'Oakham Unplugged' is a monthly acoustic music session, held at the Horseshoe (83 Braunston Road, Oakham LE15 6LE).

The next session is on Tuesday 20 February at 8.30pm.

Musicians from all over the area - and visitors! - are welcome to drop by, say hello, and take a turn or two performing.

To kick off the night, and get everyone in the mood, house band the Lying Scotsman will play a few rousing songs. After that... it's over to you!

Anything that doesn't need to be plugged in. Previous successful events have included blues, folk, bluegrass, indie, unaccompanied singing, comedy, classical, flamenco, poems, country, shanties, storytelling, skiffle, jazz ...

All levels of ability are welcome - and it's a great way for new bands to try out an acoustic set on an audience with a pulse. Apethorpe band Hoax Funeral did just that at our other session, Easton Unplugged, and they have since been played on Radio One!

Every player needs an audience, and people who clap loudly are the most valuable asset we can have. Just grab a drink, find a comfy seat, sit back and enjoy.

Your hosts are local musicians Jacquie (a Kiwi) and Fiona (a Scot) ... and your welcome is guaranteed to raise a smile.

Don't be silly, one of us is a Scot!

Admission is completely and gloriously free. You might like to buy a drink or a cuppa from the bar, but if the purse strings are a little tight this month you can nurse that drink all night and no-one will mind!

The music starts at 8.30pm, and there's no need to book.

Whether you want to listen or to play, we look forward to seeing you at 'Unplugged' on the third Tuesday of every month.

Some of the regulars are in a folk band called The Lying Scotsman. They play some traditional folk (with a twist), some original material, and some covers (with an even bigger twist).

LS are terrific fun ... they only play music they love, and they aim to give their audiences a good laugh. They're all into vocal harmony, and their musical influences are as diverse as jazz, punk, blues ... yes I did say PUNK ... as well as folk.

The one thing you won't get from this bunch is a long set of miserable songs.

They have a website www.unhinderedbytalent.org.uk if you want to know more.

The most important thing though is... they won't hog the whole night at the Horseshoe. They're there for the singaround, just like everyone else!

Tuesday Feb 20 (one of the hosts has her birthday tonight...)
Tuesday March 20
Tuesday April 17
Tuesday May 15
Tuesday June 19
Tuesday July 17
Tuesday August 21
Tuesday September 18
Tuesday October 16
Tuesday November 20
Tuesday December 18

There are hundreds of sessions going on in towns and villages near you. The trouble is, they don't usually get the word out.

Sometimes it's in a pub, once a month. Or it might be, like at the Horseshoe, in a no-smoking restaurant. A few are held in community centres. One couple in Lincolnshire even coach folk musicians in their house, by appointment, for nothing.

In almost every case, you don't pay to get in. If there is a charge, it usually means snacks are provided during the break. If there isn't a bar, you're normally welcome to bring your own drinks - some church halls operate like that.

... for more events in the East Midlands, most of them free, visit www.east-northantsonline.co.uk/livemusiclistings.

It includes links to other listings websites in the region and beyond.

You can also use that website to promote your own event - be it a concert, music club, village fete, charity fundraiser. Just send an email with the details to listings@fifix.com.

Did you enjoy Oakham Unplugged?
Could we have done things better?
Could you help us attract more people?

Jacquie and Fiona would love to hear what you think, good or bad ... and we'll publish your comments if you wish.

Please send your thoughts, good or bad, to listings@fifix.com. Do it now!!