Anthony John Clarke

TodayDoors 19:30

Shy Face Troubadour

Kitchen Garden Cafe · Birmingham

Shy Face Troubadour is an ongoing project for Tony Willé’s songs. Former bands include The Day, Parma Violets and indie outfit, Felt. His writing is inspired by songwriting greats such as Brian Wilson, Nick Drake and Elvis Costello. Tom Robinson (BBC introducing) said: ‘’… a beautifully crafted piece of topical songwriting’’ - He’s been ‘’honing his craft as a songwriter for 30 years, and it shows’’. This is Tony’s favourite venue and tonight he’ll be joined by ace musicians Richard Sames, Hank Hastings and Paul Carroll with special guest Fiona Lenton on violin. Expect a bag full of beautiful folksy pop tunes including the life affirming ‘DIY for Butterfly’ and the achingly beautiful ‘The Train’, a tribute to his brother.

Gigs

TomorrowDoors 19:30

A Different Thread

Kitchen Garden Cafe · Birmingham

“One road is ending, another road begins, come on let’s do it over again” (A Different Thread). Some things are just meant to be. Alicia Best (US) and Robert Jackson (UK) met while busking on the cobbled streets of Ireland and discovered both a musical and personal harmony that was serendipitous. In the decade since forming A Different Thread, Best and Jackson have taken their act on the road, touring over a dozen countries, supporting artists such as Milk Carton Kids and Jody Stephens (Big Star), and garnering critical praise from the likes of Folk Radio UK, which hailed the duo as “warm, deep songwriters that have drank from the well of 20th century tradition”. Their new album, Over Again (out May 1st 2026), was written during a period of transition, marked by their arrival stateside and a solar eclipse. Recording began in their tiny home studio, continued in Sylvan Esso's Betty's (The Mountain Goats, Watchhouse), and finished at Alma Vale Studio (Phantom Limb/Yola, Elles Bailey) in the UK. Their sound is transcontinental, blending Jackson's British folk rock background with Best's North Carolina-bred alt-country melodies. Informed by their life experiences (navigating...

GigsFolkBlues

Sun 1 NovDoors 19:30

Luke Jackson

Kitchen Garden Cafe · Birmingham

"Blessed with one of those soulful, heaven-sent voices that soars with emotion or plunges into brooding intensity" (The Musician Magazine). It’s impossible to not be totally amazed by Luke Jackson, the way he commands such a presence up there on the stage. It may well just be one man and his guitar but the exuberance with which he plays and sings opens the listener’s mind up wide. When his voice is belting out a song it’s like the force of a hundred folk, all concentrated through his captivating solo vocal. Right from the off he shows he means business. The power packed behind his voice grabs your complete attention as soon as it begins. "He is one of the most distinctive voices, both literally and figuratively, on the contemporary folk scene" (Folk Radio UK). So you’ve had a terrible day and think your mind may not be in the right place to relax and enjoy a night of live music? Wrong! There’s no chance of that with Luke on the case. Whatever troubles you might have had are smashed to smithereens. The throttle is opened fully and even early on he cements in your mind the cast iron certainty you’ll be leaving the place having been well and truly awed. Put simply, Luke Ja...

GigsFolkBlues

Mon 2 NovDoors 19:30

Deborah Rose

Kitchen Garden Cafe · Birmingham

Welsh-born artist Deborah Rose is an enchanting, timeless singer-songwriter and guitarist who, in recent years, has made her home in Shropshire. Known for her ethereal songwriting and pure, luminous voice, Deborah brings inspiration, faith, and depth to every performance, touching the souls of all who are in her presence. A compelling live performer with a witty, engaging repartee, she creates an atmosphere and experience that leaves audiences feeling they have witnessed something truly intimate and unique. She has performed internationally alongside legendary artists including Judy Collins, Jimmy Webb, and Ralph McTell, and has also sung for audiences of American author and presidential candidate Marianne Williamson. Beyond the stage, Deborah is deeply committed to using music as a force for change. She has led songwriting workshops in prisons, helping individuals transform their lives through creativity. This work earned her an award from the Prison Service, as well as eight Koestler Foundation awards recognising songs written by inmates under her guidance. Deborah has also worked extensively with people living with dementia across the UK and has traveled to Uganda, where she sup...

GigsFolkBlues

Thu 18 Feb 2027Doors 19:00

PATRICK DUFF

St George's Church · Birmingham

A special concert in the beautiful, sanctuary setting of St George's Church - with songs written over more than three decades; from the early days with Strangelove to the live premiere of new songs from the forthcoming album... Patrick Duff’s concerts are mesmerising experiences that resonate deeply. Known for their still, engaging atmospheres and characterised by a haunting intimacy within the collective listening. Critics have described Duff as a "celebrant" who uses his music to connect the audience to a sense of the divine. "A SHOW OF PURE MAGIC, AND A CELEBRATION OF THE SACRED THAT KEEPS US FROM SINKING INTO THE DARKNESS…" - The Arts Desk In recent years, his concerts have been held in unique venues that lend a story of their own: abandoned cathedrals, historic silent film cinemas, country churches and theatres. Receiving standing ovations and roaring audience feedback, these concerts sell out fast - most recently within minutes. "ONE OF THE UK'S MOST INTRIGUING AND COMPELLING SINGER-SONGWRITERS" - BBC Radio His music is timeless, personal and poetic, variously described as indie noir, avant-folk and even baroque pop. Duff describes his current songwriting as intuitive and...

Gigs

Thu 18 Feb 2027Doors 19:30

Oscar Lindsey

Hare And Hounds Kings Heath · Birmingham

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee to a deeply rooted musical family, songwriting quickly became Oscar Lindsey's second nature.

GigsAlternativeFolk

Thu 18 Feb 2027Doors 19:30

Tragedy: All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees & Beyond

The Robin · Wolverhampton

GigsTributeMetal

Fri 19 Feb 2027Doors 08:00

Freddie Mercury Tribute

The Aquarius Ballroom Hednesford · Cannock

Ian Beattie brings Freddie to life

Gigs