Swiss Cajun roots band Mama Rosin scored a double success in London last week. They played their biggest London show at the Borderline and were rapturously received by a packed house.
Mama Rosin at the Border Line
There were several musical highlights in a brilliant show but the biggest of was melodeon player / vocalist Cyril ‘Jeter’ Yeterian announcing to the crowd that his girlfriend had just told him he was going to be a father for the first time – this was also news to guitarist / vocalist Robin Girod as the girlfriend in point is his sister – it was truly a family affair and a magical moment as they band embraced on stage and the crowd roared their approval.
The Government has stalled on its promises to remove the red tape around live music after Minister for Tourism and Heritage John Penrose suggested a small venue exception can only be pushed through if the DCMS gets the support of ministerial colleagues.
Penrose, whose brief also includes licensing, has said that if he goes down the route of deregulation – UK Music, the Musicians’ Union and others are advocating an exception from the Licensing Act for venues to put on gigs for 100 people or more – then he will be required to alert his colleagues in at least two other Government departments.
The move comes as the Lord Clement-Jones Live Music Bill gets a date for its second reading in the House of Lords.
Limelight flyer Bare Bones Boogie Band Elephant Shelf
Next week on FRIDAY 21 JAN Elephant Shelf is on a double bill with the BARE BONES BOOGIE BAND at the LIMELIGHT THEATRE – described by Live Music London as ‘Two of the best rising R&B acts in the UK’, BBBB have the wonderful HELEN TURNER as their front singer and she is something special – Each band will play an hour set and then come together for a jam at the end – our ‘Little’ Rosie & Helen Turner head to head is something to relish.
ALBERT LEE& HOGAN’S HEROES“THE BEST GUITARIST IN THE WORLD”
ACCORDING TO
ERIC CLAPTON
£15 in advance
£17.50 on the door
CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS!WE HAVE EXCITING FRIDAY AND SATURDAY PARTY NIGHTS COMING & ARE BOOKING CHRISTMAS PARTIES NOW! THE VENUE IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS TOO!
SO DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE!!!
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!“THE CASTLE FINCHLEY ROAD” GROUP
020 8455 3501
THE CASTLE
452 FINCHLEY ROAD
LONDON NW11 8DG
We have had to cancel Neil Innes, Maggie Bell & Bonzomania due to lack of sales. All those who bought tickets in advance have been contacted & refunded. Just a sign of the times…………. hopefully we can re book them in 2011
SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER – Elephant Shelf at the CASTLE ROCKS 452 FINCHLEY ROAD NW11 8DG, admission £5 (we think) this is a superb venue – 250 capacity, state of the art PA system – Georgie Fame, Chantel McGregor, Chas Hodges have all drawn good crowds there and Albert Lee is coming the on 21 Nov. But this Saturday its us so please come along – the venue is run by Denis Cook who built up the Horns in Watford – www.thecastlefinchleyroad.com.
If you want to hear more about the venue go to www.bluesmatters.com and click on Podcasts – you’ll hear our Vicky talking to Georgie Fame who spins some fascinating anecdotes about the Soho music scene back in the sixties.
STOP PRESS NEWS – ELEPHANT SHELF BOOKED AS SUPPORT FOR CHRIS FARLOWE & the NORMAN BEAKER BAND Music Palace Crouch End London N8– Crouch End Hooley Festival 5th December – more details to follow.
SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER – Elephant Shelf at the CASTLE ROCKS 452 FINCHLEY ROAD NW11 8DG, admission £5 (we think) this is a superb venue – 250 capacity, state of the art PA system – Georgie Fame, Chantel McGregor, Chas Hodges have all drawn good crowds there and Albert Lee is coming the on 21 Nov. But this Saturday its us so please come along – the venue is run by Denis Cook who built up the Horns in Watford – www.thecastlefinchleyroad.com.
If you want to hear more about the venue go to www.bluesmatters.com and click on Podcasts – you’ll hear our Vicky talking to Georgie Fame who spins some fascinating anecdotes about the Soho music scene back in the sixties.
STOP PRESS NEWS – ELEPHANT SHELF BOOKED AS SUPPORT FOR CHRIS FARLOWE & the NORMAN BEAKER BAND Music Palace Crouch End London N8– Crouch End Hooley Festival 5th December – more details to follow.
The Castle, steeped in musical tradition, has been taken over by Denis Cook (ex The Horns Watford) and after an extensive refurbishment re opened December 2009.
The bar has been extended and the pub has two areas -The Lounge, stylish, comfortable, kinda Cuban feel offering expresso coffee, Castle Cocktails, a wide selection of beers, including real ales, superb wine list, spirits etc……The Music Room – top NCA pa sound system with cool Allen & Heath Mixer Deck…. LED lighting system, large stage, extensive music memoribillia. We have a large dance area where on Monday Nights you can learn the Argentine Tango and on Wednesdays SALSA! Lessons and dance with Mina Queen Salsa!
We’re delighted to have Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes kick off their 2010 European Tour here on March 4th.
From September the UK’s top Tribute Acts will appear every Friday and we will be bringing top name acts on Saturday nights starting with Wilko Johnson on Sept 18th! acts booked include Georgie Fame, Chas & His Band, The Metrotones, Neil Innes, Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly, Chantel McGregor, John Otway, Bonzomania, Albert Lee returning! Larry Miller …..
We have two reservable areas in the music room, both seat 4/6 people – the Maybelline Bay and the Ruby Bay – so if you’ve got a small party celebration call and reserve your own exclusive area!
Inbetween the Lounge and Music Room we have a chic area that can be “VIP” reserved for 10/12 people – call and reserve for your larger party! Larger parties can be catered for just call us and we can chat through!
We offer a full lunch time menu and an early evening “Tapas” style bar menu, and on music nights….. our “Late Night Bites” menu …..Castle Chilli, Pizzas, Curry, Chips etc etc to keep you going! Lucas is our Monday through Saturday chef and handles any buffet requirements too.
Take Sunday off and enjoy “Bruno’s Brunch”! – top local chef Bruno offers an “All Day Breakfast” – Super Sunday Roast – and a full alternative menu! – Bookings available.
Large South Facing Patio, with Jumbo Umbrella, heaters and lights – perfect for our smokers! We have exotic Olive and Palm Trees and seating for over 70 people overlooking the exotic Finchley Road!!
We have cloakroom facilities on busy nights.
Position: corner of Finchley Road, Hermitage Lane and Cricklewood Lane.
Parking: nearby
Tube: Golders Green (Northern Line)
Train: Cricklewood
Bus: 13, 82, 245, 260, 328 and N13
Yet the 100 Club in Oxford Street – described by Aerosmith‘s Joe Perry as “the finest rock’n'roll club in the world” – could close within a few months because of soaring overheads unless it can find a buyer. Its rates bill has hit £4,000 a month and landlord Lazari Investments now charges rent, with VAT, of £166,000 a year.
The cellar club’s owner, Jeff Horton, said: “It makes me so angry. The Government, Westminster council and even some of the commercial landlords say they want to help small businesses, they say they want to preserve London‘s uniqueness, they want to help multi-cultural venues.
“Yet we’re all that and all these organisations have all dumped on us from a great height.” His father started running the venue in 1964, but it opened in 1942 as a jazz club.
Mr Horton sees few alternatives to closure after Lazari raised the rent by 45 per cent. “In 1985, when I took over, the rent was barely £11,000 In the US the rents are frozen at certain venues that have a bit of heritage. Here it’s a total free-for-all.”
He added: “What the 100 Club needs is a buyer or major sponsor to step forward. Barring that, we’re closing at Christmas despite being as popular as ever. It really is insane.”
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The Delta Ladies Sat July 31st at the Cherry Tree Southgate
Hi all we are at a new venue called the Cherry Tree in Southgate, we are starting quite early at about 19:30 for an evening of mellow tunes and stuff. Its a hew venture for this pub to have live music so it would be good to support it. they also do rather nice real ales as well.
Conservative MP John Whittingdale, chair of the all party Culture Media and Sport Committee, has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the government ‘… to bring forward proposals for an exemption to the Licensing Act for audiences of 200 to tackle the negative impact with regards to small venues hosting live performances.’
Intriguingly, Labour members make up the majority of the 21 MPs who have signed so far.
EDMs are rarely debated, but can generate useful publicity for a cause, especially if signed by a large number of MPs. Why not ask your MP to sign, if they have not already done so? Contact via www.theyworkforyou.com (identifies your MP from your postcode).
