Kelso, Scotland – traditional 18th century coaching inn, The Cross Keys
Every Friday, the live music kicks off at 7.45 pm with a cabaret-style evening of diverse acoustic music at The Oak Room of the Cross Keys Hotel. One of the club’s members co-ordinates a running order of singers and musicians and so visitors who wish to perform should make themselves known (try to arrive at 7.30pm if possible). The acoustics of our preferred room are so good that except for purely electronic instruments, we do not use any amplification or microphones. The atmosphere is informal and includes both rehearsed and impromptu collaborations. Whether solo, duos/trios with practiced arrangements or spontaneous collaborations of musicians who form ad hoc ‘bands’ on the night, each act gets the audience’s undistracted attention when at the front. Often they will invite the audience to sing-along to choruses, occasionally they may ask the musicians in the audience to join in which can also work well. But if not, please refrain from playing instruments, even if you think you know the tune, as this can be a distraction to both the listening audience around you and those performing.
No more than once a month, we have an extended guest slot to highlight the music of one of the many talented performers of the region. The evening ends at 10.30pm.
The Cross Keys Hotel can be found at the heart of Kelso, overlooking the town square. There is no charge (voluntary collection), there is a full hotel bar and dining (bar or restaurant) is available.