New venue for 29th February:The Cross Keys Function Room, Marlow

We've sometimes used 'Fifth Wednesdays' to try out new venues so, on the 29th February, we'll be at the new function room at The Cross Keys  on Spittal Street in Marlow. It will be nice to be closer to our roots once again!

Simon was there for the inaugural meeting of the Marlow Ukulele Group on Monday, and tells us that it will be ideal. We'll have the room to ourselves with no extraneous noise.

As you see in the map, you can park in the Dean Street car park and enter via the front, or the Liston Street car park (behind the new Waitrose) and go through the back gate. Or, if you're Simon, you can walk.

Please try to come along and give us your feedback.

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Heading Downtown with the Honorary Dicks at The Dashwood Arms

Last week, we chose to move from our usual dining area at The Chequers into the bar to take advantage of the open fire. This week, there were diners in the restaurant area of the Dashwood Arms, so we used the 'stage' area of the bar. This is a nice space as long as the piped music is off. Thanks to Wayne, the landlord, it stayed off and we had a fun evening.

Dick was ill, so we had to break our habit of having him start the evening. Instead, we appointed Fred as the first Honorary Dick for the evening, and he started the evening with Bring Us a Barrel (with an extra verse). As it was the closest Wednesday to Valentines Day,  he also sang his own super song, Lovely Lady. Full-bearded version on the right.

The second honorary Dick of the evening was John, who sang She Loved a Portuguese.

Simon had been to the first meeting of the Marlow Ukulele Group on Monday, and brought along his (or his son's) ukulele and accompanied himself on You Can't Always Get What You Want and Stand By Me. This made quite a change from squeezing Basil the acoustic bass into the bar at The Chequers.

Also on the pop theme, Delia sang the 60s hit Downtown. Rosie had had a couple of glasses of wine, and suggested that it might not be about heading for the metropolis. There were also some suggestions of who recorded the his version. As well the correct answer (Petula Clark), Cilla Black and, for some reason, Kate Bush were suggested.

Entirely predictably, Rosie and I brought along My Funny Valentine and Blue Valentines. Also present, were Martin and Stuart and John.

We'll be at The Prince Albert next week (22nd) and The Cross Keys in Marlow on 29th.

Two trios and more at The Dog & Badger

We're used to having the pleasure of being entertained by our regular trio of Alison & David Fenner with Simon Diegan. They used this evening to run through some of the material they were planning for their bar gig at Norden Farm on Sunday.

This evening we had a second trio: Oakridge, comprised of Dave (vocals & guitar), Terry (vocals and banjo) and Maria (vocals and double bass). They play a selection of country-ish numbers with great harmonies and fine playing. Let's hope they return soon, but probably not at The Prince Albert, where a double bass would occupy half the bar. Interestingly, Terry was once in a band with Simon and David!

Also present were Dick, Martin, John, Mike, Fred, Karen, Rosie and me.

Next week we'll be at The Chequers. We haven't fixed a venue for the 29th February - any thoughts?

Burning and busking at The Prince Albert

It was Burns Night, and some people came prepared with an appropriate song or tune or two. Well done Fred, Liz and Alan, Stuart and Delia, David, John, Richard, Karen and Alison. I think playing a tune in the French style written by a Scotsman on a Scottish-made mandolin doesn't count.  Nor do songs by Carole McKing or the Moody McBlues.

We didn't move the table around, so were even more pushed for space than usual. When Alison, David and Simon started their second turn, David left his guitar case open on the floor, whereupon several people threw coins into it. It appears that Hank Williams' You Win Again, sung by Alison accompanied by David and Simon,  with Steve as guest guitarist, is worth 24p.

Next week we'll be at The Dog & Badger.

There's a fifth Wednesday in February (Nerd quiz - how often does that happen?), so we don't have a regular venue. Please let us know if you have any preferences. 

The Bottom Line at The Boot, Bledlow Ridge, Saturday 14th January 21:30

We were delighted to have David and Alison Fenner join with the Bottom Line for an enjoyable afternoon of music at a packed Dog and Badger on New Years Day. Thanks to all those who came along.

Our next gig is at The Boot, Bledlow Ridge on Saturday 14th January at 21:30-23:00 when, once again, David and Alison will be joining us. Electric guitars and cahon will be in evidence again.

It would be nice to see some familiar faces there. Food will be served from 18:00-21:00. If you intend to eat, please call 01494 481499 and mention The Bottom Line.