What’s On

Polly Paulusma plays a stunning show of songs accompanied by Jon Thorne (Lamb, Yorkston Thorne Khan) on upright bass to celebrate the release of her latest album ‘Wildfires’.

Together Paulusma and Thorne will bring you songs from across Paulusma’s repertoire of six studio albums to date released since 2004 on Bjork’s label One Little Independent. Her latest, ‘Wildfires’, is an extraordinary extended piece of work containing two hours of breathtakingly emotional songs interlaced with spoken word poetry. A truly immersive experience, the album has been produced by acclaimed record producer Ethan Johns (Laura Marling, Ray Lamontagne, Ryan Adams).

The musical connection between Paulusma and Thorne is something to behold; together they swoop and glide through songs from all of Paulusma’s albums, but especially ‘Wildfires’ which Thorne also recorded with Paulusma — combining their trademark bawdy humour and anecdotes with deep songs that touch on love, loss, grief and philsophical enquiry.

The Ocelots are twin brothers Ashley and Brandon Watson from Wexford, Ireland. Building on the folk-rock essence of their debut, the duo are excited to announce the release of their second album, “Everything, When Said Slowly”, on February 7th 2025. This album unveils a richer, more expansive sound, produced by long-time collaborators Cillian and Lorcan Byrne (Ailbhe Reddy, Susan O’Neill). The narrative woven throughout the album explores themes of Irish migration, the perception of time, love, and the simple joys of cycling.

To support the album, the band are delighted to take the the road in the UK for a string of dates around its release.

Keeping up traditions of years gone by The Ouse Valley Singles Club return to the Portland Arms Cambridge on Friday 18th April.

If you are not familiar with The Ouse Valley Singles Club or have yet to catch their live show then you are in for a treat. They are one of, if not the, most original outfits currently playing the live circuit.

Fully self-promoted with the aid of their online videos and huge social media presence, the Ouse Valley Singles Club are one of the hardest working bands around, having gigged almost every weekend over the last 10 years honing their craft and building a massive following of loyal Fans as they go.

Influenced by the long forgotten sounds & traditions of 1950’s Skiffle (Google it) they combine this sound with the energy of Punk and the swing of Rock and Roll, whilst occasionally dropping some Reggae flavour into the mix. Then layering this with hilarious Folk-like story-telling, often crossing the parameters of what is deemed to be politically correct but keeping it very tongue in cheek. In doing this, they have created a truly original & highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” and they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where Vaudeville music Hall meets Working Men’s club.

The scourge of the Metropolitan Liberal Elite’ The OVSC put on a show that gives a hysterical observational account of everyday tales of woe with a razor-sharp observational narrative whilst rocking the crowds with their infectious ear-worms.

Having packed out the main arena’s to capacity, they have headlined Peterborough Beer Festival and opened to several thousand revellers on the main stage at Bedford’s River Festival (second largest free festival in the UK) as well as being a regular feature at events such as Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair, The OVSC are no strangers to the Festival Circuit. Festivals they have performed at are; Boomtown, Bestival, Rhythmtree, Nozstock, Mosley Folk and Lunar Festival, Truckfest, Rhythms of The World festival, Lodestar, Henry’s Little Big Gig, Harlequin Festival, Maui Waui, Green Meadows and Glastonbudget among many others.

Highlights of their musical journey came when they supported luminaries Chas and Dave on their 2014 tour, warmed up for Sir Bob Geldolf and The Boomtown Rats in the main arena at the Great British Alternative Music Weekender at Butlin’s Skegness as well as providing warm up for the likes of Pete Docherty, The Wonderstuff and the poetical musical comedy genius KATG. Clearly illustrating their flexibility and appeal to audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds going down a storm and building their following at every gig they play.

Following the release of his tenth studio album, Waiting For Wisdom, Gaz Brookfield takes to the road once more.

Folk/Punk festival favourite, Brookfield has been at this for a while now. Since winning Acoustic Magazine Singer/Songwriter of the year way back in 2010 he has continued to tirelessly tour the length and breadth of the country, building a strong and loyal following where he goes.

His last album, Morning Walking Club, saw Gaz achieve his first top 40 record, and it even got number 1 in the UK Official Folk Charts. Not a bad result for this fiercely independent musician, with no record label, no manager, and no agent – just a guitar, a van, and a steadfastly belligerent refusal to give in.

The queens of banjopunk, three Swedish sisters by the name of Baskery, who’ve played music since they were old enough to hold an instrument. Baskery play a combination of classic ‘roots music and Americana’ with a twist of rule breaking punk turn this much loved style of music on it’s head. Their sound oozes style and playfulness and has helped them accrue a number of plaudits and accolades.

The first album, “Fall Among Thieves” (2008) was recorded in Stockholm, co-produced by Lasse Mårtén (Pink; Peter, Bjorn and John; Kelly Clarkson; Lykke Li; Primal Scream ). It quickly established them as an act that people took seriously. In the years that followed they’ve released several albums and EPs working with the likes of Blackpete (Depeche Mode; Joe Jackson; Peter Fox), Matt Wignall (Cold War Kids; J. Roddy Walston; Wargirl) and were also signed by Dan McCarroll (President and A&R) to Warner Music. “Coyote & Sirens” was released in October 2018, produced and engineered by Andrew Dawson (Kanye West; Rolling Stones; f.u.n; The Revivalists).

On the live scene Baskery are experienced in putting on a show have played over 400 of their own in 2015 the sisters were invited to join legendary artist Robbie Williams as opener and special guests on his arena-tour throughout Europe. Later the same year they also toured the US with Gary Clark Jr and Brandi Carlile and the festival requests roll in; Colours of Ostrava, Bonnaroo, Utopiafest, Newport Folk Festival, Arroyo Seco and Bottlerock.