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
WEDNESDAY
3rd MARCH
DOUBLE HEADLINE SHOWCASE
PETER &
JANE
and
DAN
TITUS AND HIS BAND
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers Last time we were delighted to welcome another Double
Headline Showcase featuring Peter and Jane and Dan Titus. |
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Peter and Jane are a folk duo
from Suffolk, and their joy in making music is evident from the first note to
the very last. Their original songs and tunes are influenced by the broad
spectrum that is the folk genre and their performances included a joyful
selection of traditional material, arranged to suit the duo’s voices and
instruments which included flute, whistles, guitar, banjo and small pipes. Moving between Scottish airs, Irish jigs and reels,
bluegrass favourites, traditional ballads or one of their own songs, Peter
and Jane’s close harmony between their instruments and voices were a triumph.
The duo have a huge amount of experience gained at numerous folk clubs and
festivals in East Anglia over the past few years and have entertained
audiences with lively and varied performances chosen from their large
repertoire to suit the occasion. We benefited from this diversity of
repertoire enormously and we were treated to 45 minutes of pure joy. Many thanks Peter and Jane and we look forward to
seeing you again soon.
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DAN TITUS is one of those
perennial performers who does just about everything well. His song writer is compelling,
a cracking guitarist and a unique vocalist. Put these together and what is
promised is a great set of personal music that is highly attuned to whatever
is going on in the world as well as reflections on his perspective. Dans set was his usual mastery of current affairs and
proved again that he is one of the notable songwriters in the local area. Dan gave us a full 45 minutes of terrific songs that
means so much to him and, by the wonder of live performance, we shared these enthusiastically.
Playing to a live audience is the place that Dan excels. His performance, as
ever, was meaningful and delightful in equal measure. His songs hit the heart
and mind simultaneously such that you are thinking about the song as the next
hits home. Many thanks Dan for a cracking set. Our supporting slots featuring Bill Tarran Host
and M/C, Colin Frid, Nigel Yates and Russell Houghton all who
gave us two great songs each. Grateful thanks to Alex 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. |
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19th
February 2026
MIKE
HAPPNINBOY
and
THE
YOUNG PLAYERS
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Hello Acoustic
Clubbers, It is an utter
delight to welcome the young players back to the stage at the South Mill Arts
Centre. These players represent the next generation of musicians and it is
through them we see the next few years of live music developing. If you add
to that the sheer hurricane like performance of the Headline Act Mr Mike
Happninboy to the mix, you will find a real musical treat for an evening out. We opened the Young
Players with a set from William Chandler a young man who is a
delightful combination of singer, songwriter and guitarist who performs with
verve and style. We have had the pleasure of hearing him in the past and his
writing gets stronger every time we hear him. Anna Hughes followed on and,
as she grows and develops, she becomes more of a musical force. Despite
suffering from the after effects of a cold, she produces just lovely music,
and it is always great to welcome her back to the Acoustic Club. PAUL are a five piece
band and it was planned that they open the evening, but due to a failed
gymnastic leap, the drummer suffered a cut to his face and it took a couple
of minutes to get himself ready for action. However, once back in action PAUL
gave us a set that was, as ever, a real foot tapping table thumping set. The
combination of two female voices, guitar, bass and drums really gives such a
solid foundation for great music.
William Chandler Anna Hughes PAUL |
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Elliot Lavergne
Archie and Lizzie Leyla Mone
& Jasper Bokay |
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Elliot Lavergne was making his
second appearance at the club and again the improvement in performance is
remarkable, again another budding writer! Elliot comes from a very musical
family and this shows with his talent coming through. We can only hope that
Elliot joins his brother Max on stage sometime in the near future as I am
sure they would be worthy successors to many famous brothers performing on
stage. It has been a while
since we have seen Archie Eastlake and this time we were delighted to
welcome him with singer Lizzie Panagi. It is clear that Archie parents
have been feeding him recently as he has literally from bu at least ½ a
metre! But let than not fool you. Lizzie is a talented singer and Archie is
close to being one of the very best guitarists of his age in the country Layla Mone splits her time at
the musical evenings between performing and being the official photographer
for the Garden Youth Musical Project. This time she teamed up with Jasper
Bokay and together they performed some wonderful music including one of
their joint compositions. To close the Young
Players session Jasper Bokay gave us a delightful solo performance
that showcased his terrific guitar skills as well as his performance of his
original music. At this point it is
essential that we give a massive shout out to Kevin Sporle and the Garden
Youth Music Project from Saffron Walden. 5 of the 7 acts took their initial
steps with the project and continue to develop and grow in not only ability
but performance savvy as well. Kevin and Joanna Eden are doing great things
encouraging and developing young performers. Keep up the great work. |
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Our headline act was the unique and inimitable Mike
Happninboy. Mike is a true legend amongst musicians everywhere. He
has the reputation of being a one-man explosion of so many types and genres
of music it is impossible not to be moved by his performances. He tailors his
music for each audience every time and a full set of his personal and largely
new songs was spot on for our audience. Renown as a howling, stomping blues
player with a voice that could shatter glass he proves himself an
accomplished song writer and last time he gave us a fantastic set of his new
songs. Accompanied by blues harp maestro Grant Howard on one song, Mike
proved his brilliance as a song writer as well as a unique and much treasured
performer. The packed audience loved his set and there were many enquires as
to when the new album would be released and when he would be playing again. Thanks again for a brilliant set Mike, and here is to
the next one. |
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Grateful thanks to Alex 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. |
5th
February 2026
SPECIAL
HEADLINE CONCERT
CLEAN
SNEAK
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers, When we sort out a super Headline Showcase we are
always sure that the artists we engage are something special. Such was the expectation
we had for our Concert last time. Clean Sneak are one of those
bands that slip gently under the radar. Individually they are accomplished
and seasoned musicians but the magic happens when they get together and
produce some wonderful music |
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The trick that they so successfully employ is the do
not look like a tight jazz/blues/rock band. They look like three older
gentlemen who have turned left and found themselves on stage. This however is
a front! Once they pick up their instruments a transformation takes place. They are known for their relaxed take on the Blues and
with influences as wide as Mose Allison to Tom Waits you never know quite
what comes next. Clean Sneak keep things varied and always entertaining
and wwere Terry Boon (Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Lead Vocals), Keith Harriss
(Guitar, Slide Guitar, Harmonica & Vocals), Sean McGran (Drums and
Vocals). Such a brilliant hour of pure joy and at the end of the
evening Keith asked me if I remembered a departed friend from many years ago.
