NEWS Ok, so we know that this isn't the most frequently updated bit of the site, and that it's a bit dishevelled and in bits, but we like it, and it should tell you what's going on in a roundabout way.
Hi, there are a few broken links and images across the site at the moment, Due to some internet problems at simma.co.uk. Sorry if you can’t find what you’re looking for – you can help us fix it by clicking here and emailing to report any problems
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acoustic Circus Returns! This Month's line up includes...
Owen Davies Adam Cole Russell Watson Simma Steve Jackson And Special Guests
The Bridge Hotel Wed 3rd Sept 2008 £3.50 / 7:30pm
For details please visit www.acousticcircus.co.uk www.tynesidemusicians.com -------------------------------------
Bridge Hotel, Wed 6th August Featuring Andy Mackin (With Special Birthday Guests!) James Comrie The Additions Simma Alex Campbell & Special Guests
The Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth Newcastle £3.50/7:30pm (Get down Early!) On Facebook? Click Here!
Secondly, the photo site has been updated, there are pictures of the Sage gig on 17th November and lots of other stuff.
See you at The Circus!
AC
On Saturday afternoon, we'll be back in the library at the sage, completely unamplified, just us, our instruments and our songs With
Dan Walsh Adam Cooper Sundown Simma Terry Gorman
+ Special Guests
Saturday Afternoon - 1pm Explore Music LibraryThe Sage Gateshead Quays
---------------------------------- Back At The Bridge!
Ian Courtney Dan Walsh Simma Sam Sullivan Facia Special Guests
Thursday 23rd August 2007 The Bridge Hotel Castle Garth, Newcastle 7:30/£3.50 www.acousticcircus.co.uk Hi, Thanks to all who played and watched at the Circus on 4th April - particularly to a fantastically appreciative audience. Great to have old hands Jess Roberts and Roger Emmerson back, and fantastic to have first timers Marshall Nattress and Amy Brooks. Thanks to Simon Best for playing a blinding opening set and all the crew for their usual help. News of Summer fest gigs soon. Sign up to the info list to be kept informed.
Hiya Folks,
Haven't really had time to write about our brilliant day out at The Sage, but here are some pictures of it! Thanks to everyone, and especially to the wonderful Jess Roberts, without whom it wouldn't have happened. Thanks to all the players, organisers and audience. Keep an eye on the website for news of us returning to The Sage, The Green Festival and The Ouseburn Festival. Thanks to Christine Owen for the PIctures. S
----------------------------------------- Hiya!! February Circus played to a packed house, and was very, very good! Everyone performed beautifully, and the audience were as enthusiastic as ever. Nice to see Sundown back, Michael Chaney finding his (excellent) voice, Peter Bennett impressing people yet again, and Richard John Thompson playing a rare solo spot. Simma and Ed Lauret continue to shine together, and Verity Burton stepped into the gap left by an unavoidably detained Frekflag- our love and thoughts go out to the band, and we hope to see them soon. It was good to see Circus full again, after we decided to take a break in January. The Eagle Eyed amongst you will have spotted an enormous typo in the programs- oops! Never mind, eh? I hope anyone calling into the site who’s never been before will keep calling back and find out when the next Circuses are on, you can join the Email list on the right there. The next gig is the afternoon in the sage on Saturday 24th, lots of info here soon. ------------------------------------------------ Been a bit lax on the news page recently, sorry! Well done to everyone who appeared at and attended the last two circuses... News of the Christmas show(s) soon. Please check the front page for news of a couple of children in need gigs featuring various Circus alumni, in tribute to Alan Hull.
------------------
Just got back from September 6th Circus. Brilliant night, well done to everyone, another packed house, and another set of unbelievable acts. Special mention to first-timers Mark Shilcock and Suburban Atmosphere. The Restaurant played a triumphant return set, as did Sharron Levey-good to have the Captive Audio frontwoman back after so long. Thanks to Nick Gladdish for his last-minute special guesting. Andy Mackin and Ed Laurete played up a storm, as per usual and the audience were great! I'm told I was ok too. S x ------------------------------------
******************* **ACOUSTIC CIRCUS** ******************* Wednesday August 2nd The Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth Newcastle
Roger Emmerson Geoff Ridley Simma The Questionnaires Sideline These Foolish Things &Guests
7pm / ThreePounds
-Never heard of some of them??? That's the point!! We promise you a brilliant night.
