Open Mic Christmas Party Hits The Lincoln Arms

The Lincoln Arms dedicated Music Lounge is getting ready for an end of year special. On Friday 23rd December, The in house PA system will be ready to go for an Open Mic Christmas Party inviting anyone to play. If you aren't planning on playing yourself, bring some chums and support your favourite guitar twangers, crooners or rhythm makers. Organisers are hoping to see bands and individual artists playing at the event, the more the merrier. As you can expect the event will also include the best value beers in town as well as special offers on shots and shorts.
Expect acoustic sets, rock, blues and jazz to bring in Christmas with a twang!

The Cricketers Present Bricks Build Houses

Hosting a wide range of music from an ecclectic mix of old and new popular tunes from the 60's through to current genres, The Cricketers regularly entertains with a wide range of acts.
This month, one of their favourite acts, Bricks Build Houses play a live set on Friday 9th December. Without doubt, this act, an amalgamation between Nick Thurtell & Ryan Williams, is not to be missed.
The duo present a relevant yet classic acoustic set that features both their own tracks and popular tracks from current artists. Nick Thurtell, who already has a growing pile of fans from Open Mic nights and live festival performances will be performing to the highest of standards that separate this band from others as they deliver each tune so in such a way that they are truly empathic to the originals. Ryan, adds to the sound with luscious vocal harmonies that will enhance and delight. Expect a top quality and atmospheric performance in this talented two piece.

Dorking Live Music Thrives This August

Live music in Dorking this August has already been impressive, but the pace is being turned up a notch or two more as we head towards August Bank Holiday. To start, on Wed 17th, King Size Slim play at The Kings Arms. Just round the corner at the Star hosts Open Mic on the 18th. The Cricketers gets in on the act on Friday 19th with acoustic sounds from Matt Emery, Katie Malco and Warren Mallia. Live music lovers of Dorking can get even more that night as The Star begins a fantastic two day live music festival event on the same day. Music continues on Sat 20th from the afternoon until closing, with Juicy Lucy at The Kings Arms on Sunday evening, nearly every genre of music will have been on display somewhere in Dorking this week... except for a bit of 50's up beat rock and roll... so thats been put on by The Sundowners at the Bulls Head, also on Sunday.
Monday 22nd starts with Open Mic at the Bulls Head, which moves to The Falkland Arms on Tuesday. On Wednesday, try out some Brazillian styles with Choro Bandido at The Kings Arms. Open Mic returns to The Star on Thursday, the last in the live music sets until Sunday 28th when The Jazz Police descend on The Spotted Dog at 3pm. Enjoy Bad Hair Day at The Kings Arms on the same evening. No doubt, the biggest event remains Star Fest at the Star on West Street. For details, head to the Dorking Events Starfest Page

GuilFest is an independent music and arts festival held in Stoke Park, Guildford. Started in 1992 by Tony Scott, who still runs and directs the festival, which first attracted 1,500 people per day, GuilFest now sees over 20,000 visitors each day and has truly established itself as one of the UK's leading festivals.


This year, the festival took place on the 15th, 16th and 17th of July. This year's festival offered a weekend of great live musical entertainment set across 8 stages, crossing all genres. As well as live music, there was comedy, theatre, arts and crafts, with all other sorts of other entertainment.


Friday's line up included Roger Daltry, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Rifles, Adam Ant and Macavitys Cat. Saturday saw Razorlight, N-Dubs, Noisettes, Peter Andre, The Farm, Pendulum and Wretch 32 to the stage, and on Sunday, visitors could see James Blunt, Erasure, Ziggy Marley, The Blow Monkeys, UK Subs, Public Image and Chipmonk. In all over 140 music acts played, with 28 comedy acts over the weekend.

Uke2 Unleash The Power of The Ukulale!

It was bound to happen eventually. On the one hand, one expects a pub hosting an open mic to be filled with guitars as budding performers wait their turn to pluck their strings to the awaiting audience, but on the other, such events can suddenly surprise. None more so than at The Bulls Head.

Few were prepared for two local musicians, Dave and Nick, to turn up and unzip their guitar cases to reveal two ukulele's. That in itself looked hysterical. The shere size of these miniature instruments against a back drop of full sized guitars was enough to put the audience in fits of laughter. What followed was quite simply astounding and, well, to be honest, extremely funny.

Listeners were geared up in preparation for some sort of Spanish traditional rendition, so typical for these instruments. But alas, this was not to be. The duo got started straight away pounding out tunes so unfit for a ukulele, the audience fell about laughing. The laughter was not indeed due to the quality of the musicians before them, but more the sheer wonderment and astonishment that these two skilled lads chose to open with 'Play That Funky Music' with their faces fixed stern in the belief that such a tune was written for such meagre instruments. If that wasn't enough, the crowd was silenced as the duo crowed 'Shut Up. This is serious you know' whilst driving home a fantastic (and surprising) delivery of 'Ace of Spades'.

We should forget counting the different elements that make this performance so good, as there are too many. But to summarise, Uke 2 have devised a unique performance style that has been crafted with incredible skill, and it is delivered in such an entertaining way that leaves the audience in awe. It is impossible to dislike them. Moreover, as the reception showed, they were by far the most enjoyed and favoured band of the night.

You can see Uke 2 perform on regular open mic nights. You can also book their compact entertainment for all occasions by calling 07531 355315 or 07760 476603.

Big Week for Open Mic

If you love live music then you are in for a treat between Mon 20th - and Friday 24th June. Its an Open Mic packed week in Dorking. Kicking off on Monday at The Bulls Head, enjoy the likes of Tom and Dan as they host the opening session of the week with several other musicians both new and the more accustomed to the scene. On Tuesday, musical enlightenment moves to The Falkland Arms, with Chris from Dragon Studios hosting the event. Expect a slightly more quirky approach as all musicians are encouraged to join in at once! On Wednesday, we have a little more contemporary music from Nigel Bagge at the Kings Arms whilst Open Mic'ers put their feet up and take a break. Its the turn of Ian Renshaw on Thursday to kick our budding musical talent out of bed with the very traditional structured open mic at The Star. Be sure to book a slot in time if you wish to play. The week closes with the final Open Mic at The Lincoln Arms. As with all venues, a PA is provided.

Juicy Lucy at The Kings Arms 15th May

Since arriving on the music scene in 1966, Jucy Lucy has had its fair share of troubles, with US immigration problems in the late sixties, a change of line up in 1969, and its fade to the background following several chart hits. The band re-emerged in 1994, only to dis-band again in 1997. Changes to the line up over the next 5 years saw yet another emergence in 2002, but under a different name. By 2004, this had been resolved and Jucy Lucy returned to the music scene. With a successful relaunch in 2005 at the Eel Pie Club in Twickenham, the band set out to gig across the UK. playing from from Plymouth to Aberdeen.

In June 2006 the band went in to The Levellers' Metway Studios in Brighton to work on the first new recordings for twelve years. The value of extensive live performance showed when it came to the recording sessions, with the band completing the tracking for eleven songs in four days! The result of these sessions was "Do That And You'll Lose It", released in September 2006.

Today, the remaining trio of Mr. Fish, Fletch and James continue to develop both the music and it's audience. The Juicy Lucy legacy, which is now into it's 40th year can be witnessed at The Kings Arms at 9pm on 15th May.

Huge Live Music Line Up in Dorking This Week

Kakuzi

Its another massive week for live music in Dorking this week. The town becomes the envy of the region with a huge music line up which kicks off with The Stealers playing live at The Spotted Dog this Friday 6th at 8.30pm. Eleven more events follow, with the biggest at The Star on Saturday 7th May as Kakuzi appear as part of their live music tour of the UK. Duncan Mc Kenzie is back at The Spotted Dog on Sunday 8th for an afternoon session starting at 3.30, and at 9pm, Cafe Racers turn up the volume at The Kings Arms. On Monday 9th, one of the best Open Mic sessions can be seen at The Bulls Head, and on Tuesday, The Star plays host to Perform! night from 8.30pm. If you are seeking more live music, head for Open Mic at The Falkland Arms at 9pm. On Wednesday 11th, Ron Trueman Border plays at The Kings Arms. Thursday brings Open Mic to The Star, And on Friday 13th May, Bright White play at The Spotted Dog. There's more live music at The Spotted Dog on Sunday 15th May with DPN+1 performing live at 3.30pm. Juicy Lucy close the week on the same day with a live performance at The Kings Arms from 9pm.

