Acoustic Thursdays: Graham Corbould, Gary Ptaszek, Gia, Anthony Hart

The Stage Door continues its tradition of championing the raw and the remarkable on Thursday, May 7th. Join us for an evening that trades the polish of pop for the weight of storytelling—a night where grunge-inspired rebellion meets the "gloom" of stripped-back acoustic sets and the seasoned craft of an award-winning songwriter, all tied together by the "comedically dark" verse of Gravesend’s finest poet.

We open the musical proceedings with the raw, intimate sound of Gia. Born out of Secrets Of The Alcove, Gia is a grunge-inspired solo acoustic act that strips the genre down to its barest bones. Trading distortion for fingerpicked chords and cracked, rebellious vocals, Gia’s performance feels unfiltered and deeply personal—as if these songs were a private confession that just happened to find an audience.

Providing the connective tissue between our music sets is the Gravesend-based wordsmith Anthony Hart. Known for his distinctively dark, multi-layered poetry that often dances on the edge of comedy, Anthony is a staple of the Kent and London circuits and the founder of the local Poetic Flaws night. He will be stepping up to the mic throughout the evening, bringing his unique brand of honesty and wisdom to the stage to keep the momentum high.

Next, we shift gears to the beautiful gloom of Gary Ptaszek. Known for his work with Tailblock, Burgunday, and Till I’m Bones, Gary has a legendary ability to turn a room somber with just a few chords. For this special acoustic set, he strips away the guitar noise but keeps the atmosphere. Expect beautifully crafted, melancholic songs that delve into the depths of human existence—music so moving you might find yourself texting an ex by the second verse.

Closing the night as our headliner is the highly acclaimed Graham Corbould. A recipient of the Guitar Tutor of the Year award and a veteran songwriter who has shared stages with the likes of the Oysterband and Chicken Shack, Graham is a master of the craft. With a repertoire of over 50 original songs — one of which earned him a place in a workshop with Sir Ray Davies — his work spans the spectrum from wry humor to serious social commentary. With strong choruses and compelling narratives, Graham’s set is a testament to the power of a well-told story.

As always, doors open at 7:30pm, admission is free, and the atmosphere is unmatched. Grab a pint, settle in, and join us for a Thursday night that proves the creative heartbeat of Kent remains as bold and uncompromising as ever.

See you at The Door on May 7th.

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