Imagine a sunny day in June in beautiful Saffron Walden with the town filled with live music, free performances in different locations around the town and a range of food stalls. This will be The Fête de la Musique on Sunday 20th June, 2021. This is Saffron Walden’s 3rd festival. 2015 and 2018 were highly successful events which brought hundreds of musicians and thousands of spectators into the town.
This year’s Fete de la Musique will be a totally Covid compliant event. All venues are outdoors and due to the need to sanitise, etc. between acts we have fewer than in previous years but the quality is extremely high! There will be big range of street food to cater for all tastes. This year’s programme includes two short puppet shows at Museum/Castle grounds. Download programme.
Venues:
Jubilee Gardens – Bridge End Garden – Museum/Castle Grounds – King Edward VI Almshouses – Market Square – Fairycroft House – Railway Arms – Cross Keys – King’s Arms
Musicians:
AKA – ASBESTØS – Broken Arrow – Clarinet Caprice – Corrupted Visions – Crimson Shadow – Dan the Piano Man – Delusions of Grandeur – Fake Sleep – Far From Refuge – Granta Chorale – Hipidi – Hooligans – J & Ts – James Proud and Rachel Walker – James White & The Wild Fire – Joanna Eden – Josh Robins – Kardinal X – Karmadillo – Kevin Sporle & Dave Kenny – Levi Coffin & His Underground Railroad – Leyla S – Malcolm Green – Matt and Nancy – Matthew Everett – Moonshine Coyote – Mr Coverman & Guests – Newton Sax Quartet – Nightingale Trio – No Exit – Paul Chinnock – SAND – Sarah Jones & Mark Lindsell – Sheri Kershaw Trio – Sky West – Sorry Not Sorry – Stephanie Reeve – SW’ukes (Saffron Walden Ukulele Group) – System’s Gone Down – Tennessee Twin – The Cheesy Chips – The Garden – The Hangovers – The Luminectric – This Circus Life – Thursday Night Singers – Toby Barton – Tom Mannion – Torino Green – Twisted Funk – Umbrella BigBand – Village Hall Disco Society – Wimbish Military Wives Choir
Food to Go:
The Giggly Pig Company – Crystal Waters – Sev’s Ice Cream – Saffron Ice Cream – Toast on Cheese – Mena’s Indian banquet – Sliderman – Boho Kitchen – The Art is in the Cake – Sue-per Bakes – Tilly Travelling Tea Room
Puppets: Compton’s Company of Puppet present George & The Dragon and Peter & The Wolf at the Museum/Castle Grounds. The shows are designed to entertain adults and children alike.
We are the sort of travelling puppeteers who graced the markets and festivals of long ago, although, sadly, we can no longer travel by horse and cart.
These are some other shows we perform:
Robin Hood – The Spanish Armada – The Gunpowder Plot – The 17th-Century Civil War – Cuttlefish Sam and the Pirates
AKA
Headliners come and go, but whether it’s a stadium, a festival or a tiny nightclub, AKA also known as that other band played the warmup, in the foyer, or out in the street, at every gig since time began.
So, whatever else is going on, here are the grown-up single-malt jazz and latin standards that keep the radio waves flowing when rock, soul, punk, electro, grime…. have had their cocoa and gone to bed. And we are younger than Tina Turner.
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ASBESTØS
Formed at college in 2016 by vocalist Matt Everett and drummer Joe Richardson, ASBESTØS are a punk rock/alt rock trio from Cambridge. During their 5-year stint as a band, they have toured the UK with High Visions, been a featured artist on BBC Introducing Cambridge, and have independently put out 3 releases under their name.
Before the music world grinded to a halt in 2020, the group released their 3rd EP ‘Triplicity’, a 3-song release including a song written and composed solely by each member. The band are due to record their debut album shortly after their performance at Fete de la Musique.
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Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow is a Cambridge band have been going for over 30 years playing various gigs fronted by Alan Thomson as mainstay of the band, sometimes called Kings Harvest, plays regularly at the Flying Pig and various other Cambridge institutions and London too.
