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 Gigs

SEPTEMBER         

Friday,  27th            The Barnstormers

“Blues as it was intended”

The Barnstormers, you will have heard great things about them! It’s fascinating to see how they emerged during the lockdown and managed to captivate audiences with their blues music, staying true to its original essence.

The success of their first Saturday gig speaks volumes about their ability to create an electrifying atmosphere. It’s impressive how they’ve managed to bring together a group of musicians who consistently fill the yard with their exciting sounds and infectious vibes. Their popularity has soared, and now they’re even available for private functions!

If you’re interested in booking the Barnstormers for a , it seems they’ve become quite sought after. I hear they can be booked for private events starting from £700-£1000. That’s quite a testament to their talent and the demand they’ve generated…if interested, talk to me.

Saturday,  28th            Maka & Rew and introducing Kate Dineen

Maka, originally from Lagos, now in London expresses a huge amount of passion in her delivery, her own music and co-created/written and arranged by Rew (aka Skinbad)

Soulful powerful music, she and Rew have performed on Sofar Sounds as well as The Drawingroom on two earlier occasions. 

Support comes from Kate Dineen, an Indie-Folk Singer Songwriter from the rural village of Kerry; she now resides in Dublin. Kate blends intricate instrumentals with thoughtful lyrics.

In her musical journey, Kate won the Noel Brazil songwriting competition for “Great Escape” and has performed at festivals like K Fest and Cork Folk Festival. Her singles have appeared on New Music Friday UK’s Spotify playlist and she’s been featured on major Irish and UK radio stations, including interviews on RTE Radio’s Ray D’Arcy Show and Radio Kerry’s Talk About. The Irish Post has also highlighted her song “Doomscrolling” for its commentary on social media’s impact.

OCTOBER

Friday, 4th         Adam Holmes

Adam’s 4 albums, Heirs and Graces, Brighter Still, Midnight Milk and Dreamweaver have cast an impressive shadow across the UK Folk Scene and gained him Scottish Album of the Year Nominations (in 2014, 2017 and 2018) and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Nominations. His songs have  featured widely on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3, BBC Scotland, Edith Bowman’s BBC Scotland Quay Sessions show and Virgin Radio, amongst many others. The second youngest of 8 children raised by his mother in a small flat in Portobello, 

Adam crafts lyrics that resonate like old folk songs, set to melodies rooted in the haunting slow airs and church hymns that echoed throughout his childhood. 

Only in the world of folk music could you imagine the staff at one of the liveliest, smokiest and most famous Folk music pubs in Britain, Sandy Bells, making a space at the end of the bar so that an eight year old child could get the best view of the singers and musicians. But that was the very place that Adam first picked up the skill of learning music by ear.   

Age 15, after the death of a close friend and a cascade into drugs and alcohol he found his way out through the focus of rapping and producing hip hop. Simultaneously he began to play guitar and write songs and after leaving school and moving into his first flat aged 16 he worked on building sites, trying to pick up an apprenticeship as a joiner. 

On the very same day that he was finally offered an apprenticeship aged 19 he received a phone-call offering him a place in the semi finals of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2009. He chose his place in music and hasn’t looked back since.

His masterful songwriting and enchanting voice has, over the years, seen him work and share stages

Saturday, 5th     Justine Hart … and Gang 

Since 1998, Justine has built extensive experience teaching groups of all abilities, structuring her tuition style and content according to the needs of different types of client, student and environment. She is known for her passion and enthusiasm for West African music, giving engaging, popular workshops and performances. Justine frequently visits West Africa to continue her ongoing study of this exciting musical form and to experience something of the areas and the cultures from which it originates. She has performed at the Kartong Festival in The Gambia and at the Abene Festival and Dombondir Festival in Senegal, and continues to study percussion, dance and song in both in Senegal and the UK. She also leads the Hartbeats Vitae Drummers drumming ensemble, plus other local drumming groups, and has proved a trustworthy organiser of many associated festivals, gatherings and expeditions.

Friday, 11th        Sounds of Simon – S&G – Ben & Adam 

Amazing Band – just read the quotes … – not to be missed ! Get your tickets ! 

”This is the 4th time I have seen The Sounds Of Simon and what a pleasure it is with every gig. Perfect harmonies, spot-on acoustic guitar from Ben and great banter between him and Adam. The attention to detail and knowledge of the history of S & G is second-to-none. The supporting musicians(drums, bass and keys)should not be forgotten, as they are all top-class in their own right. If you like the music of S & G, or just Paul Simon as a solo artist, you will have a thoroughly enjoyable evening”            
Anonymous, Ents24

”The show was great and I felt there were some subtle touches which only a true fan would pick up on. [Ben] was very impressive as Paul. I thought the set list was excellent.. Highlights were many. I particularly enjoyed Train In The Distance, Slip Sliding Away, and all the songs with just two voices and guitar. When [they] sang with just guitar and you both it was very very special. Probably most impressive in that respect was Old Friends for the guitar playing as I play most [Paul Simon] songs but that one I have yet to nail!”

Neil , at Arts Complex in Solihull show

 ”We saw you at Alexanders last night and thought you were great”

Gail, at Alexanders in Chester

”A most inspiring show, another sell out and a fantastic response from our customers. Thank you so much for a great Friday evening, the club was packed to the rafters and the music, as ever, was superb. See you next year!”

Neil Hughes – The Cinnamon Club

”I’ve just got home after seeing your gig at solihull, you may remember my mother as the one moaning about you not playing Bright eyes!!! The whole family thought you were brilliant, really enjoyed the show, excellent musicians – the lot of you! Thanks for a great night”         

Sarah-jane, at arts Complex in Solihull

Saturday, 12th    Si Connelly  & Fern McNulty

Two Headliners in one Night – not to be missed ! 

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 Connelly is a dynamic and innovative musician who is making waves in the music industry with his unique sound and captivating performances. Hailing from [insert location], Connelly is a true maverick, pushing boundaries and defying genre conventions.

With a diverse musical background and influences ranging from rock and blues to folk and soul, Connelly’s music is a melting pot of styles that creates a truly distinctive sonic experience. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and experiment with different sounds sets him apart from the crowd, making him a true trailblazer in the industry.

But it’s not just his musical versatility that sets Connelly apart; it’s his undeniable talent as a songwriter and performer. His lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, delving into themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience. Combined with his soulful and emotive vocals, Connelly’s songs have the power to resonate deeply with listeners, leaving a lasting impact.

Connelly’s live performances are nothing short of electrifying. With his infectious energy and magnetic stage presence, he effortlessly commands the attention of the audience, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether performing with a full band or in an intimate acoustic setting, Connelly’s passion for music shines through, captivating audiences and leaving them craving more.

As Si Connelly continues to make his mark on the music scene, his star is undoubtedly on the rise. With his boundary-pushing sound, heartfelt songwriting, and captivating performances, he is a force to be reckoned with. Anyone attending will be able to purchase this as a white label, signed album.

Friday, 18th         Sarah Jane Scouten & Robbie Caswell-Jones

We’re excited to be presenting an exciting new collaboration from the talented duo of Canadian Sarah Jane Scouten and Wrexham’s own Robbie Caswell-Jones.

Have a listen here

Canadian Folk & Country artist Sarah Jane Scouten was living in southwest Scotland when the pandemic hit. With tours cancelled, and a tentative immigration status, she found comfort in the medicinal plants and wild flowers of the Dumfries & Galloway hedgerows. Having worked as a full time touring artist for 8 years, she pivoted and applied to a professional programme in herbal medicine. Now, three years later, she’s a newly minted Medical Herbalist and yet couldn’t wait to get back on the road as a musician. “Studying something so wholly different from music helped renew my love of songwriting and live performance,” says Sarah Jane. It also provided a new depth to her songwriting as she explores subjects as far ranging as British folklore, grief and depression, and swampy romance. The upcoming album Turned to Gold (Light Organ) follows a trail of 70’s country rock sounds. It’s Tom Petty meets John Prine with a generous helping of Linda Ronstadt, complete with hooky choruses, vintage guitars and live recording techniques. 

Saturday 19th October

Jesse Terry (as a duo) with Alan Fish

“It is easy to compare Terry’s heritage and storytelling to that of Jackson Browne, James Taylor, John Denver or Bruce Springsteen. A symphonic delight for the heart and soul.”
~ Americana UK
Emerging from a degree at Berklee College of Music, Jesse netted a five-year staff writer gig on Nashville’s Music Row penning material for major TV networks, and winning prestigious songwriting awards including ‘The John Lennon Songwriting Contest’ and ‘The CMT/NSAI Song Contest.’ His music has appeared in Netflix’s ‘Virgin River,’ CW’s ‘Hart of Dixie,” PBS’s ‘Roadtrip Nation’ and ABC’s ‘Fever.’ He has a book out in Spring 2023 via Schiffer Publishing, ‘If I Were the Moon’ based on his song of the same name.

Rooted in rhythmic rock & roll and sharp songwriting, Arcadia marks a turning point in Jesse Terry’s career. It’s the seventh original album from an award-winning musician who’s spent much of the past decade on the move, playing 150 shows annually, including bucket list events such as Bonnaroo and Americana Fest. Arcadia captures both sides of that musical personality, finding room for amplified anthems one moment and intimate moments the next, showcasing just how wide Terry’s reach can be. A grand-prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Terry established himself as a top-shelf songwriter and storyteller even before he built his audience as a solo artist. Arcadia captures him at his articulate, energetic peak, stocked with songs that turn personal details from Terry’s own life—including the joys and challenges of fatherhood, as well as nostalgic reflections upon his own childhood—into universal rallying cries for anyone looking to turn the challenges of the past into fuel for a better, brighter present

Friday, 25th        Jeffrey Straker       

When Jeff played here first, it was like having Elton John or Billy Joel in the yard…he simply blew the yard apart. Singer-songwriter pianist Jeffery Straker grew up taking piano lessons in a small farming town on the Canadian prairies, raised by a church organist mother and an auctioneer father. He’s gone on to perform over 100 shows per year across Canada, Europe and Latin America.  Serving up a rootsy-storytelling brand of song, his song-writing has the ability to transport a listener – out onto a northern lake or to the main street of a prairie town.  Across 8 albums to date critical comparisons have been drawn to the likes of Harry Chapin, Kris Kristofferson & Murray McLauchlan while performances have seen him live on BBC radio in the UK, on theatre stages and performing to festival crowds. Named ‘Roots-Folk Artist of the Year’ in consecutive Saskatchewan Music Awards Jeffery has also been honoured with a Western Canadian Music Award.  The Saskatchewan Country Music Awards have named him keyboard player of the year 3 years running.  Recently he’s toured across the UK (including a performance at the Canadian High Commission in London), performed in Kugluktuk Nunavut above the Arctic Circle, and co-headlined a Western Canada tour with Royal Wood.  He’ll debut his new album “Great Big Sky” with a series of unique shows performed in grain elevators across Saskatchewan.  Wherever he performs he connects with audiences and to that end CBC Radio recently said: “Straker has a way of drawing us into his world and making us feel like we’re a welcome guest; an old friend he’s ready to catch up with”.

Endorsement Quotes:
“A consummate performer – we’ll bring him back” 
Suze Casey, Calgary Folk Club – the largest Folk Club in Canada

“Classically trained confidence with a storyteller’s intimacy…rich narratives that can transport a listener…” Canadian Beats

Saturday, 26th       The Barnstormers

“Blues as it was intended”

The Barnstormers, you will have heard great things about them! It’s fascinating to see how they emerged during the lockdown and managed to captivate audiences with their blues music, staying true to its original essence.

The success of their first Saturday gig speaks volumes about their ability to create an electrifying atmosphere. It’s impressive how they’ve managed to bring together a group of musicians who consistently fill the yard with their exciting sounds and infectious vibes. Their popularity has soared, and now they’re even available for private functions!

