The Acoustic Café is a session that has developed from the successful Acoustic Routes concerts and takes place at the Bun Shop in King St, Cambridge. We create a “coffee house” atmosphere and if you like you can enjoy the excellent food and drink in the restaurant while listening to some fine acoustic music. The gigs are run by resident singer/songwriter Bernard Hoskin.
If you order a main course before or during the show you get a £2.50 discount on the bill.
Cambridge Acoustic Nights are also doing alternate Monday nights at The Bun Shop. You can find information about these at: www.myspace.com/cambridgeacousticnights.
The Bun Shop has a Traditional bar, a Wine Bar with a fantastic range of wines and freshly prepared food or there is the Tapas Bar for authentic tapas and paellas. The gigs take place in the restaurant on the ground floor. Web site
CONTACT:
bernard@acousticroutes.co.uk
tel. 07971 299659, for information about the gigs only.
For the Acoustic Routes programme CLICK HERE
Acoustic Routes' own resident singer/songwriter mixes his English songwriting with the rhythms of the world to create a highly distinctive and original sound. His song "Beneath The Waves" has been included on the compilation CD "Someone Was Calling" alongside tracks by Fairport Convention, Show of Hands, the Oysterband and many others. He has released 6 CDs and opened for people such as Bert Jansch, Martin Carthy, John Renbourn, Clive Gregson, Isaac Guillory, Phil Beer, Colvin Quarmby, The Bills and Decameron.
"breezy folk-pop that is rich in melody, harmonies and is as catchy as possible" - Rock 'N' Reel, UK. "Lyrical attention to detail and unusually hypnotic musical interpretation make this a fine indie product with deep substance" - Independent Songwriter, USA
"exemplary singer-songwriter Bernard Hoskin brings thought provoking songs & flowing, often African-inspired, guitar work." - Acousticity
"a popular troubadour with an accomplished and individual guitar style, well constructed songs, good stage presence and ambition" - Mardles Magazine
web site | MySpace
(diners who buy a ticket get a £2.50 discount off a main course)
Beth Walthew, originally from Sunderland, started out in life as a classically trained pianist and singer. Beth sang with the London Symphony Chorus, and also performed in public opera recitals around the UK, including performing at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2001 and 2003.
Since starting live performances of her own tunes in 2007, Beth's music has swayed towards a soul-jazz fusion, which supports Beth's silky smooth voice, reminiscent of Dusty Springfield's 60s sound. Performing around the UK, Beth has performed sizzling solo acoustic sets as well as performing with her full band.Walthew
MySpace
Life and how people treat others are the main influences on Irene Rae's reflective and emotional sound. She has already caught the attention of Local BBC radio stations throughout the UK and also the eye of signed musicians such as Midge Ure and Carina Round. Irene's first performance was actually supporting Midge Ure at a Festival, two months after starting to teach herself guitar. The many other artists she has supported include Hazel O'Connor, The Levellers, Si Connolly, Dogs Die in Hot Cars and Sonja Kristina.
Almost 3 years on, it is her voice that stays in audience's memories and won her 2nd place in a local Cambridge Battle of the Bands competition. Being the only solo act out of 85 entrants, it seemed an unbelievable task to even get through one heat opening many doors for live gigs, and live radio broadcasts for Irene, and from gig to gig both her fan base and confidence has grown, hand in hand. However the most important aspect of playing live to Irene Rae is still the feeling and emotion that can be and should be conveyed.
web site | MySpace
(diners who buy a ticket get a £2.50 discount off a main course)
Tonight's gig is jointly promoted with Cambridge Acoustic Nights
Tessa Perry is a vocalist, guitarist, and writer whose sound is steeped in the country-blues and folk traditions. She's rapidly cultivating a loyal fan base on both sides of the Atlantic through her startlingly fresh songs with lyrics that are wistful and punch-in-the-gut candid. Whether playing to a sold-out 200-seat venue or an East Village dive bar, Tessa spins images and observations of the world around her into soulful, intimate communication with her audience.