In May 2009 the CMS Committee concluded its public inquiry into the Licensing Act. It found that the Act had harmed small scale performances, and recommended that new exemptions should be introduced for live music in venues with a capacity of up to 200, and for one or two unamplified performers:
Lord Clement-Jones’ new live music bill would, if successful, implement an exemption for gigs with an audience of up to 200 and allow unamplified live music without a restriction on the number of musicians. Its 2nd reading debate has not yet been scheduled, but may take place later this year:
Responsibility for licensing is now shared between the Home Office (alcohol) and DCMS (regulated entertainment). DCMS licensing minister John Penrose recently hinted in Parliament at a ‘radical’ solution for live music (21 June):
Full text of John Whittingdale’s EDM 546 ‘Live performances’:
‘That this House celebrates the cultural value of live performances in enriching and entertaining communities; notes that small venues hosting live performances are the bedrock of the entertainment industry, providing opportunities for artists to begin their careers; is concerned that the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003 has meant that there has been a decline in the number of small venues wishing to put on live performances; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward proposals for an exemption to the Licensing Act for audiences of 200 to tackle the negative impact with regards to small venues hosting live performances.’
Larry Miller is launching his latest album “Unfinished Business” at the Bush Hall on 30th June 2010 in London. This is a special event where you will rub shoulders with top journalists, and enjoy a night of fun with Larry.
Larry Miller
Every ticket holder will receive a FREE copy of the new album, and a limited edition golden VIP ticket upon arrival at the venue.
The limited edition golden VIP ticket allows the bearer access to one Larry Miller gig of their choice absolutely free. This ticket will have no end date, so you can use it to get access to any Larry gig at anytime in the future. Once you have used it, it will be yours to keep as a souvenir.
Each ticket will have a unique code that is traceable back to the ticket holder, and to use it, you will have to confirm that you are the original owner of the ticket.
We suggest you hold onto your ticket until Larry plays Wembley!
Tickets are priced at £18.00
Ticket only option: £10.00
There are less than 50 tickets left, so book yours early to avoid disappointment!
The address of the venue is as follows:
The Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge RD, London, W12 7LJ
The doors open at 7:30 pm, and the Album launch will finish at 11pm.
Starting 8pm, Thursday 6th of May 2010 at Annie’s Bar, 180 Kentish Town Road, NW5, a high quality open mic with a sense of humour, an opportunity to show off your musical and other talents.
Night kicks off with Rosie Swan, a big fat soul diva hiding in a lil white chick…
Evidence has emerged that DCMS use of Alcohol and Entertainment licence statistics has misled respondents to the public consultation on an exemption from entertainment licensing for small gigs. Environmental Protection UK (EPUK), formerly the National Society for Clean Air, has submitted a strongly negative response to the consultation: http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/assets/library/documents/DCMS_-_Licensing_Act_Reform_(2).pdf It is based in part on a misinterpretation of DCMS Alcohol and Entertainment licence statistics – an almost inevitable result of the way the statistics were presented by DCMS within the consultation. In para 4.3 of the consultation document, published on 31 December 2009, DCMS reported that local authorities and the police believed ‘… there was no statistical evidence that the Act was restricting live music’, and that LACORS believed that ‘very few applications for live music were refused. The Government’s Licensing Statistics bulletin 2008 showed that the number of authorisations for live music had risen by 7% during 2007/8 and although this did not reflect the number of live music events staged in practice, it was nevertheless an indicator that live music was thriving.’
