After Hours Live - Christina Boonstra

Octavia's Cafe
Octavia View, 10a-14 South Brink, Wisbech
7:30pm (doors open 7pm)
Free entry

Christina Boonstra is a singer songwriter born and raised on the move. Her songs are a unique blend of acoustic indie pop, so catchy they'll rattle around in your head for days.

Her debut EP 'Until My Feet Move', received great reviews and was aired on numerous radio stations including BBC Three Counties, Vibe Radio Watford and UCB.

Wisbech Buskers to play After Hours Live

Contrary to a previously advertised date, After Hours Live will now be taking place on Friday 21st October we welcome The Wisbech Buskers to the After Hours Live stage. The Wisbech Buskers are Jacob Keet (violin), Clive Butcher (accordian) and Alan Vibes (Cello). Having met in the Fenland town of Wisbech, they discovered their passion for acoustic folk music. They formed as a group for a special concert that Jacob had organised and people were so impressed that they were booked for an After Hours Live session of their own! Come along to hear some great folk and classical music tinged with fun and frolicks and a twist of faith. 

After Hours Live takes place in Octavia’s Café, that is operated by The Ferry Project. This means every cup of tea, every mug of coffee, every slice of delicious cake purchased goes to the charity, helping those who are homeless in our community. Find out more about their work here http://www.ferryproject.org.uk/

Entry is free and the music starts at 7:30pm (doors open 7pm).

Find out more about After Hours Live here: www.afterhourslive.org.uk 

Soothing Sounds at After Hours

After Hours Live was pleased to welcome Salt of the Sound on their Cambridgeshire leg of their UK Tour on Friday. From Sweden, Salt of the Sound are husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tantlow. Their music is relaxing and meditative, reminiscent of the 90s group Enya. Playing mainly original material, the soothing sounds soon wove their magic through the ears of the audience. Near the end of their second set, a thunderstorm broke outside and rivers of water cascaded down the sides of the glass cube, providing a very fitting background to the music. If you were unable to come, do check them out www.saltofthesound.com 

Don't Miss Salt of the Sound at After Hours!

Friday 1st July sees our After Hours Live 'Rose Fair Special' featuring the brilliant Salt Of The Sound.

Salt Of The Sound is the award-winning musical collaboration of husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tatlow. Their aim is to create songs that encourage spiritual reflection both in church environments and in times of personal quiet, while also exploring musical styles and expressions that bring a freshness to the Christian music scene. Songs by Salt Of The Sound have been widely featured on BBC radio and Swedish national TV - and in May 2015, the duo were awarded the "Best Music" accolade at The Attic Film Festival.

www.saltofthesound.com

Friday 1st July
Octavia's Cafe

Octavia View, South Brink

19:30

Free entry

www,afterhourslive.org.uk 

Bob and Dave at After Hours Live

After Hours on Friday 10th June featured Bob Bell and after the interval Dave Nurney. Both were solo performers with guitar accompaniment.

Bob performed country style songs often with a touch of humour in the lyrics. He began using a chorus which showed his ability to yodel but also had songs where the audience could join in as well as introducing a song with ‘Western Swing’. Bob is known for his anecdotes and funny one-liners and this continued throughout his performance. He concluded with two gospel songs ‘I’ve found a friend in Jesus’ and ‘Icome to the garden alone’.

Dave introduced his set explaining his choice of songs were an invitation to reflect on the various experiences most people have to face, love, loss, hope. He demonstrated his ability in playing and singing in a variety of styles, linking the songs with sometimes humorous or thought provoking comments. His repertoire included ‘If you were me’; ‘The water is wide’; Borderline’ and ended with a song that was personal tohim and his family.

A fine evening of entertainment with a twist of faith enjoyed by many.

Matt McChlery at After Hours Live

Matt McChlery entertained a home audience at After Hours Live at the start of March. Playing an acoustic set of covers by the likes of the Foo Fighters, Adele and Snow Patrol as well as a few original numbers too. Thank you to all who came.

Next month we welcome Bean Baker to the After Hours Live stage. This will be Bean's second time with us and if his first appearance was anything to go by, this is going to be a night to remember, so do come along to Octavia's Cafe on Friday 8 April.

