Introduction

Welcome to ‘Home to Emerging Stars’ … Our live music events have been described by our guests as an exciting and vibrant atmosphere and great for value for money. The only people invited are people I’ve met, it means you are in a very safe, as such the very best Drawingroom experience for you, your family and friends! “It’s intense and uniquely special. Ask anyone who has performed or attended.” –
Richard Elkington

Key Information

Live music is held Fridays and Saturdays night each week, in door and out, subject to the weather. Invitations are sent via email with a unique secret link to Eventbrite.

Securing your place costs just £8, so make sure you are on the guest list. Once here, eat, drink and enjoy the evening. We will do what I can to keep you dry and warm, but please…do dress for the occasion!
Turn up from 7pm, music starts from approx. 8 PM.
You can pay your tab with plastic, but PLEASE BRING CASH for the artists and please remember…
With so few places for musicians to perform and earn, please be kind, be generous…a minimum of £10 per guest or more… The general accepted amount is £15-20 per guest in the bowl before you leave.

We are licensed, with 45+gins, some great wines, local Ales, draft Estrella and Shindigger (Manchester) to choose from as well as home cooked World foods, vegan vegetarian and occasionally fish.

If this sounds like your thing, drop an email to richard@the-drawingroom.co.uk explaining who you are, how you found us and what events you may be interested in or some further information about what we do here at The Drawingroom. This will ensure that you won’t miss anything and also gives us a chance to get to know you!

… and remember, if you’ve not been here before, you will need to be on the mailing list to get the secret ticket links…so, please don’t hesitate to call and ask any questions 07973664551 or email me Richard@the-drawingroom.co.uk 

Mailing List

If you’d like to know who is coming and get secret ticket links, you’ll need to be on the invite list.
If we’ve not met, please call me 07973 664 551 (Richard) and if we have, mail me:
richard@the-drawingroom.co.uk, mention your name and where we met along with your phone number please.

Upcoming Events

Friday, 19 April       Sorrel Nation & Support from ClaraTee

She is known for impressive covers of Gillian Welch, Fleetwood Mac & Portishead.

Sorrel has performed at well-known music venues across London and the South East supporting folk legends such as Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy, Madison Violet, Gemma Hayes and rock legend Tom Hingley. She has recently performed at Glastonbury Festival, Black Deer Festival and tours the festival circuit over summer with The Magic Teapot music venue in her campervan.

ClaraTee

ClaraTee is one of my most exciting and interesting finds, certainly given her age 15…this is a songwriter with a future. Jazzy and Soulful.

Saturday, 20 April  GeeJay and Luke White

GeeJay, are the London / Bournemouth duo comprising of vocalist Gina Jane, and producer & multi-instrumentalist Jacob Lobo. The sleek, soulful, and powerful vocals of Gina marry perfectly with Jacob’s classy piano chords, groovy rhythms, and flurries of saxophone and flute. GeeJay find themselves being a part of a new wave of artists emerging out of the UK who have a soulful, emotive, and melodic approach to their music.

With two EP releases under their belt, GeeJay have managed to amass over 12 million streams and have garnered widespread critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, Fearne Cotton (BBC Radio 2), BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Jamz Supernova, and CLASH to name but a few.

In October 2022, GeeJay received the news that they were to be having their first child together. This prompted them to pause both performing and posting publicly, so that they could plan for the arrival of the new one. What this news didn’t do however, was to stop GeeJay writing music. If anything, the hiatus allowed them to be more focused and productive with their song writing, and the pair quickly got the foundations of their album ready.

After the birth of their child, the pair returned to the studio to record the final vocal takes for the album whilst Gina was still very much in recovery, and many of the takes were recorded whilst the baby slept at the back of the studio. Sometimes, the baby’s cry would interrupt the recording, and the take would have to be scrapped and started from the beginning. In other moments, the moving and cooing of the baby would add a real-world depth to the record, and so would be kept in. In one instance, a cry came on the microphone at the moment of a bridge breakdown, enhancing the transition: the pair decided to keep this in the final recording, and can be heard in the track ‘I’ll Be Your Best Friend’.