http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/consultations/condoc_exemptsmall_livemusicevents.pdf In para 4.4 DCMS describes these as ‘very serious objections’, and the reason the government had previously deferred this consultation. By this devious means, DCMS avoided making such claims directly but implied misleadingly that they had considerable merit. Thus DCMS gave weight to the ‘live music thriving’ interpretation of the licence statistics, when they knew that no such conclusion could be drawn. DCMS made no attempt within the consultation to prevent such a misinterpretation. Nor did they mention their own evidence that live music was not thriving: the BMRB live music survey of 2007 that found a 5% fall in live gigs since the Licensing Act had come into force. On 28 January 2010, in the report ‘Changes in Live Music 2005-2009′, DCMS acknowledged that the Alcohol and Entertainment licence statistics could not be used to draw conclusions about the state of live music: ‘It is hard to say conclusively that the number of premises with a live music licence indicates more live music venues or more live music gigs…’ [updated March/April 2010, p2]
http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/research/Increases_in_live_music_between_2005_and_2009updated.pdf Unsurprisingly, this escaped the attention of EPUK who took the DCMS bait when responding to the small gigs exemption consultation: ‘The Department’s statistical bulletin suggests that the number of licences granted for live music continues to grow, contradicting the claim that the Act is inhibiting applications’. [response to DCMS Consultation Question 1, p1] It seems EPUK was unaware that the Licensing Act had dramatically increased the scope of entertainment licensing, making increased applications inevitable, or that licence conditions may restrict or even prevent live music. Their response also suggests that in their view live music is doing fine, and this is a key reason for opposing any new exemption. Apparently they were ignorant of the DCMS caveat about licence statistics, and of the DCMS/BMRB survey. Right at the start of their response they state: ‘… there is no evidence that live music performance is in decline’ [EPUK 'Summary View', p1]. Why would DCMS want to influence their own consultation in this underhand way? My own view is that the senior civil servants most closely involved are not acting neutrally, but are in fact active opponents of relaxation of entertainment licensing for live music. There are also good reasons why DCMS might want to exaggerate the success of the music industry and play down the flaws in the Licensing Act. The government is anxious to be perceived as switched on to live music and a friend of the industry – particularly with a general election imminent.
This plays well to younger voters. And senior DCMS licensing team civil servants, on whom ministers rely for briefings about the working of the Licensing Act and the credibility of their live music research, are fighting to preserve their reputations. ENDS
Drum & Monkey are happy to present Quimby’s first ever show in London to you.
Gates open at 6:30 at HUB CLUB, the evening starts soon after with a Hungarian Stand up Comedy, performed by Quimby’s Livius and Edu! (they are planning to do a kind of duel or what)
The recently formed British-Hungarian Mindpilot will take over then, with Andras Simonits in their lines, to warm up the atmosphere. After Quimby, well, it’s Dino!
And of course… QUIMBY! In between and all along…
Early Bird tickets are on sale for £17.50 in Nemesis Tattoo – Camden Town
The Maynard is launching a monthly Rhythm & Blues night ‘Rhythm & Blues at the Maynard’, sponsored by BLUES MATTERS magazine – this gig is prelude to what is hoped will become one of the best R&B Blues gigs in North London.
Entertainment licensing for small gigs has become an election issue. On Tuesday, a Labour party spokesperson suggested that licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe had already made up his mind to proceed with an entertainment licensing exemption for 100-capacity gigs – even before DCMS had evaluated the 800 exemption consultation responses. Last October Sutcliffe suggested that the figure would be open to negotiation when the DCMS exemption consultation was over (it closed on 26 March).
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/86573 Today, both trade papers report renewed Conservative backing for a 200-capacity exemption: http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=66789 Shadow Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt told The Publican: “We support the campaign to extend the exemption from requiring a licence for live music performances to 200 people. The Licensing Act was meant to support the live music industry, but has turned out to be a disaster. Extending the exemption to 200 people will reduce the burden of bureaucracy on pubs, and provide a much needed boost to the live music industry.”
The Publican itself is among those campaigning for a 200-capacity exemption: http://www.thepublican.com/section.asp?navcode=399 Today’s Morning Advertiser coverage: http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/86594 Lord Clement-Jones’ live music bill, which made it to the Commons, has now fallen. It was not included in the secretive and undemocratic Parliamentary ‘wash up’ that finishes today. This is where last minute deals are done to get some bills through before an election. An excellent article today by Alex Stevenson of politics.co.uk sheds more light on the wash-up: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/elections/talking-elections-post/post/talking_election/11/lost-in-the-wash-up-behind-closed-doors/ Lib Dem shadow culture secretary Don Foster has suggested that they would consider bringing back a bill after the election.
Bea and the Honeytones whup up three sets of devilishly sassy blues in the centre of town, with Bea Appleby (vocals), Stuart Dixon (guitar), Dave Shannon (harmonica and vocals), Chris Hilliard (drums), Jamie Lawrence (bass) and Janos Bajtala (keyboards).
The Local Government Association and its partner LACORS (‘promoting quality regulation’) have published their joint response to the DCMS consultation on an entertainment licensing exemption for small gigs:
The consultation closed last Friday, 26 March. Predictably, the proposed exemption is rejected by LGA/Lacors as ‘unworkable’ and ‘disproportionate’. But the document includes one notable concession: ‘The LGA Group does support exemptions for schools and hospitals…’. It then wrongly claims that these venues ’were not previously required to hold a live music licence.’
Under the previous entertainment licensing regime, public performances of live music were licensable in such places, and indeed almost anywhere else – as they are today. Private charity fund-raising gigs were exempt, however - unlike today.
But even this LGA concession is qualified: ‘We will work with government and partners to develop balanced exemption criteria.’ How gracious. The response continues in paranoid mode:
‘A poll of council licensing officers carried out by the LGA Group found that 9 out of 10 think the exemption would lead to an increase in complaints about noise and nuisance. More than half said they expected the increase to be considerable.’ [Key Messages]
No mention, of course, that noise nuisance is already regulated by separate legislation.
‘Councils’ role is to balance the needs of the whole community, including local businesses and local residents. Opposing this exemption is not about saying “no” to live music. Councils want to be able to say “yes”, confident that local people have been considered as part of the process.’ [Key Messages]
‘… the right of councillors to make decisions relating to local licensed premises is an important feature of local democracy and therefore the proposal may have constitutional significance in that it undermines local decision making.’ [Response point 17]
It is true then: councils want to micro-manage virtually all local live music, and they see this as their right.
One particularly batty LGA proposal is that premises already licensed for live music should be excluded from any exemption (response point 9). Many already licensed venues are subject to unjustifiably restrictive conditions, including 2- and 3-performer limits. If implemented, this LGA idea would create two classes of venue based on an arbitrary distinction: one subject to many unnecessary restrictions; the other free of those restrictions and with a potentially commercial advantage. This would inevitably lead to conflict and legal challenges.
The abiding impression created by the LGA is that relaxing licensing control for small gigs would unleash the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. But no evidence of the imminent stampede is produced.
Surprisingly, other evidence often cited by the LGA is also conspicuous by its absence. This is the DCMS ‘evidence’ that live music is ’thriving’. Until now, citing dodgy DCMS live music statistics has been a favourite LGA lobbying tactic. Could it be that the LGA knows something we don’t about the UK Statistics Authority investigation into recent DCMS live music claims?
The LGA response is …. more research! Yes, they call on the government to ‘commission further detailed research’ which would establish, among other things:
‘How much unmet latent demand for live music in small venues there is (amongst the public, performers and venue owners)’ (response point 14).
It is not clear what contribution this knowledge would make to the debate. Is the LGA is suggesting that if such demand is low, it would reinforce their case against a small gigs exemption, and justify a regulatory regime that criminalises the unlicensed provision of one musician in a bar or restaurant, even if there are no complaints?
Of course this LGA submission does not speak for all, or indeed any, individual local authority. It is based on the view of a relatively small number of licensing officers and a few officials within the LGA and Lacors.
In fact, there is support within some local authorities for a small gigs exemption, as this City of York council response demonstrates (see point 7):
Glenn Patrik’s first UK gig at The Blues Room St Albans
Glenn Patrik
The Blues Room is proud to present the first ever UK gig by the esteemed US bluesman Glenn Patrik (www.glennpatrik.com), he comes to St. Albans the UK’s premier music with a pedigree that links back to some of the biggest names in Blues & Rock ‘n’ Roll, Albert King, Albert Collins and many more. Backed by St. Albans favourites Elephant Shelf with whom Glenn is recording – a red-hot grooving night is ensured.
18th Feb – From the USA Glenn Patrik with Elephant Shelf.
Glenn Patrick
Glenn Patrick. is from Kansas City USA and I had the good pleasure to meet him recently when I interviewed him for Blues Matters Magazine. Glenn has been acquainted with some of great names of American music including Albert Collins, Albert King, Duane Eddy and many more. He has a band full of great musicians who’ve also played with some mega names – Marshall Tucker Band, Sister Sledge and many more. Glenn has a superb album ‘Nuthin’ but a Thang’ out on Shakehouse records. It’s an album that captures all that is best is in American music; true swing and great ensemble playing; so there’s an introduction. Tonight Glenn will be playing with Elephant Shelf as his band so expect something a little different
If enacted the bill would exempt a range of venues up to 200 capacity from entertainment licensing for live music between 8am and midnight, and allow up to two musicians to perform anywhere unamplified or minimally amplified. The bill is supported by UK Music, the original Live Music Forum, the National Campaign for the Arts, Equity and the Musicians Union.
