The John Peel Centre was packed for two nights running to listen to the voices of the dynamic young Watoto African choir brought to us by the King's Church, Stowmarket.   The Watoto Children's Choir travel internationally to help raise an understanding of the plight of Africa's orphans. Watoto's performances are a soulful blend of native African rhythms, contemporary gospel music and ethnic dance.

We were delighted to host such a gathering in our humble venue and we hope all who attended enjoyed themselves.

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded £21,000 by EDF Energy.   The grant comes from the EDF Energy Green Fund and will help fund installation of energy efficient technologies at the centre.  Solar panels, under-floor heating and an air source heat pump will be fitted during renovation work, due to start in July, and will provide all of the centre’s heating requirements, saving energy, money and reducing carbon emissions.

The EDF Energy Green Fund supports renewable energy projects which produce power from the sun, wind, water and geothermal sources that reduce greenhouse gases linked to global warming.

An unofficial dress code has developed at the centre over the last few weeks; most ensembles are accompanied by scarves, woolly hats and gloves!  This weekend our headline act was Jake Morley, we first met Jake way back at last year’s StowFest! It was a pleasure to welcome him to the John Peel Centre although the temperatures were if possible lower than those of the previous weekend.

Opening the show was a youngster from Needham Market, Simeon Patterson. He started with a Bob Dylan cover before playing some of his own songs and from the moment he started to sing the audience were enthralled. We expect you will hear a lot more of Simeon Patterson and we were delighted to provide an opportunity for him to be heard.

Well known blues guitarist Saiichi Sugiyama and his band braved the cold to play at the JPCCA in early February. With temperatures dropping and snow forecast the term “warming up” took on a new meaning at the JPCCA where sound checks were conducted while wearing overcoats and scarves!  

Back Porch washboard player Mike Rushmore’s hands were so cold that he felt obliged to warn those in the front row to beware of flying thimbles – a warning that proved all too apt, the problem later resolved with gaffer tape!   Suffolk’s best known “skiff” band was in fine form and we certainly hope to see them back on our stage again.