diary - at a glance

APRIL Sun 1 Tue 3 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6

Martin Taylor & Alan Barnes Virgil & The Accelerators The Liz Fletcher Band  Gretchen Peters The Manfreds Curtis Stigers

Quick Key:

Public booking

Fri 6 Tinderbox  Sat 7 Halfway To Paradise – The Billy Fury Story Sat 7 Robin Auld Wed 11 Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash Wed 11 Screaming Blue Murder Thu 12 Feast of Fiddles Fri 13 Jake & Elwood & The Black Rhino Band Sat 14 The Woburn Sands Band Sat 14 Tom Toomey  Sun 15 Jazz Matters  Wed 18 Scott Matthews Band Wed 18 Chamber  Thu 19 Acoustic Alchemy Thu 19 Gilmore Roberts  Fri 20 Clare Teal Sat 21 Ultimate Bowie Sat 21 Jinder with Paul Goodwin & Annie Dressner  Sun 22 Double Duo: Khyam Allami Tue 24 The Fureys Wed 25 The Oli Brown Band Thu 26 Acker Bilk Thu 26 Laish  Fri 27 The Searchers Fri 27 M1 Music Night: Dan Raza  Sat 28 T-Rextasy Sat 28 Mawkin  Sun 29 Live Jazz Matters  Sun 29 Camille O’Sullivan

Wed 16 Hue & Cry Wed 16 Screaming Blue Murder  Thu 17 Georgie Fame Fri 18 Oasish Sat 19 The Dutch Swing College Band  Sat 19 Ethan Ash  Mon 21 Blancmange  Tue 22 Girlyman  Tue 22 Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts Wed 23 Neil Innes  Thu 24 Suzy Bogguss  Fri 25 From Amateur Transplants: Adam Kay’s Smutty Songs Fri 25 M1 Music Night: Navaro Sat 26 The Elves & The Shoemaker Sat 26 The Northern Soul Tour Sat 26 Tim Edey & Brendan Power Sun 27 Live Jazz Matters  Sun 27 14.30pm & 7.30pm Joan Armatrading*  Tue 29 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Wed 30 Stacey Kent Wed 30 Paper Aeroplanes  Thu 31 The Counterfeit Stones

JUNE Fri 1 Alan Price  Fri 1 Andy Zaltzman  Sat 2 Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes Sun 3 Iona MAY Thu 7 Dougie MacLean Tue 1 Paul Brady  Fri 8 Dave Koz Wed 2 Richard Digance  Fri 8 Dani Wilde – Live Thu 3 Stackridge & Unplugged  Fri 4 Brian Culbertson Sun 10 Benny Goodman’s Fri 4 Cole Stacey  Carnegie Concert Sat 5 The Christians Tue 12 Bella Hardy Sat 5 The Portraits  Tues 12 The Paris 1940s  Sun 6 Manfred Mann’s Earth Band  Wed 13 The Grand Slambovians Mon 7 Albert Hammond Thu 14 The Sounds Of The Supremes Tue 8 Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams  Sat 16 Mercury Tue 8 Busnoys  Fri 22 Andy Abraham’s History Of Wed 9 David Scheel The Big Bands Wed 9 Martin Harley Band  Fri 22 Sam Sweeney & Thu 10 Blazin’ Fiddles Hannah James  Fri 11 & Sat 12 G2 Genesis Sat 23 Bernie Marsden – The Sounds Sun 13 Jazz Matters  of Whitesnake Sun 13 Have You Had It Long Madam? Sat 23 Hedna’s – The Vintage Nightclub  Mon 14 Buddy Whittington Mon 14 Phronesis  Fri 29 A Celebration of Kathleen Ferrier Tue 15 The Zombies 

Founders

Educational

Stage 2

For more information see page 2

box office:01908 280800

email:[email protected]

* Fundraising concerts in aid of Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd

www.stables.org

world class music & entertainment box office:01908 280800

reachmarketing.co.uk 20342 01/12

MARCH Thu 1 Juan Martin Flamenco Dance Ensemble Fri 2 The Mick Ralphs Blues Band Sat 3 Think Floyd Sat 3 Tir na nog Sun 4 Live Jazz Matters  Sun 4 Rich Hall – SOLD OUT Tue 6 Jamie Smith’s Mabon Tue 6 Janet Seidel Trio Thu 8 Peter Grant Fri 9 Ruby Turner – SOLD OUT Fri 9 Lynne Hanson  Sat 10 Sir John Dankworth’s What The Dickens! Sat 10 The Steve Gifford Band Sun 11 Jazz Matters Sun 11 Mor Karbasi Wed 14 Kast Off Kinks Wed 14 Screaming Blue Murder  Thu 15 The Acoustic Gathering Fri 16 Nanci Griffith – SOLD OUT Sat 17 The Owl & The Pussycat Sat 17 Richard Herring Sat 17 Jennifer Crook  Sun 18 & Mon 19 Jack Bruce & His Big Blues Band Tue 20 Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham Wed 21 Calefax Reed Quintet Wed 21 Matt Andersen  Thu 22 Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen Fri 23 UFO Fri 23 Patsy Matheson & Becky Mills  Sat 24 Are You Experienced? Sun 25 Mitch Benn & The Distractions Tue 27 Maddy Prior with Giles Lewin & Hannah James Tue 27 Randolph Matthews & Byron Johnston  Wed 28 Stephen Triffitt Is Frank Sinatra Wed 28 Ben Poole  Thu 29 Sandeep Raval Fri 30 Judie Tzuke Fri 30 M1 Music Night: Nicky Prince  Sat 31 Bon Jovi Experience

Issue no 44 Mar-June 2012

email:[email protected]

www.stables.org

MARCH - june 2012

front cover

artists

contents PG



Jim Marshall Auditorium: March 3-9 April 9 - 15 May 15 - 23 June 23 - 26 Stage 2 March - June

27 - 36

Learn & Take Part

36 - 42

Also On Sale Booking information Diary

Andy Abraham  

Fri 22 June see page 26

46 47 48

information key

The Christians Sat 5 May

Elves & Shoemaker Sat 26 May

see page 16

see page 22

Bella Hardy Tues 12 June

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney Fri 22 June

Founders may use their annual entitlement to free tickets, or receive a 10% discount should their allowance have been used; Friends are entitled to a 10% discount. Please notify Box Office when making your reservation. New shows are open for public booking from Tuesday 7 February, prior to which Stables Friends have priority. Educational denotes an education event or a concert with an associated education event. Ask Box Office for details. This event takes place in Stage 2.

2

see page 25

see page 36

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Date: Thursday 1 March, 8pm Tickets: £18.50

“The leading flamenco guitarist of his generation.” The Guardian

www.juanmartin.com Double Duo: Khyam Allami

Like this? Try this: 22 April

The Mick Ralphs Blues Band Supported by The Whybirds

Date: Saturday 3 March, 8pm Tickets: £20

This extraordinary band is renowned for their stunning celebration of one of the world’s greatest musical icons. Their brand new show for 2012 celebrates the 40th anniversary of Floyd’s groundbreaking movie Live At Pompeii. The show features a selection of tracks from this iconic film, as well as the whole range of classic Pink Floyd from Syd Barrett, through Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall to The Division Bell. All the atmosphere, visual magnitude and musical excellence of Pink Floyd, faithfully recreated live on stage by Think Floyd! www.thinkfloyd.net G2 Genesis

Like this? Try this: 11 & 12 May

jim marshall auditorium

Voted into the top flamenco guitarists in the world by US Guitar Player magazine, Juan Martín returns to perform with his singer and dancers. Martin is at the vanguard of modern flamenco, with a unique style of music that succeeds in embracing classical, jazz and modern harmonies while upholding the great flamenco tradition. The guitar creates an explosion of energy and passion that finds expression through raw and dazzling displays of footwork. This is going to be an exhilarating night of flamenco music and dance - not to be missed.

Think Floyd MARCH

Juan Martin Flamenco Dance Ensemble

Jamie Smith’s Mabon Date: Tuesday 6 March, 8pm  Tickets: £15

Date: Friday 2 March, 8pm Tickets: £20

Mick Ralphs – guitarist with Mott The Hoople and Bad Company, and still touring with both – takes time out to explore his blues, soul and funk roots. He’ll be joined by Sam Kelly on drums, Son Maxwell on vocals and harmonica, Jim Maving on guitar and Dicky Baldwin on bass as they play blues and r’n’b favourites (from BB King and Otis Rush to Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson) alongside fresh interpretations of some of Mick’s own classic songs. www.mickralphs.co.uk Buddy Whittington

Like this? Try this: 14 May

Award-winning, stunning, joyous and vibrant – Celtic music without borders – Jamie Smith’s Mabon is a heady treat, one of Britain’s fastest-rising must-see roots acts. Their music is singular and toe-tappingly good – an irresistible blend of world music, Celtic roots and rabblerousing funk folk, filled with energy, joy and passion. Jigs and reels jostle for space alongside Breton fest-noz, French mazurka, Galician muinera and even klezmer in an exuberant, feel-good show, coaxing the audience down a path of contrasting emotions leaving them breathless and bewitched. “Powerful, authentic and a tad wonderful.” fRoots

www.jamiesmithmabon.com Tim Edey & Brendan Power

Like this? Try this: 26 May Stage 2

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

3

Mor Karbasi Date: Sunday 11 March, 8pm Tickets: £15

Crooner Peter Grant has been endorsed by Gary Barlow who called him “one to watch”, likened to Adele thanks to his soulful voice and is already a firm favourite with Radio 2. Not bad for a 24 year-old from York who recorded most of his new album while sleeping on a floor. Peter’s debut album, New Vintage, went top ten and achieved gold status, selling over 200,000 copies. The second album, Traditional, followed soon after. His third album, Too Close, is set for release in 2012 with big, dramatic sounds and classic production underpinning Peter’s jazzy vocals. www.petergrantmusic.com

Sir John Dankworth’s What the Dickens?!

The story of John Dankworth and the Big Band Date: Saturday 10 March, 8pm Tickets: £20, £22.50

The Manfreds

Mor Karbasi burst onto the global world music scene in 2008 with the release of her first album, The Beauty And The Sea and has continued to capture audiences internationally with her gorgeous, exceptional voice and looks to match. She was born in Jerusalem to a mother from Nazareth of Moroccan descent and a father from Jerusalem of Persian ancestry. Mor’s music is influenced by several cultures, though mainly by her Jewish heritage. All her influences come together in her predominantly Sephardic repertoire, from traditional Jewish songs to her own contemporary compositions. The traditional songs originate from ancient Spain and have traveled all around the world with the Jews who were forced to leave Spain in the 15th century. They are characteristically haunting, beautiful melodic songs, full of sheer emotion. www.morkarbasi.com Double Duo: Khyam Allami

Benny Goodman’s

Like this? Try this: Carnegie Concert 10 June

4

Date: Saturday 17 March, 11.30am & 2pm Tickets: £8.50, under 16s £7, family of 4 £28

Like this? Try this: 5 April

Like this? Try this: 22 April Tracing a journey that stretches back to the formation of the Dankworth Seven in 1950 and leads to today’s Generation Big Band, tonight’s concert, led by Dankworth’s bassist son Alec and hosted by Dame Cleo Laine, explores six decades of distinctively melodic and swinging music, created by one of the defining figures in British jazz. www.quarternotes.com

The Owl & the Pussycat

Date: Wednesday 14 March, 8pm Tickets: £17

Mick Avory, Ian Gibbons, Jim Rodford and Dave Clark – four long-term members of the legendary Kinks with over sixty years service between them – join forces to present the Kast Off Kinks. This is a wonderful show comprising all the hits of The Kinks (most of which these guys played on) and the songs, coupled together with one or two witty anecdotes concerning life with The Kinks, make this is a must see show! www.kastoffkinks.co.uk

Curtis Stigers

Like this? Try this: 6 April

Kast Off Kinks

MEAL DEAL For an additional £13 per person you can enjoy A Sephardic Feast (vegetarian options available) served in Café in2. Please go to www.stables.org for menu details. Book in advance through the Box Office to reserve your table.

