Over to the Terrace club in Normanton for the country music club. Tonight the artiste is 21st Century Swing. I know the guys as Fuel. I had come along tonight to see the second set which is a new feature of purely Swing music. The guys looked very smart. Look at the picture. All the moves were in unison. There were the songs of the famous Rat Pack, 'Never Been A Gambling Man'. Sinatra's 'Ain't That. Kick In The Head', 'Mack The Knife' ' Mr Bojangles, 'Over The Rainbow', this was from the 1930's. There were many more from the swing era. I thoroughly enjoyed their show. If you see Fuel and 21st Century Swing Advertised at a venue, just go and see a really polished show.
My first stop tonight was at the Prince Of Wales club, Pontefract to see a new singer, (to me); his name is Neil Baker, smart on stage and a good PA system, his first song was, 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', a Michael Buble song followed, 'Home'. Neil has a pleasant voice and the song s he's singing suit him, the members liked him. He sang a song that Cher recorded saying George Cohen was the first to record it, 'Walking In Memphis', there was a Bee Gees song, 'Words' which I think was one of his best songs. One from the Beatles, 'Yesterday'. Just a few more but the best, for me, was, Halfway To Paradise', one from the late Billy Fury... The last song in the set was Snow Patrols, 'Chasing Cars'. Sorry, no picture available...
The Blackpool Command Preview Show in Glasshoughton WMC starts at 7-30 pm prompt. One more name on the show tonight, ' Amy Thomas'. It's gonna be a long night folks.. 60's Mix Tonight At Crigglestone Wmc.
The club was very busy when Pat and I arrived just after 8pm. There's always a £1charge on the door when there is live music in this club, it helps to pay the artistes fees. Sixties Mix is worth all that and more. It's been some time since we saw and heard them. They appeared on stage well dressed, an excellent sound, good voices and good harmonies. Sixties Mix opened their show with one of the Everly Brothers hits, 'When Will I Be Loved', a good opener. Next was, 'The Rhythm Of The Rain', the Hollies were featured with, ‘Just One Look', I love this music, I don't get a headache. The band is, on lead guitar, Terry, on rhythm and lead vocals it's Brian, on bass guitar it's Biff and the drummer is John; there was a good version of the Bee Gees, 'Words', Gerry and the Pacemakers, ‘How Do You Do It’, the sound from Sixties Mix is as near to a 60s sound as you will get. Then came the Beatles, Gene Pitney, There was a Shadows number, Apache and following that was a Cliff Richard and the Shadows, or was it the Drifters?, Gee Whiz It’s You'. I liked the Leroy Van Dyke song, Walk On By ', there was a song the band dedicated to bass man, Biff, 'Act Naturally' which was. Buck Owens country song before the Beatles recorded it, (I prefer Biff's version). The memories came flooding back when the band played Buddy Holly’s, 'Every Day, and Eddie Cochran's, 'Summertime Blues'. One I really couldn't remember was a Roy Orbison song called, 'Walk On'. A terrific and nostalgic set from the band, Sixties Mix'. Over in Crofton club we saw the two guys duo, Festival, Rob on guitar and lead vocals with Martin on keyboards and harmonies make up the duo. When we arrived they had just gone on stage for the second set, they were singing a Beatles song, 'Get Back ', followed by a Willie Nelson number, 'On The Road Again', another new one on me tonight by a band called Asia, 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes'. Nice song. Supertramp’s, 'Dreamer' was the next song in the show. One by UB 40' 'Kingston Town'. It's not often I see girls dancing round a handbag these days but I did tonight. One from the 70s, 'One More For The Road', lots more from Festival... Including some sixties, Danny And Athens Juniors, 'At The Hop', 'Slip Away', an Undercovers song’. anoter good show from Festival... The Blackpool Command Preview Shows Band Wagon rolls into Pontefract tonight. We will be in the Prince Of Wales club.
