It’s always a delight to host Mark Harrison and his band at St Harmonica’s Blues Club. He is widely considered one of the most original and interesting artists currently operating in the UK, a particular favourite of Cerys Matthews and her Radio 2 Blues Show. His highly individual, all-original music has always gone down very well at St Harmonica's and it has taken him and the band to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever he goes. Once again Mark is a finalist in the UK Blues Awards acoustic category and you’ll understand why on Friday evening. Mark is a songster, and his songs cover all manner of non-standard subjects that make you think afresh. With catchy tunes, lyrics that intrigue and engage, and striking rhythms, they make you smile, think and move. He takes elements of roots music, including folk, blues and gospel, to create something new that is very much his own genre.
The support this Friday is terrific too, in the form of Hopperstomp; authentic roots sounds to take back to when this music was young. Ruth Mignano brings her voice, presence and many instruments alongside Dave Buckwell on guitar and bass. John Crowther provides his vocals, guitars, mandolin and jug with the whole lot underscored by the percussion skills of Simon Vasey.
Hopperstomp will play at 8.30 followed by two sets from the Mark Harrison Band starting at around 9.15pm.
Don’t miss this evening of original music with a drink on us too to wish Simon Bennett bon voyage as he sets of for a three month contract in Australia. What will we do without him?
St Harmonica’s Blues Club is a members only club and admission is FREE to card holding St Harmonica’s Blues Club Members.
2025 Membership Cards are available on the door @ £10 for the year. You’ll need your green 2025 membership card for admission from January onwards. Thereafter, throughout 2025, admission is free to card carrying members to all Friday Blues evenings and Sunday Jam nights. We just ask for a contribution into the hat to go towards the musicians’ costs.
The current exhibition in the Southgate Club Community Art Gallery is a display of the World’s Worst Record Covers. A hugely entertaining and thought provoking collection built up by Steve Goldman of LP and single covers in the worst possible taste. You’ll also get the opportunity to vote for what you think is the worst cover and, if you wish, there's a QR code link to donate to ‘Different Strokes’ a charity helping young stroke survivors.
Winter/Spring 2025 Line Up
March 28 - Mark Harrison Band Unique folk blues artist. Musicianship and wit
April 4 - Comedy Club
April 11 - Liam Grundy Band - Piano driven blues and swing
April 18 - (Good Friday) CLOSED FOR EASTER WEEKEND
April 25 - The Southern Slamdoor Band - From Brighton, highly recommended
