A GLIMMER OF HOPE...

February's gloom is pierced by a tentative sun.. and here I am, sitting at home writing up other people's reviews. But Cinders shall go the ball, and fairy godfather Steve Tomlin asked me along to Wednesday's Merchant of Venice at the castle, appropriately sponsored by The Merchant pub. What a night!

This sharply delivered play is set in various parts of the castle. The audience are conducted gently from scene to scene, each setting perfect for its own particular ethos, linked and enhanced by Jude Glendinning's music

Michael Nunn's review precedes this blog, but I will add a couple of comments:

I particularly enjoyed Gareth Cassidy's very camp Launcelot, whose thoughtful advice to a lady close by, “Move up a bit, love, or you might get me crotch in your face,” evoked the response, “I'll just stop here then.”

Audience participation at its best.

In the courtroom scene, the air fairly crackled as the girls, privy to a man's world for the first time, hiss with jealousy at very demonstrative male bonding, let alone their new husbands' emotional infidelity. It was daggers drawn across the room. If looks could kill those boys would be dead meat.

The women, of course, get their own back to end the play on a very lively note. I'll tell you no more. Go see.

Jon Moore was sent this accolade after Hotcha on Saturday 17th at The Hornby Institute: 'It's a sure test of great music when the hair bristles on the back of my neck, and it did on Saturday night. You and your band were just tremendous, a real happening.'

Jon adds, “It is a great venue, and the acoustics are good. We played without amplification, and we still had a wonderful time. I'm certainly going to buy tickets for the Dave Newton & Alan Barnes gig on 17th April!"

And I write:-
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful Thursday afternoon at The Stonewell!  I know I keep writing about these guys, but where-else and when-else could you dance to Parisienne Samba, smoochy Viennese waltz, be uplifted by a duo of raunchy trombones and then chill out to Laura's low down and definitely dirty All of Me? 
Alan Mr. Cool Clarinet quietly adding understated elegance, Ray Briggs (spelt it right this time)supportively subtle on bass, Neil lifting the tone with calypso sycophant, Ronnie impresario and Bill Wilding strong as ever on keyboards. The Stonewell Tavern's own Jazz Festival in miniature! This afternoon goes from strength to strength.

Sue Seddon's Music and Arts review from the fair city of Lancaster

Here's a little drama to brighten the dull days of February

                                REVIEW – HIDEOUS SELF-INDULGENCE

A theatrical exploration of hedonism and indulgence

devised and performed by "Gorgeous" Theatre

The Nuffield Theatre, University of Lancaster

Thursday and Friday 4 and 5 February 2010 at 8pm

Directed by Adrian Howells and performed by the University's Theatre Studies students, this was one of the most enjoyable shows I have seen in a long while. It used well known Avant Garde styles and techniques, ingeniously re-moulded to excite the appetites and flirt with the desires of a modern audience.

The piece flows seamlessly from John Cage’s 4 minutes 33 seconds of silence to three girls stuffing as many grapes in their mouths as possible whilst telling jokes. And much, much more. Hilarious!

We were invited to think outside the box, question, doubt, and then realise just how self indulgent we all can be. Too many takeaways, so little time.

It was a delight to witness the vast talent and imagination of these bright young adults- musicians, singers, dancers, actors.

For a cast of over 30 to be constantly on stage would usually be a director’s worst nightmare. But it was far from a nightmare for the audience. A refreshing look at the Avant-Garde. Thank you Gorgeous!ly. 
(Gorgeous was spelled quite differently. It had an 'a' in the middle, but the PC police have ruled this out.  Shame.)

Copyright © 6 February 2010 Daniel George

And to further take our minds away from winter doom and gloom, an eclectic ensemble (look it up) took to the stage at The Stonewell on Thursday. No less than three pianists:- the Two Ronnies (French and Blamire) vied with Bill “Wild Thing” Wilding to outdo each other in ballroom, boogie, blues and sheer brilliance. Alan ruled supreme on clarinet, especially to the band's own “Arpeggio Style”. Laura Anderson, the chanteuse without whom no jazz afternoon is complete, charmed with throaty soul and Reprobate Geoff smooched along when the drums were taken over by a very feisty Terry Beglan. French Connection introduced a swing element to the later numbers, strongly sustained by Neil Harrison from Zazous Anglais. Confident playing of his 1946 Gibson L7 had not a little to do with the lively result, and another happy combination of talents for the ever-versatile band. All held together by the enigmatic Ray Biggs on bass.

