The Old Storehouse
What a Great Weekend!
Many of you will know that Tom recently had surgery on his knee, which has seen him out of action for a couple of weeks. You will be pleased to know that it is on the mend, and whilst he hasn't been tripping the light fantastic yet, he has been back in action singing again this weekend at two of his favourite venues.
On Friday, Tom returned to Vercelli's in Hexham. If you haven't been yet, make sure you book for Tom's next gig. It is such a lovely restaurant, split between the restaurant and Bar Kalanta. Tom began the evening singing to diners, and then later he entertained everyone in the wine bar. Naturally it turned into a big party - lots of singing, dancing and laughing. Thank you to Louise and all her staff for making it such a wonderful place to entertain!
On Saturday night, Tom was back at La Torre in Bedlington. This was his first gig there since the new renovation work, and what a wonderful job Brent and the staff have done. They have created a lovely space for both dining and entertaining. It was a lovely crowd in last night, thank you all for the great feedback you gave Tom. A big shout out to all the children who followed Tom around the restaurant in what was for Tom quite a tame conga - his knee held him up! Tom's Dad especially enjoyed the night having raced back from Manchester just in time. He said it was the best steak he has had in ages, and, as always, the specialty cheesecake was fantastic!
Next public gig is on Saturday 25th October at The Old Storehouse, Amble. Come along and help make it another great night!
Next public gig is on Saturday 25th October at The Old Storehouse, Amble. Come along and help make it another great night!
Update...
At this time of year, as soon as we let a week go by, there are too many gigs to report back on! So, since the last post, Tom has sung up at Alnwick Garden, The Old Storehouse, The Boat Inn (twice), and as far afield as York and Northampton!
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs David Lavarack, in York who recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary! They saw Tom performing at Alnwick Garden in May, and asked if he would come and perform at their celebrations at Swallow Hall Golf Club. It just fitted in nicely as Tom was performing the next night in Northampton. They are a wonderful couple, and had many of their friends and family there to help mark what is an amazing milestone. We all wish them all the best for the next 50 years!
The next night, Tom was at The Hilton Northampton, for The Child Growth Foundation's Annual Convention. The charity is very important to Tom and his family - many of you will be aware of Ruth, Tom's Mum, and her recent participation in The Great North Run. Some of you kindly sponsored her, helping to raise a magnificent £1,235 for The CGF. Tom sang at the evening dinner, and when he wasn't singing, provided the music for the dance floor. He made full use of all of his lights, including a a brand new one, and, for the first time had full DMX control of the lights from the sound desk! The room looked superb.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Tom, gather all the children on the dance floor, as they provided the choral backing to him singing "Any Dream Will Do". The convention was a huge success - so helpful for so many people. In fact such a success, that it has outgrown the venue and next year will be held at The Hilton, Warwick. Tom has been asked to return and provide the entertainment again!
Finally, Tom has had to cancel two gigs - this Friday at Marabini's, when Pete Brown has agreed to step in, and on Saturday at The Old Storehouse. Tom is having some minor knee surgery this Friday, but he will be back bouncing about again soon! His next public gigs are on Friday 3rd October at Marabini's, Morpeth, and Saturday 4th October at The Old Storehouse. See you there!
The next night, Tom was at The Hilton Northampton, for The Child Growth Foundation's Annual Convention. The charity is very important to Tom and his family - many of you will be aware of Ruth, Tom's Mum, and her recent participation in The Great North Run. Some of you kindly sponsored her, helping to raise a magnificent £1,235 for The CGF. Tom sang at the evening dinner, and when he wasn't singing, provided the music for the dance floor. He made full use of all of his lights, including a a brand new one, and, for the first time had full DMX control of the lights from the sound desk! The room looked superb.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Tom, gather all the children on the dance floor, as they provided the choral backing to him singing "Any Dream Will Do". The convention was a huge success - so helpful for so many people. In fact such a success, that it has outgrown the venue and next year will be held at The Hilton, Warwick. Tom has been asked to return and provide the entertainment again!
Thick, Fast and The Great North Run
September looks like being even busier, as he brings his Summer season up at Kielder to a close, and has gigs, at Marabini's, La Torre, Alnwick Garden and The Old Storehouse, as well as a number of private gigs, as far afield as York and Northampton.
