The White Hart, Midsomer Norton has recently celebrated the first anniversary of its Open Mic/Acoustic nights, who meet on the second Tuesday of every month.
Richard and Max host the evenings, and welcome singers and musicians of all abilities and persuasions.
To give a flavour of a typical evening, the night of 13th February kicked off with Richard and Max giving us ‘Unknown Legend’ and The Rolling Stones’ classic ‘Dead Flowers’. Carl was up next, performing improvisations on Cuban and classical guitars, including ‘Blind Willy’s Bagpipes’. Gail graced the stage for the first time at the Hart, and delighted us with renditions of ‘Take Me to the Mardi Gras’ and the lovely ‘Chelsea Morning’. Showing the variety on offer, Gail was followed by Norman, a true blues man, with ‘Midnight Special’ and ‘Bright Lights, Big City’.
John, with enthusiastic audience participation, entertained the crowded bar with ‘Funeral Song’ and the very-Irish ‘Comical Genius’. Luke’s singing debut gave us excellent versions of ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ and ‘Hurt’.
From Wells, making their first appearance at the Hart, were Kev and Steve on guitar and sax, who blew us all away with ‘Insulted, Isolated, Relocated’, and the timeless ‘What You Gonna Do About It?’. An absolutely standout performance came next by Paul singing his self-penned, award-winning song ‘Cold’ – a moving and beautiful song.
Helena, always the consummate professional, brought the first half to a close with David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ and the superb ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker’.
The variety of music on offer is amazing, and if you would like to come along to listen or play, you will be very welcome. The second half was equally entertaining, and to be brief, I present to you – Carl ‘Calypso Minor’, Gail ‘Pretty Polly’, Norman ‘Gospel Traditional’, John ‘Rake and Ramblin Boy’, Luke a stunning instrumental, Kev and Steve ‘Stormy Weather’, Paul and Rich ‘Willing’, Helena and Rich ‘Meet on the Ledge’, and Rich and Max sent us home happy with ‘Harvest Moon’.
John Dando