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Kevin Montgomery Wows Croydon: A Golden Night of Music at the Clubhouse

An Unforgettable Evening – 14th March 2025, Croydon Athletic Clubhouse

What a night it was! On Friday, 14th March, the Croydon Athletic Clubhouse played host to a very special stop on Kevin Montgomery’s UK and Ireland 2025 tour— and it turned out to be one of the standout community events of the year.
The intimate space in the heart of Thornton Heath welcomed music lovers from across the borough and beyond, as Kevin Montgomery, joined by special guest Jude Johnstone, delivered an emotionally rich and musically outstanding evening. It wasn’t just a concert – it was an experience.

Local Venue, Global Talent

Community buzz is nothing new to Croydon Athletics’ clubhouse, but this was a unique experience. As the doors opened at 7PM, the room steadily filled with regulars, curious locals, and dedicated fans of Montgomery’s American songbook. The atmosphere was warm, expectant, and full of excitement. What followed from 8PM to 11PM was three hours of magic.

The kind that lingers long after the amps are turned off and the last drink is poured.

Kevin Montgomery’s Soulful Homecoming

Kevin Montgomery may be Nashville-born, but there was something beautifully local about this show. Performing with passion, wit, and a storyteller’s ease, he brought the crowd into his world – one song at a time. From heartfelt acoustic ballads to energetic numbers that had the room swaying and singing along, Kevin proved exactly why he’s earned such a loyal following. His set was full of highlights, including crowd favourites like “Tennessee Girl” and the reflective “Ghost of the River.”

Between songs, he shared personal anecdotes that made the evening feel like an old friend telling stories by the fire. The charm? Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt forced. It was just real music, shared with real people, in a space where everyone was welcomed like family.

Jude Johnstone: A Perfect Complement

As a special guest, Jude Johnstone brought her own unique energy to the stage. Known for her songwriting brilliance – with artists like Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, and Bette Midler among fans – Jude Johnstone filled the room with a quiet intensity.

Whether performing solo or joining Kevin for duets, they held the audience in the palm of their hands. The storytelling, too, resonated with honesty and entertainment. Many in attendance said the performance was among the most moving they’ve ever witnessed live.

A Community That Showed Up in Style

What made the night truly memorable was the crowd. From the first strum to the final encore, the audience gave back as much as the performers delivered. It was a proper Croydon crowd – vocal, warm, and fully up for it. Locals chatted with newcomers. Strangers shared smiles over bar pints. It was a rare kind of togetherness that doesn’t come around often- a celebration of live music, community, and the joy of being in the moment.

Why This Night Mattered

This wasn’t just another music night – it was proof that Croydon Athletics’ clubhouse is becoming more than just a football venue. It’s a growing cultural hub, one that’s committed to bringing quality experiences right into the heart of our local community.
And let’s be honest – having international talent like Kevin Montgomery playing a grassroots venue in CR7? That’s a testament to the foundation we’re building here. Music, memories, and moments that matter.

Massive Thanks to All Involved

A huge thank you to Kevin Montgomery and Jude Johnstone for choosing to share their talent with us. Their generosity of spirit and undeniable artistry gave us a night we’ll never forget. Big props to the Croydon Athletic team who made it all happen behind the scenes – from the sound engineers to the bar staff, the setup crew and to the volunteers – every part of the night ran smoothly and with heart.

What’s Next?

If this night was anything to go by, we’re just getting started. Live music is firmly back at Croydon Athletic – and the appetite is clearly there for more. Follow the clubhouse’s social media platforms for upcoming events, lineups, and more unforgettable evenings like this one. When the music’s this good, and the vibes are this right, you’d be mad to miss out.

Until Next Time…

Kevin Montgomery and Jude Johnstone reminded us that sometimes the most unforgettable nights aren’t in stadiums or city halls – they’re in the places you least expect, like a little clubhouse in Thornton Heath.