A brand-new live music event, The Listening Room, launches on Sunday 20 July at The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth, promising an "intimate" night of original acoustic songs and the powerful stories behind them.

Set in the cosy atmosphere of the new foyer and bar at the theatre, this inaugural evening is "dedicated to heartfelt connection and the soul of music itself".

Inspired by the celebrated "Songwriters in the Round" format made famous in Nashville, The Listening Room invites audiences to experience music in its rawest form.

Four acclaimed Midlands-based singer-songwriters - Daniel Barrie, Danny Ansell, Chrissie Dux, and Jim Thomason - will take to the stage to share their original compositions along with the tales, emotions, and humour that inspired them.

Daniel Barrie – An indie-rock artist from Kenilworth who's emotionally charged songs draw comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender. With over 250,000 streams and performances across the UK and New Zealand, Daniel has earned acclaim from BBC Introducing and beyond.

Danny Ansell – A Coventry-based live circuit veteran, Danny has shared stages with icons like The Specials and Ocean Colour Scene. His energetic performances have lit up festivals like Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, and Godiva. Danny has written, recorded and released 5 studio albums, a six track EP and numerous singles to date. His latest single 'Hurry Up & Slow Down' was released in November 2024

Chrissie Dux – Described as "one of the city's most respected artists," Chrissie blends grunge, folk, and country into a powerful, genre-defying sound. Her debut album Justify (2023) was named Album of the Year by a Local Artist by the Coventry Observer, and she's enjoyed radio success in both the UK and USA.

Jim Thomason – A Kenilworth-based songwriter known for his witty, self-reflective lyrics and warm stage presence. A familiar face on the local open mic scene, Jim is also the host of Local

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Mic on Radio Abbey and has been featured on the renowned Narrowboat Sessions YouTube series.

Organisers said: "The Listening Room is more than just a gig - it's a space where lyrics take centre stage and artists connect directly with their audience.

"Whether poignant, humorous, or deeply personal, every song has a story to tell."

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Without community-minded partners like them, we would not be able to provide clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.