Look out for interview from Holly Blackwell to appear in the estimable The Visitor next week (17^th Feb)

COMING SOON

At the Gregson on Saturday 13^th, The sensuous dynamism that is Baksheesh will, I guarantee, take the place by storm. The Berlin wall comes tumbling down as gypsy mazurka, foot-tapping polka, eastern chic meet in a cavalcade of exotic pleasure. Please send in reviews:- I can't be there and am very, very jealous!

8pm, fund-raiser, £5

Laura and Neil play at the refurbished John O' Gaunt, all gleaming new paint in heritage colours and looking very good indeed. (It's a bit subtle for us but we will cope.) With Matt Black from Diversity FM on Double Bass, Neil's Gretsch guitar and Laura fresh from Boogie Bill and the Billonaires, Cocktails for Two promises to be “a fizzing combination of two parts seasoned Music Men and one part sparkling Andrews”. Unmissable!

Wednesday 17^th February, free

Stop Press! Spotlight goes wham, bam, thank you ma'am...

Hold onto your seats: here's more!
Accomplished jazz singer Sue Parish performs at the Robert Gillow, Monday
22nd February, with two fine young north west musicians: pianist Andrzej Baranek and bassist Frank Grime.
9pm, free.

And last but not least
An exhibition of Arts and Crafts in the beautiful setting of St John's the Evangelist, North Road, Lancaster LA1 1PA. Refreshments and souvenirs on sale.
Disabled access and facilities.
22nd-28th February, 10-4, free, donations welcome

What A Week! 2

Weeks ending 31/01/10

A Monday night in darkest January, and most sensible people stay at home. But not in Lancaster!

Sue Parish at The Gillow on Monday 25^th sang with the gentlest swing to “Girl from Ipemema,” entertaining a contented audience. On keyboards, the light touch of versatile Vinny Parker, backed by Frank Grimes, dulcet as ever on Double Bass. In tandem, and for some of us in oscillation, the John O' Gaunt provided a relaxed version of French Connection and yet more friends. Don't those boys ever go home?

From the sublime to the rejuvenated and back again, the Bob Moffat Tribute Band assembled in force, Sweet Georgia Brown lifting the tempo and foot-tapping mood, Alan Kernmure's clarinet taking the stage for the boys' very own, home grown, Arpeggio Style. Good to hear John Whittaker's excellent trombone, Geoff Wilkes back on drums and Laura in soulful voice.

Back at the Gillow, Sue Parish rounded off the evening with a very sophisticated “Sway” for the diehards from both bars

Sunday's Sun Street Stompers at The Robert Gillow entertained a packed venue from half the county. Long may the bus pass continue!

The Borough Comedy Club opened its doors for the first show this decade, on the usual last Sunday of the month. A select crowd enjoyed some lively teasing from Liverpudlian compere Jamie Sutherland.

Pleasantly lacking in unnecessary vulgarity, just risque enough for a liberal Lancaster audience drawn from a fair section of the Palatine, the evening continued with Ro Campbell, a lovable Aussie finding humour in comparisons between his gung-ho homeland heroes, the darker side of Scotland and the absurdity of England's nanny state.

Ben Lanes' dry style outlined the impossible distance between male and female, desire and satiety, alcohol supply and tolerance.

Geordie Jason Cook rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Fast paced, affectionate, banter ricocheted from the sublime to the surreal:- the deep-fried Mars bar, Americans and irony, the loss of libido awaiting us all and why teachers should not run an orgy.

Coming soon:-

High Society at Stavely Beer Hall! Only in the North could the two combine.... on Feb 10^th, presented by Kendal Jazz Club, Trad to Swing from the “amiable 8-piece with plenty of oomph. £7.00, starts 8pm, more details from www.kendaljazzclub.co.uk

An ear to the ground is worth two in the bush, or words to that effect. There are musical stirrings afoot. Lancaster Music Festival is already gathering momentum for October, incorporating an extended Maritime Festival on St George's Quay, classical music programme, punk, r&r, jazz and blues, classical, plus the unmissable, impossible to categorize, Gladly Solemn Sound.......................and lots more beer!

Ben Ruth writes:-

We're looking at possibly 26 venues:- newly confirmed are The Yorkshire House (punk on Sunday Oct. 10th, Royal Kings Arms Hotel (final Maritime session Sunday evening Oct. 10th, and Lancaster Castle (Gladly Solemn concert either
Friday Oct. 8th or Saturday Oct. 9th). The Grand Theatre already booked a slot last year!
 
Additional venues to be confirmed are Crows (jazz), Bobbin (heavy metal), Bowerham Hotel and other Classical music venues
 
Lancaster Cultural Services have pledged their support.
 
A local professional has offered to do the vinyl overlays on
the banners for free (thanks Eric) 
 
Bands are enquiring at about the rate of 20 a week. Venues can book who they want when they want. when you have any bookings for that weekend please let me know and I will start filling in the calendar.

Input welcome:- here are some taken on board already

1. More music on a Sunday during the day – yes please!
2. Food on the street on a Sunday - lot of hungry punters on the Quay!
3. Beer supplies:- venue owners are now forewarned as to the huge turnout and thirst of punters!
4. Better press presence. We will ensure we have our own photographers out there to submit photos to the papers after the festival.
5. The brochures need a check box so folks can check off acts that they have seen - the brochures were a huge success and this year will include a page on bands.
6. An online timetable with white background (easy to print off)
 
Benjamin Ruth
Lancaster Music Festival Coordinator

What A week! 2010

JANUARY

Welcome to a new decade with What a Week! Sue Seddon has left her security blanket and ventured out into the big wide world of Lancaster to report, once again, on what she can remember.....

Friday 15^th:- A stalwart crowd gathered at Spotlight to hear poetry and prose of distinction.

This is taken from Michel Nunn's review:-

Sometimes a lucky dip, Spotlight really turned up trumps with two outstanding performances. The first, local writer and bon-viveuse Sue Seddon, in an impromptu monologue adapted from Hermione Blackwell's “Growing Old (Disgracefully)”

As if Alan Bennett had re-written Les Dawson’s ‘Ada’, with some wonderfully earthy, robust narrative. Beautifully paced with a punchline that was a show-stopper.

Later we were treated by Lancaster graduate David Tait to some of his recent verse. He has a distinctive feel for language, metre and form, as well as a wry sardonic sense of humour.

I particularly enjoyed his spicy version, in sonnets and ‘end piece’, of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale, and his love poems are an art form in themselves. This man will go far.

All credit to co-opted compere Norman Hadley and Spotlight organisers Ron and Sue. (Copyright Michael Nunn)

SUNDAY STAGGER

This begins at the Stonewell, lunchtime piano by Bill “Wild Thing” Wilding, and in tandem at The Robert Gillow, raucous Trad Jazz session with the Sun Street Stompers. Do both. Now Sunday's Staccato (an irregular movement from bar to bar) is complete as the Honka Monka Club explodes onto the scene at JOG, filling the afternoon slot and indeed most of the street with lean, clean acoustics from Jason Wilkinson and Joe Cutler (guitars), Big John Huck on drums and Lancaster's answer to Chicago, manic harmonica man Ben Ruth. Guesting:- Raphael (guitar)and surprise vocalist Aiden. Sundays, 3.30pm-6.30pm, free.

Thursday 21^st at The Stonewell, French Connection played Charleston to Cajun as a feel-good session brought trombonist John Whittaker, singer Laura, pianists Bill Wilding and Ronnie Blamire, and gypsy jazz guitarist Neil to the stage. A regular afternoon session has developed from the ever-adaptable Ronnie French (piano and flirting with ladies), Alan Kernmure (soulful sax, cool clarinet, gets Ronnie onto the bus) and the talented Mr. Bass, Ray Briggs, with drummer Geoff Wilkie (day release).Thursdays, 3.00pm-5pm, free.

COMING SOON

Monday 25^th:- Select special:- Sue Parish, jazz pianist Vinny Parker and bassist Frank Grime, the Gillow, 9pm, free.

Every Monday, Bob Moffat Tribute Band, all the usual suspects, John O' Gaunt, 9pm, free.

Tuesday 26^th:- Sophisticated pickings to big brass.

Neil and Barrie, Zazous Anglais meets the Marsh, play a lively acoustic set in the Duke's Theatre foyer from 5pm, free

The Bowerham, excellent line-up of Lancaster's finest, 9pm.

Mark Coyle's Open Night showcases new talent along with old diehards at The Stonewell, Wednesdays, 9pm, free

Friday 29^th, Ricky Aaron, Smokey Joe's, Morecambe £7.00

ADVANCE NOTICE

Feb 20^th, Hotcha at Hornby, book now on 015242 22227

Feb 25th-March 20^th Mondays-Saturdays, Demi-Paradise Productions present The Merchant of Venice, Shire Hall, bookings from 1^st Feb, 01524 64998

WHAT A WEEK! 21

Sue Seddon's round up of Lancaster's arts and music scene

Hard to know where to start, with such a mountain of goodies to review.

Baksheesh With Knobs On!

Returning in style from the festivals of eastern Europe with new depth, Baksheesh at The Stonewell last Thursday exploded onto the stage with a musical revamp involving feisty brass, energetic gypsy rhythms and sultry bazurka. Elegantly raucous trumpet from Lily Whitfield and saxy base notes from Sophie Flint gave fiddler Nick the back-up he needed to really let rip, flying above and around the strong brass element with panache. The vocal/ brass harmony was particularly memorable. Kraftwerk reworked added chic Berlin to the mix.

Dave Shooter's strong bass guitar, Xtophe with refined percussion, Stuart Lewthwaite's atmospheric accordion wrought their magic too. Celtic met Cossack, Russianitsa led 7/8 time, Drunken Waltz tripped lively and the shimmering heat of a New Europe summer danced in the air.....

Every now and then a surprise awaits those who refuse to let the evening die. A quiet tapas or two, and home for an early night was all we'd planned. However, as we prepared to leave a lively crew were lifting out stored instruments and gathering on the impromptu stage at 1725:- none other than Lava, in a storming set which captured the imaginations of even Saturday night's raucous crowd. Hands clapping, feet tapping, often in time, the listeners piled in, were given instruments to play, and were further entertained by cross-cultural performance of Spanish dancing laced with a little Irish. The audience now well laced themselves, drums in the able hands of Xtophe and extraordinarily intricate and accomplished guitar playing from Howard Haigh & co. carried the joyous night.

However, I will venture a tip or two for our Lancashire lovelies enjoying the show:- the heels, ladies, should be shorter than the legs, the dress larger than the torso, and the lips smaller than the face.....

A further highlight of the week was The Borough Comedy Club on the 29th, buying tickets early and feeling quite smug as those who turned up on the night were left downstairs with nothing but good beer and pleasant wines. Better luck next time, folks.

Three very good acts, begun by cheeky Steve Shanyaski, good humoured ribbing of audience members who strayed too close and descending into extremely smutty waters with the erudite Dave Longley. Educated and rude! Something for everyone!

Rachel Fairburn's was a more restrained approach, with nicely delivered wicked asides to challenge complacency in both genders.

All linked by the excellent MC Steve Porter, persuading a packed house of formerly restrained Lancastrians to enjoy the evening in raucous appreciation.

Monday's now regular Bob Moffat Tribute slot at the J.O.G was packed to bursting, French Connection happily joining forces with Ronnie Blamire (piano), Whizzkid John Whittaker and the inimitable Ben Ruth on harmonica. This warmed the lads up nicely for their regular gig at the Stonewell on Thursday, where sax in the afternoon slides sublimely into winter weekend...a brief encounter with Laura, Ronnie French, Bill Wilding and Ray Briggs both in sterling form, and excellent improvised duet from Alan Kernmure and trombonist John Whittaker. The French Connection and Friends continue to surprise and delight. We missed the 60 year old prat, but like a bad penny he's sure to turn up sooner or later.

Coming soon

Wednesday 16^th at The Stonewell:- Mark Coyle's eclectic Open Mic welcomes, amongst others, the return of The Thursday Girls with their usual pazzazz and a new number or two. It's the last before Christmas so expect a lively atmosphere!

Friday 18^th we are spoilt for choice:-Spotlight at the Storey Building, doors open 8.pm, £2/£4, yours truly reading a cheeky piece, contrasts with the excellent Sue Parish and friends at Carnforth Station Tea Rooms. A more than brief encounter with this superb vocalist, accompanied by Vinny Parker on piano, Dave Turner on bass, and performing a Christmas Special including her premiere of the “lovely new song” written by Bill Wilding, words by Hermione Blackwell, fresh from the Stonewell's music-friendly atmosphere...Lancaster does it again!

Lava have hopping gigs at The Stonewell, 9pm, free on Thursday 10^th December followed by a Christmas Night Special at The Gregson Centre, Moor Lane, 8.30pm, £5/£3

JOG on Market Street is of course back in force as a music venue. Details on facebook until modern technology catches up with them and provides a website. The rest of the world is a long way behind Lancaster...

Long term forecast is good:- Baksheesh play at music hotspot The Stonewell Tavern, Church Street, 27^th March, free

And don't forget The Robert Gillow, always supplying the best of trad jazz on Sundays from 12.30 with an eclectic mix throughout the week. Details on www.therobertgillow.com

Phew! Time for some retail therapy.....

Room 12 and David Franks of Dalton Square, following the success of their November Special, offer a 15% discount on goods with shopping till 8pm and free town parking on Thursday 10^th December.

Arteria, Brock Street, has customised in-house wrapping service, late shopping till 8pm and visits from Santa.

The essential posh stuff sorted, Lancaster's shops and markets indoor and out provide the best of produce for the eating season: game, fish, organic veg, meat and dairy, smokehouse specials, Chinese, Polish and Caribbean delis....

For comprehensive shopping info check out Sue Seddon's Little Book of Lancaster from Waterstone's or visit www.lancaster4u.co.uk

I am now retiring defeated for the decade. I will emerge from under the duvet on occasion to enjoy festivities. A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

What A Week! 20

Weeks ending 23^rd November

Friday 13^th (lucky for some)

Sue Parish sang with another stunning collection of musicians to kick-start the jazz Season at Hornby Institute. On one of the stormiest nights ever (there have been a few of those lately) a collection of confused drivers watched each other reverse into the flood waters of Hornby's main street.

Inside a packed house, greeted by welcoming staff, in a very fine building, with a bar...what more could those lucky enough to have cadged a lift need or want?

Sue Parish had pulled out all the stops to organise a line-up both talented and varied. Tom Kincaid, concert pianist on Viagra, an energetic genius at the keyboards; Amy Roberts, emerging from a mound of music sheets to lull the audience into a false security with plaintive flute (Over The Rainbow reached classical heights), then cheeky clarinet, best of the blues sax...the girl's range is extraordinary. Frank Grimes strummed on double bass, a lovely throaty foil to Tom's rippling keyboards.

All led by the voice of Sue Parish, extending her already formidable range to include sassy favourites, Sweet Georgia Brown with Anything Goes and through the genres from deep down and bluesy to trad.

A great start to the season, continuing with Hotcha on Feb. 20^th and Alan Barnes/ Dave Newton on 17^th April. Go for it, Hornby!

Tickets 015242 22227

Friday 20^th:- Spotlight at The Storey Building

This now veteran meet still impresses with friendly welcome, open programme of eclectic performances and some winning talent. Mollie Baxter's engaging wordplay, let alone musical talent; Carla Scarano in fine wry form read pithy poetical reflections from here and abroad; tongue twisting, mind bending surrealism stand-up; Bronx-bred humour from Brindley Hallan Dennis.....the only drawback to the new venue being a somewhat pricey bar with little atmosphere. Who cares? All the action is with the Spotlight performers.

Sunday 22nd's fundraiser at the Stonewell featured many long-time players with welcome newcomers. The Thursday Girls in a rehearsal piece caused laughter and mayhem, some of it intentional, in good humoured style just about kept together by Bill “Wild Thing” Wilding on piano. The excellent Ronnie French and Connection played a smooth set with Alan Kernmure on sultry sax and cool clarinet; Geoff Wilkes on guitar when not singing, before ripping into boogie and Rock 'n Roll with Bill Wilding at which even those who knew the numbers first time round had to get down and dirty. Yes, there is life after HRT.

Blues met R&R with Chris Reece, playing his highly individual treatment of “Dancing in the Dark” and “Bad Moon Rising”.

Mark Coyle treated the last diehards to powerful lyrics and big acoustic sounds.

............and remember, the fun's not over till the little Italian sings......

Monday 23^rd at the JOG had an air of reunion:- the welcome return of Bob Moffat to a venue now throbbing to new sounds and old.

Coming Soon

Baksheesh, bigger and better than ever, bring East European Bohemia to the Stonewell Tavern on 16^th November. From Serbia, to Lancaster, with lots new hitty stringy blowy instruments plied by even more musicians.

9pm, free.

Sue Parish lifts the spirits and hopes to put a little in the coffers of the Town Church, the acoustically evocative St. John's, on 5^th December. With rising star and teenage phenomenon Joni Fuller, seasoned performer Sue is set to raise the rafters of this fine old Georgian building. Tickets £5/£4 beforehand from Mandy Holten 0779 2953147 or at the door.

A reminder for 6-poets, a rare treat, at The Gregson, 8^th December, celebrating Carol Coates' new collection, 8pm, £2.50/£1.50

Get It Loud In Libraries is back in Lancaster with 3 gigs to launch the newly refurbished Library venue:

Ian Broudie & James Walsh Co, Headline Tour, £16, 05/12/09, 8pm

Hadouken, £9.50, 06/12/09, 8pm and Bleech, £5, 12/12/09, 8pm

Weds 16^th Dec. at the Stonewell is the last Mark Coyle's Open Mic before Christmas...........Thursday Girls perform a new number by Ronnie French, Alan Kernmure et al and will visibly wind down at the last French Connection on Thursday 17^th, 3pm

Last Spotlight this decade:-

Friday18th December, £4/£2, 8.15 pm,The StoreyBuilding

Sue Seddon writing for www.lancaster4u.co.uk

www.sueseddon.co.uk

What A Week! 19

Weeks Ending Monday 9^th November

Sue Seddon's round up of Lancaster Music and Arts events

Editor's note:- comments on the role of the council in the blog What A Week! 18 in no way reflect the views of Music Festival organisers. Nobody but the writer is connected with the comments in any way!

Back to What a Week! 19

Mark Coyle's Open Mic at the Stonewell continues to delight:-

On 4^th November, the ever-entertaining Thursday Girls let rip with old, new, haggard and blue to a crowd almost as raucous as themselves. The now infamous “Take All of Me” was quickly followed by specially written “Witches' Wood”, the girls changing from bounteous burlesque to old crone at the flick of a mascara brush. True, late-comers did wonder why the final line up was fronted by moustachioed ladies in glamorous evening gowns, but it was Mischief Night. It all goes to prove that there is life after HRT.

A hard act to follow, but sanity and musicality were restored by Sarah Lawless, big voice, big guitar, (nice resonance, Joni Mitchell meets Missy Higgins) and we're hoping she plays again www.sarahlawless.lolasite.com

Mark Coyle has also started Open Mic at the recently resuscitated John of Gaunt, Mondays, and the pub is once again an up-and-coming venue for music in Lancaster.

Thursday's afternoon session also held charms for those with the energy left. Ronnie French, Alan Kernmure, Bill Wilding guesting on piano when Ronnie wanted a break to flirt with the ladies, Geoff Wilkes off drums but on mic at every opportunity. A pleasant variation to the brass added by the return of John Whittaker on trombone, and the afternoon ended in sultry harmony with newcomer Lara Hewitt, her own very special treatment of “Summertime” blending beautifully with the late afternoon wind-down band sound.

Later the same evening, an acoustic set dominated by guitar, neatly synchronised playing, chic Parisienne sound, touch of class. Limehouse Duo and Zazou Anglais

Coming up:-

The Thursday Girls will perform a new number written for them by Ronnie French (the music was in his fingertips, and someone wrote it down. He now has a grand total of 3 half-sheets of scribbled music in his collection). Words by Alan Kermure. First performance 19^th November, 4-5pm, the Stonewell Tavern. Performance of complete repertoire TBA

Friday 20^th is the next Spotlight at The Storey, with poetry from Carla Scarano amongst others. Carla been writing thoughtful poetry and prose for a while now and has recently begun to perform at The Brewery, Kendal and at Spotlight. (See some of Carla's reviews in Views and Reviews, along with excellent coverage of music opera by Michael P. Nunn)

8 for 8.30, £4/£3

The Borough Comedy Club has successfully settled into regular events on the last Sunday of each month:- next one up is on the 29^th November. Tickets on the night £8.00. or book ahead in person £6.00. Get in quick as it's very popular!

Look out for Sue Parish at the Gillow, Monday 30th November, free, from 9pm, and in concert with rising star Amy Roberts plus the ever effervescent Tom Kincaid and Frank Grime on Friday 13^th November, Hornby Village Institute, 7.30 for 8pm, £10/£8, beginning its jazz season.

See what's on for further details. 015242 22227

Sue Seddon writing for www.lancaster4u.co.uk

Reviews and pictures welcome. We always acknowledge. Give me a break:- the girl can do only so much!

What A Week! 18

Sue Seddon's review of Lancaster's music and arts events

Weeks ending 14^th October 2009

Stuff the council:- Lancaster does it again!

Well, where to start? I'm recovering from a solid six days of wall to wall entertainment in which the inimitable Ben Ruth, aided and abetted by the town's musicians and licensees, persuaded Lancaster to have a very good time indeed. Oh, go on then.

This was the first year of the fully fledged Lancaster Music Festival, its seeds sown last year with OnePlanet, and flooding the musical desert left by the abandoned Jazz Festival.

Kicking off was a veritable scrum of events:- Morecambe Library housed Speech Debelle earlier in the week. Mark Coyle held his Open Mic at the Stonewell with usual aplomb while Electric Mud played laid back blues at the JOG. The official start, the bit in the programme, began on Friday afternoon with funky blues at the newly up and running, hands on, on the ball, with balls, JOG and descending to Maritime folk (back along the Quay at last) with entertaining singer/guitarist Derek Gifford. Robin Lamb remained commendably upright to welcome musicians and direct them to their next venue along the quay. Maritime Museum, George and Dragon, beer, Wagon and Horses, beer, back to the Three Mariners, more beer.......

Impossible not to be waylaid by Nashville Folk at the Park, Transpennine Express back at the J.O.G, and the truly sublime Jivehoot with warm lead guitar, their very pleasant lady brass line-up egged on by wicked little Santana play-alike Rex, down and dirty on strings/vocals.

A reminder in the packed programme to go home and eat/sleep would have been a good thing. Whether anyone would have done so is another matter.

I'd planned to take Saturday off. No chance.

There was just time to catch the first of warm-hearted Butch Ross on his upside-down inside out mountain dulcimer before heading for Boogie Bill at the atmospheric Merchants, entertaining an afternoon crowd, and his youngest fan yet, 18-month-old Emma, in mellow style with the Groove Crusaders. Hard Times (Celtic rock) played in tandem at The Robert Gillow to an equally appreciative crowd. But not as young.

Boogie Bill later played into the night with singer Laura Andrews, in fine voice at Bar Tapas 1725. It wasn't hard to fill in the gap, stopping off at The Pub to be enjoyably deafened by Nomad 67:- gutsy delivery of straightforward biker rock. Even owner's son Tony (7) took to the drums. A pleasing young band with attitude, all the way from Worcester. They'll be back! Then a gentle sashay from Gillow to Gaunt to Stonewell, showcasing surprisingly powerful young new female vocal from Vandeville Falls. Even Deadpan Joe behind the bar waxed enthusiastic. There was lots more across the town, but yours truly retired defeated.

Sunday was a little more relaxed, but no less spoiled for choice. Maritime folk continued along St. George's Quay. Beer flow and clients had just about survived the weekend so far. At sponsors The Robert Gillow, the Sun St. Stompers, led by each other, set the pace for a cracking afternoon;- hot brass line up including Barrie Marshall and Mike Unthank on class clarinet, Peter Boswell on trumpet, Bob's practised sax and Mike Lovell's accomplished valve trombone. Vocals came from everyone who knew the words. An overworked but cheerful staff team kept the beer flowing against all odds.

The highlight of the day for me:- Sue Parish in elegant perfection played the later afternoon slot. An attentive audience crammed in wherever they could find a perch. Joining Jon Moore's thoughtful guitar/vocals and Sue's intimate delivery were favourites Vinny P. on lilting keyboards and the excellent David Turner on bass guitar.

A huge thank you to indefatigable festival organiser Ben Ruth, also playing with The Commotions throughout the weekend and to all the sponsors, landlords and breweries who forked out for our enjoyment.

Lancaster landlords on beer and bonhomie,

Lancaster musicians on musical marathon

Lancaster writer Sue Seddon on mixed metaphors

Lancaster populace now on planet perfect.

Roll on next year!

Coming Soon:- catch Boogie Bill and friends at the George and Dragon on the quay, Saturday17th October, a new venue for solo to trio performers...........dates available for more acts so performers check it out.

Litfest presents an evening with authors Cynthia Macleod and Kate Pullinger at The Storey, October 17^th

Continuing the Cathedral Autumn season, the Grand presents St Peter:-Keeper of the Keys on Sunday 18^th October, and pianist Constas Foutopolos plays in the cathedral's wonderful acoustics on 9^th November.

Full listings and photos on www.lancaster4u.co.uk