Oakleaf Live: Lineup

“Yoga is about growing space. Everything exists within space, but we restrict space with busyness, anxiety, tension. Time on the yoga mat allows space to grow – space where we feel grounded, space to let go of judging and space to practice kindness and acceptance of ourselves and our life as we find it. Within safe space we loosen our grip and anxieties slowly dissipate…

I teach yoga with this intention.”

Steve was introduced to yoga and mindfulness 4 years ago at Oakleaf Enterprise during his early recovery from addiction, depression and anxiety.

These experiences were life changing and prompted the seeking of further understanding and after over 6 months of various intensive trainings, mainly in India, he willingly and gratefully shares his substantial experiential knowledge of mindfulness for the greater good.

Fred Irwin is a multi talented, solo singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist based in the South East. To him, music is an outlet to communicate with his audience; a medium to share his emotions and life experiences.

Fred has been playing since his teenage years and has been performing as a solo artist for over six years in various pubs and clubs. His ever-expanding original live set soon made its way to the home studio, with the independent release of his debut album, ‘Nights Like These.’

After a year that saw a festival appearance with Reef and Wilkinson, a live appearance on BBC Radio, and his first tour, Fred signed his first record deal in November 2018 and released his EP: ‘Forever Never Lasts’ in February 2019 with Not My Dog Records.

The super talented, blue-eyed soul-singer and creative composer, Megan Sayer (based in Brighton, UK) has been releasing the first series of her self-penned singles, an inspiring collection of popular songs alongside an appearance at the 2019 Isle of Wight Festival. Although she’s been busy with numerous stage and music projects, she found time to write a successful trio of soul tracks.

Most of Megan’s songs are soulful, jazzy, or bluesy in nature. In a world populated by deceivers who spread falsehoods, Megan wears enviable frankness like a radiant crown. Throughout an amazing musical career, she has learned that there is nothing more powerless than concealing her own vulnerability. “Dad taught me that if you want something dearly, you have to go for it. My personal motto is: nothing is impossible if you are open to new things…”

Mally Jackson is a well-established solo sound. In Performance and Studio Production. Originally, from the North East of UK, Expanding his reach in the South East, Due to ACM studies.

As a young lad, Mally began to play the Acoustic Guitar for the amusement of friends and family. It wasn’t long until he took to the Live Venues in the North Yorkshire area. As the search for a full sound continued, Mally experiments with Live Loop Performances and Recordings.

With 3 Single Releases this year, on all major platforms. Mally urges to continue releasing Independent Music from his Bedroom Studio.

“Belle & BowTie are Amy Putt & Adam Rhys-Davies – an experienced and professional singing duo based in Surrey, who bring class & great energy to parties, celebrations and events. We also happen to have been best mates for 20 years! (ouch!)

We bring great voices & spark to make your event one to remember. Whether it is your Wedding Day, Birthday Party, Family Celebration, Christmas Party, Hotel Entertainment, we can come and entertain your guests with class and fun to make your event extra special.

With a vast range of songs ready to perform, we cover different genres of music from Swing music of the 20’s to Current Chart Songs. Our styles are Swing, Motown, Pop Rock Soul and Musical Theatre. If you would like a mixture, we can do that too! We are happy to tailor our set lists to suit your needs.”

Jonathan Hennessey-Brown gained his musical education at Guildford Cathedral Choir, The Junior Academy of Music and the National Youth Orchestra. He graduated from the Royal College of Music with Honours in 1997.

Jonny held the second cello chair with Carl Rosa Opera Company for two years, and the principal cello chair in the Yucatan Symphony in Mexico for six. Since returning to the UK, he has worked with many orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Oxford Philomusica, Bath Philharmonic and British Philharmonic Orchestra, and has had the privilege of working with musicians such as Placido Domingo, Renée Flemming, Evelyn Glennie. He performs regularly in London’s West End show The Lion King as well as appearing in Kinky Boots. He also played in the Drury Lane production of Oliver and in the 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Miserables.

Jonny was a member of the studio orchestra for live performances on ITV of the show Popstar to Operastar and has played live on Radio 3’s The Verb with Ana Silvera. Solo performances include an appearance with The Wanted on Fern Cotton’s Live Lounge show on BBC Radio 1.

He is the founder of the Santiago Quartet.

Graham is a professional and versatile singer/guitarist with over 5 years experience providing exceptional live music for a wide range of events from weddings, functions and corporate events to pub festivals, charity fundraisers and private parties.

Covering a vast variety of music genres; pop, rock, soul, folk, funk, R&B, blues, Graham’s folk influenced, intricate acoustic guitar combines with a soaring voice and self penned lyrics that weave stories ranging from travelogues to social commentary and historical tales.

Josh Debonis is a 22 year old singer-songwriter from Perth Western Australia. He has a huge passion for music and is all about good vibes.

New EP ‘After Hours’ coming soon.

Leoni is an alternative rock singer/songwriter.

Her new album will be released in 2020.

Emma is a contemporary pop singer based in Surrey.

Her EP ‘Whole’ is now available on all major platforms.

“I’m a Brighton based singer and guitarist for hire for events across the UK. I have had lots of great experiences working in the music and entertainment industry. For example, I have performed and worked alongside respected and prestigious artists from a very young age, such as Glenn Matlock of The Sex Pistols, Neville Staple of The Specials and Diane Charlamagne of Moby.

I have been playing guitar and singing for over 12 years. Music has always played a big part in my life, starting from right back when I was born. My father is very musical, as well as my uncle and other members in the family. Music was something I have been brought up with and always loved.

I own a Martin D28, a PRS CE, and my dream guitar: a 1960’s Fender custom shop Fender Stratocaster! The 1960’s Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster took a lot of saving up for, but it was worth it! My favourite guitarists are Tommy Emmanuel & Guthrie Govan. I also perform in an original band called ‘Kaiyo’. My sets usually contain something for everyone, with classic songs ranging from The Beatles to Elvis, and more modern songs ranging from Ed Sheeran to Adele.”

As part of their continuing support for Oakleaf’s vital work, Guildford URC are contributing this music to our online fundraising concert.

They performed the Toccata, 5th Symphony, originally played by Gillian Lloyd at Guildford United Reformed Church. Recorded 9th April 2020 for the congregation to enjoy at Easter 2020 when they were unable to meet face to face in church.

Challis is a pop singer/songwriter.

His Single ‘Fast Forward’ (as heard on BBC Radio) is now available.

Art is an actor, pop singer, magician and circus performer.

Chris Munroe has enjoyed playing musical instruments from mid-teens. He knew there was something odd about himself but was not formally diagnosed with multiple personalities until he was much older. He has experienced much stigma and discrimination, especially in the workplace which forced him to stop conventional work. But now he is pursuing an unconventional career in entertainment through music, theatre and dance to share a message of hope for inclusion in work and society.

Chris plays drums,  piano, is studying opera singing and composition. Chris is writing a musical called Zombie. It’s mixed genre, and deliberately emotive and thought-provoking about mental illness, it’s hardship, but also bringing a message of hope and encouragement.