We missed the very start when Anna asked Ruth - "This is the first time you have run the Great North Run, but do you think it will be the last?!" you can listen to what followed towards the top of the right hand sidebar on the homepage.
If you feel able and would like to support Ruth in her run, please visit her sponsorship page here. Anything you can donate will be really, really appreciated! Thank you!
Meanwhile, you see Tom performing next at Marabini's tomorrow night - Friday 5th September, and at La Torre on Saturday night - 6th September
The Old Storehouse welcomes Tom back
Thank you to everyone who take the time to give their feedback last night, it's always a pleasure to talk to the audience. Thanks too to those who bought one of Tom's CD's - we hope you enjoy!
Tonight, Tom is singing at La Torre, in Bedlington, and tomorrow he will be up at The Boat Restaurant, up at Kielder. You can next catch Tom at The Old Storehouse on Friday September 19th, from about 8pm.
Back to Leaplish....
Tom returned last night to The Boat Inn at Leaplish, Kielder, on what was a wet, wet night. Holidaymakers either chose to stay in their lodges, caravans and at home or come down to The Boat for an evening of entertainment. And, whilst those staying in were in the majority, those that came along to The Boat, enjoyed Tom's performance. The couple sat right next to the stage all evening, kept giving Tom the "thumbs up" for each song - they enjoyed the night. And we were touched by the lady who came up to us during Tom's break, and said - "Thank you! you have inspired our son to make sure he listens to more live music". So, whatever the weather, come along to next weeks' gig - it's nice and cosy in The Boat Inn, the food is very good and the entertainment top class!!
You can see Tom next at The Old Storehouse in Amble on Friday 15th August, and he'll be back at The Boat Inn next Sunday 17th August, from 7pm.
You can see Tom next at The Old Storehouse in Amble on Friday 15th August, and he'll be back at The Boat Inn next Sunday 17th August, from 7pm.
Lightning does strike twice
Last night Tom's gig at The Old Storehouse suffered a last minute cancellation! The management and Tom apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
This time, Tom actually arrived to set up, only to find that another singer was already set up, due to a double booking. For anyone planning to see Tom last night, we can only apologise, and assure you that we are working with the management there to make sure this doesn't happen again. We have been assured that Tom's booking for Friday 15th August will go ahead. Meanwhile, you can catch Tom tonight at The Boat Restaurant at Leaplish, Kielder, from 7pm.
This time, Tom actually arrived to set up, only to find that another singer was already set up, due to a double booking. For anyone planning to see Tom last night, we can only apologise, and assure you that we are working with the management there to make sure this doesn't happen again. We have been assured that Tom's booking for Friday 15th August will go ahead. Meanwhile, you can catch Tom tonight at The Boat Restaurant at Leaplish, Kielder, from 7pm.
A return to Alnwick Garden...
With it being the school holidays, the gardens were busy, and lots of people were kind enough to stop and say how much they were enjoying Tom's music - thank you!
Tom will be back at Alnwick Garden on Wednesday, September 10th, but if you can't wait until then, he is at The Old Storehouse in Amble this Saturday, and then at The Boat House Restaurant on Sunday! He has had his holiday, now he is ready to sing! You can find details of his forthcoming public gigs here on the Gig Dates page.
Time for a break!
With a busy diary, the website editor has not been reporting back from the numerous recent gigs! Sorry!!
For those of you we have seen over the last couple of weeks, at various venues - thank you for your support and kind comments! Recent gigs have included:
The Old Storehouse, Amble - where Tom is becoming known for the quality and variety of his repertoire. The Old Storehouse recently had £2M spent on upgrading the restaurant, pub, and owners entertainment lounge. It's a beautiful place to be entertained whilst dining on high quality food. Tom has been entertaining both the general public in The Old Storehouse, and the owners in Links - The Owners Entertainment Lounge.
The Boat Inn, Leaplish, Kielder - where Tom has started his Summer season. Still to come, Tom will be singing there on four Sunday evenings in August and four Tuesday evenings in September. So, enjoy the long evenings, and make your way to one of Northumberland's beauty spots, and enjoy the food and entertainment whilst looking out over the fabulous Kielder Water.
Marabini's, Morpeth - where Tom is still entertaining. When he was last there the restaurant was packed out, and as ever, he had people singing along and dancing. Marabini's has long been a favourite venue, and although Tom doesn't go there as often these days, he still has a few gigs booked between now and December.
