What to Expect
From the Purple Flag Session
The Purple Flag Sessions is a weekend of free, live music in Cambridge city centre. On the evenings of Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October you can enjoy music of all kinds of genres popping up in different venues in the city. Free entry for customers, but all musicians are paid. This event is in celebration of our Purple Flag, an official award held by Cambridge. Purple Flag celebrates nightlife that is fun, varied, open and inclusive, and above all safe. Purple Flag partners in Cambridge believe everyone should have the right to safety and fair treatment on a night out, and we want your experience in the city to be a great one!
Venue
Burleigh Arms
A long-time favourite with locals and office workers, the Burleigh Arms on Newmarket Road has a cosy interior and a large beer garden- perfect to enjoy their range of cocktails, craft beers and ales. They are proud to host the Purple Flag Sessions and are keen to have live music in the pub regularly, so make sure you keep an eye out for future events!
Burleigh Arms Instagram
Artist
Blutone and The Druid
Blutone aka John Hicks, is a Cambridgeshire based guitarist and singer who simply loves playing blues and jazz influenced music across Cambridge's music venues (such as The Fat Band and Black Coffee jazz band). He is joined by his long-time collaborator and friend 'The Druid' aka Drew Keen for this Blues and Rock n Roll event. The Druid aka Drew Keen, is an experienced guitarist and singer who has played in many bands over the years (most recently The New F00ls). Catch them at around 7.30pm at The Burleigh Arms.
Venue
La Raza
In the picturesque Rose Quarter you’ll find La Raza, famed for its cocktails and authentic tapas. La Raza is also a huge supporter of live music. They take pride in supporting local musicians starting out in their careers, and host the monthly Cambridge Funk Jam. Visit as part of the Purple Flag Sessions, and check out their regular music events.
La Raza Instagram
Artist
Worldy
Worldy is fronted by singer Leanne Rae, with Davey on bass and Mykey on guitar. The perfect festival band, with an uplifting range of crowd-pleasers – pop, funk, and club classic mashups, delivered in their own unique style. Worldy will be playing at La Raza on Sunday 9th October. Let's Dance!'
Worldy Instagram
Venue
IBIS Café Chill #2
IBIS Cambridge Station is home to Chill#2 café. Come and see some free live music in a friendly and lively atmosphere as part of your night out in the city, along with delicious food, artisan coffee, local beers and spirits. IBIS are keen to bring more live music into Cambridge, so look out for their DJ nights on Saturdays and regular themed music events.
Ibis Instagram
Artist
Jenem
Candid verses, catchy choruses, and hair with its own personality best define this singer-songwriter. With a slot at Camp Bestival, a DIY Europe tour, and plenty more in the pipeline, 2022 has been a year full of highs and a few hair flicks for Jenem! Expect original tunes mixed with sing along covers for her set during the purple flag sessions. See Jenem at Chill#2 at the IBIS Cambridge Station at 7pm.
Jenem Instagram
Artist
Chris Andrews
is a Cambridge-based singer/ songwriter/ producer takes influences from 90’s Indie bands and the melodic sounds of the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Chris’ originals capture the Britpop sound with sweet, catchy melancholic melodies and lyrics, and fresh jangly guitar chords and riffs. Chris Andrews will be on at 8pm at Chill#2 at IBIS Cambridge station.
Chris Andrews instagram
Artist
Blutone and the Druid
Blutone aka John Hicks, is a Cambridgeshire based guitarist and singer who simply loves playing blues and jazz influenced music across Cambridge's music venues (such as The Fat Band and Black Coffee jazz band). He is joined by his long-time collaborator and friend 'The Druid' aka Drew Keen for this Blues and Rock n Roll event. The Druid aka Drew Keen, is an experienced guitarist and singer who has played in many bands over the years (most recently The New F00ls). See Blutone and The Druid at 6pm at Chill#2 at IBIS Cambridge station.