Kakuzi Light Up The Star on 7th May

Get ready for a large dose of pop from Kakuzi at The Star, West Street, Dorking on Saturday May 7 at 8.30pm. With Alastair Lawrenson on vocals and synth, Alexander Mackworth-Praed on bass, David Medlicott on drums and clarinet, and Lucas O’Neill on percussions and guitar, this four piece from Leatherhead produce a unique sound drawn from influences such as Bloc Party, The Clash, Coldplay, Radiohead, Leftfield and Faithless.

The band has been four years in the making, but has built up a following by playing locally. Now signed to indie label Major G, the band has enjoyed increased exposure having supported Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order fame on 23rd April. The bands first official EP, Sun Kissed Planet, was released in 2010 and received positive reviews from the UK music scene.

Words and Wars, their latest release, has been described as 'delicate, cool, leisurely, refreshing and very easy on the ears".  Anybody seeking loaded basslines, with a retro and inspired tone should head to The Star on May 7th and enjoy the greatness that is Kakuzi.

Open Mic Hits The Lincoln on 29th April

The Lincoln Arms dedicated Music Lounge opens its doors on Friday 29th April for another Open Mic session. The in house PA system will be all rigged up. Anyone looking for a chance to play needs only to bring their instruments. 

Live music at the Lincoln is on the increase with several opportunities to watch live bands or join in the fun.  The Lincoln Arms has already presented 9 bands this month making it the official music venue for Dorking. With Open Mic Nights being added to the schedule, local talent also has an opportunity to play. If you aren't planning on playing yourself, bring some chums and support your favourite guitar twangers, crooners or rhythm makers. Anyone interested in presenting a complete set or looking for somewhere to practice can contact the Lincoln Arms directly to arrange free hire. 

UNFUN Tour Hits The Lincoln Arms

The Lincoln Arms is making headway to become Dorking's leading live music venue. On the 22nd, April, they played host to no less that three bands in one session. The Canadian sludge pop-punk band UNFUN was first on stage as the 12th instalment  of their 14 date UK tour, playing tracks from their debut album 'Sick Outside View'.  Their latest 7" track - Shallow Graves, which is a split release on Not Shy Of The DIY/Drunken Sailor Records was also part of the set. We Grow Beards were up next to take the punk experience further into the night, with the Leeds stoners Teen-Rebel Dopefiends closing the show. This was great stuff for The Clash or The Sex Pistols fans. Anyone that enjoys live music should keep a close eye on The Lincoln Arms, as they have more live music treats up their sleeves.

Avarice Continue To Gain Dorking Praise

Popularity and quality go hand in hand whenever Avarice take to the mic. This week, another outstanding performance echoed through West Street as Becky Crayden donned bass and Jason Curtin blessed ears with pure rock enthusiasm at the Old House At Home. The duo have joined the top league of Dorking's sought after artists having performed throughout the town and attracting audiences as soon as their name is mentioned. People looking for music events in Dorking regularly miss out on event packed weekends. This Sunday, live music in Dorking rivalled London boroughs for is choice of live music in a square quarter mile. With Roadkill, Avarice, Andy Duerden and D Crew all playing on Sunday, the town continues to grow as a live music base in the South East. Avarice were the last band standing tonight, as they thrashed through the Cranberries 'Zombie' , delivering the 90's classic with pure energy to close the show, long after other bands had packed and gone. Keep a close eye on the Dorking Events calendar for forthcoming gigs.

Gameshow Extravaganza

Next Tuesday (29th March) is Dot and Maureen's Gameshow Extravaganza at the Star, West Street, Dorking. It'll be a daft night of fun and games hosted by your favourite pub cleaners. We'll be collecting donations for Bloomin' Arts - a charity theatre company for adults with learning difficulties so bring some extra dosh for a brilliant cause. The mayhem begins at 8.30.

Groovesonic Deliver The Funk to The Lincoln Arms

Starting with weekly jam nights back in 2007 as a cheap way to spend Friday night...chew the fat and make some noise into the bargain, Groovesonic are 6 loosely connected individuals with a myriad of tastes that have now started to gel and create a distinctive sound. Groovesonic's style can be loosely summarised as a culmination of Funk, Jazz, Backbeat and Latin. The band that hail from Reigate are not strangers to the town, having played in Dorking on several previous occasions. This Friday it's the turn of The Lincoln Arms to open its doors to unleash these varied individuals upon our waiting ears. If you are into rhythm, jazz, funk (and soul for that matter), this is the place to spend your evening. Groovesonic play live at The Lincoln Arms this Friday, 18th March at 9pm. Entry is free, and all the usual drinks promotions apply.

