The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
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April 2010 @ The Brook

Tickets On Sale When Price is Shown

Fri 2nd Apr
Doors 8.00pm

Silver Beatles

Southampton's Finest Beat Combo
Our very own fab four return to their very own 'Cavern Club'.
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Band Pic"...Cover bands are big business these days, but this quartet are clearly a cut above most with suits, mop-tops and jerking stage manoeuvres all in place as they blast out 'From Me To You', 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Please, Please Me' with note-perfect aplomb."

The Daily Telegraph.

There seems to be two different methods employed by tribute bands in copying their heroes. One is to immerse themselves totally in character, become the band. The other is to still do this, but do it with tongue very much in cheek. So how to interpret the greatest pop group of all time? The Silver Beatles go for option B, not taking themselves too seriously and this approach definitely works for them. They indulge in banter among themselves and with the crowd, making the most out of the fact that every Beatle is instantly recognisable. The first half of the gig is the young Beatles, suits and mop tops, covering all the early hits; 'Saw her standing there, Can't buy me love' among others before finishing on 'Twist and Shout'. Then it's a quick break and costume change where they miraculously transform into the older, hippie era Beatles; the period where they wrote some of their finest songs. Just point non-believers to songs like 'In my life' and 'Let it be' which show, more so than the early years, why the Beatles are still held in such esteem. Not that anyone here needed convincing. The 500 plus crowd, arms held aloft, nah-nah-nah-ing during the encore of 'Hey Jude'. Nope, no non-believers were present.

Review by Thomas Christie
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Sat 3rd Apr
Doors 8:00pm

Who's Who

Who's Who is a dynamic powerful tribute band from the U.K with all of the energies, passion and angst of The Who at their peak.
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Band Pic Who's Who is a dynamic powerful tribute band from the U.K with all of the energies, passion and angst of The Who at their peak. They recreate the classic hits whilst evoking the atmosphere of those heady times for a new generation to witness and for the older one to re-live. Not only does the music contain all of the right ingredients but a closer visual representation would be very hard to find. Even The Who can't manage to resurrect Keith Moon like they have! Drummer, Paul (Moonie) Kemp resembles Keith so much in his looks and playing style that Keith's mother invited him home for tea when they met at a fan club convention! Who's Who's exiting live performances with Townshend's leaping and Daltrey's microphone whirling antics receive incredible reactions and at one of them Pete Townshend's brother, Paul, danced at the front of the stage for the whole performance ecstatically declaring later that the band were "Astounding and brilliant!"
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Thu Apr 8th
Doors 8:00pm

Tyler's Benefit Gig

Benefit gig for Cystic Fibrosis Trust featuring...

Doyle & The Four Fathers
El Raccoon
The Gallery
Get Dexter!

Over 14's Accompanied, Over 16's un-accompanied - bring I.D!

Tyler's Gig is for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and in memory of Tytler Gavin from Romsey who passed away July 2008 aged only 8 years old. It's for raisijg awareness and money for the trust whilst remembering a special friend of mine.
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Fri 9th Apr
Doors 8:00pm

The Rebs - Debut Album Launch Party!

Road to V Winners - with Debut Album

With support from special guests Dlugokecki

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 7.00

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Dlugokecki

       
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Fearne

Upbeat, Melodic Indie-Pop

Headline gigs, support slots with Feeder & Athlete, playing to 2000 people on sunny afternoons, an album, and a 3 track single under their belts

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Band PicThe Rebs

Road To V Winners The Rebs are from Southampton. In mixing modern synth-pop with classic songwriting, they have created a unique and large sound with a stage presence to match. Just ask Carl Barât.
With the band taking their influences from good songs, not just hip artists, the results are unique and catchy tunes, inspired by real life stories. They don't sound like anyone else. When playing live the band shine, endearing any audience as they quickly get across what they are all about.

2007 saw them support major acts such as The Enemy, Tiny Dancers, John Power (Cast) and Five O'Clock Heroes, as well as lining-up with Supergrass and The Ordinary Boys at GuilFest.

2008 saw them open V Festival infront of thousands, sharing the stage with Kaiser Chiefs, The Zutons and Reverend and The Makers as winners of the Virgin Road To V competition, picked ahead of 2,500 bands by top industry judges such as The Libertines Carl Barât and NME's Marc Beaumont. They also came out as the favourites in the "Gig At GuilFest" competition judged by a panel including Charlotte Hatherley and EMI Studio Group. They performed on the massive Ents24 Stage at the 24,000 capacity festival.

2009 has seen them writing and recording their debut album, consisting mostly of brand new material. One of these new tracks, "Don't Fool Yourself" won "Best Pop Song" and "Best Overall Song" at the Exposure Music Awards in April, judged by a panel of music professionals including representatives from Sony/EMI and Virgin.

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Sat 10th Apr
Doors 8:00pm

Ben Montague + Lucinda Belle - Cancelled Sorry :-(

Unfortunately this gig is cancelled - Ben will be unable to appear on Saturday. He has had an accident and has injured his wrist and unfortunately cannot play his guitar.

If you purchased your tickets from the box office, please phone during office hours to arrange a refund. If you bought on-line from WeGotTickets - they will be in touch regarding a refund.

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Wed 14th Apr
Doors 8:00pm

Seth Lakeman - Sold Out!

No Ticket = No Entry Sorry
Fine English Folkster

"The very image of the modern, haunted romantic - A fabulously talented musician and singer." - Metro

Seth was shortlisted for the mercury music prize in 2005,dont miss this chance to see a charismatic and talented performer.

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Dan Donnelly

Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Via New York

Dan has supported Seth Lakeman numerous times

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Band PicHeard the one about the mad Danish pirate who lured ships to disaster on treacherous rocks so he could plunder their treasure? Or the Bodmin bad boys who went to play hurling instead of going to church and were turned into stone by a vengeful priest? Or Lady Howard, whose ghost still rides through Tavistock in a coach of bones drawn by headless horses to re-visit her old haunts?