Treat someone special – gift vouchers are available from the Box Office

The Acoustic Gathering Date: Thursday 15 March, 8pm Tickets: £16.50

The Acoustic Gathering is a folk supergroup, featuring Ray Jackson, Jerry Donahue and Doug Morter. Ray is a founding member of Lindisfarne, who had a very successful career with Ray as front man,including their hits Meet Me On The Corner, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home. Jerry is ex-Fotheringay and Fairport Convention and has recorded with George Harrison, Robert Plant, Roy Orbison and Warren Zevon. Doug has recorded and toured as part of the Maddy Prior Band, the Michael Chapman Band, the Albion Band and Magna Carta. www.myspace.com/thegatheringonline Stackridge

Like this? Try this: 3 May

A nonsense adventure for 3-7 year olds and their families. Follow Owl and Pussycat as they set out on the high seas with only some honey, money and a runcible spoon to help them find their way through a topsy turvey world! Along the way they meet the piggy wig, the turkey who lives on the hill and the strangest looking tree you’ll ever see! Enjoy this absurd hogwash of nonsense featuring silly songs, babbling puppets and smaller than life characters. Puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling combine in this enchanting retelling of Lear’s classic poem. “Every bit grabbed you, we felt the wind, heard the music, felt the emotions, threw confetti at the wedding and laughed loads and loads.” Audience member (parent of a 4 year old).

www.hiccuptheatre.co.uk A Real Princess

Like this? Try this: 7 July

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Thursday 8 March, 8pm Tickets: £19.50

MARCH

MARCH

Peter Grant

Richard Herring

What Is Love, Anyway? Date: Saturday 17 March, 8pm Tickets: £15 Does anybody love anybody anyway? So asked insane Welsh poet philosopher Howard Jones in 1983. Finally someone dares to answer. Having sorted out religion (Christ on a Bike), politics (Hitler Moustache) and penises (Talking Cock), the star of the award winning podcast As It Occurs To Me and Radio 4’s Richard Herring’s Objective seeks to define and destroy love. Before love destroys him. Again. Does Richard’s dry-cleaner genuinely love him? How could a romantic gesture involving Ferrero Rochers get dangerously out of control? May contain strong language and adult material. Suitable for age 16+. “Stimulating and exhilarating….utterly hilarious.” Chortle

www.richardherring.com Adam Kay’s Smutty Songs

Like this? Try this: 25 May

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

5

MARCH

UFO

Date: Wednesday 21 March, 8pm (Free pre-concert talk 7pm Tickets: £12.50, £17.50, students £5, family of 4 £30 & £40

Date: Friday 23 March, 8pm Tickets: £22

Jack Bruce – composer, bassist, singer and multi-instrumentalist – played with Alexis Korner’s Blues Inc, John Mayall and Manfred Mann before forming the world’s first supergroup, Cream, with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker. He composed most of Cream’s hits, including I Feel Free, Sunshine Of Your Love, White Room and many others during the band’s meteoric career. He continues to be prolific musically, recording and playing concerts all over the globe. In the spring of 2011 Jack formed his tremendously exciting new band, The Big Blues Band and they will be joining us here tonight. www.jackbruce.com Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes

Like this? Try this: 2 June

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham Date: Tuesday 20 March, 8pm Tickets: £17

Programme to include: Debussy Estampes Arr. Raaf Hekkema, Shostakovich Preludes and Fugues Op.87 Nos. 4, 7 & 15 Arr. Eduard Wesly, Bach Goldberg Variations Arr. Raaf Hekkema We are thrilled to welcome Calefax, a group in great demand worldwide, not least because of its unique instrumentation and fresh arrangements of well-loved pieces. Here Calefax perform arrangements of pieces written for keyboard, including Bach’s famous Goldberg Variations, which sit alongside Debussy’s Estampes, full of colour and evocations of different scenes, and Shostakovitch’s consoling collection of preludes and fugues, a reflection on Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. “Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” The Times

www.musicintheround.co.uk Busnoys

Like this? Try this: 8 May Stage 2

Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen

Mitch Benn & The Distractions

UFO’s success story began in the 1970s, when the band distinguished themselves with their very own unmistakable style on their albums UFO 1, Flying and UFO Live. Their live cut Strangers In The Night came out in 1979 and is referred to by the press to this day as one of the best live releases of all time. The band today consists of three original members – Phil Mogg, Paul Raymond and Andy Parker – plus American guitar hero Vinnie Moore. They are currently working on their new album Seven Deadly, scheduled for release in February 2012. www.ufo-music.info Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash

Like this? Try this: 11 April

Are You Experienced? The Jimi Hendrix Experience Date: Saturday 24 March, 8pm Tickets: £19

Date: Thursday 22 March, 8pm Tickets: £20

Two of Scotland’s best loved traditional musicians. Aly Bain was a founder member of the Boys of the Lough and his passionate playing has found its way onto recordings by Eddie Reader and Richard Thompson. Stunning accordion player Phil Cunningham currently features on Mark Knopfler’s latest album and has also worked with James Taylor, Rosanne Cash and Midge Ure. Both can be seen regularly in The Transatlantic Sessions TV series and together they are simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear. www.philandaly.com  lazin’ Fiddles B Like this? Try this: 10 May

6

Probably the greatest test of an artist’s success is his durability. For over fifty years Kenny Ball has flown the flag for his particular brand of traditional jazz worldwide. It’s a tribute to his stamina and musical integrity that Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen are as popular today as they were back in 1960 when they had their first chart hit with Samantha. From that time on hit after hit came pouring out until the final tally was fourteen top thirty records – an achievement which has never been equalled by any other jazz artist and which included Midnight in Moscow, in both the UK and USA. www.kennyball.co.uk  cker Bilk A Like this? Try this: 26 April

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

600,000 people went to the Isle of Wight in August 1970 to see the greatest rock guitarist the world has ever seen – Jimi Hendrix. How could anyone possibly measure up to him? Well, when you listen to Are You Experienced you very quickly realise that it can be done! The guitar work is note perfect and at the same time beautifully fluent. The voice IS Hendrix and John Campbell, who personifies Jimi, bears a striking physical resemblance to him too. This is the Jimi Hendrix Experience you’ve been waiting for – come and see! “Unnerving accuracy – uncannily like the real thing.” Guitarist Magazine.

www.areyou-experienced.co.uk Counterfeit Stones

Like this? Try this: 31 May

Ode Warrior

Date: Sunday 25 March, 8pm Tickets: £12.50

From BBC Radio 4’s Sony nominated Now Show, BBC1’s One Show and BBC1’s Watchdog, multi-award winner Mitch Benn and his band take to the road in a two hour show packed with new songs and old favourites including I’m Proud Of The BBC which reached No 11 in the Official Independent Singles Charts. Described by The Times as “the country’s leading musical satirist”, this is a show for music and comedy fans of all ages. “There’s probably no one better at capturing the essence of a song or style and twisting it into a spoof.” Chortle

www.mitchbenn.com David Scheel

Like this? Try this: 9 May

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Calefax Reed Quintet

Date: Sunday 18 & Monday 19 March, 8pm Tickets: £28

MARCH

Jack Bruce & His Big Blues Band

Maddy Prior with Giles Lewin & Hannah James Date: Tuesday 27 March, 8pm Tickets: £23

Maddy Prior has a history of collaborating with unexpected musicians, looking to approach traditional and written material from interesting and varied perspectives. Here she teams up with Giles Lewin (a multi-talented instrumentalist and singer with a classical background – diluted by some years in the band After Hours – and a stalwart of the Carnvial Band) and Hannah James, a member of Lady Maisry who has also been in the Demon Barbers and Kerfuffle. Hannah brings singing, accordion, clog dancing and youth. www.maddyprior.co.uk Sam Sweeney & Hannah James

Like this? Try this: 22 June Stage 2

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

7

MARCH

Date: Thursday 29 March, 8pm  Tickets: £13.50, under 16s £9.50

One Less Tree Tour Date: Friday 30 March, 8pm Tickets: £27.50, £30

Revered singer-songwriter Judie Tzuke returns to the stage for another spellbinding tour, celebrating the launch her latest album One Tree Less. These shows will contain many of the reasons why she remains one of Britain’s most successful songwriters, showcasing three decades of mesmerizing musical creativity. With special guest Bailey Tzuke. “Much of the audience has been in love with her since Stay With Me Till Dawn echoed around their bedrooms the first time they got their hearts broken.” The Independent

www.tzuke.com J oan Armatrading Like this? Try this: 27 May

Date: Saturday 31 March, 8pm Tickets: £19.50

Oasish

Like this? Try this: 18 May

Curtis Stigers

Like this? Try this: 6 April

The Bon Jovi Experience

Throughout their career, Bon Jovi have sold over 120 million albums worldwide and performed over 2,600 concerts for more than 34 million fans. The Bon Jovi Experience is an outstanding tribute to Bon Jovi and the only Bon Jovi tribute band in the world to have played and shared a stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself! Fans will have thought there were two Bon Jovis on stage that night, so much does lead singer Tony Pearce resemble Jon Bon Jovi! The Bon Jovi Experience perform all the great hits: Livin’ On a Prayer, Keep the Faith, Bad Medicine, You Give Love a Bad Name and many more. www.jonbyjovi.com

Stephen Triffitt IS Sinatra, capturing his voice, his moves, his gestures and even his looks as he pays homage to the man often hailed as the greatest American singer of 20th-century popular music. Sinatra Through The Years is a musical journey showcasing the timeless classics from Sinatra’s early years with Harry James in 1939 to his final live performance in 1995. From the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra to the Columbia Era, the Capitol Years with Nelson Riddle to Reprise Records, this brand new show features some of the best-loved Sinatra arrangements. www.stephentriffitt.info

Judie Tzuke

8

Sandeep Raval

Like a plane jetting off to unknown destinations, the only way to understand the adventure that is a live show with Sandeep Raval and his band is to buy a ticket and take the trip! From Southampton to Northampton, Leicester to London, UK audiences have already jumped on board Raval’s live concept, featuring tracks from his album Mosaic in Motion. After all, who doesn’t want the opportunity to explore the world’s sounds, in full stereo? Sandeep is an extraordinarily versatile instrumentalist and composer and this astonishing musical journey takes in ideas and sounds from all over the world, from urban British drum n bass, traditional folk, central Asian classical music and jazz. Everyone who came to his last appearance here was knocked out by it and couldn’t stop talking about this incredible, intricate music; don’t miss him this time around! www.sandeepraval.com Randolph Matthews

Like this? Try this: & Byron Johnston

27 March Stage 2

MEAL DEAL For an additional £13 per person you can enjoy A Taste of India (vegetarian options available) served in Café in2. Please go to www.stables.org for menu details. Book in advance through the Box Office to reserve your table.

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Martin Taylor & Alan Barnes Date: Sunday 1 April, 8pm Tickets: £18

Virgil & The Accelerators

With special guest Mitch Laddie Date: Tuesday 3 April, 8pm  Tickets: £12.50

An incredible power trio who burst onto the scene in early 2009. In 2010 they released their stunning album The Radium, gathering countless 5-star reviews and the Best Of 2011 award in Classic Rock magazine. Virgil McMahon is one of the finest young players to come out of the UK for many years, with scorching solos and a soulful vocal performance in a live show that is simply jaw-dropping. Likened to a young Cream, on stage they appear almost telepathic, delivering a set that will take you to the very edge of the blues rock spectrum. Be prepared! www.vataband.com Ben Poole

Like this? Try this: 28 March Stage 2

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Wednesday 28 March, 8pm Tickets: £23.50, £25

MAR / APR

Stephen Triffitt Is Frank Sinatra

Gretchen Peters

Supported by Lisbee Stainton Date: Wednesday 4 April, 8pm Tickets: £18.50

In this inspired pairing, world-class guitarist Martin Taylor meets multi-award winning reeds man Alan Barnes in an intimate duet setting. Taylor is, of course, known for his collaborations with Stephane Grappelli, Jamie Cullum and Bill Wyman and his highly successful solo career. Barnes is simply Britain’s number one mainstream reeds player having worked with artists ranging from Bjork and Bryan Ferry to Clark Tracey and Charlie Watts. The repertoire of the concert is wide ranging and will feature many tunes from their new album Two For The Road. “Soothing serenity ensues when Barnes’ wandering clarinet notes wind their way around Taylor’s fine-spun acoustic. Mellow gold.” Guitar & Bass Magazine

www.martintaylor.com Dutch Swing College Band

Like this? Try this: 19 May

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Gretchen’s voice and guitar playing have been at the core of her music since she started performing on the folk circuit as a teenager. Since her 1996 debut The Secret Of Life, Peters has recorded five other solo albums: Gretchen Peters (2001), Halcyon (2004), Trio Live (2006), Burnt Toast and Offerings (2007) and Northern Lights (2008). The compilation Circus Girl was released in 2009. And that same year Peters collaborated with one of her favorite songwriters, Tom Russell, for their One To the Heart, One To the Head. www.gretchenpeters.com Lynne Hanson

Like this? Try this: 9 March Stage 2

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

9

The Manfreds - with original front man Paul Jones - will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2012, performing many of their hits along with a mix of jazz and blues songs from some of their best-known albums. Paul Jones, with his unique harmonica sound, will be joined by Mike Hugg on keyboards, Tom McGuinness on lead guitar, Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass guitar and Simon Currie on saxophone/flute. These excellent musicians will provide a few surprise renditions of their work, not only with The Manfreds, but with their side projects too. www.themanfreds.com Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Like this? Try this: 6 May

Halfway To Paradise: The Billy Fury Story Date: Saturday 7 April, 8pm Tickets: £20

A shy young boy from Liverpool is re-christened Billy Fury and becomes one of Britain’s best-loved rock stars. Halfway To Paradise is now in its 16th year and still furiously rockin’ as Fury’s Tornados play his timeless hits live - Last Night Was Made For Love, I Will, Jealousy, Halfway To Paradise and many, many more. Add the beautiful voice of Colin Gold and you have a night of nostalgia made in heaven. The show is set against a giant moving backdrop of this wonderful era and includes personal movie footage of Billy with his band. “A great 60s night out!” The Stage.

www.billyfurystory.com The Searchers

An Evening With Curtis Stigers Date: Friday 6 April, 8pm Tickets: £30

Like this? Try this: 27 April

Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash No Easy Road – Live Dates 2012

Feast of Fiddles

Woburn Sands Band

Date: Thursday 12 April, 8pm Tickets: £17

Date: Saturday 14 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (£10 under 16s)

Feast of Fiddles is six of the UK’s finest fiddle players in a band of 11 which includes Dave Mattacks, the grandfather of folk rock drumming. Peter Knight of Steeleye Span, Chris Leslie of Fairport Convention, Brian McNeill, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary and Garry Blakeley bring their own individual styles together to visit many musical genres in a show that will have you dancing in the aisles and maybe shedding a tear. The 2012 tour is the band’s 19th annual outing and the critical acclaim gets louder every year. Bring your sceptical friends, they won’t be disappointed! “Absolutely awesome!” BBC East

www.feastoffiddles.com Blazin’ Fiddles

Like this? Try this: 10 May

Jake & Elwood & The Black Rhino Band Date: Friday 13 April, 8pm Tickets: £23

The programme will run the gamut from big band sounds to classical, jazz to pop, brass band originals and arrangements of your favourite melodies – all in one show. True family entertainment from your favourite local brass band. Soloists from within the Band will be featured in this, the forty-ninth concert in the Drakeloe Series. www.woburnsandsband.co.uk Sir John Dankworth’s

Like this? Try this: What the Dickens 10 March

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Thursday 5 April, 8pm Tickets: £23.50