The Bill passed the Lords Committee stage on Monday 1st February without amendment or opposition:
If progress continues unobstructed, it will go to the Commons. Its success there is dependent on the government. In reality, it is unlikely that the Bill will receive Commons debate as the Government will be unwilling to find time before the general election for a Bill they do not support.
But as The Publican reported yesterday: ‘Although the bill is a private members’ bill and is unlikely to become law, it could help to effect the government’s final plans over live music licensing’:
Meanwhile the police have been making friendlier noises about live music. The original Live Music Forum, founded by campaigner Phil Little in the 1990s, has published a correspondence with the police in which they state:
‘The vast majority of live music events serve to provide considerable pleasure and social benefit without implication for policing or public safety. In a very small number of cases there is clear evidence of association of criminality with events or acts and that obviously needs to be dealt with as the intelligence and circumstances indicate, however, this is clearly the exception and not the norm.’
[Letter to Phil Little from Commander Paul Minton, Chief of Staff, Association of Chief Police Officers, received 13/01/2010
On 21 January Phil Little wrote back asking whether or not the police will support the exemptions in the live music bill and the government’s own consultation. A reply is expected soon.
Take two brilliant entertainers,
add an amazing range of instruments
and a stunning array of songs and
you have the DELTA LADIES.
The Delta Ladies
Delta Ladies
Imagine the high lonesome sound of a mountain fiddle and bluegrass guitar, the knife edge of Delta slide guitar, the fluid jazz violin of Stephan Grapelli, the songs of Hendrix & Dylan with the addition of Gypsy violin and flamenco tinged guitar, using guitars, fiddles, mandolin and the unique chromatic dulcimer…Imagine music that contains all of these magical elements, great songs like Hey Joe, but with Gypsy violin, Night and Day with dark passion…songs about the railway, about the devil and about life…Imagine all of this, then the added spice of startling original tunes..
From Delta blues to Jazz,
From Gershwin to grunge,
From Vaudeville to Voodoo child..
Chicago Blues at its best with Bea & the Honeytones.
Bea and the Honeytones
Bump and Grind Chicago Blues.Your in for a mighty fine time. with:
Bea Appleby – lead vocals
Janos Bajtala – keyboards
Ivan Ho – drums
Jamie Lawrence – upright bass
Stuart Dixon – guitar
Dave Shannon – harmonica and vocals
Influences Memphis Minnie, Sugar Pie Desanto, Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Little Walter, Van Morrison, Jimmy Smith, Tommy Tucker, O V Wright, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson, T Bone Walker, Memphis Slim
The Blues Room continues its storming start. Last Saturday the place was rammed and Dr. Shades rocked the house. Everyone said the vibe was pure magic. So why not get on down this Saturday for a greta evening of vintage style blues with BEA & The HONEYTONES – sexy Bea Appleby on vocals , ‘Devastating Dave’ Shannon on Harmonica, Stuart Dixon on guitar and a great line-up. From around 9 – get in and enjoy what is gonna be the best live blues venue around. A Blues Matters Sponsored Venue
‘Ain’t no gittar wankin’ here boy, i’s just real good music!’
6th Feb Gary Boner’s ROADHOUSE
Gary Boners Roadhouse
ROADHOUSE, led by guitarist Gary Boner are a legend on the blues rock circuit. These regular headliners at the Colne Festival feature stunning female singers Mandie G, Suzie D and Kelly Marie. Their vocals hovering over an intoxicating mix of Gary’s rocking guitar and a rhythm section that really moves. As the critics say ‘Rocking Blues to set your soul on fire’
The Blues Room at Harry Smiths Bar St Albans
Sponsored by Europe’s premier Blues & Roots Magazine BLUES MATTERS; the Blues Room Bringing you the very best in Blues & Rhythm & Blues Rock ‘n’ Roll, Swing & Roots Music every week.
Interested in playing here?
email us at: bookings@harrysmithsbar.com
The Blues Bonanza at Lakeside, Hayling Island, Hants
Friday 22 Jan – 25 Jan 2010, £139 pp half board. Code RNB10
A fab weekend of blues and R&B in the friendly atmosphere of Lakeside, Hayling Island. Headlined by Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges with the fabulous King King featuring superb guitarist Alan Nimmo, plus the ever-popular Spikedrivers,the all-danceable Swamp Cats, new to Boogaloo the extremely entertaining and lively Elephant Shelf, plus up-and-coming young and talented guitarist Ben Poole and his band. Sadly Son Henry has been taken ill so is not allowed to fly BUT we have been fortunate to book Trafficker in their place with guitar supremo Tommy Allen.
More details to follow soon! Live bands every night, acoustic blues session on Saturday and late night jams led by Five Field Holler. Tony Farinha is MC and DJ for the weekend. LAST FEW ROOMS LEFT!
Music Owns The Night is a new live music event featuring unsigned music.
They are being hosted and run by Duane Saul.
The launch show will be at Venue 229, Great Portland Street on Tuesday February 9th 2010.
We will be looking for all varieties of music and talent. We spend many hours sourcing the best acts from many locations including myspace. We have already had many requests from acts wanting to perform at our launch show.
If you would like to perform at any of our shows please e-mail musicownsthenight@hotmail.co.uk with all your details.
For each show we intend to have industry executives present as well as national and local press.
OK its just a wee bit outside London but may be of interest:
The Blues Room at Harry Smiths Bar St Albans.Sponsored by Europe’s premier Blues & Roots Magazine BLUES MATTERS; the Blues Room Bringing you the very best in Blues & Rhythm & Blues Rock ‘n’ Roll, Swing & Roots Music.
January 16th 2010 opening night with:
The Electric Revelators
Gordon Wride, Simon Gregory, Colin Goldring and Sam GoldringPlaying an electric set of Chicago, Texas and British Blues (with an indie twist), they have performed (and been invited back) at many of the leading UK & European Blues Festivals including the Douro Blues Festival Portugal, Blues On The Farm, Colne, Darlington R/B, Abertillery, Tenby, Blaenau, Chicago Rock Festival Swansea, Mumbles Jazz & Blues Festival and at venues such as The 100 Club (Oxford Street, London), Bath Blues Club, Bristol Blues Club, Cheltenham Blues Club, The Tawe Delta Swansea, The Point Cardiff, The Toucan Club Cardiff, The Devalence Tenby, The Park & Dare Treorchy, The Met Abertillery, The Beaufort Ebbw Vale, The Milkwood Jam Swansea.
Dr. Shade’s Blues Band at Harry Smith’s 23 January
Doctor Shades
Dr. Shades were formed out of members of the audience to the ‘Shades of Blues’ club at the Maltings St Albans. The band is going from strength to strength following a performance at the Maltings which was greeted by a standing ovation, with re-bookings at every venue. Dr. Shades are a five piece band of experienced local musicians; fronted by sensational female Blues vocalist Chris Lord the band also features Bob ‘Dr Shades’ Ayre on drums.
They present a wide range of Blues influenced music, ranging from well known classics by BB King, Eric Clapton, Howling Wolf and Etta James to less well known songs; all done with a smile ! Come on down to the Docs’, they’re gonna make you feel good all night!
More Gig listings
20th Feb – From the USA Glenn Patrik with Elephant Shelf.
6th Feb Gary Boner’s ROADHOUSE
They play music from Robert Johnson to Albert King through to Jimi Hendrix! – Always with a Smile.
“JimmyC has created a tight 4 piece to present his own brand of entertainment..The band clearly enjoy what they do and seem able to communicate this to audiences where ever they play”
BLUES IN BRITAIN MAGAZINE
“It’s the mans joi de vivre that hits the spot..innovative arrangements…rock solid rhythm section…a fine blues shakedown topped with some searing rock and roll”
SOUND MAGAZINE
Diana is a performing composer and muscian playing Piano Violin & Guitar. She currently plays with the Rock/Roots band Elephant Shelf and also the Delta Ladies who mix roots acoustic music and electronica.
She composes in a variety of styles from pop to rock to Jazz and and classical music.Diana is also expert in multi-media recording and music production. To hear more visit >> www.glass-cage.com