This is the strange, exciting, often dark world inhabited by the dynamic Seth Lakeman, who – armed with raging fiddle, rampant imagination and energetic voice - has given fiery new life and contemporary relevance to the rich heritage of legends that lurk in the shadows of the English west country. Born and bred in the desolate beauty of Dartmoor, Lakeman was raised on such ghostly tales and, in a sensational rise since his shock Mercury Music Award nomination in 2005, has created a unique, highly original niche both as a dramatic storyteller and a thrilling live performer.

Lakeman spent just £300 recording Kitty Jay, the album that first bought him to the nation's attention, in brother Sean's kitchen and a few more bob launching it in front of a captive audience at Dartmoor Prison. But he was more amazed than anybody when it was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize next to the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Coldplay, Magic Numbers and K T Tunstall. The country was transfixed by his performance of the title track - the tragic story of a hanged servant girl whose unconsecrated grave can still be found in the spooky surrounds of Hound Tor - and Seth was signed to Relentless as more demonic legends were unveiled on his gold selling 2006 album, Freedom Fields, which went on to be voted best album, while Seth was also named singer of the year at the 2007 BBC Folk Awards.

Last year was spent touring and working on the follow up to Freedom Fields, his major label debut, the result of which is Poor Man's Heaven. Entirely recorded in Cornwall, it represents a significant stylistic shift with heavy emphasis on the percussive fireworks provided by drummer Andy Tween and brilliant Irish bodhran player Cormac Byrne, while brother Sean Lakeman complements Seth's explosive fiddle playing with fluid acoustic guitar runs and Ben Nicholls adds further textures on double bass.  

Lyrically, the album sees Seth expanding on his trademark story telling: "It even surprises me how dark it is – I think I must have been in a very dark place when I started writing it," laughs Lakeman, pondering the impressive catalogue of death, destruction and dastardly deeds to be found on the new album. Shipwrecks and coastal themes abound as Seth re-shapes the spirit of the folk tradition in a passionate, modern context with a fired-up band, big choruses and rocking rhythms. Colourfully flavoured by the evocative countryside which has always inspired him and in which he still lives, it's also an album driven by courage and heroism.

Seth – who's now 31 - was barely five when a coaster called the Union Star sent out distress signals in a terrible storm south of Cornwall just before Christmas in 1981. His dad, the west country correspondent on a national paper, went to report the story and Seth remembers every detail. Eight volunteers from the village of Mousehole set out on the Penlee lifeboat, the Solomon Browne that night trying to save the eight people on board the stricken Union Star. Shockwaves resonated throughout the country when news came back that all 16 people involved had perished that night.

On the 25th anniversary of the Penlee disaster, Seth decided to write his own tribute to the courage of the lifeboat crew in a truly modern take on the folk music tradition, marking a significant leap in his own songwriting, from ancient legends to the rawer territory of a recent, painful disaster that still hangs heavy over the local communities involved.  "I just wanted to honour them. That disaster hit a lot of people hard and had a massive effect in the west country - I ended up writing Solomon Browne to bring attention to their courage." It worked, too. It not only inspired an old schoolfriend who'd lost his father in the disaster to get in touch and thank Seth after seeing him sing it on a TV documentary, the song triggered Seth into a frenzy of creativity, researching and writing about other heroic acts in Devon and Cornwall's eventful coastal history to provide the emotional heartbeat of Poor Man's Heaven.

The title track of the album is based on a traditional American song from the Depression. "I liked the attitude of it – it's like a working class rant. I knocked around with it on banjo and reworked it. It's about people striving for something better and seems to encompass the coastal themes quite nicely, so I thought it was a good title for the album. I'm really pleased with it. I think it's by far the best thing I've done. It's very bold and powerful and quite rocky, yet still acoustic." The album also includes choice musical oddities like the Jake Walton hurdy gurdy drones that give Blood Red Sky an oddly Indian flavour and the jews harp that suddenly enlightens Race To Be King. He's also collaborated with Steve Knightley of Show of Hands on a couple of songs, including his own favourite track, the haunting Greed & Gold.

It's been quite a journey for Lakeman, whose parents ran a folk club and whose friends just happened to include some of Brit folk's finest. Seth is always quick to acknowledge the debt he owes to early mentors like the great fiddle player Tom McConville and acoustic guitar maestro Chris Newman.

Other seminal influences include jazz legend Stephane Grappelli, Irish fiddle gods Tommy Peoples and Frankie Gavin and, significantly, the pounding house dance beats he believes moulded his unusually rhythmic style of songwriting.

Seth's feet have scarcely touched the ground since the Mercury nomination, hit singles with White Hare and Lady of the Sea, major festival appearances, tours all over the world, appearances on every TV show in the western world, the admiration of celebrity fans like Ricky Gervais, and a strange encounter with Sharon Osbourne, who - for reasons best known to herself – licked his face on live television. Such is life in the weird, unpredictable, enthralling world of Seth Lakeman…

'POOR MAN'S HEAVEN' IS OUT NOW ON RELENTLESS.


 
Dan Donnelly
 

Band PicOriginally from Belfast, Northern Ireland Dan now lives and plays in New York and is a regular fixture on the NY live scene. He plays his own, with his band Sonovagun and with other bands including Joy Zipper and the Invisible Swords Men.

Dan has been singing, playing and writing music since an early age. He started his career as singer and songwriter in critically acclaimed Belfast band Watercress and penned many of their most popular songs including "Candlemaker", which reached number 1 in the Irish indie charts and "Stars Shine On", which also topped the same chart. He has played with Watercress, solo and with Joy Zipper all across the globe supporting bands such as, Air, The Levellers, The Darkness, Duran Duran, Ian Dury and Turin Brakes to name but a few.