First on was the man with whom class comes as Standard, 'Ricky Graham'. He was impeccably dressed as always, like the shoes, Alan does too, he opened the show with a Neil Diamond song, 'Cracklin' Rosie', followed by a Matt Monro song, 'Walk Away', a voice like a good wine, gets better with age, he's over 21 you know. One for Pat, a Joe Dolan song, 'Make Me An Island'. Many more from this doyen of performances. I liked Ricky's version of Luther Van Dross's, 'Dance With My Father'. Another from Neil Diamond, 'Forever In Blue Jeans'. There were Roy Orbison songs in there too. Loved the Irish Medley. Ricky ended this most entertaining set with, The Answer'. Enter the brilliant boy girl rock duo, 'REBEL REBEL' (they'll love that, boy girl tag, they're both over 21 now you know). They opened their set with a couple of Meatloaf songs, 'You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth'. And, 'I Would Do Anything For Love But I Won't Do That', another rocker was, 'Sweet Child Of Mine'. A Bryan Adams big hit, 'Summer Of '69'. Yes folks, great rock sound. Rebel Rebel...the last song was a Bon Jovi song, 'Bed Of Roses'. An excellent set... After a short interval to re set the stage, the next act, 'Samantha Lou Atkinson', from Hull took the stage. She looked lovely in a Beautiful long pink dress, like the shoes and the dress. Samantha has a very powerful voice, her opening song was,' You're My World', one by Cher, 'Believe', a Shirley Bassey song, ‘I Who Have Nothing', there was Adele's, 'Set Fire To The Rain', I love Eva Cassidy songs, this one was, 'Songbird'. Sung with light and shade in the right places. Still like the shoes. Another great Shirley Bassey big song, 'This Is My Life', the moves with the hands are brilliant. The last song was one by Prince, 'Purple Rain’; Samantha left the stage to a great ovation. The last but by no means least it’s, 'The Angelettes'. Victoria, Jennie and Holly are the three beautiful young ladies who make up this Motown and soul trio. Again, like the shoes, lovely stage outfits all usually made by Victoria. I liked the wonderful note perfect harmonies. Like the shoes, all three pairs, The first song was Diana Ross’s, ‘Baby Love', in a medley of Motown songs, the moves on stage are well choreographed. I liked the song within the medley, 'Third Finger Left Hand'. More of the Motown songs, 'Get Ready', a Mary Wells song was, 'My Guy'. 'Needle In A Haystack', 'Up The Ladder To The Roof'. A super selection of songs. There were many more from the Angelettes, a super show. 'River Deep Mountain High' was another great song from, Yes folks a good class of entertainment. The final song in the set was, 'Dancing In The Street'. Tonight Pat and I were invited to the Kirklands hotel where we entertained by Elvis tribute singer, Carn C Ryder. He looked and sounded just like the real man. His stage suit was a white Jump suit. Elvis, (sorry Carn), opened his show with the song, 'CC Rider', brilliant, the next song was, 'Way Down'. I'm not going to name all the songs, it's enough to know, they are all Elvis's songs, just a few. ’Cant Help Falling In Love’. Wooden Heart’ and an Elvis version of, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’. The ladies in the room were really enjoying the show. In the room was an old friend who many years ago entered a talent show as Elvis. He idolised the man and even more loved his memory, that guy is James Elvis Hubert. Back here in Kirklands, a lady in the won a prize which had been concealed in an envelope under her chair. It was a scratch card and she has just left the room for a scratch. Well that's what she said. Pat was chuffed tonight 'cos she got a treasured "Scarf". Carn had the people in the room in the palm of his hands. It was good to see Karen Cockroft and her Hubby, Gary here, she just loves Elvis shows. Carn had a great night here in the Kirklands Hotel, here's to the next time! Carn C Ryder. Tonight was the first of these monthly tribute shows. The next one is on Wednesday 19th November when John Alex will be Elton John. Book now for dinner and the show, the price is £22-50 per head which includes Dinner. The food here is lovely. I can tell you that John Alex is the best around as Elton John. It's Friday night here in Alverthorpe club, on stage tonight is Wakefield's own Scratch Band. Tonight it's a special night when we have the near enough original line up, Stuart Wade who started the band 27 years ago In Wakefield, he rang a few of his musician friends and uttered those immortal words, 'What Are You Doing On Thursday', this started the Scratch band. The other band members tonight are, Mick Linskey, Martin Ramsden, 'Greg', Steve Mounsey and Martin Tagg'. Where was Robin tonight, he is usually here creating mayhem. I did see Stan The Man who I'm sure will be pressed into action.
Tonight the first song was an old one not heard in years, 'The Breeze' followed by a favourite, 'Brown Eyed Girl'. 'Just One Look', a Hollies hit. One called, 'Gimme Good Loving', 'Don't Stop', the guys are in fine form tonight, Elvis was featured with "Young Martin" on lead vocals with, 'Burning Love', Martin graduated from the Scratch band to form his own band, Big Time Charlie, which is doing well. There was a Travelling Wilburys song,'End Of The Line', one from Michael by Stray Cats, Martin sang an Elton John song. A good first set from the Scratch Band. Well done guys! A cracking evening and a cracking act last night at Gilly's Traditional Cmc in the Westgate Common WMC, Wakefield. Nicky James has a music system and P.A. second to none, and it showed, with songs such as "Lonely Fugitive "A Merle Haggard classic, "Blue Ridge Mountain Girl" originally by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Smart attire and smart guitar picking also makes Nicky one of the best country acts in Britain today. Gilly tells me Nicky is also involved with bringing top country acts over the water. Gene Watson, Moe Bandy and Larry Gatlin to name just three. These can usually be seen at The Leeds Irish centre, so keep your eye on The Irish centre's website for more info. So last but not least Nicky has just launched a new C.D featuring backing vocals by The Hayley's John Taylor and many more. This CD was played last night and as a result lots of fans are buying it. Not surprised it is awesome! Well done Nicky! Next week it’s Jolene and Barry all the way from Scotland, So folks. "GERRIN EARLY FOR'T BEST SEATS” The Evening session started with a young lady with a lovely voice and a big personality, A Jay Lister who has appeared in the west end, she was dressed in a long black and white dress, like the shoes, April opened her set with a song called, 'Freedom'. Very powerful stuff; I was impressed with a song from, Cats, 'Memory', April closed her set with, ‘Whitney Houston's, 'I Will Always Love You', a very powerful set from this young lady, A J Lister..
Lee Lambert, has appeared in seasonal work in Majorca, club Tropicana and holiday parks. Tonight Lee was immaculate on stage and opened his show with a Bette Midler hit song, 'The Rose’, His voice was on top form. Lee looked terrific in a White jacket piped with black edging, black shirt and trousers, like the shoes, his next song was Gary Barlow's, 'Let Me Go', he finished with, 'The Impossible Dream', a terrific set from Lee Lambert... Enter Black Hearts, Kerrie Leonard and her partner, Ben Hartwell. A dynamic hi-tech and acoustic guitar vocal duo, they looked great in their stage outfits, like Kerrie's boots, the first song of their set was a James Bond theme song, 'Live And Let Die'. 'I Found Love In an Open Place’, Black Hearts closed their impressive set with a Prince song, ‘Purple Rain'. The next act was a newcomer to me, From South Africa, Louis Yssel, who to his great credit has nine times for Grammy Award winner, John Legend. Tonight he opened his set with a Rolling Stones number, I Can't Get No Satisfaction', followed by, Andy Williams, 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You'. One by Simon And Garfunkel, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', Louis ended his set with, 'Fly Me To The Moon'. Enter Alicia Brady, a beautiful young lady who has a great voice, Alicia Brady, she opened her set with, 'Somewhere' from West Side Story, followed by Celine Dion’s, 'I'm Alive', finishing with 'Proud Mary'. A good set, short and sweet from Alicia Brady'. Next up was a very smartly dressed, Danny Barton, he was in a dark three piece suit, Danny has a super voice, in his set he sang, 'Here I Go Again On My Own', a White Snake song. 'Hungry Eyes'. An Eric Carmen song from Dirty Dancing. Danny ended his part of the show with Joe Cockers, 'With A Little Help From My Friends'. Well done Danny Our next singer is a lady, Natalie, who uses the name, Hometown Glory who is a much sort after Adele Tribute Singer, her first song was, 'Skyfall', the voice is very close the real thing, the stage outfit is, ADELE. The next song is, 'Rumour Has It'. Natalie's last song was, 'Someone Like You', an excellent show from Adele, (Aka Natalie Anne Gill). Next a Comedy duo, The Inflations, they opened up with Freddie Mercury songs 'We Will Rock You and Radio Gaga' and We Are The Champions' a brilliant act. In this show they feature the Balloon of Doom, difficult to describe but it's a great show. the Inflations. Next up it's Chris Lafferty who has a great voice, he looks very smart in a three piece suit, I have no idea what this song is, too many long words. I'm not even going to try. Then there was a song in Italian, sounded good but ???. I did recognise Nessun Dorma which was sung, acapella. Next was Jaynie, she looks beautiful in her dress, like the shoes, her first song was a Brenda Lee song, 'Shout', blimey she sounds very much like Brenda Lee, what a voice. Dusty Springfield's, 'I Only Want To Be With You', 'I Couldn't Live Without Your Love' Sandie Shaw's, 'Long Live Love', her last song was another Dusty Springfield song, 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', a terrific if a short set, Well done Jaynie. It's now time for Wayne Samuels who looked very smart too, he opened his set with, ‘You Make Me Feel So Young' in the Michael Buble style, Wayne has very easy to listen to voice, a song by Sammy Davis Junior, 'Mr Bojangles, Wayne finished his set with Simon And Garfunkel song, 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters'. Great set Wayne. Next up, it's Kelly Rox, she looked great in her stage outfit, like the shoes, Kelly usually performs a multi tribute song but tonight it's a Katy Perry Tribute, so it's fair to say all her songs were Katie Perry songs. The only one I recognised was, 'Eye Of The Tiger'. 'California Girls', 'Hot And Cold' and ending her set with 'Roar', I did like the other songs for which I had to ask the titles; a great show from Kelly Rox. A boy / girl duo called 'Dynamix' was the next act tonight; they have a mixed repertoire of songs to suit almost everyone; a very lively duo, both in bright stage wear. A couple of their songs, 'I Just Want You Dance With You Tonight', one of the more popular songs just now, John Legend's 'All Of Me', in perfect harmony. 'Begging You! Carl Ashington has been on the scene for a few years now singing Soul and Motown songs and has supported many artistes including, The Drifters, Norman Collier and many others, tonight he chose to sing, 'Hey There Lonely Girl', 'My Girl', and a Drifters Medley to finish his set, a great set Carl. The last at tonight was, ALWAYS4, a boy band. Very smart too. Good dance moves, top harmonies, the songs of Take That and Westlife. There was a Barry Manilow song, 'Mandy', The last song I heard was, 'End Of The Road'. It was great to be sat next to a clubland legend tonight. Christine Coles Below are the pictures I have to date... Here I am at the Fairway (Conference And Banqueting Suite), in Dodworth near Barnsley, for the 2014 National Showcase. Introducing the artistes is, Lee Lard, a great compere/comedian. He had only been on a minute and had laughter ringing round the room. Lee introduced the first entertainer, Joe Hodgkinson. Joe opened his set with, Dion's, 'Runaround Sue', Joe has a good voice and a winning smile, very smartly dressed and yes, Like the shoes. Songs of different styles and genres. He finished his set with 'You To Me Are Everything'. O'Brien Hesson was next up, I have seen this entertainer on a number of Occasions and like his style. He sings in Reggae style, Lionel Ritchie and many other styles. O'Brien always dresses well and today is no different. One of his songs was a Lionel Ritchie song, 'All Night Long', I liked his version of the Bee Gees, 'To Love somebody’, A good set O'Brien Hesson. Enter Grace, an excellent three part singing, instrumental and very attractive female act, lovely harmonies, two guitarists and a violinist. They opened with 'Boogie Boogie Bugle Boy', just loved Adele's 'Rolling In The Deep', there was a Dolly Parton country song, 'Jolene'. And they ended a terrific set with 'Songbird', an Eva Cassidy favourite... Oh! there was a Mary Hopkins song from the '70's, 'Those Were The Days'. Great stuff girls. That's Grace. Here comes Joe Ross. John has a strong voice and opened with, 'Shake A Tail Feather', followed by My wife's favourite song, (joke)' Mustang Sally', Joe sang it well and had the crowd with him. Coming up now we have, Bethany Brookes, recently returned from Egypt. Bethany has a very good and strong voice, to open her show she sang a Jessie J hit? 'Domino'. Beth looked great in a long black velvet dress, like the shoes. 'I Am Nothing Without You', her last song was Tina Turner's 'Proud Mary'. A good set Bethany Brookes. Impact was the next duo on stage, a male/female duo, well dressed for the stage, two good voices in harmony, the first song was, Take That's, 'Relight My Fire. A great opening, another couple of songs were, Journeys, 'Don't Stop Believing', their last song was, 'Good Girl'. Brad Pepper. Is a real Dynamo and has a great personality, A good strong voice; Brad opened his set with, 'Wake Me Up Before You Go', 'Don't Stop Me Good singer and a smile a mile wide. Lady Z And The Monsters. Great band and what a lead singer, Zara, lead and bass guitar, drummer and of course, Zara. A couple of their songs, 'Summer Of '69'.'Highway To Hell', Ian is on five strong bass, on six string and lead guitar its Anthony with Mike on drums. What a superb sound. Liam Kelly, looked great in his stage suit, Liam has a very good voice, In his set he sang, 'I'm Feeling Good' and, 'Bring Him Home', and Take That's 'Shine'. Liam has a voice beyond his years, he's only 20 years old. Well done Liam. The Chameleons, are Marcus and Liz, I have been looking forward to seeing this duo for ages but could never find them. Great singers, harmonies, they opened their set with, 'Oh What Night', 'Mysterious Girl ‘I Wanna Get Close To You', 'Forget You', Ajay Jackson is an all round entertainer who sings a wide variety of songs, from 60s to Soul to Motown to pop to present day. Today he opened his show with a medley of the Jersey Boys songs, 'Sherry Baby', 'Stay Just A Little Bit Longer’, ‘Let’s Hang On’. A good set AJ Jackson. Cherry Bomb Girls. Three lovely ladies in short dresses, (Guess the colour of the dresses), three lovely voices in very close harmonies, they are Katie, Lauren and Liz. some of their songs, 'Rude', 'Blame It On The Boogie', I would say these girls would fill the dance floors every where they appear. One new on me today was a song called, 'Treasure', Buster was the next artiste is a tribute To Ska Music. Buster appeared on stage in a very loud checked suit, like the shoes. He burst onto the stage singing the songs of Madness, The Specials, Bad Manners, and The Selector. 'Baggy Trousers', Much Too Young and 'Woolly Bully' we're just some of his repertoire. The Spinoffs, is great band I saw last year in Barnsley. I liked them very much, there has been a change in the band but they are still as good as I saw. In their set they sang, 'Boney Maroni', 'Shake A Tail Feather', 'Do You Love Me'. The band consists of a lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboard a drummer and a great vocalist. There was Lionel Richie song called ‘All Night Long', great harmonies here. An excellent afternoon of entertainment here In The Fairfield Hotel, Banqueting Suite. I've been well looked after... Tonight I am in Glasshoughton Wmc where a good friend, JJ Benjamin is the artiste on stage. JJ has been around for a good few years now and is still as good as the day I first saw him. The club was, as always, busy. JJ carries good sound equipment with him, Glasshoughton Wmc has some good lights. JJ and his wife Julie, were formerly a duo called, Beautiful sounds singing the songs of the Beautiful South and the Housemartins. JJ appeared on stage in a smart suit and shirt; like the shoes. His opening song was a Cat Stevens song, ' Father And Son', JJ has a nice rich voice and a quick wit and a smile too. There was a Gerry and the Pacemakers song that you don't hear very often, 'Ferry Across The Mersey'; in fact he sang more I haven't heard for a while and that one was, brilliant', I know it was 'cos JJ told me. There were lots of one liners, another song was Van Morrison's 'Brown Eyed Girl'. Elvis Presley's 'In The Ghetto'. I loved JJ's version of Al Wilson's, 'The Snake', one from The House-martins, 'Happy Hour'. Elton John was featured with, ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues’ and Chris Rea's, 'I Drove All Night'. A terrific set by JJ Benjamin. An excellent entertainer. |
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THE WORD "PREVIOUS" AT THE BOTTOM LEFT HAND SIDE AND YOU WILL SEE MORE REVIEWS... ****************** The Nash... October Entertainment. Sat 17th. Sara Daniels. Young Female Vocalist. Sun 18th. Maddie Storm. Excellent Female Vocalist. Tue 20th. Ricky Graham. Class Male Vocalist. Thu 22nd. Bethany Brooke's. Excellent Female Vocalist. Fri 23rd. Scott Carr. Top Male Entertainer. Sat 24th. Spike Davis. Male Vocal Entertainer. Sun 25th. Mitchell James. Male Vocalist. Tue27th. Gracy 'B'. Excellent Female Vocalist. Thu 29th. Mark Richie. Male Vocal Comedy Entertainer. Fri 30th. Joe Ross. Young Male Vocalist. Sat 31st. Kelly Owen. Young Female Vocalist. Kevin Grundy's Second Pub Book.
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