One of the most lauded singer-songwriters of her generation, Dar Williams has been captivating audiences with her sheer elegance and honesty in her folk-pop songwriting since the early '90s. As documented on her last album, the 2012 In The Time Of Gods,, Williams’ growth as an individual over her almost two-decade-long career has gone hand-in-hand with her evolution as an artist. She has toured with such distinguished artists as Joan Baez, Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, and Shawn Colvin. Lucy Wainwright Roche opens the show.

He presents an hour of improvised comedy raps based on your suggestions. Featuring brand-new routines for 2026! You’ll leave astounded at the speed of his brain, the spontaneity of his punchlines, and the stability of his upbringing. Jaw-dropping, hilarious, utterly unbelievable. Tour support for Jason Manford. 200 million views online. As heard on BBC Radio 4, as seen on Beta Squad.

Hot on the heels of her critically acclaimed 2024 show Side Eye, Rachel Fairburn is back with new personalities and some old favourites for you to love and hate. Expect nepo babies, middle class rock stars, terrifying mothers, biting social commentary and lots of big laughs.

Juliet Lloyd crafts songs that “transcend genre, moving between indie pop, folk, soul, and rock as effortlessly as she glides across the notes of her vocal runs”. Drawing stylistic comparisons to Brandi Carlile, Aimee Mann, and Tori Amos, Juliet blends folk-rooted storytelling and pop-forward melodies. Her music pairs intimate, confessional lyrics with arrangements that move easily from stripped-back acoustic intimacy to full-band dynamism, drawing listeners in with both vulnerability and strength. Juliet’s 2024 album Carnival, her fourth studio album in a career that has spanned more than two decades, has been hailed as “a powerfully emotive performance from start to finish” and praised for her “gift for honest, emotionally layered songwriting”. Reviewers describe her music as “soulful, lightly twangy and pop-forward… unmistakably personal”, noting its ability to balance emotional depth with melodic ease. Since returning to music in 2020 after a decade away, Juliet has performed more than 150 shows annually across the US and UK, including acclaimed sets at intimate listening rooms, clubs, and regional festivals. She has earned top honors from the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards and the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, among other national songwriting accolades, and her songs have been featured on MTV, VH1, and over 175 radio stations worldwide. Audiences describe her live shows as both intimate and electrifying — the kind of evenings that “turn a performance into a conversation”.

Poor Little Rich Girl is a tongue and cheek love letter to SOPHIE GARRAD’S chaotic childhood. Think nannies, ski slopes, outrageous diary entries, even more outrageous pets, oh – and the day she was driven to private school in a police car.  This high-energy, razor-sharp stand-up hour sees Sophie satirize her own experiences of class, identity, privilege and the prison system.  Sophie is best known for her ‘Private School Mum’ and ‘London Girlies’ sketches - which have generated over 100 million views online.

A rambunctious evening of comedy and music from TikTok's favourite lovable rogue.

From North Carolina, Viv & Riley perform in the intimate surroundings of the Chicken Shed, Bristol. Their music is rooted in the folk tradition. Multi instrumentalist, singer-songwriters, Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno, manage to fuse an old-time feel with indie-pop sensibilities Check out their most recent album, Imaginary People (Free Dirt Records). A new album. with Ethan Johns, Dom Monks and crew, has been tracked and is scheduled for release during Autumn, 2026.

The original, immersive, piano bar musical making its UK DEBUT at Hen & Chicken, Bristol, over two special nights! Hot on the heels of a sold-out opening run, Jerseyman songwriter & piano-vocalist, Ant Noel, brings his swingin new production Midnight Joanna to the mainland. Featuring a 14-strong company of professional musicians & actors, Midnight Joanna is a thrilling night of rollicking rock 'n' roll, jivin' jazz, blistering blues & colourful cabaret. Come & soak up the atmosphere as we bring to life the neon characters of our late-night piano bar! It's open mic at The Dive, a bustling piano bar. The Host sits at a tune-worn Joanna, ready to play into the night. Starry-eyed singers and weary waitresses, Best-friend bartenders and lairy locals, Troubled troubadours and a life-of-the-party landlord. Reputations are made or ruined Dreams are realised or forgotten By midnight, they will all be in for the ride ! Dates: 27th & 28th May 2026 Time: Doors open 7:30pm, show starts at 8:30pm Tickets 20 (Under 18s permitted with a responsible adult. Some mild pub-related adult humour) A professional songwriter & performer of over 20 years, Jerseyman Ant Noel forged his career in the creative heartlands of Bristol & Somerset, before returning to his home island in 2019. Between 2010 - 2018, Ant released four solo albums with backing band The Peabody Drakes performing perform at festivals & venues across the South West, including several appearances for the BBC. In 2014, Musician Magazine picked Ant's third album The Water's Line as one of their "stand out" releases. In 2019, Ant began writing Midnight Joanna, an immersive show inspired by experiences hosting open mics and playing in pubs & piano bars (including the fondly-remembered Illusions Magic Bar where Ant held residency for over 5 years). With a large ensemble of professional musicians & actors supported by arts organisations ArtHouse Jersey & Creative Island Partnership Midnight Joanna premiered to three sell-out audiences in October 2024. Ant is excited to bring his show to the UK for the first time, especially his beloved second home of Bristol, where it will be performed by Ant & fantastic Bristolian talent!

Rita Lynch, with her band and a new album, Fairy Tales and Lies. Bristol music icon, Rita Lynch brings her style and attitude to the Chicken Shed @ the Hen & Chicken. Indie-rock/ folk/ punk - this is Rita Lynch - razor sharp lyrics, a songstress and storyteller - high energy, glitter and glory.

For what began life as something of a side project for Michael Weston King & Lou Dalgleish, a labour of love, a homage to the classic country duets of the 60’s and 70’s, My Darling Clementine is now very much part of the country and Americana landscape. 3 critically acclaimed albums, over 400 shows across Europe and N. America, numerous accolades and awards has placed the band at the forefront of the burgeoning Americana scene.

Sara Milonovich brings us a fiddle-fueled, heady harvest of heart-stopping original roots rock and alt-Americana with guitarist Greg Anderson. They will be touring off of the back of a new album release in Autumn 2026.

Red River Mtis singer-songwriter Joe H Henry possesses a voice described as "as powerful as a freight train," a potent instrument that delivers his blend of early rhythm and blues, soul, and alt-country, enriched by folk-inspired lyrical depth. Drawing from a life encompassing experiences from a homeless train-hopping youth to a homesteading father of five, Henry's songwriting is thoughtful and his storytelling captivating, forging a strong connection with diverse audiences. This depth of experience resonates in every line he sings. His debut EP, Keep the Fire Burning (2023), garnered significant recognition, including multiple award nominations. His eagerly awaited second EP, "Real Things," releasing in 2025, has already received critical praise, securing placements on SiriusXM North Americana and reaching #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Whether performing solo or with his trio, Joe H Henry consistently stuns audiences at major festivals, theatres, and on international stages, solidifying his reputation as an absolute powerhouse performer.

Joe is a much travelled, Red River Metis Canadian - he now resides in Nova Scotia. Expect a big vocal delivery from this artist.

Sophie Moore with her band - a night of intimate music - promoting her new album, Trouble In Mind. The album was recorded in South Carolina and in the UK with members of Lambchop, including Tony Crow (keyboards) who will be part of the touring band along with Nashville session bassist, Mark Riddell and drummer, David Hallworth. A lead single, Closer Than, is due for release: 13/03/26. Sophie Moore creates her own brand of UK Alt Country alongside legendary production team. Sussex singer-songwriters long-player features members of Lambchop. What a breath of fresh air. You continue to give voice to simple truths. Its got so much heart. Lambchop pianist Tony Crow

Proudly Presented by Live Nation in association with UTA & Ebdon Management New stand-up show from award-winning comedian Jacob Hawley. Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and self-care for those who don’t care. As seen on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky1), Ladhood (BBC3), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Secrets of the Comedy Circuit (ITVX). Over 4 million views online. Age 16+

Singer-songwriter Angel Snow, originally from Georgia, now based in Nashville, makes a welcome return to Bristol, with sideman Joe Wilkins.

Infectious mountain music and Zydeco rhythms where Appalachia meets the Louisiana bayou ... Dirk Powell, renowned fiddle, banjo and cajun accordion player, with his daughter, Amelia Powell - guitar and vocals, have teamed up with Cedric Watson - creole fiddle, accordion and francophone vocals. This promises to be an evening when the mountains of Kentucky meet the Louisiana bayous.

Nils Kavanagh - piano, Ursula Harrison - bass, Sam Green - drums Award-winning Irish/Danish pianist Nils Kavanagh launches his highly anticipated debut album, "No Expectations". Winner of the Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year Award 2022-2024 and finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024, Nils is already making his mark on contemporary improvised music. Audiences will journey through Nils unique upbringing, rooted in the north-west of Irelands mystic landscapes and joyous fellowship, while also inviting listeners to explore the sense of unity and introspection present in Denmark and broader Scandinavia. Home, joy, family, mythology, folk music, loss and longing are all key to the music, with an overarching focus on warm melody and musical storytelling. The trio has an energetic and explorative sound, with a taste for strong melodies, bright harmonies and explosive rhythms influenced by Kavanagh's Irish and Danish roots. With Ursula Harrison (BBC Young Jazz Musician winner 2024) on bass and Sam Green on drums, the group brings a new flavour to the classic piano trio format, presenting a diverse mix of music ranging from compositions inspired by Celtic traditional music and contemporary jazz from Scandinavia and the UK, to modern interpretations of jazz repertoire and other popular music. "There is beauty, there is communication, there is space, and there is energy" - Daniel Rorke, Jazz Ireland album review "A strikingly mature debut. Kavanagh and his colleagues give the compositions room to breathe and grow and the interplay between the three instruments is highly developed and richly detailed" - The JazzMann Video: No Expectations Live Session [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEc6S72uOes] Album: https://nilskavanagh.bandcamp.com/

From amazing the judges on America’s Got Talent, to headlining in Las Vegas, to selling out shows in London's West End, Peter Antoniou’s mind-reading skills have astounded audiences around the globe. Combining razor-sharp British wit with a stunning ability to know exactly what you are thinking, Peter’s shows are interactive and unforgettable. Join him as he reads minds and tickles funny bones, telling jokes and fortunes live onstage.

After releasing his debut album Empty Passenger Seat in 2023 to much acclaim, the Lancashire born singer-songwriter is due to release his much anticipated second album Alone In Valentine. The release in April 2026 will coincide with a band tour of the north of England, Isle of Man and Scotland and will be a showcase premiere of the whole album from start to finish. The album will be cut in the capital of country music, Nashville, with legendary names in the country music world working alongside Joe to bring the album to life. Cal Campbell and Cornelius Webb, sons of the legends Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb will be producing Alone In Valentine. Joe is aiming for the album to be a bridge between musical generations, bringing something new and pushing boundaries, while having elements rooted in the classic country sound. Don't miss your chance to watch this outstanding talent.

Returning to The Hen & Chicken Studio, Willy Tea Taylors music is about healing. Its about refusing to pass judgment and willing to give forgiveness and understanding to all. Its medicine as music. Saving Country Music There is no question that Willy Tea Taylors life as a singer/songwriter was predetermined his role realized the moment he wrote his first song. His inspirations drawn from two separate wells; Living the life of a cattlemans kid and experiencing true visionaries music like Greg Brown, John Hartford, and Guy Clark. The image of Guy Clark and friends sitting around the kitchen table loaded with ashtrays full of butts, half-smoked cigarettes, food, and booze on one Christmas Eve in 1975 burned into Taylors soul. Those guys, swapping songs without pretense, lit Willy Teas fire. And ever since, its led purpose with passion finding a hang by curating relationships through musical friendships that get him closer to his own Clark style kitchen table. From his early days co-fronting The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, to singing solo in countless cowboy bars, to pitching countless wiffle ball games, Willy Tea has never lost the vision. Now Willy Tea Taylor has taken his vision of the hero hang on the road. and his talented traveling band The Fellership is made up of his fantastically talented buds who play Willys songs with a brand of reckless abandon and utter humility that spits in the face of pretense. The way The Fellership plays Wills songs is the way they demand to be played and, in their short time together, they have been awe-ing every audience lucky enough to see them.

For over two thousand years, Greek mythology has shaped Western imagination. Stories of Olympian gods, epic heroes, and fearsome monsters have inspired philosophers and poets, painters and playwrights, filmmakers and fans alike. We’ve seen Homeric epics to the spectacle of Troy and the bold reinvention of myth in Netflix’s Kaos. Every retelling places us in an unbroken chain of storytellers stretching back to antiquity, keeping ancient voices alive in the modern world. But how well do we really know the origins of these tales? In this talk, Dr Shelby Judge explores the great mythic ages of ancient Greece - the Golden and Silver Ages, the Bronze Age, and the Age of Heroes - bringing to life the defining stories and figures of each era. Along the way, the talk asks a deeper question: why have these myths endured? By examining their archetypes, moral tensions, and enduring insights into the human condition, this talk reveals why Greek mythology continues to fascinate, challenge, and enchant us today. Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat! Follow us on IG @seedtalks Dr Shelby Judge is a Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Derby, where she researches digital feminist and popular feminist responses to Incels and the Manosphere. She recently completed her PhD in English Literature at the University of Glasgow. Presented by Seed Talks This is a 16+ event

Born of the voices of past lives and baptized in the dust bowl dirt, the Gothic Americana music of the Heathen Apostles harkens back to a bygone chapter of American history. Using contrasting influences such as Bauhaus, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and The Pogues along with Howlin’ Wolf, Loretta Lynn and Bessie Smith, the Heathen Apostles have created a style of music that at once conjures both angels and demons, and will enlighten a darkened soul. Gothic Americana is a genre that is fast taking hold around the world, in that it combines the sub-genres of gothic country & bluegrass, dark blues, murderfolk and depression-era jazz. The Heathen Apostles are amongst the first to inject all four into their incendiary music.

Joe and his wife are having a baby. He's autistic so statistically it's quite likely the baby will be too. In this new show, critically acclaimed comedian Joe Wells explores fatherhood through the lense of neurodiversity. Plus, there's a really good joke about a parrot. As seen on: Rosie Jones Disability Comedy Extravaganza, BBC Two's Ouch Storytelling Live and Channel 4's Jokes Only a Neurodivergent Can Tell.

Discover how horror movies reveal hidden stories of sexuality, fear and identity across classic and modern cinema. Followed by Q&A. Sex and horror have always been intertwined. While the genre has often been criticised as exploitative or moralising - particularly toward women - it has also created a powerful space for audiences to explore their own stories of desire, fear and identity. In this thought-provoking talk, Katie Evans draws on psychoanalysis, queer theory and film history to uncover the hidden narratives within some of our most beloved horror films. From classic monsters like Dracula and The Bride of Frankenstein to Psycho, Hellraiser and It Follows, we’ll examine how themes of shame, pleasure and survival play out on screen. Whether you’re drawn to horror, fascinated by identity, or curious about sexuality, this talk invites you to consider what horror narratives really represent. Together, we’ll explore ideas on sexual development, kink and queerness - and how horror films can reflect the parts of ourselves we’re taught to hide, revealing our complex relationship with otherness and what we can fear is the “monstrous” within. Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat! Presented by Seed Talks This is an 18+ event

Behind every closed case and every cold file lies a question we can’t quite let go of... how did they get away with it? In this series, we’ll uncover the truth behind the world’s most baffling crimes... where evidence was missed, witnesses were silenced, and the guilty walked free. We’ll explore the psychology of deception, the flaws in forensic science, and the fragile line between guilt and innocence. Because when the system breaks, it’s not just the victims who suffer - it’s our faith in justice itself. Join Dr. Friday, as we go beyond the headlines... and into the minds of those who got away with murder. Doors open 7pm, talk starts 7:30pm Follow us @seedtalks Dr Friday earned his PhD at the University of Greenwich and went on to lead their forensic psychology course for the Criminology Department. His experimental research earned him the ‘doctor’ title and several academic awards, but he’s very much just Ross when bringing the darker edges of human behaviour to the public. With pitch-black humour and personal stories, he makes complex forensic psychology accessible, entertaining - and sometimes even hilarious. He’s created live shows, a book, and even an immersive crime scene experience that lets guests step into the macabre world of the serial killer. Presented by Seed Talks This is an 18+ event

