Charming, from left, Craig Wheeler on bass, Emma Johnson on vocals and accoustic guitar, and Gareth Ashworth on guitar. Picture by Peter Boam.
A HOST of Isle of Wight bands played a benefit concert in Ryde last Friday, to raise money for Oxfam.
Held at Union Street bar The Black Sheep, the Oxjam Music Festival featured top Island acts Blackhouse Crow, Marc Dyer and Mike Le-Ray, Slombers Woke, Stu Collins, Plastic Mermaid, Duvex, Dead Perrys, Golden Strands and Charming,
It was the second annual Oxjam event, organised by The Black Sheep barmaid, Steph Norris.
At just 21, Steph, of Oakvale, Ryde, is on a mission to promote local talent and hopes to raise £1,500.
She said: "I play guitar myself and know quite a few people who play in bands and there are so many talented people on the Island.
"This was a chance for them to get their music out there and I’m really grateful they were happy to give up their time.
"I love living on the Island, it’s such a creative place and I’d like to stay here and move into event management.
"I feel there’s so much more that could be done to promote our musicians."
Oxjam continues tonight (Friday) with an event at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Cowes.
The Lost Eskimos, The Ohmz and Cherishport will be playing, from 8pm. Oxjam also continues at Coburgs, in Union Street, Ryde, later this month.
Acts including Claydon Connor, Yours and Mine, Gweido, Wild Oats and Cozy Flashback will play between October 18 and 20.
• More pictures in the Isle of Wight County Press today (Friday).
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk