US singer-songwriter performs in Southsea for radio station

What do you get when you have a community radio station, a Southsea pub, local musicians and a singer/songwriter (Stacy Gabel) - “all the way from Pennsylvania“, as station manager Martin Kirby kept repeating - from near Philadelphia (USA), all in the same place? A Flash Radio fundraiser at the Lord John Russell (LJR), Southsea.

Stacy Gable in her acoustic set | Ken Ebbens

placeholder image — Stacy Gable in her acoustic set | Ken Ebbens

The Flash is a not-for-profit community radio station serving south-east Hampshire run entirely by volunteers, promoting the talents of local unsigned bands, musicians and singer/songwriters plus all that is positive in the local community. The music format is one of ‘Real Music’, meaning only featuring music with a strong acoustic element, featuring classic rock, progressive rock, space rock, blues, country, folk and other specialist shows (evenings). The station can be found on TuneIn, the internet and DAB+ (locally), website: theflashonair.co.uk

The event started at 2pm with (new) local melodic folk trio Seek Rose (Jessica, vocals, Sarah, guitar and vocals, and Flash presenter Richard, drums and vocals). All original songs, beautiful harmonies, with a similar sound to First Aid Kit and the Mona Lisa Twins plus influences from Fairport Convention. Find out more on Seek Rose Music.

Then we had Stacy Gabel on her fourth year of coming over in late summer (first time no rain) supporting the Flash, mixing with other local gigs over the weekend. Stacy first connected with the Flash during Covid and has been a huge supporter ever since, which the Flash is vice versa.

Stacy has had a varied career as a vocal/dance teacher, award-winning singer-songwriter, child wrangler for TV plus Disney (camera) and Nickelodeon (producer and camera) media, published author and now full-time with her music.

Her acoustic set was mainly covers (including Killing Me Softly, Count on Me and Harvest Moon) but with a poignant tribute to Dolly Parton via Jolene; the pub went totally quiet, a superb tribute to Dolly, beautifully sung by Stacy. She also performed an original children’s song (At the Zoo-oo-oo) for the first time to an adult audience just for 5-year-old twins who sat rapt at the song. Nice one, Stacy (stacygabel.com ; Facebook <@stacygabelmusic>, Instagram <@stacygabelmusic>, @stacygabel and YouTube).

Then came local singer/songwriter Ollie Hutton, a very confident performer on guitar performing mainly covers with a couple of self-penned songs, showing quite a versatility (Homeward Bound, Mr Blue Sky, Yellow Taxi, Charming Man (Morrissey, quite a choice), The Boxer and Space Oddity). With a very good rapport with the audience, find him on Facebook (Ollie Hutton Music).

A change of style, a four-piece alternative punk band Hysteria Street (Instagram and Facebook) playing originals and covers (Ever Fallen in Love and Happy Hour Again) focussing on everyday issues. Dean (guitar and vocals), Dan (guitar), Eliza (bass) and TJ (drums) went through country, rock and ska punk, even one of my favourite ever hard rock bands (UFO) with Doctor Doctor. High energy, impressive and worth seeing.

Stacy Gabel in her second set with her band | Ken Ebbens

Then, the Stacy Gabel Band, with local musicians TJ, Dean and Dan (already mentioned) plus Mike (saxophone) and Anna (bass). A few sound issues at the start notwithstanding Stacy showed what a performer she is with excellent renditions of All I Wanna Do (Sheryl Crow), Wagon Wheel, 500 Miles and Happy) but also her own songs (High Heeled Shoes, Great Escape, One Perfect Summer, Straight to Voicemail and Sunny Days). Her very easy going nature, confident interaction with the audience and very clear vocals standing out; looking forward to year five in 2027.

With apologies to Se MacLachlan (local singer/songwriter/guitarist, on Facebook) and DJ Garlic Brad, I had to leave the event but was told they were very good.

The Flash are very grateful to Melanie and all her staff at the LJR for being excellent hosts and all those who came along and supported.