Hilltop Stage
Friday
Bohemian Music Group
Bohemian night is an open mic held in different pubs in Reading - It goes on wherever it's happening every week! Acts do anything they like: their own stuff, somebody elses stuff, as long as it doesn't involve setting anything on fire! Look forward to some of our best acts performing at Beacon Festival!
Dream Sellers - Part of Bohemian Music Group
Dream Sellers is a Folk Rock band playing a wide range of well-known and obscure folky rocky songs. Formed almost three years ago, the band is an increasing presence on the Reading, Berkshire and Oxforshire music scene. The band’s influences range from Fairport Convention to The Strawbs, Dylan, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Show of Hands, Goats Don’t Shave, Crowded House, America and some original songs. Mike Bostock, one of the founders, says, ‘we like to play songs that have a story to tell, usually sad as is the way with folk songs but played so that the music is uplifting and stirring. Most of all, we just love to play’.
Jair - Part of Bohemian Music Group
Javier de la Cruz - Part of Bohemian Music Group
James Kell - Part of Bohemian Music Group
John Short - Part of Bohemian Music Group
Andy Sugarcandy - Part of Bohemian Music Group
Dave Wood - Part of Openmicsolate Music Group
A singer/songwriter from Buckinghamshire, Dave blends years of experience in bands from a wide variety of genres to produce a unique, powerful and original melodic rock/folk sound. And also brings a new twist to more well-known covers. Musical influences include Charlie Simpson, James Morrison, The Civil Wars, Newton Faulkner, Thrice, Soundgarden, and many more.
Described as having a ‘wild and untamed vocal style that pushes the boundaries of both range and emotiveness’ Dave aims to take you on an unexpected journey from the beginning to the end of each song.
Nick Atkinson - Part of Openmicsolate Music Group
Nick is an admired Bucks musician with a flair for capturing his audience with his presence, his rich vocal tones, and intricate guitar work.
Nick's passion for both Country and Rock music alongside his appreciation of 80s Pop make for a unique style that will have you appreciating songs in a new light whilst singing and dancing along.
His songwriting is pure and honest, and from the heart which combined with his natural gravelly vocals and captivating melodies, will transport you to a place you could happily stay for hours.
Ali and Dean - Part of Openmicsolate Music Group
Ali and Dean played in a pop rock band together when they first met in the late 2000s. Having played on and off in different bands over the next decade and a half they started performing acoustic guitar covers together in 2021. 4And have also launched a music events project called Far Out.
They have a chilled acoustic sound and are inspired by their love of 90s grunge and rock.
Simon Gregory - Part of Openmicsolate Music Group
Simon is frontman with popular Oxfordshire rockers Innuendo. His solo acoustic show features a mix of original songs, obscure covers and well-loved classics from a broad range of genres and eras.
Wendy Grace - Part of Openmicsolate Music Group
Wendy is a singer and songwriter performing in the Bucks/Oxon area. With a voice that soothes the soul and caresses your eardrums, she has the ability to take you away with her music. You’ll stop what you’re doing to listen to her for fear of missing a single note.
Wendy plays a wide variety of genres adding her own unique style to all. Her original songs are sensitive and emotive and you’ll find yourself captivated by her storytelling.
HogersWolf - Part of Openmicsolate Music Group
HogersWolf is Andy Hogger an Oxfordshire based singer songwriter, writing folk styled songs with a progressive attitude. Songs of the land and Folklore, love and loves’ laments, the turn of the wheel at the hands of the fate’s.
Based out of Chalgrove’s little home studio this is a second coming for Andy Hogger, some years before having been a member of a Bucks based NWBHM out-fit called Angel Dust. Inspired to pick up where he had left off by the desire to get his arse off the couch and a renewed interest into greats of the golden years of rock music.
Six years into the resurrection he is gigging regularly and releasing singles and Ep’s on a regular basis and quietly building a useful local musical career.
Special Midnight slot – Boy From Space
The Boy From Space first recordings were funded from the winnings of a local pub Pop Quiz! The first album – ‘London Paris Tokyo Space’ was produced by legendary English producer Fran Ashcroft (Damon Albarn, Dandy Warhols).
We’ve been played on Radio 1’s Huw Stevens show - “A track we should listen to before every show on Radio 1…Brilliant” Huw Stevens
We’ve also enjoyed radio play from BBC6 Music from our last album thanks to Tom Robinson. Our tracks have appeared on Durex & Quiznos adverts and we’ve had 2 tracks included on the Guiness Book Of Records record breaking '100X30' Album by The Pocket Gods and Friends. It featured 100, 30 second songs to highlight the lack of revenue flow from streaming sites to the artist and featured in Billboard, the National Press and TV news! We’ve recently teamed up with Pete Brown (global number One producer with Sam Brown's 'Stop') with their 'Pothole In The City' single from the forthcoming Super Synthetic Computer Pop album.
Saturday
First Thursday Music Club
A relaxed open mic night in Thame in a great room, set up and run by local musicians to allow everybody a chance to perform in front of a supportive audience.
Nikki Loy - Part of First Thursday Music Club
Nikki Loy is a singer and writer of classy pop-country songs with a sensational voice that soars as well as it rocks and that has wowed audiences all over the UK. In 2016 she turned her back on heartbreak and a life that didn't fulfill, built her own campervan, moved into it and went on a musical tour of the UK... an adventure that continues today.
