16th April 2026
The Hub at St Mary’s
Review by Dave Crump
As host Tom Roberts pointed out in his opening, buying a ticket for a night of original music is always a leap of faith. Those who took that leap on Thursday evening were very well rewarded.
The Hub audience was left transfixed by the sheer talent of five local performers, each showcasing their own music. Every artist performed four original songs and one cover — and the standard throughout was exceptional.
Sarah Riches, accompanied on guitar by Hub favourite Mark Eustace, effortlessly demonstrated why she is considered one of the region’s brightest stars.
The ever-likeable Bryan Brindley charmed the crowd as always, with Here With Me, a tribute to his late sister, standing out as a particularly moving moment.
Accompanying herself on piano, Sheena Walinck Vultaggio’s haunting, ethereal vocals left the audience spellbound.
Last, but certainly not least, the extraordinarily talented Rory Black showed he is so much more than the winner of the recent Hub / Guy Chambers songwriter competition. A superb guitarist and songwriter, with a voice to match, he looks every bit a star of the future — especially at just 17.
The night was topped off with an ensemble rendition of ‘The Chain’ which was nothing short of magnificent, three intertwining guitars, Sheena on keyboard and glorious harmonising vocals – sublime.
The excellent team at the Hub did the performers proud with faultless lighting and sound, and a well-stocked bar.
The evening was bookended by the affable Tom Roberts, MC extraordinaire and a great advocate for this wonderful venue. Tom promised the packed house another great night of Beatles music on the 26th April and if Thursday is anything to go by, you’d be a fool to miss
