Hello, Berko.
The town seems to be settling back into its normal rhythm.
That got us thinking about Berko’s music scene and how it might be the gift that keeps on giving when keeping the post-holiday blues at bay.
In this week’s edition, we take a look at the role music plays in the community and a few of the quieter ways you can get involved.
This week’s setlist:
Music in the Community
Berko’s ‘hidden tracks’
Gigs & Shows
What’s happenin’ this week
Let’s get into it!
Cool Nights, Cool Jazz
Last week, we highlighted the Scott Hamilton Quartet at the Civic Centre as an opportunity to try something new for 2026.
We assumed it might be a new experience for many but the truth is that performances like this have been quietly provided by Berkhamsted Jazz since 1982. Jazz isn’t for everybody but there’s something to be said for challenging yourself once in a while, especially when it’s happening right on your doorstep.
What makes this kind of local society special isn’t just the calibre of the musicians, but the regularity of it all. Consistency, paired with plenty of variety, is the lifeblood of any local music scene.
Berko has more of it than we sometimes realise or remember.
1. The Civic Centre
Alongside its more familiar daytime uses, the Civic Centre hosts music nights and touring acts. The setup is simple, which suits performances where the music is the focus. For anyone interested in live music locally, it’s one of the town’s more dependable places to find it
2. Second Scene Records
Tucked into the lower floor of Home & Colonial, Second Scene Records is a small but carefully chosen collection of vinyl for sale. The selection changes weekly, which gives me a reason to keep coming back. It’s not a record shop in the traditional sense but flipping through is quickly becoming a Sunday ritual for me.
3. Acoustic Music, Local Artists
Every Sunday between 17:30 – 19:30, The George Inn provides live acoustic music from various local artists. It’s an easy way to wind down on a Sunday before the week starts again. The George & Dragon also hosts regular open mic nights and we’ll let you know when the next one is.
Gigs & Shows — our top picks worth tuning into this month
23 Jan | Centenary Theatre | 19:30 | Taylor Fever | Details
24 Jan | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 20:00 – 22:00 | Kings of Lyon | Details
30 Jan | The Mad Squirrel | 19:00 – 21:00 | Thoby Davis | Details
How do you usually find out about local music or events?
Luna | Lurcher | Ashridge regular | Loves pink
What’s happenin’ this week
14 Jan | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 10:30 | The History of the City of London as Told Through its Stained Glass
14 Jan | The Highwayman | 19:30 | Quiz Night
17 & 18 Jan | Centenary Theatre | Assorted Timings | Portals of Pips — dance recital and a celebration of movement, music, and magic
20 Jan | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 10:00 – 12:00 | Berkhamsted Outreach Event
20 Jan | Berkhamsted Library | 14:00 – 15:00 | Berkhamsted Walking Book Club
We’ll update this section in following editions as we discover more things to do. If you want to tell us about something, use this form!
Movie Pick of the Week
15 Jan | The Rex | 14:00 & 19:30 | It Was Just An Accident (12A)
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winner is a finely calibrated thriller exploring the high price of revenge on a potentially evil man.
Berko’s Coffee Shop Playlist
Just a couple of tracks that would sound right in a Berko coffee shop this week.
Confirmation | Chris Smither
Malmo | The Album Leaf
Flume | Bon Iver
That’s it for this week.
If you end up at a gig, flipping through records in H&C, or just noticing something you hadn’t before, let us know.
We’ll be back next week with more of what’s happening around town.
Until then — see you out there.
— from Berko