of you solo again, and then with others, the nights performers being....

Adam, then Adam and Jude (warming up the room)
Harry
Dirty Lilacs
Deenie (apologies if miss spelled)
Jason
Bryn
Ian and Jenny
Stevo
Adam and his weird interpretive dance skit

Smiles and great vibes washed the space we occupied, that much we know.

7th of December we are back for more

Jude and Adam

05/10/2023

Sometimes in life, you need a reminder of why you do what you do, so in simple thanks to all who came tonight. We agreed after, that sometimes when the vibe is right, it is more about the people there, not the numbers of folks sat on seats.

It wasn't a small crowd, nor a big one, more a gracious, appreciative and receptive one. As for the acts, wow, just wow. Everyone who'd been here before seemed to have artistically grown, arriving with the best of all they are, and putting it out there to an audience soaking it all up. The ability, the standard, the whole energy was so massive, thanks so, so much for being there, all of you.

Jim
Harry
Niall and the "other" Harry
Mike
Becky Brown
Ian and Jenny
Sam
Steve
Bryn

If we could have gone on into the wee hours, I think we would have done so, blown away we are.

Blessings, and peace, always,

Jude and Adam xx

08/09/2023

It was a warm humid and sticky night but hey, I think we all know this point I'm sat here home now and still it goes on.

It was far from as busy as we'd hoped, 2 acts had dropped off unwell, but we do as we do, there is a point of no return and we have passed it like you do :)

In no particular order we were blessed with a small yet gracious audience, and a wonderful mix of performers all offering their own take on what they wished to do woven into all that an Open Mic should be.

Big up to

Mac for just playing some tunes while letting us try and figure out the house p/a woes, as it is sadly giving up
Harry for coming back again, pushing your personal envelope
Graham, you poetic maestro, twice over
Jenny and Ian, some great new tunes delivered with style
Mike Sinatra, again giving the joint some old school swing with a smile
Sam new to not only working the bar, but winner of the most broken looking graffiti splattered guitar we've ever accommodated, the vocal rasp also a point of note.
Steve solid energy thrown in the room with abandon
Bryn you just keep getting more polished
Ian and Nick, great to see you guys back, and putting what you do out there.

Apologies for any omissions, respect to all who came....

Big thanks,

Jude and Adam

04/08/2023

Yesterday we did that typical text chat banter thing over how tonight might unfold, who might come along and perform, who might turn up and be part of our event. Tentative was the tone, not that we fear the unknown, but in truth it was all rather unpredictable. We started with a confident roadmap of performers, only to find ourselves rather stretched in to trying to fit everyone into the evening but hey, that’s the gig, one must push and do one’s best.
I will firstly apoligise to the last 3 acts, you did not get the time to do all you may have wanted, but you did all create a top notch ending to an evening of very diverse and wonderful moments.
Thanks to all who came to watch, you were as always a lovely open minded and appreciative audience.
Thanks to the artists, for turning up and just doing it, there was never a dull moment :)
Name the names time…..
I opened as always, toughest spot to do of any open mic, if you’re running the gig it’s a mandatory part of the whole thing, never just throw others there first.
Yes Jude joined with me for 3 songs, as above it’s our job to “warm the room”, we had our near fall over moments but the energy rose within the space, it counts.
The following then took place….
Harry … Back for more, looking sharp kid keep at it.
Graham … The words define you, the sentiments and eloquence hold a fragile truth, thankyou for the honesty.
Niall and Harry … wonderful stuff, strong energy, powerhouse stuff boys.
SteveO … White Wedding on an acoustic? Total respect there, bold you are, some of us look at the edges of the envelope, some of us touch it and then throw it into a room, you smashed it..!!
Jenny and Ian … You did what I wanted to do, but I failed to find the time to sort it out, and you gave us a version of Nothing Compares To You, clearly following the weeks news. It was both sublime, impassioned and totally appropriate, thankyou.
Mike Sinatra … You just keep doing this thing only you could ever do, reminding us you’re never too old to just get up there and throw us something special, all delivered with such a warm smile
Jim … an eloquent set then followed by a solo harmonica thing that in simple, was not only a first for us, but not something expected nor anything short of brilliant, you just keep growing it’s so great to see that.
Steve … Bryn … Nick and Lani you were the "cut short" crew as mentioned at the start here, you were brilliant I’m only sorry time cheated you of a bigger moment but, hopefully next time and thanks :)
As always, peace up, respect on
Adam and Jude x

01/08/2023

We're playing in Laura's hometown, Dublin!!!

