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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6 ACTS – 4 SONGS
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers There is
a reason why we hold 6 Act evenings and last time we had the perfect reason.
The quality and perfection of the performances our players deliver. So aptly
summed up by Terry Hiscock, we had the pleasure of 24 songs from 6 players,
all in differing genres but all of a very high quality. |
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TERRY HISCOCK Terry Hiscock is a
seasoned professional player as well as a gifted songwriter and performer.
Closing the evening, Terry engaged the audience with four original songs and
a level of banter that only comes with being comfortable with his
surroundings and the audience. He always bring a
level of performance that is hard to better as he has spent the last many
years entertaining and entrancing audiences across the world. The best news is
that Terry will be back with Doug and Roger
as part of Hunter skett late in the month. |
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CLARK & JOHNSON Tony and Karen always
bring their best game to the Acoustic Club stage and last time was no
different. Karens vocals are marked by the clarity of her voice and Tony
provides such a brilliant accompaniment as well as the perfect backing vocals
which are the foil for Karens lead. Just a cracking set!! |
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ALICE WALKER Alice is a one off.
Her songs are personal, often filled with regret, sometime filled with hope
but always a delight to listen to. Self-deprecating
almost to a fault, Alice’s whole sound scape is based on a firm foundation of
great music and top full with her emotional lyrics that often break your
heart with their intensity. Alice remains a
firm favourite who we do not see often enough. Hopefully it will not be too
long before we see her again |
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PETER CROSSLEY Peter is a
Yorkshire exile who is now part of the fabric of the vibrant Hertford Music
scene and it is always a delight when we can hear him. A masterful
songwriter who reflects on his life and his experiences, both of which are well
worth the listen, but his stage performance is one of bringing the audience
with him. Every one who hears him cannot but be moved by his music and
performance. |
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Why Not? Why Not are another
Hertford based duo of high repute. Unfortunately our booked act the Paul
Booth Trio were unable to perform as Paul was unwell (get well soon Paul) but
his absence was covered by Sue and Verna who are terrific interpreters of
songs from far and wide. Close harmonies and a superb backing 12 string
guitar or the watch word of their performance, and they really gave us a
fantastic opening to the evening. |
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DAN FRASER Making his debut
performance in a 4 song night Dan moved from his covers based performance to
entertain us not only with a brand new guitar but also 4 original songs. As accomplished as
covers player he is (and he is) his original music was fantastic. He has a
cracking style of intricate, yet pleasing guitar playing and completes the
experience with down right cracking songs. Many thanks |
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Finally, we must
say thanks to CHARLIE for his incredible work on the sound desk with
the sliders and knobs. What fantastic sound he creates. Also, many thanks to
all the staff and volunteers who go to make the SMA such a wonderful
welcoming venue. |
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THURSDAY
18th SEPTEMBER 2025
DOUBLE
HEADLINE SHOWCASE
featuring
ROME
&
VIC
LENNARD
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers Last time we returned with
a a fantastic Double Headline Showcase featuring ROME and Vic Lennard. |
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One of the real tricks of putting a Double Headline
Showcase is to find two acts that complement each other perfectly. Last time
we had 2 Acts that not only complemented but enhanced each other Vic Lennard is a regular
visitor to the Club, he returns because he is very good at what he does. A
great performer and song writer but adds a presence on stage that is
impossible not to enjoy. His songs are delightful. |
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Vic has that ability to make every set an occasion and
he was at the very top of his game last time. Some wonderful songs, heartfelt
to whimsical ditties and reflection all coalesce into a cracking set. Many
thanks Romy Gensale is a natural
communicator. She has the all around attributes that enhance her reputation.
She composes beautiful melodies and her lyrics are pleasing. However, it is
the meaning and her motivation that make you think and understand |
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Her band absolutely compliments her songs by providing
that essential bedrock upon which all great performances are founded. With
Vic Lennard on guitar, Chris Ross on bass and Andy Barlow on percussion they
make an exceptional fulfilment to Romy’s music. A cracking set of Original Gensale Music that was just
about as good as it gets. Many thanks to the Band but mostly Romy for her
inspiration and peerless writing. We were supported by Bill Tarran, Kevin Johnson, Paul
Tully and James Farrington all of whom really stepped up to the mark with
a highly eclectic choice of songs completing a cracking evening of live music. |
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Finally, we must say thanks to Jayden for his
incredible work on the sound desk and the sliders and knobs. What fantastic
sound he helps create. Also, many thanks to all the staff and volunteers who
go to make the SMA such a wonderful welcoming venue. |
THURSDAY
4th SEPTEMBER 2025
6 ACTS
– 4 SONGS
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers Last time we returned with
a wonderful collection of 6 acts who each performed 4 songs. |
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COLIN FRID It does not really matter where or when Colin Frid
plays. He gives his very best at all times and last time was no different. He
uses his ablility and experience to chose the right songs from his
encyclopaedic knowledge of what are some of the best around. He enthralled us
and his not inconsiderable fan club with four wonderful tunes. Thanks Colin. |
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ARCADIA We have seen Arcadia before and they really have a new
take on their music. Sue sings and Richard plays the guitar. They took us back to a less complicated era where fine
songs and close harmony ruled the stage; a journey back to a gentler time. |
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EXAGGERATORS The Exaggerators are a “One Off”, they perform their
original songs with a verve and dedication that is quite astounding. The
music demands your attention and if you give them 100% they will reward you
with intricacies in songwriting and melody construction that make everything
sound familiar but it is the words that knock you back and then out. Their
music is presented in a slightly punky way and Bill and William prod and poke
your memories and imagination in equal measure. Just a cracking set! |
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SOUTH OF POLARIS Dani and Saul brought their harmonies and music to the
Club for a much anticipated return to the Club. They were truly excellent. 4 very different original
songs. Danii has a superb voice and is an accomplished violinist, while Saul
is a fine guitarist with a Flamenco flavour (amongst others). A superb performance. |
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MICHAEL SEDGWICK Local product Michael grew up playing mainly electric
guitar around Bishops Stortford and London. After some time away to have a
family, he’s now making up for lost time playing a range of acoustic covers
and originals. His influences define his performance and he is both a
wonderful interpreter of others music as well as giving a glimpse of his own.
Great to see him again and we all look forward to the next time. |
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SKY WEST TRIO Sky West is more of a concept that consists of a
varying amount of members. We were treated to a stripped-down set from three
members Mark Gamon, Brian Harvey and Dave Oxley. Performing with a verve and gusto that stands as a
testament to their prodigious musical talent their originality shone through
with a cracking set setting the scene for a fantastic evening of music as it
should be performed. Original and meaningful. |
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Finally, we must say thanks to Alex for his
incredible work on the sound desk and the sliders and knobs. What fantastic
sound he helps create. Also, many thanks to all the staff and volunteers who
go to make the SMA such a wonderful welcoming venue. |
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DOUBLE HEADLINE SHOWCASE
featuring
THE PAUL BOOTH TRIO
&
THE BLUES AMIGOS
featuring Mike Happnin Boy,
Grant Howard and Louis Dolby
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Hello Acoustic
Clubbers Oh What a Night!!
How can you explain the evening we had last time. With a Double Headline
featuring The Paul Booth Trio in all its splendour and the
incomparable Blues Amigos, what more could you ask for? Well with three
fantastic supporting players as well, the evening was complete. |
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THE PAUL BOOTH TRIO Despite his many
appearances in various guises and combinations over the years, Paul remains a
firm favourite with the Acoustic Club for 1 very good reason - the quality of
his music. If you add the scintillating bass of Si and the wonderous backing
vocals of Verna as well as her often ventures into percussion, you have a
winner of a set. |
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Pauls songwriting
remains the basis of their performance. He moves from topic and subject with
a grace that is understated but highly effective. His songs mean a lot to him
and with the vocal delivery and musical backing they become instant
favourites. The Trio remains a
musical high point. They play with conviction and ease, whilst never
forgetting that they have a purpose and meaning that whilst obvious never the
less remains as a testament to the song writer. Many thanks for a
glorious set of stunning songs and interaction. THE BLUES AMIGOS feature Mike Happninboy, Grant Howard and Louis Dolby
in a line up that dominates both the stage and the audience in equal measure. However, it is
great to see Mike back after his recent problems with his eye but trust me,
no small matter of being half blinded is going to stop the progress of such a
brilliant combo. |
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As a force of
nature Mike is one of those players who grabs attention by the scruff of the
neck and then bends it to his will. A rockin’ and rollin’ blues phenomenon
that really commits to any performance. You add Grant Howard with his
distinctive blues harp and all underpinned by Louis Doly’s fantastic
percussion you have all the necessary ingredients for an enthralling set. What we got from
the Blues Amigos was what was promised. A non-stop wander through hard core
blues as well as a few originals that got the feet tapping and the hands
clapping from the whole audience. As ever, a super set of unambiguous joy
that finished all too soon. |
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Many thanks go to
our supporting players, all of whom were stars of our Young Players Nights in
the past and they have now progressed to the big stage where they stand
comparison with any player. |
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Many thanks to Hanako
Ward for the beautiful guitar work and songs, Eleanor Hewins on a
vacation back from Uni singing songs of lost love and hope and Conor
Andrews another escapee from Uni who is developing into a really strong
performer and writer. As three local players they set the benchmark for our
other young players to aspire to. |
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Finally, we must
say thanks to Charlie for his incredible work on the sound desk and
the sliders and knobs. What fantastic sound he helps create. Also, many
thanks to all the staff and volunteers who go to make the SMA such a
wonderful welcoming venue. |
THURSDAY 7th
AUGUST 2025
SIX ACTS – 4
SONGS
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers Last time we had a stunning Six Acts
assembled to give a truly genre expanding experience. |
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Making their debut at the Acoustic Club Pointy Finger gave us a wonderful
set with each of the four members taking centre stage in leading a song each.
They proved to be a highly enjoyable mixture of folk-enthused modern music
tinged with a touch of Americana. A great way to open the evening and we look
forward to their next visit. |
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Phil Ericson was making a return
visit to the club after quite a few years. He remains a highly talented and
fantastic songwriter. His songs vary from subject to subject and can evoke
memories of yesteryear as well as moments closer to today. A brilliant set that had the audience very much on his
side and in the palm of his hands. |
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Jonny Brewer is a bit of an
enigma. He did the first couple of songs on his guitar proving what a great
songwriter and performer he is, but in the twinkling of an eye, he moved
seamlessly onto the piano and showed what a great depth of musical talent he
has. His songs are hard-hitting as well as easy to listen
to. He is an expressive pianist as well as a compelling vocalist which really
impresses. Just a really great set. |
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Mark Dellar is a songwriter of
the old school. He writes what he sees as well as what he imagines. If you
add that to an expressive voice and great guitar work you have a really great
performer. Mark has played a couple of times, but that does not diminish his talent and ability. He leads an audience where it wants to be, just gently nudging them into that space of appreciation. A smashing set from a great player who we look forward to seeing again – soon. |
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Bill Tarran does not often get
called upon during 6 x 4 nights, such is the popularity of the format, but
with one player being unexpectedly called into work, he filled the spot
created. As ever, he gave us songs from his rather large repertoire especially from the early days of “The Singer Songwriter”. However he did manage a couple that were not 50 years old and written by local songwriters, both given his own personal touch. |
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Tom Ryder is one of our most
welcome of visitors. He has been playing since the Club was founded and in
the intervening years he has developed into a superb performer as well as a
compelling songwriter. Yet again, he closed the show with some fantastic songs proving that he is someone who should have been spotted years ago for much bigger and better things. |
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Thanks must be given to the Staff at the SMAC for their
help and assistance in getting everyone seated and kept comfortably supplied
with sufficient liquid refreshments throughout the evening. |
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THURSDAY 24th
JULY 2025
DOUBLE HEADLINE
SHOWCASE
Featuring
TENNESSEE TWIN
&
SANDY and
DENISE McLELLAND
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers Last time we had a stunning
"Double Headliner" night for our supporters with half hour sets
from both TENNESSEE TWIN and SANDY and DENISE McLELLAND |
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TENNESSEE TWIN Victoria and Geoff have been long time supporters of
the Club and we are always very happy to see them return to the Acoustic Club.