Jinn House Rock The Kings Arms

If you are seeking a quiet drink this Sunday (12th March), then The Kings Arms is not for you as Jinn House descend at 9pm to deliver two hours of heart pumping rock for our enjoyment.

This three piece band  fronted by brilliant lead guitarist Mark Simkins, loves to play energising and exciting Rock and Blues. Mick Wood drives solid bass rythms whilst Matt Mullender showers the drums with his sticks in a performance much akin to the crazed muppet drummer 'Animal'.

As well as playing covers, expect to hear familiar tunes written by Simkins, such as All Messed Up, Liar, The Human Race and Beat The Blues. This performance is a fantastic array of mixed styles, driven with the pace of an emergency and the volume of a jumbo jet. Not to be missed if you are a rock fan. 

Avarice Live at The Spotted Dog

If you are looking to pump a little rock through your veins this weekend, then look no further, as Avarice take to the stage at The Spotted Dog at 8.30pm  this Friday (11th March). This unmistakable rock duo, formed with Jason Curtin on lead guitar and bassist Becky Crayden are rock heaven, and a lesson for air guitarists everywhere. Having played the Surrey pub scene for some time, their performances meet great acclaim. With power chords galore, intricate guitar solos and in fills, this is a two piece that pump out rock as good as any 5 piece. Here is an opportunity not to be missed for moshers seeking classics from the likes of Guns n' Roses, Bon Jovi, Nirvana and others.

Paul Evans Live at The Cricketers

Paul Evans, a local guitarist, singer and songwriter, plays live at The Cricketers this Friday (6th March 2011). Paul's whose distinctive style has earned him a reputation and local following with solo acoustic performances. This week, Paul will be playing acoustic versions of classics from the 60's, 70's and 80's. His set list ranges from The Beatles, to more recent performers such as Oasis, Snow Patrol and The Zutons. Paul also takes part in regular Open Mic sessions at The Cricketers. For more information about this upcoming event and Open Mic sessions at The Cricketers, please visit The Cricketers website .

Lincoln Arms offers Skool Disco Night

Legend has it that School Disco was first held in September 1999 in Ormonds Restaurant in central London. This monthly event drew around 100 for the first three months. Popularity increased with regular nights in the SW1 club in Victoria in February 2000, but the event was moved after 3 months due to popularity. Moving around London over the years, the School Disco finally settled down as a weekly event at Portland Girls School W1. This quirky event has become a British tradition over the years, with pubs across the country replicating the event. To avoid missing out, Dorking hosts School Disco events regularly, and this time, its the turn of The Lincoln Arms on Friday 4th March at 9pm.

Lights, Camera, Action... and Beer at The Star

As we emerge from recession, its difficult to justify cinema tickets for £10. Moreover, the price of cinema popcorn is nearing the price of gold per gram. Everyone likes a good film, but at these prices, many turn away. Thats where The Star takes the fore. Bring popcorn, drink beer and enjoy Shutter Island on the big screen, part of The Star cinema Sunday series. If you haven't seen it, it starts like this: In 1954, U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his newly assigned partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), go to the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island located in Boston Harbor. They are investigating the disappearance of Rachel Solando, a patient who apparently vanished from a locked room, leaving a note behind that reads The Law Of 4, Who is 67... Intrigued? then grab a pint, relax and enjoy this cult film at The Star at 7pm on Sunday 20th February.

Busy Weekend Draws Near

From Friday 11th through to Sunday 13th February, Dorking offers a host of events to entertain us all over the weekend.
Starting at the Cricketers on Friday 11th at 8.30pm, musicians are welcome to join in the fun at the Open Mic session, but for those that prefer to see a full live band raising the roof, head for The Spotted Dog to watch Catch22 live, which starts at the same time. Saturday brings even more choice with the launch party of local landlord Ian Renshaw's debut track 'Genre is a Dirty Word'. The evening will see the video broadcast on the big screen and a live performance from The Eclectix. There's more live music on Sunday with Dickie an Baz playing live at the Spotted Dog at 3.30pm and both Secret Urge playing at The Bulls Head and Juicy Lucy performing at The Kings Arms at 9pm. Its a music packed weekend that shouln't be missed!