La Torre, Bedlington - Just last night Tom was back at La Torre, and the restaurant was fully booked. A special shout out goes to Pinot, who used to work at Marabini's and it was a pleasure to see him add to the lovely atmosphere at La Torre. Tom was singer, dancer, children's entertainer and child minder last night, as some of the young customers joined him dancing and doing a conga (well it was a little like the Pied Piper!) round the restaurant. Tom received possibly the biggest round of applause yet for his rendition of Nessun Dorma, which with the final of The World Cup playing tonight was certainly appropriate - even if England didn't get past first base (Hmm getting our sports a bit mixed up there I think!!). Jackie Rayer was kind enough to write today:
For those of you we have seen over the last couple of weeks, at various venues - thank you for your support and kind comments! Recent gigs have included:
The Old Storehouse, Amble - where Tom is becoming known for the quality and variety of his repertoire. The Old Storehouse recently had £2M spent on upgrading the restaurant, pub, and owners entertainment lounge. It's a beautiful place to be entertained whilst dining on high quality food. Tom has been entertaining both the general public in The Old Storehouse, and the owners in Links - The Owners Entertainment Lounge.
The Boat Inn, Leaplish, Kielder - where Tom has started his Summer season. Still to come, Tom will be singing there on four Sunday evenings in August and four Tuesday evenings in September. So, enjoy the long evenings, and make your way to one of Northumberland's beauty spots, and enjoy the food and entertainment whilst looking out over the fabulous Kielder Water.
Marabini's, Morpeth - where Tom is still entertaining. When he was last there the restaurant was packed out, and as ever, he had people singing along and dancing. Marabini's has long been a favourite venue, and although Tom doesn't go there as often these days, he still has a few gigs booked between now and December.
La Torre, Bedlington - Just last night Tom was back at La Torre, and the restaurant was fully booked. A special shout out goes to Pinot, who used to work at Marabini's and it was a pleasure to see him add to the lovely atmosphere at La Torre. Tom was singer, dancer, children's entertainer and child minder last night, as some of the young customers joined him dancing and doing a conga (well it was a little like the Pied Piper!) round the restaurant. Tom received possibly the biggest round of applause yet for his rendition of Nessun Dorma, which with the final of The World Cup playing tonight was certainly appropriate - even if England didn't get past first base (Hmm getting our sports a bit mixed up there I think!!). Jackie Rayer was kind enough to write today:
"Fantastic night last night. Tom, you have an incredible voice, which makes me melt when you sing classical. Outstanding - look forward to next month!"
All of which finally brings us on to "the break". Tom is taking a well earned holiday, but will be back and raring to go, for a busy August schedule. Take a look at the public gig dates page, to see where and when you can see him perform. His next public gig is at The Alnwick Garden on Wednesday 6th August from 12 Noon.
Best party in town....
Later, Tom moved back into the bar, and began moving upbeat. For one or two of his songs, he accompanied himself on the piano (Million Love Songs, Jamie Cullum's I'm All Over It), had people singing along, waving and dancing a little.
"Had the most wonderful night....everyone loved it" - Louise Brison, Owner, Vercelli's
"We just wanted to say you absolutely made our night with your performance!!! We loved it so much :))) Hope to see you again very soon" - Claire Turnbull
"What a star! I couldn't believe his repertoire from Puccini to Paolo Nuttini - brilliant." - Pam Pryor
Tom will be back there on Friday 10th October 2014, and looks forward to entertaining you all again. In the meantime, catch Tom at his next public gig at The Old Storehouse, Amble on Friday 27th June 2014.
The Old Storehouse
As you might expect, he had folk singing and dancing along and ended the night with a World Cup appropriate rendition of Nessun Dorma. Later again, he even did a version of Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams' "Shame", with resident DJ Brian Bush.
If you missed it all, you can catch him at his next gig there on Friday 27th June!
New Entertainment at The Old Storehouse
Tom began by singing to the diners in the restaurant (and those in the surrounding lounge bar), with a mix of classical and easy listening songs. Judging by the generous feedback, from many of the customers, and by the frequent applause - he was received very well.
If you can't wait that long, Tom will next be appearing in public at Alnwick Garden Cafe for a lunchhtime concert this Wednesday, 4th June. Again, details are on his gig page.
Tom signed up by another new venue...
Tom's first performance there is next Friday, 30th May 2014. For further dates and details please visit Tom's Gig Dates page.