Thank you to all who came to my gig at Birdies in Farnham last Friday night. I will be returning on Friday, May 31 with more special guest performers.

Wishing the very best to Brodie and Caroline who have retired from running The Plough, Farnham which had become a leading live music venue under their stewardship. Brodie, an active musician himself and well-known to many in the area, is now organising live music at the Royal Oak, Farringdon near Alton including a jam night.

Grayshott Folk Club returns this Friday, May 10 at Grayshott Village Hall featuring Steve Wickham and Ray Coen. They will be travelling over from the West of Ireland to sing and play. Tickets from Des O’Byrne on 01428 607096 or Grayshott Post Office at www.grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

A little out of the Herald area but Jazz At Whiteley Village near Weybridge have a fundraising concert this Saturday, May 11 in Whiteley Village Hall. It is to raise money for SENSE, a charity which supports children born deaf-blind. The main performance will be by The Fabulosos Big Band with guest singer Diane Slater. Starts 2.30pm (doors and bar open at 2pm).

Taiko Meantime with support from local Farnham Taiko youth group will be playing at Farnham Maltings, this Sunday, May 12. Local Taiko drummer Mark Alcock brings his London-based Taiko drumming ensemble to Farnham for a full theatre show of powerful Japanese rhythms, dynamic movement and cultural celebration.

Music At The Pottery returns to Farnham Pottery with four more musical guests on Friday, May 17. Tim Shez, Alfie Griffin, Cajun Boogaloo and KB Bayley will be playing. Tickets sell out fast but there are sometimes returns. See www.farnhampottery.co.uk

Music In The Meadow with live music on Farnham Bandstand will return each Sunday afternoon from Sunday, May 26 starting with the Missy Nelson Band. My own Vic Cracknell Swing Band will be playing on Sunday, June 2. Music is from 3pm to 5pm.

I will again be hosting the Rustic Stage at Weyfest Music Festival with Chris Ross. This year’s festival takes place between August 15 and 18 at the Rural Life Living Museum. Festival headline acts this year include Incognito, The Feeling, Lightning Seeds and Lindisfarne. Meanwhile our Rustic Stage supports many talented local acts including Alex Seel, Anouska Assisi, Briggs & Stark, Bryony Heart, Choro Bandido, Eloise Carter, Late To The Party, Oli Patient, Rough Mix and more.

Brian Player’s Folk, Roots and Acoustic music show is every Tuesday evening. It’s on at 8pm on Wey Valley radio and is on 101.1FM or online at www.weyvalley.uk

Email me at [email protected] to be included here in support of local live music in the Herald area, which includes Farnham, Alton, Haslemere, Bordon, Liphook, Petersfield, Woking and surrounding areas. Also include a possible photo for inclusion.

Thursday, May 9

Tamla Tigers at Login Lounge, Camberley

Open Mic at Square Brewery, Petersfield

Open Mic at The Wheatsheaf, Farnham

Friday, May 11

Tunehead at Login Lounge, Camberley

Karizma Duo at Login Lounge, Camberley

Sunday, May 12

Jazz Brunch at Login Lounge, Camberley (1pm to 3pm)

Tuesday, May 14

Julie’s Open Mic at the Village Inn, Sandhurst

Unplug The Wood at Lion Brewery, Ash

Wednesday, May 15

GT Live Sessions at The Britannia, Guildford