Amersham A Capella are UK champions! 

Liz Nicholls

music

Well done to Amersham A Cappella whose musical members won the gold medal at the recent national competition for the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) in Bournemouth

Musical director Helen Lappert says: “We are thrilled, not only to have scooped the gold medal, but to have scored the highest ever marks in the history of the competition!” 

The Amersham women’s chorus, made up of more than 70 members, wowed the judges at the annual National Convention beating 26 other choruses from all around the country. 

They sang two bespoke arrangements of iconic Queen songs. An upbeat quirky rendition of Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy and an extremely moving and haunting version of Who Wants to Live Forever

Returning from Bournemouth the chorus has hit the ground running rehearsing Christmas repertoire, a new song and preparing for corporate workshops and events during the Christmas period. 

The chorus are going places and are preparing to head to Denver in USA in July  to represent the UK and compete in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Convention against groups from all around the world.   

They are busy fundraising to help get them there and looking for sponsorship from local businesses. Could you help? 

You can see them performing locally at Christmas on Sunday 15th December at the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre in Amersham. Keep an eye on their website for tickets and more information. 


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Live music at Dawkes in Maidenhead

Liz Nicholls

music

Dawkes Music in Maidenhead will welcome you to its wondrous new warehouse studio & bar for highlights this season including the Emma Rawicz Trio and Greg Coulson Band

Fresh on the heels of their stunning refurb, the team at Dawkes are thrilled to welcome you for more live music highlights to build on the popularity of their previous Sunday Live music sessions.

The beautifully redesigned new premises in Reform Road, SL6 8BT, have been created to provide a comfortable and stylish environment where you can enjoy the magic of live music, with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. There’s also a permanent on-site bar offering a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

“Every part of the store is a family affair, and the live events are no exception,” says event manager Julia Bentley-Dawkes. “Here at Dawkes, we are passionate about creating, inspiring and supporting musicians of all ages, and as such, we have curated a programme of free and paid events for everyone, aged from 0 to 100+. We have seen first-hand how music brings people together, and our aim is to provide an opportunity for everyone to hear really great quality live music and to inspire them to embrace music in their lives, whether that be learning an instrument, joining a choir or going to see more live music events.”

On 10th November you can enjoy the Andy Mears Octet. Consisting of five horns and rhythm, this versatile ensemble showcases some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians working today. They have extensive repertoire of intricately crafted arrangements of jazz and big band classic, as well as some original material.

Saturday, 30th November & Sunday, 1st December is Clarinet & Sax Weekend. Dawkes Music hosts clarinet and sax-related workshops, masterclasses and live performances with inspiring visiting professionals.

On 1st December, Emma Rawicz stars. She’s a young saxophonist, bandleader and composer with an astonishing musical maturity. At just 22 years of age, Emma has achieved a huge amount including the release of two critically acclaimed albums, Incantation & Chrome, and extensive headline tours across 15 continents!

MD Jonathan Dawkes adds: “Helping live music happen is why we do what we do in the shop; selling new instruments and repairing old ones! We are very excited to be hosting some old friends and new ones to bring a bit of that jazz club vibe to Maidenhead.”


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Concert to christen Bisham’s new organ

Liz Nicholls

music

Book your tickets to enjoy a recital by the internationally acclaimed organist, pianist and composer, Iain Farrington on the new organ on 1st November

Hallelujah: the new organ at Bisham Church has arrived!

On September 2nd and 3rd, Viscount Organs delivered and installed the new organ and speakers. They also “voiced” the organ (that means “tuned” for those of you who did not know the term). The whole process was completed in two days.

The organ was played for the first time at the service the following Sunday. By all accounts it is a fine instrument and a number of events have been planned to give everyone some appreciation of the organs potential.

On Friday, 1st November, 7.30-9.30pm you can enjoy a recital by the internationally acclaimed organist, pianist and composer, Iain Farrington. You may have heard one of Iain’s compositions at the coronation of King Charles and more recently, Iain’s piece weaving together TV sports themes performed at the Last Night of the Proms.

Rev John Smith of Bisham Church says: “Iain promises an evening to show off the possibilities of the new organ with music by a range of composers and in a variety of styles. We will hear Bach, Handel, Vaughan Williams and Widor. Iain is known particularly as one of the very few composers of jazz for the organ. We hope he will also play some of his compositions.”

Tickets cost £20 and are now available on the Ticket Tailor website: Buy tickets – Organ Recital by Iain Farrington – All Saints Church Bisham (tickettailor.com)


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Soprano Carly Paoli’s Christmas Collection

Liz Nicholls

music

British/Italian soprano Carly Paoli is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated Christmas album, Carly Paoli The Christmas Collection, on 8th November.

Available on CD and digital formats this album, released on the Abiah label, is a heartfelt celebration of Christmas, featuring 15 festive tracks that promise to bring holiday cheer to listeners around the world.

A true star of the classical and crossover genres, Carly has earned international acclaim with performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, sharing the spotlight with luminaries such as Andrea Bocelli, Elaine Paige, David Foster, Aled Jones and Alfie Boe.