Born in England and raised on the west coast of Ireland, Tessa hit the road at age 18 andthus began a career that would lead her to performing across Europe with headliners like Ani DiFranco, Damien Rice, the Indigo Girls, the Corrs, the Hothouse Flowers, andmany more internationally successful artists.
web site | MySpace
Liz Clark is a New York City-based singer/songwriter with a crystalline tone and charismatic stage presence that shine through her poetic pop songs. Her second album, "Hand On The Stove", garnered wide acclaim, and the video for her first single, "Who's Your Angel," went to #3 on MTV's Logo Network. Liz has opened for well-known musicians such as Joe Walsh, Ritchie Havens, Linda Perry, Bob Schneider, and The Counting Crows.
web site | MySpace
(diners who buy a ticket get a £2.50 discount off a main course)
Born in New York City Bob's musical journey began when he headed for Greenwich Village in the mid-sixties and met folksingers Phil Ochs and Eric Andersen. He played on two LP's by Phil Ochs, including the legendary live album, "Gunfight At Carnegie Hall." He also played on sessions for Gene Vincent, The Everly Brothers, Randy Newman and Arlo Guthrie.
Bob's songwriting career took flight in the early seventies with his song "Lazy Waters," covered by the Byrd's on their LP, "Farther Along." Bob's first-rate guitar playing was in demand for Tim Buckley's "Sefronia" album and Augie Meyer's 1973 LP "Western Head Music Company."
He has recorded 6 CDs and his 1994 release "Down This Road", was lauded by Dirty Linen magazine who said: "He's an exceptional guitarist, has a smooth, pleasing voice, and his years spent in the studio show in the simple, yet effective arrangements."
web site | MySpace
Formed in 1999 this very English sounding group play melodic, rolling songs with the emphasis on dynamics and organic sounds. They are lyrically cynical, occasionally dark but not without a glimmer of optimism. James Hibbins' spartan acoustic guitar and rich vocals are now accompanied by Bernard Hoskin on acoustic bass. Their second album "Motes of Dust" was described by Mike Harding on BBC Radio 2 as "an interesting mix of traditional & original songs...I really like it". "I get to hear a lot of bands on my travels: every so often, one really stands out. Pavlov's Cat stood out: they play well, sing well and write very good songs. Highly recommended!" - Clive Gregson.
web site | MySpace
(diners who buy a ticket get a £2.50 discount off a main course)
There are no ticket reservations for this gig but to be certain of getting in
book a table for a meal by phoning 01223 366866
Brian Houston is from Belfast and is one of the UK's finest singer/ songwriters. As heard live on Radio 2's Bob Harris show his brand of lively and passionate folk rock demonstrates his finely tuned melodic sense and clever, astutely commercial writer’s ear. Houston is a natural communicator, an extremely unpretentious artist, and a definitive crowd-pleaser. He ensures that there is heartfelt lyrical substance behind every song, a glimpse of his easy humorous rapport with an audience, ensures that they always leave with a copy of his CD and a smile.
His performing began on Belfast's pub scene and throughout the nineties he fronted a succession of bands. Releasing some of his demos locally he achieved his first taste of chart success with his own compositions, which helped to score him support slots with visiting international stars, with Elvis Costello, Dr John, Van the Man and various English chart acts and American country stars gave him a taste of the big stages and the life of a singer songwriter.
In March 2003 venerated English DJ Bob Harris discovered Brian's raw sound when he played tracks from the Mea Culpa album and commented "It was only thirty seconds in when I realized what a really, really special piece of music this is". In 2003 Brian toured England and was honoured by the invitation to open for Van Morrison at Killyleagh castle.
2004 saw the release of the acclaimed Thirteen Days which was declared Alt Country album of the year by BBC Radio Ulster. Again garnering airplay on Radio 2, this album also lead to a glowing review in Paste Magazine in America. His new CD Sugar Queen is already his biggest seller.
"Sugar Queen is bristling with hope joy love and fabulous songs" - Mojo
web site | MySpace
