Dorking Benefits Four Bands for Sunday

Most other market towns cannot dream to compete with the latest live music offering in Dorking on Sunday. Whilst most towns remain quiet at the end of the weekend, local artists continue to thrive bringing live music throughout Sunday from the afternoon to the early hours.

This week saw the Star thrashing out an impromptu gig at 3pm, which ran almost concurrently with local duo Bricks Build Houses playing an acoustic set at The Spotted Dog from 3.30pm until 6pm. The journey continued at The Kings Arms at 9pm, with Stone Free, with an additional mix of acoustic and indie rock from The Dusky Blonde Lulus at the Old House At Home - also from 9pm, finishing at midnight.

Lovers of live music were truly spoiled with choice as four live acts filled the day with a short break in the early evening. There's still more to come with no less than EIGHT live events this week. The Bulls Head Open Mic starts if all off on Monday at 9pm, followed by an Open Mic from 8.30pm on Tuesday at The Falkland Arms. Franz Black play at the Kings Arms this Wednesday at 9pm, and The Star offers 15 minute live slots from 8pm on Thursday. On Saturday, Jo Hall returns to play at The Star from 8.30pm, Andy Duerden hosts his live gig at Spotted Dog at 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon, and Jinn House close the weekend at the Kings Arms from 9pm.

Entertainment Variety for Thirsty Thursday

For some, the weekend just can't come around quick enough, and for many, Thursday marks the real end of the week. And, for those that want to kick start the weekend early, Dorking offers a plethora of options ranging from traditional pub games to karaoke discos and even gambling for the strong willed. Residents and visitors alike are quite literally spoiled for choice!

For the traditionalists, there's a pub quiz at the Bulls Head on South Street, covering sport, art, history, music and the latest news. Starting at 8pm, this quiz attracts a big crowd with a lot of friendly heckling when the scores come about! The Lincoln Arms, Station Approach, provides a free pool evening where customers can test their cuing action on either of the two fast pool tables in the main bar until midnight. For the slightly hardened gambler, The Queens Head on The Horsham Road hosts Texas Hold 'Em Poker from 8pm, with £5 and £10 entry knockouts. There's usually 2 games a night, winner takes all. Open Mic attracts a varied and busy crowd at The Star on West Street, and for those that want to test their vocal chords, a disco and Karaoke is laid on at West Street's Old House At Home which closes at midnight.

Its different horses for different courses on a Thursday, but there's enough going on in town to entertain even the fussiest of decision makers!

Sunday Offers Double Music Treat

A lazy Sunday afternoon can quite literally turn into a long day out featuring local musical talent this weekend. Two solo artists highly regarded on Open Mic nights have hooked up with their bands to perform on the same day. The action starts at 3.30pm at The Spotted Dog in South Street with "Bricks Build Houses", the result of an amalgamation between Nick Thurtell & Ryan Williams. The duo present a relevant yet classic set that feature songs designed to bring a smile to even the glummest of punters. Those that have heard Nick at Open Mic Events will already know that Nicks songs are delivered with emotions and grit that is truly empathic to the originals. With the addition of Ryan, their acoustic versions gain a richness scarcely heard on the pub circuit and feature luscious vocal harmonies that will enhance and delight.

Later, at 9pm, The Old House At Home opens its doors to the familiar "Dusky Blonde Lulus", a band, formed in 2005. This local three piece mix both heavy and light harmonies with groove driven bass producing their own individual progressive indie / rock sound. Varying styles make up the group - subtle lyrics on vocal are joined with melodic lead guitar riffs to create the main sound, but with the addition of hard hitting bass rythm and energetic, tight and powerful drum routines, "Dusky Blonde Lulus" come to life as an exciting and entertaining live act. The set, switching between dub, indie and acoustic tracks showcases the individual talents of each band member and provides a wide range of styles to suit all tastes.

For some it will be a difficult choice to choose which to see of the two, but for real music lovers, the choice is simple. Both.

Musical Talent Fills Week

A surge of talent landed on Dorking this week, covering all kinds of musical genre. Not a single day passed without a live music event somewhere in town. The week started with another fantastic array of performers with a mix of piano and guitar at the regular Open Mic slot at the The Bulls Head on Monday. The Open Mic tradition continued to flow at The Falkland Arms, which now hosts Open Mic every Tuesday. Groovesonic appeared at The Star on the same night, playing a mixed style reminiscent of both Louisianna jazz and Brasilian Samba. Music fanatics indulged further on Wednesday with the regular Wednesday Live event held at the Kings Arms.

There was little time to rest as The Star opened its doors on Thursday with a full and varied schedule including rap, rock, blues and soul. The Spotted Dog was host to the musical chords on Friday with an impromptu event from a local covers band. Those with any energy left enjoyed Secret Urge at The Bulls Head on Saturday, playing covers from the likes of The Zutons, U2, Bon Jovi, Kings Of Leon and Feeder to name but a few.  And it doesn't end there. The Kings Arms has more to come on Sunday evening, and as we enter a new week, its going to be just as busy. Keep an eye on the Dorking Events calendar to be sure you don't miss out.

Dorking Enjoys Packed Live Week

Every once in a while, a tidal wave of live music sweeps Dorking, and this week is one of them. Starting on Monday 15th with an Open Mic night at The Bulls Head in South Street, the week opens up to live bands playing nearly every day. The Star hosts its regular 3rd Tuesday Live, with 5 piece Groovesonic knocking out Funk, Jazz and Backbeat on the16th. There's an Open Mic on the same day at The Falkland Arms for those that like a varied set from the likes of  Tom Lawrenson and Dan Henwood, Marc Fisher and Nick Thurtell amongst others. The Kings Arms follows with its regular Wednesday live slot. The Star continues to entertain with 15 minute Open Mic slots on Thursday 18th and for once, Friday becomes a day of rest. Its all off again on Saturday 20th though, as The Bulls Head presents Secret Urge, playing covers from the Foo Fighters to The Zutons, Killers, U2 and King Of Leon to name a few. The Kings Arms closes the week on Sunday with another live band to be announced.

Open Mic Fever Spreads

The ever increasing talented musician population of Dorking continues to grow. Its great news, as local venues are finding Open Mic Nights an important addition to their weekly schedules. The loss of Open Mic at The Old House At Home hasn't put it to rest. Slowly, but surely, Open Mic events have started to spring up all over town. The first in the week is Mondays at The Bulls Head. This relaxed night with a 'student' feel plays host to guitarists and pianists alike. The New Kid on the Block is the Falkland Arms every Tuesday. The pub attracts violinists, keyboard artists, guitarists and even more quirky acts that rustle up dance through ipods linked to the PA. The Star, being the longest runner continues to attract the larger slice of the cake on Thursday, with regulars frequenting every week. The great thing is, each Open Mic has its own character and style. Its well worth trying out these weekday nights out to find the venue that suits your taste and surroundings.