An intimate acoustic evening with two icons of British rock.

Russ Ballard is one of the most celebrated songwriters of his generation. As a former member of Argent, he penned the classic “Hold Your Head Up,” and went on to write and perform an extraordinary catalogue of global hits recorded by artists such as Rainbow, Hot Chocolate, America, and Ace Frehley. His songs—timeless, melodic, and powerful—have become part of rock history.

Joining him is a good friend of Dunmow Music Club, Robert Hart, renowned for his commanding voice as lead vocalist of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Hart’s rich, soulful delivery and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide, bringing fresh energy to a band celebrated for its progressive sound and classic hits.

Since first meeting in the early 90's when Russ co-wrote and produced a record for Robert, they have remained great friends - most recently teaming up for a Symphonic Rock show touring around Germany.

Stripped back to acoustic form, this special performance reveals the heart of the songs—master craftsmanship, unforgettable melodies, and two extraordinary artists sharing stories and music up close.

Jana Varga is a Slovak - born former classical flautist who left the orchestra path for songwriting. 

A UK resident, her music blends folk, jazz, and poetic lyricism. Her vocals echo singers like Becca Stevens, Karen Carpenter & Olivia Chaney while her songwriting draws on European roots. Her debut ‘Foreigner Face’ co-produced by Fred Mollin was shortlisted in the ‘Emerging Artist’ category of the British Blues Awards. ‘Fisherman’s Trade’ recorded with Varga Quartet Vienna earned her a praise from Janis Ian ('Amazingly beautiful') and FATEA described her music as ‘The stuff Carnegie Hall shows are made of’. 

Her second album 'Chicory' is Varga's most intimate and personal work yet, featuring highly-charged acoustic folk landscape, rich in cinematic overtones, that Jana has created virtually single-handedly. It was praised by Rock N Reel as a ‘confident collection of compelling songs’ and Jana’s tour included sold out events in UK’s prestigious clubs, such as PizzaExpress Club in London and Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham. 

Varga’s music also received praise at Herztakt Festival in the Austrian Alps, where she performed her own orchestral arrangements of her songs alongside the festival orchestra, which was aired on Austrian national TV ORF. Jana also regularly tours with Rumer (most recently the 40th anniversary arena tour with Simply Red) and performs with the critically acclaimed Hejira: Celebrating Joni Mitchell.