The Bishops Stortford Acoustic Club
at South Mill Arts Centre
1-3, South Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts.
CM23 3JG
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20th
JUNE 2024
6 ACTS – 4
SONGS
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Last time at the SMAC we had not only 6
Acts performing 4 songs each but a real treat with Host and M/C Greg Camburn performing
two exceptional tunes. So many of our performers are gracing us with original
songs that we are fast becoming the go to place for original music.
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5th
JUNE 2024
DOUBLE
HEADLINE SHOWCASE
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One of the real treats at the moment is
that we are able to run Double Headline Showcases when we can invite two
groups of musicians to perform in one evening and offer a real diversity of
genre and offer a substantial set for them to Showcase their talents. Last time we were able to bring two very
diverse groups of players but with an underlying theme of excellence to the
stage at the SMAC as well as having a list of fine players to support them We were delighted to welcome back Cut the
Mustard and the Big Buch Band, both of whom we have welcomed in the past and
continue with the diverse and highly entertaining musical evenings
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6 Acts – 4 Songs
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I keep saying that the
6 x 4 evenings are getting better and better. Which is easy to say but can be
hard to prove. Its only when we get the comments from not only the audience
but the players as well, regarding the quality of the music on show last
time. Every single act was at the top of their game and played wonderful
music all around. |
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Shorelines We opened the
evening with Shorelines appearing as a 6 piece band with a new guitarist and
a stand in singer. But no matter, their repertoire of reimagined classics is
as sound and musically pleasing as it could be. They have that close harmony
and musical talent that makes the set go oh too fast |
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Peter Crossley Northern Exile Peter
Crossley has been “Down Souf” for a while and when he is not playing solo he
can be found doing all sorts of things with a fiddle and Pat Crilly. However,
when Peter plays as a solo artist with just his voice and guitar he is one
heck of a performer. His songs hit home with a laser like focus and when he
sings a cover he puts a new edge to it. A fantastic set. |
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Vic Lennard Vic is becoming a
most welcome regular player at the Club. He always has a story to tell and a
song to sing. His experience is reflected in his songs and his songs reflect
his life and experience. He has long experience in the music industry and
this reflects in the quality of his songs and his performance is always
polished and professional. He answers the questions as to what he is
eloquently. Is he a poet? A songwriter? A Social Campaigner? A Revolutionary?
The answer is yes, all of them. |
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One after 909 Colin and James Frid
are a father and son duo who specialise in being exceptional at delivering
music. Colin has been one of our regular performers but when coupled with
James’ exceptional guitar work they deliver classic songs in a brilliant
manner. Last time they produced exactly what was expected. A cracking set of,
as is usual, 50% Beatles. Colins fine voice as ever brings a level of harmony
and calm whilst James retained his position as one of the premier lead
guitarists in the area. |
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The Valaitis Brothers It is a very long
time since we last saw and heard the Valaitis Brothers at the Acoustic Club.
The last time they appeared, according to St Delboy of Peckham, “Knocked ‘em
bandy” with their performance. As they said, this was their first performance
for ages and thought they would like to come back to where is all started for
them. It was great to welcome them back and their original music has
developed beyond compare. Their maturity as song writers and performers is
evident from their first chord to the last. A terrific set and looking
forward to welcoming them back for a longer set soon. |
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Jay Williams Jay Williams is one
artists who has grown and developed over the years right in front of our
eyes. That development is now at the point where he is up there with the very
best. He is adding musical strings to his bow by expanding into piano but his song writing is developing at
lightning speed to exceptional. Closing the evening of fantastic music, his
set was a triumph. His debut EP will
be out soon and we will feature this when it becomes available. |
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16th
MAY 2024
Westwood Ho! and Clark and Johnson
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Back from the wonderful evening
at the Belgian Brewer where the lovely audience raised over £550 in aid of St
Claire Hospice in memory of Dave Denny, we returned to the SMAC for a Double
Headline evening with the glorious Westwood Ho! and Clark and
Johnson. We were also blessed with two supporting acts The Archduke
(introducing his new persona was Tom Dulieu) and the long-time friend of the
Club, and for a couple of years the person who ran the Acoustic Club, Jess
Brett. |
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Westwood Ho! The band was making their debut at the club and
it has to be said despite it being a long way from Enfield and it has taken
them a while to visit. It is bit of a
lucky lottery as to who and what instruments make up the Band on the nights
they play as Westwood Ho! are described as a collective, but their ethos is
the same. They write the vast majority of their music and then form and
develop them into well rounded songs that can be performed by the collection
of players that go to make up the band. Last time we saw
them as a 4 piece and what a performance. New music is always a delight and
when the music and songs are good enough, the music will demand and retain
the attention. It is a fair reflection that the band really captured the
audience and held them enthralled with not only their highly individual
performance as well as the anecdotes that linked the performance brilliantly.