Libby Redman Plays After Hours Live

Last night saw the first After Hours Live of 2016. Sizeable numbers turned out to listen to the talented Libby Redman with her smooth, soothing soulful music. Singing a mixture of well known songs such as 'Lovely Day' and 'Lean on Me' as well as some original material. Her song 'One Brick At A Time' had the audience joining in and singing along. Thank you Libby for travelling down from York to be with us.

The re-vamped After Hours Live website is now live. Please visit it to see what is happening this year, grab the dates of the events as well as see who is playing.

Next month, we have our very own Matt McChlery take to the After Hours stage as part of what is turning out to be a mini cafe outreach tour! Wisbech is the second stop after playing at Sunday Night Live in Towcester and then in May Matt is playing in Costa Coffee in Wigston, Leciester at another Sunday Night Live event. Friday 4 March is going to be a great night out filled with great acoustic versions of some favourites by the Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Elvis Presley and more.

Libby Redman playing After Hours Live in February

After Hours Live is back on Friday 5th February with the immensely talented Soul and Gospel singer Libby Redman. Libby will be travelling down from Liverpool to be with us at After Hours Live in February. Growing up with a love for music and wearing out toy microphones, Libby first performed one of her own gospel songs on stage at the age of 11. Writing music and lyrics is as natural to her as singing.

Described on Premier Gospel as ‘a gospel singing sensation’, her voice is powerful and emotionally stirring as it spills out from her core, powerfully articulating a range of life experiences that express faith, hope and love.

Libby produced her soulful new album, SO GOOD, which was released in November 2015. Recently nominated by Pure M Awards as Best UK Act whilst touring the UK & Europe, Libby continues to develop her distinctive sound.

More about After Hours Live

After Hours Live is a monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month in Wisbech, the heart of the Fens. Hosted by The King's Church, it combines first-class entertainment (that ranges from musicians and comedians to poetry reading and magicians) with a twist of faith. Performers come from far and wide across the UK, as well as some great home-grown local talent.

Starting at 7;30pm,Octavia’s cafe swings into action brewing up steaming cups of tea and luscious cappuccinos and lattes. Free entry means that you can come and enjoy the comfortable cafe atmosphere and still be able to afford a cup of your favorite beverage and maybe even treat yourself to an indulgent slice of cake! Some performers may also bring CDs they have recorded or books they have written that will also be available on the night.

2016 Line-Up

Other performers at After Hours Live in 2016 include: Chelsea Alice Scott, Bean Baker, Salt of the Sound, Pete McAllen and many more. Please visit the After Hours Live website www.AfterHoursLive.org.uk or ‘Like’ our Facebook Page to be kept up to date with the latest news and events.

Jon Kendall plays at After Hours

Musician, Jon Kendall travelled up from Milton Keynes to play at After Hours Live on Friday. His charismatic enthusiasm blended wonderfully with his acoustic musical talents. He sung a mixture of cover songs as well as some originals, including a new song he had written about the work of the charity 'Compassion'.

After Hours Live now takes a Christmas break and will be back in early February 2016. Please watch the After Hours Live website www.afterhourslive.org.uk for more information and the latest updates.

Have a blessed Christmas!

After Hours Live with Rachel-Yvonne

Rachel-Yvonne, a member of the recent X-Factor group Melody Stone, graced the After Hours Live stage on Friday accompanied by her very able guitarist Phil. She sang a mixture of covers ranging from Whitney Houston to Bob Marley with a bit of Bruno Mars and Rhianna in between. Interlaced between the songs were stories of Rachel's recent X-Factor experiences as well as the journey of her life. Some of the songs were given a special twist where one or two lyrics had been altered to give them the After Hours Live 'twist of faith'. Rachel spoke about her faith in Jesus and how we should be seeking to find our identity in him, not in other things.

A good number of people braved the weather and dodged the fireworks to attend. This After Hours Live was the first time we had teamed-up with another local organisation. This month we joined forces with Wisbech Churches Together in order to raise funds for those caught up in the refugee crisis in Europe. Thanks to the generous giving of the audience we raised a total of £80.60 which will be given to Christian Aid. Thank you to all who gave.

On Friday 4 December we welcome Jon Kendall who will be getting us in the festive mood as well as playing some of his favourite songs. Please visit the After Hours Live website for more information.

Open Mic at After Hours Live

Alan and Pam perform at Open Mic

Friday 2 October 2015 saw the return of the annual Open Mic Night at After Hours Live, situated in the picturesque Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech. The event saw many talented performers take to the stage for a 10 minute slot where they entertained the audience with a wide variety of acts including comedy, poetry and music. Some of the highlights included a rendition of the Tom Jones classic 'Kiss' on a cello by Pam and Alan Vibral. Acoustic original songs by Alex Chapman that contained a Johnny Cash vibe were another highlight of this fun-packed evening.

After Hours Live is back on Friday 6 November where talented singer Rachel Yvonne will be travelling up form London to give us an evening to remember. Please visit the After Hours Live website for more information.

Ragtag Misfits at After Hours Live

Helly and Andy, otherwise known as the Ragtag Misfits delighted the After Hours Live audience in the picturesque Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech last night. Expertly weaving their life-story of homelessness and poverty that ended up leading to discovery of faith throughout their set, held the audience entranced. They sang some stunning original songs mixed in with a few covers that all blended seamlessly together in their acoustic / folk style. Having travelled all the way from Liverpool to perform they had to include a Beatles number. With the addition of an harmonica to the drum and guitar their version of 'Love Me Do' was breathtaking.

Having recently completed a tour of every county in the country to raise money and awareness about Foodbanks, After Hours Live did not miss the opportunity to take a collection of food items for our own local Wisbech Foodbank. People were very generous and two crates of food have been donated. Thank you.

After Hours Live takes a break over the summer holidays but we will be back in September with an extremely talented young, local musician, Joel Fitzsimmons - don't miss it!

Jacob Serenades After Hours

Accomplished violinist, Jacob Keet and friends played to an absolutely packed audience at After Hours Live in June. Jacob is an excellent violin player and is a member of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra. He played several pieces, but he was not along. Indeed the night featured an array of talented singers and musicians from in and around the Wisbech area of all ages. These included: Thomas Clarkson Academy Srtings; The Wisbech Community Choir, The Wisbech Buskers, and Loc Mai and Gabriel Fitzsimmons on keyboard.

The evening too the audience on a musical journey from the Middle Ages up tot he present day, guiding the audience on a musical journey across Europe.

This was the first time After Hours Live had hosted an evening of classical music and based on its success, will definitely be having another one.

July sees 'The Ragtag Misfits' take to the After Hours Live stage at Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech. It is set to be a fun filled night so do please come and join us. Find out more on the After Hours Live website.

Were you at Jacob Keet's After Hours Live event? If so, what did you think? Please leave your comments in the section below.

Speak Brother at After Hours Live

Speak Brother were the special guests at After Hours Live on Friday 8 May. They brought some top-quality  music for us all to enjoy which had a distinctive modern folk sound (think Mumford and Sons) - so much so, we were happy to have had them along before they get famous! Remember - you heard them here first!

They played a lovely mixture of songs that talked about the joy and pain of life as well as sharing a little about their faith journey with Jesus. The majority of the songs were originals, however they ended with a great, uplifting number made famous by the Ice Age movie called 'Come My Way'.
Find our more about Speak Brother on their website.

June sees a completely new venture for After Hours Live, as we will be hosting an evening of classical music. Jacob Keet, a very accomplished violinist and member of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra is our special guest. However he is bringing numerous musical friends with him including accordion players and a couple of choirs too! So get there early to get a good seat!

Magic and Giggles at After Hours Live

Tom Elliott is a stand-up comedian with a difference . . .he is also a magician. Seamlessly weaving in comedy and jokes with his magic show, Tom delighted the After Hours audience. From very funny ventriloquism with audience participation to escaping from a straitjacket as well as the obligatory card trick and some close-up magic, Tom Elliott did a great job! (You could tell by the number of people in the audience who were recording his tricks on their mobile phones!)

Tom stood in for the acclaimed comedian Tony Vino at short notice who was unfortunately stuck on a boat somewhere between Lisbon and Bristol! - Thanks Tom.

Matt McChlery to play After Hours Live in January

Friday 9th January 2015 sees our very own Matt McChlery take to the After Hours Live stage at Octavia's Cafe in Wisbech where he will be playing a blend of contemporary songs you may have heard on the radio as well as some of his own original material.

Matt's song "Fingerprints" has recently been awarded a 'Finalist' position in the prestigeous 2014 UK Songwriting Contest. Matt will be singing "Fingerprints" at the event as well as having his latest CD for sale which also includes the song. This will be the fourth time Matt has played at After Hours Live and it is set to be another fantastic event.

Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 7:30pm. Entry is free, but do bring some money so you can enjoy the delicious cakes and teas / coffees.

Daughters of Davis at After Hours Live

Daughters of Davis playing at After Hours Live

 The brilliant and super-talented Daughers of Davis fought the Friday night traffic to be with us at After Hours Live in Octavia's Cafe, Wisbech on Friday. Despite the sub-zero temperatures outside the largest audience After Hours Live has had to date helped make the cafe feel snug and warm. The girls put on an amazing performance with their unique blend of acoustic instruments and haunting harmonies singing a mix of covers such as Michael Jackson's 'Billy Jean' and 'Have a Holly Jolly Christmas' as well as some original material.

After Hours Live is in the process of booking performers and special guests for its 2015 line-up so keep up to date by checking out the After Hours Live website for all the latest news. See you in 2015!

 

Bean Baker at After Hours Live

Bean Baker and his bass guitarist Dave fought the Friday evening traffic all the way from Gloucester to be with us at After Hours Live on Friday evening. We are centrainly glad they did as they produced an amazing top-quality performance singing covers such as Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House' and Emily Sande's 'Next To Me'. To prove their musicianship they also covered a jazz number 'Hit The Road Jack' and then played a medley where they combined the popular song 'Everything Is Awesome' from the Lego Movie with One Direction's 'You're Beautiful'. They also played some original compositions including 'Set Me On Fire' as well as 'The Troll And Ogre Hunter' - their CDs sold almost as quickly as the chocolate cake in the interval!

There were also some people who were at After Hours Live for the first time and it was lovely to meet them. We are hoping they will be back next month to see the fantastic Daughters of Davis who will be getting us into the festive spirit.

After Hours Open Mic

On Friday 5th September, the monthly After Hours Live was back. Hosting the ever popular 'Open Mic' event, various performers all contributed to help make the night a success. Some of the highlights were: an original song by Joel Fitzsimmons as well as a beautiful rendition of the Les Miserables song 'I Dreamed A Dream' sung by Serena.

Thanks to all who contributed as well as everyone who came along to watch / listen.

Next month Bob Bell returns to the After Hours Live stage with his country and western classics, along with some witty banter! Don't miss it.

Photos of the event can be seen on the After Hours Live FAcebook page.

The King's Church at Wisbech Rose Fair 2014

 

Henry Olonga sings at After Hours Live

We have had a busy, but productive weekend! The annual Wisbech Rose Fair was back again and The King's Church, Wisbech was more involved than ever! 

 

It began on Friday 4th July 2014 with our monthly After Hours Live event moving to the larger venue of the Queen Mary Centre. Here, an audience of around 60 people enjoyed listening to the singing and life stories of retired international test cricketer Henry Olonga. The usual After Hours Live standard of excellence was surpassed by Henry's exquisite singing. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all who came.

 

Clive in the rain after setting up the Gift Box

The following day saw the church gearing up for the Rose Fair parades. The Queen Mary Centre was open and teas and coffees were on sale for all those involved with the floats - this was manned by members from the church. At the same time there was a craft fair inside the Queen Mary Centre with many from the church having a stall as well as being organised together with the Ferry Project.

 

Our presence in the market place was wuite literally a 'present' this year! We hosted one of Stop The Traffik's UN.GIFT Boxes that catches the eye and helps to raise awareness about the problem of human trafficking. This is a problem in the Wisbech and Fenland area especially when it comes to the exploitation of labourers from foreign countries. Many meaningful conversations took place with hundreds of leaflets being given out, helping people to identify the signs of human trafficking as well as phone numbers to call if they spot something. 

 

Apart from being exhausted, we are really happy that wer were able to take part in the Rose Fair again and pray that we have made a positive impact on our community. Thank you to all those who gave their time and energy to help make all the various events a success!

 

Watch our Rose Fair 2014 video here: