Goring Unplugged at the Regatta

11:50  The Mysteries

The Mysteries are a four piece acoustic band from Goring who were put together to play at a mutual friend’s birthday party at the boat club, and enjoyed it so much they’re still at it. Christened ‘the Mysteries’ by Unplugged senior management, who had no idea what they were going to play. All four of them sing. David Caswell and Alex Mitchell play guitars with Leigh Williams on double bass and Mark Cusak on percussion. They are very fond of a bit of Motown and the occasional 70s classic rock song but will play anything, as long as it’s got a good tune and lots of harmonies.

1:10  Said the Maiden

Said The Maiden are Jess Distill (vocals, flute, whistles, ukulele), Hannah Elizabeth (vocals, violin, accordion, mandolin) and Kathy Pilkinton (vocals, guitar, clarinet).  We are an award winning folk trio based in Hertfordshire where we all grew up and went to school together.  We sing traditional and contemporary English, Irish and American folk songs, creating our own arrangements often in acapella three-part harmony.

“Rising doyennes of the folk scene…I can hear why Said The Maiden have already made themselves a healthy reputation, and I can also sense a strong measure of untapped potential.” (David Kidman, FATEA Magazine) 

2pm Scallywags song

2:10 Jim Reynolds

Jim Reynolds is unique. Possessed of the rare ability to capture the listener’s attention with the honesty and integrity of his lovely songs. His guitar accompaniments are both fluid and diverse, tipping his hat to the blues, a little jazz here and there, driving rhythms and soft measured finger style too. Interspersed with his own songs you will hear covers of Nick Drake, Paul Brady, John Martyn and one or two great early 20th century standards, all done with an original approach, which revitalises the compositions. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard Jim sing ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’.

Mike Silver

2:50  Rushkeeper

Having recently returned from their tour of America acoustic indie act Rushkeeper are described by The Philadelphia Enquirer as a “Mesmerising live act” and State magazine say they have “great songs of hope and inspiration”. Using acoustic and electric guitars along side pounding percussion Rushkeeper will be performing songs from their debut album.

3:30. Martyrs & Kings

An exciting young act rising out of the underground are Martyrs & Kings, who have songs with “syrupy clean guitar links that thread their way through acoustic chord changes” and “emotional but ambiguous lyrics perfectly suit the beautifully woven musical bed that underpins them”. It’s early days for a group with obvious chemistry and songwriting talent who are only going to get better from here. Fresh from their warm reception when they played for Goring a Unplugged at the recent Beacon Festival.

4:10 All Things Considered

Berkshire 5 piece All Things Considered have been a fixture on the acoustic scene in London and the Home Counties for over 7 years. Led by haunting vocalist Emma Baldwin, their groove based fiddle driven sound has gained them many admirers in that time. Championed by both BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, they have released 2 studio albums to date with a planned EP of new material at the start of 2016.

4:50 Heather-Jayne and the Red Shoes

Heather-Jayne and the Red Shoes are a trio from Goring and Reading. They play acoustic swing and soul. Tim Coulson plays guitar, Leigh Williams double bass and Heather Snaith sings and plays sax/flute/clarinet and kazoo. Anything from the Andrews Sisters to Tom Waits, via Smokey Robinson and Nina Simone. And they wear red shoes.

5:30 or thereabouts prize giving ceremony

6pm         Will Tun & the Wasters