Explore how punk, goth and alternative fashion turned clothing into protest and whether style still has the power to rebel today. With Q&A. Have you ever been judged for what you’re wearing? Ever dressed a certain way to belong, to provoke, or to push back? Can an outfit really be an act of rebellion? From the 1950s onwards, British youth culture turned clothing into protest. Teddy Boys shocked post-war Britain with Edwardian revival suits and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Mods and Rockers clashed on seaside promenades. Then punk exploded out of economic crisis and political disillusionment - ripped fabrics, safety pins and DIY slogans all exuded anti-establishment energy. By the 80s, goth and alternative subcultures emerged and continued to captivate young and old alike. In this talk, we’ll explore the history and politics of fashion through punk, goth and alternative style: how subcultures form and why they’re labelled rebellious. Together, we’ll trace how clothing became the language of resistance and ask whether dressing differently still has the power to disrupt. Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat! Follow us on IG @seedtalks Presented by Seed Talks This is an 18+ event

Ray D'Inverno - piano, Andy Hague - trumpet, Terry Quinney - tenor sax, Ben Taylor - bass, Lee Darkin-Miller - drums

James Chadwick - guitar/arranger, Mark Sambell - piano, Aidan Thorne - double bass, Liz Exell - drums The band consists of 4 musicians with many accolades and performances throughout Britain and abroad. With a recording soon to be released the band are performing with their new Welsh spelling name, and will play a selection of their pad which will take you through tunes by artists ranging from The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and of course The Beatles. The essence of the originals is maintained but the quartet have added in the spontaneous and care free approach which is also attached to this great era. Pembrokeshire Online live review by Nigel Summerley from Aber Jazz Festival: Guitarist James Chadwick led the band through a series of inspired improvisations on tunes familiar to those of a certain age, but taking them into unfamiliar territory. Bob Dylans Mr Tambourine Man, Paul Simons Sound Of Silence, the Beatles Blackbird and the Brian Wilsons God Only Knows were revealed as fertile ground for jazz perhaps not surprising, given the genius of their composers. But even the Monkees Daydream Believer became a fascinating musical exploration. Mark Sambell on piano and Aidan Thorne on bass proved to be masters of invention, but it was the fierce and focused drumming of Liz Exell that kept the musical fire burning throughout and made this a very special gig. [Nigel Summerley retired from The Oldie magazine to return to freelance journalism. He previously held executive staff jobs at the London Evening Standard amongst others.] Video: I Am The Walrus [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuXJDJZK-u4]

Emile Hinton - piano, Toby Yapp - bass, Kai MacRae - drums Emile Hinton is an award-winning jazz pianist and composer emerging from the heart of the London jazz scene. A mentee of renowned UK pianist Julian Joseph, he graduated with first-class honours from Trinity Laban Conservatoire and recently spent three months at the Tribeca Jazz Institute in NYC, studying with some of New Yorks top musicians. In 2023, Emile was honoured with the Tina May Musicians Company Young Jazz Musician of the Year. As the pianist for jazz legends Ricky Ford (Charles Mingus, Ellington Orchestra) and Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint (Art Blakey, McCoy Tyner), Emile has performed at top venues across the UK and Europe, including Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Caf, The Barbican and Pizza Express, working with their ensembles and leading his own diverse projects across multiple genres. He has just released his debut album which features contemporary and swinging original compositions. Bassist Toby Yapp was a student at Bristol Cathedral School and attended Bristol Pre-Conservatoire before gaining a place on the Royal Academy jazz course. Having graduated a few years back he is now a regular fixture on the London scene, so lovely to welcome him back to Bristol as an established professional. Kai MacRae is one of London's leading young drummers who has performed with Joe Webb, Rachel Cohen, Sultan Stevenson and many more. Videos: Grapefruit [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxxDWCHL1-Y] Manca [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=vZkRlSzcvis]