He has gained considerable recognition as a singer and songwriter in recent years. In 2006 Dan has supported Seth Lakeman twice on sell out tours of Britain. In the summer of 2006 he played at festivals in the UK including the Beautiful Days Festival and many solo gigs around England, Ireland and America. In the latter part of 2006 saw the release of "The Beach E.P." In 2007 Dan released the album "Yearning a Living" which has already sold considerably in The U.K. and U.S.

Dan's gig schedule for 2007 was intensive and varied including slots at, The Big Session Festival UK, The Prague Fringe Festival CZ, Glastonbury UK and The Great Escape Festival UK. Dan also both supported and played onstage with Oysterband for their "Meet You There" album tour in the latter half of 2007 and then again for their acoustic tour in early 2008. He is one of the only artists that has performed with both The Levellers and Oysterband, arguably the finest folk rock acts in the U.K.

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Thu 15 Apr
Doors 8:00pm

Show of Hands

"Standing-Room-Only Show"

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Recently shared a stage with Peter Gabriel.

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2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards double winners Show of Hands – England's finest acoustic roots duo – will be making a stand in Southampton next week (Thursday April 15) on their UK Standing Room Only tour, showing just why they have been showered with accolades.

Southampton-born singer songwriter Steve Knightley and multi instrumentalist Phil Beer won both the Best Duo title and Best Original Song at the Awards -the latter for the topical title track of their acclaimed new studio album Arrogance Ignorance and Greed, a no-holds- barred Knightley track about bankers and bonuses, MPs and expenses! See video of the song.

Band PicThe triple Albert Hall sell-out band who have headlined at festivals from WOMAD to Glastonbury are ready to perform at The Brook – one of their favourite stamping grounds - from their rich repertoire of original songs.
In response to a growing number of requests for standing gigs, they will embark on a 24-date tour on April 14, accompanied by striking double bass player/ vocalist Miranda Sykes (left), making first time appearances at half the venues including Manchester's Band on the Wall, Sheffield's The Plug, Wrexham's Central Station and Preston's 53 Degrees at the University of Central Lancashire. The tour ends in their home county of Devon at Exmouth's Pavilion.

It will be their second standing gig tour and Steve Knightley says: "Playing around 120 shows a year it's important to include standing gigs and gives us a chance to introduce newer, more upbeat material into the set." Special guest will be rising indy folk star Ruarri Joseph (right) who has been described as a British Jack Johnson. Edinburgh-born, Cornwall-based Ruarri has made past appearances with David Gray, Paolo Nutini and Seth Lakeman and supported Show of Hands at their own Abbotsbury festival and on their first UK standing tour, in 2008.

Inspired by the likes of Nick Drake, he has a background that has explored jazz, rock and punk. His acoustic material is sometimes mellow, sometimes upbeat and infectiously catchy, all delivered by his distinctive vocals. Now recording independently, he last year released a new album, Both Sides of the Coin.

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Fri 16th Apr
Doors 8:00pm

Viva Santana

Santana Tribute debut The Brook

Now in thier 10th Anniversary year,this phenomenal 6 piece Latin rock explosion continues to amaze fans wherever they present their celebration of the music of the legendary Carlos Santana
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Band PicPlaying to full houses as diverse as the prestigious London Guitar Show Wembley to theatres and rock festivals in the UK, Europe and even Cuba where as soloist Marcos Rodriguez' performance was described as 'a musical bridge between Cuba and Spain' 'When they made Carlos Santana someone forgot to break the mould !' said one astonished fan, who himself was veteran of listening to 5 decades of that distinctive Santana guitar tone.

It's all there, from the powerful 4 piece rhythm section that brings the heartbeat of the band that is congas, timbales, drums and bass with a precise understanding of traditional and modern Latin rhythms , to the infectious Cuban piano and haunting Hammond organ wizardry of a truly gifted keyboard maestro. The famous soulful vocal melodies in the native languages of the Americas by the only UK Santana tribute band that boasts Latin members completes what was recently described by Classic Rock Magazine as 'One Of The Top 5 Must See Tributes In The UK' Though the tag of Tribute band just doesn't do this group of talented musicians justice.

Guitarist Marcos was recently quoted as saying 'Santana live is almost like a religious service. Carlos is the Pope and you can't always get to see him. So when I play I'm just a priest reciting the Gospel. But the message is the same! The audience response at our shows and their messages on our website proves it!! '

Carlos Santana changed the face of Rock Music forever when he stormed Woodstock in 1969 with his own special fusion of rock, Latin, jazz and the music of Africa. Now, at last, a chance to experience the raw emotion of a Santana concert. Created in the spring of the Millennium year by inspirational Spanish guitarist Marcos Rodriguez.

The VivaSantana family consists of talented, dedicated, professional musicians who fully immerse themselves to recreate the moods, sounds and atmosphere of Santana's music with passion, heart, soul and chilling accuracy.
The current line up of musicians have played and toured with such artists as Roger Daltery, Joan Armatrading, Matt Bianco, Jethro Tull, Bad Manners, Desmond Dekker, Yes, Robin Jones and many more.

This powerful six piece band take you through the Santana years with a stunning two hour show. From Santana 1, Abraxas and Moonflower to the recent hits from Supernatural, Shaman and All that I am .
Now recognised as the number one tribute to Carlos Santana and officially used recently by Santana's UK online Marketing.
VivaSantana Much more than a tribute, a Supernatural experience!!
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Sat 17 April
Doors 8:00pm

Dirty DC II

Down & Dirty! Last one sold out quick! Get 'em in!

