I appreciate that I only post here once in a blue moon and that’s generally gig reviews, but some of you may be able to help. Both Retro and Rigid have both expressed an interest in Mr Stace (aka John Wesley Harding) following reviews that I’ve posted.
I’ve been in contact with Wes about organising a UK tour and he’s keen. I’m not a promoter just a fan hoping to break even on the venture and Wes just wants to do something low key. If this happens it’s likely that it will take place this autumn, so:
– Would anybody be interested in putting on a house concert? You’ll need a place that can accommodate about 30 people
– Any other ideas regarding low key venues?
I’ve currently got possibilities lined up for Reading, Hereford and Liverpool.
Reading! John Wesley Harding!
Sub89 may be a bit big, but is a good venue.
On the smaller side there is 21 South Street Arts Venue, or the much smaller Global Cafe ( but this is more an “entry level” venue).
Lovibonds Brewery in Henley have Live events – I know someone who knows the owner, so will ask the question if it helps
Nettlebed Folk Club might also fit the “low key” nature requested
There is a wonderful pub in Deal, Kent called The Lighthouse. Gigs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and occasionally other days. Robyn Hitchcock is an upcoming highlight but it remains a very mellow, low key place to play but with a fairly dedicated audience and a supportive vibe. Run by real music enthusiasts, the beer is good as well.
http://www.thelighthousedeal.co.uk
I’d be happy to help put you in contact if somewhere slightly off the beaten track appeals.
My local village café holds about 30 and I have suitable PA gear. Getting an audience of 30 is another matter, however, especially if they have to pay. It would have to be a Sunday night.
The Blue Moon pub in Cambridge has a 100-capacity music room which is free to hire. Venue has lights but no PA (which I can provide).
You could try contacting The Kalamazoo Klub, who put bands on at The King’s Head in Crouch End, London N8.
The limitation is that most of their gigs are on the 2nd Friday of the month, though from time to time the do go further afield and put gigs on in other venues in north London at other times.
http://kalamazooklub.com/want-to-play/
Why the size restriction? His preference or little belief in his pulling power?
Kitchen Garden Cafe in Brum would be ideal. I have a chum who is a booker for there (Trouble is I only know him as Andy………)
https://www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk/events.php?pid=main
(Sent you and he a PM)
Thanks for very much for all the suggestions. There’s no size restrictions as such. I mentioned 30 people as being a minimum for a house concert, because when I put Wes on at a pub in Reading that was the minimum number he felt was worthwhile for him.
I felt that that Wes was very generous in terms of what he charged. From my conversation with him, he’s up for doing five to ten gigs in the UK but he wants it to be laid back and he didn’t want me to be too exposed financially (i.e. act as a promoter). Wes told me that he doesn’t currently have an agent in the UK and he seemed unsure as to how much support his record label, Yep Roc, would provide. I’m assuming none.
I feel confident of getting a good crowd along to the smaller room at South Street in Reading, which holds around 60 people, as we got 45 people turning in 2016 in a function room of a pub just by dint of a few of my friends turning up and Wes putting out a low key tweet.
Thanks for the PM Retro I’ll be in touch once I’ve heard from Wes as to which month this year suits him the most.
South Street – good venue. If it happens, please let me know when to boost the audience figure by +1
The Ent Shed promote Americana stuff in Bedfordshire and have the advantage of a dedicated audience base. Nice blokes too. Well worth a try.
https://www.entshed.co.uk/
Hope he does get a gig near me – I really like that.