Many thanks guys. A belting set. |
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Clark and Johnson. Tony and Karen
have been playing to audiences around the country for more years than can be
reliably remembered and doing it with a panache and verve that marks them
stand out from. Karen has one of those delightful voices that can turn on a
sixpence from traditional folk music to re-imagined hits and popular songs
from a number of decades. Tony is a master of his trade, not only providing
an exquisite accompaniment on guitar and bouzouki as well as backing vocals.
Sometimes he takes the lead, but it matters not, their music is delightful
and always keeps the audience spell bound with their stories especially when
they venture into original music which is a revelation. As ever, a
terrifically accomplished set with so many highlights it was embarrassingly
good. Thanks and see you soon. |
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Jess Brett Due to her other
commitments, we have not seen or heard Jess performing for a while. Two
rapidily growing children, a change of town and a new business venture have
all conspired to reduced her time available to dedicate to performing.
However, Jess returned to the Acoustic Club and what a cracking performance
it was She still plays and sings with authenticity and manages to pick just
the right song for the occasion. |
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The Archduke The Archduke is the
new persona for Tome Dulieu and he brought with him his new songs. A new way
forward with different musical influences has resulted in a great new single
and a new album in the background bring a new offering from him. It was a
welcome return and re-enforced his place in local music, at the top table |
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Many thanks to all our players for a superb
evening, the Staff of the SMAC for making everyone so welcome and of course
the audience for coming out on a wet night and fully supporting live music. |
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2nd
MAY 2024
BLUES NIGHT
AT THE BELGIAN
BREWER
In Memory
of Dave Denny
In aid of
St Clare Hospice
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Last time at the Acoustic Club we had a
very special night remembering the wonderful man who was Dave Denny. When we planned this evening, we liaised
with Dave’s family to make sure it was a fitting tribute to the man who was a
husband, father, grandad, uncle and friend. Added to this was a talent and a
knowledge for The Blues. Dave loved the Blues, and this was evident in every
bit of music he played. Its fair to say that he was much loved and
well missed by all those people who listened, joined in and helped him in his
quest to raise money for St Clare Hospice, which he did with his usual
outstanding success. |
“Mine is bigger than
yours and
I have more strings
too!!!”
Dave with lifelong
buddy Jeff Carpenter
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A packed evening of players and an equally
packed audience arrived with hope and joy for a tremendous evening to
celebrate the life and music of a great friend and Blues Mastermind Dave
Denny. We had a full evening of over 2½ hours of
live music – not all the Blues – but an lot!! Our list of players were all good friends
of Dave but one of the real highlights was the performance of The Fog who
haven’t played since 2020.
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The evening was an outstanding
success with a packed venue all keen to listen to the music and sample the
Belgian Brewers fantastic range of authentic Belian Beers. Over all we raised
£595 from ticket sales and contributions from the sale of Blues CD’s that
came from Dave extensive collection. This has been donated to St Clare
Hospice. Thanks to everyone who supported us for such a magnificent support. One final thought
must go to Dave’s family. They have asked us to pass on their thanks to
everyone who came and supported the Memory of Dave Denny. |
6 ACTS – 4 SONGS
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It is a wonderful
thing about having so many great local musicians is that we get to
opportunity to Showcase their talents in a formal gig with great sound
curtesy of Jay Warner of the SMAC and a highly appreciative audience. Our 6
Act evening really are a terrific opportunity to hear a diverse and stunning
range of talent. In fairness, we
were delighted to welcome a group of musicians who interchange between groups
and duos who explore so many genres. We were delighted
to welcome Ali Cossor and Brian Harvey who regaled us with an
outstanding display of musical dexterity on various musical arrangements and
instruments. With originals and covers they opened the evening in grand
style. |
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Ali Cossor and
Brian Harvey |
D ‘n A |
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After Ali and
Brian, there was a quick reshuffle and Ali stayed on and was joined by Dave
Oxley as DnA. A change of personnel and a change of mood. Dave and Ali
specialise in close harmonies putting new life into classics. Not quite the
American Songbook but a tremendous set of delightful music. Quite frankly the
comparison with pub pool was inescapable as then Dave stayed on and was
joined by Brian Harvey and Mark Gamon for a stripped down set as Sky West.
As a band, Sky West are an originals band with the very occasional cover, but
whatever their choice, they perform with a verve and gusto that stands as a
testament to their prodigious musical talent. As an opening hour,
Brian, Ali, Dave and Mark gave us delightful musical miscellany to the
evening. |
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Sky West |
Martin Day |
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We then welcomed
the effervescent Martin Day to
the stage. Martin is the traditional singer songwriter and he delivered his
usual fast paced set of self-penned songs that had the audience fully
engaged. Next up were a trio
we are always happy to welcome back the Acoustic Club Stage. Paul, Si and
Verna are rapidly becoming a wake-up band. The message is, Wake Up, this
is a terrific group!! Over the years Paul has appeared at the Acoustic Club
and a couple of years ago started combining with Si on bass. About a year ago
Verna (Of Why Not fame) joined as vocalist and with a few rehearsals it was
clear the combination of their talent results in a performance that is much
greater than the sum of the constituent parts. That is the rule for all the
great bands – think of the Beatles before Ringo. What a great set. |
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Paul, Si and
Verna |
Runaway Jukebox |
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Our closing act was
Runaway Jukebox. We saw them a little while ago where they lived up to
their name and gave us a belting set of covers. This time, they said they
were moving away from covers and into originals and they wanted to see how it
goes. Well guys it was brilliant. They gave us 4 originals that fully
developed and showcased their individual performances which was a fantastic
closing to the evening. Many thanks to all
our players for a superb evening, the Staff of the SMAC for making everyone
so welcome and of course the audience for coming out on a wet night and fully
supporting live music. |
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28th
March 2024
Tom Ryder and Joe
Hazell
With the
Young Players
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There are times when it seems impossible to
actually remember a better night of music, but last time was one of those special
moments in the twenty odd years of the Acoustic Club. |
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers With a headline showcase of Joe Hazell and
Tom Ryder as well as a full list of young players we were treated to a
brilliant evening of music. It was such a delight to see and hear Tom Ryder
back on a stage, where he belongs, performing songs that he and Joe have
perfected over the years. It must be acknowledged that our young players were
exceptional. They are a collection of rising stars who have performed over
several years with their collective musical talent growing and developing
beyond measure. It was also a pleasure to welcome the emerging talent of Max
Laverne for the first time. Of course. It is a real bonus for them all
to have role models of Joe and Tom both of whom started their musical
journeys on the same stage as they have.
Tom Ryder and Joe Hazell It is no secret that Tom has not been well recently, so it
was a real treat of all his family, friends and everyone to welcome him back
to the Acoustic Club sharing the stage with his life long friend and
collaborator Joe. These guys have been playing the Acoustic Club for longer
than anyone else other than Drew Bonnington and Keef Jackman the founders of
the club. They have taken enormous strides over the years not only as
consummate musicians and writers but as people. They started as two friends
at school practicing everyday in the music room and started playing in many
guises. Solo performances, The Kazans, Koasis and then off in to various
duo’s and combos along the way. Through the last 20 odd years they have
remained the most loyal of friends and the most reliable of performers. Tom
is an accomplished journalist as well as the founder of Retune and Joe has
become a highly sought after session guitarist, member of one of the best
Rolling Stone Tribute Bands as well as his most recent band The Exile Club.
