Open Mic Acoustic Nights Every Wednesday.

Article by Steve Dean

Photo by Simon Bamford

Singer/songwriter Paul Dennis is hosting an open mic acoustic and jam night from 9.30 to 11.30 every Wednesday evening at the Oxford Arms in Moreton Parade, Maybank, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0JD. Although this venue is usually known for tribute bands, Paul is inviting anybody from beginner to expert professional to come along and play a tune or two. You can bring your own equipment, be it electric or acoustic, bass, bongos or whatever, although acoustic guitars and mics are available at the venue.

Bamf and I called in on Wednesday and we were made very welcome as we watched Paul and Gemma Moss sing a mixture of their own songs and some well-played cover numbers both together and individually before fellow guitarists in the audience got up to do their stuff; including a guy with a ’62 Strat fitted with a Roland Guitar Synth! The pub has a very welcoming atmosphere and Paul finished the evening by playing requests from the audience, including an impressive version of Jacques Brel’s 'Amsterdam', once covered by David Bowie and a great song I haven’t heard in a very long time.

If you fancy a strum in a large venue with a great sound, get yourself along…

Check out www.myspace.com/oxfordarmsopenmic

Probably see you there sometime…