BREWERY Blues, Cirencester’s popular monthly live music event, held in the atmospheric Cellar Lounge at the Kings Head Hotel, has just celebrated its seventh birthday.

Originally it was housed in the Brewery Arts theatre building (hence the name) before its renovation into the Barrel Store.

Since those early beginnings the Brewery Blues name has spread far-and-wide attracting artist from Germany, Nashville, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, London, Cornwall and even as far away as Nova Scotia.

Promoter John Drummond said: “We mix these top-line touring performers with the very best of the local and West Country scene. They’ve all heard of our reputation.

“We also like to provide a credible showcase for local up-and-coming gifted musicians, which our region seems to produce in abundance. So, if there’s young talent out there wanting a gig please let us know, we’ll do our best to fit you in."

Brewery Blues has provided a launch-pad for many young aspiring artists who have gone on to become recognised music industry professionals.

John said: "George Montague, Ben Maggs, The Black Feathers, Katie Brooks, The Curious Little Big Band spring immediately to mind, but there are countless other nationally renowned bands and solo artists who grace our stage, such as Midlander Rebecca Downes recent winner of the UK Blues Best Female Vocalist Award."

He added: "Our format of having three acts per show seems to continue to work well. This allows us to add some depth and variety to the bill, and offers our customers excellent value for their entry fee.

“Perhaps the name Brewery Blues can be a little misleading as we cater for many genres of modern day popular music including folk, Americana, jazz, funk, R+B, reggae, indie, rock, Celtic, choral, alternative and yes of course blues”.

  • Brewery Blues is held on the second Friday in every month. To checkout up-coming shows either look at the Standard’s ‘What’s On’ section; visit the Brewery Blues Facebook page, check on the Kings Head’s website kingshead-hotel.co.uk/events/; or sign-up for our e-mail newsletter on johndrummond.184@btinternet.com