Gig-goers were left spellbound on Wednesday evening following soulful and enchanting performances at an acoustic night in Watford.

The back area of Que Pasa in the High Street, bedecked in twinkling fairy lights, set the stage for the semi-monthly ‘Song Closet’, where bands Mad Staring Eyes and Minnie Birch, and soloists Jo Stevens and Derrin Nauendorf showcased a selection of songs.

First up was two-piece folk girl-band Minnie Birch from Watford, whose emotive strumming, breathy, haunting vocals and witty verses held the audience captive.

Followed by show organiser, pop-rock singer Jo Stevens, the tempo stepped up a notch, as she sung Dolores O’Riordanesque vocals and Katie Tunstall-style guitar on foot-tapping tunes “Alone on Beautiful Day” and “Bent the Rules Today”.

Next up, Indie three-piece Mad Staring Eyes, who have gained huge musical critical acclaim and performed at Glastonbury, showcased a selection of stripped down tub-thumping tracks interspersed with lyrics that draw inspiration from The Smiths and The Cure.

Polishing off the evening, a spectacular performance from blues, folk and country vocalist Derrin Nauendorf left the audience astounded. Mouths dropped in astonishment as he tapped, slapped and strummed his guitar while playing track “Skin of the Earth”, sprinkling the track with husky vocals.

The Song Closet will hold their next gig on Wednesday, February 24. The free acoustic evening is an opportunity for local talent to showcase their music and residents to enjoy live music.

If you want to get involved or attend the next show is visit www.thesongcloset.com