Formed originally as a community street band for the Whitstable Oyster Festival parade, the Native Oysters have evolved to become a funky, electrifying experience with tight, powerful horn arrangements and creamy, soulful vocals from traditional second-line classics through Americana, 70’s funk, right up to full on hip-hop and R&B, all given the Delta city treatment, Whitstable style.
Founder members, saxophonists Ivan Thompson and Katy Windsor have been the driving force, along with drummer Alan King, adding along the way, lead singer and trumpeter, David Migden; helicon player Russ Kennedy; tuba player, Tom Pascoe and guitarist Steven Higgs. All members share a passion for New Orleans music creating a musical experience never to be forgotten.
Vicars Picnic, Yalding.
Faversham Hop Festival.
Folkstone Charivari.
Margate Jazz Festival.
Whitstable Oyster Festival.
Brogdale Cider Festival.
Broadstairs Folk Week.
Maidstone Fringe Festival.
Broadstairs Dickens Festival.
Farriers Arms Beer Festival, Mersham.
Whitstable Beer Festival.
Hutstock.:
Old Neptune, Whitstable.
The Lighthouse Arts & Music Pub, Deal
Olby's Soul Cafe, Margate
Market Inn, Faversham
The Chambers, Folkstone
Three Mariners, Hythe
Fez, Margate
The Anchor, Faversham
Churchill Tavern, Ramsgate
Tickled Trout, Wye
Harper's Bar, Broadstairs
The Rock Lodge, Whitstable
Prince Of Wales, Hoath
Cin Cin Wine Bar, Deal
Red Lion, Hernhill
New Inn, Whitstable
The Swan, West Malling
Follies, Folkstone
The Chapel, Broadstairs
Queen's Park Bandstand, London
Whitstable Oyster Parade.
Sea Sunday Parade, Whitstable
Folkstone Charivari Parade
End Of The Pier Show House Band, Greenwich, Ramsgate, Whitstable
Saxon Shore half marathon
Faversham Market
Westgate Gardens, Canterbury
Channel Radio
Deal Town Hall
Quarterhouse, Folkstone. Supporting Hot 8 Brass Band
Pizza Express Music Room, Maidstone
Astor Theatre, Deal
Whitstable Umbrella Centre
The Thatched Barn, Farthingloe
Landmark Centre, Deal
Folkstone Harbour Arm
Folkstone Bandstand
The Tabernacle, Powys Square, London
Kent University
Annie's Jazz Club, Southend, Essex
West Reservoir Centre, Green Lanes, London.
"The Native Oysters were fantastic on Sunday, thank you so much. Everything we had hoped for and in fact even better! Everyone said how brilliant you were and you pitched it exactly right for our crowd. One couple had just got back from New Orleans and said they heard nothing there like your quality. That first dance will remain with me for ever. I'm delighted that we finally got you to play for us and thank you so much for your patience through all that nonsense of rearranging dates.
Lots of love from us both."
"Great gig down the jolly old Market Inn. You guys rock with amazing talent & beautiful beats. Thank you!"
"I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all for playing at Jess and James' wedding, despite getting drenched. I can't tell you how many people said how amazing you where and have been the talk of the town. When I asked J&J what their favourite moment of the day was, they replied 'the band, as it was such a lovely surprise and made the walk in the rain unforgettable"