It is under four months since When Rivers Meet have played in Wales. The contrast in weather is stark. That previous appearance saw the fiercely independent blues rock outfit headline the iconic Chepstow Castle venue on a balmy summer evening. Shorts and tees were the order of the evening then, and although there are, as usual in this part of the world, a few hardy souls still in shorts, most of us do not even feel the need to remove outer layers.
When Rivers Meet – Georgia Nevada
The Globe, Cardiff – 20 November 2025
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
Tonight, they return to the more intimate setting of The Globe, a long-established venue and converted cinema in the heart of the city centre.
Despite the attraction of Halestorm just a mile or so down the road, Grace and Aaron Bond and their expanded band draw a very healthy and enthusiastic crowd for a 95-minute set, which covers their entire discography.
Although most of the audience are clearly fans, with Grace noting many familiar faces in the crowd, there are some on their first encounter. It is warming to hear a couple of ladies remarking how good the band were as they leave the venue. 
It is a testimony to the lack of ego here that When Rivers Meet remain a six-piece. Grace and Aaron are still the centre of attention, but they have chosen their band carefully, with long-time bassist Adam Bowers and drummer James Fox joined by lead guitarist Craig Garrett and keyboardist Emily Frances.
Garrett in particular stands out with some understated yet ferociously hot lead work, whilst Frances’ contribution underpins the band’s songs with hidden layers that give breadth and depth.
When Rivers Meet may be closing in on the end of the Tree Of Life tour, with only a couple of shows to complete before they return to the studio and pressing family matters (a baby Bond is due in 2026 for those who are not paying attention), but they show no signs of easing off the accelerator.
From the opening song Free Man through to powerful encore Play My Game, this is a well-paced set that ebbs and flows nicely. Grace and Aaron give the band a break mid-point with the duet Golden, possibly the point where some of those boomers who think it is okay to talk all the way through a show get the loudest.
But apart from a few casualties from a few too many shandies, most are respectful of the intimacy and emotion this couple are able to wear on their musical sleeves. 
There is constant checking on each other through the show, Aaron rarely taking his eyes off his wife when their soaring harmonies hit the heights.
The inclusion of Garrett has also freed Aaron from the lead work, allowing him to switch instruments and even remove them to take on more vocals than on previous occasions. Singing is his first love, and he is very much at home with just the microphone, as evidenced on Road To Avalon, Take Me To The River and Preacher. 
It is an inclusive unit, with smiles all round throughout the show. Fox and Bowers regularly exchange knowing smiles, and there is a sense of fun which transmits to the overall performance.
The band are slick, professional and engaging throughout. Banter with the crowd is inevitable, and they cope easily with the heckles from those at the front. Aaron provides insight into the meaning behind their music, with I Will Fight particularly poignant and moving. 
Unsurprisingly, it is the latest album, Addicted To You, that provides the bulk of the setlist, the songs sounding well-rehearsed after weeks on the road. And they prove once more that they can kick some ass with a raucous Did I Break the Law that closes out the main set.
When Rivers Meet are not an overnight sensation. There is blood, sweat and tears on the stage. There are years of toil packed into performances like this.
But whilst they are on a slow burn to the top, make no mistake, this show confirms once more that with a little luck, they will get there.
Georgia Nevada
The venue isn’t overly full when BCMA female vocalist of the year nominee Georgia Nevada takes the stage. Those who are late miss a bit of a treat, for Nevada’s blend of country rock and blues is endearing. 
She is emotive, and you feel it in her songs. Hugely endearing, it is impossible not to warm to this captivating singer/songwriter as she moves through her set.
Her shoes are ridiculous, almost platform in style and height, causing her to stop to adjust the mic stand to accommodate the additional distance from the ground.
The set moves at perfect pace, with a rousing cover of Dolly Parton’s Jolene sitting neatly in the set. Georgia Nevada is confident in her ability and is deserving of the applause she receives.
It is a brave person who gets up with just one other person, her friend who covers guitar and sole bass drum. She switches from acoustic guitar to tambourine and even has a brief encounter with a mandolin, all with infectious humour, storytelling and a voice that could unlock the coldest heart. 
Apparently, a household name in the UK country rock scene, one imagines that Georgia Nevada will soon be a name known to a much wider audience.