Their debut album titled ‘What’s the Sun Without the Rain?’ and entirely self written and produced is ready to be shared with the world in 2024. The first single ‘Stronger Than you Think’ has already gained the attention of Jack Saunders (BBC Radio 1 Future Artists) and Robert Elms (BBC Radio London).

Check out Luke White HERE

Friday, 26 April   Si Connolly & Small Town Jones

Si has a voice which is as big as it gets, and as gentle and quiet as one can imagine and hear…

A Musical Maverick Blending Genres and Defying Expectations

Si Connolly is a dynamic and innovative musician who is making waves in the music industry with his unique sound and captivating performances. Connolly is a true maverick, pushing boundaries and defying genre conventions.

Small Town Jones is singer-songwriter Jim Jones, his new album a collaboration with long-time friend, drummer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Reed, who immediately makes his presence felt on the subtly banjo-inflected album opener and first single, ‘Better Days’, which is available now. A further single, ‘The Mist and the Light’, with accompanying video.

Saturday, 27 April The Barnstormers

MAY

Thursday, 2 May Jason Buck – Storyteller

Friday, 3 May  Blair Dunlop & Painted Sky (Lizzie Hardingham)

Blair has been hailed as one of the UK’s most accomplished songwriters since he burst into the folk scene with his debut Blight & Blossom (2012). BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards followed along with critical acclaim. In 2016 Blair released on his own label (Gilded Wings) and received wider acclaim and BBC Radio 2 playlisting for singled ‘The Egoist’ and ‘356’. Appearances at Glastonbury and the major Folk Festivals followed, along with breakthrough tours of Australia; and Blair is now firmly established as a household name amongst respected British songwriters.

” You can hear the folk heritage coursing through his veins as well as the originality he brings to the genre”. (Song writing magazine 2021).

Saturday, 4 May      Billobuckers

BilloBuckers is an indie band consisting of, Billy (Rhythm Guitar & Vocals), 25, Callum (Bass) 20, Alastair (Lead guitar), 20, and George (Drums), 27. Billy spent most of lock down and the COVID pandemic writing songs and demoing them and caught the attention of producer Matt Cotterill, the 2 have spent the last year working on a 5 song EP, which is ready to create a wave on the indie scene

REVIEW

“It opens with glorious melodic vocal harmony backed with rhythmic strummed guitars, a blend of acoustic and electric, it’s got an almost haunting feel as you awaken from the excesses of last night. Its rich and vibrant and even though you may be feeling rough, as the track picks up you can’t help tapping your feet and nodding your head.”

Friday, 10 May       Thomas Heppell

Thomas Heppell is a Berkshire based musician who performs Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll solo or in his 3 piece band, alongside his own compositions. He will get your foot tapping to some good old classics, with a few familiar favourites and some originals.

Thomas Heppell Band

Thomas Heppell Band is dedicated to bringing the best of Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll to your events. Our band is composed of talented musicians who have a passion for creating a unique and unforgettable sound. We have performed at various events and venues in Berkshire and beyond, and are known for our energetic live performances. Let us bring our music to your event and make it an unforgettable experience.

Band Members

Thomas Heppell – Guitar

Jack Bryant – Drums

Howard Head – Bass

Saturday, 11 May              Project Variations

Wednesday, 15 May is Comedy Night again …

A night full of fun & laughter and so much more 😉

The Third Wednesday of each month… starts between 7 & 7.30pm and finishes around 9 & 9.30pm

We had a brilliant evening last month, great acts, great vibe….

Free to attend, but please bring some cash for the organiser.

Friday, 17 May Mark Abis

Mark Abis is an English singer-songwriter and musician. His album Changing Inside, produced by Eg White(Adele) was released on 13 June 2005 on the Serpent label.

”Mark is my vote for one of the best of the new generation.” Joe Boyd, Legendary producer for Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Fairport Convention.

