Around the Town (April.)
It is always pleasant to be informed that one of the local hostelry has had new life breathed into it’s shell and that certain company’s are still prepared to spend a few bob in providing state of the art facilities on behalf of us ‘joe public’.
This proved to be the point when my feet entered the doors of the Gardeners Arms Droylsden. My purpose for this short journey from Ashton was two fold. One, to view what a good job they had done on the old girl and secondly to once again catch up with an old acquaintance, that stalwart of the entertainment world Billy Porter.
For those of us who know this guy, we are guaranteed a good nights entertainment. Time to grab a beer and batten down the hatches. With his usual vigor and carefully selected opening vocal our Billy made certain he grabbed the attention of all of us who had gathered for the show. More of an up-beat vocalist than a ballad man Billy ensured that the majority of the audience failed to stop their feet from tapping and the hands a clapping. Only slowing down slightly to catch his breath and introduce a subtle change of beat. A great first spot Billy very much appreciated by one and all.
Still with the anticipation of more of the same in his second spot time to sample another beer to keep the mood flowing. Suddenly the dulcet tones of Billy’s voice once again filled the room, were off was the order. Like a true thoroughbred our Billy ensured he kept the mood of the evening going full of life and sparkle. Great show Billy and many thanks to mine hosts I sure will visit this neck of the woods again.
My next little excursion was to that centrally located establishment the Irish National Institute Ashton. My aim was to savour the pleasant atmosphere, grab a few beers, enjoy some pleasant company whilst at the same time enjoy some live entertainment. On offer for the evening a guy with the handle of Leo Kenny. Well here was a name whose path I had not crossed before, but you never know when your in for a pleasant surprise.
Soon into the first short spot it was obvious that our Leo lent more to the style of soul music which is no easy task in re-producing. With some of the great renditions from the icons of soul Leo’s first spot flew past all too quick, but! he had created the mood and had the voice to carry it off. Not before time the dreaded bingo was over and once again it was time for the nights entertainment. As per the first spot it was more of the same with Leo producing some great soul sounds, which brought back memories of times from my past. Like I stated at the start you never know what to expect when someone you have not heard sing before appears, but in Leo’s case not a problem, a really good entertainer Thanks to the Irish Club for the great night out.
Finally in this months column its nice to report that the doors of the Halfway House are open once again and with the additive of live entertainment on offer I made my way in it’s direction. On stage Sally Jay not a name I have come across before but as the saying goes “In for a penny in for a pound” It was obvious from the first note from Sally was here to achieve one thing, to entertain, and that she did. With a great first spot singing in various styles and subtle changes of tempo Sally kept one and all in the mood for more. I am sure with this class of entertainment on offer it will be back to the glory days at the Halfway House. Here’s to more of the same.
See you around folks...............
Around the Town (Mar)
This months column starts with a report on a visit earlier in the month to that bastion of entertainment in Dukinfield, none other than the Wheatsheaf. Always a popular spot this drinking establishment renowned for it’s good turns, pleasant atmosphere and a nice welcome.
On offer for the nights entertainment, a newly formed 4 piece band the Lisa Mack Band. Lead singer Lisa is no stranger in treading the boards as in times gone by she graced many a stage with a girl duo. Not without some form of trepidation that I chose my listening spot carefully, based on past experience’s too close meant having my eardrums bashed through an over eager sound engineer.
I thought in for a penny in for a pound soon came the time for the bands first rendition, and with my ear plugs at the ready. Anyway my dear readers the bands gear was set at just the right level, not just for my frail self but for all who had gathered for the nights entertainment.
Throughout the first spot Lisa and her fellow musicians kept us all engrossed. With a subtle change of styles and beats many a foot was set a tapping and each rendition finished with a warm round of applause. No doubt there were a few in the gathered audience who were just itching to parade their talent and dance to the pulsating rhythm, but may be a tad early yet.
After just a short break the band were soon back in the groove, much to the delight of one all. Once more giving birth to songs that linger in one’s memory and some that have just emerged on the scene. Well my avid readers always nice to see a new face and judging by the response all around from my fellow lovers of live entertainment. This band is here to stay Nice one Lisa Oh! and of course the other members of the band.
Not to far away lies another establishment well blessed by live entertainment since Jimmy and Bev took over the reins at the Victoria in the top end of Dukinfield. Noticing from the gig guide that the master of swing L, A. Jon was appearing that Saturday evening I donned the old overcoat and scarf and made the short journey to it’s doors.
As is the norm I arrived a tad late and was not surprised to find the Vic a bit full. Bit of a tight squeeze to find an ample viewing point, still always room for a little un. None to soon our Jon entered the arena and opened up with a bit of a racy number, not swing but still got the feet a tapping.
Still I thought, and as though my mind had been read by Jon himself our Jon raced into what he sings best, songs from that era of swing that will never be repeated but will live on forever. From one great rendition to another Jon kept us well entertained with some great songs during his first spot, which left me personally waiting in anticipation of the second spot.
Well after a couple more scoops my ears were ready for more of the same from our Jon. With a nice mixture of some upbeat numbers to some that were gentle on the ears our Jon once again demonstrated what a fine act he is. Thanks for a great night to mine hosts and of course Jon himself.
It is now time for me to pass on my heartfelt thanks to all of you licensee’s who throughout the recent hard times are still endeavoring to provide us Joe public with the opportunity to listen to and enjoy live entertainment. Much appreciated by all concerned. I know some times nothing is said but I am sure a lot of us think it. Many thanks to all of you that are still trying
See you around folks...............
Around the Town (Feb.)
One of the recent additions to the pages of Cheers Magazine is that of The Waggon situated on the edge of that tiny hamlet of Mottram.
As an avid reader of Cheers, new editions in it’s columns always catches my eye. Noticing that live entertainment was on offer I searched the gig guide to see if it was worth a journey into the country side.
Well my dear readers what popped out of the page was a name of a duo whose friendship I have cherished for a long time now Side by Side or Rob and Liz to their friends. So donning the old overcoat I made the short bus journey to Mottram.
I entered the pub to be greeted by a roaring wood fire and a pleasant smile from mine hosts Dave and Mags and a huge hug from my old mate Rob. Chewing the fat whilst at the same time making sure the old amber nectar flowed Rob, Liz and I reminisced on times gone by. “Well lets get on with it” were the words from Liz and once the boss had spoken it was showtime.
Much to the delight of the gathered punters Rob and Liz soon had many a feet tapping and a hand clapping through a series of well rehearsed vocal offerings that would not disgrace any stage. Covering all aspects of the musical variations they sang as a duo and as individuals whilst at the same time maintaining that wonderful sense of enjoyment at what they do.
All to soon the first spot came to a close but as is the norm that has been introduced by Dave and Mags a free supper was laid for all who wished to partake, nice touch I thought. none to soon, on with the show. Opening up with a classic Neil Diamond number just to set the mood.
On and on the renditions came as more and more folks were drawn into the mood. I finish off with a heartfelt thanks to both mine hosts Dave and Mags and Side by Side for providing a great night out. A few months ago in my column I reported on an evening charity concert at the Irish National Institute.
One of the acts that gave his free time that evening was a young local lad by the name of Lee Ashley. Well my dear readers this guy formed such an impression that on viewing that he was booked to appear at the Old General Dukinfield it was with no hesitation that I headed in that direction.
Greeted with a smile and a firm handshake by young Lee I made sure that I found a suitable viewing and listening point. Right on cue Lee was soon into his spot and it was quite obvious from the first song that Lee’s choice of music meant that we were all in for a treat. With one bouncy number after another from Motown to Swing with a small dash of humour.Lee kept us all well entertained.
For a person that has only been on the circuit for some mere twelve months or so Lee has a real polished act. Meanwhile during his first spot two other well known entertainers had slipped in to add there support, Warren Dean and his brother Wayne Roberts.
Well my avid readers you can guess what happened in the second spot. It just had to happen at some point, of course Lee invited Warren to sing a duet and what a performance, they sounded great together. Still the show went on with more of the quality as from the fist spot. Yet more of a surprise was when Lee, Warren and Wayne sang as a trio.
Nice to see three competent vocalists on stage at the same time and performing as though it was all part of the act. Not the three tenors but still good. My last comment is Lee long may you continue and I hope to see you soon.
See you around folks............... |
