WELCOME TO OUR 2023 EVENTS
Friday 26th May
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£9 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£12 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Katie Spencer
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s widely celebrated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain.
The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, whilst performances with Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship.
As live music has returned to our world, we can expect to see Katie Spencer where she belongs once more, eyes closed, in the moment, performing.
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“Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs and is the backbone to her music.” Guitarist Magazine
“One of the most satisfying and spellbinding singer-songwriter collections I’ve encountered in some time.” RnR Magazine ★★★★★
“Imaginative imagery supported by compelling music that summons up the best of early 70s folk, fluently delivered here with its own contemporary power. This is a fine collection of memorable songs by an outstanding writer and musician.” Record Collector
“A timeless English folk album, perfect for the still calm of a Sunday morning.” Shindig!
“Katie Spencer sits gracefully in a vocal nook between Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson and, to conjure a name we hear less often these days, Bridget St John.” Prog Magazine
“The way Katie plays is never contrived, showy or imitative; it sounds true … a world-class folk guitarist” – fRoots
“Katie’s guitar playing has echoes of my dear friend the late great Bert Jansch. Like a musical weaver she threads her poetic lyrics through the guitar’s strings and produces little tapestries of song” – Ralph McTell
With …. Faradena Affifi
Fara has had an amazing lockdown with immense work via zoom and prodigious song writing. Through Tai Chi song lessons and improvisation with ‘ The Noisy Women’ she has developed her voice and focus. As if all of this was not enough she has taught herself double bass and piano to add to her violin and cello … She has even stolen her buddy Martin’s “claw hammer” fingerpicking and applied it to her four strings in a pizzicato stylee … Your in for a treat ..
With … Chris Wright
Local musician Chris from Stevenage has the nack of finding and choosing great songs and adapting them to his skilled flat picking style.
“Fingerpicking, flat picking, anything with an acoustic guitar!” Thats Chris Wright
Friday 9th June
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£7 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£10 cash or card on the
Featuring … Steve Warner and
The Writing of Corran Ferry
Steve Warner is a singer songwriter based in the leafy Hertfordshire village of Kimpton. He has been writing, arranging and performing his own songs locally in folk clubs, open mics, pubs, wine bars, coffee shops and street music.
‘Coran Ferry’ is an album of 9 original tracks written by Steve Warner, arranged by Phil Sheldrake and produced and mastered by Dan Wilde. Available on Download preview at https://stevewarnerfolk.bandcamp.com/
This concert is a sixty minute presentation of imagery, word and song that takes the album back to the notebook, the acoustic guitar and the single voice of the songwriter Steve Warner. The Writing of the Corran Ferry… Is an evening of story and song, about people and places that inspired the writing of the ‘Corran Ferry’
With … Stella Hensley’s Musical Amigos
Featuring Chris Newman / guitars … Art Toper / keys … Magical Myke Clifford/ sax 
flute, clarinet … Malek Hyde Smith – percussion extraordinaire
Expect an evening of heartfelt originals, blues twists and turns along with some old favourites that will leave the audience wanting more .
Friday 30th June
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring … Lloyd Crowley and his Uke
Friday 14th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 28th July
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring … SHOWCASE SIX ACTS
Friday 11th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 25th August
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£5 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£7 cash or card on the door
Featuring … SHOWCASE SIX ACTS
Friday 8th Sepember
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£12 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Ken Nicol and on fiddle player Wendy Ross
From the legendary folk band, Magna Carta, comes a new duo. Ken Nicol and violinist Wendy Ross combine in a tour-de-force of music, song, storytelling and comedy. Ken, with a pedigree including such luminaries as Steeleye Span, Al Stewart and The Albion Band is considered one of the UKs top guitarists. Classically trained Wendy, who’s worked in Philharmonic Orchestras to touring bands, adds a true touch of class. An evening that will raise the spirit, move the emotions and make you smile.
“The musicianship is staggering, seldom are the compositions less than inspired.” Acoustic Magazine.
“Rollercoasters of musical virtuosity that spellbind.” Living Tradition.
“Wendy Ross on violin. Her playing was magical, providing perfect harmony to the songs.” FATEA Magazine.
“Humour, great guitar skill and the right drop of humility, and a passion for right, proper, good music.” Ralph McTell.
“Ken Nicol is unquestionably one of this country’s best guitarists, both on acoustic and electric guitar.” FATEA Magazine.
With …. Ali Cosser and Dave Oxley
Our friends Ali and Dave have a new collaboration to introduce to us
With …. TBC
Friday 29th September
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 13th October
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 27th October
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£12 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
Click HERE for ‘Tickets’ from Lesley
£15 cash or card on the door
Featuring …
John Reilly and Lewis Nitikman
celebrating the music and lyrics of
Elton John and Bernie Taupin
So how about THIS ….. We have booked the ‘Your Song’ Concert performed by John Reilly and Lewis Nitikman A celebration of the music and lyrics of Elton John and Bernie Taupin … ‘YOUR SONG’ is a 100% live concert celebrating the songs of Sir Elton John, performed by singer-songwriter John Reilly and pianist and composer Lewis Nitikman. This is not a tribute, so no dressing up, no miming and no backing tracks. Just two consummate Professionals celebrating amazing, timeless songs performed from the heart with passion and musical excellence.
John Reilly is amazing in his own right. He was born in Liverpool. He won the British and International Song award. He was signed by Agent /Manager Sam Feldman (who represented Bryan Adams, Diana Krall, and Elvis Costello) resulting in a tour of Canada and the US, where many of his recordings became hit singles.
He opened in concert for major stars, including Bryan Adams, Procal Harum and the late Ray Charles. His songs were played in movies, and TV shows, including Dawson’s Creek, and Quantum Leap.
John returned to the UK where he had a 2500 seater concert sell out, and toured with Ray Davis (Kinks) finishing with a sold out concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
“Your Song is a brilliant night of outstanding musicianship, creating an amazing sound, leaving the audience mesmerised” Paul James, Programme Director of Acapela Studios.
“a classic English songwriter” Sunday Express
“every song is beautifully crafted” Classic Rock Magazine
“I’ve simply got to see him live” Graham Norton (BBC Radio 2)
John appeared at a special Grammy Awards 50th Anniversary concert alongside Gary Barlow and Alfie Boe. John now lives in Sheffield, and his show ‘Your Song’ has been presented across the country, including Sheffield City Hall , The Lamproom Theatre in Barnsley, Alexander’s of Chester, and Acapela Studios in Cardiff, all ending with standing ovations.
John Reilly and his brilliant Canadian musical director Lewis Nitkman now bring ‘Your Song’ to Royston LIVE
Friday 10th November
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring … Ben Smith and Friends
More detail as it evolves … safe to say Ben is a guitar wizard, songwriter and charismatic charmer. So job done
Friday 24th November
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring … SHOWCASE SIX ACTS
Friday 8th December
CHRISTMAS PARTY
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£?? pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£?? cash or card on the door
Featuring …
Friday 29th December
CLOSED … SEE YOU IN 2024 …
Looking Forward to 2024
Friday 8th March
At The Royal British Legion
7:30 for 8pm to 11pm
£16 pre-booked tickets CLICK HERE
£19 cash or card on the door
Featuring … Megson