The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 21st October 2009

Originally formed in 1990, The Varlies are a renowned fully fledged 5 piece rock band based in Tunbridge Wells who have written and produced three outstanding albums to date with a fourth on the way and continue to perform extensively throughout the UK and abroad. However they have also made a name for themselves with their intimate acoustic shows whereby they perform without bass and drums. Members include John Whitehorn (vocal and guitar), Kevin Amos (guitar and vocals), Gillian Arthur (vocals), Steve Mealing (bass) and Paul May Drums. The strength of the band certainly lies within their ability to deliver an amazing live performance in any situation, whether it is the full band or in the acoustic guise. With outstanding musicianship and vocal quality, their dynamic and versatile pop/rock style has a distinct quality that appeals to a wide audience and variety of tastes.

Tunbridge Wells-based singer/songwriter Bea Everett is 15 years old and attends Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School. Her lifelong ambition is to sing perform professionally. For now Bea is focusing on developing her music to a more serious level. Bea started composing her songs by accompanying herself just with guitar but now composes on the piano as well and hopes some day to maybe get a jazz or pop rock band involved with her songwriting. Bea has mainly performed her compositions at school concerts and small social events although a recent gig at a private party in Hunton Village Hall on the 18th October gained her some public performance experience. Bea won the ‘most promising songwriter' award in the schools 2008 songwriting competition judged by Paul Dunton. Her early influences include KT Tunstall, Katie Melua and Nora Jones and more recently Elliot Minor.

Jimmy Harrison has played all four corners of the capital, from The Historical Half Moon in Putney, to the basement venue Betsey Trotwood in Farringdon, The Comedy Club in Central London to securing residency in Lewishams renowned Dirty South. With this experience over the past 5 years Jimmy has developed his song writing with a unique style and has continued to showcase his songs in an array of venues around the country. His songwriting focuses on energy within performance with a direct approach to his lyrics, which he expresses through aggressive strumming to intricate picking arrangements. Jimmy takes inspiration from The Small Faces, The Who, Billy Childish and The Libertines.

Ollie gave his first public performance as a Cub Scout aged 8. The only way was up. Equally at home with piano or guitar he has been performing covers in his distinctive vocal style for a number of years. Having spent the last year or so writing his own material he is keen to get out there and try it out on the unsuspecting public. His music is influenced by artists such as John Mayer, Bruce Hornsby and Jason Mraz.