Thank you to everyone involved in the outrageously successful shows at The Green Festival and The Ouseburn Festival.
We hope to see you all at Circus again soon!
Stuff about Circus in Narc Magazine this month, and also in Journal Culture, out with tomorrow's Journal.
Visit us at www.acousticcircus.co.uk
Visit our Myspace at www.myspace.com/acousticcircus
Surely Not? It can't be! Already?
It's THE ACOUSTIC CIRCUS CHRISTMAS PARTY!
With music From
Verity Burton Richard Gardner Dan Walsh Simma Paul Jeans Jon Nellist James Adamson Nick Gladdish Ady Ferguson Dave the Happy Singer Richard John Thompson +Special Guests!
We will fit it all in, promise! Bring yourselves, your tinsel, party hats and your reasons to be jolly to
The BRIDGE HOTEL on WEDNESDAY 14th DECEMBER at 7:30pm its only £3, and there'll be sweets!
Acoustic Circus at The Bridge Hotel 19-11-05
To those of us whose twin passions, apart from the obvious, are live music and rugby, November 19th should have been a day made in heaven. During the afternoon England met the All Blacks at Twickenham an unmissable occasion for the committed rugby fan. In the evening the City Hall was the venue for The Hull Story, a celebration of the life of Newcastle's finest song writing son, the late Alan Hull, sadly taken from us almost exactly ten years ago. Can it really be that long ago?
What a prospect in store. However there are times when things don't go according to plan. Simma, one of the new generation of singer/songwriters from the area who is highly involved with the promotion of good live music through his work with Acoustic Circus organised an afternoon gig, ostensibly for the Hull fans who had travelled from far and wide to be part of the celebration, but also for the crowd and performers who frequent the Bridge Hotel on a more regular basis.
The plan? Simple. We could go to the Bridge for the first half hour or so and still get back to the hotel to see the rugby, Everyone's happy and we have time to shower and change before the main event at the City Hall.
That was the plan. That is until Scott Hutchinson took to the stage. A big lad who can craft songs that are simultaneously angry and sensitive. He can also sing and handle his guitar. Normally I would apologise for not remembering the names of the songs but, as Scott can't remember their names either, I am not too worried.
Next up was Verity Burton, a slip of a lass with a huge voice who carries a bluesy tune as well as anyone I've ever heard. The young crowd near us appreciated her work and accompanied her in a surprisingly tuneful fashion.
It was then the turn of Steve Foster, an American, who being from Indiana looks and sounds like Woody, the barman in Cheers. He had travelled over to attend the Hull Story and treated us to a set of songs from his favourite songwriter. He included a delightful version of one of my favourites, Treat Me Kindly, a song I was destined never to hear sung by it's creator. However Steve did full justice to this lovely little number.
The Simma who then took to the stage looked almost the same as he did when I last heard him play almost two years ago. However he now exudes a confidence gained from his time on the road and in the studio. His own songs have a bite and maturity about them. His lyrics stay with you - "I can still feel your presence around me, touching me somewhere within" - from the song In The Morning that appears on his new album Trouble Sleeping. Heirloom/Blue Eyed Baby brought a lump to my throat.
It was his versions of more Alan Hull classics (I'd forgotten how many great songs he wrote) that got the crowd clapping stamping and singing along. It would appear that a principle of Acoustic Circus is that if a few performers all take a few friends, there'll always be a healthy crowd. These supporters were all good singers in their own rights. There was also a harmonica player called Dave The Happy Singer. Sounds like a cartoon character but this guy appeared on request on numerous occasions and joined in with some stunning harp.
One of the stars for me was a guitarist called Andy Mackin. This guy has a real gift, an exceptional ear for music and a superb pair of guitarists hands. From time to time he joined in and captivated the audience with his wonderful playing. I almost wrote "licks" but that would have been so seventies, man. He's young and I believe he has only recently taken up the instrument. God only knows how good he can be.
