Singing in Bellfields
Astonishingly it is now more than seven years since I first stood up at The Rowbarge and, shaking like the proverbial leaf, hacked my way through the Leadbelly standard ‘Midnight Special’.
Our host that night was Vic Cracknell who was very kind – kind enough for me to go back and keep going back.
There is a huge scene of open mics, singing groups and jam sessions in Guildford, and The Rowbarge (therowbargeguildford.com) is arguably at the centre of it all as the pub also features professional performers, jam nights and discos.
One of the joys of an open mic night is that you have no idea what you are going to get – a newcomer struggling to get through the song which seemed so easy at home to the seasoned performer who on another night you’d pay good money to see; or perhaps an 80 year old Sinatra crooner, some traditional folk or even some Surrey Rap.
If singing by yourself is too much, once a month the Surrey Fringe join us for a couple of songs. They are a male voice acapella ‘barbershop’ style singing group who add another dimension to the evening. Surrey Fringe are also local and practice at Bellfields Youth & Community Centre (Surrey Fringe).
One of the joys of an open mic night is that you have no idea what you are going to get…
Whatever your experience you will be guaranteed a warm and supportive welcome from the regulars and current host Morgan Gooch is simply the nicest guy you could ever meet!
The Rowbarge Open Mic is held every Tuesday night – find us on Facebook.
By Brian Creese