insideKENT Magazine Issue 28 - July 2014 | Page 28
ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
Dan Clews’ TOUR OF KENT VENUES
HAVING JUST RELEASED HIS ALBUM TOURIST IN MY OWN BACKYARD, DAN CLEWS SHOWS ALL THE SIGNS
OF A HOMEGROWN TALENT. HE MAY HAVE TOURED THE UK AND BEYOND, BUT THIS ALBUM SEEMS TO
BE A CELEBRATION OF HIS HOME COUNTY OF KENT. IN THIS SPECIAL KENT MUSIC FEATURE, DAN HAS
UNCOVERED SOME OF KENT'S MOST INTIMATE VENUES IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND, SO YOU TOO CAN
BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD. SWITCH OFF THE TV AND GO SEE SOME LIVE MUSIC IN THE
ARRAY OF WORLD-CLASS VENUES THAT ARE RIGHT HERE ON YOUR DOORSTEP.
The Grey Lady, Tunbridge Wells
Intraverse at The Trinity Arts Centre
© Chris Pope
www.paulduntonandguests.com
The Trinity Arts Centre,
Tunbridge Wells
www.trinitytheatre.net
A venue converted from a beautiful
church, its stage sits at the foot of a
dramatic raked auditorium. Home to
national touring artists and theatre
companies, the Trinity is also the home
to the bigger Local & Live events
which feature the crème of local artists
and are often sold out.
Flowerpot, Maidstone
www.flowerpotpub.moonfruit.com
The Standard Lamps at The Grey Lady © Chris Pope
Hosted by Paul Dunton, The Grey Lady is the birthplace of the Kent Local
& Live movement (more on that later). With a rolling roster of 150 acts, this
is more than just a venue; it’s more of a music scene and community. It’s
small, intimate and has a nice chilled-out atmosphere. If you’ve never been,
pop along on a Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday and grab a bite while
taking in some excellent local music.
Fate The Juggler at The Flowerpot
© Thomas Richards Photography
A straightforward pub,
serving up great beer and
great music. It’s small and
cosy and can be a great
place to catch local acts and
the odd touring artist. The
sound system holds its own
– and the glasses hold a
good selection of beers.
Pizza Express Live, Maidstone
The Forum, Tunbridge Wells
www.pizzaexpresslive.com/maidstoneList.aspx
www.twforum.co.uk
Dan Clews at Pizza Express Live
© Thomas Richards Photography
Sounds unlikely I know, but
there are a few flagship Pizza
Express restaurants in the UK
that support live music, and
Maidstone probably has the
best one. It’s a great room
and the music varies hugely
and can often include some
world-class touring
acts...while you eat pizza.
The Barge, Gillingham
www.thebargepub.co.uk
In the evenings the pub is lit by candlelight which creates a wonderful cosy
and intimate atmosphere. There are nooks and crannies where you can sit
and have a quiet drink with your friends, or you can join in with the banter
at the bar or, of course, watch the live music. The regular live music at The
Barge is mostly acoustic-based, ranging from folk and traditional to a more
eclectic selection of blues, jazz, and contemporary 'unplugged' styles. There
is never a door charge to come and see the music – entry is always free.
Tom Williams & The Boat at The Forum © Chris Pope
Voted NME’s best small venue two years running, The Forum boasts a
hugely diverse roster, from cutting-edge new touring acts (like Mumford
and Sons before anyone had heard of them) to veterans like 10cc’s Graham
Gouldman. The Forum also supports a thriving local music scene with its
sister label entitled Unlable, and also its May bank holiday festival Unfest.
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