John Donegan - piano, Dan Newberry - tenor sax, Chris Jones - bass, Ryan Thrupp - drums. Pianist John Donegan has visited annually to promote his series of sextet albums, but this year has returned to quartet format for his latest CD Interfuse, recorded in Dublin, May 2025. The recording features the cream of Ireland's jazz scene including former Van Morrison saxophonist Richie Buckley, but as on previous occasions tonight we present John's music with a specially formed Bristol version. For the first time John will be joined by Dan Newberry on sax duties - Dan is a firebrand player whose musical maturity belies his relative youth and his playing never fails to impress. The rock solid rhythm team of Chris Jones and Ryan Thrupp have played for John's previous sextet visits. Originally from Cork in Ireland, John Donegan lived in Bristol during the 90s and was a mainstay of the jazz scene here before work took him to London. Now retired from his day job, over the past few years John has been able to dedicate his time exclusively to music and has released several recordings demonstrating his compositional skills including his three sextet albums Shadows Linger [2022], Light Streams [2023] and We Will Meet Again, Sometime [2024]. Once again John has gained a hard to achieve four star review in Jazzwise Magazine "In short, superb music; and brilliant production" alongside other excellent reviews you will find in Jazz Journal, UK Jazz News and All About Jazz. Jazzwise Review -John Donegan - Interfuse [https://www.jazzwise.com/review/john-donegan-the-irish-sextet-we-will-meet-again-sometime] More info about John - www.johndoneganjazz.com [http://www.johndoneganjazz.com/] Listen to the albums -https://johndonegan.bandcamp.com/

Originally from New York, Richard Shindell now divides his time between Buenos Aires, Argentina and New York’s Hudson Valley. He is a writer whose songs paint pictures, tell stories, juxtapose ideas and images, inhabit characters, vividly evoking entire worlds along the way and expanding our sense of just what it is a song may be. Starting his career in New York City, he has now released a number of much lauded albums including Reunion Hill and Somewhere Near Paterson. In 1998, Shindell joined forces with his friends Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky to record an album of covers under the guise of Cry Cry Cry which further enhanced his reputation. His songs have attracted many fans including Joan Baez who has covered his song, Reunion Hill, as well as touring with Show of Hands who are great admirers of his talents. He’s been a rare visitor to the UK of late – catch him while you can.

We are thrilled to welcome The Alan Fletcher Band back to Bristol this September, performing songs from their Americana/Country Music catalogue. Alan Fletcher may be best known for his 31 year (and counting) tenure on Neighbours, but lately its his talent and passion for making folk and Americana music that has been delighting audiences at home and abroad. Drawing on the influence of legendary storytellers like John Prine and Guy Clark, Fletcher crafts and delivers songs that tackle the human condition with warmth, compassion and a wry sense of humour. Since the release of acclaimed full-length album The Point in 2022, Fletch has toured heavily on the Australian and UK Americana circuits, including a run of 34 UK and Irish dates with collaborators Lachlan Bryan, Riley Catherall and Jennifer Hansen Alan and his band will tour the UK extensively from August 2026. Alan has just released the single Ain't Done Yet which foreshadows the release of his second album Back to School in February 2026.

Steve Banks - guitar, Sam Crockatt - sax, Rebecca Nash - piano, Henrik Jensen - bass, Jonathan Silk - drums Guitarist Steve Banks released his critically acclaimed debut album Emboldened in May 2023 on Stoney Lane Records followed by a UK tour. Emboldened presents a compelling, distinctive, and personal sound, immediately recognisable as the guitarist and composer’s own work. Powerful modern jazz, deep contemporary grooves, lush harmonies, and memorable melodies amongst expressive, rich, and dynamic improvisation from a quintet comprising celebrated UK musicians and bandleaders. “All the compositions are heartfelt and honest, as are the performances. A chronicle of hard-won optimism and hope. An elegant response to troubled times” - Jazz album of the month, BBC Music Magazine Rebecca Nash – piano Highly respected and in-demand UK pianist and composer. Rebecca’s recent album ‘Peaceful King’ on Whirlwind records was received with enthusiastic acclaim in both UK and US. “One of the freshest most creative talents in the UK at this present time” UK Vibe Sam Crockatt – saxophone Royal Academy graduate, Whirlwind recording artist including three critically acclaimed albums as leader and Parliamentary Jazz Award winner. “’Mells Bells’ further burnishes Crockatt’s substantial reputation” John Fordham, The Guardian Henrik Jensen – bass Royal Academy graduate, Babel recording artist including three critically acclaimed albums as leader. “Jensen is thoughtful, richly chordal and attractively Charlie Haden-like on the bass” John Fordham, The Guardian Jonathan Silk - drums Originally from Scotland, Jonathan is a drummer, composer and bandleader based in Birmingham. He has released two albums with his own big band and string orchestra to critical acclaim and worked with world-renowned composers Vince Mendoza and Maria Schneider as well as a host of other nationally and internationally renowned musicians. Awards include BBC Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year in 2014 and the Yamaha Jazz Scholar Award 2011. Jonathan has been collaborating with Steve to arrange the music from Emboldened for full jazz orchestra.

