Another slice of Bonham brilliance...

There are loads of cracking gigs at The Stables this week, but none better than the date by The Deborah Bonham Band, this evening.
June Tabor: One third QuercusJune Tabor: One third Quercus
June Tabor: One third Quercus

Deborah – sister of the late, true great Zeppelin hard hitter Jason Bonham – returns to the venue to plug her new opus, Spirit.

Vocally suss, she has been called upon by many a rock A-lister to lend vocals, duets and support – she has worked with Van Halen, Robert Plant, Humble Pie...the list is a long one.

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We last saw her stepping up with another terrific vocalist, Paul Rodgers, who is a fan and then some: “I’m touched by her sweet nature and her warm and wicked singing and writing talent,” he says.

Want heart, want soul and want to be captivated by one of our best? Then step right up.

Comedy will rule over on Stage 2 with the stars of BBC3s Live at the Electric, WitTank.

Expect jokes that’ll make you blush, and language to match.

Take six of the country’s best fiddle players, put them on stage together and let them go mad – welcome Feast of Fiddles tomorrow night, still at ‘it’ in their 20th year.

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While they tempt you in the Jim Marshall auditorium, singer-songwriter Richard Navarro will play what he’s got, over on Stage 2.

His unique takes on familiar tracks by artists including Portishead, Simon & Garfunkel and Annie Lennox set him apart from the pack, and his music mixes lots of goodies together – from traditional swing to soul and the great songwriters of the 70s.

He has recently been out on tour with Joan Armatrading, and Radio 2 have been backing the fella, who has local leanings.

“I learned to play my violin through the Bedfordshire music service, going along to groups in Bedford at the weekend, and at one point I do remember going to a music workshop at The Stables in Wavendon.

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“Coming back to the Stables, this time as a performer, feels a little like things have come full circle,” he said.

2012 BBC Folk Awards winner for ‘Singer of the Year’ June Tabor joins with Iain Bellamy and Huw Warren to combine sterling musical forces in Quercus, who begin a short tour at the venue on Sunday night.

Each have been widely celebrated for their musicality, but together they will fuse vocals, saxophone and piano in a folk and jazz inspired show of chamber music.

Intrigued, aren’t you? Turn that intrigue into a night out that will blow expectations through their interpretations of traditional songs.

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Ricky Ross is out on the road again, with songs from his solo career and those Deacon Blue favourites ready to impart, on Monday evening.

He’ll also be spilling the beans on the tales behind the stories.

Last year Deacon Blue completed a sold-out Arena tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary, but right now he has a new solo opus to play with, called Trouble Came Looking.

Speaking about the album, he says: “I wanted to tell these people’s stories, to lay them down, without anything getting in the way.

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“The songs are rough round the edges, they’re barely written. I’ve never done that before.”

Deacon Blue guitarist Gregor Philp will back Ricky at the intimate date.

Ricky has tackled the famed GO! Cue and Play music challenge for us.

Go online at www.miltonkeynes.co.uk and click on leisure to find out what he would say to Bob Dylan given half a chance...

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The Fureys & Dave Arthur return on Tuesday night, their 15th appearance at the venue.

Also playing the same night, on Stage 2 The Little Unsaid & Cate Ferris will hold court.

Lots to get your teeth into, only one number to call for tickets though, MK 280800.