A poster for the cowshed jazz club with silhouettes of musicians

Cowshed Beginnings

Cowshed Jazz – “The Ronnie Scotts* in the Country”

The eccentric owners “Field of Dreams” in his own backyard.

Tucked away, just off the A505 near Ashwell is one of North Herts best kept secrets – the surprising but very exclusive and intimate Cowshed Jazz Club.

Operating just one evening per month, with a remit to raise funds for 3 important local charities, all profits from tickets will go to Mind, The 'Herts Young Homeless' Charity and North Herts Samaritans.

With advice from Industry leading Sound and Lighting Engineers, the venue - which was originally part of a 17th Century Dairy – boasts one of the best Sound Stages in the Home Counties in its architecturally soundproofed exterior.

Host Lawrie Alderman in association with local Jazz impresario - Marco Marconi presents an exciting programme of just 9 exclusive events in 2025, on the last Friday of the month featuring big names in the World of Jazz. Booking is imperative as the venue is only licensed for a limited number of people and no one will be allowed on the property without a ticket.

For those travelling from afar, we have local hotels to which we can recommend transport after the event, or to Ashwell & Morden train station with links to Kings Cross(50 mins) or Cambridge (20mins).

*Please note there is no affiliation between Ronnie Scotts and Cowshed Jazz aside from musicians who play at both clubs.

A picture of a piano and a picture of a venue outside

The Next Live Event at Cowshed Jazz Club 2025

RAY GELATO & THE GIANTS

Sunday 30th January

British jazz, swing and jump blues saxophonist, singer and bandleader. He is known as one of the major forces in the revival of swing music. Gelato has performed in a private capacity for Richard Branson, Paul McCartney and Queen Elizabeth II amongst others.

All Music noted that "Gelato has been hugely successful, finding a niche and retaining his dominance in it through hard work, good musicianship and a flair for showmanship". Jools Holland meanwhile opined that "He plays what he means, and means what he plays"

What people are saying...

“This is just like Ronnie Scotts – in the Country”

James Pearson – Music Director Ronnie Scotts
“A real Class Venue – and Great Music- Well Done Lawrie”

Anthony F - Cottered
"Fabulous! Fabulous! – How lucky are we to have this on our doorstep"

Jacquie – Sandon
"Last night was fantastic….thank you and great to see The Ronnie Scotts All Stars Playing in Sandon!"

Tanya C – Barkway
Apparently - James Pearson said this already – but I agree this is like Ronnie Scotts in the Country!

Alan Barnes – Saxophonist
"Thanks for “having” us for the inaugural performance last Friday. A wonderful Venue and I was very impressed with it, the sound was fabulous. I wish you much success for the future and look forward to visiting as an audience member If I’m not playing! "

James Pearson
"So great to be able to have a fun evening at the same time as raise some money for a good cause"

Cathy - Hitchin
"Thank you, and great News that you were able to send such a generous donation to Help Young Homeless"

Sarah C
''Lawrie, Good evening as always. Thank you for all your efforts - and pleased that you were able to send such a good sum (£1100) to Samaritans.''

Clive G
"Fabulous evening of music last night. To score your eight questions from 1 to 10 on Music, Sound Quality, Service, Food etc - All 10’s!"

Julia B
"Lawrie, We feel extremely privileged that you have opened your doors in your personal space and established such a fantastic jazz club. We came to the opening night and then again on Friday, the only reason we don’t attend is due to diary constraints. We have never been to live jazz before but we are both totally bowled over by the diversity of styles within Jazz. Frankly, you have made a superb job of the end to end of the club; the staff are all extremely friendly and welcoming. The very generous donation to the Samaritans added a level of kindness and humanity. My only concern is I don’t feel like the audience give much back to the band in terms of toe tapping, and head bobbing! 😊 Thank you so much. We are busy for the next couple of months but will be back again after the summer. Have a wonderful summer Kind regards Carolyn GS Sandon"

Carolyn GS
“Hello Cowshed (Lawrence), I attended the Neil Angilley concert and was hugely impressed. My wife was very moved by the whole evening as well, you've really created something special there. I've submitted a request to be on the mailing list and can't wait to attend another concert. I'm very interested in the membership you mentioned on the night; offering discounts and early access to tickets.”

Steven King

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