Celebrating Singers & Songwriters: Two Standout Showcases for Local Talent in Burton & Ashby.
Julie Tickle and Chris Baldwin brilliantly captured the energy and spirit of grassroots songwriting in our community with two recent showcases.
By Scott Milligan
What a way to open the bank holiday weekend!
The first event took place at Julie Tickle’s Open Mic at Brew — a bustling bottle shop and tap room run by John and Laura in the heart of Ashby de la Zouch. With its warm, laid-back vibe and curated craft drinks, Brew has quickly become a creative hub for the town. On the Thursday night before the bank holiday weekend, the atmosphere was electric. Artist after artist kept pouring through the door — much to Julie’s delighted shock — until the room was buzzing with performers ready to share their music.
Julie, affectionately crowned the “Open Mic Queen”, has become a cornerstone of the local music scene, offering unwavering support to singers and songwriters of all ages. Her story has intertwined with the Kitten Pyramid Experience Show and the Snoozy Breakfast Show, where she’s even been honoured with her own twinkly harp button whenever mentioned. Inspired by her passion and impact, Julie now hosts her own radio show, Midlands Open Mic, on Burton Radio, where listeners can hear interviews and live performances curated from her vibrant open mic nights.
Often by Julie’s side is her daughter, Paige Morris, who co-hosts the show with an infectious giggle that’s become a beloved part of the broadcast. Paige, a gifted singer-songwriter in her own right, often collaborates with her boyfriend, Alex Elson — the duo affectionately crowned “Burton’s Posh & Becks” for their musical chemistry and rising local fame.
The second showcase unfolded at Branston Golf & Country Club, hosted by Chris Baldwin — a major figure in Burton’s music scene through his work with Burton Music Collective, Sonic Boom, the band Riding The Low, and community hub Circularity. Set against the relaxed but polished atmosphere of the clubhouse, the evening brought together seasoned performers and fresh voices alike.
Long may these nights — and the passionate champions behind them — continue to thrive.
Midlands Open Mic Dates
27th April, The Plough, Horninglow
4th May, The Royal Oak, Burton
20th May Elms, Burton
Next Branston Showcase: 18th May
Chris gave me a lovely insight into how his event evolved… A little while back, someone from Bretby Golf and Country Club got in touch with me about running an open mic night. At first, I wasn’t too sure. There are already loads of brilliant open mics around here, and people like Julie have built such an amazing community — the last thing I wanted was to step on anyone’s toes or just add another open mic into the mix for the sake of it.
But it got me thinking. I’ve always loved the vibe of Emma Buckley’s Sunday Sessions at the Blacksmiths Lounge on Sadler Gate. It wasn’t just an open mic – it was curated. Properly thought out. A night where you could hear a brilliant songwriter playing mostly their own material, with the odd cover thrown in.
That’s the kind of thing I wanted to do — something that really showcased artists, whether they were seasoned performers or just starting out.
So, I started putting a few feelers out, speaking to local musicians, and the Branston Live Music Showcase was born. We run it every third Sunday of the month at Bretby Golf and Country Club (except for this June — we’re moving to the 22nd because of Download Festival clashing).
Each night, we have six acts playing 25-minute sets. Everyone who plays gets a drink on the house and a free pass for them and a guest to use the club’s health facilities — a little thank you for being part of it.
It’s been really well received, and we’re usually booked up about six months in advance now. We’re super flexible too — if someone gets offered paid work, that always takes priority, no questions asked.
It’s turned into a proper little community of its own, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s growing.”
Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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