RECENT GIGS …

KATHY MATTEA AT KINGS PLACE This was the first time Kathy Mattea has been in the UK for 11 years but it was a gig worth waiting for. Just her and the fabulous Bill Cooley on guitar in the wonderfully acoustic Kings Place on Wednesday 30 January. Kathy wowed an appreciative audience as she played songs from her 40 year career first as a songwriter for the likes of Nancy Griffith to stardom in her own right. Great songs, warm easy going chat in between and a singer/songwriter at the top of her game, who so obviously enjoyed being there, which was infectious. A memorable evening.

THE WANDERING HEARTS AT SLIPPED DISCS THW are playing at Indie Record Shops in the South to promote the Deluxe version of their Album ‘Wild Silence’ and played a perfect, well-received, 30 minute set at Slipped Discs in Billericay on Saturday 2 February at and there were easily 150 people jammed in. I’d like to think I’d played a small part in them coming here. I’m also trying to get them to play at Emmanuel as part of their tour later in the year. If you’re on social media, drop them a line and ask them to come to Billericay on this tour – they do read their tweets! Fingers crossed.

HOUSE GIG: DANNI NICHOLLS We had a simply fabulous intimate gig with Danni Nicholls last Friday. What an engaging talent she is with some fantastic songs – I’ve received some really positive feedback about Danni and, for those who hadn’t been before, food and hospitality. Danni really enjoyed being with us and says she will happily come again! Did anyone pick up a copy of the setlist? Danni has a tour coming up to promote her new album ‘The Melted Morning’ which is released worldwide on 12 April when she is playing at The Water Rats near Kings Cross – planning to go.

UP COMING EVENTS …

HOUSE GIG: CHORLTON COUNTRY CLUB Looks like this one on Friday 8 March is sold out. However, I’m happy to add your name to the reserve list – let me know – we always have last minute dropouts.

HOUSE GIG: HATTIE BRIGGS Hattie will soon be a household name and hers is a real Cinderella story. And you’ll have the opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about ‘close up’ when she plays on Saturday 11 May. Like many of you, I’m always interested in hearing new artists and Hattie sits very comfortably in the Americana genre we’ve come to know and love so much here. More details here

OPEN AIR THEATRE: THE PANTALOONS I’m delighted to welcome the marvellous, madcap and crazily inventive Pantaloons Theatre Company back to Billericay to perform their own twist on the Jane Austen classic ‘Sense & Sensibility’ in the Rectory Garden on Sunday 30 June. Details and tickets here

MINI FEST: GIG IN THE GARDEN 2019 My now famous annual Gig in the Garden for 2019 takes place on Sunday 7 July and will have another Americana/Country/Folk/Blues flavour with three fabulous artists to enjoy. By popular demand, we welcome back Lauren Housley and her amazing band; Michelle Lewis makes a welcome reappearance and the ever popular Dan Pierce joins us too. Details and tickets here

HOUSE GIG: KEITH JAMES This is a guy I’ve loved for over 30 years but he rarely travels to this part of the world. However, forward planning means that I’ve been able to book Keith for Saturday 2 November. He really is a class act and I’m so pleased to be able to book him. He also happens to sing one of my all-time favourite songs! More details here

ALBUMS I’M LISTENING TO …

WILD SILENCE (DELUXE) (2019) THE WANDERING HEARTS

PRETTY BIRD (2018) KATHY MATTEA

SPARROW (2018) ASHLEY MONROE

IMMORTAL (2018) ANN WILSON

YOUNG RUNAWAY (2018) HATTIE BRIGGS

THE WELL WORN PATH (2018) SETH LAKEMAN

THESE DAYS (2018) PAUL CARRACK

MOCKINGBIRD LANE (2015) DANNI NICHOLLS

WILD ANIMALS (2014) TRAMPLED BY TURTLES

THE WHITEROOM (1991) THE KLF

STUFF …

MY BEST SONGS OF 2018 I finally got round to putting my list together for 2018. You can read/listen to my choices here – see if you agree with any of mine. There are a few surprises, I think!

SABATTICAL I shall be taking a sabbatical from July to September inclusive which is why there are no events planned between this time. I shall be going to the Philippines for three weeks (which is why proceeds from The Pantaloons and GITG are going to the Purple Community Fund) and I have other activities planned during this time.

IN THE PIPELINE I’m also discussing dates with The Wandering Hearts, Clare Sands, Robert Vincent, Ruth Trimble, Megan O’Neill, The Dunwells, Tinderbox, and a few others. Carousel are a popular choice to book again – we’ll see what comes of that later in 2019.

THANK YOU For helping to keep music (and theatre) live in Billericay. Being an independent promoter isn’t easy nowadays, with more and more venues closing down, I, along the artists who have appeared, really appreciate your support.

Do keep your eyes on my website revpacman.wordpress.com for other upcoming events alongside some interesting (honestly) articles to read!

Don’t forget I’m always happy to catch up for a coffee/beer/curry!