Ritz Acoustic Club

Forthcoming Showcase/Buffet Nights

Cookie — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:30:05 +0000

New bookings for the Showcase/Buffet Nights (on our third thursdays) in 2008 are:-

EMBER on JULY 17th 2008
CHERRY PICKERS on AUGUST 21st 2008
BRIGHT and HIGH on SEPTEMBER 18th 2008
RAG MAMA RAG on OCTOBER 16th 2008
INU on NOVEMBER 20th 2008
RITZ XMAS BASH with FALLEN APPLES on DECEMBER 18th 2008 (open to members and one guest only)

DOORS OPEN AT 8.00pm and there are normally two Open Mic sets before the guest band comes on at about 9.45pm.

More details on the events and artistes here

Nigel Snook

Cookie — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:39:03 +0000

It is with great sadness that we have to report that Nigel passed away over the weekend following a long struggle with illness. Nigel was a major supporter of all things musical in Burnham-on-Sea and a massive contributor to the Ritz Acoustic Club.

Always outspoken, Nigel had a passion for the guitar and performance, and was always willing to give his time to help people develop their musical skills through tuition, guidance and support.
Nigel’s own performances were always polished and sincere, whether it was with the electric or acoustic guitar (of which he had many), the banjo or other weird stringed instrument, his ability to move effortlessly from flamenco to blues or classical left his audience in awe of his skills. He loved to participate, and jam with others, and we shall always remember him entertaining us all.
Our thoughts go out to his wonderful wife Linda and family.
The funeral service was held at St. Andrew’s Church, Burnham-on-Sea on Monday 12th November at 11.30am, and then at Worle Crematorium.

Ritz Acoustic Club AGM - Monday 8th October

Cookie — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:44:29 +0000

This year’s Annual General Meeting took place at 8.00pm, Monday 8th October 2007 at the Ritz Social Club, Victoria St. Burnham-on-Sea in the Gatsby Lounge.
Resolutions Passed:

A new “Fund Raising” post was added to committee.

Entrance Fee will be increased by 50 pence from the 1st November

The new Committee is as follows:
Chairman: Greg Aylmer
Vice Chairman : Bryan Counsell
Secretary: Debbie Beckett
Treasurer: Doug Liles
PR and Acts: Dominic Wills
Fundraising: Trish Liles
Membership: Caroline Boyce
Webmaster: Graham Cook
Equipment Mgr: Graham Cook
Members without Portfolio:
Don Counsell
Harry Boyce
Pete Beach

Packed House at the Ritz boogies with Eddie Martin

Cookie — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:01:00 +0000

Thursday 16th August saw Eddie Martin at his very best, with an enthusiastic crowd of 130 at the Ritz enjoying his every strum and blast on the old “Gob-Iron”.

I’ve seen Eddie quite a few times, but there seems to be something extra in his performance now that connects his music to the audience in a way I’d not seen before. The guitar playing was authentic, and the harmonica exquisite. His vocals created a truly american blues feel, and unlike many other British Blues Players, he delivered the songs as they should be delivered, with joy and expression. Thanks Eddie for great night, come back soon.

Jackie Oates - Enchanting

Cookie — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:40:08 +0000

Thursday 19th July 2007 saw Jackie Oates take to the Ritz Stage ably accompanied by brother Doug (Jim Moray) on Guitar and Vocals.

Jackie produced an accomplished performance with an enchanting traditional vocal and polished viola and an interesting harmonium accompaniment, and we look forward to seeing her again at the Folkfest on Sunday 2nd September, when she will be appearing in Manor Gardens at about 1.15pm. Jim also delighted us with a couple of self-penned numbers, with strong vocal and excellent guitar playing.
It’s nice to see younger people playing traditional songs with feeling, and delivering them in a style that is appealing to all ages.

Check out Jim Moray’s music at Jim’s Myspace
Check out Jackie Oates’ music at Jackie’s website or
Jackie’s Myspace

Typical end of Evening Jam with the Jockstrap Ensemble

Cookie — Wed, 02 May 2007 15:15:07 +0000

One of the great things about the club is that every week, we normally end the evening with an impromptu jam session, normally lead by Pete “guess what chord I’m playing now” Beach. Here’s a photo courtesy of Caroline from our normal weekly club night (3rd May 2007), with the aptly named “Jock Strap Ensemble”

Jack Cobbe

Cookie — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 16:32:45 +0000

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Jack Cobbe has passed away following a prolonged illness. Jack was both the Chairman of the Folkfest Committe and a past chairman of the Ritz Acoustic Club. He was also a much loved teacher at King Alfreds School in Burnham-on-Sea and a past player (Back Row Flanker) and Chairman of Burnham Rugby Club.
A regular contributor to the Acoustic Club and also well known around the Folk Scene, Jack will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with Sharon and their two boys.

The Acoustic Club on Thursday 22nd March, was shocked by this news, and many tributes were made to Jack through song and words, with moving performances by Greg Aylmer, Pete Beach, Kathy, Sally and Alun, and Graham Cook.

Bag of Rats storm the Ritz

Cookie — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:00:24 +0000

Another great performance from this high energy quartet, the Rats brought their melting pot of traditional styles to a packed audience at the Ritz Acoustic Club on Thursday 16th Feb. To try and describe or categorise their music is difficult, blending traditional Irish and Northern Working Class Folk Music into driving Punk, Ska and Jazz Rhythms. They really look like they are enjoying themselves, and the audience certainly did. We can’t wait to see them again at the Folkfest in September when they will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Great support also from newcomer Mike Stafford from Yeovil, our own Steve Brown, Greg Aylmer and Dave “Busker” Harris. The Night was finished off in style with excellent performances from the “rejeuvenated” Gordon Cambell, and the welcome return of Pete Stearn and Kate Riaz. What an evening for only Â£3.50 including a buffet!!

Open Mic Nights

Cookie — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:01:22 +0000

The Club will be open every Thursday night as usual with the normal three sets of Open Mic. Please get there early (before 8.30pm) to book your slot. THIRD THURSDAYS are Buffet/Showcase Nights as detailed below. If you want to play on a third thursday in the two available sets, then e-mail us or phone us to book a slot.

If you’ve never played on a stage before or used a PA System, come along early at about 7.45pm and have a quick practice on stage before the audience comes in. We guarantee a warm reception for new players and those who are just starting out, this could be the start of a bright career or just something you’ve always wanted to do!

Every Thursday is Open Mic Night with the Third Thursday of the Month being a Showcase/Buffet Night

Cookie — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 09:00:21 +0000

This is becoming a very popular event in the month, and has seen local artistes; Boys from Melbourne St, Pete Quin and Debbie and Phil Beckett, “Siren” (Steve Brown and Juliet Blackburn), Diana Johnstone, Bag of Rats, Kevin Brown, Jackie Oates, Eddie Martin. All have been excellent nights with good audience attendance. These nights are designed to showcase local acts and individual club members or club members collaborating, so here’s your chance to get up and do a 45min set in front of an appreciative audience.
As usual, the showcase set is between 9.10 and 10.00pm with normal Open Mic Club Sets from 8.30 - 9.05pm and 10.05 - 11.00pm.
Every third Thursday of the month we have these excellent Buffet/Showcase nights and the cost increases to Â£3.50 for members, Â£4.00 for non members and Â£2.50 for Students and Children.