The Wickerman, Star Cinema Sunday

The Star celebrates the second instalment in its Cinema Sunday season. The Wickerman is today's classic choice. The synopsis: A hard-nosed, deeply religious Police Sergeant, Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) receives information that a young girl has gone missing. This is told in an anonymous letter from Summerisle, a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The Sergeant flies to Summerisle to investigate. He shows villagers a photo of the missing girl to the locals, but they deny her existence. Howie starts noticing the islander's bizarre customs and lifestyle with increasing incredulity and over time discovers that such pagan rituals that take place on this island are increasingly disturbing. The Wicker Man is showing at The Star, at 7pm this Sunday.

Falkland Arms Draws Music Fans

There’s plenty of choice for a night out in Dorking, but music lovers and musicians alike know that there's good times to be had at The Falkland Arms. Every Tuesday, an the Open Mic session comes to life in an unusual manner scarcely offered elsewhere. Musicians will settle into their performance, sometimes starting with a guitar, violin or piano, but the audience is encouraged to join in. Before a session is over, performers are engulfed by enthusiastic punters adding to the mix. Joining in is not just the norm. It is the tradition.

Musicians that would normally shun from a live performance are now arriving with instruments and joining in with the fun. There's no rules here. Just turn up and play....even if someone is already playing.

The Open Mic night at The Falkland Arms brings live local music to the fore. Its on tap, welcoming and interactive. In fact, music sessions at The Falkland are very much akin to traditional pub music sessions well known in the 60's and 70's when bands used local taverns to practice, perform and test audience reaction. The only difference here is that a solo artist can find themselves becoming a band member before the end of their set, having been immersed in support.

Live music at the Falklands is a joy to watch. Avid musicians are always welcome, and punters that can hit a bongo in time with the music with a pint in hand will be praised. For those that can't, sit back and enjoy the music. A night of surprise awaits.

Open Mic is every Tuesday from 8pm at The Falkland Arms, Falkland Road, Dorking.

Could It Be Magic...or Deception?

Sav The Deceptionist hits town on Tuesday 25th January. Rest assured, your sanity is in his hands. This breathtaking conjurer, illusionist, card-trickster, and mind reader puts most other magicians in the shade.
Sav's effortless and intriguing presence has earned him the praise of audiences all over. Performing table magic in London's smartest bars, saloons and casinos, Sav has never ceased to amaze since venturing into magic 14 years ago.

With the charisma of a celebrity conjurer and the sharpness and control of a street magician, Sav presents his range of talents and displays a host of tricks at breathtaking speed.

The Deceptionist appears at The Star, Dorking on Tuesday 25th January. If you love magic, you will love his show. There will be two, possibly three 20-30 minute performances on the night. Demand is expected to be high, so get there early if you want to secure a seat in The Star's one night only Edwardian Lounge.

EclectiX Raise Roof at The Star

The Star was given the pleasure to offer punters yet another fantastic live performance from Dorking based EclectiX this Tuesday on the first of the regular 3rd Tuesday Live events for 2011.

Their setlist was a blend of well known songs and world music styles, and true to form, several cover tracks played at this evenings event were reconstructed until barely recognisable with a shower of bongos, drums, violin and a phatt reggae bass injection that could almost justify them as new masterpieces of their own.

This was Impressive stuff and the band’s impeccable momentum kept the atmosphere buzzing all night.

For a chance to see EclectiX play, pop to The Star on Saturday 12th February, or keep an eye on regular updates on the Dorking Events calendar.

Local Council Promises Local Choice

Mole Valley District Council assures it is consulting residents but may already have an agreement with Morrisons to go ahead with a supermarket in Station Road  near Dorking West station as a chosen site.

The Council has said it was aware of four sites, all significant council land holdings, but would listen to proposals for any of them. The authority has stated it is committed to creating a "level playing field" for all the sites.

Consultations are due to begin soon and Dorking Events is keen to hear residents awareness and feedback of this move.  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-12175023