Ward Thomas, Corn Exchange, Cambridge, 20 September 2026

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First on stage was singer and cello player Bird, accompanied by a second guitarist and presenting a strong set of her own compositions and a cover of Dylan’s ‘Lay Lady Lay’. The Wandering Hearts as always blended their three voices to magical effect, especially on opening song ‘Burning Bridges’ and a complex overlaying of Simon and Garfunkel songs, based on ‘Scarborough Fair’.

Ward Thomas were playing all of the tracks from their ‘Cartwheels’ album to celebrate ten years since release. An energetic ‘Guilty Flowers’ started the show with the vocals soaring above the razor-sharp band. Favourites of mine were the tangled emotions of the title track and the sheer beauty of ‘One More Goodbye’ as well as the big country-pop flourish of ‘Carry You Home’. Covers of Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colours’ and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’ fitted well into this excellent performance.

Ward Thomas (wardthomasmusic.co.uk)

The Wandering Hearts

MUSIC | BIRD (birdofficial.com)

Altered Images, The Grove, Newcastle,16 September 2026

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Zoe Graham opened the show at this atmospheric and welcoming venue. Playing songs from her LP ‘Tent’, accompanied by her guitar and ‘virtual’ backing, her Glasgow roots and warm personality gave a strong identity to the songs.

Altered Images chose to play the full version of 1981 debut album ‘Happy Birthday’, featuring the glorious touchstone title track and the glowering brilliance of ‘Insects’. The second half of the set was a reminder of how good their back catalogue is; ‘Don’t Talk to Me About Love’, ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Dead Pop Stars’ and ‘See Those Eyes’ were all gems delivered with sparkle by enthusiastic lead singer Clare Grogan and her excellent band.

Altered Images | Official Website (alteredimagesband.com)

Zoe Graham (zoegrahammusic.com)

Katherine Priddy, Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, 31 July 2026

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As a prelude to Cambridge Folk Festival Katherine Priddy played a sold out show in the visually and acoustically glorious space of Great St Mary’s Church in the city centre. Starting with ‘Frightening Machines’ from her recent third album, her set sustained a gorgeous atmosphere of mellow dreamy folk, played to perfection by the three musicians.

With all four of her myth-inspired and named songs spread through the evening, as well as fine harmony duets with second guitarist George Boomsma, the up-tempo ‘Letters from a Travelling Man’ and the gentle momentum of the beautiful ‘A Boat on the River’ it was a very special show.

Home – Katherine Priddy

George Boomsma | Singer-Songwriter – Official Website

Jo Ash, One Way Mirror, LP released June 2026

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A new collection of self-penned tracks from singer-songwriter Jo Ash starts with the lively acoustics of ‘Wrote You A Song’, showing a more guitar-driven sound to contrast with her trademark keyboards. ‘Nightmares and Dreams’ features a striking atmosphere conjured up by the title, ‘I Used To Live Here’ is a yearning ballad, with one of the winning hooklines that Jo seems to readily compose.

The elegant piano of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream’ creates haunting beauty and the light instrumentation and urgent chorus of ‘The Other Side’ is a real highlight. With six more tracks encompassing introspective poetry, electronica and even country-rock on ‘Little Miss’ this is a very strong set of original and varied performances and features some of Jo’s most accomplished work so far.

https://www.joashmusic.com

Track Listing:

Wrote You A Song
Nightmares and Dreams
I Used To Live Here
Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream
The Other Side
Little World
Astronaut
The Ocean Song
Lullaby
Little Miss
Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream Reprise

The Ocelots, Junction J2, Cambridge, 11 May 2026

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Jessica Grace opened the show with tracks from her recently released EP ‘Unfolding’; her voice weaving around gentle guitar with a calm and captivating effect.

With their relaxing demeanour and musical chemistry The Ocelots were a winning combination. The fine vocal harmonies and subtle instrumentation brought the songs to life; aided by the various blending of guitars, harmonica, banjo, flute and piano. Anecdotes and introductions framed many songs from their latest album ‘Everything When Said Slowly‘, as well as a brilliant cover of Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’ to end the show.

