Soundbites

BLACKJACK and MASQUERADE

A group of sixth-form students from Norton Hill School are the latest to take up the opportunity to play a ‘showcase night’ at Midsomer Norton’s Mardons Social Club.

Blackjack, a hard-hiiting, energised rock ’n’ roll group are Sam Chard, Ben Wilshire, Brad Moxham and Dave Moore.

They will be performing on tomorrow alongside Masquerade who takes heavy influences from a mix of drum ’n’ bass, breakbeat, electro and reggae.

It’s likely to be a lively night.

All ages are welcome and admission is free.

The Wellensian Consort are one of only four adult choirs from around the UK to have been awarded a place in the category finals of the Choir of the Year competition, held in association with BBC Radio 3.

They will compete at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in November.

As part of their preparations for this prestigious event, they will give a concert at St John’s Church in Midsomer Norton at 7.30pm on Saturday.

The concert will feature many choral treasures composed over the last 500 years.

Christopher Finch, the choir’s musical director, said: “Our concert in Midsomer Norton will provide us with an excellent opportunity to perform some of our favourite repertoire to an audience close to home.”

Tickets, priced £7 are available from the church or on the door.

HAMMERLOCK and SEVEN CROWNS

Hammerlock, from Oakland, California, bring their chaotic hard rock to The Wunderbar in Midsomer Norton tonight with local heroes Seven Crowns.

Hammerlock, who have played with the likes of Motorhead, Queens of the Stone Age and Turbonegro, visit the ’bar as part of a small low-key tour.

On Saturday, Frome trio Redback, will be performing a set of hard-rock party numbers.

Admission is free and music starts about 8.30pm.

The Chew Valley Choral Society begins its new term rehearsals on Tuesday, from 7.30pm, at Chew Stoke Church Hall, and would like to hear from any singers in the area.

The choir, which formed in 1976, meets weekly in Chew Stoke Church Hall for rehearsals, leading to two concerts each year. These concerts are usually held in St Andrew’s Church in Chew Magna and St Andrew’s Church in Blagdon.

The choir sings a full repertoire of sacred music and has performed works by Mozart, Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, Haydn and others.

For more details call 01275 333014.

Nunney Acoustic Cafe returns on Sunday, between 2pm and 6pm, for another busy season kicking off with a set from the magnificent guitar-slinger Sam Redington.

Admission for adults is £3 and free for children.

To book an open mic slot call 01373 836315. Alternatively just turn up on the door.