I had a particularly nice afternoon last week playing one of my regular gigs at Moorlands Lodge Care Home in Hindhead on their baby grand piano. It is always a joy to see the smiles on the faces of the residents as they sing along to some favourite songs.
I have not had any classical listings sent to me for a while – please do email me at [email protected] if you wish me to mention any concerts or gigs of any musical style in the Herald area which includes Farnham, Haslemere, Alton, Bordon, Liphook and Petersfield. That also applies to any local venues putting on live music who wish to encourage more attendees.
A couple of “free entry” live music options are on tomorrow night (Thursday). It’s the monthly ukulele jam hosted by unplugthewood at The Lamb, Farnham whilst Geoff Hiscott is back with his monthly open mic at the Jolly Farmer, Blacknest.
Also, tomorrow Guildford Jazz have a Jazz Samba night at Guildford Cricket Pavillion.
Featuring leading tenor saxophonist Mark Crooks and award winning guitarist Nigel Price it will spotlight the Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd album of 1962. The quartet also features Demi Garcia on percussion and Marianne Windham on double bass (www.guildfordjazzorg.uk).
Looking ahead Steve Brookes (pictured) will be playing at the Login Lounge, Camberley on Friday, February 17. A co-founder of The Jam – he will be playing his unique blues infused originals and cover songs. It will be a quality night – check it out.
Jazz At The Ivy Room is back at the Bush Hotel, Farnham on Friday, February 24, featuring ‘Crooner and the Clarinet’ featuring Julian Stringle. Tickets at www.ivyroomjazz.co.uk
Music At The Pottery returns at Farnham Pottery on Friday, January 27. The line-up this month includes Slack Maverick, Cloudcat, One Eyed Man and Charlotte Campbell. Tickets are sold out but worth checking for any returns.
Grayshott Folk Club presents a ceilidh/barn dance with the Hog’s Back Band on January 28 at Grayshott Village Hall. Tickets are £15 from Grayshott Post Office or Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096.
Meanwhile if you would like to catch up on all the latest music from local artists and songwriters look up my Surrey Songwriters playlist on Spotify and give it a follow.
Brian Player continues his Folk, Roots and Acoustic music show each Tuesday evening at 8pm on Wey Valley radio based in Alton. Wey Valley radio is on 101.1FM or online at www.weyvalley.uk
Gig Guide
(free entry and 8pm unless stated):
Thursday, January 19
Unplugthewood at The Lamb, Farnham
Open Mic at the Jolly Farmer, Blacknest
Open Mic at The Good Intent, Petersfield
Friday, January 20
Decadence at The Plough, Farnham
Saturday, January 21
Astro Moda at The Plough, Farnham
Vic Cracknell Swing Band at the Hare and Hounds, Rowledge
Tuesday, January 24
unplugthewood at the Lion Brewery, Ash
Julie’s Open Mic at Village Inn, Sandhurst
Wednesday, January 25
Jam Night at The Plough, Farnham
Send listings and any events or new music releases you would like me to feature to [email protected] – a good photo is also useful.