It would only be fitting to have the man who played the very first opening night at The Brook!  25 years on our special guest GORDON HASKELL returns to help celebrate this nostalgic occasion.  Often described as a brilliant mix of Bill Withers and James Taylor with the feel of J.J Cale; but ultimately Haskell is a craftsman with his own unique style and presence, who has been consistently winning audiences with his warmth and golden voice for decades.

Raised in the rural market town of Newbury; English Singer-Songwriter Joe Hicks blends pop, blues and folk influences, combining intricate guitar composition with classic pop song-craft. Picking up the guitar at the age of 8, Joe has been able to build a highly individual musical identity, spending his earlier years as a guitar player in numerous varied stylistic projects following a childhood of classical training. Hicks released his first solo single at the start of 2017 and soon after was made 'BBC Introducing Artist of the Week’, receiving extensive radio play across the U.K. Since then the songwriter has built up a sizeable online following (+1 Million Streams) helped on by extensive support from BBC Introducing and has toured the UK and Germany, including slots at the Big Feastival, over 25 Sofar Sounds shows and a support of BRITS critics choice winner Sam Fender in Oxford. Joe released his new single ‘Swim’ on the 27th August, 2019. 

“This guy is absolutely smashing it, we can't wait to see what's next for him!”  - Linda Serck, BBC Introducing Berkshire

Hot Boppin, Groovin’ 4 piece group playing rockin, roots music with a Guitar, Double Bass & stand up Drums

Black Kat Boppers hail from down on the South Coast Water Way in Southampton and are 4 fellas who love to play hard boppin’, jump up, rockin’ blues, dance music.

“With The Black Kat Boppers you get to immerse yourselves in that rockin’ feelin’. Think of us as ‘rockin the blues’ if you must, cos that’s the way we roll!” – Roy Phillips

Black Kat Boppers formed In Dec 2009 after some chance meetings, speculative phone calls and a little bit of fate. A shared love for rockin’ roots music was clear and they haven’t looked back since. There’s been triumphant performances at Glastonbury, Port Eliot, Bestival & Hyde Park (with Blur & The Specials). They’ve rocked Notting Hill Carnival, Rockabilly Rave & Latitude, not to mention performing a memorable set with Florence and The Machine at Bob Geldof’s 60th birthday party. They’ve been joined on stage by Damon Albarn as well as working with him in the studio and have regularly had Clash legend Paul Simonon playing with the band. Paul Simonon, who has been a great support to them, also appears on their debut album “Boppin Atcha” and has done the sleeve artwork. The album is released on Foot Tapping records in September 2013.

Right across the board people seem to be lovin’ it – young, old, stupid, clever, hippies, punks, students, drop outs, mums, dads, drunks, weirdos, ravers, strippers, rockers, mods… Everybody loves that raw sound!!!

Gaz Mayall declared “I’ve seen hundreds of rock n roll bands and The Black Kat Boppers are right at the very top!!“.

“When I first saw The Black Kat Boppers I was sat on a hill at a festival and could hear this music in a tent that literally grabbed me by the lapels and dragged me in” – Paul Simonon (The Clash/Gorillaz)

“Wow those boys can really play” – Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz)

“Really rebel rousing music” – Bono

Welcome to Up Down Go Machine.

The band weaves punchy, but delicate folk melodies around their stripped back, acoustic guitar led sound.

Catchy percussive elements add rhythmic vibe that propels this acoustic-style into something more interactive and energetic.

Their songs are unashamedly heartfelt and direct, with strong nods to Mumford Sons and Ben Howard but never stray too far from their home-grown Celtic roots.

"“It’s easy to see why London-based Up Down Go Machine are creating such a flurry of excitement.” – Swn Festival (created by Huw Stephens - Radio 1)

"One of the best things about my job is finding artists who have that special something. It's like striking gold - you quickly look around to check no-else has seen it yet. Up Down Go Machine are one of those acts. Beautiful songs, perfect performance and strong, powerful vocals, not only do they have everything they need to go far, but they're a pleasure to deal with."

Tim Johns, BBC Introducing

Johnny Boxcars is electric dirty blues. Original, upbeat, British, driving grooves. Songs of old Gods, loves, rum & shame. Must see live.

Listen to Sky Burned Red Demo by Johnny Boxcars #np on #SoundCloud

Hot Four piece Rock n Roll Band from Southampton.

Melodic Vocal harmonies, bluesy guitars and driving shuffles. This Southampton quartet offers an exciting show with a Rock n Roll attitude. The Dead Freights bring a unique feel to a classic sound, comparable to The Beatles and The Libertines.

WREN started songwriting in her early teens and began performing her material at venues and festivals along the south coast.

Taking influence from the electronic sounds of Jack Garrat and the vocals of Nao, WREN creates soundscapes that tell raw tales of her loves and life.

Live performances include, Carfest South, Victorious, Bestival, Lamertree and Amy Winehouses 30th Birthday Celebration.

Having spent the last year writing and recording her latest EP Bad Decisions, WREN is ready to make 2019 her year