Next Monday (7th) at the Circle Sessions in the International Bar.

We are so excited for Ian to try a PROPER Guinness.

07/07/2023

The evening started with a rather chilled, almost casual vibe, which was nice. I did the usual opener thing and Jude joined in for a couple of songs neither rehearsed nor discussed prior, it felt right to do so. Then the floor was open and the night evolved. Some lovely songs filled the room, and yet again the eclectic mix of performers flowed like a gentle summer breeze around every corner. Not sure we will ever stop being taken aback by how, such an accepting bunch of folks just come along and stick around, the tentative energy most certainly present
There were some lovely interpretations of songs we knew, alongside of some strong original tunes full of sweet vibes, good influences, all so nice to see, hear, and know. A Big Shout Out To….
Graham
Dave the Ukulele, The Kazoo, Mr Top Gun Maverick
SteveO
Dirty Dave
Mike Sinatra
Sharp suited Harry
Fate of the Magpie, you Dark Alchemists
Jenny and Ian, you legends
The audience
The bar staff
Chloe
FFF Brewery

Thank you and blessings 

28/06/2023

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/alderlin

Tickets are still available for our next Alton gig at Goldfinch Books with Sydney Dejorey should be a great night! 😀

02/06/2023

What can be said of tonight .. ??

The pub was brimming with folks enjoying a retirement bash, a proper good atmosphere to walk into. We started a touch late, to an expectant, modest sized crowd, and the rest unraveled. The whole vibe of the night unfolded in a very relaxed way, as often very gracious, very "summer cool" in truth. There were so many great performances, so many wonderful songs we know, or almost forgot we know, put back out there in some very personal interpretations we both thought really captured something quite special. The modest sized audience remained both engaged and appreciative of the very flow of the evening.

Graham .. our almost resident poet, your sublime eloquence never fails to connect, and touch people.
Niall .. You owned some spaces tonight, loved it man
Dirty Lilacs .. Not sure you realise the synergy you weave, so relaxed, breezy moments
Jim .. such an eloquent and diverse set from roots driven to thoughtful songs that make us listen, all delivered with a toneful edge like you might fall into chaos, but you never do :)
Steve .. We always love a first timer to the open mic circuit, nobody even saw your nerves and great to see someone agree a song to duet on and then do with Niall all random, just go on and do, art becoming life therefore, shining through the danger, if we knew less we'd have thought you must have rehearsed what happened
Bryn .. You mentioned the high bar, then you just smashed the ball several feet over that with charisma, delivery, and charm.

All we can think is, how lucky we all must be to be part of yet again such a great group of artists, performers, and such a lovely audience, in such great surroundings, hats off to all who were there, what a lovely night you brilliant people, all of you x

Blessings and peace up as always,

Jude and Adam xx

11/05/2023

Tonight was a strange one, like stepping back in time, I forgot how different a slow, quiet night could be. As Jude ended up unwell, and unable to attend, I was scared of a manic night flying solo, but I was as optimistic as ever, it would be a good one.

In truth, it was, a very good night, the pressure I often feel was not there, it grew into quite a private, intimate evening where nearly every face was a known one, people chatted and shared, and every player had the chance to play / sing a few more songs, and I certainly felt very "rather laid back" without my wingwoman :)

Thanks to the following ....

Ian Crossley .. You were unable to sing tonight, but great you came down,
Gary Lawrence Hicks .. Your presence is almost a must these days,
The bar staff ... Always so part of the vibe, and more.
Chloe ... For letting me as ever, just get on with the whole thing,
Steve ... Busted hand, good to see you, I hope you mend soon and return for more eclectic crazy renditions,
Anyone else who's names I don't know / forgot, but who came, hung out around the place and I recognised, possibly said hello to, but sorry I am terrible at remembering names, I only ever remember faces..!!

