moreWokingham

A Call to Songwriters

Could you write a song?

On Saturday 21st May 2011, The Song Foundry is arranging a recording, giving a platform to local songwriters. The invitation to submit a song for the recording is open to anyone in the area.

The song should be suitable for use in church. The songs should be innovative and can be in any style or idiom.

More information: www.tmbprod.com/The_Song_Foundry or you can send an email to The Song Foundry at info@thesongfoundry.com.

Also, there is a Song Foundry facebook group.

H-Bar-C: Live Country Music

Royal British Legion, Eversley Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 9PR

Enjoy live country music by the UK's top bands every Thursday evening at The Royal British Legion, Arborfield.

Admission on the door: £6.00. No children under 14. No line dancing. No membership required.

For details call H-BAR-C Country on 0118 9891354 or 07720 353879

National Youth Jazz Orchestra at the Kenton Theatre

The Kenton Theatre New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

The Kenton Theatre proudly announces that NYJO will open the theatre's Autumn Season.

Known for its unique swinging big band sound and featuring the most gifted and talented of the next generation of British jazz musicians, this world-class orchestra will showcase the talents of its exciting young players to the audience at the Kenton.

In October NYJO will be celebrating the forty-fifth anniversary of its initial appearance under the aegis of its founder Bill Ashton, who earlier this month was awarded the OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours list.

NYJO has performed many hundreds of concerts all over Britain, from Ronnie Scott's, the Barbican, Symphony Hall Birmingham, Usher Hall Edinburgh, the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall, to theatres, clubs and schools. It has made numerous TV and radio programmes, recorded around 40 albums, and visited most European Countries as well as USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Tickets: call the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Reading Town Hall Heritage Day: Organ Demonstration

The Concert Hall, located within the Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

Demonstrations of the historic Father Willis organ and opportunity to try it during the day.

Jointly arranged by Reading Arts and The Berkshire Organists' Association.

Further details at www.berkshireorganists.org.uk.

Reading Symphony Orchestra Sinfonietta Concert

Long Gallery, Englefield House, Theale, Reading RG7 5EN

The programme will be:

• Mozart: Overture to Magic Flute
• Mozart: Piano Concerto no. 24 in C minor (K.491)
• Mozart: Haffner Symphony No.35

The soloist for the piano concerto will be Edward Reeve, runner up of our Young Musician's Competition 2010.

Tickets: £10 (under-16's £5) from the RSO box office on 0118 986 0707, or by email from tickets@rso.org.uk or at the door.

More information about RSO: www.rso.org.uk.

Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra Open Workshop

Old Gym, Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU

The orchestra's new season starts in September with our annual Orchestra Workshop on Sunday 12th September in the Old Gym at Wellington College from 10.15 to 5.00 under the baton of our Musical Director, Robert Roscoe. The main works we will study will be:

• Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
• Dukas: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Subject to vacancies the workshop is open to all competent players. String players are especially welcome.

Price: £15 (students £7.50)

To book a place on the Workshop contact Diana Brealey on 01628 520143 or email her on dianabrealey@googlemail.com

To find out more about the orchestra go to our website at www.crowthorneorchestra.com where you can also find details of our regular rehearsals and future concerts.

A warm welcome awaits you at Wokingham Choral Society

Main Hall, The Emmbrook School, Emmbrook Road, Wokingham RG41 1JP

Wokingham Choral Society is looking forward to welcoming new members.

If you already enjoy choral singing and would like to join a large, friendly, local choir why not ring Jos Bowyer on 0118 978 1918 for more information? Or come along to our first rehearsal on Thursday September 16th at 7pm as we begin our rehearsals for Haydn's Creation, which we'll perform in our Autumn concert in November.

WCS is a dedicated amateur choir with a reputation for staging excellent concerts with high quality, professional orchestras and soloists. Rehearsals are at The Emmbrook School every Thursday from 7.45pm to 9.45pm.

