You know, dear reader, I did have a little pre-amble planned for this evening's little missive from us to you, however, life has rather got in the way, either there are three rivers between my house and my day-job or my bus appeared to have crossed the same one several times...

Anyway, on Friday, evening we play host to ALAN CLAYSON AND THE ARGONAUTS

High-camp, eclectic, poetic, energetic, and ever-so-slightly eccentric rock legends The Argonauts return to the Rising Sun Arts Centre - with Alan Clayson as their formidable frontman - to throw rock poses, muse about the end of the world (possibly) and, you'll be delighted to note, play a really very good show indeed

Support comes in the shape of UFTON NERVET'S RAMSCHACKLE UNSTRUNG BAND

We're open at 7.30pm and it'll cost you £8 (or £6 concessions) at the door

On Saturday afternoon, we bring you CLASSICAL FOR CHARITY

Classical For Charity is a series of classical and jazz concerts at The Rising Sun Arts Centre, performed by local musicians and hosted by local pianist and piano teacher Maija Tuomi-Nikula. The hour-long concerts will take place every two months. The proceeds will be divided equally between The Rising Sun Arts Centre and a chosen Berkshire charity each time.

Come and support us by enjoying top-quality, rarely heard music in a great, relaxed atmosphere without having to pay enormous ticket prices!

ABOUT THE PERFORMER
 
Helen Cuthbertson Reid is a singer-songwriter and primary school teacher, originally from East Yorkshire and currently living in Reading. Music has been her first love from an early age, although she did not start formal music training until the age of 9, when she took up the clarinet. Her first choice was the piano, but owing to space and financial restrictions at that time, it was not possible to learn. The clarinet had strong appeal because it was the cat's character instrument in Prokofiev's musical children's story, Peter and the Wolf. She went on to achieve grade 8 and played lead clarinet in the high school jazz band. She presently plays in two local bands: clarinet and percussion in jazzy, noir Reading-based band Luke Paulo and The Grapefruit, as well as guitar and vocals in acoustic rock duo, Bright Shadows. She has chosen the charity for Myasthenia Gravis as tribute to her beloved nana, Trixie Cuthbertson, from whom she inherited much creativity as well as her left-handedness, and who sadly passed in October 2012 after suffering severely with the rare illness for many years.
 
CONCERT PROGRAMME
 
Unaccompanied:

Reverie - John Gritton
Sonata no.1 (3rd movement) Jean Xavier Lefévre
Petite Fantasie (Oberon) Carl Maria von Weber

Accompanied:
 
Suite from Victorian Kitchen Garden - Paul Reade
Prelude and Forlana from The Five Bagatelles - Gerald Finzi

Piano accompaniment provided by Maija Tuomi-Nikula.

We're open  at 12:30pm and it'll cost you £3 on the door.

On Saturday evening, THE SCARLET VIXENS present ECLECTIC BURLESQUE

The Scarlet Vixens bring a fresh, unique flavour to the Burlesque scene. We're not just showgirls - we have the edge. We blend Burlesque dancing with rock, Bollywood, hip-hop and classic vintage pin-up styles. Our routines are captivating, quirky, and most importantly - fun. See for yourself and come to one of our shows!

Performing for you on the night will be:
 
Lady Lisette Ruby
Mojo Jones
Kit Kingston
Lady K Phoenix
 
And our special guest performer is the delightful Miss Pearl La Peach. Straight from her debut performance at The Alternative Queen of Reading, Miss Pearl La Peach is coming to the Rising Sun Arts Centre to dazzle you with a new act that's just peachy!

Hosted by the very naughty Miss Kitty Pimms.
 
We're open at 8pm and it'll cost you a paltry £5 to get in.

That's everything for another weekend, just to remind you that you can find us at 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST  (If you put us in your Google or Sat Nav, we shall magically appear)