La Clique
Showzam !
Tower Circus, Blackpool
Monday, 15th February, 2010

Having tasted a little of Showzam! in 2009 it was a must see event to get into at least one show of this crazy extravaganza.
La Clique was chosen on this night of nights.
Having not been in the Tower Circus since the filming of ‘Funny Bones’ with Oliver Reed, Jerry Lewis, & Lee Evans, it was great to be back.
Not sure what to expect, when a strange loud whistling bellowed out, I thought it was part of the show. After 5 minutes of this sound the compact crowd were asked to leave the building. Still thinking it was part of the act we all headed to the exit. The Tower staff directed over 200 people out with excellent precision.
It was on Bank Hey Street we discovered a fire had started below the KFC. A multitude of fire engines arrived on the scene, followed by police & ambulance. Fortunately no one was injured.
It was 45 mins later, and much thanks to the show producer, who kept everyone informed and held the audience together on the street.
If The Underbar had been open it would have made a killing.
We were soon back in our seats and ready for more action.
The variety of diverse acts were quite mind-blowing, with a big build up for Le Gataeu Chocolat, who moved gracefully towards the hypnotised throngs and even sat on a lap or two. There was a big, strong, powerful mature voice belonging to this character.
Her Majesty entered the arena and totally believed she/he was royalty. But royalty of a mythical Blackpool Republique.
The scantily clad Wau Wau Sisters from New York City were quite stunning on the trapeze. Entering with cans of beer in hand and swigging to music, it was synchronised spraying. On the trapeze their movements were faultless and sensational.
The skating Willers were also a brilliant act. Experienced and so well rehearsed. Almost dangerous, especially when a genuine member of the audience joined them for a spin.
The shapely figure of Miss Behave AKA (Meow Meow) kept appearing, entertaining, drinking people’s beer, swallowing scissors, and she was up for almost anything. Meow Meow was voted in the top ten best of cabaret by Time Out New York, appears regular in New York City, Berlin, and Soho. Extreme suicide cabaret is a description I can vouch for, and here she is in sunny Blackpool.
Captain Frodo was perfect for this show. Although not my cup of tea, he was good at what he did, and had people gasping at his antics and rubber body. A real Norwegian. His second appearance and finale, with hands behind his head and feet behind his ears sitting high in the sky was unforgettable.
The hula hoop lady was the best you will ever see. With great rhythm she made it look like art, and what great exercise.
From Montreal was the very agile and athletic Hugo Demaris, who made a few females in my vicinity swoon with affection. He was another bundle of aerial talent amongst all these speciality acts.

With people like Miranda from Adelaide, Australia, greeting guests with her gorgeous smile and international courtesy, this show was true international world class and may be just a bit too sophisticated for most of the domestic Blackpool audience. But is lucky ones were there.

Callighan and Wolski
St. Johns Square, Blackpool
Saturday, 10th July, 2010

Gemma Callighan took the stage and hushed a large crowd in the square with her amazing voice that was quite haunting, and with Wol’s guitar strings accompanying, the sound of the songs bounced back off the six story Leisure Parks building opposite to give an amphitheatre effect. With songs such as ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Rise Up’, and a traffic-stopping version of ‘Ruby Tuesday’, it made for a great Saturday afternoons entertainment.
The gathered masses were fixed to the spot believing they had witnessed something special. I believe they had. On the church ground another new rising star emerged over this town.




Dan Wilde Open Mic
Henry’s Bar, Lytham
Thursday, 22nd July, 2010

Not knowing who or what to expect from this night it was a surprise to see so much talent in this great venue, and that was just the audience. 
I was just in time to catch two shining stars with Stephanie Fraser just about to sing, and later Karima Francis.

Stephanie created a halcyon atmosphere to the room and had a real soulful touch to her wonderful country style songs and had the audience in her hand with her pure vocals and meaningful lyrics with songs such as ‘What Makes A Man’. 

Karima sang a selection of songs, which included a breathtaking best version I have ever heard of ‘The Author’ (from her CD of the same name) plus ‘The Remedy’, ‘Tonight’, ‘What’s Going On (AKA ‘What’s Up’), and much more. 

Mellow Yellow
The Victoria Lounge, North Pier, Blackpool.
Saturday, 15th May, 2010

This was a very well organised event held in a superb venue with a professional stage and unbeatable views. With the amount of acts on the line up it needed the 10 hours allocated at least, and blessed with good weather also it bade well for a day to remember.
I did not catch all the performances to give a review so hopefully someone can add to what is not covered.

The compare for the occasion was first class.

The Steph Fraser Band
Stephanie Fraser and her 2 accompanying musicians opened this day of musical magic. With a voice so pure it ascended the heavens drifting through blue sky above with a host of well crafted self-written songs. Steph opened with ‘Recession Proof’, and followed with ‘Swimming In The Dark’, then a song yet to receive a title, followed by ‘Too Late’, ‘Birdsong’, ‘What Makes A Man’, and 2 more wonderful songs that had a country/gospel feel. Steph had a unique timeless voice with a hint of Eva Cassidy, Dido, and so much more, and her songs have a universal quality that has already crossed the Atlantic and deserve to be heard at major festivals.