Most recently Carly performed at the Rockefeller Center’s iconic Rainbow Room in New York with Sir Rod Stewart in aid of The Kings Foundation. Her impressive resume also includes performances for various members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle and St James’ Palace, and she was famously praised by Pope Francis, who when he heard her rendition of Ave Maria described her as having ‘the voice of an angel.’

Carly Paoli The Christmas Collection marks Carly’s first Christmas album, and it includes a delightful mix of Christmas classics and medleys, each infused with Carly’s signature elegance and emotive artistry. Highlights from the album include a duet with renowned American singer David Phelps on Hark The Herald Angels Sing, as well as cherished favourites such as O Holy Night, Bless Us All from The Muppet Christmas Carol, Somewhere in my Memory, the theme from Home Alone, Irving Berlin’s Let It Snow, Silent Night, Grown-Up Christmas List by David Foster, Believe from The Polar Express and My Christmas Dream which sees Carly duet with musical theatre star Rachel John. The album also features two special medleys, Carol of the Christmas Bells and Christmas Medley, re-imagined with Paoli’s unique style.

“I’ve always been captivated by the magic and warmth of the Christmas season,” says Carly who is an ambassador for CPRE Wilts. “This album is a celebration of that magic and a tribute to the joy and togetherness that define this time of year. I hope it brings as much joy to my listeners as it has brought to me in creating it.”


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In the mood for music?

Liz Nicholls

music

Amersham Concert Club’s highlights at Amersham Free Church include Ensemble Renard on 26th October & the Meraki Duo on 30th November, Jenny Faulkner tells us…

Ensemble Renard invite music-lovers to hear music that’s both familiar and foreign to them at their concerts, and this is no exception!

On Saturday, 26th October, they’ll bring you A Breeze Through the 20th Century, including the festive music of Valerie Coleman’s Umoja to the hazy rhapsody of Samuel Barber’s Summer Music and Amy Beach’s Pastorale. Ensemble Renard who are supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, will also perform György Ligeti’s Six Bagatelles. All the music is for wind instruments (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, french horn) and the music, some of the finest written in the 20th century for these instruments is often ethereal and hauntingly beautiful.

Our November concert is entitled Songs of Longing: Nature, People and Place. The Meraki Duo (flute and guitar) have put together a very thoughtful programme of music that may not be familiar to many people but is filled with ‘songs’ from all corners of the world that share common human themes of nostalgia, melancholy or ephemerality in connection to nature, people and places.


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Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems live shows

Liz Nicholls

music

HEY GIRL…HEY BOY… Superstar DJS…HERE WE GO! Jo Whiley is here with the ultimate 90s party… at Oxford’s o2 Academy on 3rd October and G Live in Guildford on 18th November

Get ready to be transported back to the decade that defined a generation – as the legendary Jo Whiley brings her electrifying new show Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems to your doorstep.

The undisputed queen of this decade of British music will be rummaging through her record bag, dusting off her vinyl and bringing you the biggest hits and hidden gems that shaped the soundtrack of the 90s.

From the rise and huge success of Blur and Oasis to the block rocking beats of The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy, with Jo behind the decks, this isn’t just a soulless 90’s playlist – it’s a journey through music history. Jo lived every moment, curated every track, and shared the studio and stage with the greatest acts of the decade.

Jo says: “I can’t wait to get back on the road in 2025 and bring the best of the 90s to audiences across the UK. There’s nothing like the energy of a 90s Anthems crowd, and I am looking forward to relive those moments with everyone – from Britpop to Rock to dance, it’s going to be an epic trip down memory lane.”

It really WAS better in the 90s… let Jo Whiley show you with this sensational new show. Prepare for a night of Britpop nostalgia, high-energy beats, the ultimate celebration of the era and let Jo remind you of what you’ve forgotten with this sizzling anthem-packed party to end them all.

Jo is still at the cutting edge of new music and will always be the ultimate authority on the very best of classical sounds of the 90s, Jo is an institution in her own right and a national treasure.

Whether you were rocking out to Britpop, raving to club classics, or living the indie dream, Jo’s got you covered – Jo loved it all and she’s ready to remind you why 90s really were the best time to be alive.


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Crazy Bear’s Okto-BEAR-fest on 5th October

Liz Nicholls

music

Crazy Bear Stadhampton will be hosting Okto-BEAR-fest – a wild twist on the classic Oktoberfest celebration

Are you ready for a day of beer at the Crazy Bear Stadhampton?

Crazy Bear Stadhampton will host Okto-BEAR-fest – a wild twist on the classic Oktoberfest celebration.

Tickets grant you access to an unforgettable day filled with Bavarian vibes and the Crazy Bear’s very own crazy flair.

Incredible entertainment to see the mood, plus a fantastic selection of great food and beers from Wiper and True Brewery will be available for purchase throughout the day 2-10pm.

Whether you’re there for the beer, the pretzels, or just the good times, this is sure to be a day to remember!