If you’re interested in booking the Barnstormers for a , it seems they’ve become quite sought after. I hear they can be booked for private events starting from £700-£1000. That’s quite a testament to their talent and the demand they’ve generated…if interested, talk to me. 07973664551

NOVEMBER

Friday, 1st         Willow Hill 

Recently named one of Rolling Stone’s “Bands to Watch”, Willow Hill has cemented themselves as one of Nashville’s newest and most unique country sensations… Bio

Check out their tour schedule for this year… The US, The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Poland … and Chesham… ha! How awesome! They aren’t to be missed. 

Check them out HERE  

Saturday, 2nd   TrioZone

Tonight, it’s Jazz Triozone some extremely talented musicians, playing together for many years and with their own cool Jazz and a plethora of influences…TRIO ZONE Drummer Ollie usiskin has worked with  some of the top names in Jazz including: Mike Stern, John Etheridge, Bob Franceschini, Gareth williams, Jim Mullen & John Altman. The Trio features bassist Rob Statham who worked with ian Carr & Keith Emerson. The Trio’s latest release “Trio Zone” on US label iTi Music Corp has been rated 3 Stars in Jazzwise Mag. The Album was produced by ex Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip…Take a listen

Friday, 8th          TBC 

Saturday, 9th      Dom Pipkin

Piano virtuoso Dom Pipkin is one of Europe’s top exponents of New Orleans rhythm and blues. A regular at Ronnie Scotts Pipkin breathes new life into the classic funk sounds of The Meters, Dr John, Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, with these influences emerging in his own irresistible songwriting. His classical and sometimes rhapsodic influences are married with a tough approach to the blues and driving left hand rhythms.ano from London, Soul from New Orleans…‘One of the worlds greatest exponents of New Orleans piano’ — Blues in Britain magazine…The Ikos ‘The best New Orleans band never to come from Louisiana’ — Rocking Magpie

Friday, 15th        Night Flight

Somewhere between Pink Floyd and Cold Play, Night Flight have captured the attention of Elton John who plays them regularly on his own radio show. Brought to my attention by Harry Phillips, himself a vet of The Drawingroom and now a member of the band. Night Flight, led by Sam Holmes, have supported The National, Paul Simon and James Taylor. They have a huge following here in Chesham, so book the moment tickets are released.

Saturday, 16th   

support comes from Florence Sommerville

20-year-old Florence Sommerville, a singer-songwriter from Orsett, a small village in Essex, is one the fastest-rising talents of 2024. She has recently played the Maverick Festival, opened for Nashville singer Hannah Bethel amongst others…

This summer she’s been in studio working on a new album and will be releasing a new single to coincide with her show at Camden Chapel.

There’s a raw rootsy quality to Florence’s music that belies her youthfulness. An assured performer, she takes total command of any stage from the outset and allows her crystalline vocals to shine on her well-crafted original songs. In short, Florence Sommerville is the total package. Her songs, her voice, her personality and naturalness on stage. There’s a little bit of something for everyone to love in Florence’s repertoire. Her live performances are warm and energetic, and thanks to catchy songs that encourage you to move your feet, it’ll be hard to sit still at her performance.

Friday, 22nd         Artist(s) TBC 

Saturday, 23rd      The Barnstormers

“Blues as it was intended”

The Barnstormers, you will have heard great things about them! It’s fascinating to see how they emerged during the lockdown and managed to captivate audiences with their blues music, staying true to its original essence.

The success of their first Saturday gig speaks volumes about their ability to create an electrifying atmosphere. It’s impressive how they’ve managed to bring together a group of musicians who consistently fill the yard with their exciting sounds and infectious vibes. Their popularity has soared, and now they’re even available for private functions!

If you’re interested in booking the Barnstormers for a , it seems they’ve become quite sought after. I hear they can be booked for private events starting from £700-£1000. That’s quite a testament to their talent and the demand they’ve generated…if interested, talk to me.

Friday, 29th          Artist(s) TBC 

Saturday, 30th      Artist(s) TBC

DECEMBER 

Sunday, 1st      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