11/08/2026
THE SHOWCASE
Buster and the Pigeons and The Gardeners co-headline, with Tom Corbyn opening.
I sat down with Buster not too long ago and we got talking about spoken word and how much craft goes into poetry. There’s a real harmony between melody and meaning in what they do, with humour and wit in the writing and thoughtful undertones running through everything.
If you haven’t seen the video of them playing at Gypsy’s Bridge in Leigh (or Curly Wurly Bridge), have a look. That pop-up gave me a greater insight into the vision behind the project. The originality runs through the settings, aesthetics, films, artwork and handwritten lyrics on screen. There’s a strong identity around the project and a great band who clearly share it. I’m excited to see how that translates onto the Railway stage.
I’ve supported The Gardeners for a long time and have been chasing them for The Showcase. Sleeping Alone is at around 1.3 million Spotify plays and has been in one of my playlists for ages. Their new singles effortlessly carry on what makes this band great.
If you’re a fan of Cleaners From Venus, watch The Gardeners backing Martin Newell on Corridor of Dreams. I thought it was a fantastic pairing. They bring experience and professionalism on stage and know how to control a room, which is why I’m grateful to have them right in the middle.
Last but not least, Tom Corbyn. Truthfully, I haven’t seen Tom live yet, though he’d been recommended to me for a while. He came to the last Showcase, we got talking and I booked him. Guitar, vocals and loops.
After listening through his music, I have to say I think his songs would work brilliantly on TV. For some reason, I can totally imagine one turning up on Misfits. Does anyone remember that show?
He’s supported EMF at Chinnerys and played Lazydays Festival, so I’m excited to hear him live for the first time.
Each act will play for around an hour, so get your tickets and come and enjoy a full night of original local live music.
The Railway takes no cut of ticket sales. The money goes towards the artists, crew and production, helping keep tickets affordable and grassroots music alive in Southend.
12 September | 7.30pm–12am
The Railway Hotel, Southend
£10 early bird | £12 advance | £15 door
Tickets: ticketsource.com/tonight
Jacob Lowings is supported by the Early Career Promoter Fund which is managed by PRS Foundation and funded by Arts Council England using Supporting Grassroots Music funding from DCMS.
