Friday night was Live Friday at the Ashmolean and I had been
asked to play the Songwriter’s Circle in the hall of statues.The place soon filled up and was one of the
busiest Live Friday events I’ve attended due to the overspill from the Christmas
light celebrations in St Giles.Despite
the crowds we had an attentive audience in the hall and it was such a pleasure
to sing in a room with some great natural acoustics.My fellow performers and I took it in turns to
talk about and then play a song, which is the format of the songwriters circle usually hosted in the Port Mahon.I had
the opportunity of taking part in one earlier this year and wrote about it
here.One of my very favourite bands,
The Black Feathers, were playing and as we went round in turn it became a running joke that the songs were growing sadder as the night progressed.By
round two the challenge was to play something cheerful and we all rose to this
challenge until Steve Adams exclaimed, “Right, I’m going to bring it back down
again” (video below).Despite the dropping temperature in the room
and the relentless lament of each performer, the atmosphere was charged, and the audience stuck
with us until the bitter end.Probably
my favourite gig of the year so far.Thanks to the Ashmolean, the Songwriters Circle and all who watched and
enjoyed.
Somerville College have very kindly invited me to host an ATP Christmas gig in their stunning Chapel. This event is open to all and a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful Colleges in Oxford and enjoy a great... night of local music. The College’s Terrace bar will be open from 6.00pm for anyone who wants to arrive early for a tipple or two. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available as well as a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including tea and coffee.
The audience are asked to arrive through Somerville's Porters Lodge on the Woodstock Road and meet in the Terrace Bar. At 7.30pm you will be greeted and taken over to the Chapel. Children are welcome at this event but must be accompanied by an adult. For more information and to purchase tickets go here.
Part-time musician, part-time worker, looking for full-time employment in one, not the other. Seeks solo career as Tamara, but works well with a bevy of fictional men called 'The Martyrs'. Will perform for whiskey and chips but preferably money. Skills include singing, playing guitar and hosting a monthly music night called 'All Tamara's Parties'. Areas of development include learning the piano and improving writing skillz. References can be obtained from my mother, brother and my Real Bad Lover.