The Shapes - Part of First Thursday Music Club
The Shapes are a nine piece band from Oxford UK. They write and play a unique upbeat melodic Pop/Soul/Indie sound that has received wide acclaim in the media
They have been performing up and down the country in venues and festivals for the past 8 years. After several EP releases they have now brought out a full album entitled ‘Live in the Moment’ It was produced by the brilliant Tony Poole from Bennett –Wilson- Poole & Starry Eyed & Laughing.
They are currently looking for more festival bookings & looking for management to promote them.
The Sepia Tone Folk Collective
The Sepia Tone Folk Collective is a folk duo consisting of Lucy Amos on vocals and percussion and Richie Knight on guitar, piano, harmonica and vocals, who write and perform mainly original music influenced by the folk, blues and rock n roll scene from 1920s right up to the present day.
Although we do some covers, most of the lyrics and music we perform is written and composed by Richie who has a background in writing and composition over the past two decades, including being a professional pianist.
Lucy has a background in performance art, contemporary dance and musical theatre and has performed professionally in many shows over the years, now teaching it as a career.
Matt Edwards Band - Part of First Thursday Music Club
Matt Edwards is a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist from the south of England. His original material is influenced by Blues, Rock, Funk and Soul, which can be heard across the three studio albums he has released to date. Matt is back in 2022 with brand new material and a new album on the way. He is touring the new songs alongside his back catalogue with his exciting live band 'Matt Edwards Band'. A truly original songwriter with a distinctive guitar style and something to say.
2am Blue
2am Blue are a five piece local band fronted by Johnnie Littler and Jimmy Greenhough with three amazing musicians. Nick Dutton, lead guitar; Pete Sherman, base and Phil Heard, Drums.
This is an exciting mixture of strong song writing and vocal harmonies.
Sometimes mellow and soulful and other times searing guitars and driving rhythm.
Meg Lawrenson
"The sound of songwriter Meg Lawrenson has been best described as catchy, ardent, and powerful. With uplifting melodies and memorable hooks, Meg writes about issues close to the heart, such as depression, heartbreak, and growing up. She seeks to break the taboo of including mental health problems within lyrics and a part of her ethos is to write with truth and honesty. With songs that are sure to stick in your mind, Meg Lawrenson is taking pop a further step, and bringing back its meaning.
Based in Southampton, UK, Meg’s mixture of country/pop music and bold lyrics are unique and often referred to Taylor Swift and Alanis Morrisette."
Palmerston
Five Guys, five voices, five shadows, loads of fun, umpteen instruments!
Guitars, bass, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, banana peel, comb and
paper... Featuring five part harmonies, compact, bijou and unrepeatable.. only joking!
No strangers to the stage, played at festivals, clubs, bars, large and small.
Impossible to pigeonhole, flavours of beer and sunshine!
Shades of Americana, a rumour of Folk, a whisper of Country.
Restless Oceans
Restless Oceans is 3-piece acoustic act from Oxfordshire and Bucks, playing upbeat rock/folk-inspired originals.
The group thrives on bringing together their voices, guitars and violin to create a unique blend of catchy riffs and intricate vocal and instrumental harmonies.
Anne-Marie Allen
Anne-Marie is a BBC Introducing singer-songwriter with a distinct vocal tone which captivates audiences who enjoy soul, blues and folk with a hint of punk & psychedelic! Anne-Marie Allen brings authenticity and audience connection that is rarely seen in emerging artists. Her addictive hooks, melodies and sing-along original songs make audiences want to dance and wake up the next day singing the songs. Her lyrics are honest about the human condition, yet her music has an upbeat vibe to keep audiences smiling.
Mr Paul Adams
Raised in leafy Buckinghamshire, England, “Mr” Paul Adams is a Texas born singer/ songwriter and entertainer. Followers of his music define his sound as unique! A subtle, yet soulful blend of the generations. His influences stem from early American Rock ‘n’ Roll and ‘Swinging’ Sixties, to 60s American Soul, Britpop 90s and Contemporary Country Music. Paul has played some famous stages, including London’s Troubadour and Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Raw, alternative, and acoustic, Paul brings us something we’ve long forgotten, but have always missed.
Paul Chapman
Paul is a singer songwriter from Chinnor who plays finger picking style guitar. He has been around the open mic and Festival scene in this area for many years and has played mainly in a duo as well as solo. As well as his own music, Paul takes acoustic style covers and gives them his own twist.
Friendly Sanj
Since picking up a guitar at fourteen, solo acoustic guitarist, Friendly Sanj, has never looked back. After extensive gigging during the rock and metal era of the nineties, he found new sensibility in the noughties with that resounding versatility of an instrument that is the acoustic guitar. Oozing with harmonic overlays and graceful ringing tones, his fingerstyle magic brings wonder to his listeners as they are lulled into a sense of peace, relaxation and calm.
Special Midnight slot – Loose Connection
Loose Connection are a Henley-based covers band. They play a wide range of high energy rock covers providing plenty of opportunity for dancing and having a good time. They have played in and around the Henley and Watlington areas at parties, village shows and charity events (as well as at a number of pub gigs) for the last 10 years.