The
Bishops Stortford Acoustic Club
at South Mill Arts Centre
1-3, South Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts.
CM23 3JG
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Previous
Performances – Who played when |
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2026
THURSDAY
28th
MAY 2026
YOUNG
PLAYERS NIGHT
and
HEADLINE
SHOWCASE
SOUTH
OF POLARIS
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers What an all-around cracking night we had
last time with our amazing young players as well as a much-anticipated
headline showcase by the incredible South of Polaris. South of Polaris has been on our “must see
again” list since their debut performance and we were delighted to welcome
them to headline our Young Players evening. South of Polaris are, in their description,
a Flamenco-infused Alt Folk duo of Danii Reales and Saúl Díaz, whose music is
as emotionally raw as it is sonically rich. Their UK/Spanish sound blends
intimate folk storytelling, the fire of flamenco, and the theatrical energy
of rock, anchored by Danii’s unforgettable vocals and violin, and Saúl’s
intricate Electro-Classical Guitar.
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The truth is that they are building a
reputation for original and very different music that captures your ears,
wakes your soul and gets your feet tapping. They are unique in their music
and their approach to performing is one that engages immediately. From first
to last they were a wonderful revelation of what can be achieved in the space
of music. Many thanks for such a fantastic headline showcase, that brought
the eveing so beautifully to a close. Due to a couple of no shows Bill Tarran had
to open the evening with a couple of songs but we quickly moved onto Layla Mone accompanied on guitar by Jasper
Bokay. Layla is a highly talented writer and singer and she and Jasper
write brilliant songs in a collaboration that really showcases their talent. A
lightning quick change and Jasper then took the stage as a solo player
who gave us 3 songs of incredible maturity. |
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Elliot
Laverne is quite a performer and mixed his
performance with a French language song which had the audience spell bound.
His dexterity with language is hardly surprising but his musicality and
fantastic voice are amazing. Following
on was the totally entrancing Alessandra Freeston who is a virtuoso performer
on the Tsugaru Shamisen, a traditional Japanese 3 stringed instrument popular
in the production of Edo Plays. Alessandra not only performs at an
exceptional level but iis developing her own compositions. This time she
delighted the audience with three original compositions. The Shamisen has a
growing audience and this interest is in no small way due to Allesandra’s performance. |
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Ettie
Haynes & Alicia Gradica are a new combination who made their
performing debut as a duo. With a little hesitancy to start they quickly
found their feet and gave us three great songs of fine vocals and guitar
accompaniment. These two players have real talent and this was amply
demonstrated. We look forward to their return in the future. Our Young players were again a revelation
and we must thank Kevin Sporle and his Music Centre in Saffron Walden in
arranging so many of his performers to be at the evening. All are an absolute
credit to the sterling efforts Kevin and his team in Saffron Walden are doing
to promote and develop performing arts in all its guises. Grateful thanks to Charlie for his sterling
work on the Sound Desk. Also, much appreciation to all the staff and
volunteers who go to make the SMA such a wonderful welcoming venue. |
