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.