Big thanks to the artists, in no particular order,

Bryn
Jim
Niall
Ian, Jenny and Nick
Mike (Sinatra)
The Dirty Lilacs,
And Chai (you have to love a stage invader)

Massive thanks also to anyone who shares these events on here, spreads or helps spread the word in some way, you do not go unnoticed, big shout out given..!!

We are back to our first Thursday of the month slot next month, and summer will have arrived, it's on June the 1st, it will be rather good, of that I'm certain, come along.

Hugs and peace

Adam

07/04/2023

Where do I start ... We knew tonight was going to be a busy one, all of the pre-booked slots were taken, and then the crowd plus the walk-ins arrived too. We perhaps failed to consider that Easter Thursday is the start for many of a long weekend, and this sits alongside of the sheer momentum garnered over the year that is taking such a form, evolving in a chaotic yet brilliant way.

I must apologise for sounding, appearing, being somewhat stressed while trying to give all comers a space to play, and keeping the balance of an audience keen for more, it was a truly crazy cycle, I ended up a bit tilted, the night blew myself and Jude away..!! The sheer diversity of performers, the talent of so many, the size of the audience, the electric vibe in the room, the magic of so many moments I'm still absorbing all of it in truth.

Thank you so much to all of you who came along, the whole place from the front bar to the beer terrace felt alive, I did walk around, I did see. Thank you also to all you wonderful artists, creators, lyricists, expressionists for offering us all your art, your personal spaces made public. Who would have thought it could be this way in such a small town, but it truly is.

Apologies to those I can't remember or name but

Chloe the nervous first timer ... you did great
Bryn ... ripped it up with a pint of beer that had more head than a Tefal man
Fate Of The Magpie featuring Jeff ... enchanting alchemy
Leaking Lentils ... folking bluesy driven magic
Dave the Ukelele ... First man to hit us with a kazoo ... brilliant
Mike ... As old school as ever, so many smiles in the room
Graham ... Wordsmith supremo with humour and touches of real vision
Ian and Jenny .... Yes you had Nick in tow on the bass, as always, lovely stuff
Otis B Driftwood ... We spoke today, I did not expect that please come back
Nial ... You played a blinder, you keep raising your own bar
Ian and Nick ... Solid as ever, you guys delivered
Paul, Jim and Harry ... Sorry you didn't get more time, the wire was tight, time ate away at us, we tried to gain some but alas she waits for no-one, come back with notice we owe you guys some more :)

I may have missed someone, apologies if so.
Tonight was massive, difficult but so worth it

Have a lovely Easter

Adam and Jude xx

06/04/2023

03/03/2023

Tonight almost seemed to ignite from a hot yet slow fuse, following my brief opening set (I'm still not fully fixed vocally or physically but as always, we never throw performers into a cold room). The bar seemed to just lift up and up, then hold there, and the audience were brilliant, all of you, so respectful and embracing.....

Points of note tonight.....

1. The ladies owned it, open mics can be somewhat male heavy, yet a succession of women came, put their hearts on their sleeves, and the room soaked it up. Absolute respect given there, so many emotions thrown out there, by women who clearly wished to express who they are, and more.

2. We made great efforts to create a cleaner sound in what we know is a "bouncy" difficult live room, the balance and feedback is challenging, but it went well, in truth "less is more" curve taken there.

3. You can go to major cities in this country, and not experience what again took place last night. For myself, that statement comes from about 30 years of being part of the open mic night scene, there are essential ingredients required yes, however the audience, and the performers also, are in truth, the true catalyst, the magic.