We are particularly keen to encourage young singers. So we are offering bursaries to sixth form students and a substantially reduced subscription to anyone who is 25 years old and under. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience the awesome feeling of singing with a choir of 110 mixed voices. Sopranos, altos and especially tenors and basses can all be assured of a warm welcome and support from fellow members of their respective sections.

Find out more about us at: www.wokingham-choral-society.org.uk.

Ben Portsmouth and the Taking Care of Elvis Band

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Ben Portsmouth and his band, Taking Care of Elvis, presents an amazing tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, with his looks, style and fantastic voice which will set hearts racing and feet tapping. In a blink of your eyes you'll be taken back to what it was like to see, hear and experience the young and sexy Elvis.

Tickets: £14, Concessions £12 from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Reading Town Hall: Organ Duets

The Concert Hall, located within the Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

Organ duets by William McVicker and David Pether.

Jointly arranged by Reading Arts and The Berkshire Organists' Association.

Tickets: £4 on the door.

Further details at www.berkshireorganists.org.uk or at www.readingarts.com.

Anthony England: "All At Sea"

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Following his successful shows "Ever So Slightly Jazzy" and "Smile!", pianist/entertainer Anthony England returns to the Kenton with his new one-man cabaret show. Containing a wide range of musical styles including several original comedy songs plus general larking about at the keyboard, this is one show not to be missed!

All proceeds to KENTON for KEEPS.

Tickets from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Caversham Heights Methodist Church: Organ recital

Caversham Heights Methodist Church, 74 Highmoor Road, Caversham Heights, Reading RG4 7BG

Organ recital by Ian May.

Admission free; retiring collection in aid of church and Berkshire Organists' Association.

Part of the Berkshire Organists' Association Local Recital Series.

Further details at www.berkshireorganists.org.uk.

The Musicians of Reading Blue Coat School: Concert

Parish Church of St Lawrence, Halls Lane, Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire RG10 0JG

Waltham St Lawrence Concerts presents a vocal and instrumental medley by ther musicians of Reading Blue Coat School.

Tickets: £10 (Under 16s £5) in advance from The Bell, The Star or The Shurlock in Waltham St Lawrence. Or from Don Hickson, WSL Box Office on 0118 940 3209. Tickets for an extra £1 are also available at the door on the night.

Further details at www.walthamstlawrence.info.

Duggie Chapman MBE presents: 'The Good Olde Days'

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Britain's longest running Music Hall with Adam Daye as your worthy Chairman. Enjoy the kind of show to which a gentleman may safely submit his wife. Join in the good clean fun and sophisticated novelty. Even Queen Victoria would be amused.

Tickets: £12 Full £10 Concessions, Groups: buy 10 and get additional one free, from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

An Evening with Mike Hurst, Hitmaker

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Mike Hurst is joined by Jonas and Plunkett for an evening of music. Island of Dreams, First Cut is the Deepest, Wild Thing and the Mighty Quinn to Under the Moon of Love and Green Door. Mike tells the stories, sings the hits and your requests!

Tickets: £14, from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Sing-a-long High School Musical 3

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

A screening of the classic film with subtitles on-screen so you can sing along to every word.

A show exploding with energy and fun especially for the family audience; based on the latest instalment of the High School Musical series, this action-packed show bursts with singing and dancing and, as usual, YOU ARE THE STARS.

With free goody bags, fancy dress and our live host to lead you through all the magic moments, you are guaranteed a great time. But it’s when you, the audience, takes over that the fun really begins!

Tickets: £14 Adults, £12 students and children, from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Sing-a-long Rocky Horror Picture Show (12)

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

The Campest Cult Classic of all time gets the Singalonga treatment it's been SCREAMING for!

Featuring the film, starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Meatloaf and Richard O'Brien, it's the most outrageous, riotous, kitsch, wonderful romp ever. If you've done The Time Warp before, you’ll never have done it quite like this!