However, it takes very little persuasion to get them together to perform as a
duo. Suffice to say their set was a delight, with their individual take on
classics, as well as their own songs which are outstanding. Their set was a tribute to their past and their future and
passed all too quickly. A hearty welcome back to Tom. It was a delight to hear you
play and perform again. |
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Our support player list a real musical miscellany
demonstrating that Stortford has no fears when looking towards the future of
live music. We were delighted to welcome back Hanako Ward, India
Purdy supported by her dad on guitar, Alessandra Freeston, Archie
Eastlake and Ronnie Scott, Danny McCarthy and first time
player Max Lavergne. |
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HANAKO INDIA ALESSANDRA
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ARCHIE
& RONNIE DANNY MAX Many thanks to Jay for the Sound
management, the staff of the South Mill Arts Centre of looking after us so
well and the Management of the SMA for the new stage, in use for the first
time and had the desired effect – the people at the bar could see the
players!!. |
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21st
March 2024
CLEAN SNEAK
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What a glorious evening of brilliant live
music at the BELGIAN BREWER. A terrific array of varied talent topped
off with a fantastic hour long spot with the ever impressive CLEAN SNEAK.
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Hello Acoustic Clubbers With a hearty welcome from Nick and his team at the Belgian
Brewer and the promise of superb music, the first day of spring brought a
relatively balmy evening and some pretty hot music. Our support players were
a fine mixture of styles and genres and our headline showcase too hot to
trot!! CLEAN SNEAK are a highly experienced band of great friends who play to
enjoy and enjoy to entertain. Their set was heavily weighted with blues and
there is a reason that they brought a substantial and enthusiastic band of
loyal supporters. By the end of the evening, they had markedly increased that
following!! With real commitment they gave us a fine selection of blues
standards and classics featuring T Bone Walters, BB King and so many more
legends. As promised it was a truly an eclectic mix of material encompasses
50’s swing right through Chicago and Delta Blues and on to their take on more
up to date material as well as the odd R’n’B and acoustic roots classic. |
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Our support player list was a shorter than normal but we
enjoyed a quite varied list of performances from Bill Tarran – Host
and M/C, Richard
Holder, Jo Clack, Kevin Johnson
and Jonny Brewer |
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Many thanks to Nick and the staff of the Belgian Brewer for
such a great venue and even better beer! |
29th
February 2024
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Last time we were
delighted to welcome back some friends to the Acoustic Club stage. The first
problem we had to deal with was Paul Boothwas unable to play because he lost
his voice and there were plans afoot but these got changed when we started. A
very happy bonus occurred as one of our audience was blues legend Steve
Ingrey and without too much prompting he agreed to take the spot. Get well
soon Paul and we are looking forward to welcoming back real soon. So on with the
music, and what a great night it was!!!
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Thanks to everyone who came to support
your community club and enjoy some excellent music as we KEEP
MUSIC LIVE. Many thanks to the
SMA Staff for a great job done and making everyone so welcome and the Sound
Engineer for a brilliant job done. |
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15th
February 2024
M G
Boulter
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It was a delight to
welcome back to the Club MG Boulter along with his accompanying bass
player Paul for another fantastic evening of a very superior class of live
acoustic music |
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It was a delight to
welcome MG back to the Acoustic Club. It is always a delight when we were
able to sit down and listen to his fantastic songs, that are original,
targeted, personal and just downright excellent. He makes no apology for
singing about where he lives, along the estuary northern coast of the Thames
in the musical hotspot of Westcliffe/Southend. Accompanied by his good friend
and fantastic bassist Paul, the 45 minute set literally flew by and before we
knew it we were on the encore which was not only well deserved but eagerly
anticipated by the large and appreciative audience. Many thanks to Matt
and Paul for such an original and entrancing set. MG will be releasing his
new CD in the summer and we will review it and let those who have been
converted to the Southend Sound know how to get a copy. We were delighted to
welcome a fantastic group of supporting musicians. Many thanks must go
to Paul Booth, Hanako Ward, Stuart Nicholson, John McCarthy and we
were treated to a real added bonus with an extra special 4 song set from Pat Crilly and Greg Camburn. Many thanks to all the very large audience who turned up on
a foul night and were rewarded with some fantastic music. Thanks also go Jay for great sound and to the staff of the
SMA who make the evening seamless |
6 Acts 4 Songs
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What a wonderful night we had last time at the Acoustic
Club. Our 6 acts format that gives the players a little more time than the
usual floor spot and allows them to expand their repertoire and to share new
songs as well as theirs and our favourites. Last time we were delighted to welcome back a couple of
favourite acts as well as 2 new ones. |
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Wild Roses We were delighted to welcome back Wild Roses to
the Acoustic Club. Last time they came as complete unknowns but after last
year’s first time set expectations were quite high. Quite frankly they exceeded
expectations and gave a fantastic set that was full of expression and just
great quality music |
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Vic Lennard Vic is one of those players who everyone looks
forward to and armed with his new guitar he did not disappoint. Vic will
switch from a self penned song with a back story that is compelling to an
original version of a familiar cover in the blink of an eye. As ever de gave
us a professional set that was built on his long experience and cracking
talent |
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Lily Martin Lily has many strings to her bow and that is not
limited to a great stage presence, a voice that can flip between haunting to
soulful blues and all the way to her own fantastic songs. Last time she
demonstrated again that she can work with others and produce wonderful music
and she was accompanied by Dan Titus on guitar. |
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Faradena & Julian Woods Faradena Afifi is a gifted musician. She excels
on violin but he collaboration with Julian Woods has given a new direction
and new repertoire for her to explore. HE set was compelling as she
alternated between keyboards and pizzicato violin and some haunting melodies,
fantastic vocals topped off with a solid and subtle bass from Julian. |
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Guy Pearson In the introduction I did for Guy last time was
very nearly right, but the thing I missed out is that he is a near neighbour
of the SMA and lives about as close as you can be without incurring parking
charges. Guys set was a full bodied affair and it is a wonder that we have
not heard of him before. A cracking set and we look forward to more in the
future. |
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Elinor Jackson & Dan Titus Elinor Jackson and Dan Titus are a very much accomplished
duo. Elinor if fulfilling the promise she has shown over the past few years and
developing into a highly accomplished singer. Dan is one of those players who
appears to have been around ages and can always be relied upon to produce
great songs and great covers. Combined they have a style that is just a great
idea. The set was a triumph. |
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Many thanks to all the very large audience who turned up on a foul
night and were rewarded with some fantastic music. Thanks also go to the staff of the SMA who make the evening seamless |
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11th January 2024
DOUBLE HEADLINE SHOWCASE
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Last time at the
Acoustic Club we were delighted to open the new year at our new main venue
with a Double Headline Showcase featuring Rhys Wilson and Runaway Jukebox.
Rhys
Wilson Rhys Wilson is one of
those players that is unmissable. He has many strings to his bow in that he
plays with so many different bands and combinations that it is a bit of a
special treat to find him performing a solo set. Last time, as ever, he
did not disappoint. His set was the perfect description of a Rhys Gig. He is
a fantastic writer with an eclectic list of themes and subjects and he brings
a vast experience of performing and enthralling audiences. His set was enthusiastically
received and his latest album was available to get a permanent reminder of
what a damn fine performer he is. Many thanks for a great headline spot and
looking forward to the next time. |
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Runaway
Jukebox Runaway Jukebox are a
band who mix popular classics with the occasional self penned song. To be
honest this is not a novel formula but what they are is a great example of
what can be achieved if three people put their mind to providing top quality
entertainment in the form of non-stop music. They are a stunning trio and as
a counterpoint to Rhys, they are the perfect foil. They are really, really
good at playing and singing and created such a great feeling around the large
audience and induced foot tapping and smile inducing music. They are a great
Good Time Band and lets hope we see them again soon. |
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Many thanks to
everyone who supported us with support spots. It is always a please to
welcome and listen to Richard Holder, The Maystones, Mike
Johnson and Colin Frid. |
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Many thanks are due to
Jay and the staff at the South Mill Arts Centre for theirs great work on the
mixing desk ensuring all players had the very best of sound as well as making
sure the SMAC is a welcoming and friendly environment |
