THE SONG CLUB is a night of original, live music
I wanted to be able to go to a pub that had live music on with music that i wanted to hear. So i set up this first Thursday of the month event at The Donkey, Leicester that has been going since Feb 2006. From the very first night it has always been full to the back of the pool table with a music loving audience. I have 4 acts per night. All acts play for 25 minutes with a 10 minute turnaround. Because of this most of the acts tend to play acoustically,but its not essential. I have a policy of trying to have at least 2 female acts on a night. I also like to have an eclectic range of musical styles. As long as its good!......In my humble opinion
Capacity for the venue is about 130 tops! Half seated half standing. Its a free entry venue so, unfortunately, acts don't get paid. But if its an out of town act then i can usually cover a bit of petrol money. Also all performers get 2 free drinks on the house!
Its a great vibe and a great venue.
Check it out or get in touch to play.
If you can't make it down to the venue check us out on the Donkey web cam on the first Thursday of the month!
NEXT SONG CLUB IS .............
THURSDAY AUGUST 37th
The line up is -
SONG CLUB SPECIAL! - SUMMER SUNDAE FRINGE FESTIVAL – 7 – 11pm – admission with wristband!
The SONG CLUB @ THE DONKEY is proud to part of this years SUMMER SUNDAE FRINGE FESTIVAL.
Now in its second year, this pre SUMMER SUNDAE WEEKENDER launch party will be featuring many of the local acts appearing at this years highly successful and credible Weekender that happens on the grounds of the DE MONTFORT HALL AUG 8/9/10th which, this year, features acts such as SUPRGRASS, THE CORAL & MACY GRAY.
The Fringe festival will take place at 6 locations throughout the evening of Thursday Aug 7th – THE CHARLOTTE, FIREBUG, THE MUSICIAN, HELSINKI’S, THE LANSDOWNE and THE DONKEY. Admission to all these events will be by wrist bands that can be obtained in advance from DE MONTFORT HALL and other outlets to be announced. Open top buses will tour the circuit of the venues dropping off and picking up punters to take them to each venue.
A full list of acts will be announced shortly but acts confirmed for THE DONKEY are –
M48
Winners of this years ORIGINAL BAND SHOWCASE at The Shed, M48 are a young 4 piece Leicester band that write and perform their infectious, 3 part harmony ridden pop songs as only 15/18year old can. Already building a great following and reputation, M48 should win over more fans this night as well as at the SUMMER SUNDAE.
PROJECT NOTION
Melton Mowbray’s Project Notion summery sounds mix jazz fusion with modern folk topped by the gorgeous voice of Tori Maries.
JAMES MADDOCK - –
singer songwriter James writes quality classic songs from the Tom Waites / Bruce Springsteen school of story telling and delivery! Originally from Countesthorpe, Leicester but now living and performing in New York city, James is a long standing favourite at The Donkey who plays whenever he visits these shores. Ably assisted by Leicester musicians Nick Murphy on percussion and Bill Newsinger on mandolin, it really doesn’t get much better than this! Unless, of course he brings along his musical singing partner Leslie Mandelson!!!
SWAGGAR –
The effortless songwriting talents of lead singer Gavin are showcased by the great collective talents of Swaggar. Their harmonies and arrangements reflect their Elvis Costello/Crowded House influences but with a style and sound of their own. This has been a good year for Swaggar. Lets hope they continue upwards and onwards.
Building on the success of the monthly SONG CLUB showcase nights, we shall now be promoting occassional SATURDAY SONG CLUB SPECIALS!
This will include national touring acts I would like to see at THE DONKEY that I consider to be quality singer/songwriters/performers.
New up and coming acts or tried and tested established acts.
COMING UP -
For information please contact Gaz Birtles at gazbirtles@ntlworld.com
telephone 07732044940
Hi Gaz, A big appology to you and everyone at the Donkey last week for missing my set. My car's broken down for the 3rd time in a year and I ended up stranded on the M1 last Thursday waiting for the AA.
Sorry guys- I've bought a copy of Auto Trader and I'm selling my rust bucket for a different one!
Cheers Gaz! Great night on thursday, we really enjoyed it! Fantastic sound , fantastic bands, and a fantastic crowd! Long live the songclub! Thanks again Rob The Listeners
Hey, you're totally welcome! I really enjoyed it! And driving to places is one of my favourite past times, hence most of my songs being about driving....through the night! Great night though and I'm still psyched about Daryl Kirkland - that boy is GOOD! Thanks again for having me. See you soon. Holly xx
Hey Gaz thanks for the comment about Dawn Kinnard. Already have plans to be at the Vic that night with lots of friends at Rob's gig but otherwise would have loved to come. Keep keeping me posted! I'll bring Rob along one of these days so we can be punters for a change! x
Hi! Thank you so much for asking me to play - the venue is awesome, the people were beautiful and it was a great night. I hope to hear from you again and play there again. Ren xxx
Thanks Gaz - The Song Club is a very special and beautiful thing in a tough and ugly world - like a pearl in a cow pat! And you're a lovely guy - thanks again! Dan x
You're more than welcome! Had a great night with you all at The Donkey, what lovely people. Won't be able to do the Saturday gig I'm afraid but keep me in mind for further gigs please - I love to come back! Skatz sends love and we hope to see you soon xx
