Our local showcase welcomes up and coming artists, alongside some special guests.
Claude Bourbon
“A breathtaking acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, classical and Spanish guitar from a stunning guitar virtuoso…” Altadena News, USA”
Ready for a unique and talented take on a wide range of musical traditions? Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take progressive blues, Spanish and Middle Eastern stylings into uncharted territories.
Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Thousands of people in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ’Claude’.
Some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale; JS Bach…
Claude has played countless venues, including Glastonbury Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, Colne Great British & Blues Festival, Rock O'Z Arene, Avenches, Switzerland, among others. He has shared the stage in Europe and the USA with countless musicians, Calvin Russel, Charlie Morgan (Elton John, Gary Moore), Jan Akkerman (Focus), Steve Grossman (Miles Davis), Herbie Armstrong ( Van Morisson), Jose barrense Dias and many more.
"Claude Bourbon weaved his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavours of Europe and beyond... from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural roots, holding audience attention under a musical spell, his music would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings." (G. Munn)
“Claude Bourbon is a unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable“ - The Hook, Charlottesville, USA
"Never heard anyone get that much beautiful sound out of a J-45", Bob, Tucson, AZ
Rob Johnston
Guitarist Rob Johnston is a well-known performer at many festivals and venues across the south. His eclectic, vibrant acoustic guitar music and songs, fuses many styles and influences. His classical background has led to his own unique sound-world of folk and global roots styles using powerful rhythms to drive the music. Rob has formed a new duo with Tim Gower, a hugely versatile and skilled percussionist from Portsmouth.
Tim brings a range of percussion instruments to blend with Rob's guitar and the result is a supercharged, acoustic combination! They are both seasoned performers at Festivals, art centres etc and Rob has played live several times on BBC radio
“Staggering playing...He is a mighty, mighty fine player.” Phil Jackson, South Live BBC Radio
“Fantastic…an absolute pleasure” BBC Radio Solent
“Rob Johnston is a guitar player of supreme quality as the sound he generates from just a steel stringed guitar is astounding... Awesome guitar technique…. Johnston isn't just a high-class guitarist but a fine singer-songwriter as well.” Folking.com
Previous artists include:
Antoine & Owena | Bad Cat | Clockwork Carousel | Fourfold | Hannah Scott | Kez Hinton | Krista Green | Magikat | Mischa & His Merry Men | Pity Glitter | ScuttleShake | State of Undress | Steve West | Wendy Morrow
Want to play? To apply for a slot fill out our artist info form.
Tickets: Pay what you decide!
Our Green Room Live nights are Pay What You Decide, because we know that everyone’s situation is different and for many the last couple of years has been tough. We want anyone to feel able to take a chance on trying something new and see if it’s for you. If this applies to you, we just ask you to contribute the equivalent of a cup of tea or coffee. Otherwise we’d like to invite you to consider how much you’re able to pay to support local live music: the income we make enables us to continue these nights long into the future.
We’re asking you to decide this on booking this year, to avoid handling cash or creating queues in the venue, but if you enjoy the show and want to make an additional donation as you leave, we have donation boxes and a contactless donation point in the foyer and bar.
£2.50 – taste it and see – the average price of a cup of tea or coffee
£5 - average price usually paid at previous Green Room Live gigs, [a good contribution]
£10 – our recommended ticket price [for great value and a warm feeling of supporting live music]
£15 - average ticket price for all our gigs
£50 - average price for a big stadium gig
Book your tickets to see Green Room Live at Hampshire Cultural Trust's Forest Arts Centre, New Milton now!