APRIL

APRIL

The Manfreds

Scott Matthews Band Date: Wednesday 18 April, 8pm Tickets: £17.50

Date: Wednesday 11 April, 8pm Tickets: £22

Curtis Stigers shot to fame with his hits I Wonder Why and You’re All That Matters To Me. He’s known for a wide variety of impressive accomplishments, from his early pop chart success with several self-penned, top-ten singles and albums to an appearance on the soundtrack of The Bodyguard, one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. Curtis appears regularly on British TV, radio and in concert halls. With one of the most distinctive singing voices of today, Curtis returns to The Stables to showcase material from his new CD and perform his hit songs. “An exuberant combination of artistry and raw emotion.” The Times

www.curtisstigers.com Peter Grant

Like this? Try this: 8 April

10

Wishbone Ash’s heritage as one of the most enduring and best-loved British rock acts is assured, synonymous with high quality guitar-driven rock music. Classic album releases such as Argus, Pilgrimage, There’s the Rub, New England and Live Dates defined the Wishbone Ash sound. Martin Turner performs the band’s best-loved works with his current line-up, remaining faithful to the original Wishbone Ash blueprint. No Easy Road – Live Dates 2012 focuses on material from the classic eras of Wishbone Ash, featuring stage favourites and classic album tracks. www.wishboneash.co.uk UFO

Like this? Try this: 23 March

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Jake & Elwood invite you to spend an evening in Chicago to witness masters at work as they explode on stage for their soul, rhythm and blues musical extravaganza. With the driving backbeat of the fabulous Black Rhino Band, they continue to deliver electrifying, totally live performances to standing ovation audiences globally. Featuring a feast of much-loved favourites including Everybody Needs Somebody, Sweet Home Chicago, Soul Man and Jailhouse Rock, you’ll be dancing in the aisles within minutes! www.jakeandelwood.co.uk The Northern Soul Tour

Like this? Try this: 26 May

In 2006, Scott released his debut album Passing Stranger and his first single, Elusive, won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically And Lyrically, earning him support from Jo Whiley and Zane Lowe, who made it his Single of the Week. Scott has embarked on sell-out headline tours and has toured alongside Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol and Robert Plant, who made a rare guest appearance on his second album Elsewhere. In autumn 2011 Scott released his third album What The Night Delivers, which includes a guest appearance from the legendary bass player Danny Thompson. www.myspace.com/scottmatthewsmusic Ethan Ash

Like this? Try this: 19 May Stage 2

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

11

Date: Thursday 19 April, 8pm Tickets: £19.50

The Fureys & Davey Arthur Date: Tuesday 24 April, 8pm Tickets: £20

Double Duo: Khyam Allami Date: Sunday 22 April, 8pm Tickets: £12.50, students £9.50

Clare Teal can do it all – which is how her concerts cover such a huge spectrum of sounds and genres so wonderfully. And although rooted in the jazz traditions of the 1930s and 40s, the main focus is on Clare’s interpretations and delivery of some of the greatest songs British songs of the last 100 years. From Ivor Novello and Noel Coward to Annie Lennox and Snow Patrol, the show wends its way through 100 years of pure class. The evening is as varied as it is entertaining, with Clare’s inimitable humour and banter mixed perfectly with uplifting ballads and up-tempo classics, old and new. www.clareteal.co.uk

Irish music legends The Fureys & Davey Arthur bring their music, songs and stories to The Stables for their 14th appearance here. They are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination, receiving standing ovations in the world’s biggest concert halls. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear them sing all their hits including When You Were Sweet 16, The Green Fields Of France, From Clare To Here, Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway and I Will Love You. www.thefureys.com Paul Brady

Like this? Try this: 1 May

 tacey Kent S Like this? Try this: 30 May

The Oli Brown Band

Ultimate Bowie Date: Saturday 21 April, 8pm Tickets: £18.50

David Bowie is widely regarded as one of the most influential musical innovators of the last five decades. Ultimate Bowie pays tribute to the work of this global superstar in a show that is visually stunning and vocally impressive. Ed Blaney leads an eight-piece band that takes you from David Bowie’s early years with hits such as Starman, through his remarkable career to songs like Let’s Dance, China Girl and many more. The band is not called Ultimate Bowie for nothing – this show captures the essence of David Bowie in concert! www.ultimatebowie.com T-Rextasy

Like this? Try this: 28 April

12

Acoustic Alchemy

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Friday 20 April, 8pm Ticket: £23.50

APRIL

APRIL

Clare Teal

Jazz super group Acoustic Alchemy celebrates a remarkable 25 year anniversary in 2012, since their 1987 debut Red Dust and Spanish Lace established them as a powerhouse force in contemporary jazz. The group delivers commanding acoustic guitar instrumentals filled with energy, vitality and infectious melodies; sophisticated hooks and tunes ranging from breezy reggae to Motown grooves. Acoustic Alchemy continues to deliver remarkable hits, including Positive Thinking, The Beautiful Game, Aart, The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy Vol 2 in 2009 and their latest album, Roseland. www.acoustic-alchemy.net  rian Culbertson B Like this? Try this: 4 May

JAZZ NIGHT SPECIAL Get the pizza or pasta of your choice with salad from the buffet table and a glass of wine, bottled beer or draught soft drink for just £12 per person. Vegetarian options available. Served in Café in2. Slices of pizza and other snacks also available across the bar. Go to www.stables.org for menu details.

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Supported by The David Sinclair Trio Date: Wednesday 25 April, 8pm Tickets: £15

At every gig that Oli Brown plays the audience are mesmerised by the sheer professionalism of his performance and the contagious pleasure he exudes. His take on blues with a mix of funk, jazz and rock gives him that extra individuality. He is a guitar prodigy, but is also a singer, songwriter and consummate performer. 2010 saw Oli release his latest album Heads I Win Tails You Lose, voted in the Top 10 blues albums by both Mojo and Classic Rock magazine. He is now working on his third album, Here I Am. “One of the best and brightest guitar heroes performing in the world today.” Classic Rock

www.oliselectricblues.co.uk Ben Poole

Like this? Try this: 28 March Stage 2

The highly individual, inventive and energetic Khyam Allami is a London-based musician of Iraqi descent. His passion for music has led him on a remarkable journey, from child violinist in Damascus to rock drummer in London to the stage of the BBC Proms. Making Tracks will enable Allami to develop new work especially for this tour based on a ‘double duo’ idea (featuring oud and percussion), working with highly respected Palestinian oud player Ahmad Al-Khatib, extraordinary percussionist Yussef Hbeisch (as seen with Trio Joubran), as well as Italian frame drum master Andrea Piccioni. www.khyamallami.com Mor Karbasi

Like this? Try this: 11 March

MEAL DEAL For an additional £13 per person you can enjoy A Taste of the Middle East (vegetarian options available) served in Café in2. Please go to www.stables.org for menu details. Book in advance through the Box Office to reserve your table.

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

13

October 2011 saw the 50th anniversary of the release of Acker Bilk’s Stranger On The Shore which topped the charts in USA, Australia and the UK, staying in our charts for over 52 weeks. It is still played all over the world. Acker is still touring with his Paramount Jazz Band at venues around UK and Europe. Not bad going for a gentleman in his 80s, who has been in the business for over 60 years, receiving many awards on the way – too many to mention here. His fans still write and e-mail their appreciation for the way Acker’s music has influenced and inspired them. www.ackersmusicagency.co.uk

APRIL

Stackridge

Date: Tuesday 1 May, 8pm  Tickets: £19.50

Date: Thursday 3 May, 8pm Tickets: £16

T.Rextasy has now been performing around the world for 20 years, in a career that ironically outlives that of Marc Bolan’s T.Rex. The band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family and original ex-members of T.Rex. Truly a concert for all ages – if you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you!

Paul Brady – singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist – is one of Ireland’s most highly regarded and successful artists. He crosses musical boundaries again and again, incorporating folk, rock, blues, traditional Irish and classic pop styles into his songwriting. His live performances incorporate songs from his 40-year back catalogue. Often classified as a musician’s musician, Paul Brady’s songs have been covered by a huge array of artists from Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Cher and Maura O’Connell, to Brookes and Dunne, Joe Cocker and Carlos Santana. www.paulbrady.com

It seems extraordinary that May 2012 sees Stackridge celebrating 41 years of music-making. Yet here they are once again, sounding fresher and more contemporary than many bands half their age, and it is live on stage that Stackridge really shine. Expect glorious tunes, quirky lyrics and superb musicianship all created with a sense of fun. We can guarantee that audiences will leave with a smile on their faces and a spring in their steps! www.stackridge.net

“They’re the closest you’re ever going to get to the real thing.” Bill Legend (original T.Rex drummer)

www.rextasy.com Mercury

Like this? Try this: 16 June

The Fureys

Like this? Try this: 24 April

Neil Innes

Like this? Try this: 23 May

Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen

Like this? Try this: 22 March

The Searchers Date: Friday 27 April, 8pm Tickets: £24

In a career now spanning 5 decades and with such classic hits as Sweets For My Sweet, Needles And Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Sugar And Spice and When You Walk In The Room, The Searchers have contributed enormously in establishing the UK as the world’s leading nation in the music industry and still have great appeal to audiences of all ages. Combined with anecdotes and reminiscences, this concert will include all their famous hits, plus many of their original album recordings, B-sides and a selection of other favourites. Don’t miss The Searchers live in concert! www.the-searchers.co.uk  alfway To Paradise H Like this? Try this: 7 April

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Paul Brady

Date: Saturday 28 April, 8pm Tickets: £20

Camille O’Sullivan

Richard Digance

Brian Culbertson

Date: Sunday 29 April, 8pm  Tickets: £16.50

Date: Wednesday 2 May, 8pm  Tickets: £16

Date: Friday 4 May, 8pm Tickets: £21.50

Richard Digance is one of the most entertaining acts you will ever see – brilliant self-penned comic songs introduced with panache, style and outrageous humour. He is an evergreen performer who appeals to all ages, is highly respected by fellow comedians for his original material and by musicians for being one of Britain’s top acoustic guitarists. He has appeared to an audience of 8 in The Falklands and before half a million at Knebworth Festival and done thousands of shows in between, as well as occasionally finding 9 letter words on Countdown. www.richarddigance.com

By the time Brian Culbertson comes to The Stables, his 13th album should be released. His high energy show caused quite a stir in 2011 and his 2012 visit should be equally stunning. Recent collaborations with Maurice White and Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire amongst others, have influenced his style to such a degree that his live performances definitely show the funkier side of the smooth jazz genre. His line up for the show will be top UK producer Andy Whitmore (also on keyboards) Otto Williams (bass), Derek Nash (sax) and Marc Parnell (drums). www.brianculbertson.com

Camille O’Sullivan enjoys a formidable international reputation for her dramatic interpretations of the songs of Brel, Cave, Waits, Bowie and more. Chameleon-like on stage, the award-winning singer has stunned audiences around the world with her 5-star sell-out performances and show-stealing appearances on Later With Jools Holland. Dark, fierce, amusing and mesmerizing, Camille transforms each song into an intense theatrical experience, drawing her audience into a world illuminated by the dark and the light. Expect fire, ice, darkness, joy and pure passion. “Ravishing… superb performer and great singer…” The Guardian

www.camilleosullivan.com The Paris 1940s

Like this? Try this: 12 June Stage 2

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

The Acoustic Gathering

Like this? Try this: 15 March

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Thursday 26 April, 8pm Tickets: £20

T.Rextasy

APR / MAY

Acker Bilk & His Paramount Jazz Band

Dave Koz

Like this? Try this: 8 June

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

15

MAY

Date: Monday 7 May, 8pm  Tickets: £19.50

The Christians are an outstanding soul-influenced group who had hits in the 80s and 90s from their million selling album of the same name, including Forgotten Town, Born Again, Ideal World and Hooverville. The Daily Mirror described Garry Christian as having one of the best voices of the century. Fast forward 25 years and the group are still lead by the smooth-toned Mr Christian, who sounds as good as ever! With a brand new album launched in May 2012 and the rerelease of anniversary albums earlier in the spring, 2012 looks to be a great year for The Christians. www.thechristianslive.co.uk Blancmange

Albert Hammond has been writing hit songs for over forty years. This is not to say that it has been forty years since his first hit; this is to say that there hasn’t been a single decade in which Albert hasn’t written multiple hit songs since he scored his first hit with Little Arrows at the age of 24. His songs have been responsible for the sale of over 360 million records worldwide including over 30 chart-topping hits. Many of his most beloved songs, like The Air That I Breathe and When I Need You, have become hits multiple times with various artists, decade after decade. www.alberthammond.com The Searchers

Like this? Try this: 21 May

David Scheel

Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player Date: Wednesday 9 May, 8pm Tickets: £14

Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams

Date: Sunday 6 May, 8pm Tickets: £22.50

Date: Tuesday 8 May, 8pm  Tickets: £12.50

Date: Thursday 10 May, 8pm Tickets: £18

A runaway success in the West End and at successive Edinburgh Festivals, this hilarious send-up of classical music has established pianist David Scheel as the successor to the legendary Victor Borge. Beautiful music coupled with musical fun, performed in so many voices that David has been compared to Robin Williams and Peter Ustinov. Hear a familiar tune played in the styles of the old masters and an i-Pod, two famous pieces played simultaneously (one with the right hand, one with the left), plus his “translation” of the lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, already a comedy classic. “As funny as any, wittier than most, and, uniquely, a concert pianist of international stature...He stands alone, in a class of his own.” BBC Arts Review

www.davidscheel.com Mitch Benn & The Distractions

Like this? Try this: 27 April

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Blazin’ Fiddles

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Albert Hammond

Date: Saturday 5 May, 8pm Tickets: £20

Like this? Try this: 25 March

G2 Genesis Date: Friday 11 & Saturday 12 May, 8pm Tickets: £19, book for 2 shows £17

MAY

The Christians

Take a group of the hottest contemporary fiddle players from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and you’ve got the award-winning Blazin’ Fiddles. No other band quite captures the excitement, passion and sensitivity of Scottish fiddle music as well as Blazin’ Fiddles, having grown from a showcase tour of individual fiddlers. Like rare single malts, each member of Blazin’ Fiddles draws the distinct flavour of music from their own part of the Highlands and Islands, forming one of the best live acts today. “The Led Zeppelin of the folk world.” The Scotsman

The great 5-4-3-2-1 established Manfred Mann as a band that maintained consistent chart success throughout the Sixties. Three UK number 1 records – Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and The Mighty Quinn – cemented their place in the pop firmament. The Earth Band first played together in March 1971, developing its own style which has evolved constantly since then, including the hit single Blinded By The Light. The Earth Band has lived up to its name, touring the States, Europe and as far a field as Australia during their 40-year existence and they continue to tour to this day. www.manfredmann.co.uk The Manfreds

Like this? Try this: 5 April

16

Hewerdine is an English songwriter and lead singer of indie legends The Bible. Williams is a slide guitar wizard from Georgia, USA. Their plan was to record an album using vintage mics and equipment live in just 5 days. The aim was to capture the sound of two guitarists and singers from completely different backgrounds working together in harmony and after a day and a half they realised it was finished and that the result was even better than they’d hoped for. The album is being released in April 2012 and Boo and Brooks will be touring it here. www.boohewerdine.net Jennifer Crook

Like this? Try this: 17 March Stage 2

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

On Friday 11th May G2 will be performing classics from A Trick Of The Tail, alongside Watcher Of The Skies, Can-Utility And The Coastliners and the epic Supper’s Ready from Foxtrot. On Saturday 12th the show will include songs from the albums Wind & Wuthering and Selling England By The Pound. There will be no repeated material between the two nights, so anyone attending both shows will get to hear 4 hours of vintage Genesis lovingly recreated! Take a little trip back and relive those wonderful moments of musical history with G2. www.g2online.co.uk

Stackridge

Like this? Try this: 3 May

www.blazin-fiddles.com

Feast of Fiddles

Like this? Try this: 12 April

MEAL DEAL For an additional £13 per person you can enjoy A Taste of Scotland (vegetarian options available) served in Café in2. Please go to www.stables.org for menu details. Book in advance through the Box Office to reserve your table.

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

17

MAY jim marshall auditorium

Georgie Fame

The Dutch Swing College Band

Date: Tuesday 15 May, 8pm  Tickets: £23.50

Date: Thursday 17 May, 8pm Tickets: £21

Date: Saturday 19 May, 8pm  Tickets: £19.50, £21.50

Georgie - with his much loved blend of jazz and rhythm & blues - has become an icon of the British music scene. So far there have been more than twenty albums and fourteen hit singles, including the Number 1s Yeh Yeh, Getaway and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde. Add to this a long list of collaborations with some of music’s most famous names (Muddy Waters, Gene Vincent, Bill Wyman, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, amongst many others) and in Georgie Fame you have bona fide musical legend!

An exciting show from seven of the world’s finest traditional jazz musicians. Two years before the liberation of The Netherlands, the ‘Swing College’ started with furtive rehearsals in the cellars of Amsterdam, and the Dutch Swing College Band was officially launched on Liberation Day, 5th May 1945. Since then the band regularly visits all five continents, including rare but popular visits to the UK. From concerts in Cape Town to festivals in Australia, from galas in Canada to arenas in Germany, from theatres in the UK to film sets in India, from being excellent to being brilliant.

“Sends us home happy to have been in the presence of genuine cool.” The Guardian

www.dscband.nl

“Have You Had It Long, Madam?” is presented by Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury, two of the best known and best loved experts from BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow. The show is an irreverent, but affectionate, insiders’ view where Hilary and Paul share their experiences about life on the Roadshow and their careers in the world of antiques. Hear the hilarious exploits and behind-the-scenes experiences from the programme and see priceless video clips and bloopers, some certainly not suitable for broadcast. Please note that items are not valued at these performances. www.haveyouhaditlongmadam.com David Scheel Like this? Try this: 9 May

The Zombies’ touring band features original members Colin Blunstone (lead vocals) and Rod Argent (keyboards & vocals), plus Jim Rodford (bass), Tom Toomey (guitar) and Steve Rodford (drums). The Zombies have marked the group’s half century with a stunning new album – Breathe Out, Breathe In. Already released in the UK, it has received rave reviews. A magisterial work, Breathe Out, Breathe In’s, ten songs are impeccably crafted pieces. “A refreshing and quite potent mix of heady aural pleasures.” Mail On Sunday

www.thezombies.org The Grand Slambovians

Like this? Try this: 13 June

Buddy Whittington Date: Monday 14 May, 8pm  Tickets: £17.50

Hue & Cry: Hotwire Stripped Date: Wednesday 16 May, 8pm  Tickets: £22.50

www.georgiefame.absoluteelsewhere.net Alan Price Like this? Try this: 1 June

Oasish Date: Friday 18 May, 8pm Tickets: £18.50

“A great jazz institution.” Humphrey Lyttelton



History of the Big Bands

Like this? Try this: 22 June

jim marshall auditorium

The Zombies

Date: Sunday 13 May, 8pm Tickets: £14, £16

MAY

Have You Had It Long, Madam?

Other ways you can support our work The success of our music and education programme depends on the generous support of many individuals and organisations.

Buddy Whittington has been described by his ex-boss of 15 years as possibly the greatest Bluesbreaker of them all. Considering that the boss is John Mayall and the “all” includes Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor, this is not an accolade to be taken lightly. Buddy is now set to release his second solo album Six String Svengali, which demonstrates his guitar prowess alongside his considerable songwriting skills, infusing a fresh take into a long-established genre, making him one of the most original exponents of contemporary blues working today. www.buddywhittington.com

18

Mick Ralphs

Like this? Try this: 2 March

Hue and Cry burst onto the UK music scene in the late 1980s with the outstandingly successful hit singles Labour of Love, Violently and Looking for Linda. Their intellectual yet appealing pop songs fused with their unique soulfulness brought them continued success in the 90s, as they released the chart-storming album Stars Crash Down. They made a triumphant return to the pop world in 2008 with their first pop album in some time, the much applauded Open Soul. March 2012 marks the release of a brand new studio album entitled Hot Wire, a collection of stunning early New Orleans funk-inspired songs. www.hueandcry.co.uk

The Christians

Like this? Try this: 5 May

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

• Become a Friend of The Stables – benefits include priority booking and ticket discounts.

Formed in Manchester in 1991, Oasis have been a world-wide music phenomenon, and have had eight UK number-one singles, seven UK number-one albums, four MTV Europe Music Awards and six BRIT Awards. Oasish are Europe’s leading tribute to Oasis, accurately re-creating the looks, the sound, and the attitude of Oasis. Nobody does this as well as Oasish! “To see Oasish live is as good as seeing the real Oasis, only better.” The Sunday Times

www.oasish.co.uk

Bon Jovi Experience

Like this? Try this: 31 March

• Name A Seat – your chosen name on a seat in the auditorium. • Leave a gift in your will to help nurture the next generation of musicians. • Join our group of volunteers and become a Stablemate. • Purchase Gift Vouchers which can be exchanged for tickets at The Stables.

F or further information please call 01908 280816 or email [email protected]

www.stables.org

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

19

Along with the Human League, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Yazoo and OMD, Blancmange made edgy but accessible synthpop with croony vocals the de rigueur sound of the early-to-mid-80s. Between 1982 and 1985 Blancmange had seven top 40 hits and two top 40 albums and they were bona fide pop stars. In October 1982 the supremely infectious single Living On The Ceiling reached number 7 and remained on the charts for 14 weeks. Further hits followed – Waves, Blind Vision, That’s Love That Is and Don’t Tell Me making Blancmange ubiquitous during the synthpop/new romantic era. www.myspace.com/blancmange2006

The Christians

Like this? Try this: 5 May

Date: Tuesday 22 May, 8pm  Tickets: £15

Imagine if the Indigo Girls got together with Paul Simon and created Peter, Paul and Mary – only sexier! Progressing from being long-time stablemates of the Indigo Girls to being major American headliners in their own right, Girlyman are mindblowingly brilliant, the kind of band you just never want to leave the stage. Their glorious close-harmony pop-folk spans genres and they play acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, djembe and electric baritone guitar. Think Simon & Garfunkel, think Mamas and Papas, think “I must be in heaven.” “I challenge anyone to listen to this disc and not immediately fall in love with Girlyman.” Time Out

www.girlyman.com

20

Joan Armatrading

Like this? Try this: 27 May

From Amateur Transplants: Adam Kay’s Smutty Songs

Date: Wednesday 23 May, 8pm  Tickets: £14.50

Date: Friday 25 May, 8pm Tickets: £16

A wry, poignant, humorous and topical one-man show, spiced with anecdotes of Neil’s life and times in the worlds of media and show business. Neil is best known for his collaborative work with Monty Python, the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and The Rutles while his TV shows for BBC 2, The Innes Book of Records, have become cult classics. Neil’s solo shows tickle the emotions with a potent mix of fine musicianship and enlightened lyricism, packed with sharp observations celebrating the absurdities of modern existence. www.neilinnes.org

Amateur Transplants frontman Adam Kay sits at a grand piano and sings smutty songs. With sell-out tours and Edinburgh Fringe seasons, his cutting-edge, darkly humorous re-imaginings of pop and rock classics have gained him a cult following across the UK. His songs have over 20 million hits on YouTube (including the iconic London Underground Song) and have been in the iTunes comedy top ten consistently since 2008. This show is probably not suitable for your elderly maiden aunt, but unlike the majority of musical comedy, it is actually funny. May contain strong language and adult material. Suitable for age 16+.



Girlyman



Neil Innes: Short Songs & Tall Stories

Stackridge

Like this? Try this: 3 May

Suzy Bogguss

“This made me very, very happy.” Stephen Fry

www.amateurtransplants.net Richard Herring Like this? Try this: 17 March

Date: Thursday 24 May, 8pm  Tickets: £20

The Elves & The Shoemaker

Suzy’s recent CD and songbook of traditional American folk songs, American Folk Songbook, is the natural progression of an artist who has demonstrated skill and passion for all types of music in her career. Songs like Aces, Drive South, Someday Soon, Outbound Plane and Letting Go took her to the top of the country music charts. Along the way she won raves from critics and peers including winning a Grammy in 2005 for Traditional Folk Album, the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award in 1992 and Album of the Year Award in 1994. www.suzybogguss.com

Elvis Schumacher, cobbler and craftsman, has worked all his life creating the most beautiful footwear. But now he’s hit hard times… Everyone’s buying boring shoes from the evil businessman, Bunyan Sole-less. Time is running out for Elvis. With one piece of leather left and Bunyan’s factory growing, can anyone help him? Inspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book, which all parents will remember, Theatre of Widdershins brings you another classic fable using magical puppets, intricate design, original music and the simplest of dialogue. www.theatre-of-widdershins.co.uk

Date: Saturday 26 May, 2pm Tickets: £8.50 adults, £7 under 16s, family of 4 £28

Gretchen Peters

Like this? Try this: 4 April

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day



A Real Princess

Like this? Try this: 7 July

The Northern Soul Tour Date: Saturday 26 May, 8pm Tickets: £19.50

The late great Edwin Starr’s band The Team (with lead vocalist Angelo Starr) and special guest Northern Soul legend Lorraine Silver perform soul and Motown hits including Agent 00 Soul, 25 Miles, Stop Her On Sight, Landslide, War, Eye To Eye Contact and many more. Angelo Starr has taken over lead vocals, performing all the fantastic Edwin Starr classics, plus dynamic performances of some great Northern Soul covers. Northern Soul legend Lorraine Silver recorded Lost Summer Love which is still a massive record on the Northern Soul & Scooter scene. www.theteam-online.co.uk www.lorrainesilver.com

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Monday 21 May, 8pm  Tickets: £16

MAY

MAY

Blancmange

Sounds Of The Supremes

Like this? Try this: 14 June

Joan Armatrading Date: Sunday 27 May, 2.30pm & 7.30pm  Tickets: £30 (2.30pm), £35 (7.30pm)*

The Stables welcomes back three times Grammy nominated, Brit award nominee, Ivor Novella and Gold Badge winner singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading MBE. Never one to rest on her laurels, Joan remains fresh, vibrant and current, no more so than when live on stage, where music comes alive. A fantastic mix of magical old favourites, plus brand new songs to fall in love with. *Fundraising concert in aid of Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd www.joanarmatrading.com

Girlyman

Like this? Try this: 22 May

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

21

MAY / jun

Date: Thursday 31 May, 8pm Tickets: £22.50

It’s the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll history most truly remarkable stories, replicating perfectly the power and subtlety of Fleetwood Mac at their brilliant best. Let timeless classics such as Black Magic Woman, Albatross, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Gypsy, Say You Love Me, Sara, Oh Diane, Little Lies, Everywhere and many more take you on a nostalgic evening of breathtaking, outstanding musicianship, all performed in the context where the songs work best – a live stage.

The Counterfeit Stones celebrate their 21st anniversary with yet another “sham rock” experience, 19th Bogus Breakdown. Their skillfully-mixed cocktail of classic hits, retro costume and humour continues to intoxicate young and old alike – 100% proof that a good shot always hits the target. This hooky masterpiece, hilariously “mockumenting” the history of the Rolling Stones from 1962, will take you back if you were there or make you wish you’d been there if you weren’t. It’s phony rock ‘n’ roll but we like it!