Seven days... Seven events giving back... It was all building up to this. Come join Xpress Fest for our grand finale of exceptional local music talent, all to raise funds for vital mental health charities, one of which is Mind Your Music whose founders you may also know as Sarah and Elliott, hosts of our open mic night. Express Fest is Bristol's newest grassroots music and comedy festival running from 11 May to 17 May. The line-up at the Hen is: Paul Antony Brookshaw AKA Tall Paul The man who puts himself into self-expression. Watch Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWzGYqMDN6p/ Feud This funky, fun 5-piece is part of the Bristol Youth Studios project created by Bristol Beacon for 13 18-year-old singers and musicians.Watch Feud on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWtGNYniCbt/ Band of Buggers A chaotic affair of silliness, slapstick and singing accompanied by a uniquely bluesy whisky sound. Watch Band of Buggers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEHp5NquZzU/ Pilot Scheme Earworms and mind treats from the Bristol story-song guy and a nice line in audience participation. Listen on Bandcamp: https://thebighowever.bandcamp.com/track/static-caravan-single Odessa Steps The West Countrys observant tunesmiths that blend catchy folk with other flavours. Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4362095210672714 Bethany Jane Bethany is Bethany: a singer-songwriter of immense emotional power with a gorgeous voice. Watch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3989176168037509 The Open Mic Surgeons Pilot Scheme and buddies become The Open Mic Surgeons in a brassy voiced romp from New Orleans of the 30s to the Talking Heads era of New York. Sam Elliott Were privileged to host the debut performance by very talented Bristol songwriter Sam Elliott. Expect beautifully melodic, poetic song in the mould of Waterboys, Doves and Prefab Sprouts.

Call it prairie noir or Canadiana desert rock: Toronto's Abigail Lapell sings haunting, gorgeous modern folk songs. She's won three Canadian Folk Music Awards, including English Songwriter of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, reaching #1 on Canadian folk radio and over 48 million streams across digital platforms. Lapell tours widely across North America and Europe, performing on vocals, piano, harmonica and finger style guitar. Her JUNO-nominated album, Anniversary, was released May 2024 on Outside Music. Last year, Lapell released Anniversary & More Songs About Love, an extended companion to Anniversary. Presented by Folklore Sessions This is an 18+ event

American roots music from Southern California Rose's Pawn Shop are a 5-piece band with acoustic, folkie Americana roots and a rock n' roll vibe. For two decades, they have evolved their version of modern-day American roots music. Its an anthemic sound thats taken the group from their hometown of Los Angeles where frontman Paul Givant formed the band as a bluegrass-inspired act, making room for punky tempos and fiddle solos to venues across the country, where their sound grew to encompass the sweep of rock & roll, the sonics of folk music, and the storytelling of country.

Fronted by singer-songwriter, Neil Crossley, Furlined have a unique alt-Country style filled with distinctly British wistful observation. Their music features rich vocals, guitars and cello set against a backdrop of bass and drums.

Step into Britain’s hidden fairy realm and meet the powerful Queen behind its myths, magic and forgotten stories. Followed by Q&A. Once, there was a realm ruled by a powerful Queen - a figure who could shape her appearance, take lovers, and command a kingdom beneath the earth that included the dead. Known by many names, she was most often called the Queen of the Fairies. In this talk, we’ll explore Britain’s lost fairy traditions through this enigmatic figure. From early medieval pagan beliefs - including links to the goddess Diana - to later connections with saints and angels, we’ll trace how her story evolved across time. We’ll uncover accounts of Scottish witches said to draw power from her, alongside those who feared her influence - and explore why the Presbyterian Kirk sought to suppress these stories. Finally, we’ll examine what these stories reveal about women, power and belief in Britain’s past. Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat! Follow us on IG @seedtalks Speaker Bio: Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble College. She has published on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England's biggest witchhunt. Presented by Seed Talks This is an 18+ event