If you like AC/DC and haven't checked these guys out, then it's about time you sorted it out!  You won't be disappointed.  

"With 30 years combined service in Dirty DC, the four ex members of that band - Simon, Grant, Tony & Paul - the classic Dirty DC line up, with Colin as a top Cliff, are now back to kick your ass!"

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AC/DC is a band whose appeal is huge, widespread through the generations and totally indifferent to musical fashions. Their unique formula of tight riffs and fat rhythm combines dance ability with hard-rocking anthems that flow through the blood of all who have been smitten by their cheeky-but-colossal offerings. If you want to see AC/DC, but your options are limited, then check out DIRTY DC. You will not be disappointed. All the energy and electricity of an AC/DC show along with completely faithful renditions will leave you trembling, with a smile on your face.

Band PicDIRTY DC have been playing throughout Britain and parts of Europe since 1998, and have developed the line-up and dynamic stage show that has made their current reputation seriously strong amongst AC/DC fans, whether die-hard fanatics, or just people who want a good night out. Every visual detail has been fine-tuned; from drum kit model to footwear, but most importantly, the musical delivery and stage show has an impact that does not fail to impress. DIRTY DC gives real value for money where others seem to fail. Every superlative in the book has been repeatedly used in describing the DIRTY DC show. From "I was totally amazed by your performance", "The best tribute band we have seen for ages, and we've seen a few"," The whole band are amazing, you guys are so good that you look and sound just like the real thing" and from Chris Slade himself (AC/DC drummer from 1989-94) "You have it spot on, excellent, I really enjoyed the gig." The extraordinary passion that AC/DC arouse, and which has ensured they remain one of the biggest, if not the biggest band in rock flows through the DIRTY DC performance and through their audiences. If you really want to rock and can get to a DIRTY DC gig, do not miss the chance.

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Sun 18th Apr
Doors 7:30pm

Matt Schofield

"Another level altogether" MOJO

Britain's most talked about and exciting contemporary Blues guitarist.

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14.00

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+ The Darren Verne Band

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  Please note - if you paid more than £12 advance for this (not inclucing booking fee), we will refund you the difference on the door - administrative cock up! - Ooops! If you bought from WeGotTickets, they have already contacted you and given you £2.00!        
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"Another level altogether" MOJO

Britain's most talked about and exciting contemporary Blues guitarist.

Taking his cue from the great American blues guitarists and mixing it with rock and funk influences, Schofield has developed a distinctive style that has had the music media here and in the USA singing his praises. The Los Angeles Daily News was emphatic when saying "in Schofield, the UK has produced the best blues guitarist from any country in decades."

His powerful mix of Blues and New Orleans funk is unlike anything else on the block.

Britain has a long history of producing influential guitarists – Eric Clapton and Peter Green to name just two. Schofield recently joined the list when Guitar & Bass Magazine added him to their Top Ten Greatest British Bluesmen of All Time.

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Wed 21st April
Doors 8:00pm

DMF Logo
The Levellers - Sold Out Sorry

No Ticket = No Entry
Wow what a coup!
Brighton folk-punk legends Levellers have long been and still are, one of the best live bands around.
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The Last Republic

Catchier than the clap and dressed sharper than razors, it's clear that The Last Republic have the proverbial 'bigger things' lined up squarely in their crosshairs.

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Band PicBrighton folk-punk legends Levellers have long been and still are, one of the best live bands around. Often overlooked is their outstanding back catalogue of recorded music. The Levellers sold more platinum, gold, and silver albums in the 1990s than any other act. 5 of their 6 Top 40 albums (which spawned 14 Top 40 singles), including the number 1 Zeitgeist, were re-released in 2008 on Warner Brother's Rhino label.

Levellers released 'Letters from the Underground' their most exciting album in years in 2008. The album conveys the passion, energy and conviction that shot the band to fame in their early years. Produced by Sean Lakeman, it charted at No 24 in the UK album charts. In November 2009, the band released a 10 track live album which is a recording taken from their unique 20th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The album features songs from the albums 'Weapon Called The Word', 'Levellers, 'Zeitgeist', 'Mouth To Mouth' and 'Letters From The Underground'

With an ever changing music industry the Levellers are at the forefront of a now established DIY industry. They are the perfect role model for other bands trying to find their way in today's music scene having released their own records, bought their own building/ studio and started their own sell out festival in the UK, Beautiful Days, which is now approaching its eighth year.

Band PicLevellers have ridden waves of huge popularity and chasms of widespread mistrust over the years. They have ignored fads, fashions and trends, and in doing so have existed alongside them. The original line-up still play with a passion and pride that, having seen off many of their early contemporaries, is setting a standard that many young pretenders find hard to match.

"Levellers prove that they've still got the energy, charm and political passion"
Rock Sound 8/10 (Letters from the Underground)

"The Levs provide rugged anthems for crowd consumption...with frantic fiddles and rabble-rousing guitars that burn holes in festival fields and club floors"
Mojo (Letters from the Underground)

"This is folk music as it is meant to be….a stirring call to arms, a get-off-your-knees-and-resist rock record, hard-hitting and hard to forget"
Daily Mirror **** (Letters from the Underground)

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Thu 22nd Apr
Doors 8.00pm

Comedy is back at The Brook!!!

Laugh-Out-Loud-Comedy-Club Featuring....

Jim Tavare, Raymond and Timpkins Review and special guests

If you show us another Brook ticket - you can buy 2-4-1
If you become a fan of The Brook on Facebook - you can get em for half price!
But don't take our word for it - 'Wabble wousing comedy' - Jonathan Woss  
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Band PicWhat better way to chase off those winter blues than by having a ruddy good laugh?!!

Following the success of 2009's LOL Comedy Club, 2010 sees The Brook playing host to the monthly Thursday night comedy event, which showcases some of the finest comedy talent established in the UK as well as introducing some of the dynamic rising stars of these shores.