Venue
Town & Gown
A unique pub and theatre venue, Town & Gown is at the heart of Cambridge nightlife. Opening its doors amidst the pandemic fug of 2020, it has nonetheless thrived and become a hub for live performance – their events program is full to the brim with theatre, comedy, cocktail mixology – and always more ideas brewing! They welcome musicians regularly (and even boast a baby grand piano on their mezzanine) and we’re delighted they are hosting the Purple Flag Sessions.
Town & Gown Instagram
Artist
SJ and the Flying Pigs
bring a country, rootsy energy to their live shows, a mix of original material and covers. Fronted by singer-songwriter SJ, who recorded an album ‘the Nashville Sessions’ in Tennessee. We think you should pounce on the chance to see this Cambridge band for free. SJ and the Flying Pigs will be playing at Town & Gown on Sunday 9th October.
SJ and the Flying Pigs Instagram
Artist
Sautikano
A musical fusion of AFROFOLK with a core of experienced performers from across the world comprising: Ivan Toolit – Lead Vocals (Uganda); Liz Lenten BEM – Guitar and Harmonies (UK); Njega Sohna - African Drums (The Gambia); and John – Kora (UK). ‘….Their sound is original and energetic, mesmerising and hypnotic – bursting with traditional West and East African sounds with folky guitar and jazzy double bass, playing a key role in the overall uplifting vibe…..’ Scarlet Records. Their first EP – ‘NERA’ (translation: Uncle) tells the poignant story of growing up in Northern Uganda, with uncaring distant relatives and wishing you could have the love and security of Mum and Dad.
Instagram for sautikano
Venue
Millers Music
Miller’s Music is Cambridge’s oldest independent piano retailer, with their showroom on Sussex Street in the heart of the city. The specialise in pianos and even offer rental and tuning services. Due to showroom capacity, Miller’s Music will be operating a guestlist for their Purple Flag Sessions event – stand by for details. Due to limited space this is a RSVP EVENT ONLY. To book your space at this event. Please email Miler's music on events@millersmusic.co.uk They will email back with confirmation of your RSVP.
Miller's Music Intasgram
Artist
Sean O’Hanrahan
is a Cambridge born pianist as well as keyboard player. Born into a musical family it was natural to find himself following in the footsteps of those before him. Having learned classical he then found himself playing in a range of bands in and around Cambridge primarily as accompanist to singer/songwriters.
Sean O'Hanrahan Intasgram
Venue
The Tipsy Vegan
Located right on the River Cam in the popular Quayside area of Cambridge, their restaurant boasts two outside dining areas with river views and ample indoor seating. Their menu features a wide selection of small plates designed with sharing in mind, alongside inspired desserts and weekend brunch. Catch Emily Huxter on Friday 7th October starting at 8.30pm and The Rising Blues All Stars on Sunday 9th October from 5pm-7pm, the perfect excuse to check out The Tipsy Vegan's fabulous roast dinners whilst you're there!
The Tipsy Vegan
Artist
Andy Bowie Trio
Andy Bowie Trio playing their popular sax led Jazz on Friday 7th October at 8.30pm.
Andy Bowie Facebook
Artist
LIL Music
Irish Singer/Songwriter will be playing a range of acoustic covers and originals on Saturday 8th October at 8.30pm.
Artist
The Rising Blues All Stars
This is another local band headed by Cambridge native Eddie Zengeni who plays with his whole family including 2 young boys! They are a blues band and will play from 5pm-7pm and The Tipsy Vegan's full Roast menu will be available to order.
The Rising Blues All Stars YouTubePurple Flag Session Event Links
Friday
Purple Flag Sessions -Miller’s Music – RSVP EVENT ONLY with Sean O’Hanrahan
Purple Flag Sessions – Ibis Cafe No2 with Jenem, Chris Andrews, Blutone and the Druid
Purple Flag Sessions – The Burleigh Arms with Blutone and The Druid
Purple Flag Sessions – The Tipsy Vegan with Andy Bowie Trio
Saturday
Purple Flag Sessions – The Tipsy Vegan with LIL Music
Sunday
Purple Flag Sessions – La Raza with Worldy
Purple Flag Sessions – Town & Gown with SJ & The Flying Pigs
Purple Flag Sessions – The Tipsy Vegan with Rising Blues All Stars
