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
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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. |
