Tonight features three comedians, each doing a 30minute set. The evening will be compered by John Mann whoes sharp observation and wry wit mingled effortlessly with a gentle and confident rapport ensure that he is unfailingly funny.

Adam Ethan Crow "An entertaining and skillful comedian!" (Time Out)

Erich McElroy started doing stand-up here in Britain five years ago and has performed regularly on the London circuit.

Phil Butler "Without doubt, one of the most exciting and original finds in comedy in recent years" - The Guardian

When 'Show of Hands' decided to record their first album live, Mike was high on the list of musicians and singers that they contacted to perform alongside them. He then went on to produce 'Spring Again' for Harvey Andrews. Following on from that, there were sessions in Germany for Stockfisch Records as guitarist and backing vocalist on 'Poet Wind' by David Munyon from the USA. 'Poet Wind' was nominated for the Deutsche Gramophon Prize.

www.mikesilver.co.uk

Cruel Folk are devoted to the continuing renewal of the English tradition, using instruments including mandocello, mandolin, guitar, bouzouki and whistle. In addition to their original material, they perform both modern and ancient folk songs written by others.

www.cruelfolk.com

Click below to visit the Gt Bardfield Folk club
myspace

For those of you that missed this amazing boogie-woogie pianist when he performed here with Rolling Stones legend Charlie Watts, here is your chance to see him grace the stage of High Barn again!

www.benwaters.com

All remaining tickets are now for standing only

The guitar, bass and drums trio 'The Hamsters' have performed over 4,000 concerts in 23 years. Although primarily playing their own brand of rootsy Rock, Blues and Americana, they're also widely regarded as the UK's leading interpreters of the music of JIMI HENDRIX & ZZ TOP, and will no doubt be featuring some tonight. The band's guitarist/singer, Slim, recently had a new interview in Guitarist Magazine, and the lads have just released a new 3-hour double live DVD, titled 'Curse Of The Killer Hamsters!'

www.thehamsters.co.uk

Bassistry mix Soul, Jazz, Funk and Latin Grooves to amazing effect. Featuring members of Corrine Bailey Rae’s and Amy Winehouse’s touring band, Bassistry's dynamic shows are not to be missed. Playing new material and tunes from their second album ‘In Time,’ Bassistry have been likened to a ‘grittier 'Incognito' or 'Brand New Heavies’ by Jazzwise Magazine. Bassistry's edgy grooves make them one of the most exciting bands in London.

www.myspace.com/bassistry

Hazel O'Connor
& The Bluja Project
Thursday 22nd April
£18.00

Award winning singer / songwriter Hazel O'Connor teams up with legendary performers; saxophonist Clare Hirst (Bellestars, Communards, David Bowie) and pianist/vocalist Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics, Sax In The City)

“Here is a singer who is cast in the Billie Holiday-Edith Piaf mould...a powerful voice ... a charisma which singles her out from many other singers.” -Music Week.

The trio perform a mixture of O'Connor originals alongside standard classics, re-interpreted to fit the line-up of sax, piano and vocals. The superb blend of the three voices adds a sweet touch of class to their vibrant performance.

O'Connor, with her sultry vocals, strode into the spotlight with cult movie 'Breaking Glass', immediately making Hazel an iconic figure.

www.hazeloconnor.com

The festival will have a broad appeal with a wide range of styles, lots of live performance, various workshops and masterclasses. Highlights of the festival will be filmed and recorded for showing after the event. Guitar manufacturers will also be on hand to exhibit and give advice and tips on the safe care of the guitar.

Supported by Essex County Council and Van Damme cables.
 

More information coming soon.

Themen started playing jazz with the Cambridge University Jazz Group, and then in London playing with blues musicians Jack Bruce and Alexis Korner. His style originally owed much to the influence of Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins, but later influences included such disparate saxophonists as Coleman Hawkins, Evan Parker, and the 'Sheets of Sound' John Coltrane. Art is one of the legends of UK jazz known for his originality and individual style. "...non-starry jazz individualism at its modestly quirky best" - The Guardian.

Come and experience the ultimate live acoustic showcase. The very best hand picked talent take to the High Barn stage to bring you an eclectic mix of fabulous unplugged music. Performing tonight are:

Vandeville Falls - www.myspace.com/vandevillefalls
Jono Harrison - www.myspace.com/jonoharrisonmusic
Kaite Goldsmith - website details to follow