This month's Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club is on Thursday 22nd April and is proud to be hosting a veteran of ITV's The Sketch Show...

Jim Tavare

Jim Tavaré has been described as "transcending mainstream and alternative comedy". As a stand-up Jim Tavaré has worked all over the world, performing throughout Europe, Australia and the USA.

Jim appeared at the Auckland Comedy Festival in New Zealand, which was a sell-out success. Following appearances in the US, a special episode of WINGS (NBC/Paramount) - the hit comedy series made by the producers of CHEERS - was written around him. Jim Tavaré's US television credits also include CAROLINE'S COMEDY HOUR, EVENING AT THE IMPROV, SHOWTIME MONTREAL GALA and JUST FOR LAUGHS.

Jim Tavaré made his first appearance on British television starring alongside Miles & Milner in the critically acclaimed comedy show BEETHOVEN'S NOT DEAD (BBC2). This was followed by his own series on BBC2, JIM TAVARÉ PICTURES PRESENTS... a series of short films starring Jim and Bassie, his double bass. Invoking uncanny memories of Buster Keaton these films were seen as "a great compliment to Jim's superb stand-up routines" (The Scotsman). He starred as a headline act on series 1 & 2 of Channel 5's stand-up show THE COMEDY NETWORK and Jim has also performed on THE DES O'CONNOR SHOW (ITV) and CLIVE ANDERSON (BBC). He has also made a foray into film, appearing as Tom, the innkeeper of The Leaky Cauldron in HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN.

In 1999 Jim wrote and starred in the 12 part comedy series THE JIM TAVARÉ SHOW Channel 5. A half hour of comedy sketches and stand-up, THE JIM TAVARÉ SHOW featured everyday tales of Austrian composing folk from one time child prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as well as a weekly end-of-show finale starring the Politically Correct Dancers. Other new characters included six-foot blonde glamour puss The Uncommitted Transvestite; he of ancient proverbs, The Kung Fu Monk; Jim's very own nine-inch pianist Fingers Wilson and The Bawdy Bobby, a member of the constabulary with a penchant for lewd suggestion.
Inspired." - THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

"Jim Tavaré is an enormously talented individual, whose comic presence and off-the-wall material makes him one of the funniest and most original performers around." - THE INDEPENDENT

"Makes you laugh out loud." - THE TIMES

"Fresh, funny and imaginative without a trace of elitism." - THE GUARDIAN

We are also proud to announce the appearance of ...

the inimitable and incomparable Raymond and Mr. Timpkins Review

Band PicDrawn together by the irresistible force of showbiz in the mid nineteen eighties, Raymond and Mr Timpkins first chose to show off aboard the Portsmouth based pop band, 'Uncle Barneys Atomic Wobblers', until the natural forces of attrition bore down and the band distilled to the current ruggedly handsome duo.

Cutting their teeth compering and performing in Comedy and Variety nights at The Wedgewood Rooms in Southsea, the nineties wafted gently past until, eventually and not before time, London called. With the fledgling post-fix, "Revue", added, they blasted the clubs with their Guitar and Stylophone stylings, wowing rooms with super slick prop manipulation, dazzling jaded eyes with sandal-based choreography that remains inimitable.

Now, they tour the country, regularly headlining at Jongleurs clubs, even venturing as far afield as The Falklands and Oman, to provide spiritual uplift to the brave boys and girls of the armed forces.

Their latest foray is into radio comedy/drama. A 1930s murder mystery based in Brighton and a re-tellling of the Jack the Ripper tale have so far been forged in the red hot fires of their imaginations.

"Absolutely hilarious" - VIZ

"A mad, anarchic triumph of stupidity over style. Not to be missed" – THE GUARDIAN

"Spectacularly funny - TIME OUT

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Fri 23rd Apr
Doors 8:00pm

The Alarm

Re-scheduled date from December 2009

Welsh Punky Rockers
This cult Welsh outfit have sold 5 million records.
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Willie Nile

Nile is a songwriters' songwriter. No less a personage than Lucinda Williams has said of him, "Willie Nile is a great artist."

       
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RoShambo

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Night of Treason

       
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THE ALARM – '21' NEW ALBUM & 'Release The Pressure' UK Tour
Album Released November 2nd 2009 via The Twenty First Century Recording Company

'21' is the latest release from Welsh rock and roll outfit 'The Alarm' and features the absolute best songs written and recorded by the band in this current decade. The album is being released as a precursor to an all new Alarm studio album – 'Direct Action', which will be released in January 2010. In keeping with all modern day Alarm releases, '21' also features a DVD companion that carries a film performance for every single track.

Band PicStarted by Mike Peters in 1977, the early Alarm sound featured a daring mix of amped up acoustic guitars, harmonica and passionate vocals that invited the enduring description "Bob Dylan meets The Clash". This is the sound of The Alarm that has been heard around the world ever since with 17 Top 50 UK singles, a host of successful albums and over 5 million sales worldwide. (The Alarm's most recent UK chart hit was 'Superchannel' (from 'Under Attack'), which went Top 30 in February 2006. In the USA, 'Three Sevens Clash' (the lead track from the band's 'Guerilla Tactics' release), reached number 7 on the Independent Rock Radio Chart in July 2008.