The man is a creative genius…my words I know, but in reality, one only has to check a few of his tunes to know I’m on the money.
Remember ‘Buffy the Vamp.’ Series???…well it was Mark who wrote the stunning music which helped to lock this into so many heads. Backed and rated by the same man who produced amongst other stunning British bands Pink Floyd.

Saturday, 18 May  Barney Morse-Brown

Cellist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and live looper Barney Morse-Brown, alias @Duotonemusic, is an RWCMD graduate whose alternative approach to music has earned him a reputation as an extraordinary musician whose albums have received critical acclaim.

SOUND ARTIST, composer
& CELLIST BARNEY MORSE-BROWN
A master of melancholic arrangements, he has an uncanny ability of inviting listeners into his very own contemplative and introspective realm.

Friday, 24 May No gig, preparing for the Chesham Fringe

Saturday, 25 -> 27 May  The Chesham Fringe Festival 

Friday, 31 May  Hilin Duyu

This is a must see show…Hilin made her debut outside of Holland here last year, she was OUTSTANDING.  Hilin has performed on the stages of Dutch concert halls such as P3, Paradiso, De Vorstin and Het Patronaat, and was part of the nationwide Popronde. She was also a guest of radio and television producer Kevin Baars in his famous Countdown Café.

JUNE

Saturday, 1 June    Paul Thompson

Paul Thompson is a singer-songwriter based in Norfolk, England.

Paul gained a Guinness World Record for the ‘longest journey by milk float’ after touring more than 1,000 miles at 15mph in a specially converted electric milk float ‘Bluebell’, that Paul used as a tour bus and outdoor music stage. During the Arts Council England funded ‘Floating to the Fringe Tour’ promoting his album ‘Lost in the Land of Midnight Sun’, Paul travelled from his Norfolk home as far north as the Outer Hebrides, before completing a 2-week run of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.

He wrote the songs for ‘Lost in the Land of Midnight Sun’ after another epic tour, around Alaska and Canada. Inspired by a love of wild places, Paul spent a magical three months travelling and playing gigs in mountain towns and island communities, surviving a tsunami scare on the western Alaskan coast, and avoiding one or two over-enthusiastic bears for good measure! The story of the journey is available as an ebook on Amazon.

In summer 2017, Paul did another tour ‘Bluebell’s Busking Bonanza’, from Norfolk to Land’s End, raising money for Cancer Research. While waiting for his milk float to be repaired in Somerset, Paul applied to do a Master’s Degree in Songwriting at Bath Spa University, which he was accepted onto and completed with a Distinction in September 2018. During the Master’s Degree Paul lived in a motorhome that was converted into a mobile recording studio by Sound on Sound Magazine.

Inspired by his beautiful surroundings in the Mendip Hills overlooking Glastonbury Tor, Paul wrote and recorded the songs for his fourth album ‘One Again’, utilising the university studios and talent, including Grammy-winning drummer Rob Brian.

Paul has written a book ‘Floating to the Fringe’ about his Guinness World Record breaking tour, and his fifth album ‘Lone Star’  includes a specially written book of short-stories based on the songs from the album.

Paul’s sixth album, Baby Hedgehog, is due for release on May 4th 2024, with a UK tour to follow.

 “Leave the world-weary cynicism to one side for an hour and fly above it all with a true romantic…”

Friday, 7 June   Russel Joslin & Ruby Leigh

I’m pleased to say that Russl Joslin’s new record ‘O Veisalgia’ is now released. I am love his album and I hope you enjoy it. So many special people helped him to make it and he has pushed to make something special. It is available on beautiful limited edition yellow vinyl, excellent-sounding limited edition CD and digital through Bandcamp.’A longing for a better past, and a hope for rebuilding, is apparent throughout the enthralling O Veisalgia’ – Obscure Sound’A journey through themes of urban violence, digital disconnection, and the fragile ties that bind us in this rapidly evolving era’ – Musicpool

Saturday, 8 June  Open for supper…supper, not a band!

Thursday, 13 June Jason Buck Story telling

Friday 14th   Fraser Anderson

“Fraser Anderson is one of our favourite singer songwriters of the past decade and more. He is a wonderful live performer, with a beautiful voice and delicate guitar work that sends shivers down your spine. He also has a natural and warm rapport with his audience. He seems to be one of the UK’s best kept secrets and deserves a much higher profile, which will surely come.” – Ron – TLR

Saturday, 15th June         TBC

Friday, 21 June                 TBC

Saturday, 22 June     Sam Brookes

Friday, 28 June                 Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 29 June             Artist(s) TBC

July

Friday, 5 July                     Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 6 July                 Artist(s) TBC

Sunday, 7 July       Catch 22 – Jazz, Funk & Soul

We have the renowned and popular Catch-22, a band that never fails to deliver an unforgettable performance….  they played here several times and we love them.

Catch 22 have built a strong following here in Chesham and they are playing here every 1st Sunday of the month. Come and join us from 1pm onwards until about 4pm.

Friday, 12 July Jon Kenzie

Jon Kenzie is an accomplished singer songwriter from Manchester/UK with his musical roots firmly based in blues, folk and soul.

Perhaps a perfect example of how an independent artist can survive and thrive in the modern music industry today. Jon has already managed to produce and release three acclaimed solo albums without, so far, relying on support from record companies. He has gained thousands of followers from touring the world by playing concerts and busking on the street; just recently producing his forth solo album, ‘Silent Applause’ which was released in 2023.

He has truly worked his way up from the grass roots, first playing on the streets and in the clubs of Manchester and then traveling Europe and the States, performing in every town that he comes to. When performing on the streets Jon’s passionate and soulful vocals never fail to stop passers-by in their tracks, which has lead to the impressive and completely organic growth of his musical career. It is in this way that Jon has gone from strength to strength, playing bigger and bigger venues and festivals and continues to bring his music to the ears of more people around the world.

Saturday, 13 July Hardwicke Circus

They are a fantastic band managed by none other than the legendary Dave Robinson, creator of Stiff Records, this band is set to blow your minds! For those who may not know, Stiff Records boasts an impressive catalogue of musicians, including the iconic Elvis Costello! With such a rich history and incredible talent associated with their manager, it’s no wonder that Hardwicke Circus is making waves in the music industry. An exciting young band that brings a fresh and unique sound to the stage. Their energy is infectious, and their performances are nothing short of electrifying! From their catchy melodies to their powerful lyrics, they have the ability to captivate audiences and leave them wanting more. Everyone was dancing at their first Dr show.

Closed 18th-30th July

AUGUST

Friday, 2nd Aug             Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 3rd  Aug      Artist(s) TBC

Sunday 4th August        Catch 22 – Jazz, Funk & Soul

We have the renowned and popular Catch-22, a band that never fails to deliver an unforgettable performance….  they played here several times and we love them.

Catch 22 have built a strong following here in Chesham and they are playing here every 1st Sunday of the month. Come and join us from 1pm onwards until about 4pm.

Friday, 9th              Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 10th        Artist(s) TBC

Friday,  16th Grainne Hunt

Saturday, 17th       Artist(s) TBC

Friday, 23rd            Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 24th        Artist(s) TBC

Friday,  30th    Lizzie Hardingham

Saturday, 31st           Artist(s) TBC

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 1st Sept  Catch 22 – Jazz, Funk & Soul

Friday, 6th  The Lost Trades 

Saturday, 7th  Hilin

Friday, 13  Rupert Wates

Saturday,14       Artist(s) TBC

Friday, 20th        Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 21st     Artist(s) TBC

Friday,  27th        Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 28th Hardwicke Circus

OCTOBER

Friday, 4th  Adam Holmes

Saturday, 5th  Polly Paulusma

Friday, 11th         Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 12th   The Sounds of Silence

Friday, 18th         Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 19th     Artist(s) TBC

Friday, 25th        Artist(s) TBC

Saturday, 26th     Artist(s) TBC

NOVEMBER