Fancy dress is not obligatory but highly recommended!!

Tickets: £15, from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Sainsbury Singers: 'Strictly Musicals'

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Sainsbury Singers bring you a night of unrivalled musical splendour. Packed with songs from the most recent West End and Broadway hits, it promises to be an evening of emotion, excitement and extravagance!

Tickets: £12 Full, £10 Concessions from 0118 988 2510.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

'dIRE tRAITS'

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Remember 'Sultans of Swing', 'Romeo & Juliet' and 'Money for Nothing', the definitive rock anthems of the 80's by one of the greatest guitar bands ever, Dire Straits? Now you can hear and enjoy again all your favourite Mark Knopfler songs passionately recreated by the UK's most musically authentic tribute, dIRE tRAITS.

Tickets: £13 Full, £12 Seniors & Students, £11 Friends, from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Woodley Light Operatic Society presents: 'Iolanthe'

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Iolanthe is a fairy who dared to marry a mortal man; banished from the dominion of the magical creatures, Iolanthe was forced to leave her husband and raised her son, Strephon, on her own. Years later, Strephon has fallen in love with Phyllis, whose guardian is the Lord Chancellor of the Court of Chancery. Phyllis is in love with Strephon, but since he earns his living as a lowly sheep herder, the Lord Chancellor opposes their marriage. Wanting her son to be happy, Iolanthe conspires with her fairy friends to overcome the Lord Chancellor's opposition, but this leads to even further complications.

Advance Booking until 14 November 0844 8801846

Tickets: £14 - £13; Concessions available, from the WLOS Box Office at 0844 8801846 or online at www.wlos.co.uk or from Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or online at www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Joe Brown and his Band

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

One of this country's best loved, enduring, and most acclaimed musicians is back by popular demand at the Kenton with his five piece band. He continues to break box office records and the musical styles incorporated into his show are as unique as the man himself. Now is your chance to see one of the all time great talents live.

Tickets: £25 from 1 October on 0208 368 6496.

StageWorks present: 'Musical Medleys'

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

Join StageWorks in this special performance as they celebrate ten years in the performing arts industry and ten great years in Henley!

Tickets: £10 - £5 from 01628 898038 .

More information: www.stageworks.org.uk.

'Who Are You'

The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP

'WHO ARE YOU' have been playing the sound and capturing the spirit of the legendary band The Who since 2007. Not concerned about looking like The Who, they deliver a powerful and exciting rendition of classic Who numbers like Pinball Wizard, Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O'Riley, My Generation - and many more. Support from top Pink Floyd band, 'Run Like Hell'.

Doors open 7pm.

Tickets: £10, from the Kenton Theatre box office on 01491 575698 or go to www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

More information: www.kentontheatre.co.uk.

Reading Festival Chorus: 'Come and Sing Carols'

Wesley Methodist Church, Queens Road, Reading RG1 4BW

An evening of familiar and not-so-familiar Christmas carols for choir and audience.

Tickets: £5 adults, £1 children, from Melanie Fone on 0118 940 3016 or from www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk or from Chorus Members.

More information: www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk.

Reading Festival Chorus: Handel - 'Messiah'

Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading RG1 1EH

Handel's Messiah performed with the West Forest Sinfonia.

Tickets: £12, £10 students (with NUS card) and children £2, from Melanie Fone on 0118 940 3016 or from www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk or from Chorus Members.

More information: Tony Skuse on 0118 978 5829 and online at www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk.

Reading Festival Chorus: Concert

The Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH

Opening concert of Reading Summer Proms 2011. The concert will include:

• Bruckner : Te Deum
• Verdi : Four Sacred Pieces

The Reading Festival Chorus will be joined by Johanneskantorei, Düsseldorf, Reading's twin town and by the Reading Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets: from Melanie Fone on 0118 940 3016 or from www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk or from Chorus Members.

More information: Tony Skuse on 0118 978 5829 and online at www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk.