Nicknamed the ‘Empress of the Blues’, Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920’s and 1930’s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era, and was a major influence on other jazz singers.

Ma Bessie and her Blues Troupe perform a narrated show, featuring music from the era, and showcasing many of Bessie’s songs. The show chronicles her life, from a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, to becoming the highest paid black entertainer of that time, to the tragic accident on Route 61 that ended her life, aged just 43 years.

This hugely entertaining show features the irrepressible Julia Titus as Ma Bessie. Her all-star Blues Troupe comprises internationally acclaimed drummer Sam Kelly, with Paul Jobson on piano (MD), Tony Quinta on acoustic guitar, Marianne Windham on upright bass, Clare Hirst on saxophone/clarinet and Kevin Davy on trumpet.

Sunday 19th June 2022 – 8pm (doors open at 7:15pm) 
Godalming Borough Hall

Tickets Seats £20.00 (+ £1.50 booking fee)

I recently saw Dr Feelgood headlining at the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, and they were superb, so I am delighted to promote Dr Feelgood at Godalming Borough Hall on Saturday 5th March. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have worked with the guys, but I do remember they were the first band I booked 25 years ago!!

Dr Feelgood are the essence of the British R’n’B sound, being formed in Canvey Island in 1971 and having notable singles ‘She Does It Right’, ‘Roxette’, ‘Back In the Night’ and ‘Milk and Alcohol’. You might have seen their story documented by Julien Temple in the award winning film ‘Oil City Confidential’. All the current members are long term members from well before Lee Brilleaux died in 1994. A live experience not to be missed!

The 2022 Photo bundle of over 90 high quality black and white photos is now available, capturing a remarkable mix of portrait and performance photography. We are, as usual, indebted to Rob Blackham of Blackham Images for giving up his time in capturing both nights of music.
All proceeds go directly to The Prostate Project charity.

The photo bundle is £10 and is available as a Hi-Res Print quality download (over 400MB) here. Featuring: Van Morrison, Paul Carrack, Ralph McTell, Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri, Noel Robinson, Paul Jones and the extended Jawbone band. Some amazingly candid photos capturing a wonderful night. Just one of these would make a superb framed print and a memorable picture.

Sat 5th March – Dr Feelgood play Godalming Borough Hall (Tickets £23.50), followed on Sat 2nd April by The Counterfeit Stones – Tickets £25. All tickets available here.

Sat 29th January – The Cinelli Bros + Stevie Nimmo – Postponed

Sat 5th March – Dr Feelgood | Godalming Borough Hall

Sat 2nd April – The Counterfeit Stones | Godalming Borough Hall

Nicknamed the ‘Empress of the Blues’, Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920’s and 1930’s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era, and was a major influence on other jazz singers.

Ma Bessie and her Blues Troupe perform a narrated show, featuring music from the era, and showcasing many of Bessie’s songs. The show chronicles her life, from a one-room shack in Blue Goose Hollow, to becoming the highest paid black entertainer of that time, to the tragic accident on Route 61 that ended her life, aged just 43 years.

This hugely entertaining show features the irrepressible Julia Titus as Ma Bessie. Her all-star Blues Troupe comprises internationally acclaimed drummer Sam Kelly, with Paul Jobson on piano (MD), Tony Quinta on acoustic guitar, Marianne Windham on upright bass, Clare Hirst on saxophone/clarinet and Kevin Davy on trumpet.

Saturday 11th December 2021 – 8pm (doors open at 7:15pm) 
Wilfrid Noyce Centre

Tickets Seats £20.00 (+ £1.50 booking fee)