It would appear that the last time we saw each other, other than at the
Acoustic Club, was about 56 years ago playing Angi by Davy Graham together at
a long forgotten venue somewhere in Harlow! We were also delighted to welcome a new duo Tall Order
for their maiden gig. Maiden as a duo I would add as both members are long
standing friends of the Acoustic Club being composed of Kris Ambrose and Ray
Hollingworth. |
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Separated only by a drum kit as the photo indicates,
they brought a wealth of experience and a repertoire to match. Their extended
set was brilliantly selected group of soft rock songs that reflects their
personal preferences. Many thanks and you passed the audition (To quote Ringo
Starr) We also had supporting sets from me Bill Tarran, Paul
Tully and the irrepressible Colin Frid. Grateful thanks to Jaiden for his sterling work on the
Sound Desk. Have a great holiday “Down Under” and we look ford to seeing you
back home soon. Much appreciation to all the staff and volunteers who go to
make the SMA such a wonderful welcoming venue. |
22nd
January 2026
6 Acts –
4 SONGS
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers, What an absolutely cracking night we had last time with
six acts, so diverse it would be difficult to group them other than individually
and an impressive jam packed audience. |
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THE LARKS Liz Miller and Chris Wilbraham are brilliant duo who are
award-winning songwriters as well as being brilliant performers. Their music is founded on a solid musicality and their words
strike home every time. As accomplished musicians they provide that melodic backdrop
that enhances whilst at the same time |
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SUE and VERNA as WHY NOT Sue and Verna are fast becoming one of our favourite close
harmony duos. Their performance is always measured, precise and compelling. They
will normally find a song or two that needs a new look and they always provide
a polished set that is a delight. Many thanks Sue and Verna. |
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ALI ROSE Ali gave us a real snapshot of her talent that was evident
from the first note to the last. Her renditions of classic folk music is an absolute
joy and her original material is wonderful. Accompanied by Phil Ericson on guitar/backing
vocals they gave us a brilliant set of just pure joyous music. |
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RICHARD STUBBS & EMILY UNNA Emily Unna is Brazilian/English singer who demonstrated
a mixture of style that was enchanting. She has a strong voice covering styles
such as Bossa Nova to Pop, the Bangles to Miley Cyrus. Accompanied by Richard
Stubbs that gave us a set full of mysterious yet enchanting material that had
the audience tapping along throughout. |
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HARDCORE & RUBBLE Paul and Gary gave us a set of unadulterated blues which
relied on the tone of Pauls National Steel guitar and Gary excellence on the blues
harp. There was a focus on fun, entertainment and playing some
songs no one else would attempt. They lived up to their reputation of being different in
every respect and leaving the audience wanting more, |
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MICHAEL SEDGWICK Michael is a local and spends his time playing a range of
acoustic covers and originals. He has a wonderfully understated style that comes
to the fore when he starts to perform. His work on the 12 String (an instrument of both beauty
and clarity) was an utter delight. |
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Grateful thanks to Jaiden for his sterling work on the Sound
Desk and much appreciation to all the staff and volunteers who go to make the
SMA such a wonderful welcoming venue. |
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th 9th
January 2026
THE KIMBERLEYS
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Hello
Acoustic Clubbers Last
time we were delighted to open the 2026 Spring Season with the wonderful traditional
folk duo The Kimberleys.
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Isobelle and Jim have been a major fixture on
the folk scene for many years because of their complete mastery of the genre.
They are incredible individual musicians and singers who combined seamlessly to
deliver a full concert. This gave not only full range to their extensive and original
repertoire, but also gave us the background and heritage of many of the songs
they performed. Isobelle has a distinctive and truly unique voice that gives such
range, depth and meaning. Her guitar playing is the counter point to Jim’s more
traditional guitar work which when combined with his intuitive and compelling
harmonies fills the songs brilliantly. The whole experience was one of joyful music
interspersed with a highly interesting narrative and the 70-minute concert simply
flew by. From start to finish – including a magical version of Streets of London
– the time passed so quickly. Many thanks to The Kimberleys for such a compelling
and brilliant Showcase Concert and what a start to 2026!! We were delighted that we had full support from Bill Tarran Host and M/C, Steve Warner and a four song set from our very favourite
soft rock combo JONO. |
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Grateful thanks to Jaiden for his sterling work
on the Sound Desk and much appreciation to all the staff and volunteers who go
to make the SMA such a wonderful welcoming venue. |