“They do Fleetwood Mac better than Fleetwood Mac.” Mail On Sunday

“Better than the originals.” The Guardian

www.thecounterfeitstones.net

www.rumoursfm.com

T-Rextasy Like this? Try this: 28 April



Fleetwood Bac

Like this? Try this: 6 October

Alan Price

Stacey Kent Date: Wednesday 30 May, 8pm Tickets: £21.50

22

The Counterfeit Stones: 19th Bogus Breakdown

Date: Friday 1 June, 8pm  Tickets: £20

Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes

Dougie MacLean

Date: Saturday 2 June, 8pm  Tickets: £22

Date: Thursday 7 June, 8pm Tickets: £18

Albert Lee, one of the world’s finest guitar-players, needs no introduction to country music and rock fans. He has worked the world’s top artists, from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton to Eric Clapton. In November 2002, Albert appeared at the star-studded Memorial Concert for George Harrison at London’s Albert Hall, and was featured alongside Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill and Eric Clapton at Eric’s 2007 and 2010 Crossroads guitar festivals. He is a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, fronting the band at the O2 arena on the night of the Led Zeppelin reunion concert. www.albertleeandhogansheroes.com

Jack Bruce

Like this? Try this: 18 & 19 March

Dougie MacLean is Scotland’s pre-eminent singersongwriter and a national musical treasure who has developed a unique blend of lyrical roots-based songwriting and instrumental composition. Internationally renowned for his song Caledonia, his music for The Last Of The Mohicans and his inspired performances, Dougie performs at The Stables for the first time. His songs have been covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Ronan Keating, Mary Black, Frankie Miller, Cara Dillon, Kathy Mattea and many other top performers. “A musical hero.” Wall Street Journal

Iona

www.dougiemaclean.com

Date: Sunday 3 June, 8pm Tickets: £17.50



jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Date: Tuesday 29 May, 8pm Tickets: £25

MAY / JUN

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts

Like this? Try this: 22 May - Stage 2

Dave Koz Date: Friday 8 June, 8pm Tickets: £21.50

Stacey Kent sings from the soul, telling stories with her faultless phrasing and lucid, enchanting voice as she celebrates the release of her third album, Dreamer In Concert. This new live album follows the platinum-selling Grammy-nominated Breakfast On The Morning Tram (2007) and Raconte-Moi (2009). Stacey’s band features Jim Tomlinson (saxophone), Graham Harvey (piano), Jeremy Brown (bass) and Matt Skelton (drums). Stacey’s international touring schedule keeps her on the road for most of the year, making her rare appearance at The Stables an unmissable event. www.staceykent.com

The name Alan Price immediately summons up some of the most memorable sounds in the last 40 years, from The Animals’ House Of The Rising Sun to Simon Smith And His Amazing Dancing Bear to his many hits with Georgie Fame, including Rosetta. His induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994 was testimony to his achievements in the music industry and sits well alongside his BAFTA award for the soundtrack of the highly acclaimed film O Lucky Man. In 2012 Alan celebrates his 70th birthday and has lots of projects on the go to keep him out of retirement! www.alanprice.absoluteelsewhere.net

Liz Fletcher Band Like this? Try this: 3 April

Georgie Fame Like this? Try this: 17 May

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

From the beginning, Iona’s aim has been to write spiritual, atmospheric music that stirs the emotions, weaving complex patterns echoing the intricate knotwork of Celtic art. Often inspired by the great figures of the Celtic Golden Age such as Columba, Aidan, Brendan and Patrick, Iona’s music is as timeless as the message that reaches out to us across the centuries. Combining rock, folk, progressive, ethnic and ambient elements with the crystalline voice of Joanne Hogg, Iona create a blaze of colours and textures, all the sounds fusing into a heartfelt, beautiful cry. “... Rarely has the new age Celtic thing been given so many welcome twists, or played with such conviction.” Q Magazine

www.iona.uk.com

Stackridge

Like this? Try this: 3 May

Seven times Grammy nominated saxman Dave Koz was recently immortalised with a star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk Of Fame. One of the biggest names on the US smooth jazz circuit, he’s making a return visit to The Stables where he’ll be playing his biggest hits, plus some tracks from his latest Grammy-nominated album Hello Tomorrow, which was the Best Jazz Album of 2011 according to Billboard magazine. Dave will be accompanied by Brian Simpson on keyboards, Simply Red’s Mark Jaimes on guitar, Marc Parnell on drums and Frank Felix (formerly Acoustic Alchemy) on bass. www.davekoz.com

Brian Culbertson

Like this? Try this: 4 May

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

23

JUNE

Bernie Marsden & His Box O’ Snakes

Date: Saturday 16 June, 8pm  Tickets: £18

Date: Saturday 23 June, 8pm Tickets: £19.50

The Grand Slambovians are the 4-piece version of Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and they tap into a broad palette of styles, ranging from dusty Americana ballads to huge cinematic anthems. Possessing an exotic instrumental arsenal consisting of glockenspiel, theremin, mandolin and accordion in addition to the standard rock paraphenalia, they are known for their electrifying live performances and a down-to-earth connection to audiences, delivering a quirky, good-humoured live set that has built a large and loyal fan following on the festival circuit and beyond. www.slambovia.com

Mercury have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to the legend that is Freddie Mercury and Queen. With the extraordinary vocal range and outstanding delivery of Joseph Lee Jackson as Freddie Mercury and the intricate guitar work of Glenn Scrimshaw as Brian May, backed by superbly crafted harmonies and a driving rhythm section, their 10th anniversary tour will include fantastic performances of the most popular Queen hits as well as tracks from the band’s back catalogue never previously performed live by Mercury. www.mercuryqueentribute.co.uk

Enjoy an evening of stories, a little blues, some acoustic music and a finale of classic rock from the man in the centre of it all. In the last year Bernie has appeared with the great Joe Bonamassa and John Mayall and even joined Motorhead on stage before his momentous reunion with David Coverdale and Whitesnake in June 2011! 2012 sees Bernie into his 40th year as a touring professional with a fine band including guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick and – for the finale – an as-yet-unnamed lead singer to end the evening in pure rock style. This is a night to put in your diary, don’t miss out. www.berniemarsden.co.uk

Date: Sunday 10 June, 8pm  Tickets: £19.50, £21.50

If you love big bands this show is a must for you. The repertoire is as refreshing today as it was in 1938, and Pete Long and the All-Star Goodmen Orchestra bring it alive with their outstanding musicianship. In keeping with the original concert Pete uses Benny Goodman’s favoured clarinet reeds and drummer Richard Pite plays an exact replica of Gene Krupa’s kit using Gene’s actual cymbals and brushes. The entire repertoire from the 1938 concert is featured, including Don’t Be That Way, Sing Sing Sing, I Got Rhythm, If Dreams Come True and Springtime in the Rockies. www.masterspiece.eu

The History of the Big bands

Like this? Try this: with Andy Abraham 22 June

Date: Tuesday 12 June, 8pm  Tickets: £15

Acclaimed singer Bella Hardy – three times nominated in the BBC Folk Awards – has a voice that’s as mesmerising as it is faultless. She launched her debut solo album Night Visiting in 2007 to overwhelming critical support and has established herself as one of the finest young folk acts around, singing unaccompanied ballads or entwining her hypnotic voice with her own fiddle accompaniment to breathtaking effect. Songs Lost & Stolen is Bella’s third album release, a stunning and ambitious step forward from a unique and fascinating songwriter. “…Seductive and original.” The Telegraph

www.bellahardy.com

The Zombies

Like this? Try this: 15 May

The Sounds Of The Supremes

Bella Hardy

24

Mercury

Date: Wednesday 13 June, 8pm  Tickets: £16.50

Date: Thursday 14 June, 8pm  Tickets: £23.50

The Supremes’ music exemplified that great Motown sound, and The Sounds of the Supremes, led by Kaaren Ragland (a former member of original Supreme Mary Wilson’s 70s/80s group) deliver a non-stop bravura performance of immense vitality, recreating perfectly the style and sound of the original lineup. These singers deliver a fantastic vocal blend of re-worked Motown classics, stylish choreography and unrivaled glamour with chart-topping hits You Keep Me Hanging On, Stop In The Name Of Love, Reflections, You Can’t Hurry Love, Baby Love and many more. www.soundsofthesupremes.com

Gilmore Roberts

Like this? Try this: 19 April - Stage 2



The Northern Soul Tour

Like this? Try this: 26 May

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day



T-Rextasy

Like this? Try this: 28 April

Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands Date: Friday 22 June, 8pm Tickets: £23.50, £25

The History Of The Big Bands features a 13 piece big band and vocals from the incredible Andy Abraham. Audiences will be transported on a magical musical journey revisiting the very best of the swing era. The History Of The Big Bands promises an outstanding evening of high energy virtuoso musicianship and wonderful songs. A fantastic show, it’s sure to appeal to every big band fan and more. X Factor star Andy Abraham has sold in excess of half a million records with 3 albums, 3 UK-wide tours and a recent stint on stage in London’s West End. www.historyofthebigbands.com

Benny Goodman’s Carnegie Concert

Like this? Try this: 10 June



Jack Bruce

Like this? Try this: 18 & 19 March

jim marshall auditorium

jim marshall auditorium

Goodmen Orchestra with Joan Viskant

The Grand Slambovians

JUNE

Benny Goodman’s 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert: Pete Long’s All-star

A Celebration of Kathleen Ferrier Date: Friday 29 June 8pm  Tickets: £14, £16

Diana Moore has put together a programme celebrating Kathleen Ferrier’s life through her letters, diaries and the personal accounts of those who knew her well, and by performing some of the music that was associated with her as her personal tribute. The Kathleen Ferrier Society has also given Diana access to its archive photo collection, some of which will accompany the evening’s performance. 2012 marks the centenary of Ferrier’s birth and Diana is proud that the Kathleen Ferrier Society have endorsed her programme to represent them during the anniversary year. www.dianamoore.co.uk Elena Duran

Like this? Try this: 19 July

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

25

march

2 STAGE

2

Stage

Stage 2 is The Stables’ second performance space – intimate, relaxed and informal. The ideal place to catch a star of tomorrow on their way up, or see the stars of today experiment with new material. So come and hear the latest new music and comedy, relax and enjoy a drink with friends! You’ll always find something to delight and intrigue you in Stage 2, whatever your tastes.

pg 27-36

2

...and check out our café-bar Café in If you are looking for a restaurant for a pre-show meal, then look no further. Café in2 has a reputation for top quality food and tasty dishes at a reasonable price. What’s more, it has friendly, helpful staff and the perfect atmosphere, making it ideal for a pre-concert meal. Café in2 is open from 6pm on concert nights. Such has been the success of Café in2 that it is very often fully booked, so to be sure of a table we recommend that you make your reservation well in advance. For more information and the current menu visit www.stables.org and click on the link to Café in2. To reserve a table please call the Café in2 booking line on 01908 280832 or email [email protected]

26

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Tir na nOg

Lynne Hanson

Date: Saturday 3 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Friday 9 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Tir na nOg, the cult duo formed by Leo O’Kelly and Sonny Condell, caused a sensation both on the folk and rock scenes with their music - often described as psychedelic folk - being championed by John Peel, resulting in many Peel sessions in the early 70s. They toured Britain and Europe with Jethro Tull and Procol Harum, gathering followers from their appearances with bands as disparate as Hawkwind, The Who, Fairport Convention and Roxy Music. They have remained a cult band since leaving their record company, Chrysalis, in 1974. www.tirnanog-progfolk.com

Stackridge

Like this? Try this: 3 May

Janet Seidel Trio Date: Tuesday 6 March, 8pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door Janet Seidel – Australia’s first lady of jazz singing – and her trio combine old and new material to showcase the elegant, nonchalant approach which has made Janet’s recorded work so identifiable. The repertoire spans jazz standards and pop songs of the past, French chanson and Latin American influences. Along with Janet’s renowned vocal style and piano accompaniment, listeners can also enjoy the talents of guitarist Chuck Morgan and David Seidel on double bass. “With her intimate style, great feel for the lyrics of songs she sings, Seidel is one of those vocalists who is as much a story teller as she is a singer.” All About Jazz

www.janetseidel.com

Stacey Kent

Like this? Try this: 30 May

Some call it country, some call it roots-and-blues, others call it rough-around-the-edges folk. Lynne Hanson calls her musical style “porch music with a little Texas red dirt” and it’s a sound that’s received rabid applause from enamoured critics and devoted fans the world over. Blessed with a soulful voice that’s compared to Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Hanson is one of the most captivating female singer-songwriters on the Americana scene today, a happy-go-lucky storyteller with the gift of the gab and a wink in her eye. www.lynnehanson.com

Gretchen Peters

Like this? Try this: 4 April

The Steve Gifford Band Date: Saturday 10 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £12

Steve Gifford has seen a meteoric rise in his popularity and public recognition, appealing to a growing acoustic audience who enjoy self-styled individual songwriters. His writing crosses over several genres such as Americana, folk rock and country. These days Steve tours with bass guitarist Ian Catchpole and Simon Ambrose on drums. The band formed in 2008 shortly after the album launch of the 3rd album Boy On A Beach, which reached number 22 in the Euro Americana charts. Steve’s fourth album Ungodly Hour was released in February 2010. www.myspace.com/stevegiffordmusic

Richard Digance

Like this? Try this: 2 May

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

27

march

2 STAGE

Presenting the comedy stars of tomorrow today! Tonight compere Andrew Bird introduces rising star Helen Arney and headliner Michael Fabbri. Lineup may be subject to change. May contain strong language and adult material.

Matt Andersen’s sprawling blues, roots and rock, soulful voice and astonishing guitar-playing has sparked a phenomenal buzz that won’t be contained any longer! Along with a busy touring schedule as a headliner at major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout the USA and the UK, Matt has also shared the stage with Randy Bachman, the late Bo Diddley, Little Feat and a host of others. He’s just finished his fourth UK tour with airplay on the BBC and in prominent blues publications. He won the 26th International Blues Challenge in January 2010.

Cafe in2 is open until 8pm with any orders being taken after 7.30pm being served in the foyer. After 8pm light snacks will be available from the bar.

Like this? Try this:



Screaming Blue Murder 11 April

“Larger-than-life showmanship with fantastic acoustic blues, roots & rock fretwork & soulful vocals.” The Independent

Jennifer Crook

www.stubbyfingers.ca

Date: Saturday 17 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door



Buddy Whittington

Like this? Try this: 14 May

Randolph Matthews & Byron Johnston Date: Tuesday 27 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Randolph and Byron perform lively, highly creative contemporary world music – a fusion of Spanish acoustic guitar and African soul. Randolph’s vocal style blends soul, folk music and elements of neo-African styles, with vocal percussion woven between touching melodies. Acclaimed guitarist Byron Johnston performs a fusion of Mediterranean & flamenco-influenced music. They have received glowing reviews for their performances at The Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Royal Albert Hall. 2011 saw them release their debut album, In The Shadow Of Leaves. www.randolphandbyronmusic.com Sandeep Raval

Patsy Matheson & Becky Mills

Like this? Try this: 29 March

Date: Friday 23 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Ben Poole Date: Wednesday 28 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

With her captivating vocals and sublime harp and guitar playing, Jennifer Crook’s blend of contemporary folk, pop and Americana is beautiful and delightfully difficult to pigeonhole. She was initially acclaimed as an outstanding harp player and has performed with many artists (including a major tour recently with Snow Patrol). She is currently touring her new album Merry-Go-Round, which she recorded with Boo Hewerdine. Its vivid storytelling, beautiful imagery and infectious melodies have earned her excellent reviews and a session on Radio 2 with Bob Harris.

