The Playhouse

Penrith, CA11 7JG

7th October

At 7:00pm

£5 on the door

£1 off if you play

Open Mic

1-2 songs each

Open Mic Info

If you fancy playing the open mic session at Plug 'n' Play make sure to turn up early to reserve a slot. You will also receive a £1 off the door price if you play.

Doors will open at 7:00pm, and its £5 on the door.

About Elaine Davidson and Band

Information

Find out more

At 18, Elaine Davidson found herself busking her way round Europe, playing songs from the beat generation, Bob Dylan, the Eagles, Joni Mitchell and the like. Making her way by playing music as well as picking fruit and working in bars and hotels, she alongside a friend, travelled through Greece, Spain, Portugal, France, Holland, Germany and Ireland.

At 21, she returned back home to Cumbria, with the intention of starting a band. She met her husband and joined the crowd of musicians who played the pubs and clubs in the North of England. As well as playing the club circuit, over that time period Elaine also played and wrote for several original outfits with jazz, blues, rock and country overtones, learning her craft as a songwriter as well as a performer. Elaine eventually returned to being a solo singer songwriter and self-produced her first CD Inside.

Danny Hart, a talented violinist, and multi-instrumentalist, joined her on her second CD, Moon and Tide. Double bassist, Laurence Blackaddder became the third member of the outfit and completed what was to become a musical trio with a unique and unusual blend. The unique timbre of a double bass, as well as Laurence's jazz background, gave an added sophistication to Elaine's song structures, and the musical synergy between Danny and Laurence created what was becoming a truly unique, interesting partnership.

About Plug 'n' Play

Plug 'n' Play is run by local people, for local people.

About ten years ago, Phil Caton recognised that there was a need for a venue in Penrith where musicians and singers could perform live in front of an audience. Over the years, the format changed slightly and we started to invite professional artists to headline the night, with a Plug 'N' Play slot at the start of the evening. We have seen some amazing performances from international stars like Tommy Emmanuel, John Renbourne, Kieran Halpin, Bob Brozman, Martin Stephenson, Kristina Olsen and the late Isaac Guillory.

Many local people have made their stage debut here and several have formed bands with other performers they have met at the sessions. We have heard every genre of music played at Plug 'N' Play – rock, blues, folk, jazz, heavy metal, jug band, appalachian – and we’ve even had poetry recitations.

If you have any names of performers you would like to put forward for future sessions, please speak to any of the team or post it to the website / facebook group and we’ll consider it when we meet to discuss the programme.

Thanks to Penrith Players for their continued support in helping us to keep Plug 'N' Play afloat.  They also supply the bar staff, who all work voluntarily, which is much appreciated.

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Each month we will send you a reminder about the next Plug 'n' Play so you never miss the next event, these are normally emailed 1 to 2 weeks before the event. If you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so on this page.

The Team

Meet the volunteering who help make Plug 'n' Play happen.

Speaker 2

Tom Corda-Stanley

Speaker 2

Chris Archer

Speaker 2

Jackie Knox

F.A.Q

Can't find the answer your looking for? Then please email us.

  • Do You Want To Take The Stage At Plug 'n' Play?

    All the sound equipment is set up before the session so that singers and musicians can, literally, just plug in and play. Soundman Tom Corda-Stanley and Chris Archer will be on hand to ensure that the equipment runs smoothly. New performers are always welcome and you can be assured of awarm response from the audience who have supported Plug 'n' Play over the years. If you do want to perform, just make contact with any of the team at the start of the evening or call Jackie Knox on 01768 867845

  • What Equipment is Ready Set Up?

    2x SM58 Dynamic Microphones, 2x SM57 Dynamic Microphones 2x DI Boxes, Soundcraft MPMi 12 Multi Purpose Mixer, Alesis Rever Unit, Behringer FBQ3102 Graphic Equalizer and 1 RCA Stage Monitor.

    On Request Equipment - Please contact us before you come if you would like to use any of the equipment below.

    2x Further DI Boxes, 4x Further SM58 Dynamic Microphones, Roland Electric Piano and Standard Drum Kit