Every one of them took to the stage for the final few Lindisfarne anthems. It was touching to realise that Alan Hull's rich song writing legacy is in such safe hands. Long may they keep his music alive.
Despite missing the rugby, it was a day made in heaven. The Bridge, City Hall in the evening and the Simma and the Steve Daggett Trio in The Tyne the following day. Great venues, great music and wonderful people. What more can you ask?
John Grenfell
Uckfield
November 2005
14th November 2005 Well done to everyone for last night’s Circus, packed to the rafters yet again! Many, many members of the audience were commenting about the quality of the acts, truly outstanding.
We are putting on some music this Saturday downstairs in the Bridge, it starts at 2pm, goes till about half five and you're all welcome. It's free, Simma, Verity Burton, Steve Foster from the US and some others are playing. We'll send an Email.
24 Oct 2005
Thanks to all involved last night, fantastic stuff! Everyone played well and, yet again, the place was packed. Sorry about the bar, but no one seemed to be that bothered, and it was beyond our control anyway. The new performers were outstanding to the point of actually shocking the audience! It was fantastic to hae John Nellist back too. A night of fantastic new music- but then that's kinda the point....
The Next Acoustic Circus Will be on Wednesday 2nd November With Lesley Roley Kaifas Simma Nick Green Bridie Jackson Ian Bredis + Very Special Guests At The Bridge Hotel 7:30pm/£3.oo
19th October 2005
Thank you to all who made last Circus so succesful- it's always nice to have to worry about being over the fire limit! Not only was the audience satisfyingly large, they were pretty much all listeners, and a good thing too, as all the performers put in brilliant sets. Well done to everyone, You can buy Paul Jeans' album from http://www.pauljeans.co. uk/ and you can buy Ady Ferguson's Album from http://www.rgfrecords.demon.co.uk/ ,Simma is almost finished his new album, see http://www.simma.co.uk for updates. The Restaurant are playing at the Tavern on Thursday, and we'll try to catch up with the other performers to let you know what they're up to. Extra special thanks to James Adamson for doing the sound with Paul Jeans, and to Rob at The Bridge for not making us turn people away when it got really full.
Obviously, as you may have noticed, the Archer is no more, so we won't be having any more gigs there!!
See you on Sunday 23rd for our first Sunday Acoustic Circus in aaaaaages. With Waiting For Volkaertz John Nellist Oonagh Cassidy Scott Hutchinson Jolene + Very Special Guests At The Bridge Hotel 7:30pm/£3.oo
It's on a Sunday!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20th September 2005
The Next Acoustic Circus Will be on
Wednesday 5th October With Paul Jeans Ady Ferguson Simma Jon & Harriet James Adamson + more to be announced At The Bridge Hotel 7:30/£3 Watch this space for details
Due to the magic that is Mobile Blogging, we'll hopefully have lots more news here from now on... hopefully ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8th September 05
Thanks to all who made Acoustic Circus at The Bridge so great last night... Great to have Danny back on the desk too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 August 2005
The Next Acoustic Cirus Wil be on
Wednesday 7th September
With
Folkstarbambino Ged & Shauna Conor Kennedy Simma James Stephenson + More
Watch this space for details!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New News 11th August 05
New news page, Hope you like it!, OK, So it's a wee bit basic so far, but at least we got rid of the adverts. Many thanks to Trev gibb for his help with the Web as always. The old news is still below, minus the pics, so it doesn't make sense all the way through! Anyway, back to work!
