What A Week! 15

Sue Seddon's quirky round up of Lancaster's music and arts events

Weeks ending 30/06/09

Thursday 18^th held a very special surprise. There we were, intent on nothing more than a pleasant afternoon's jazz courtesy of French Connection, when in scuttled Barrie Marshall, hotfooting round town to alert the dedicated. The Jim Swinnerton Trio, playing with Sue Parish at a local wedding, had been inveigled to the Stonewell Tavern in the evening. It was one acoustic delight from start to finish. Think Amelie and Parisienne chic; tea dancing; an evening's refinement a cut above the average and the rippling keyboards at the hands of Manchester maestro Tim Kincaide. Jim Swinnerton on accomplished, throaty double bass anchored the sheer brilliance of Kincaide and both played to Amy Roberts' feisty sax with considerable rapport.

Spotlight at The Storey on 19^th June was a mixed bag. Lewis Charlesworth and Angela Martin were entertaining at least. Terry Welsh, on a flying visit on his way to Yorkshire House, held the audience with telling though insular drama. Sweet-as-saccharine little girl act Rebecca Wilmot was to my mind far too consciously naïve, but the genuinely charming Rosie Whitmore delivered delightful wordplay and entertaining malapropism.

A young, raw rap artist Mikel Hasson showed flair and gained the audience's affections as he “toasted” over a fraught childhood.

The evening for me was crowned by brilliantly insane ramblings from Steve the Poet,

with inspired snatchings of poems in progress (those which didn't fall to the floor and oblivion) and comments askance. “All Gone Looking for Lancashire” on hand held rhythm box was a triumph of delivery over technology.

A new venture at The Borough began last month...I was privileged to catch the second night of its Comedy Club, a thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment from professional stand-up comedians. It's a ticket entry, £6.00 if bought beforehand, on the third Sunday of the month. Compere Rob Riley from Oldham (where even the postcode starts “Oh, 'ell!”) had the audience warmed up despite quality heckling from Dave the Rave, just coming down from an ill-advised summer solstice on Birkrigg, and ready to be informed that, after two years of marriage, blow-jobs are as mythical as Narnia. More a chat than a full-on comedy routine, but entertaining nonethless.

Danny Mccoughlan, surreal and delightfully vulgar with deadpan delivery, paved the way for over-the-top Ian Cognito. His energetic performance and proud boast that he had been thrown out of more clubs than he could count made for exciting listening. Very quick, very slick, very rude if you were on the ball (!)

Keep it up, guys, we like the abuse.

The Borough Comedy Club:- third Sunday of the month; be there.

Jivehoot played at the Stonewell Saturday 27^th June. I'd been looking forward to their brass line-up since missing many a gig. Mary Austin on trumpet, Fiona Sankey on alto sax, Victoria Morris on tenor sax complemented slick guitar/vocals from Rex Haymes and Alan Deane with sultry double bass courtesy of Adrian Morris. Tim Ayre's drums set the pace.

There were muted beginnings in which the girls did not do themselves justice but the second set opened with a suitably lively trumpet and saxy Fiona/Victoria duet. We finally left the nervous school choir atmosphere behind. Crisp lyrics, tight rhythm and 50's jive to Hank Williams dominated from Lancaster's answer to the Blues Brothers, Stratocastar guitar pulling melody and heartstrings both.

The end of June has come too soon, but we'll forgive it for the double whammy of Salsa Night at The Stonewell on Sunday 28^th followed by Sue Parish at The Robert Gillow on Monday. Unfortunately I was ready to drop by Monday, missing a class act. Reviews welcome.

Sunday Salsa night is fast developing as a dancers' dream for those who can remain upright. It's still a toe-tapping night for those who like to watch. Hot Hot Hot on a feelgood summer's night. Last Sunday of the month till we persuade Mark Coyle to go weekly.

Look out for The Thursday Girls, refugees from Jazz afternoons at the Stonewell, who deliver performances from a repertoire of amusing, anecdotal and downright rude. They will feature their next eclectic selection during one of Mark Coyle's Wednesday Open Mic, Wednesday 15^th July. Free, starts 8.30 for 9

Get It Loud In Libraries, Morecambe, present Juliette Lewis on 13^th July £10

At St. Peter's Cathedral Anniversary celebrations continue with Leven's Choir singing Monteverdi's Vesper's Saturday 11^th and Skipton Camerata's last concert of the Brandenburg season July 17th

Gigs galore throughout July:- see www.lancaster4u.co.uk “what's on”/ “what's on weekly” for details.

Sue Seddon writing for Lancaster4u week ending 30/06/09

sueseddon@hotmail.co.uk

What A Week! 14

weeks ending 15^th June 2009

Back after a short break and straight in to a packed week....

Wednesday 10^th Open Mic had a slow start as Mark Coyle manfully held the stage for the first half. It turned out to be one of those evenings.

Then surprise guests- the nucleus of a band to come- took the place by storm. Patrick o Sullivan, over from Cork, held fantastic audience rapport with his gauche gaelic charm, driven vocals and assured guitar. Joe Cocker eat your heart out. Our old friend and musician around town Andrew Montgomery accompanied on tricksy guitar, joined variously by strumming, solid as a rock Andy Slatter (acoustic guitar) and legless but not 'armless David (can I borrow a) Gibson. The long and the short of supportive bongos came from Sam Patterson and Alonso Kiddal, also on guitar.

Album released 20^th June, check it out on www.myspace.com/divisionreviewed, which latter is the likely name for a highly talented new band. You saw it here first!

Later, winding down, sublime sax and piano interplay from two as yet unknowns....

Thursday afternoon is a regular event when The Old Codgers Club aka French Connection and Friends meet at the Stonewell. Guesting this week were the inimitable Laura Andrews following Marecia's liquid notes from a bygone era. From songbird to sultry, a fiesty Laura led raucous brass and toned-down bass through a thoroughly Lancastrian afternoon, Bill Wilding a maestro as always at the piano. A surprise addition was John Whittaker on trombone, sliding along with an inspired Alan K on clarinet/sax. Ronnie joined Bill at the piano for the now celebrated Two in a Bar in rippling harmony:- Jerry the showman adding vocals from head mic as he served at the bar.

It was probably a good thing that I had to leave early.

Thursday evening held two exhibitions from local artists and producers.

Upstairs at Arteria, Gallery 23 show-cased unusual, individual pieces at very affordable prices. Beautiful, delicate and striking silverware, ethereal “pebble” cushions reflecting the natural elements which led from materials to design (Dallasjane Roodhuyzen), handbags to die for from Don'tbitchstitch and beautifully crafted, wrapped Saki bowls from an otherwise prosaic potter. Solid stoneware in earth tones and delicate raku made a pleasing contrast. A visual and tactile feast.

The exhibition adds a new dimension to Ateria's already comprehensive display.

Until 15th August. Arteria, Brock St, 01524 61111 www.arteriawithgallery23.co.uk

The Vault at Bar Eleven was the venue for “Best Before”, an interesting collection of staged debris, but debris cunningly fashioned from soaps. It took a pleb like me some time to appreciate the irony....but interesting social comment nonetheless and a well-executed venture from Myrtille Couten and Ben Hill.

Lava, a rythms collective who have been around for some time but never fail to please, tempted a lively crowd to the Stonewell on Friday. The tightly-knit set was dominated by flamboyant flamenco Howard Haigh, held together by Dave Shooter on guitar and Mark Townson on bass, and highlighted by Xtof on Cajon, percussion, and general syncopation.

Howard and Mark also play at the sophisticated 1725 Tapas Bar, Market Street, Mondays, while you eat your fill of paella. Sounds good to me.

Coming up:-

A first for “Speakeasy”. Spoken word performances from local writers join Mark Coyle's Open mic next Wednesday for an experimental slot. Reading and irreverancy from Carla Scarano, Sue Seddon and others.

Spotlight present word and music performance at The Storey, Meeting House Lane. Friday 19^th, 8.15pm, £4/£2

Saturday 20^th The Platform hosts the 3^rd Morecambe International Blues Festival, 12-5pm open air, free; moving inside, tickets, from 7pm-midnight. Line-up led by Eugene Hideaway Bridges. 01524 582000 for more details or check “what's on”

After a free performance in Kirkby Lonsdale Town Square on Saturday 20^th, follow the Lava flow to The Gregson Centre on Sunday 21^st where they play an early gig-7.30-9pm with Flamenco dancer Natalia de la Luna. £3/£4, under 14's free.

Latin Night at The Stonewell in a fortnight on 28^th June looks set to be (I quote) “an unexpected triumph of Ricky Martin over reason” as bossa nova plays and a mix of dancers from accomplished to enthusiastic join the throng. Free, 8pm onward.

Monday 29^th is Sue Parish's monthly slot at The Robert Gillow. Free, 8.00pm.

What A Week! 14

weeks ending 15^th June 2009

Back after a short break and straight in to a packed week....

Wednesday 10^th Open Mic had a slow start as Mark Coyle manfully held the stage for the first half. It turned out to be one of those evenings.

Then surprise guests- the nucleus of a band to come- took the place by storm. Patrick o Sullivan, over from Cork, held fantastic audience rapport with his gauche gaelic charm, driven vocals and assured guitar. Joe Cocker eat your heart out. Our old friend and musician around town Andrew Montgomery accompanied on tricksy guitar, joined variously by strumming, solid as a rock Andy Slatter (acoustic guitar) and legless but not 'armless David (can I borrow a) Gibson. The long and the short of supportive bongos came from Sam Patterson and Alonso Kiddal, also on guitar.

Album released 20^th June, check it out on www.myspace.com/divisionreviewed, which latter is the likely name for a highly talented new band. You saw it here first!

Later, winding down, sublime sax and piano interplay from two as yet unknowns....

Thursday afternoon is a regular event when The Old Codgers Club aka French Connection and Friends meet at the Stonewell. Guesting this week were the inimitable Laura Andrews following Marecia's liquid notes from a bygone era. From songbird to sultry, a fiesty Laura led raucous brass and toned-down bass through a thoroughly Lancastrian afternoon, Bill Wilding a maestro as always at the piano. A surprise addition was John Whittaker on trombone, sliding along with an inspired Alan K on clarinet/sax. Ronnie joined Bill at the piano for the now celebrated Two in a Bar in rippling harmony:- Jerry the showman adding vocals from head mic as he served at the bar.

It was probably a good thing that I had to leave early.

Thursday evening held two exhibitions from local artists and producers.

Upstairs at Arteria, Gallery 23 show-cased unusual, individual pieces at very affordable prices. Beautiful, delicate and striking silverware, ethereal “pebble” cushions reflecting the natural elements which led from materials to design (Dallasjane Roodhuyzen), handbags to die for from Don'tbitchstitch and beautifully crafted, wrapped Saki bowls from an otherwise prosaic potter. Solid stoneware in earth tones and delicate raku made a pleasing contrast. A visual and tactile feast.

The exhibition adds a new dimension to Ateria's already comprehensive display.

Until 15th August. Arteria, Brock St, 01524 61111 www.arteriawithgallery23.co.uk

The Vault at Bar Eleven was the venue for “Best Before”, an interesting collection of staged debris, but debris cunningly fashioned from soaps. It took a pleb like me some time to appreciate the irony....but interesting social comment nonetheless and a well-executed venture from Myrtille Couten and Ben Hill.

Lava, a rythms collective who have been around for some time but never fail to please, tempted a lively crowd to the Stonewell on Friday. The tightly-knit set was dominated by flamboyant flamenco Howard Haigh, held together by Dave Shooter on guitar and Mark Townson on bass, and highlighted by Xtof on Cajon, percussion, and general syncopation.

Howard and Mark also play at the sophisticated 1725 Tapas Bar, Market Street, Mondays, while you eat your fill of paella. Sounds good to me.

Coming up:-

A first for “Speakeasy”. Spoken word performances from local writers join Mark Coyle's Open mic next Wednesday for an experimental slot. Reading and irreverancy from Carla Scarano, Sue Seddon and others.

Spotlight present word and music performance at The Storey, Meeting House Lane. Friday 19^th, 8.15pm, £4/£2

Saturday 20^th The Platform hosts the 3^rd Morecambe International Blues Festival, 12-5pm open air, free; moving inside, tickets, from 7pm-midnight. Line-up led by Eugene Hideaway Bridges. 01524 582000 for more details or check “what's on”

After a free performance in Kirkby Lonsdale Town Square on Saturday 20^th, follow the Lava flow to The Gregson Centre on Sunday 21^st where they play an early gig-7.30-9pm with Flamenco dancer Natalia de la Luna. £3/£4, under 14's free.

Latin Night at The Stonewell in a fortnight on 28^th June looks set to be (I quote) “an unexpected triumph of Ricky Martin over reason” as bossa nova plays and a mix of dancers from accomplished to enthusiastic join the throng. Free, 8pm onward.

Monday 29^th is Sue Parish's monthly slot at The Robert Gillow. Free, 8.00pm.

What A Week! 14

weeks ending 15^th June 2009

Back after a short break and straight in to a packed week....

Wednesday 10^th Open Mic had a slow start as Mark Coyle manfully held the stage for the first half. It turned out to be one of those evenings.

Then surprise guests- the nucleus of a band to come- took the place by storm. Patrick o Sullivan, over from Cork, held fantastic audience rapport with his gauche gaelic charm, driven vocals and assured guitar. Joe Cocker eat your heart out. Our old friend and musician around town Andrew Montgomery accompanied on tricksy guitar, joined variously by strumming, solid as a rock Andy Slatter (acoustic guitar) and legless but not 'armless David (can I borrow a) Gibson. The long and the short of supportive bongos came from Sam Patterson and Alonso Kiddal, also on guitar.

Album released 20^th June, check it out on www.myspace.com/divisionreviewed, which latter is the likely name for a highly talented new band. You saw it here first!

Later, winding down, sublime sax and piano interplay from two as yet unknowns....

Thursday afternoon is a regular event when The Old Codgers Club aka French Connection and Friends meet at the Stonewell. Guesting this week were the inimitable Laura Andrews following Marecia's liquid notes from a bygone era. From songbird to sultry, a fiesty Laura led raucous brass and toned-down bass through a thoroughly Lancastrian afternoon, Bill Wilding a maestro as always at the piano. A surprise addition was John Whittaker on trombone, sliding along with an inspired Alan K on clarinet/sax. Ronnie joined Bill at the piano for the now celebrated Two in a Bar in rippling harmony:- Jerry the showman adding vocals from head mic as he served at the bar.

It was probably a good thing that I had to leave early.

Thursday evening held two exhibitions from local artists and producers.

Upstairs at Arteria, Gallery 23 show-cased unusual, individual pieces at very affordable prices. Beautiful, delicate and striking silverware, ethereal “pebble” cushions reflecting the natural elements which led from materials to design (Dallasjane Roodhuyzen), handbags to die for from Don'tbitchstitch and beautifully crafted, wrapped Saki bowls from an otherwise prosaic potter. Solid stoneware in earth tones and delicate raku made a pleasing contrast. A visual and tactile feast.

The exhibition adds a new dimension to Ateria's already comprehensive display.

Until 15th August. Arteria, Brock St, 01524 61111 www.arteriawithgallery23.co.uk

The Vault at Bar Eleven was the venue for “Best Before”, an interesting collection of staged debris, but debris cunningly fashioned from soaps. It took a pleb like me some time to appreciate the irony....but interesting social comment nonetheless and a well-executed venture from Myrtille Couten and Ben Hill.

Lava, a rythms collective who have been around for some time but never fail to please, tempted a lively crowd to the Stonewell on Friday. The tightly-knit set was dominated by flamboyant flamenco Howard Haigh, held together by Dave Shooter on guitar and Mark Townson on bass, and highlighted by Xtof on Cajon, percussion, and general syncopation.

Howard and Mark also play at the sophisticated 1725 Tapas Bar, Market Street, Mondays, while you eat your fill of paella. Sounds good to me.

Coming up:-

A first for “Speakeasy”. Spoken word performances from local writers join Mark Coyle's Open mic next Wednesday for an experimental slot. Reading and irreverancy from Carla Scarano, Sue Seddon and others.

Spotlight present word and music performance at The Storey, Meeting House Lane. Friday 19^th, 8.15pm, £4/£2

Saturday 20^th The Platform hosts the 3^rd Morecambe International Blues Festival, 12-5pm open air, free; moving inside, tickets, from 7pm-midnight. Line-up led by Eugene Hideaway Bridges. 01524 582000 for more details or check “what's on”

After a free performance in Kirkby Lonsdale Town Square on Saturday 20^th, follow the Lava flow to The Gregson Centre on Sunday 21^st where they play an early gig-7.30-9pm with Flamenco dancer Natalia de la Luna. £3/£4, under 14's free.

Latin Night at The Stonewell in a fortnight on 28^th June looks set to be (I quote) “an unexpected triumph of Ricky Martin over reason” as bossa nova plays and a mix of dancers from accomplished to enthusiastic join the throng. Free, 8pm onward.

Monday 29^th is Sue Parish's monthly slot at The Robert Gillow. Free, 8.00pm.

What A Week! 13

Week Ending 25/05/09

6 Poets met after too long an absence with a stunning collection of old, new, borrowed and blue for our enjoyment. (The blue bit was the conversation at our table, helped by cafe style layout and ready access to an improvised but effective bar.)

Held for the first time at the almost revamped Storey Building which is coming along in leaps and bounds to prove itself as an exciting, welcoming venue, the evening began with the usual aplomb from compere Rita Ray.

The raw talent of Kevin Coughlan, self-effacing newcomer to reading his work, dropped simple, effective words spreading ripples of quiet appreciation amongst the audience (“Fossil of this World”).

Mary Winter was also notable, her humour in the memo “Eve To God” dealing with men's desire (for apple crumble and custard) and the lack of cover afforded by fig leaves.

The first featured poet, Keith Hilling, read with little conviction at too much length. His engaging personality waned on impact. Both audience and wordplay were lost in delivery.

However, Jane Eagland reading from her novel “Wildthorn” entranced with delivered insight into a child's world of incomprehensible constraints, the dilemma between the bravely trying and the sorely tried, the attempts of a bound parent to similarly “civilise” her daughter.

Eliza Mood, and a very lively mood it was too, created among other potent immages the lyrical and evocative slap and seaweed of the invasive salt shock at high tide. We simply sat back and enjoyed.

Jan Petersen's thoughtful truisms and Kim Moor's collection of telling phrases from her Barrow roots helped complete a thoroughly eclectic and enjoyable first at The Storey Building.

Well, I tried to go home. However, my route was past The Gillow and Man From Uncle were playing. In I went, thinking “Bloody good vocals, whoever they are” and of course they were:- Laura Andrews' distinctive blues voice coasting “Summertime” and the listening is easy to Chas ambling on drums, Paul Froggart's thoughtful, lyrical sax and the gifted Melvyn Dod on trumpet involuntary.

Matthew Black, who hosts the Jazz Reprieve on Diversity F.M. (Mondays 11am/6pm) played a cool, sultry double bass while Mark Reynolds on keyboards knew all the keys and times. An erudite lot, this band.

Those with no soul but much testosterone swaggered out into the rain (the walk designed to balance the chip on each shoulder) but we happy not so few stayed for cheeky duets between Paul and Melvyn, Laura singing from the sweet to the sublime to inspire Melvyn's solo expositions of genius.

Unfortunately unable to enjoy Thursday's French Connection (that old devil work again), it was still possible to chill out over the weekend with a little of Bill Wilding's excellent piano playing at The Stonewell on Sunday. Mark Coyle provided an impromptu follow-on salsa, Jerry the singing chef naturally joining in the fray and thoroughly confusing Bill with “Girl from Ipemema” complete with hip action.

A sneaky home-made maraccas from Anna Milstone, Jerry on bongos and Pete Hyde on sax wandered through Mark Coyle's lyrics. It will be all right on the night, which is the third Salsa Night at The Stonewell, Sunday 31^st May from 7.30.

Sue Seddon writing for www.lancaster4u.co.uk

sueseddon@hotmail.co.uk

What A Week! 13

Week Ending 25/05/09

6 Poets met after too long an absence with a stunning collection of old, new, borrowed and blue for our enjoyment. (The blue bit was the conversation at our table, helped by cafe style layout and ready access to an improvised but effective bar.)

Held for the first time at the almost revamped Storey Building which is coming along in leaps and bounds to prove itself as an exciting, welcoming venue, the evening began with the usual aplomb from compere Rita Ray.

The raw talent of Kevin Coughlan, self-effacing newcomer to reading his work, dropped simple, effective words spreading ripples of quiet appreciation amongst the audience (“Fossil of this World”).

Mary Winter was also notable, her humour in the memo “Eve To God” dealing with men's desire (for apple crumble and custard) and the lack of cover afforded by fig leaves.

The first featured poet, Keith Hilling, read with little conviction at too much length. His engaging personality waned on impact. Both audience and wordplay were lost in delivery.

However, Jane Eagland reading from her novel “Wildthorn” entranced with delivered insight into a child's world of incomprehensible constraints, the dilemma between the bravely trying and the sorely tried, the attempts of a bound parent to similarly “civilise” her daughter.

Eliza Mood, and a very lively mood it was too, created among other potent immages the lyrical and evocative slap and seaweed of the invasive salt shock at high tide. We simply sat back and enjoyed.

Jan Petersen's thoughtful truisms and Kim Moor's collection of telling phrases from her Barrow roots helped complete a thoroughly eclectic and enjoyable first at The Storey Building.

Well, I tried to go home. However, my route was past The Gillow and Man From Uncle were playing. In I went, thinking “Bloody good vocals, whoever they are” and of course they were:- Laura Andrews' distinctive blues voice coasting “Summertime” and the listening is easy to Chas ambling on drums, Paul Froggart's thoughtful, lyrical sax and the gifted Melvyn Dod on trumpet involuntary.

Matthew Black, who hosts the Jazz Reprieve on Diversity F.M. (Mondays 11am/6pm) played a cool, sultry double bass while Mark Reynolds on keyboards knew all the keys and times. An erudite lot, this band.

Those with no soul but much testosterone swaggered out into the rain (the walk designed to balance the chip on each shoulder) but we happy not so few stayed for cheeky duets between Paul and Melvyn, Laura singing from the sweet to the sublime to inspire Melvyn's solo expositions of genius.

Unfortunately unable to enjoy Thursday's French Connection (that old devil work again), it was still possible to chill out over the weekend with a little of Bill Wilding's excellent piano playing at The Stonewell on Sunday. Mark Coyle provided an impromptu follow-on salsa, Jerry the singing chef naturally joining in the fray and thoroughly confusing Bill with “Girl from Ipemema” complete with hip action.

A sneaky home-made maraccas from Anna Milstone, Jerry on bongos and Pete Hyde on sax wandered through Mark Coyle's lyrics. It will be all right on the night, which is the third Salsa Night at The Stonewell, Sunday 31^st May from 7.30.

Sue Seddon writing for www.lancaster4u.co.uk

sueseddon@hotmail.co.uk

What A Week! 12

Weeks ending 18/05/09

For some weeks I've been putting off a Tuesday trawl round town. It could be put off no longer. Starting at the Dukes, a long overdue visit to their early evening jazz slot from 5-7pm proved that I'd been missing out on one of the city's hidden jems. Held in the Theatre Bar, a relaxed meeting of the on-our-way-home and the on-our-way-out genres to the cool, sophisticated sounds of Christine de Miles filmed on this occasion by Andrew and gently engaging her audience without apparent effort.

The Golden Lion was enmeshed in football, a solid row of backs intent on beer and balls, but setting up for its regular open mic night where anything goes.

The piece de resistance, however, was at The Sun. Ben Ruth had played his magic and pulled strings once again to waylay two American folk/blues bands on their way to Scotland. Acoustic folk duo The Drews hoed on down with energy and aplomb, followed by masterful electric organist Adam Wakefield from the 5-piece. He and Ben Ruth on harmonica took that train going round the bend as a patient crowd waited for the regular pub quiz next door to finish so that we could really make some noise. Ry Cooder eat your heart out! White boys can't jump but they can sure boogie....

Word had got around, it was (bandsinlancaster) Tony's birthday, the buzz was terrific and Old Man Brown's (5-piece band) was worth the wait. Solid bass, high-flying lead, inspired keyboards, versatile vocals from raw blues to hightone soul; rhythm from Ray Charles to Blues Brothers. Born in the USA. Played in Lancaster.

The Storey building was nearly built when we came.......

Wednesday was a little more cerebral in the way of entertainment, the start of litfest's summer readings and a taster for Spotlight's first gig there on Friday. A commissioned piece preceded interesting readings from poems and book by Lancaster poet-in-residence. ......See below for forthcoming events.

Last Thursday saw the welcome return of Gentleman Arnie the singing council worker, with a song or two from boxer Dean MQueen...it takes all sorts, and the Stonewell takes them all.

This week's French Connection ran true to form, sadly missing Alan Kernmure laid low with man flu, but enlivened by a class duet on the Baby Grand from Bill Wilding and the irrepressible Ronnie French.

Friday's First for Spotlight at The Storey was a treat for the supportive crowd. I couldn't be everywhere, but have received this short review from fellow performer Julie Simmons.....

“There was a darkly restful ambience at the Storey and the evening was very well attended. I haven't seen as many people at the Spotlight in ages. I don't think I should comment on anyone in particular as we left early and may have missed someone spectacular! However, it would be completely safe to say the audience were attentive, warm and enthusiastic, particularly towards the classical guitar playing of Arlen Connelly.
If you want the good the bad and the ugly, there were too many doors opening and closing all the time and the bar (though people seemed glad of it ) was noisy and distracting from where we were sitting. Apart from that it was an entertaining and eclectic mix of a show and I look forward to more of the same.”

I say give it a while for the newness to wear off, door noises to be sorted and people's delight that there is a bar to quieten down a bit.

Sunday at the Gillow was of course packed to the sounds of Sun Street Stompers, many and varied friends contributing.

The Big Man himself, Alan on trumpet and occasional white bowler baffle, led the usual suspects into the fray. Adrian Morris of Jivehoot fame delighted all on his portable passport to heaven, electric double bass. Barrie Marshall held no prisoners on inspired clarinet, Geraldine played a smart, sassy banjo, Mike plucking happily on guitar just to confuse us and later, surprising me at any rate, singing, along with Alan, their signature that's-all-folks song “Please don't talk about us when we're gone”.

Guests performers included Jack Schofield and Peter Boswell on trombone, Robin on washboard, Ralph the singing drummer, and developing talent Bob Pickerill on sax and vocals, forming a memorable brass and wind line-up which defied the narrow Gillow and penned in a happily detained crowd till the last moment.

Coming up:-

6 Poets hold their first at The Storey on Wednesday 20^th. Open mic open to first comers, starts 7.30, £3.00/£6.00, readings from Jane Eagland, Ian Seed and selected pieces from the instigators.

Sue Parish's last-Monday-in-the-month at the Gillow beckons on the 25^th, offering a lively yet civilised wind-down to the Bank Holiday. She is accompanied by bassist Frank Grime and Andrzej Baranek on piano. Expect a touch of class from this versatile performer.

Dapper Ralph (the singing drummer) plays with the Riverside Jazz Band at The Crofters, Garstang ,1st Sunday in the month.

Advance notice that Get It Loud In Libraries kick off in October with girl band Bleech, £5, on the 10^th. Only refurb of premises has stopped their unbroken record as top performing library in the North....

And watch out for Litfest's summer events, from Chinese Poetry on 27^th May to D.H. Lawrence on 18^th September....programmes from The Storey, Meeting House Lane,

01524 62166

Autumn programme kicks off with Litfest 09, from16th to 21^st October, dovetailing nicely with Lancaster Music Festival at the end of the month. You heard it here first!

Sue Seddon writing for Lancaster4u.

sueseddon@hotmail.co.uk

What A Week! 12

Weeks ending 18/05/09

For some weeks I've been putting off a Tuesday trawl round town. It could be put off no longer. Starting at the Dukes, a long overdue visit to their early evening jazz slot from 5-7pm proved that I'd been missing out on one of the city's hidden jems. Held in the Theatre Bar, a relaxed meeting of the on-our-way-home and the on-our-way-out genres to the cool, sophisticated sounds of Christine de Miles filmed on this occasion by Andrew and gently engaging her audience without apparent effort.

The Golden Lion was enmeshed in football, a solid row of backs intent on beer and balls, but setting up for its regular open mic night where anything goes.

The piece de resistance, however, was at The Sun. Ben Ruth had played his magic and pulled strings once again to waylay two American folk/blues bands on their way to Scotland. Acoustic folk duo The Drews hoed on down with energy and aplomb, followed by masterful electric organist Adam Wakefield from the 5-piece. He and Ben Ruth on harmonica took that train going round the bend as a patient crowd waited for the regular pub quiz next door to finish so that we could really make some noise. Ry Cooder eat your heart out! White boys can't jump but they can sure boogie....

Word had got around, it was (bandsinlancaster) Tony's birthday, the buzz was terrific and Old Man Brown's (5-piece band) was worth the wait. Solid bass, high-flying lead, inspired keyboards, versatile vocals from raw blues to hightone soul; rhythm from Ray Charles to Blues Brothers. Born in the USA. Played in Lancaster.

The Storey building was nearly built when we came.......

Wednesday was a little more cerebral in the way of entertainment, the start of litfest's summer readings and a taster for Spotlight's first gig there on Friday. A commissioned piece preceded interesting readings from poems and book by Lancaster poet-in-residence. ......See below for forthcoming events.

Last Thursday saw the welcome return of Gentleman Arnie the singing council worker, with a song or two from boxer Dean MQueen...it takes all sorts, and the Stonewell takes them all.

This week's French Connection ran true to form, sadly missing Alan Kernmure laid low with man flu, but enlivened by a class duet on the Baby Grand from Bill Wilding and the irrepressible Ronnie French.

Friday's First for Spotlight at The Storey was a treat for the supportive crowd. I couldn't be everywhere, but have received this short review from fellow performer Julie Simmons.....

“There was a darkly restful ambience at the Storey and the evening was very well attended. I haven't seen as many people at the Spotlight in ages. I don't think I should comment on anyone in particular as we left early and may have missed someone spectacular! However, it would be completely safe to say the audience were attentive, warm and enthusiastic, particularly towards the classical guitar playing of Arlen Connelly.
If you want the good the bad and the ugly, there were too many doors opening and closing all the time and the bar (though people seemed glad of it ) was noisy and distracting from where we were sitting. Apart from that it was an entertaining and eclectic mix of a show and I look forward to more of the same.”

I say give it a while for the newness to wear off, door noises to be sorted and people's delight that there is a bar to quieten down a bit.

Sunday at the Gillow was of course packed to the sounds of Sun Street Stompers, many and varied friends contributing.

The Big Man himself, Alan on trumpet and occasional white bowler baffle, led the usual suspects into the fray. Adrian Morris of Jivehoot fame delighted all on his portable passport to heaven, electric double bass. Barrie Marshall held no prisoners on inspired clarinet, Geraldine played a smart, sassy banjo, Mike plucking happily on guitar just to confuse us and later, surprising me at any rate, singing, along with Alan, their signature that's-all-folks song “Please don't talk about us when we're gone”.

Guests performers included Jack Schofield and Peter Boswell on trombone, Robin on washboard, Ralph the singing drummer, and developing talent Bob Pickerill on sax and vocals, forming a memorable brass and wind line-up which defied the narrow Gillow and penned in a happily detained crowd till the last moment.

Coming up:-

6 Poets hold their first at The Storey on Wednesday 20^th. Open mic open to first comers, starts 7.30, £3.00/£6.00, readings from Jane Eagland, Ian Seed and selected pieces from the instigators.

Sue Parish's last-Monday-in-the-month at the Gillow beckons on the 25^th, offering a lively yet civilised wind-down to the Bank Holiday. She is accompanied by bassist Frank Grime and Andrzej Baranek on piano. Expect a touch of class from this versatile performer.

Dapper Ralph (the singing drummer) plays with the Riverside Jazz Band at The Crofters, Garstang ,1st Sunday in the month.

Advance notice that Get It Loud In Libraries kick off in October with girl band Bleech, £5, on the 10^th. Only refurb of premises has stopped their unbroken record as top performing library in the North....

And watch out for Litfest's summer events, from Chinese Poetry on 27^th May to D.H. Lawrence on 18^th September....programmes from The Storey, Meeting House Lane,

01524 62166

Autumn programme kicks off with Litfest 09, from16th to 21^st October, dovetailing nicely with Lancaster Music Festival at the end of the month. You heard it here first!

Sue Seddon writing for Lancaster4u.

sueseddon@hotmail.co.uk