28

One half of award-winning female acoustic quartet Waking the Witch, Patsy Matheson and Becky Mills delight audiences throughout the UK – Patsy as half of a duo with Clive Gregson and Becky singing alongside Ken Nicol and Ashley Hutchins. Now, with the release of Patsy’s album Stories Of Angels & Guitars, these two world-class musicians have joined forces, resulting in a unique sound drawing on traditional and contemporary folk, acoustic blues, jazz and rock with intricate vocal harmonies. Combine this with the pair’s engaging charm and humour and this will be a very special evening.

“A talent with a white light future.” Musician

“Expert musicianship and compelling interchanging lead vocals.” Maverick Magazine

www.jennifercrook.com

www.patsymatheson.co.uk

Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams Like this? Try this: 8 May



Judie Tzuke

Like this? Try this: 30 March

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

M1 Music Night: Nicky Prince Date: Friday 30 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Vocally inspired by artists like Gladys Knight, Nina Simone and Al Green, Nicky’s raw soulful vocals and jazz-funk sound recently went down a storm at top London venues The Jazz Cafe, The Pigalle and The Cobden Club when promoting her 5-track EP See What You Mean. She has supported Roy Ayres & Nate James and also Courtney Pine and The Three Degrees at The Stables as well as her own sell-out show there in 2009. Her songs and performance show the hardcore emotion and passion that flow through her veins. This always leaves her audiences coming back for more! www.nickyprince.co.uk

2

Date: Wednesday 21 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

STAGE

Matt Andersen

Date: Wednesday 14 March, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

march

Screaming Blue Murder

The Northern Soul Tour

Like this? Try this: 26 May

Acknowledgements The Stables would like to give a special thanks to the following for their valuable support: Arts Council of England, McCann Homes Ltd, Dame Cleo Laine, Foundation for Sport & The Arts, Jim Marshall, Sir John Dankworth, Mancini Institute, Milton Keynes Arts Association, The Wavendon Foundation, The PRS For Music Foundation.

Nominated for two awards at the 2011 British Blues Awards, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Ben Poole is at the forefront of the current UK blues-rock movement, a name that will go from strength to strength in 2012. Europe’s best selling guitar magazine Total Guitar named Ben as the guitarist to watch out for and his live performances are not to be missed. Currently working on his debut studio album due for release in early 2012, he will be showcasing both new material from the album and also old favourites on his spring 2012 UK tour. www.benpooleband.com

Virgil & The Accelerators

Like this? Try this: 3 April

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

29

mar / apr

2

Tom Toomey

Gilmore Roberts

Date: Saturday 7 April, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Saturday 14 April, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Thursday 19 April, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

“Fletcher has heart, sensitivity and subtle control... Reminiscent of the celebrated Annie Ross.” John Fordham, The Guardian.

www.lizfletcher.com

Stacey Kent

Like this? Try this: 30 May

Tinderbox Date: Friday 6 April, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Slide guitar, harmonica, African blues guitar stylings and soul vocals all feature in the fresh and vibrant roots sound of Robin Auld. An award-winning artist with an international CV spanning twenty albums, he is a powerful and accomplished performer whose energy has uplifted audiences all over the world. His latest album, Fingers In My Pocket, is a collection of roots and blues songs. African influences are never far away, with a reggae song and even a Cape goema tune to pepper the mix! www.robinauld.co.za Randolph Matthews

Like this? Try this: & Byron Johnston

27 March

Experience inspirational, original music from Tom Toomey (The Zombies and The Colin Blunstone Band) and his 6-piece band, featuring Simon Swarbrick on violin and Cuban pianist Milly Riquelme alongside a host of other talent. Six highly experienced musicians with a formidable track record of professional performance play a fluid combination of different genres – world, celtic, blues, jazz, rock, roots, folk and fusion, with Cuban, African, Eastern, French & Spanish influences. “The audience couldn’t believe they were watching something so remarkable at a small town arts festival.” BBC Review

www.tomtoomey.com The Portraits

Like this? Try this: 5 May

Chamber Date: Wednesday 18 April, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Screaming Blue Murder

BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award nominees Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts combine astounding lap-tapping guitar, fiery fiddle and their trademark harmonies with considerable songwriting talent to make a truly distinctive sound. The duo’s 2010 second album, Up From The Deep, scored them a Best Original Song Hancock Award. Aside from their work together, Katriona (ex-Tiny Tin Lady and Rosie Doonan’s Snapdragons) recently joined the newly reformed Albion Band, while Jamie has played with young English traditionalists Kerfuffle since 2007. www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk

2

Tonight the band perform songs from top jazz singer Liz’s self-titled new album, which mixes self-penned tunes and reworked standards, some popular and some lesser known. The album is of an autobiographical nature and whilst the journey is personal, it taps into those timeless emotions familiar to most. Joining Liz will be Andy Panayi on sax and flute, Geoff Gascoyne on bass (both of whom have written arrangements on the album), Gunther Kurmayr on piano and Sebastiaan De Krom on drums.

STAGE

STAGE

Robin Auld

Date: Tuesday 3 April, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

APRIL

The Liz Fletcher Band

Bella Hardy

Like this? Try this: 12 June

Jinder with Paul Goodwin & Annie Dressner Date: Saturday 21 April, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Wednesday 11 April, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Tinderbox are an acoustic duo featuring Dublin-born Monique Houraghan, with a distinctive honey-like vocal, and Dan Tucker, with an intricate finger-style guitar technique. In 2010 Tinderbox returned from a hugely successful tour of the USA and went on to win an award for Best European Group in Caceres, Spain. With 3 albums already under their belt Tinderbox are now on tour to promote their fourth album Counting Time. The last time Tinderbox performed at The Stables they sold out, so make sure you book your tickets fast! “Lovely, hooky and mellow.” Acoustic Magazine

www.tinderboxacoustic.com

30

Paper Aeroplanes

Like this? Try this: 30 May

Presenting the comedy stars of tomorrow today! Tonight compere Karen Bayley introduces rising star Mark Felgate and headliner Nick Wilty. Lineup may be subject to change. May contain strong language and adult material. Cafe in2 is open until 8pm with any orders being taken after 7.30pm being served in the foyer. After 8pm light snacks will be available from the bar.

Like this? Try this:



Screaming Blue Murder 16 May

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Chamber is a new acoustic project by guitarist/composer Nick Tyson. Featuring members of The Leisure Society, Gilad Atzmon’s Orient House Ensemble, Gentleman’s Dub Club and If Destroyed Still True, this eclectic line-up is moulded by Tyson’s writing, creating captivating, thoughtful music. Exploring influences from classical chamber, folk and middle eastern traditions, the music combines to create an exciting new voice for British jazz. Chamber has received a PRSF New Works award and is commissioned by the influential London based F-IRE Collective. www.chamberproject.com

Phronesis

Like this? Try this: 14 May

Jinder is a travelling songwriter and storyteller, as much loved for his prolific, soulful songwriting as for his piquant, hilarious anecdotes. His eighth album Crumbs Of Comfort is released on 2nd April 2012. Paul Goodwin is a sensational artist who could aptly be described as the musical lovechild of Leonard Cohen and Ian Dury. His new album Trinkets & Offcuts is out now. Annie Dressner’s stunning debut Strangers Who Knew Each Other’s Names - a work of majestic loneliness – occupies the glorious middle ground between Devon Sproule and Elliott Smith. www.jinder.co.uk www.paulgoodwin.com www.anniedressner.com

Boo Hewerdine & Brooks Williams

Like this? Try this: 8 May

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

31

APRIL

2

Date: Thursday 26 April, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

The Portraits

Date: Saturday 28 April, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Saturday 5 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

www.myspace.com/laishmusic

Folk rebels Mawkin – fresh off the back of the three-times BBC Folk Award-nominated collaboration Mawkin:Causley – are forging a bold new sound that strengthens their instrumental roots and embraces new explorations into the traditional folk canon. Expect the mesmerisng guitar playing of David Delarre and the beats of percussionist Lee Richardson underpinning richly textured bass lines from Danny Crump. Add a host of wild melodies from the frenetic fiddling fingers of James Delarre interplaying with the virtuosic bellowing of Nick Cooke’s melodeon and you have Mawkin. www.mawkin.co.uk

Neil Innes Like this? Try this: 23 May

Sam Sweeney & Hannah James Like this? Try this: 22 June

“Beguiling songs of love and fasting.” Mojo Magazine

The Portraits are Lorraine (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Jeremy (piano, vocals) Millington and their fabulous band. Their simple observations of life from the perspective of those that have loved, lost, travelled, had children and laughed about it all, make for a cosy brand of acoustic pop with beautiful harmonies and folk and world music tinges. The duo’s last CD, The Blushing Of A World In White, was released to rave reviews, and The Portraits are using the album to promote awareness of the situation in Burma, raising funds through CD sales for an amazing school there. “Overflowing with promise and passion.” Daily Vault

www.theportraits.info

Paper Aeroplanes

Like this? Try this: 30 May

The Martin Harley Band Supported by Kola

Date: Wednesday 9 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

2

Laish are a playful, literate, folk-infused pop band, formed from the prolific songwriting, unique voice and intricate guitar work of Daniel Green. Fiercely independent and working with the Willkommen Records label (home to The Leisure Society and Sons of Noel and Adrian), they are an accomplished live act gaining a reputation for their warm and inspiring performances. Their music is thoughtful, intense and uplifting with a turn in lyrical wit and honesty. The Laish sound falls somewhere between the darkness of Low and the wit and joy of Herman Dune.

Mawkin

STAGE

STAGE

Supported by Emma Gatrill

APR / MAY

Laish

With balalaika, electric lap steel guitar, double bass and three part harmonies this multi-instrumental band set themselves apart from the norm. Their British Americana sound, influenced by delta blues and gypsy swing, has produced a style of songwriting that feels as comfortable as an old pair of shoes you just can’t throw away. Performances at Glastonbury’s Acoustic and Avalon stages cemented their popularity on the acoustic scene and built them a strong fan base. Drumrolls For Somersaults, the band’s third album, reached number one in the Itunes UK blues chart last year. “Their latest album is a mature and intelligent masterpiece of Americana roots music.” Maverick Magazine

M1 Music Night: Dan Raza

Cole Stacey

Busnoys

Date: Friday 27 April, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Friday 4 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Tuesday 8 May, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

www.martinharleyband.com

The Grand Slambovians

Like this? Try this: 13 June

Screaming Blue Murder Date: Wednesday 16 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Dan has established a considerable reputation on the UK singer-songwriter scene for the strong emotional impact of his live performances. His distinctive approach has led to his supporting Joan Armatrading, Mary Gauthier, Badly Drawn Boy and Slaid Cleaves at concerts worldwide. From the yearning sweep of 40 Miles to the vibrant energy of Cool Dark Night and No-One Shed A Tear, the intense originality of his songwriting is balanced by strong and varied musical textures. There is no doubt he has a lot of promise, and his self-titled first album provides the first clue as to what he might do with it. “Incredible... A wonderful songwriter.” Mary Gauthier

www.danraza.com

32

Joan Armatrading

Like this? Try this: 27 May

Described by Steve Knightley (Show Of Hands) as an impassioned and ambitious young songwriter, Cole Stacey is a singer-songwriter whose rapidly growing reputation has led to continued airplay on BBC radio, sell-out shows opening for Hayseed Dixie, Cara Dillon and Martin Simpson, headline shows nationwide and appearances at festivals including Bristol Folk Festival, Glastonbury and Sidmouth. In 2012 he is touring accompanied by exceptional violinist & multi-instrumentalist Joseph O’Keefe, followed by a string of high-profile performances and festivals.

Named after a 15th century composer, Busnoys is very much a 21st century band. Fronted by vibraphonist Martin Pyne, the trio create a rich, evocative soundworld, full of freewheeling melodic interplay and evocative atmospheres, one moment groovy and swinging, another atmospheric and tender. Virtuosic bassist Jeff Spencer is the driving force behind the exciting Resonation Big Band while drummer Trevor Davies has long been very much in demand for his subtle touch and sensitivity.

“Quality acoustic music.” Acoustic Magazine

“Busnoys offer an intelligent, imaginative combination of vibes, bass guitar and drums… This is a genuinely contemporary record that should appeal to new as well as established jazz fans.” Jazz UK.

www.colestacey.net

www.myspace.com/busnoys



Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts

Like this? Try this: 22 May

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day



Phronesis

Like this? Try this: 14 May

Presenting the comedy stars of tomorrow today! Tonight compere Andrew Bird introduces rising star Matthew Osborn and headliner Steve Best. Lineup may be subject to change. May contain strong language and adult material. Cafe in2 is open until 8pm with any orders being taken after 7.30pm being served in the foyer. After 8pm light snacks will be available from the bar.

Like this? Try this: Screaming Blue Murder 11 April

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

33

M1 Music Night: Navaro

Date: Saturday 19 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £8

Date: Friday 25 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

STAGE

Scott Matthews Band

Phronesis excite, inspire and move people in a way that few jazz bands are able to do. Since the release of their second album Green Delay in 2009, Phronesis, led by Danish double-bassist Jasper Høiby, have captured the hearts and minds of British audiences and developed a fierce reputation as one of the most formidable trios in the UK, nominated for Best Jazz Act in the prestigious 2010 MOBO awards alongside Brad Mehldau and John McLaughlin. Høiby’s compositions are anchored on powerful, melodic and often hypnotic bass grooves, whilst pianist Ivo Neame’s continually unfolding melodic lines and drummer Anton Eger’s astonishingly accomplished rhythmic textures combine to create a vibrant distinctive sound.