Next gig for the band is at Ely Townhouse on Sunday 27th June. Always have the cream of local musicians on board.
Band members: Ted Koehurst and Bob Jakins who also play in local band the Lonely; Sammy Brooks on drums and vocals. Sammy is a local legend full time entertainer in his own right.
We have a huge repertoire of songs including blues, folk, rock, pop, Americana and jazz. Alan can be seen at Cambridge Chauffeur punts providing musical trips on the River Cam
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Clarinet Caprice
Clarinet Caprice is a local quartet made up of three Bb clarinets and a bass clarinet. We’ve have been playing for over ten years and our repertoire includes classical, jazz and one or two tunes for children.
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Corrupted Visions
In 2018, ASBESTØS drummer Joe Richardson decided to release a song he wrote ‘When it rains it pours’, a ukulele driven ballad about powerlessness and desolation, under the new persona ‘Corrupted Visions’. After a year of writing music and staying under the radar, in Oct. 2019, he released his debut EP ‘Nothing is Alright’ – written, recorded and produced solely by him, on the Garageband app on his phone.
He’s stayed silent on social media during the past year and a half, using the time to focus on writing and tracking new songs for his next follow up, which is coming soon.
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Crimson Shadow
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Dan the Piano Man
I’ve been playing the piano for over 30 years and in the last few years have enjoyed performing out and about at all sorts of events from Weddings to Music festivals! I enjoy performing songs that I hope everyone can join in with and look forward to hearing you sing with me on Sunday!
Maybe a few of my Saffron Walden Rock Choir members will join me!!
http://www.danthepianoman.co.uk/
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Delusions of Grandeur
We are Delusions of Grandeur, the dogs of doom. A hard rock/metal cover band out of Saffron Walden. Playing classics from Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath. To Judas Priest, Metallica and newer bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Muse. All with our owe unique sound. We are all well established musicians that love the music we play. We would not play it unless we loved it ourselves.
We hope you enjoy the Grandeur of our Delusions.
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Fake Sleep
Junction 21 splits into a two pointed formation with Ben Richardson and Ethan Summers as the blitz through the land of music, together.
Sleep is overrated and instead they write and help you, the audience, drift away into a world of different day dreams. Showcasing a variety of songs from their solo projects and Junction 21, Ethan and Ben strip back the atmospheres of these songs for a summer outside setting. Enjoy the show of Fake Sleep.
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Far From Refuge
Since 2016, Far From Refuge have been refining their unique blend of modern metal, seasoned with djent, electronica, prog & death elements, delivering captivating compositions that entwine intricate guitars and haunting synths with antagonistic vocals to underpin engrossing commentary, from the human condition, to tales of cosmic interlopers, and anything in between.
They’ve released an EP, several singles and music videos and are working on a full length album. Far From Refuge are thrilled to be a part of the Fete and can’t wait to bring their neck wrenchingly energetic and resoundingly melodious live performance to a whole new audience in Saffron Walden.
http://www.farfromrefuge.com/
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Granta Chorale
Granta Chorale was formed in 2007, after a one-off performance of Tallis’ 40-part motet “Spem in Alium” brought together a small group of singers from Saffron Walden and the surrounding area. They perform a wide variety of music from the Renaissance to the present day, much of it a cappella, and have earned a reputation for performing new music including regular premieres by the choir’s musical director, award-winning composer Janet Wheeler.
Granta Chorale enjoys frequent collaborations with a variety of local and national groups including English Touring Opera, the Armonico Consort and Sonoro.
https://www.grantachorale.org.uk/
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Hipidi
Hipidi are Poppy and David, a duo from Suffolk, sometimes a trio, playing their own songs.
The emphasis is on melody and the songs are in the pop/folk/rock mould. Guitar and 2 vocals blending in harmony. They love to play and look forward to entertaining you!
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Hooligans
The Hooligans are a family band from Saffron Walden, specialising in traditional Irish folk music. Maeve Halligan has been playing the violin since she was five years old, and has toured with the National Youth Folk Ensemble. She also plays piano/keyboards and writes/sings her own songs.
The Hooligans have played at leading venues and events, including The Junction, Cambridge Folk Festival, The Big Weekend, Common People Festival and numerous gigs for Fete de la Musique and at Fairycroft House. The band have also made multiple lives radio appearances.
Maeve plays alongside Liam Halligan on guitar and family friend Lewis Naughton on cajon. The Halligan family hail from Co. Mayo, Ireland, and Maeve performs on a fiddle handed-down by her great-grandfather, Martin Halligan.
http://www.thehooligans.co.uk/
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J & Ts
The J&Ts is a multi-genre duo born of lockdown charity project 40 Days of Disney, which produced a video performance for every day of Lent for Help Musicians UK. Professional classical musician founders Tess with 30 musicians raised £3300 for Help Musicians Charity for the many musicians who were having a tough time by
James Priest & Tess Pearson will perform anything from Disney to Doris Day, favourite to forgotten, under the remit of ‘film music’. Available to hire for your celebrations and services – glassofjnt@gmail.com
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James Proud and Rachel Walker
Rachel and Jimmy play blues, country and folk covers with soulful vocals and guitar.
Their styles collided at the All Star Jam, Fairycroft House and they’ve received amazing inspiration from the local music community, who they’re looking forward to playing with again at the Fete de la Musique.
photo: Mart’s Arts Photography
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James White & The Wild Fire
http://www.jameswhitemusic.com
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Joanna Eden
“The UK’s answer to Diana Krall and Norah Jones” Time Out
“Definitely worth seeking this one out” Sir Michael Parkinson, BBC Radio 2
“Eden’s songs have melody, mystery and bite” Mojo Magazine
“Eden writes sharp-witted, well-crafted songs and sings them sweetly and with conviction” London Evening Standard
Lincolnshire born Joanna Eden wrote and performed her first song Happy December age seven. The daughter of a musician and a drama teacher she could read music before she could write, studied piano from age 4 and left university 17 years later with her first tour (with college Indie-band ‘Precious’), an all consuming love of Ella Fitzgerald and a weakness for drummers.
Since then, Eden has released 4 albums and over 35 original songs.
Joanna has performed her jazz influenced original music all over the world and supported world-class artists including Jamie Cullum, the Buena Vista Social Club, Ronan Keating and the Blockheads.
Sir Michael Parkinson instructed his Radio 2 listeners to “seek her out” and jazz legend Courtney Pine champions her recordings on his BBC Radio 2 show, while Jamie Cullum describes her as “Brilliant!”.
She has performed live on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Mojo Magazine has given her original albums rave reviews stating that her songs have “melody, mystery and bite!”. Time Out described Joanna as “the UK’s answer to Diana Krall and Norah Jones.”
Joanna has been a singing teacher for 12 years and is so proud that her first student Sam Smith has become an international star and highest selling debut artist in the US since records began.
https://twitter.com/JoannaEdenMusic
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Josh Robins
Josh Robins is the frontman for the Mardlers –
The Mardlers are an Indie rock outfit, with penchant for Libertines-esq romanticism coupled with gritty American literature. They formed at the end of 2018, over a series of phone calls to friends of friends in the growing Cambridge music scene. This was met with excitement, as Josh’s songs were already causing a buzz in the local pubs and open mic nights. The professional influence of bass player Aaron foster, and lead guitarist Ollie Lewis, and local popularity of drummer Harri Beasley, who was later replaced by Miles Jones. Their long awaited, self-recorded first EP was met with expected local success; and has proven them ready to take the next step out of the local scene and break into bigger platforms. They carry with them all the usual mess, noise and wild abandon of a good old fashioned British indie band. But with these Cambridge boys you are to expect an added respect for poetry, and the art of story telling. If that isn’t your thing, get drunk and shout along to the catchy choruses
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Kardinal X
KARDINAL X are a hard rock/metal fourpiece band based in London, UK. Formed in 2019. The
line-up consists of Jimi James (vox) Shaun Dunne (Guitar) Ade Kiely (Bass) John Kane (Drums).
