Davina & the Vagabonds deliver a high-energy blend of blues, jazz, and vintage soul driven by powerhouse vocals. We are delighted to welcome them to Godalming from Minnesota USA on Sunday 24th May as part of their UK tour. The show crackles with infectious rhythm, playful charm, and old-school swing. It’s a feel-good, foot-stomping performance that pulls the crowd in from the first note! Think of a meld of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Alberta Adams and Amy Winehouse, and you come close to understanding what Davina Sowers is all about.
“Davina Sowers creates her own Americana mishmash — a little Amy Winehouse-worthy neo-soul here, a little Great American Songbook-influenced songcraft there.” Rolling Stone Magazine
“This music, as retro as it may be at times, feels fun, frisky and alive.” American Songwriter
“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
This week saw Paul Jones and Friends play two sell out shows at G-Live Guildford, raising over £80,000 for charity.
The concert saw a host of stars perform, including Van Morisson, Andy Fairweather-Low, Eric Bibb, Colin Blunstone of The Zombies, Dave Kelly of The Blues Band, Lianne Carrol, Chantal McGregor, and 3 times UK Blues Award winner Mississippi Macdonald, and backed by top session players including Paddy Milner (keys, Tom Jones), Scott McKeon (Tom Jones) and Derek Nash (sax, Jools Holland, The Wonder of Stevie). The event was hosted by Manfred Mann and the Blues Band vocalist Paul Jones, who was often enticed into duetting with the artists with his incredible harmonica playing.
The secret gig has been organised by Tony Smith of Eclectic Live Music, and has raised over £400,000 over the years. “This year is the 20th anniversary of the concert initially conceived to save a funding shortfall at Cranleigh Arts Centre. We have gone on to support them and The Prostate Project – a cancer charity based at Royal Surrey County Hospital, after I was diagnosed 15 years ago. The event has helped fund charities projects including building the Stokes Urology centre, a mobile ‘Man Van’ testing programme, and now a prostate cancer vaccine research programme.
“My thanks to the fantastic artists for donating their time and producing a wonderful show every year, and to our loyal patrons who sell-out this show on the strength of a couple of emails!”
Chairman of The Prostate Project Martin Davies said: “This event is important in both reaching the right audience, and raising much needed funds. I know that many audience members have been prompted to get tested from this event, with dozens being caught early. This year we gave away the new Prostate Cancer PSA self testing kits to those that requested them, and we are very grateful for the positive response, and overflowing buckets at the end of the night!”
If you would like to be the first to know about this secret gig, or other Eclectic Live Music shows, do join Tony’s mailing list.
Winners of the 2024 UK Blues Band of The Year, The Cinelli Brothers are a dynamic 4-piece form London. Their sound blends Soul and Blues with a contemporary twist, influenced by legends like The Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Known for their electrifying live shows, they’ve captivated audiences across the UK, Europe and the USA, earning a loyal fanbase and international acclaim.
Simply Aretha Sat 07 March
Superb vocalist Jaelee Small performs a worthy tribute to the undisputed `Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin. Backed by a powerhouse 8-piece band and the soulful tones of Toby Stewart on Tenor Saxophone, Jaelee effortlessly channels the emotion, sass, and energy demanded by Aretha’s iconic songs. From the empowering ‘Respect’ to the soulful ‘Natural Woman,’ this special night promises to transport true soul enthusiasts on a journey through timeless classics. Get ready to sing along and uplift your spirits in a celebration of Aretha Franklin’s enduring legacy.
Counterfeit Stones Sat 18 April
The Counterfeit Stones are more than a tribute to the Rolling Stones, they’re a complete re-enactment. With a healthy smattering of ‘Spinal Tap’ humour, their performances take on an almost cartoon-like air.
The band formed in October 1991, and although there have been some personnel changes since then, the characters of course never change. They’ve played most major countries in the world and been booked by multinationals, British Royalty, and some of the most famous international celebrities.
Even Mick Jagger himself quoted The Counterfeit Stones as being, “The Most famous Stones band in England”. They’ve shared stages with Joe Cocker, Iggy Pop, Blur, ZZ Top, Bryan Ferry and many more.
We look forward to welcoming their ‘Street Fighting Sham’ live show to Godalming Borough Hall!
Geoff Achison (AUS) / Tom Waters (UK) ‘A Brush with the Blues’ Sat 13 June
“A dazzling display of Blues, Country, Rock & Funky Jazz” Tom Waters, son of Ben Waters and rising star in the world of rhythm & blues, jazz, funk, blues, Latin and roots music and his band, featuring Aussie guitar legend Geoff Achison bring their “Brush with the Blues” to Godalming following a highly successful 2025 Australian tour. Known for their fiery musicianship, the show promises an unforgettable, action-packed set stacked with hard-hitting originals and timeless roots classics. Waters’ rollicking, honky sax and Achison’s sizzling guitar and vocals offer their unique take across Blues, Rock, Country, Rock, Funky Jazz & Folk, with blistering solos and deep pulsating rhythms.
To quote Queen’s Brian May, “….pure evil on that horn, Tom!” whilst Geoff has been compared with the likes of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck & JJ Cale….this is live music at its best!
Mike Sanchez Band Sat 18 July
We hugely welcome the return of the much missed Mike Sanchez back to gigging in the UK! This highly energetic & charismatic performer made his mark first with the Big Town Playboys, then with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, before forming his own superb band.Get your tickets before they sell-out!
A native of Australia who now lives in Nashville, Kara Grainger blues singer/guitarist draws inspiration from the blues of America. Kara may draw initial comparisons to Bonnie Raitt who both play slide guitar and sing soulfully – but she bears her own distinctive style, one that evenly balances the blues with soul and roots and rock. Kara will be playing songs from her new album “Thats How I Got To Memphis”.
Her latest releases continues to hold a strong presence in the International blues charts and her tours and appearances throughout the world are growing by the month and her appearance here in Cranleigh promises to be a very special night! [Tickets]
Voted one of Britain’s top soul singers, mesmeric vocalist Noel McCalla, award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra) and their world-class live band present a diverse catalogue of back-to-back Stevie Wonder hits including Superstition, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Isn’t She Lovely, I Wish, Sir Duke, Master Blaster and many more.
The Wonder of Stevie’s outstanding band features musicians who have previously performed with a wide variety of music legends including Bill Withers, The Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Amy Winehouse, Martha Reeves, Jamiroquai, Booker T. Jones, Sam Moore, Jethro Tull, Eddie Floyd, Gregory Porter, Gary Moore and Alfie Boe.
The band expands from the 6 piece to a 9 piece for larger theatre shows adding Backing Vocals and Brass to emulate Stevie’s touring line up.
‘I marvel at this dazzling homage to one of the great masters of 20th & 21st century music’ Jools Holland
‘Never have we heard the music of Stevie Wonder interpreted with such finesse, energy and all-round brilliance.’ The House of Soul Book tickets here.
We are pleased to release the set list for Paul Jones and Friends 2025, as well as the Photo Bundle from Rob Blackham. The Bundle is £10 and all proceeds go directly to The Prostate Project.
We are delighted to announce we have raised over £74,000 from the two concerts! Pictured Martin Davies (Chair The Prostate Project), Lulu and Paul Jones.
2025 sees not only Andy’s welcome return to touring in the UK with a string of dates commencing in February with his band – The Low Riders, but also a new album ‘The Invisible Bluesman’ showcasing his talent as a contemporary blues master.
The Cinelli Brothers is a project born out of a common passion for the electric Chicago and Texas blues from the 60s and 70s, when brothers Marco (guitarist and lead singer) and Alessandro (drummer) decided to form an explosive team showcasing original repertoire in the style of Chess, Stax and Motown. Joining the two brothers on stage, Tom Julian-Jones on harmonica, guitar and vocals and Stephen Giry on bass, guitar and vocals. As usual they will be sure to bring some special guests to their show in Godalming on Saturday 8th February!
Their debut album Babe Please Set Your Alarm was recorded at the Soup Studio in London and the record went number 2 in the IBBA (Independent Blues Broadcasters’ Association) in June 2018. The band has been featured in Blues in Britain, Blues Matters, Classic Rock and other magazines. This album comprises nine tasty original compositions and three finely crafted covers. ‘Chain of Fools’ by Don Covay (an Aretha hit), ‘Back Door Man’ – which stays true to Willie Dixon’s number – and Prince’s ‘Kiss’, in a remarkable shuffle rhythm.
Music Republic Magazine nominated Marco Cinelli as Best Guitar Player of 2018.
In 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 the band has been nominated for the UK Blues Awards as “Blues Band Of the Year”. In January 2022 the record “Villa Jukejoint” was nominated for the UK Blues Awards as “Blues Album Of the Year”. In January 2023 the record “No Country For Bluesmen” was nominated for the UK Blues Awards as “Blues Album Of the Year”.
In September 2022 the band won the UK Blues Challenge. In January 2023 the bank ranked number 2 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, US.
The Cinelli Brothers champion a new generation of passionate musicians sharing in the love of Blues, Soul, R&B and the true authentic sounds that have made the blues a cornerstone of music history.
Talia Simone is a British Americana artist hailing from the Deep South (West) of London Town. She began her musical journey with aspirations of becoming a professional songwriter far away from the spotlight. It was while chasing this dream and honing her skills that the fun really began.
Quickly snapped up by Halo records and paired with country singer Kelly Lee. They quickly hit it off and began a writing partnership that saw them catapulted to the forefront of the U.K. country music scene. As a duo the ladies were signed to Eversholt Records and were flown to Nashville to record their debut album.
Cinderella Dreaming was celebrated as a modern take on country traditionalism which set the stage for being nominated for two BCMA awards (taking home the Horizon award) With 3 Hot-disk Top10 hits, a music city taxi sponsorship deal in Nashville and coming down to earth from representing the U.K. at CMA’s Arista Global Showcase it was decided a well deserved break was in order.
The next few years saw Talia, commandeer a bluegrass band to fulfil her country needs; play the O2 till her fingers bled; and return to school to study for her songwriting degree. But fading into obscurity was never the plan. Now ready to finally step out of the shadows and claim the spotlight for her own Talia is armed with her debut solo EP Beauty Queen. Recorded with award winning producer Chris Clarke at the prestigious Reservoir studios.
She has traded her light hearted wit and charm to begin drawing upon poetic licence to focus on the pain and perseverance of others like herself trying to dance upon the flames that dare to burn them out. (While usually being accompanied with an infectious toe tapping beat)
You are cordially invited to pop along and bear witness as Talia glides into her next musical chapter of this Wildly Western adventure. Talia Simone will be supported by her fabulous backing band ‘The Wild Thorns’ and will play a 30 minute set supporting Albert Lee – not to be missed!