However, an all together darker dimension was added to the ever evolving Alarm story when Mike Peters was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), just before the release of 'Under Attack' in January 2006. Despite having to undertake a heavy schedule of chemotherapy, Mike Peters carried out all his duties as front man of The Alarm. In between monthly chemo sessions he played every show booked in the UK and even two tours of the USA including an emotional performance at The Joey Ramone Lymphoma Research Benefit Concert in New York City. Whilst in New York Mike Peters received the news his family and Alarm fans worldwide had been hoping for when he was declared to be in remission.
The BBC had been allowed to capture Mike's cancer battle from the beginning, and a powerful and revealing TV documentary 'Road To Recovery' was broadcast in 2006. Since then Mike Peters has formed his own Love Hope Strength Foundation (www.LoveHopeStrength.org) taking the fight against cancer to new heights including leading a team of musicians to 18,500 feet on Mt. Everest and breaking the record for the world's highest concert on land. "Everest Rocks" was captured on film and has appeared consistently on MTV's Palladia ever since. Mike has just returned from a similar successful trek to the summit to Kilimanjaro, Africa (19,335').

'21' is the 4th album to be released by the modern lineup of The Alarm and features originator / songwriter Mike Peters (lead vocal & guitar) with James Stevenson (Gen X) on guitar, bass guitarist Craig Adams (Sisters Of Mercy / The Mission) and Steve Grantley (SLF) on drums.

21 Facts About The Alarm

01: 21 is the brand new album from Wales' most enduring rock and roll band - The Alarm.
02: 21 features twenty one of the absolute best songs cut by The Alarm during the 21st Century.
03: 21 also features a DVD with a video performance for every single track.
04: The Alarm was begun by Mike Peters in 1977 after seeing the Sex Pistols in Chester.
05: The Alarm scored their first ever hit in America with 1983's The Stand.
06: The Alarm's first hit in the UK was 'Sixty Eight Guns' in the same year.
07: The Alarm have sold over 5 million albums worldwide.
08: The Alarm have scored 15 Top 40 Chart singles in the UK (the most recent - 'Superchannel' reached 26 in 2006). A hit for each decade of the band's existence.
09: In 2008 The Alarm's 'Guerilla Tactics' album was released globally after an audacious acoustic concert by lead singer, Mike Peters in New York's Times Square.
10: Also in 2008, 'Three Sevens Clash' the lead track taken from 'Guerilla Tactics', reached number 7 on the American Independent Rock Radio Charts.
11: The Alarm have been joined on stage by Bono (U2), Neil Young and Bob Dylan amongst others.
12: The Alarm's Mike Peters is a 2 x cancer survivor and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation taking the fight against cancer to new heights. www.lovehopestrength.org
13: In 2007, Mike Peters sang at 18,505' on Mt. Everest in what was officially recorded as the World's Highest Concert on Land.
14: The Alarm was one of the first band's to have a dedicated website - www.thealarm.com first established in 1992.
15: Alongside founder member Mike Peters, The Alarm's 21st Century line-up features Craig Adams (Sisters Of Mercy / The Mission) on bass, James Stevenson (Generation X / The Cult) on guitar and Steve Grantley (Stiff Little Fingers) on drums. Although still considered 'the new boys', the band has now played together longer than the originals.
16: The Alarm's Gathering Weekend is now in it's eighteenth year.
17: The Alarm's last album 'Guerilla Tactics' is the band's third best selling album of all time on iTunes.
18: In 2004, The Alarm caused controversy in the UK when they had a hit record with the song '45 RPM'. Released under the pseudonym The Poppy Fields and featuring a fake band of eighteen year-olds on video, 45 RPM charted at number 24 after being championed on-air as one of the "best new band's in Britain" by unsuspecting DJ's. The true identity of the Poppy Fields was revealed by Mike Peters on the BBC News website and in the subsequent fall out, The Alarm became the centre of a global news story appearing on prime time America's CBS News with Dan Rather.
19: In 2010, John H. Williams (Producer of Shrek) and Welsh film director Sara Sugarman will begin shooting 'Vinyl'.; a new film loosely based around the '45 R.P.M.' controversy.
20: Mike Peters is the recipient of two lifetime achievement awards from the Welsh Music Industry.
21: 21 is released on November 2nd 2009 and supported by a UK 'Release The Pressure Tour' Spring 2010

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Sat 24th Apr
Doors 8:00pm

Fabba Girls - Cancelled :-)

Cancelled sorry

Cunningly combining Fab with the name of pop group ABBA & adding Zoe & Susie to get FABBAGIRLS. Genius!

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Band PicTHE FABBAGIRLS are quite simply the best Abba tribute band in the business…. which is why they are regulars at The Royal Albert Hall. They are now recognised as the best Abba Tribute band in the busIness. Their saucy sense of humour and fabulous vocals, coupled with stunning costumes and choreography puts them right at the top of their game!

After fronting Abba tribute band Bjorn Again, they decided to form a band of their own. Along with their 'world class' band, this Abba tribute band have performed all over the world; In USA for Microsoft on numerous occasions, Marrakesh for an amazing 40th brithday, Trinidad for the Islanders, on a yacht in Sardinia - for Royalty, on beaches in the Caribbean & South of France and in Sweden, where they dressed up as nuns before ripping off their habits to reveal their saucy white satin costumes! Since its inception, THE FABBAGIRLS - fronted by Susie Webb and Zoe Nicholas, has become the No.1 Abba tribute band.

Band PicAs two of London's most established vocalists and away from THE FABBAGIRLS .COM, Susie and Zoe have worked together with QUEEN, LIONEL RITCHIE, THE WHO, BILLY IDOL, WILL YOUNG, PHIL COLLINS, PAVAROTTI and many more of the greatest rock/pop bands in the world . They are always in the studio with various artists and their singing and speaking voices can be heard on TV commercials for PEPSI, MACDONALDS, FISHER PRICE, CALGON, WOOLWORTHS and many more……….