Sound profile includes elements of Dio era Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and
Metallica.
http://www.kardinalx.com
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Karmadillo
Karmadillo bring you catchy yet quirky tunes ranging from the upbeat to the melancholy, the humourous to the political, the romantic to the zombie. Live sets are usually sprinkled with numbers from Singing Science, lead vocalist Rishi’s other creative endeavour, so expect genetic themed singalongs.
Coveted prizes include audience choice from the Cambridge Buskers Festival and a Geekpop Most Contrived Lyric Award.
Songs are written and performed on the South American charango, an instrument traditionally made from armadillos, hence the band name of Karmadillo!
http://karmadillo.org
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Kevin Sporle & Dave Kenny
Kevin S and Dave Khave been performing as a duo at open mic nights for many years and once appeared at the Cambridge Folk Festival in front of an audience of some 400 . . . by accident . . . it’s an amusing story! This will be their third time at a Fete de la Musique.
Kevin will also be joined by Catherine Hunter and Rachel Hill during the slot, which has been another long-standing musical ‘relationship’, having also performed at open mics and other events together for many years.
The overall set will include some Americana, Beatles, a country version of a well-known Rolling Stones song, First Aid Kit, Police and a beautiful song by Billie Marten.
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Levi Coffin & His Underground Railroad
Levi Coffin is an amazing five piece Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Ely Cambridgeshire formed in 2019. We would describe our style as neo-Rockabilly or Rock ‘n’ Roll rhythm and blues
We play songs such as fever, Route 66 and Sunshine of your love plus Radiacs and Cramps. Plus 60’s classics in our own style. We also perform our own material and covers that have a late 60’s Psychedelic vibe.
So be prepared for an amazing twist as we play different styles!
The line-up consists of: Richard Matthews Vocals – Simon Bowden Drums – Matt Smith Bass Guitar – James Chisholm Guitar – Barry Gall Guitar
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Leyla S
I’ve enjoyed singing since I was a child and attended vocal training lessons for many years. In 2018 I was recognised from a local landlady in Thaxted whilst i was singing at a karaoke night, from then I persued my lifelong ambition and passion performing for many venues, fetes and festivals in and around Essex and London. I sing a huge variety of covers and acoustics from bands to solo artists such as Stereophonics, Queen, Amy Winehouse and Tracey Chapman.
The best thing about being a solo singer is seeing the pleasure and happiness that music brings to souls. I love interacting with audiences as much as possible and it is so rewarding seeing people dancing and singing along enjoying themselves too!
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Malcolm Green
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Matt and Nancy
Matt Swainsbury (Tenor and Pianist) and Nancy May (Soprano), both classically trained, have recently come together to create a performance of ‘Duets Through Time’.
Their repertoire explores a range of duets from Operas such as Don Giovanni through to modern musical films such as A Star is Born.
Their 1st set in the Market Sq. will include some of Matt’s voice, clarinet and piano students, who are looking forward to performing to a welcoming and friendly audience in Saffron Walden!
You can see Matt & Nancy perform the full set of duets at “Picnic in the Park” concert at Bishop’s Stortford Sworders Field Bandstand on Saturday 10th July 2021 at 12 noon.
https://nancy-may.co.uk/
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Matthew Everett
Matthew Everett is the lead singer- songwriter and guitarist in the Punk/Alternative Rock Band ASBESTØS.
Aside from playing with his band he plays at local open mics covering 50’s, 60’s and 90’s music as well as playing his own songs.
He is a massive fan of The Beatles and Elvis Presley and loves to play their songs so be sure to watch him if you are also a fan!
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Moonshine Coyote
Using mostly hand built cigar box guitars and custom-made instruments, Moonshine Coyote is a band that loves to play traditional blues and Americana flavoured tunes arranged to suit the band’s unique sound. Many hours of dedication and passion have been poured into crafting both the instruments and developing the band’s style, which continually evolves as new designs and concepts are produced. They offer an authentic American-style look and feel to their performances, blending a wealth of experience from the different members of the band.