The Ocelots – Everything, When Said Slowly

unfolding | jessica grace (bandcamp.com)

Lande Hekt, NCI Club, Cambridge, 10 April 2026

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Emma Kupa opened the show with a solo performance, featuring a backward chronology starting with tracks from the last Mammoth Penguins album ‘Here’ back to choice cuts from her 2020 collection ‘It Will Come Easier’. As always Emma’s sensitive lyrics interweaved with her melodic guitar to sublime effect.

Lande Hekt has a new album, ‘Lucky Now’ which featured strongly in her set, from the jangly pastoral delights of ‘Rabbits’ to the bittersweet politics of ‘A Million Broken Hearts’. Her live voice sounded even more resonant than it does on her recordings, backed with echoing electric guitar and framed by warm interactions with the audience.

It was a really enjoyable evening, a great showcase for two fine singer songwriters.

Lande Hekt

Music | Emma Kupa (bandcamp.com)

Leicesterval, 28 Feb/1 March 2026 at Firebug, Leicester

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The Marlinas were a last-minute addition to the Saturday bill, with spiky commentary in their well-constructed songs. Trust Club were a power trio full of noise and presence, followed by Velvet Crisis with no compromise in their strong messaging. Oxford band Junk Whale were a heady mix of texture and emotion while Autocamper had a retro-timeless full band sound.

After the break White Town (singer-songwriter Jyoti Mishra) played a fine set with guitar and backing mixes including the famous hit ‘Your Woman‘. Local legends Yeah Yeah Noh (originally formed in 1983) showed they still can command a stage with their intense ‘unpop’ tracks, before the evening ended with the pure indie-musical embrace of Jetstream Pony, featuring the golden vocals of Beth Arzy.

Band illnesses caused the Sunday line-up to be reduced and moved back upstairs at the Firebug, with Boilers crashing the stage first, full of the spirit of punk rock and direct connection with the enthusiastic crowd. Knitting Circle bristle with sharp guitar pop, full of angst and protest. Bugeye stepped up to headline with their frenzy of electro-disco indie rock, soon to be fully realised on their upcoming second album.

It was a great music weekend, another success for Leicester Promoters ‘Sweeping The Nation’…

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Chloe Foy, Portland Arms, Cambridge, 25 February 2026

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Alex Francis opened this all-acoustic show with his confessional tales of love and relationships, driven by rhythmic guitar and his warm personality, followed by Fran Lusty with a gently compelling performance subtly embracing the audience.

Chloe Foy is working on a new album and many of the songs were previewed tonight along with gems from her stunning previous collection ‘Complete Fool’. Accompanied by violin and occasional keyboard to enhance her guitar there were many highlights, especially the opening ‘Where Shall We Begin’ and a beautiful version of ‘Spare’.

Chloe Foy

FRAN LUSTY

Home | ALEX FRANCIS (alexfrancismusic.com)

Kula Shaker, Junction J1, Cambridge, 8 February 2026

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This long sold-out show started with the high-energy raucous psychedelia of Norwich-based Floral Image. With their intoxicating look and powerful instrumental sound they made the most of the opportunity and fed off the positivity radiating from the enthusiastic audience.

As musical trends have fluctuated Kula Shaker have continued to co-exist in their alternative universe, building an appreciative following and renowned for their top quality live shows. Tonight they delivered in full, opening with ancient hit ‘Tattva’ and never letting up as the music and back oil-wheel projected images flowed. With a strong new album to feature there was a great depth and richness to the choice of songs especially the new title track ‘Wormslayer’. The encore featured crowd-pleasers ‘Hush’ and ‘Govinda’ leaving the devoted crowd completely satisfied.

https://kulashaker.co.uk/

https://floralimageband.com/

The Orielles, Portland Arms, Cambridge, 30 January 2026

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Brighton-based Ladylike opened this sold-out show; the four-piece were mainly previewing their upcoming EP. Their sound is thoughtful and relaxed, somehow being absorbed into the air and gently persuading the listener. With intricate guitar work and subtle vocals the band made a fine impression.

The Orielles occupy an undefined space between experimental ethereal grooves and more conventional indie rock, but the trio are always driving forward as multi-layers of guitar, effects, vocals and impatient drumming blend together to create something very special. Their fourth studio album ‘Only You Left’ is due in March this year.

https://www.facebook.com/theorielles/

https://www.instagram.com/ladylike.band/