Names ... Here you go,

Niall .. great start, sorry you couldn't play more songs, we saw you'd only really just got going.
Lou ... Wow, just wow, so expressive, such a charismatic performance.
Jim ... totally owned it, an exquisite set held up by some great expressive, tonal guitar work.
Juliet ... I didn't know / had no idea you'd never performed live before, captivating you were.
Becky ... You put so much out there, you owned it totally, sublime.
Bryn ... following the now strong momentum was a tough call, you smashed it up with grace, humour and eloquence.
John ... Your nerves did not get to you, and those sweetly tuned tones were gracious.
Jenny and the Jets ... Cool as ever, not sure my tambourine skills helped, but you got us all going as you always do.
Mike ... Old school cool, I'm glad your dodgy leg held up :) so pleased you came back.
Steve ... I've no idea how you do it, but you just so own an audience within your chaos
Jake ... Great to have you back, crazy, no filter, delivered with a wonderful smile.
Graham ... Twice tonight the "fill the gap" poet, always invoking something, eloquent and lyrical, delivered with charming witty tones.

I can only feel blessed, humbled, as does Jude, it's a giving thing that comes back at us xx

We are back on the 6th of April, spring is full of promise, thanks to all who were there, we enjoyed seeing how it was for you all.

Massive shout out to Chloe, and the girls running the bar, you're all part of something that would not happen without you doing all that you do, being who you are, giving what you give :) x

Blessings ....

Peace and thanks

Jude and Adam

03/02/2023

The evening began on a knife edge for me, as Jude was alas rather unwell and remained at home, but ... knowing folks were coming, the commit was in hand, I decided to go ahead.

As much as I knew certain folks would arrive to play, the walk ins caught me off guard and alone. I've not run an open mic solo for nigh on 30 years without a wingman, Jude you were sorely missed x

From early on the place was packed, the audience spilled down the corridor, the bar looked busy, the bar staff seemed totally at ease, in flow. The vibe all night was lovely, such a great audience, a great space to be in. I've had the high's of the weave and I'm so glad I didn't cancel even though tomorrow, I will feel blown out I'm sure :)

Thanks to the following performers

Mac
Jim
Paul
Face Of The Magpie
Wayne
The Budgie Smugglers
Faded Lilac
Graham The Poet, and future Conservative candidate for Wensleydale East .... Cheese :)
Milly
Steve
and the legend that is Mike "Sinatra".

A beguiling mix of performers, you lot smashed it out of the park tonight ... A brilliant audience, and in numbers I did not expect, respect to you all .... I soaked it up and felt reminded of the whole reason I keep doing this, as in simple, why wouldn't I..??

Please get well soon Jude, I was overwhelmed.

We're back on the 2nd March, without a doubt.

Ta so very much,

Adam

06/01/2023

We are excited to announce our first ever EP release gig next month! We will be playing on Saturday 4th Feb at Goldfinch books in Alton. We loved this venue when we played at their opening a couple of months back, so we’re both excited to be playing here again. See you there! 😃 Goldfinch Books Alderlin

06/01/2023

Tonight was actually the start of year 8 of us promoting, spreading the word, setting up the gear, and doing this night @ The Railway Arms, our first one being in January 2016. To reach this point has been a long journey, with a massive break due to the pandemic, yet still the whole ethos, support and positive outcomes remain, and this evening we felt this, totally. It was an audience of a modest size, yet bound up in expectation, and performers so eclectic, talented all that mattered was the flow of the vibe, the energy resounded.

Tonight we had the most senior of performers we have ever been blessed with, Mike, aged 83 singing classic covers from an era where Sinatra was king, delivered with humility and a few winks. We had Steve, being so entertaining full of chaotic humour and songs in his Christmas shirt, so many laugh's, was it music, or comedy? Jim, sincere, powerful, clever and crafted, Duck Soup making their debut with humility and grace, Wayne, smashing up some sweet songs with grace and flavor ... Ian and Nick rounding the night off all tight and bright .... apologies if I've omitted anyone, it's late now.

We've kicked off 2023 with a massive start, and with acts that define the very nature of what we try to bring together, something eclectic, and fueled with talented performers, plus a really rather cool totally engaged audience. Thanks to Chloe and her team who keep the drinks flowing, all served with smiles, great banter, and for letting us run the night without compromise, we can't do this without you doing what you guys do, bless you all :) x

Wishing you all A Happy New Year.

We are humbled by your presence, siempre :) xx