Jiff:– Cigar box guitars, lead vocals; Ken:– Cigar box bass, vocals; Lee: Cajon, vocals; Martin: Custom lap steel guitar, dobro and vocals (with occasional guest appearances)
Moonshine Coyote looks forward to seeing y’all some time.
https://www.moonshinecoyote.co.uk/
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Mr Coverman & Guests
We formed just before lockdown 2020 and haven’t had the opportunity to practice or perform as much as we would like to…
Acoustic Guitar and lead vocals, Darren, ( Mr Coverman ) Stammers
Double Bass and backing vocals, Brooke ( there’s not much I don’t know about music ) Bond
Cajon drum box and splash, Laurie, ( I would love to play a full drum kit again ) Phillipson
Playing all types of upbeat cover tunes from many different era’s, styles, anthems and sing-alongs, If all three of us like a tune we have a go at it Brown paper bag style.
Come and Join us for fun and banter
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Newton Sax Quartet
Newton Sax Quartet play swing, jazz, light classical and other styles of music. Consisting of Soprano. Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones, it has been running for about 10 years (with a couple of personnel changes).
Although we meet and play mostly for pleasure, we have played a number of informal gigs and are looking to perform more in the future.
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Nightingale Trio
The Nightingale Trio of Saffron Walden are a popular and well-established trio with Janet McCallum (violin), Isabella Warren (‘cello) and Gail Ford (piano). They play an eclectic mix of light classical, jazz standards, and Latin American – and the odd unexpected track – for audiences of all ages.
They are experienced wedding and function musicians, and over several years have built up a reputation for versatility, entertainment and great music! Gail Ford has undertaken many of the trio’s arrangements and have greatly enhanced the Trio’s repertoire.
http://gailford.co.uk/the-nightingale-trio/
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No Exit
No Exit formed in the late 1970’s but disappeared for 30 years before reforming in 2010. We play mainly self-penned garage rock based on the theory ‘we can do better than that’.
We might be rough and ready but we have the distinction of playing three Fete de la Musique festivals in France as well as Saffron Walden in 2015. If three chords and no solos was good enough for The Ramones it’s good enough for us.
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Paul Chinnock
Way back when, Paul sang in a couple of bands. Over the last five years, he has re-invented himself as a solo performer – voice, guitar and mandola. Pre-pandemic he appeared in several local venues. During lockdown he has run a series of popular ‘MuZoom’ evenings, in which he and other local musicians have taken it in turns to do solos.
In his spot at the Fete, Paul will be doing a couple of songs from the 1960s, a couple of traditional tunes and some songs from the 21st Century!
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SAND
SAND is a band made up of Sally Roper on vocals and cajon, Mandy Weetch on vocals, recorder and human kazoo, Dave Hanson on guitar, bass and keys, Chris ‘Daf’ Plant on drums and cajon. The band formed in 2018 and have made a name for themselves as one of the best live and acoustic bands on the local scene.
They play a mixture of originals (written and arranged by the band and Nick Weetch) as well covers by the likes of Billie Elish, Christine & The Queens, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Britney Spears, Beyonce, George Michael, Jeff Buckley, Van Morrison, Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield, and One Direction.
Genres including pop, rock, soul and folk. The mixture of beautiful harmonies and smooth guitar and cajon make for beautiful listening. Definitely a band not to be missed.
http://sandmusic.co.uk
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Sarah Jones & Mark Lindsell
Sarah Jones and Mark Lindsell
A Local Acoustic duo- Guitar/Vocals/Singer songwriters, performing a mellow, easy listening, Indie folk inspired set.
Performing both original material and covers. Played at various local events, including Woodfest 2019
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Sheri Kershaw Trio
Probably best known for her time as wife and fellow member of the Nik Kershaw band that toured extensively and achieved huge chart success, the inevitable association is unfair to Sheri, because it fails to recognise the prodigious talent this lady possesses in her own right.
Her recent work showcases her fantastic song writing and vocal skills and a typical set includes soulful ballads written straight from the heart, laced with numbers with almost a West Coast American feel, right through to more hard edged blues numbers, all delivered by three incredibly talented musicians, being Sheri herself (vocals and guitar), Martyn Hewitt (guitar) and David Cammish (bass).