Susie and Zoe have performed at PARTY IN THE PARK on numerous occasions to audiences of hundreds of thousands and they were given the honour to sing with 'QUEEN' at Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Golden Jubilee concert, where BRIAN MAY played his legendary guitar on the roof. Here, they sung alongside all artistes including STING, THE BEACH BOYS and WILL YOUNG. The girls were then invited to Modena, Italy with QUEEN, to perform in the home town of the great PAVAROTTI, for a special concert 'PAVAROTTI & FRIENDS' singing with ERIC CLAPTON, BONO, ANDREA BOCELLI, LIONEL RITCHIE and other great performers from around the world.

THE FABBAGIRLS are a great team and have a brilliant sense of humour, which derives from having worked with many of the great British comedians. They are also longstanding members of the SAS BAND (Spike's All Stars) with whom they perform on a regular basis.

'We love what we do'!!

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Sun 25th April
Doors 7:30pm

Sandi Thom

Million record seller Sandi returns to The Brook
Currently writing and recording her new album which will be released in early 2010
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Marcus Bonfanti

       
 

Band PicHaving topped the charts in seven countries with her first single, the infamous internet hit 'I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker', and shifted a million copies of the ensuing LP, Scots-born Sandi Thom is officially the 47th biggest selling female of the 21st century.

Late in 2009, Sandi was invited to tour the UK and Europe by new blues powerhouse Joe Bonamassa and the result is "Merchants And Thieves", a new album set for release in May 2010, that highlights Sandi's ability to diversify and explore deeper and more organic musical roots.

"As striking a musical reinvention as you're likely to witness this year. Upcoming album 'Merchants & Thieves is now firmly entrenched on our must-hear list for 2010." - Barry Nicholson, News Of The World.

Sandi famously came to the world's attention in that same tiny basement with her '21 nights in Tooting' tour – three weeks of concerts that she sent out to audiences worldwide via the Internet. Her first single had already been released via the small independent label Viking Legacy and she had an album ready to go, but suddenly the media picked up on her story and all the majors were queuing up in her kitchen to sign her. And when 'I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker' was re-released on her new label RCA, it went straight to number one in the UK and went on to be a hit world-wide. In Australia alone, it topped the charts for a record-breaking 12 weeks.

Sung mainly a capella with just handclaps and the most basic percussion behind her, the song was one of the stand-out tracks of 2006, showcasing Sandi's strong, soulful voice and establishing her as a major new songwriting talent. The album that followed proved that she was no one-hit wonder. 'Smile.. It Confuses People' has the same raw, rootsy feel, is packed with strong songs, and also shows her to be an accomplished musician.

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Mon 26th April
Doors 8:00pm

Chantel McGregor

Picked up her first guitar at the age of three!!!
Outstanding musician and first rate vocalist who can wield an electric guitar with the best of the boys
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Band PicRealising at an early age that if you picked up a guitar you got attention, especially from her dad whose guitar it usually was, it was inevitable that she would get one of her own. So at the ripe old age of three, she got her first guitar, a half size acoustic.

At seven she started lessons but soon noticed that not only did the electric guitars have a smaller neck, making them ideal for little hands, but they could also make a lot more noise. After more lessons and a lot more noise, and at the grand old age of eight she became the youngest person in the country to pass a Rockschool grade. More lessons followed and with them came the realisation that if you want people to listen, you need to sing!

So it came to pass that at the age of twelve she arrived at the famous Melborn Hotel in Bradford to play and sing at the weekly jam session. Helped and encouraged by all the musicians, she developed rapidly into a incredible rock and blues musician.

Now described as a "prodigy", a visit from a major label soon followed and at fourteen she was told "great voice, but girls don't play guitar like that!" by the head of their A&R. Their advise to change styles because boys would be intimidated was met with an attitude of "that's their problem! I'm not changing!" Singing and playing on national television and radio soon followed.

A meeting with two renowned producers soon lead to a change in direction from live performance to recording and writing. This coupled with exams and advice meant an end to live performing for around four years. As seems common in the music industry, once lawyers get involved, things can get messy!!!!!

Band PicNow qualified at Grade Eight, the wrong "A" Levels required for a music degree course meant enrolling at the world renowned Leeds College of Music for a Btec in Popular Music where she became the first student in the college's history to achieve a 100% pass mark, 18 distinctions. Progressing onto the degree course she became the holder of the prize for outstanding musicianship for 2006/7 on the way to achieving a First Class Honours degree in Popular Music in July 2009 and at the same time the award for guitar.

This has lead to the formation of the rock blues trio, the Chantel McGregor Band

The band takes the technicalities of Vai and Satriani and blends this with the excitement of Hendrix to create high energy blues-rock in the vien of Joe Bonamassa and Aynsley Lister's Blues Matters. Having started playing guitar at the age of 7, Chantel went on to perform regularly with local blues-rock bands by the age of 12. Qualified at Grade 8 and the holder of Leeds College of Music's prestigious 'Outstanding Musicianship' award for 2006/7, she formed her own band in early 2007, completing her music degree in 2009 with first class honours. Chantel McGregor is now one of the rising stars of today's British Blues-Rock scene.

Outrageious 2 hour show - Onstage 8:45pm

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Thu 29th Apr
Doors 7:30pm

DMF Logo"Sound of The C"

Selection of the finest up and coming bands!

The best up and coming indie bands for your delectation. Could be the future unearthed right here.

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10:00pm

The Queue

One of the best "Up and Coming" Live Bands

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9:10pm

Tuesday Coma

Tuesday Coma are a four piece alternative pop band formed in 2009

Original, emotive tracks with smooth vocals clear and clean rhythm supplied by the drums and bass with bright guitar parts over the top.

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10p Short

(Not Playing Due to Illness)
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8:20pm

Sam Ziggy

this time with Full Band!

Sam Ziggy, brings his unique acoustic-folk blues tinged sound to the Brook this time with a Full Band! He has gigged all major local venues, but this is his Brook debut, and you will see why it hasnt come a moment too soon!

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The Queue

Band PicThe Queue are a band from Southampton that formed In February 2007. Ever since then the band have begun to form a dedicated and ever growing fan base in the South, and have had worked with many promotion companies, with many shows under their belt in Southampton, London, Portsmouth, Guildford and Winchester. The band have supported various acts including "Nizlopi" and "Dlugokecki", and have even been supported by Paul McCartney's Son, James McCartney,  on his first ever show with his brand new music project "Light". The Queue will also be supporting Mod revival outfit 'The Lambrettas' in Southampton and playing at The International Pop Overthrow Festival in Liverpool at the end of May. The Queue's explosive live shows are held in high regard by their fans and applauded by reviews. 

2010 looks to be a very busy and important year for The Queue as they continue to progress in widening their fan base and developing their music. The band has recently taken up show dates in Coventry, Liverpool and London as well as a few home town shows.

The Queue have many gigs lined up for the remainder of the year, so get yourself along to one of them, and you won't be disappointed.
'A genuine air of excitement and togetherness about their musical ability'.  Playingoutloud.co.uk

Tuesday Coma

Band PicTuesday Coma have played a number a venues in the South including headlining at The Talking Talking heads hosted by Jurassic Mark and have also been booked for private gigs.

They made it to the final round of the Enska Battle of the bands competition, coming 3rd out of 45 bands. The final round was broadcast on Pure radio, and reported on by local papers.

Tuesday Coma are hosting a night for the re-opening of the Brass Monkey in Fareham.

They are now recording their first single with Sound Amp Studios, which is intended to be out in May 2010.

10p Short

Band PicLead by singer/songwriter Thom George, 10p Short formed in 2008 and made an immediate impact playing along side 'The Parlotones' in their first ever show. Since then the line up has changed but the message remains constant .. 10p Short will leave you with a smile on your face.

Songs deal with everything from love to loss to contemporary politics, and boast a unique dynamic musicality to compliment the lyrics of Thom George.

2010 has seen a change in direction for 10p Short, and it will not be long before the 10p train stats knocking on the door of the majors, climb aboard now so you don't get left behind.

Band PicSam Ziggy

Sam is a young singer/songwriter from the Southampton area, who writes his songs and sings his songs, and sometimes other peoples songs too. He's been playing his guitar and singing his songs for almost as long as he can remember, but only started performing a year or so ago. Inspired by his surroundings, the weather, Woody Guthrie and old time blues, his songs are as thoughtful as they are catchy, and he can only entertain!

Not a night to be missed ,there is a scene in the South . . . we like to call it the . . . "Sound of the C" ( and The Brook was always destined to run into the C )

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Next Few Weeks...

Bog Rolling Stones

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Rufus Stone

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New and On-Sale

Stiff Little Fingers

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Go West

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Glenn Hughes The Voice of Rock

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Mark Chadwick Mark Chadwick has announced details of the release of his debut solo album, entitled All The Pieces, to be released through Stay By Records on 6 September 2010, and a 10 date UK tour in October. One of the UKís most successful songwriters, Mark Chadwick has co-written 20 chart singles and 6 Top 40 albums (including a Number 1) as part of The Levellers, the band he has fronted for over 20 years.

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Fish The FishHeads Club Tour

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Who's Bad - USA Michael Jackson Tribute

Described as ‘The closest you will get now to seeing MICHAEL JACKSON Live’ the electrifying Who’s Bad show is coming from the USA to The Brook.

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Nils Lofgren

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The Saw Doctors

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Hayseed Dixie

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Dreadzone

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Simon McBride - Postponed until Nov 23rd 2010 For anyone who wonders where the next Gary More or Rory Gallagher may be, or even for those who think 'Joe Bonamassa is good, then this is the new man on the block! New Date Here

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L.O.L. Comedy...

Comedy is back at The Brook - Mike Wilmott, Joe Bor and Patrick Monahan, Sunday 12th September.

Sunday 17th October - Junior Simpson & Mike Gunn

Sunday 14th November - Richard Morton & Mark Olver

Doors open 7:30pm, tickets £8.00 advance / £9.00 on the door or £4.00 if you become a fan of The Brook on Facebook

Sound Of The C...

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Hand-picked selection of local bands, usually 4 bands per night, one show per month!

Sun 29th Aug

The Rebs,The Queue,The Lost Souls Club + Beatitudes

Sun 26th Sep

Summers, The Macaulays, Cavilry + Bizets

Future Dates A-Z...

Atomic Blondie
Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds
Ben Montague
Bog Rolling Stones
Bon Jovi Experience
The Christians
lol Comedy Club feat Mike Wilmott, Joe Bor and Patrick Monahan
Curved Air
Corinne West + Kelly Joe Phelps
Dennis Locorriere
Dirty DC
Dreadzone
The Enid
Fleetwood Bac
Focus
Green-ish Day
Glenn Hughs The Voice of Rock
Go West
Hazel O'Connor & The Subterraneans - Breaking Glass - LIVE!
Hariforce 5
The Hamsters
Hayseed Dixie
Kelly Joe Phelps
Legend
Let's Hang On (Frankie Valli)
Logical Tramp
Otis Grand
Jean Genie
Martyn Joseph
Mercury (Queen)
Mike Peters (of The Alarm)
The Mods
Money For Nothing
Mostly Autumn
Paul Carrack
Perfect Alibi
The Novatones
No Jacket Required
Redemption League
ReGenesis
The Red Hot Phony Peppers
Robin Trower
Rufus Stone
Saw Doctors
Silver Beatles
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
Steve Lukather
Sound Of The 'C' Selection of Southampton's Finest Bands
Steve Hackett
T-Rextasy
Tueasday Coma
Walter Trout
Whole Lotta Led
Wilko Johnson
Who's Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson show
Y & T

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