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Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival

Karen Neville

music

Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival features 16 events across 14 venues and is celebrating the best in UK and local jazz and soul from September 4th through to October 17th

Guildford Jazz has always been about bringing the best, established UK jazz artists to Guildford. Why go to Ronnie Scott’s when you can have the same experience in Guildford?

Its first jazz and soul festival naturally includes many of the sort of artists who you could see at major venues and festivals across the UK. Headline acts include Natalie Williams Soul Family, who make a rare appearance outside their monthly sold out residency at Ronnie’s, and Bill Laurance, the five times Grammy award-winning pianist and founding member of Snarky Puppy.

Other national artists already booked to appear include jazz pianists Jason Robello and Gwilym Simcock, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi and the Organisation, rising jazz stars vocalist Emily Masser and saxophonist Alex Clarke, BBC Radio Jazz Records Requests presenter Alyn Shipton talking about his latest book and performing music from the Jerry Mulligan Quartets as part of the Guildford Book Festival, The Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and guitarist Pete Roth.

Guildford Jazz’s founder, jazz bass player Marianne Windham explains why now is the right time for the festival. It was decided four years ago to organise the first locally curated Guildford Jazz Festival but just a week before it started lockdown hit. Since then Guildford Jazz has continued to grow and thrive.

It has teamed up with venues such as the Boileroom and The Stoke and attracted audiences at outdoor events and festivals and prides itself on being part of the community and having a reputation as one of the leading jazz clubs in the country.

She continues: “There are many lovers of live music locally who are still unaware of the world class music available on their doorstep. Rather than sit back and wait for them to stumble across us, we thought we would take the plunge and commit to a major high-profile festival to bring great live jazz and soul directly to music lovers who may not have heard of us, in venues across Guildford and in the streets, churches, restaurants, cafes and bars, wherever they normally hang out.

“We hope that the festival will bring the joy of live music to new listeners, bring more people back into the centre of town and be the next step in our journey to make Guildford a UK hub of creative live music.”

Many of the events are free. More information about Guildford Jazz, the festival and how to book tickets at Guildford Jazz


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Over The Hill music in Witney

Liz Nicholls

music

Love Blues & Roots music? There’s lots to enjoy at Studio 7 in Station Lane, OX28 4BQ, from 3pm on bank holiday Monday 26th August

Over the Hill will feature four of the UK’s leading blues, roots & Americana acts including:

Matt Owens & The Delusional Vanity Project
Matt first came to prominence as a founder member of indie-folk band Noah and the Whale. His latest album Way Out West has met with critical acclaim and he’s currently working on his fifth. Expect a punchy performance with a Springsteen vibe.

Hannah White
Winner of Best Song at the 2023 Americana Music Association Awards, Hannah has been described by Uncut Magazine as ‘an expressive voice and song craft’.

Mississippi MacDonald
Having picked up two awards at this year’s British Blues Awards, Mississippi and his band have spent the year playing the major blues festivals in the UK and selling out venues all over the country.

Sean Taylor
Sean is an international touring troubadour. He was nominated for the 2023 UK blues acoustic artist of the year award. His songs are best described as roots; influenced by blues, Americana, jazz, spoken word and folk music.

£20pp, no extra booking fees; tickets from WeGotTickets and Truck Witney


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Music on the Views in Fleet

Round & About

music

Have you heard the news about The Views? The park is gearing up for the first family friendly live music festival right here on your doorstep in Fleet with Music on the Views. Sue Tilley invites us to join the party.

The people of Fleet certainly like to have fun so go along and join them for a fabulous family friendly event in Fleet town centre – a brand new music festival called Music on the Views.

On Sunday, 25th August, between noon and 9.30pm Fleet’s first ever outdoor live music festival will take place on The Views Park and EVERYONE is welcome. So, bring the kids, bring your friends and come and join the party!

The full line up for our first music festival is still to be announced – we like to keep you guessing and build the anticipation! In the meantime, as a teaser, we can confirm some great crowd pleasers – The ABBA tribute – FEVER, as well as Pod Gods of the 80s and 90s. More extra special bands will be announced very soon so do keep in touch by following us on Facebook at Music on the Views | Facebook.

Aside from some fabulous musicians, there will be a Pimm’s tent, a beer tent with a great selection of real ales, fabulous food stalls and special stalls of festival fun. If you want to bring your blanket, chairs and food, then do feel free to do so – although why not support some of our local small businesses who will be on site with a fabulous selection of tasty treats.

The event is being run by a small team of volunteers working in partnership with Fleet Town Council.

Sue Tilley, Chair of the Committee, said: “We are so excited about launching this new event, which we are hoping will grow to be a real bright star in Fleet’s expanding events calendar.

“We are of course, immensely thankful to our sponsors – Hampshire County Council, Hart District Council, Fleet Town Council, Church Crookham Parish Council, as well as Fleet Business Improvement District, Kirk Rice Accountants & Financial Advisers, KJM Salons, Fleet Lions, the Scouts and others. Without these wonderful local organisations and businesses this really, really could not happen.

“All we need now is for you to come down and party with us! See you there!”


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