They are a highly talented and inventive songwriting combo that produces
songs that connects them on a personal level and captivates audiences around
the world. Their songs span the UK Country and Americana world and
they are driven by shared interests, inspiration, determination, and a love
of performance & storytelling through music. This time they gave us a delightful mixture of new and
old songs from their considerable repertoire with each song having a special
place in their musical journey and every song has a well crafted meaning. Many thanks to Tennessee Twin for a truly spectacular
set.
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SANDY and DENISE McLELLAND When you book Sandy for a set, if you are lucky his
wife Denise will join him for a few songs. If you are blessed, Denise is part
of the whole set. We were well blessed last time as Denise was a huge part of
the musical performance and Sandy, as the master of country blues, rock and
folk. He is a marvellous singer/songwriter as his songs are often full and
vibrant highly entertaining half hour set. As a duo, they both capable performers who are
comfortable across many, diverse, musical styles, always with a highly
personal core. Their set was a kaleidoscope of original music, drawn from a
lifetime of musical excellence and passed far too quickly. Many thanks to you
both for such wonderful music. We had 5 support
performers who gave us a great and diverse introduction to the evening with 2
songs from Bill Tarran (Host and MC), Kevin
Johnson, Max Lavergne, Dan Fraser and Stuart Nicholson. |
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Thanks must be given to the Staff at the SMAC for their
help and assistance in getting everyone seated and kept comfortably supplied
with sufficient liquid refreshments throughout the evening. |
THURSDAY 10th
JULY 2025
Six Acts - Four
Songs
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers Last time we had a
wonderful mixture of acts with 6 super acts each playing an extended 4 song
set. |
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TRINA READ Trina Read returned
with some amazing new songs, this time accompanied by her wonderfully
sympathetic guitar. Trina has developed into not only a wonderful performer
but also her development as a song writer is where she moves into
spectacular. Her songs are poignant and reflect her writers skill as well as
being able to vocalise personal experience. |
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RICHARD STUBBS Stubsie is a musical
phenomenon as he produces a wealth of original material that is pleasing on
the ear as well as making you think. As ever he entranced the
audience with his thought process in writing and makes the audience fell part
of the process. |
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KELLY AND WOOLEY There are few duos that
are as highly respected as Kelly and Woolley Matt and Gary are two
highly gifted players who combine to make wonderful music. They are true
originals and have produced music that lifts the heart. They can easily slip
between traditional folk music to cajon and zydeco roots music in the blink
of an eye. Just a brilliant set from two highly accomplished musicians. |
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CRAYON ANGELS Crayon Angels are by their
own admission are not as active on the music scene as they once were, but
that does not mean that they are any less impressive. They have a wonderful knack
of being able to draw the audience into their special world with ease Many
thanks to a band we are always delighted to hear and see. |
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MIKE NORMAN Making his debut at the
Acoustic Club Mike gave us a great set of music that really suited his style and
talent. His original songs strike home and his vocals were a real treat.
Looking forward to the next time. |
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COLIN FRID Colin is Mr Reliable. He reliably performs and
entertains every time. His vast repertoire means he always has a song to
share that we may have forgotten or song that evokes memories from both a
long time ago or just last week. As ever a smashing set from a smashing
performer. |
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Thanks must be given to the Staff at the SMAC for their
help and assistance in getting everyone seated and kept comfortably supplied
with sufficient liquid refreshments throughout the evening. |
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