Andy Hague - trumpet, Ben Waghorn - tenor sax, Jim Blomfield - piano, Riaan Vosloo - bass, Mark Whitlam - drums Trumpeter Andy Hague returns with his quintet to close off the club's 25/26 season. The music will be a mixture of tunes from quintet album Coming of Age [2018], Andy's 2021 quartet album Release and a few tunes from other current jazz composers. So impressed with this record, wow, its current, its hip Linley Hamilton, BBC Radio Ulsters Jazz World. it's the variety of the musical structures deployed, as well as the sheer spirit and fire in these performances that makes this a significant milestone for Hague and his chums Peter Vacher, four star review in Jazzwise March 2019. Well known in Bristol's jazz scene, in 2019 Andy Hague played for the first time with legendary UK jazz composer Mike Westbrook as part of his Uncommon Orchestra, and post-Covid the band has appeared at Cheltenham and Cambridge Jazz Festivals, the Rossini Festival in Lugo, Italy and Ronnie Scotts 2022 and 2023. Long term associate saxophonist Ben Waghorn is a versatile musician who has worked in Londons West End and on many pop, TV and film recordings. He has been involved in a range of projects with Keith Tippett, including Tapestry, a piece written by Keith for two saxophone quartets and the BBC singers, the quartet Work in Progress and The Keith Tippett Octet. He can also be heard on recordings with Geoff Eales and Dave Stapleton [Slowly Rolling Camera]. Ben has also recently performed with the BBC Big Band and played in Singapore with the London Concert Orchestra. Pianist Jim Blomfield has been a vital part of Bristols jazz scene for many years and has accompanied many of the UKs best known players. He has released two trio CDs of his own compositions. Jim Blomfield is the best British pianist you've never heard of and is an absolute marvel Independent on Sunday. Bassist Riaan Vosloo works regularly with saxophonist Ed Jones and runs the post-grad programme at BIMM Bristol music college. Drummer Mark Whitlam is head of the drum department at BIMM college and has played with big names such as Andy Sheppard and Iain Ballamy besides composing for his own projects. Video 1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= N0eU1BAPqA] Video 2 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25N5U1JDu9w]

Liam Brennan - alto sax, James Romaine - alto sax, James Borland - trumpet, Simeon May - tenor sax/bass clarinet, Josh Vadiveloo - bass, Kai Chareunsy - drums. Abacus is a project run by Birmingham based saxophonist, composer and improvisor Liam Brennan. Formed in 2022, the project concept was heavily influenced by Omer Avital’s Asking No Permission which featured a 4-horn frontline. The music aims to combine concepts from both the jazz small group tradition as well as the big band lineage. It features some of the most exciting improvisors from Birmingham and London. Liam Brennan performs regularly around the midlands with a variety of artistically fulfilling projects both as a leader and a sideman. He currently holds the 1st alto chair in the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, performs with Matt Holmes’ Quintet, Maria Graspa Quintet and Collidescope. Since October 2021 he has been running Jazz At The Spotted Dog with Kai Chareunsy. Liam was recently selected by Jazz Central Midlands to be part of their mentoring scheme, and has been working under the mentorship of Laura Jurd. Recent commissions aside from the mentoring scheme include an arrangement for large ensemble to celebrate the 85th Birthday of world-renown composer Mike Gibbs, as well as arranging the standard ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’ for saxophonist Xhosa Cole. For Abacus Liam has chosen to include two alto saxes, resulting in an interesting sound due to the similar registers between the altos and trumpet. This has forced compositions to explore more textural possibilities as well as orchestral, creating a truly unique and original sound. Other influences include John Taylor, Gil Evans and Charles Mingus, as well as the Joe Lovano Nonet. Since the beginning of this project, Liam has been mentored by saxophonist and composer Alex Merritt, who has also been an important influence in arranging for the ensemble.

'The moment he started to sing I knew that this was something special' Bob Harris OBE (BBC Radio 2) It is Vincent's powerful and soulful voice that has continually attracted acolytes such as Bob Harris, Paul Carrack, Robert Plant and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Announced as winner of UK Song of The Year at the UK Americana Music Association Awards 2025 for his track 'Follow What You Love & Love Will Follow' alongside a highly coveted nomination for UK Artist of The Year, Robert Vincent continues to enthral audiences and critics alike, showing his versatility as both a solo performer and with a full band. Most recently receiving the invitation to support Robert Plant & band Saving Grace across their UK and European Tour dates, there is an ever-growing excitement surrounding Robert Vincent, his captivating live performances and his new album. Presented by Folklore Sessions This is an 18+ event