Enjoy a little bedlam with Kelly

People can't get enough of his biting, satirical, political and funny verse, and so John Cooper Clarke's Stables show this evening is fully booked.
Emma McGrathEmma McGrath
Emma McGrath

But while you’ve missed out on the alt-lit chap, you can still get goodies from the venue – with a return appearance by rising songwriter Kelly Oliver.

Now with two albums under her belt - Bedlam was issued in 2015, a follow-up to This Land - Kelly has been winning over fans and critics with her contemporary take on the acoustic folk tradition.

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The hours spent tipping her ears to Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton and Alanis Morissette as a youngster were well utilised.

Kelly OliverKelly Oliver
Kelly Oliver

The Royal Holloway graduate spent a year working behind a bar, before shedding her clutter and roaming free, travelling Europe, Argentina and Brazil. That was in 2013, and while soaking in the culture, she also decided that her return home would see her apply herself to the sounds.

“Travelling made me realise what opportunities I had at home, opportunities that not everyone has, and it gave me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a professional musician,” she recalls.

Four star album reviews, shows with Cara Dillon and Barbara Dickson, a tour support with Thea Gilmore and dates at the Cambridge Folk Festival later, and it’s clear she made the right decision.

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Kelly’s Stables show will be full of Bedlam, but without uproar, if you see what we mean...

Kelly OliverKelly Oliver
Kelly Oliver

Support is coming from 16year-old Emma McGrath – in 2015 she bagged a PRS for Music award.

Another one to watch, and you get to do that from 8.45pm tonight.

Pete Long’s Echoes of Ellington present It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing! on Friday.

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At once visceral and elegant, the music is unique, exciting, earthy and refined.

Contemporary rockers Albany Down show up over on Stage 2, and they have the smartest of influences, spanning Zeppelin and Thunder to Maryland’s finest, Clutch.

Another returning hit is John Verity who is back in play on Saturday.

Join the stalwart bluesman at one of his most favoured venues as he launches his new CD.

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A day later and the very cool Slambovian Circus of Dreams swing by.

How to describe this sharp bunch of New Yorkers?

‘Surreal Americana’ and ‘a Hillbilly-Pink Floyd’ have previously been used.

Contemporary fiddlers invade on Tuesday night when Blazin’ Fiddles do their thing – and with 15 years of play behind them, you’ll be well catered for.

A real treat will be waiting when you, erm, walk in the room on Wednesday night – Sixties survivors The Searchers are bringing their solo show to the stage, with the hits, album recordings and B-sides. Along with the songs, fans will get a smattering of anecdotes and reminiscences to boot.

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Last up this week, on Stage 2, The Hitman Blues Band will entertain.

Stateside they have already been nominated for the blues Grammy’s and been finalists in the Memphis International Blues Challenge. They’ve got it going on!

To book, call the box office on MK 280800.

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