Like this? Try this: 18 April

Mairi Morrison & Alasdair Roberts: Urstan

Busnoys Like this? Try this: 8 May

JAZZ NIGHT SPECIAL Get the pizza or pasta of your choice with salad from the buffet table and a glass of wine, bottled beer or draught soft drink for just £12 per person. Vegetarian options available. Served in Café in2. Slices of pizza and other snacks also available across the bar. Go to www.stables.org for menu details.

34

www.navaromusic.com Dan Raza Like this? Try this: 27 May

Tim Edey & Brendan Power Date: Saturday 26 May, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Date: Tuesday 22 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

“...the most electrifying experience to be had in British jazz.” The Telegraph

www.jasperhoiby.com

“…a lush fusion of beautiful lyrical capacity, stunning musicianship and melodic vocals.” Maverick magazine

A unique collaboration between Gaelic singer Mairi Morrison and Scottish folk singer-songwriter Alasdair Roberts, Urstan features traditional Gaelic songs (with a few Scots songs and self-written tracks too) arranged in new ways. The Scottish Gaelic tradition is incredibly rich – each area has its own repertoire of songs. Mairi Morrison represents the traditions of Bragar on the Isle of Lewis, culturally one of the richest of all the Gaelic-speaking parts of Scotland. Alasdair Roberts is a non-Gaelic speaking Lowlander, a folk singer and writer of songs who has a growing interest in Gaelic culture. www.alasdairroberts.com Dougie MacLean Like this? Try this: 7 June

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Tim Edey is one of the finest players on the Celtic music scene, a virtuoso on acoustic guitar and button accordion, touring and recording with Sharon Shannon, Mary Black, Altan and Capercaillie. Brendan Power is one of the most creative harmonica players around, recording with Kate Bush, Sting and Van Morrison. He sings, composes original songs, and throws in some nifty beatboxing too. The duo’s blend of passion and virtuosity is infectious. They love to improvise, so every time they do a piece it’s different and fresh, with a sheer mad spontaneity which captures audiences everywhere! “It’s folk Jim, but not as we know it!” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2

www.timedey.co.uk www.brendan-power.com Jamie Smith’s Mabon Like this? Try this: 6 March

Supported by Jess Morgan

Date: Wednesday 30 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Paper Aeroplanes are an acoustic folk-pop outfit led by guitarist Richard Llewellyn and dulcet-toned singer Sarah Howells. The pair have released two critically acclaimed albums, toured extensively around the UK and Europe, made the Radio 2 and Radio Wales playlists and recorded a live session with Bob Harris. Their well-crafted songs call to mind classic artists like Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and Suzanne Vega, but Sarah’s extraordinary voice occupies a territory all of its own. Come fly with them.

2

Ethan Ash released his debut EP at the beginning of 2010 and soon found himself supporting Seth Lakeman and Nick Harper on the live circuit. That same year, he was invited to play a headline show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and performed at The Secret Garden Party. The debut single from his new No Early Nights EP was chosen as iTunes Single of the Week. Tipped as one to watch by Acoustic Magazine and with ongoing support from BBC Introducing, Ethan is an exciting new talent who played The Secret Garden Party Main Stage, Cambridge Folk Festival, Bestival and Guilfest last summer. www.myspace.com/ethanashmusic

The defining characteristic of Navaro is the harmony blend. All three singers take on lead vocal duties and draw on different traditions for their influences and yet there is a clear identity to the resulting sound. The band acknowledge their admiration for Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and many artists who made up the golden age of folk singer/songwriters. The artist’s job was to serve the song and consequently we are left with the classic albums that Navaro and the rest of the world love so much. It is this ethos that underpins Navaro’s work together.

The Paper Aeroplanes

STAGE

2

Date: Monday 14 May, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Ethan Ash

MAY

MAY

Phronesis

“Intimate, jaunty and confident lo-key pop with great melody.” The Guardian

www.paperaeroplanesmusic.com

The Portraits

Like this? Try this: 5 May

Andy Zaltzman: Armchair Revolutionary Date: Friday 1 June, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door The disenfranchised masses of the world have risen against oppression, teamed up with technology, and fought for freedom. In a joke-packed show encompassing revolutions, economic idiocy, political and social upheaval at home and around the globe, a well-crafted Edith Piaf gag and some puns about dogs, Zaltzman taps his British coffee table in approval, and wonders if he’d have the cast-iron cojones to do likewise. Andy co-stars alongside John Oliver of hit podcast The Bugle, is a regular on BBC 5Live’s 7 Day Sunday and a sporadic guest on Radio 4 and is ESPNCricinfo.com’s leading cricket satirist. “Political comedy at its best.” Sunday Times

www.avalonuk.com/artists/view/7 Mark Watson

Like this? Try this: 22 September

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

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JUNE

Date: Friday 22 June, 8.45pm Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

UKEandSing – using ukulele and song with children’s groups

Ukulele Workshop – Beginners Part 2

Date: Saturdays 3, 10, 17 & 24 March 2012 10.30am-12 noon Tickets: Course fee £45 for 4 sessions

Date: Saturday 17 March 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £32

Adult/15+ Workshop

Adult/Age 15+ Workshop

STAGE

2

Date: Friday 8 June, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney

Blues and soul star Dani Wilde is back with her new exciting record Juice Me Up. After 200 dates worldwide in 2011, the British vocalist and guitar slinger returns to the UK for a special Live & Unplugged tour. With a voice that has been compared to Joss Stone and Susan Tedeschi, Stuart Dixon (Geno Washington/Marcus Malone) sharing acoustic guitar duties and – as always – Will Wilde on blues harp and percussion, she is in great company. An intimate evening of tingling soul tunes and foot-stomping blues that’ll get you singing along. In her own words “Come on down ‘cause we’re gonna have ourselves a blues party!” www.daniwilde.com The Oli Brown Band

Like this? Try this: 25 April

Date: Tuesday 12 June, 8.45pm  Tickets: £10 in advance, £12 on the door

See them live and the stage set up will have you convinced you’ve stumbled into a Soho jazz club; wait for the band to get on stage and the hair and clothes say “indie”. Whatever you think you’re about to hear, the reality will be very different. What follows is an intricately arranged, expertly delivered cocktail of jazz, swing, samba, pop and experimental indie/rock, plucked from an infinite repertoire, from MGMT and Katy Perry to Motorhead and Calvin Harris. Sets are packed with sensational solos, multi-layered vocals and sax harmonies looped live on stage. “If anyone can take jazz into a new era and appeal to the next generation, it’s The Paris 1940s.” Julian Marc Stringle

www.theparis1940s.com Camille O’Sullivan

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Maddy Prior

Like this? Try this: 27 March

Hedna’s – The Vintage Nightclub

The Paris 1940s

Like this? Try this: 29 April

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney are one of the foremost duos performing English folk music today. 2012 sees the release of their highly anticipated second album State And Ancientry. They play predominantly English songs and tunes on accordion and fiddle and their live show includes Hannah’s renowned high-energy clog dancing. Hannah and Sam were half of four-piece band Kerfuffle and began performing as a duo in 2008. Their debut Catches & Glees was critically acclaimed and the following year they were nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2010. www.hannahandsam.co.uk

Date: Saturday 23 June, 8.45pm  Tickets: until 4 March £10, 5 March – 1 June £14.50, 2 June – 23 June £16

Wot Ho! If you enjoy the music of the 1930s and 40s then you’ll love an evening at Hedna’s, because for one night Hedna’s becomes your passport to an age of style, fashion, social dancing and vintage dance tunes, played in the setting they were meant to be heard. www.homefrontfriends.org.uk/hednas

Benny Goodman’s

Like this? Try this: Carnegie Concert 10 June

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

Suitable for anyone working in education, childcare workers, out of school club leaders, parents and grandparents who want to learn how to teach the ukulele and singing to children. Beginning with just one chord and various actions songs, clapping songs and musical games, you’ll build your confidence to lead a ukulele club or whole class ukulele and singing lesson. Learning will be aural and visual and you don’t need to be able to read music, but you will look at how to read chord boxes, tablature and how notation works. Participants need to bring a soprano ukulele.

Gitika’s Big Sing Adult/15+ Workshop

Date: Saturday 10 March 10am-4pm Tickets: Course fee £27 (students £14)

We are delighted to welcome back vocal animateur Gitika Partington for our annual Big Sing event. This one-day workshop will include an exciting mix of a cappella arrangements in a variety of musical styles. Suitable for beginners, community choirs and anyone interested in harmony singing. Gitika is a highly experienced workshop leader who has worked with all ages and abilities. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Learn and take part

An Audience with Dani Wilde: Live & Unplugged

The ukulele revival marches on! Steven Sproat returns with another workshop for aspiring ukulele players. Beginners Part 2 will take you further into the instrument, looking at strumming techniques, fingerpicking and learning new songs. Suitable for anyone who has already attended one of our beginners’ workshops or who has a little ukulele playing experience. Participants will need to bring a soprano ukulele. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Pre-concert Drum Circle workshop with Sandeep Raval Date: Thursday 29 March, 6-6.30pm Tickets: Free to ticket holders for 8pm concert (workshop must be booked with concert tickets)

Join Sandeep for a wonderful rhythmic introduction to tonight’s concert, as he guides you through a taste of world rhythms through the spirit of the drum circle! Instruments will be available but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own hand drum if you have one. Places are limited so early booking is advised. Suitable for beginners of all ages. For more details of tonight’s concert with Sandeep and his band see page 8.

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

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Learn and take part

Adult/age 15+ workshop

Date: Saturday 31 March 10am-3.30pm Tickets: Course fee £20 (£10 students)

Percussion Masterclass for Young Musicians Led by International Solo Percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie Date: Sunday 15 April 1pm-3pm (including break) Tickets: £6.50

What makes a band look good on stage? Is it just about pointing a few coloured lights and using flashy effects? What do the audience need to see and what’s important for the people on stage. How can you achieve a professional look? Suitable for anyone with an interest in the technical side of performance and how musicians look on stage, whether you’re in a band, a solo performer or you just want more backstage/technical experience. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Blues Guitar: Improvers Adult/15+ Workshop

Date: Saturday 14 April, 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £32

A unique opportunity to experience the expertise of international solo percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie as she shares her skills with us. Dame Evelyn is the first person to successfully create and maintain a career as a solo percussionist, with diverse collaborators including Sting, Bjork and Fred Frith. Dame Evelyn has been prominent in lobbying the Government to invest in music for young people, so we are delighted that this masterclass is aimed at inspiring young musicians. It will clearly be of interest to all who enjoy music. In partnership with Marching Youth Music (www.marchingbands.org.uk) and supporting Able Child Africa (www.ablechildafrica.org)

Harmonica Workshop: Improvers

Sing and Strum Part 2: Beyond the Basics

Introduction to Live Sound Engineering

Date: Saturdays 21 & 28 April, 5 & 12 May 10.30am – 12 noon Tickets: Course fee £42 for 4 sessions

Date: Saturday 12 May, 10am – 3pm Tickets: Course fee £32

Adult/15+ Workshop

Building on Sing & Strum Part 1, participants will explore new chords, strumming patterns, songs and harmonies. Judy Barker returns to guide you in developing the skills and confidence to enjoy making music with children. No need to be able to read music or to have even played before – all you need is enthusiasm and a guitar!

Spinadisc at The Stables

Adult/15+ Workshop

Adult/age 15+ Workshop

Learn and take part

Introduction To Concert Lighting

Are you an aspiring sound engineer? Or a musician who wants to understand how to use a PA to get a better sound at your gigs? This workshop offers a basic introduction to the world of Live Sound Engineering. The course will cover microphone types and placement, basic parts of a PA, how to use a mixing desk and how to use basic EQ. Suitable for complete beginners or for people who have gaps in their understanding of live sound. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Waves and Raves 2 Adult/15+ Workshop

Date: Saturday 19 May, 10am – 4pm Tickets: Course Fee £32 (or £57 when booked with Waves and Raves 1)

Date: Saturday 21 April, 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £32

Joff Watkins returns to take your blues guitar playing to the next level, beyond basic blues and minor pentatonic scales to really develop your improvising skills. The workshop will look at different rhythms used in blues guitar playing and more advanced blues chord sequences. Suitable for those who attended Blues Guitar Beginners Part 2, or who are confident in basic blues guitar techniques. An accomplished blues player, performer and teacher, Joff also runs our popular Blues Harmonica workshops. Participants will need to bring a 6-string acoustic guitar. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

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Spinadisc is a specialist music shop in The Stables’ foyer, selling CDs, DVDs, magazines and signed memorabilia. Previously-owned collectable CDS are also bought & sold. Genres covered include rock, pop, jazz, blues, folk, classical & alternative. Harmonica tutor Joff Watkins returns to The Stables with another installment in this popular workshop series. The Improvers’ Workshop is aimed at more advanced players, who know how to play tunes, chug & bend notes and who want to progress but maybe feel a bit stuck. With a focus on blues improvisation, students will choose other topics from a broad range. Participants will need to bring diatonic harmonicas in C and A. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Stables Education is now on Facebook

Contact 07956 581519 or email [email protected] Profits help support the music and education programmes at The Stables

PMC generously support The Stables by supplying equipment for the Mancini Forum, Stage 2 and Recording Studio

Aimed at those who have attended the Waves and Raves Course or who already have some experience of music technology, this follow-up course will introduce microphone technique, samplers, effects, processing, mixing and mastering. The course is based in our recording studio and led by John Bowman. Admission includes a resource pack and a copy of a CD that participants will create during the session. If you play an instrument, please bring it along for the afternoon recording session. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

