An evening with Liz Simcock at Cafe No9

Event information

Liz Simcock has been called one of the country’s finest female singer songwriters. Her
songs – often autobiographical and highly personal – are immediately accessible to
audiences and injected with poetry, emotion and splashes of humour. In 1999
she featured on the Playpen Album of New Acoustic Music alongside Eliza Carthy, Billy
Bragg, Eddi Reader and Kathryn Williams. Since then she has trodden an independent
path, gaining a growing reputation as a performer and songwriter. Liz counts Richard
Thompson, Clive Gregson, Boo Hewerdine and Joni Mitchell amongst her songwriting
influences. In 2015 and 2017 Liz toured with Clive Gregson but her main focus has always
been on her own songwriting and live performances. Liz’s sixth album is in the making,
working title "Into The Light".

Downeast Folk & Roots ...Remember when you found those Vashti Bunyan and Karen
Dalton records? Remember how you thought "I wish I could have been there"? Well,
Simcock is right here, right now. People will rediscover her albums in thirty years' time,
lavishly compile sleeve notes and wish that they were there too. She's that good. ...
Armed with an acoustic guitar, a brilliant voice and a sharp, songwriterly eye, Simcock is
the precious stone glinting on a pebble beach. www.downendfolkandroots.com
Folk and Roots ...In this world of pop idols and celebrity worship, a quiet revolution is
indeed taking place! There are those of us out there looking for the real thing - if that's
you, close your eyes, turn off the mobile and prepare for a treat!
www.folkandroots.co.uk

AcoustiCity: ...one of the country’s finest female singer songwriters. Put simply, Liz
Simcock is a class act. Her understated songwriting style & performances are always
faultless, cliché free & moving. www.acousticity.co.uk

Acoustic Routes: Liz Simcock is one of the finest singer/songwriters around. With a
strong, expressive voice and high quality songs her music is fresh, original and very
entertaining. www.acousticroutes.co.uk

Clive Gregson: Liz Simcock did a great job opening for me at Hitchin. She has a fine
album available so check it out. www.clivegregson.com

Hitchin Folk Club: Liz is a great songwriter and gorgeous singer with a relaxed and very
endearing stage presence. We have seen her grow from strength to strength as a
performer, and now stand easily alongside any of the female singer/songwriters working
on the acoustic/folk music scene. www.hitchinfolkclub.org.uk

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Michelle Laverick is a UK-based singer-songwriter whose atmospheric folk music and evocative storytelling have captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. After returning to music following a hiatus, she released her debut EP Selkie Child in 2024, described by KLOF Magazine as “a personal mythology where nothing is quite as it seems,” and drawing comparisons to 70s folk artists like Bob Pegg.

Her music is noted for its rich narratives and haunting soundscapes. Tom Robinson of BBC 6 Music praised her for “beautifully crafted lyrics, great guitar playing,” and her innovative use of a foot-operated drone. Fellow musician Martin Stephenson added, “Good songwriting. Love your wee Guild guitar.”

Michelle’s 2024 touring highlights include supporting Tom Robinson on his “Up Close and Personal” tour and joining Martin Stephenson and The Daintees at prestigious venues such as the Half Moon in London, Band on the Wall in Manchester, and Sheffield’s Samuel Worth Chapel.

She is also a passionate supporter of independent artists, collaborating with Bex Fawn Johnstone, Ben Haynes, and Jas Scott on her debut EP. Her involvement in songwriting retreats with Katie Spencer and Iona Lane further underscores her dedication to community and craft.

Michelle’s work has received radio play via BBC Introducing, where Dean Jackson called her “a fan-worthy talent.” With her unique blend of tradition and innovation, Laverick continues to forge a powerful path in the contemporary folk scene.

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Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.

All additional purchases of drinks and sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.