What to see in and around Newbury
Open Studios
THIS year’s Open Studios fling open their doors on Saturday to welcome visitors at various times until May 27. Go along to the taster show INSIGHT at The Base Greenham to see examples of all the participants’ work and then you can decide which combination of artists and makers you want to explore further. You’ll see new faces as well as regulars, working in the areas of painting, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, printmaking, woodworking, stone and glass. https://www.open-studios.org.uk/
Ricky Hicks soul/blues band
THE legendary Ricky Hicks will be fronting his new soul/blues band Shut the Front Door, at The Bacon Arms in Oxford Street, Newbury, tomorrow (Friday (3 May). The line-up will be Ricky (vocals), Ed Brayshaw (lead guitar), Gavin Wilkinson (bass) and Dan Goddard (drums). Music from 8.30pm.
Much Ado at The Watermill
THE critically acclaimed Watermill Ensemble sashay into the Golden Age of Hollywood with a glamorous new take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Set against the backdrop of a bustling film set, passions run high as the drama continues even when the cameras stop rolling. Bickering on-screen lovers Benedick and Beatrice bring mischief and mayhem to the set, while the young lovers, rising star Claudio and, the daughter of the studio boss Hero, are threatened by an elaborate plot of deception. Lose yourself in the music and film of the 1940s-inspired soundscape, played live by an ensemble cast of actor-musicians. The run continues to May 18. https://www.watermill.org.uk/much-ado @newburytoday review:
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Who Ate All The Crayons at BrewDog
JAMMA Records are launching a residency at bar and restaurant Brewdog, in Castle Street, Reading, with a local artist showcase featuring Bone-Idle and Newbury band Who Ate All The Crayons (WAATC). Grab your tickets now for an evening of live music and good vibes tomorrow (Friday). Secure your spot for just £8. WAATC previously headlined BrewDog Reading in November and since then they have been to Abbey Road and recorded a live version of their song Crown from their debut EP Deep Blue Delivery. Who Ate All The Crayons are a folk rock band who draw influences from Rainbow Kitten Surprise, The Howl and the Hum, and Mumford and Sons.
Cool vibes at Pangbourne Jazz
PANGBOURNE Jazz Club’s session on Sunday (7.30pm) features Stuart Henderson (trumpet) backed by the Pangbourne Jazz Club rhythm section: Otha Smith (guitar), Rob Levy (double bass), Jim Pollard (piano) and Brian Greene (drums). From 1983 to 2005 Stuart was principal trumpet of The Scots Guards Band in Her Majesty’s Household Division. During this period he played many times for the Royal Family and at state occasions all over the world. Since leaving the services, Stuart has become a fixture on the UK jazz scene, appearing with many of the country’s finest jazz musicians. He leads various small groups and is musical director of the Remix Jazz Orchestra. He has played at many jazz festivals including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Brecon. Recording credits include dance labels Nanny Tango, Soul Purpose and Greenfly, and artistic collaborations with Tongues of Fire, Macnas and Mark Anderson “Dark Spark”. His commercial work includes the Rebecca Poole quartet, the String of Pearls, Joe Loss, The Showbiz Pops Orchestra and Nick Heyward.) The jazz club meets at PWMC Rosewood Hall in Whitchurch Road, Pangbourne. “A really nice venue in a beautiful setting. With club bar prices and ample parking. Pangbourne Jazz Club is delighted to be here.” https://www.pangbournejazzclub.com/