“Stunning, genre defying vocals and versatile songwriter of genuine class!” Kontra Rootes Club
http://www.sherikershaw.com
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Sky West
We are a five piece band comprising two guitars, bass, keyboards and harmonica/percussion. Everybody sings – even the bass player – and everybody writes. We have a repertoire of original songs and covers ranging from 60s classics through to jazz, blues and country. We like to think of ourselves as very eclectic in style – you never know what’s coming next!
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Sorry Not Sorry
Sorry Not Sorry – high energy Rock and Punk covers band based in Herts and Essex
Formed in early 2017, Sorry Not Sorry has gained a good following by developing a set list that’s a bit different to most other cover bands.
Drawing on the different influences of the band members, the set list includes Rock, metal, punk, pop punk, and Indie covers.
Bands covered include Motorhead, Green Day, The Sex Pistols, Marilyn Manson, Blink 182, Halestorm, Twisted Sister, Ugly Kid Joe,The Ramones, Wheatus, Feeder, Metallica, Joan Jett, and many more.
Lou fronts the band on vocals, with Gaynor on Drums, Rob on Bass and Steve on guitar.
http://www.sorrynotsorryuk.co.uk/
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Stephanie Reeve
Stephanie is a clarinet and saxophone player and teacher based in Cambridgeshire. She took up the harp as part of a sponsored Grade-One-A-Thon in Cambridge in 2011. She enjoyed it so much that she continued learning and playing and now enjoys playing for community events.
Stephanie directs several adult amateur ensembles including Walden Winds and Stapleford Clarinet Choir based at Stapleford granary. She is also a tutor for Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra.
This will be her third appearance at Fete de la Musique.
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SW’ukes (Saffron Walden Ukuleles)
SW’ukes ukulele group is one of the interest groups in Saffron Walden u3a. We have 24 members and have been playing together for 4 years, expanding our repertoire and skills, and keeping our minds and bodies active. And having great fun!
We play an eclectic range of music, some of it totally unsuitable for ukulele but that doesn’t stop us! We’ve busked in the town, played at the Mayor’s concert, performed at the last two Fete de la Musique events…and still we’ve been invited back! Come and sing along with us at the Fete.
Learn, laugh, live with u3a.
https://www.saffronwaldenu3a.org.uk/groups/ukelele-group/
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System’s Gone Down
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Tennessee Twin
Tennessee Twin are a modern country duo from Cambridge. Their songs blend memorable melodies, gritty yet thoughtful lyrics and exquisite harmonies, while their performances, borne out of literally thousands of live and streamed gigs (including live dates in Nashville), are truly spellbinding.
Their original music has received international acclaim including multiple UK Country awards, a No.1 EP in the UK iTunes Country Chart, several top ten singles and airplay around the world. They won the BA / Nashville Music City songwriting competition in 2018 and recorded in Nashville later that year.
After their debut EP and subsequent singles they are currently recording their first full album, due for release in Autumn 2021.
https://www.tennesseetwin.com
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The Cheesy Chips
Making their debut performance at the Fête de la Musique, the Cheesy Chips play a mix of favourites from the 1990s and 2000s. Get ready to hear your top songs spanning everything from Green Day to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Band members include Mark Allum on guitar and vocals, Dale Weekes on guitar and vocals, Brooke Bond on bass and vocals, and Rob Keehner on drums and vocals.
Although this is their first gig as the Cheesy Chips, the members have played with each other in groups such as Crimson Shadow, Jigsaw, and Midnight Stereo Experiment.
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The Garden
Many of these amazingly talented youngsters will be performing at the Fete de la Musique, representing the youth music group known as The Garden, some with their own, original songs.
The group, led by local singer/songwriter, Joanna Eden, meets at Fairycroft House every Monday during term time, to hang out and make music; get into songwriting; learn new skills and go on to perform at regular open mic. nights and other public events.
http://www.thegardensw.com
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The Hangovers
The Hangovers is a four-piece group formed from members of long standing local covers band, Van Gogh’s Ear.
