Tony Bryant, known as Tony B, has one of the fastest growing open mics in Bournemouth.
The Cricketers Arms is the oldest pub in Bournemouth, and roughly 2 years ago started an open mic night under the guidance of Tony B.
Tony has been a mainstay at open mic nights for years and wanted a platform to allow new artists to thrive.
Joel Pringle, a 22 year old musician, started coming to the open mic night after leaving university.
He has known Tony for a while, saying “You can’t really be a musician without knowing Tony” and that “I have never been to Chaplins without Tony there”
Joel, like many, has an enormous respect for Tony, saying that “He has a wisdom which makes you want to follow in his footsteps”
Tony believes in encouraging new artists but insists that he isn’t a deliberate figurehead.
“I’m just a guy that enjoys doing what he’s doing, and if I can help someone on the way then great.”
It wasn’t always smooth sailing; In the beginning it was a struggle to get people to perform.
“I have had to do an entire evening before” says Tony
But as the open mic night became more popular, Tony took on a new role, encouraging new talent to perform.
“If I can find someone that has a new sound I will gladly encourage them to perform.”
Thursday the 16th of January was the Cricketers busiest evening to date and Tony is hoping to top it next week.
Plans to make Ferndown’s Victoria Road more pleasant for all