Acoustic Circus is proud to present A special gig to launch a fantastic new CD
VERITY BURTON** "RED"
With very special Guest
*************************** **CHRIS WILKINSON** *************************** (Outstanding bluesy guitarist/singer/songwriter, as seen at The Customs House gig and the Green Festival) On Thursday 18th August At The Bridge Hotel £3/8pm
In other news this week. Long time friends of Acoustic Circus The Dans will play their last ever gig on Saturday at The Cluny, and for the early risers amongst you (!), Simma will be the guest again on the breakfast show on Radio Newcastle (95.4fm) on Saturday morning 7- 9. We have a new website- Kinda, it's still work in progress but you should find everything you need to know about Acoustic Circus at the usual address www.acousticcircus.co.uk Anyway, See you on the 18th Acoustic Circus From the old news site *************************
10 July 2005 CUSTOMS HOUSE FRIDAY 22ND! You must come to this!!! This really will be a special, special gig, everyone playing is so up for it, and it's an amazing venue. Support your Circus! Email tickets@acousticcircus.co.uk for tickets! Many special offers if you're buying a few together!!!
Thursday, 7 July 2005 Acoustic Circus July 6th 2005 Last night was incredible- All the acts played brilliantly, and the audience were particularly great. Nobody who saw Dave The Happy Singer last night will ever forget it! A great Circus- thanks to everyone involved!
Keep returning to this News page for a very special announcement in the next couple of days.
Obviously, we are living in scary times. We send our love and thoughts to any of our audience or players currently in London.
AC
Posted by Gigdiary at 1:33 PM BST | link to this post Updated: Thursday, 7 July 2005 1:34 PM BST Monday, 27 June 2005 The Archer On Thursday 30th June 2005 ARCHER Acoustic Circus Thursday 30th June
Pete Hardaker The Stevies Alison McAree Kelly Brownell William West Andrew Mockler
7:30/£3
Posted by Gigdiary at 8:28 PM BST | link to this post
Thursday, 16 June 2005 SUNDAY Acoustic Circus + Make Poverty History ACOUSTIC CIRCUS In Support Of MAKE POVERTY HISTORY's campaign for More and Better Aid (see below) Is on *SUNDAY* 19th June AT The Bridge With
Waiting For Volkaetrz The Art Of Kissing Casual Kai Bronze Joe Williams +some special Guests #3/7:30pm
Stuff you need to know.....
Rich countries have promised to provide the extra money needed to meet the internationally agreed poverty reduction targets. This amounts to at least $50 billion per year and must be delivered now. Rich countries have also promised to provide 0.7% of their national income in aid and they must now make good on their commitment by setting a binding timetable to reach this target. However, without far-reaching changes in how aid is delivered, it won't achieve maximum benefits. Aid needs to focus better on poor people's needs. This means more aid being spent on areas such as basic health care and education. It should no longer be conditional on recipients promising economic change like privatising or deregulating their services, cutting health and education spending, or opening up their markets. Aid should support poor countries' and communities' own plans and paths out of poverty. www.acousticcircus.co.uk http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/
Posted by Gigdiary at 12:34 PM BST | link to this post Updated: Thursday, 16 June 2005 10:32 PM BST Tuesday, 14 June 2005 This Wed Sorry this site has been a little barren for a while, Holidays, tours and suchlike. But..... A Last Minute, just organised, rushed as anything ACOUSTIC CIRCUS PRESENTS This Wednesday (15th) At THE BRIDGE With ANDY HARDIE AND THE FREE RADICALS (Totally unique, virtuoso musicianship with perfect songwriting- swingtastic) VERITY BURTON (Voice of an angel, and the devils own talent for a tune) THE STEVIES (Acoustic funk, outstanding vocals) ANDREW MOCKLER (Jazz tinged singer songwriter, new, new new!)
It all starts at 7:30, it's the usual very low price of ¿3, and it's going to be great.
This would be an opportune moment to thank Mr Trev Gibb for his generous and invaluable work on our website, and in general with The Circus. Cheers, pelican, you are a genius. You can visit Trev at www.trevgibb.co.uk
Posted by Gigdiary at 2:26 PM BST | link to this post Updated: Tuesday, 14 June 2005 5:19 PM BST Thursday, 7 April 2005 Acoustic Circus 6th April Just a quick not to say how brilliant last night (6th April) was. We were there to talk about fair trade and we did, and had an absolutely excellent gig with a fantastic audience. Roger Emmerson and Kelly Brownell got the night off to a particularly good start, both first timers at Circus, and special mention really must go to Mrs. Moomintroll, who finished the night off in great style- with big, cleverly written and beautifully performed songs. We sold all the white wristbands we had for Make Poverty History, and got lots of fair trade voting cards filed out and sent off. Stayed tuned for news of next month! AC
Posted by Gigdiary at 9:58 AM BST | link to this post
Monday, 4 April 2005 Acoustic Circus Wed 6th April for MAKE POVERTY HISTORY Acoustic Circus
This month we are putting our gig on in support of MAKE POVERTY HISTORY's campaign for trade Justice
The developing world loses 14 times the amount it gets in aid due to unfair trade rules. We want to bring people's attention to this, and make a difference. You can help by coming along, and voting for trade justice. There will be enough voting cards for everyone. We'll also have more information on Trade Justice, on the problems it causes, and what you can do to help. And, of course, it'll be a fantastic gig!
Featuring Kelly Brownell Simma The Fabulous Blondes Mrs Moomintroll Richard John Thompson Roger Emmerson
THE BRIDGE 7:30pm / £3 Sorry about the current website problems, we're working on it. AC
Posted by Gigdiary at 4:08 PM BST | link to this post Updated: Monday, 4 April 2005 7:50 PM BST Thursday, 31 March 2005 James Angus Gray We are delighted to announce that the new member of Acoustic Circus' management committee is James Angus Gray. He brings the experience of his work with the Free Festival, and his understanding of performing on the local circuit. We believe that the Circus committee is stronger than ever with the addition of this new member. This Thursday (31st March) at The Archer
Sundown Nick Grimes (Amber Souls) Richard Gardner Blues Implosion The Fiction Angus Gray Special Guests
7:30pm/£3
Posted by Gigdiary at 1:21 AM GMT | link to this post Updated: Thursday, 31 March 2005 1:27 AM GMT Saturday, 26 March 2005 Acoustic Circus at The Archer on Thursday This Thursday (31st March) at The Archer
Sundown Nick Grimes (Amber Souls) Richard Gardner Blues Implosion The Fiction Angus Gray Special Guests
7:30pm/£3
Posted by Gigdiary at 6:20 PM GMT | link to this post
Monday, 14 March 2005 Radio Show and Danny On Saturday, we did a two-hour show on New West FM, a community radio station in the West End of Newcastle. We had 9 live performers, including Tea Cup Head, Chris Wilkinson, Chris Kinley, Trev Gibb, Verity Burton, Richard Gardner, Nick Gladdish of Casual Kai, Pete Hardaker and Simma. It went amazingly well, even if Brian and Simma aren't the most natural broadcasters in radio history. An eventful day, which was a fantastic laugh for all involved.
Special mention must go to-
Everyone for meeting on time (it did look like a school trip), and getting a taxi convoy to the west end. To Lorraine Dodsworth for guiding us through the technical nightmare of making a live radio programme. To Richard Gardner who nipped to the local Netto for provisions and merrily stood in the kitchen making everyone sarnies (hero). Nick Gladdish for dancing round like a baboon and generally being strange and entertaining in between performers. And of course to New West FM, who actually extended our show by half an hour, due to an overwhelming public response.
Hopefully there will be more of this sort of silly day out in the future. Next event is the Archer on 31st March with Sundown, The Fiction, Nick Grimes and The Richard Gardner Blues Implosion.
We are very sad to announce the resignation of Danny Ward from the management committee of Acoustic Circus. Danny has begun teaching drums, which doesn't leave him the time to volunteer. We are sure he will be as brilliant a teacher as he is a drummer. Danny has been with Circus from the very first gig, and his work on the sound desk has been praised in reviews and by audiences countless times. The Circus will always be very grateful for his work, and the organisation would simply not exist without him.
We will be officially co-opting a new member of the committee very soon...
Posted by Gigdiary at 11:13 AM GMT | link to this post
Thursday, 3 March 2005 Acoustic Circus 2nd March + Acoustic Sisters 2 Thanks to everyone who played last night. Everyone was brilliant, and Chris Haldane was a genius on sound.. The last six or seven Circuses have been ridiculously full- anyone got any ideas?