The line-up comprises of founder member and Bass player Paul Rose, Lead Vocalist Tony Lee, Drummer John Emery and Guitarist and Vocalist Simon Thorp.
The Hangovers play an entertaining mix of Pub-Rock and Pop classics to get audiences on their feet.
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The Luminectric
The Luminectric… The 5 piece pop punk and pop rock covers band with a luminous twist! Combining nostalgic pop punk classics, modern pop and 80’s favourites with an ultraviolet light show. Dressed in fluorescent animal print, we bring colour, energy and glowsticks!
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This Circus Life
This Circus Life are an folk-rock band formed in 2019 by Saffron Walden native Charlie Mear.
The band was formed in response to a bizarre seven-year period down life’s rabbit hole that saw Charlie travel across continents, meeting dark characters, exploring and experiencing amazing highs and crushing lows and embarking on a series of often surreal adventures on the stranger side of life.
Their songs deal with these experiences and more. Their first album “The Better Angels of Our Nature” – was released in early 2020 and their second album “The Vast and Endless Sea” was released in February of this year.
http://www.thiscircuslife.bandcamp.com
http://www.thiscircuslife.com
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Thursday Night Singers
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Toby Barton
Toby is currently a year 7 student at SWCHS and has been playing guitar and singing since the age of seven. Although he is just starting out as a performer, he won the ‘RAB’s got talent’ competition at the age of ten for his rendition of Barcelona by Ed Sheeran and last year raised over £100 busking for the Saffron Walden food bank.
He has his own YouTube channel with a mix of covers and some original songs and his set list includes songs by the Beatles, Oasis, Lewis Capaldi, John Legend and more.
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Tom Mannion
I am young musician and enjoy jazz, film music, improvisation and composing my own music. I play piano, saxophone as well as electric and acoustic guitar. I attend the Saffron Centre for Young Musicans on Saturdays and this is my first time performing at a Fete de la Musique!
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Torino Green
Torino Green were formed in 2018 over a few bottles of wine in Jubilee Gardens whilst watching the Saffron Walden Fete de la Musique. Much to the embarrassment of their children, who were at St Mary’s school together, they began performing in 2019 at venues in and around Saffron Walden and Littlebury.
Kept together by nothing more than the joy of playing in a band together, their feelgood repertoire takes you from Kings of Leon to Paulo Nutini, Black Crowes to Steeler’s Wheel, Neil Young to George Ezra as well as a few of their own songs.
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Twisted Funk
Twisted Funk are a collective of six young, local musicians who met at Saffron Walden County High School. They share the same passion for music incorporating styles such as jazz, funk, ska and reggae.
They’ve played at previous Fete de la Musique’s, Off the Beaten Truck, private parties and charity events.
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Umbrella BigBand
The Umbrella BigBand are here to bring you great music for listening, dancing and anything in between!
Based South of Cambridge, we are a 17 piece band and vocalists who play great swing and dance music from the 1940s to today.
From the WW2 band-leaders Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman to the vocal greats of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin and Ella Fitzgerald, through to the current crooning icon Michael Buble.
We are looking forward to our first visit to the Fete de la Musique and kicking things off with a swing!
http://umbrellabigband.co.uk/
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Village Hall Disco Society
A husband-and-wife DJ duo whose repertoire ranges from 80s/Yacht Rock re-edits to Nu-Disco/Soulful and Jackin’ House, with a smattering of bona fide classics thrown in for good measure. As our name suggests, we’ve plied our trade at parties and nights in the backwaters of Essex and Cambridgeshire.
But don’t be misled with our lack of big-city credentials – we know what makes a night (or day for that matter).
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Wimbish Military Wives Choir
The Wimbish branch of the Military Wives Choirs was founded in Jan 2012 and we are proud to be a part of this amazing, supportive network.
Our numbers are always in flux, but we currently stand at 8 members plus our wonderful MD. Although none of us are professionals, we just enjoy being together singing great songs and eating cake.
We may be small in number but we are big on enthusiasm and we hope this comes out in our singing.