39

Learn and take part

Young People’s Introduction to Jazz Improvisation

Blues Guitar Workshop – Beginners Part 1

Harmonica Workshop – Beginners Part 1

Date: Saturday 26 May, 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £36

Date: Wednesday 6 June 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £21

Date: Saturday 16 June, 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £32

Date: Saturday 30 June, 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £32

Adult/Age 15+ Workshop

Come and take part in the ukulele revival! This fun and accessible instrument is making a comeback for serious musicians and in education. Under the expert guidance of Steven Sproat, learn the history of the instrument, the basics of playing, how to accompany songs and some special ukulele techniques. Steven is a performer, teacher and author of ukulele books for adults and children. No prior experience necessary! Participants need to bring a soprano ukulele. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

become a friend

Age 12-18

John Bowman leads a fun day for young players who want to develop their listening and playing skills without the use of written music. The workshop is open to all instrumentalists age 12 and over. You need to be familiar with basic scales and arpeggios on your instrument. Please bring a packed lunch. Bursaries available – contact Stables Education department for details. [email protected]

Over 2U Date: Thursday 7 June, 8:45pm Stage 2 Tickets: £5 to non players & £2 to players

Adult/15+ Workshop

If you can play E7, A7 and B7, you are ready to learn the blues! In this very practical workshop, blues musician Joff Watkins demystifies V-IV-Is, turnarounds, shuffles and basic basslines, and introduces fundamental blues techniques such as finger picking, hammer-ons and pull-offs, using examples from classic blues recordings. Joff is an accomplished blues player who combines performing and teaching, including leading the highly popular blues harmonica workshops here at The Stables. Participants need to bring a 6-string acoustic guitar. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Ukulele Workshop – Beginners Part 2 Adult/Age15+ Workshop

Date: Saturday 23 June, 10am-3pm Tickets: Course fee £36

Adult/15+ Workshop

Learn and take part

Ukulele Workshop – Beginners Part 1

Have you ever thought about taking up the harmonica? Harmonica tutor Joff Watkins returns to The Stables for another session of this popular one-day workshop. The Beginners Part 1 workshop will cover the basics of tune-playing, chord-playing and blues improvisation and is suitable for all interested participants. No prior experience necessary! Participants will need to bring a 10-hole harmonica in C. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Other ways you can support our work The success of our music and education programme depends on the generous support of many individuals and organisations. • Become a Friend of The Stables – benefits include priority booking and ticket discounts.

From just £20

a year…

Get some great benefits including priority booking, discounted tickets and the What’s On Brochure 4 times a year! Becoming a Friend also plays a vital role in the funding of The Stables’ live music, entertainment and education activities. Join online at www.stables.org/support_us/Friends or call 01908 280800 for further information.

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• Name A Seat – your chosen name on a seat in the auditorium.

An exciting opportunity to show off your new or hidden talents. Have you ever completed one of The Stables’ educational events, like the ukulele, harmonica or song writing workshops or have you worked hard for six weeks on the Ceilidh or Rock Experience? Well now is the time to use those talents and get the experience of the Over 2U open mike night. It’s a safe environment with lots of other people with similar talents and experience, supporting each other through possibly their first stage appearance. You will not have a better opportunity to take that first step.

Steven Sproat returns with another popular workshop for ukulele players. Beginners Part 2 will take you further into the instrument, looking at strumming techniques, finger-picking and learning new songs. This workshop will feature all new songs and be suitable for anyone who has previously attended a Part 2 workshop but is looking for a refresher, as well as anyone who has already attended a Beginners Part 1 workshop or who has some ukulele playing experience. This will be the last workshop with Steven for a while as he focuses on performing and other projects, so don’t miss out. Participants need to bring a soprano ukulele. Tea/coffee provided. Snack bar open at lunchtime.

Stables Education is now on Facebook

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

• Leave a gift in your will to help nurture the next generation of musicians. • Join our group of volunteers and become a Stablemate. • Purchase Gift Vouchers which can be exchanged for tickets at The Stables.

F or further information please call 01908 280816 or email [email protected]

www.stables.org 41

Learn and take part

Adult/15+ Course

Date: Sundays 10, 17, 24 June, 1 & 8 July, 10am-1pm Final performance Sunday 15 July, 1pm-11pm Tickets: Course fee £80 (£55 concessions)

The Rock Experience Concert Date: Sunday 15 July, 7.30pm Tickets: £6

JAZZ MATTERS

Sir John Dankworth

Date: Sunday 11 March, 15 April, 13 May 11.30am-1pm Tickets: £5 Spend a couple of hours discussing all things jazz in these informal gatherings in Stage 2 at The Stables. Founded by The Stables’ Life President, Sir John Dankworth, Jazz Matters is hosted by invited special guests. A great way for people of all ages to learn more about jazz and share musical experiences.

Learn and take part

The Rock Experience

LIVE JAZZ MATTERS For aspiring rock and pop musicians who would like the chance to play in a band, meet other musicians and learn from experienced tutors. Whether you are a back-bedroom guitarist, budding vocalist, or interested in forming a band of your own, The Rock Experience is a great opportunity to take the first steps. You’ll be coached by our tutors in rehearsal and performance skills, finishing on the final Sunday in a gig on The Stables stage. If you are in an existing or newly formed band and would like to take part, contact the Stables Education Department for more information at [email protected]

Date: Sunday 4 March, 29 April, 27 May 11:30am-1.45pm Tickets: £8 in advance, £9.50 on the door This concert will showcase local bands who have taken part in The Stables’ 2012 Rock Experience course. All performers have taken part in five weeks of workshops to develop their technique and rehearse material for their set.

Once a month Jazz Matters goes live in Stage 2 with music from invited artists, so come and enjoy some stunning live jazz on a Sunday morning.

Be in good company!

Welsh National Opera Present A Real Princess Date: Friday 6 July, 1pm Pre-schools performance Tickets: £3.50 (accompanying teachers free of charge)

When you need to make an impression, you can be sure The Stables will help you deliver the right one! Our dedicated Development Team will work closely with you to ensure your bespoke event runs as smoothly as possible. Conferences, Events & Training – Our expertise is firmly rooted in event management enabling us to stage anything from a whole-day event for a senior level conference, staff seminars, and training forums to themed and entertaining events. Corporate Hospitality – Live entertainment is still very much the heart and soul of The Stables. Its unique nature has attracted audiences and performers back, time after time. The perfect setting to entertain clients and staff alike. Sponsorship & Advertising – We offer Corporate Associate programmes, with a range of benefits for your company; Show Sponsorship and Corporate Branding opportunities.

Date: Saturday 7 July, 1pm Family performance Tickets: £6 An enchanting opera for young children under 5 telling the story of a Prince’s quest to marry a real Princess. Step into the museum, leave the real world behind you, and let the curators tell you an enchanting tale of love. A Real Princess is a magical and engaging opera for young children under the age of 5 and is based on the fairytale The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen. Bring your family and friends and join singers and musicians from the Chorus and Orchestra of Welsh National Opera as they bring this delightful tale to life.

For more information, please call 01908 280815 or email [email protected]

www.stables.org 42

Stables Education is now on Facebook

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

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The City’s own Professional Orchestra 2012-2013 Season

‘Young Musician’

at Milton Keynes Theatre A Patrons’ supported concert Sunday 18th March 2012 at 7.30pm An Overture chosen by the Patrons of the Orchestra Symphony no. 6, Op. 74, B minor ‘Pathétique’ Tchaikovsky Confession of Isobel Gowdie Macmillan Trombone Concerto, B flat major arr. Rimsky-Korsakov Principal Conductor:  Sian Edwards Soloist: Peter Moore, Trombone.  (BBC Young Musician of the Year 2008)

Ticket Prices: £32 £28 £23 £19 £14 £10 For tickets and more information please call

Box Office: 01908 558311 Milton Keynes Orchestra, 3 Theatre Walk, Milton Keynes MK9 3PX

www.mkco.org

‘A Little Night Music’ at Stantonbury Campus Theatre Saturday 21st April 2012 at 7.30pm I Giorni The Sacrifice from The Piano Piano Concerto no. 1, BWV1052, D minor Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Holberg Suite, Op. 40 Principal Conductor: Soloist:

Einaudi Nyman Bach Mozart Grieg

Sian Edwards Christopher Guild, Piano

All Tickets: £20

‘Serenade for Strings’ at Stantonbury Campus Theatre Saturday 12th May 2012 at 7.30pm Five Variants on Dives & Lazarus Vaughan Williams Danse Sacree et Profane Debussy Serenade for Strings, Op. 22, E major Dvorak Simple Symphony, Op. 4 Britten Principal Conductor: Soloist:

Sian Edwards Rhian Hanson, Harp

Single Ticket Prices: £32 £28 £23 £19 £14 £10

Gift Ideas

Other ways you can support our work The success of our music and education programme depends on the generous support of many individuals and organisations.

Footpath of Fame – your chosen name or text

engraved onto a brick and placed amongst many celebrities in our exclusive Footpath Name a Seat – a seat in the auditorium with your chosen name on it Gift Vouchers – treat someone to a great night of entertainment Your support helps us to continue providing music and music-making opportunities for children and adults alike. For more information contact the Box Office on 01908 280815 or email [email protected]

www.stables.org 44

Treat someone special – gift vouchers are available from the Box Office

• Become a Friend of The Stables – benefits include priority booking and ticket discounts. • Name A Seat – your chosen name on a seat in the auditorium. • Leave a gift in your will to help nurture the next generation of musicians. • Join our group of volunteers and become a Stablemate. • Purchase Gift Vouchers which can be exchanged for tickets at The Stables.

For further information please call 01908 280800 or email [email protected]

www.stables.org

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

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information

Booking information

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Directions

Seating plan

The Stables is situated in a beautiful rural setting in the south east of Milton Keynes in the village of Wavendon, only a short drive from the Centre:MK. A5

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Fri 26 Lee Hurst 

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Call the box office on 01908 280800 46

Tue 30 Wishbone Ash 

www.stables.org

Buy any time – book your tickets online 24 hours a day

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DATA PROTECTION: From time to time we may contact you with information about our events and PROSCENIUM events at other arts venues. Please let Box STAGE Office know if you do not wish to receive such information. DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this diary is correct at the time of printing. However, THRUST STAGE The Stables reserves the right to make alterations if necessary. Some of our programming has the benefit of supporting artists and we may not always be able to bill them. CA with ACCESS: The Stables welcomes people disabilities. The auditorium and StageCB CC2 benefit from an infra-red hearing loop. PleaseCDinform the CE box office of any special requirementsCF CG when you book your tickets. CH CJ Balcony The bar and Café in2 FACILITIES: CK CL open at 5.30pm on concert nights. Smoking is Sound Desk not permitted in the building. A large free car LEFT DOOR ENTRANCES RIGHT DOOR park is situated beside our auditorium.

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BOX OFFICE: 01908 280800 Textphone users please call 18001 01908 280800. Core Box Office hours: MondaySaturday 10am-6pm (open later on show nights). Sunday 5pm-8pm show nights only. ONLINE BOOKING: www.stables.org Booking available 24 hours a day POST: The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU EMAIL: [email protected] FAX: 01908 280825 HANDLING CHARGE: With the exception of personal callers, all bookings are subject to a handling charge of £2.60, including postage. Separate internet booking charges apply. See website for details. CONCESSIONS: Concessions available. Call Box Office for details on 01908 280800

RIGHT DOOR

Shaded areas represent seating levels not prices. Each show is indivually priced. KEY:

LEVEL SEAT TIERED SEAT

BOX WHEELCHAIR

For large print brochures, please call our Box Office on 01908 280800

Tickets are sold by The Stables Theatre Ltd subject to the following terms and conditions: 1) Tickets are sold on behalf of The Stables Theatre Ltd for itself or as agent for other promoters. 2) Tickets cannot be refunded except on the cancellation or substantial alteration of the performance. The Stables may be able to resell tickets when shows are sold out and a charge of £2.60 will apply (charge waived for Stables Founders and Friends only where The Stables Theatre Ltd is the promoter). 3) The Promoter reserves the right to refuse admission to any venue if it reasonably considers such refusal to be necessary for the safety and convenience of other customers or for the proper running of the venues and events. 4) Latecomers cannot be admitted until a suitable break or interval in the performance. 5) Smoking is not permitted in any part of a venue unless designated as a smoking area. 6) Every effort is made to present shows at suitable sound levels, however levels may vary according to artists’ requirements, over which the Promoter has no control and concerts may be loud. Refunds will not be given on a matter of personal taste or noise level experienced. 7) The Promoter presents a range of seated and standing events and cannot always guarantee uninterrupted views as the stage setup, as determined by the artist, may vary and some people may stand around you. 8) Some performances may have a support artist before the main act and the Promoter may not know this in advance. 9) Some artists may use strong language. The Promoter has no control over this. 10) Internet ticket sales are subject to booking fees and transaction charges which are levied to cover the cost of third party web/financial service providers and as such cannot be refunded. 11) By purchasing and/or using a ticket you consent for yourself and for any person using a ticket purchased by you to being photographed, filmed or recorded as an audience member when official photography, filming or audio recording is taking place. If you have difficulties with this please contact the Box Office on 01908 280800 before purchasing tickets. Please note that all other unauthorised photography, filming or audio recording is not permitted and the Promoter reserves the right to confiscate equipment used/material gained in this way and/or remove offending individuals from the show. 12) Tickets sold or offered for sale by any person or persons other than The Stables, the Promoter or their authorised agents will not be honoured. 13) Please note some shows may contain flashing lights or smoke effects. The Promoter cannot always provide / specific warnings of these in advance to customers. 14) The Stables means The Stables Theatre Ltd (company no. 3224226). Please check www.stables.org or contact the box office for full current terms and conditions of ticket purchase as they may vary. The Promoter means The Stables or the promoter of the event for which the ticket is sold, in which case The Stables acts as the agent of that promoter. The Stables is owned by Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd (Charity No 261645) which aims to engage the widest range of people with music in all its diversity. As a non profit making charitable organisation, any surplus made through the programme is re-invested in its artistic and educational projects.

Box Office: 01908 280800 email: [email protected] www.stables.org

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