Next Wednesday is a very special gig- the second Acoustic Sisters. 6 singer songwriters, all women, all brilliant. Call back to the website in the next couple of days for a full listing and details.
AC
Posted by Gigdiary at 11:47 AM GMT | link to this post Updated: Thursday, 3 March 2005 5:42 PM GMT Saturday, 26 February 2005 Acoustic Circus 2nd March Now Playing: Casual Kai Things are very, very busy at the minute! Ta for coming to the Archer, it was a great success.
So, Back home to The Bridge this week...
Wednesday 2nd March
Casual Kai
The Stevies
Adam Cole
Simma
Simon Desai (The Fiction)
Nick Wight
at The Bridge 2nd March Doors 7.30pm (We reccomend you get there early!) £3
see www.acousticcircus.co.uk
Posted by Gigdiary at 7:26 PM GMT | link to this post Updated: Saturday, 26 February 2005 7:28 PM GMT Sunday, 20 February 2005 Thursday At The Archer Thursday 24th Feb THE ARCHER
Acoustic Circus
Featuring The Days Milkfloat Moonlight Chris Wilkinson Special Guests
£3/7:30
Thanks to everyone involved in the Acoustic Circus LVS New Word Order gig. It was hugely succesful and lots and lots of fun. Innovative? We hope so. A lot of hard work went into the gig, and new friendships were forged. We hope it's encouraged Circus regulars to check out the spoken word scene, and vice versa.
Apparently, someone is using the name Acoustic Circus on a buskers night somewhere. Please do not mistake this for one of our gigs! Cheers AC
Posted by Gigdiary at 5:54 PM GMT | link to this post Updated: Sunday, 20 February 2005 6:09 PM GMT Sunday, 6 February 2005 article
Posted by Gigdiary at 7:37 PM GMT | link to this post
Friday, 4 February 2005 Acoustic Circus LVS New Word Order
Posted by Gigdiary at 7:48 PM GMT | link to this post
Thursday, 3 February 2005 February Circus Well, thanks to everyone who played and came along to Circus's 4th Birthday gig at the Bridge. Absolutely packed, and everyone plays incredibly well. Special mention must go to Chris Wilkinson, for his first gig ever, and a truly outstanding performance. No-one would believe that he hadn't played in front of an audience before! Thanks too to Angus Grey for stepping in at the last minute after James Hails came down with the nastiness. The next gig, is, of course The NWO Circus collaboration- See The Informer, and Get Rhythm Magazine for nice articles. It's going to be great. AC
Posted by Gigdiary at 2:53 PM GMT | link to this post Updated: Thursday, 3 February 2005 5:54 PM GMT Friday, 28 January 2005 YYYYYEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mood: celebratory Now Playing: The Medium We Raised £723! Seven Hundred And Twenty Three Quid!! Ohb Yes! Thank you , thank you thank you to everyone who palyed and attended. The benefit was more succesful than I could have imagined. I'm totally ecstatic!
It's our Birthday gig next week, more news soon.
Posted by Gigdiary at 6:39 PM GMT | link to this post
Saturday, 8 January 2005 BENEFIT Please, please come to this gig. We are just a bunch of musicians, and this is all we can do.
Posted by Gigdiary at 1:15 PM GMT | link to this post
Thursday, 25 November 2004 Next! The Boring biz of the AGM went off predictably uneventfully, so lets get on with the Christmas party! We have Casual Kai Sundown Simma Verity Burton Richard Gardner Letrix Country Jim Trev Gibb Angus Grey Paul Jeans Pete Hardaker Lucy Pickard Chris Haldane &Guests to get through, so please, please get there early!!! Doors at 7:30, 1st December, the Bridge- See you there!
Posted by Gigdiary at 5:42 PM GMT | link to this post Updated: Thursday, 25 November 2004 5:44 PM GMT Thursday, 11 November 2004 AGM The Circus AGM will be on Friday 19th Nov at the bridge hotel. Members are welcome, but advised that due to time restrictions, additions to the agenda or nominations for the management committee should be received by Monday 15th at the very latest. (acousticcircus@hotmail.com)