The Convent Launch

Happy Easter!

On Wednesday the launch of The Convent in Woodchester took place. The Convent has been open for a few months now but they were launching the exciting new music venue to the outside world!

I played a gig there during my album launch back in November and it is a really great and interesting place to be. There's lots of sculptures and fascinating pictures on the wall and it's surrounded by beautiful views of the valleys.

Sarah from the studio invited me to go with her on Wednesday and I'm really glad she did as it was an exciting evening with music from Eliza Carthy, Tom Robinson, Chris Helme, Kelly Oliver and lots of other talented musicians! The music was held in the Chapel with Niks doing the sound. He showed me round the Convents new studio before the music began and I was very impressed by the new equipment and the great display of guitars they have.

It was a formal occasion and if you've been to one my gigs you will know that I don't really really do dressing up and will turn up in a bright woolly jumper and boots! Not that night though! I had to get my act together and buy a dress, about time I owned one really!

The convent light bulbs on the stairs 

All the Artists provided great music yet they were all quite different from each other. Eliza Carthy played the fiddle and sang at the same time which I've never seen anyone do before and I think it's incredibly clever. She also sang a song whilst her dad Martin Carthy accompanied her on the guitar and it was fantastic when her voice filled the chapel. It was quite something.
I was glad to have finally seen Kelly Oliver perform as I had heard lots of good things about her. Unfortunately I missed her set when she played at the Stroud Fringe promotional day as I was so cold I had to go home and so I was happy she was playing at the Convent that night. I really enjoy listening to her songs. She's very folky,  her songs tell stories and it was clear to see that her music takes you on a journey, even though she only performed 3 songs.

Musical instrument in the convent 

Kathryn Williams played 3 songs too. My favourite song that she played was called Underground and was about having a panic attack at Kings Cross Station and the song reminded me of when I was ill at Paddington station a few months ago. All her songs were really good and I really liked her unique style.

Tom Robinson played last of all and everyone was singing and clapping along to 2-4-6-8 motorway! A song I remember my mum and dad playing in the car when we were going on long journeys.

To finish the night off, all the musicians joined Tom Robinson on stage and all performed together to end what was a brilliant evening!

I'm off to Lourdes tomorrow to go on a pilgrimage with HCPT. I'm really excited to go again although I'm rather dreading having to get up at 3am tomorrow morning. I'm sure it will be worth the early start and I'm also excited to write some new songs when I'm out there!

Have a good week,

Sophronie