REV SIMPKINS, Jim Simpkins & band launch their bold new album in the intimate and charming surroundings of The Commons Cafe at The Minories in Colchester. 

Support comes from the brilliant JOHN CALLAGHAN ("Strange, silly, sincere and sensational")

Anglican priest and non-conformist musician, the Rev'd Matthew Simpkins has long been an evangelist for exuberant creativity in bands such as Sons of Joy, Pissabed Prophet (with Ben Brown), Dingus Khan, FuzzFace and as solo artist, Rev Simpkins. His psychedelic gospel epic, the album BIG SEA (9/10, Vive Le Rock) was followed by the tender close-harmony Banjo laments of SALTINGS ('a triumph', FATEA). His new album (title to be announced), written amid a period of severe illness and recorded with his son Jim, continues to explore the depths of human experience and the redemptive power of music.

Tickets £8 (including fee) from https://wegottickets.com/event/653232 or https://tinyurl.com/Return-of-the-Rev

Hosted by Creative Coop

Free event

Free entry, drinks & snacks available from the café.

Sat 19th April  8pm Easter Groove Jazz party with jam in the Commons cafe at the back of the Minories in Colchester. Our sextet will play danceable swing, funk and latin jazz grooves to which you can salsa, tango, swing, headbang or freestyle; This time we will ensure a dedicated dance floor! The band are Frank Sebastian on sax, Ian Buzer on trumpet, Tony Gooderham on keys, Gareth George on guitar, Tony Sandeman on bass and Elmer Van Der Hoek on drums.

This will be a sociable event where you can mingle, chat, dance or you just chill and enjoy the music.

The cafe is selling wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

The band will play two sets 8-10pm before opening the stage for other musicians, including singers, to take part in the jam until midnight. Doors open 7.30pm.

Book Here: https://good-show.co.uk/events/211

Understanding Infant Crying, Sleeping, and Feeding:

Every parent experiences challenges with their baby’s crying, sleeping, and feeding. But what’s normal, and when should you be concerned?

Dr. Ayten Bilgin from the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex will explore how babies develop these essential skills, what happens when they struggle, and what it could mean for their future.

She will discuss common regulatory problems, why some infants have more difficulties than others, and how early challenges can impact later emotional and behavioural development. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, professional, or just wonder how babies work, this talk offers practical insights for everyone!

Doors open at 6:30pm until 9:00pm

Admission is Free by Ticket only

Book here

Join Martina & Chris from Community Energy Colchester CIC to discuss reducing your bills & saving energy.

FREE ENTRY

Xmas Jazz party with jam in the Commons cafe at the back of the Minories in Colchester. The power septet 'Fuzz' will start off the evening playing danceable swing, funk and latin jazz grooves. The band consists of Frank Sebastian on sax, Cameron Scott on euphonium & trombone, Ian Buzer on trumpet, Tony Gooderham on keys, Gareth George on guitar, Joshua Graham on bass, Adrian Wiggins on percussion and Elmer Van Der Hoek on drums.

This will be a sociable event where you can mingle, show off on the dance floor or you just chill and enjoy the music with a festive drink. The cafe is selling wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

The band will play two sets 8-10pm before opening the stage for other musicians, including singers, to take part in the jam until midnight. 

Tickets are £10; for <18y and students £7. These are available via the QR-code or this link https://good-show.co.uk/events/1611, at the café or on the door.  Entrance is via the back door in the wall behind the Minories, just across the Firstsite Art Centre. Doors open 7.30pm.

The Commons Community Kitchen and Café at The Minories

74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE

What to expect from the Home Energy Assistance sessions organised by Community Energy Colchester (a local non-profit social enterprise).

                                    EVERY THURSDAY 1:30pm – 2:30pm

·       Cold walls, single glazing, gaps in windows and doors

·       Would you like to know how to make your house warmer

·       We can offer you a practical DIY no cost or low-cost solution

·       Home visits

Using our experience, we can check you are on the correct tariff and we can check your eligibility for Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) or ECO4

Funded by UK Power Networks we can offer a free home energy survey using a thermal camera.

Bopper Ranking returns with his Freedom Sound System, delivering a full night of Roots, Reggae, Dubwise Vybz. Tickets £5.50 OTD.

Colchester based musicians Toby Doe, Harry Price, Robin May & George Pipe will preview their new album from front to back for the first time to a public audience before its general release late September.

A 9 track album spanning multiple genres, styles and influences. Touching on electrónica, downtempo, jazz, dub, hip-hop, techno, house and ambient

Join us Saturday, 31 August 2024 @ 6pm

Hidden in plain sight on Colchester High Street is a beautiful walled garden. This creates a perfect garden party vibe set for an intimate Milonguito (diminutive Milonga) session.
Join us On Thursday, 29th of August @ 7pm for three hours of traditional TTVTTM tandas from TDJ Graham Harrad!

The floor is parquet and the cafe is serving drinks, tipples and snacks.

Session - £10

We are excited to announce that the next Colchester EMOM will be held in the beautiful garden of The Commons, featuring various ambient acts to complement the (hopefully!) sunny weather and calming vibes.

Eight talented acts from across the diverse spectrum of electronic music genres will play short sets of original music.

The cafe will be open as normal, with a delightful selection of food and drink available for purchase.

Sunday, 25th August - 12:00-16:00

All ages are warmly welcome to join us.