John Brindley
Just caught the end of John Brindley’s performance, but could hear most of his songs and vocals drifting right along the pier as I came back to the gig from the town centre. It really created a great atmosphere with his clear strong well timed vocals & meaningful songs.

Troubadour
This talented duo were not long back from a volcanically extended tour of the USA where it seems many good contacts were made for future gigs.
Along with Steph Fraser, Troubadour really set the musical scene for the rest of the day with their own original transatlantic songs, charismatic guitar sounds and vocals. Their music seems to appeal to people across a broad spectrum of ages and tastes and as at their Stanley Park & Toast gigs they have made ‘Empire State of Mind’ their own on The Fylde Coast, receiving a great reception from the crowd.

Charlie Cartmell
Charlie displayed his superb guitar skills in a 20 minute set that really entertained the chilled out basking throngs on the Persian rugs. I heard comments from the floor saying ‘for 18yrs of age he must have had quality tuition to play guitar like he did’. He definitely impressed the crowd and added an extra dimension to Mellow Yellow.

Dirty Scavenger
Jo Maultby was flanked on stage with her band to make a threesome. Envying our golden sands of Blackpool to the east, Jo mentioned that they do not have a sandy beach in their hometown of Brighton. Dirty Scavenger played for 45 minutes and went through a host of their own songs that were really grungy and angst filled. I heard comments comparing them to 4 Non Blondes and Sheryl Crowe. They had a hard angry style, of which I know is just what Jo Maultby was aiming for. They did not please some traditional folkies, but they had rock quality, and to open minds, that is the beauty of the diversity of music genres.

Spiral Scouts
This is the first time I have seen Spiral Scouts and to be honest they were a big surprise with their sounds and harmonies. There were so many dimensions to this act with a real feel good folk infested sound and haunting vocals both male and female. On this performance they also would not be out of place at a large festival. With a multi-talented line up on stage including guest musicians, violins, bongo drums, their influences came from many cultures.

Edwina Hayes
Edwina was an excellent addition to this line up and put a quality stamp on the day with diversity and style. With a worldly wise persona and superb level headed confidence she sang songs and ballads within a mid vocal range that were very appealing. Edwina has supported Nancy Griffith on tour and other household named artistes, and has film soundtracks to her credit.

Andy Stones
Andy had that sensual touch to his vocals and songs like he is singing just for you. With an almost Art Garfunkel range and melancholy soulful guitar strings everything is cool and life’s a beach, perfect over the Irish Sea and Victoria Green is a timeless song waiting to be discovered by the world.

Karima Francis
With the presence of Karima it just demonstrated the quality and fantastic standard of acts on this line up. Flanked by two guitarists Karima sang a selection of songs from both ‘The Author’ and totally new songs that may be on the new album. With absolutely crystal clear vocals and notes that could not be bettered in a recording studio the audience was treated to a majestic performance of brilliance. Every song was from the heart.

Lupa Tom
Lupa Tom had a fast lively beat, great lyrics and catchy vocals. Remind me of an Arctic Monkeys sound in a good way. Definitely some lively urban song writing skills, and like many other acts on here today, if the right people were here listening there would be a bigger place for them in the music world. The broken guitar string did not spoil the show.



The interlude sounds were all professionally handled and stringed together for the event with world/jazz fusion music from such acts as St. Jermaine.

The whole day was more of a friendly cultural gathering than a gig, with quality craft and chocolate stalls, alternative clothes, and some tasty original art on display at realistic prices.
There was a great bar service that gave us locals no favours, and food served throughout.
There was some amazing launchings of Chinese Lanterns late in the night. This was a sight to behold and could almost have given this day global publicity.





Club Above, West Coast Rock Cafe – Mellow Yellow Extra
Friday, 11th June, 2010

Rachel Morris
Just 24 hours after Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas & Shakira had opened the first African World Cup, Rachel Morris took the stage as the first of 4 acts here tonight. With her dazzling across the scale keyboard sounds and vocals that painted a dreamlike picture, Rachel sang a selection of her songs. Opening with ‘Face In The Crowd’ and finishing with the fantastic ‘I’m Drowning’. Her tribute song ‘To Courtney’ was breathtaking, as was her whole performance.

John Brindley
John Brindley and his guitar were literally the whole package. With his voice and rhythm he has got it all. Switching styles, tempo, key, and mood. He soon had the place rocking and people out of their seats dancing. He could easily entertain most crowds for the whole night, and take on requests also with his repertoire of songs. Covers included ‘Tracks of My Tears’ and ‘Hope’. There were influences of Transatlantic rock artistes and a touch of Van Morrison and The Steve Miller Band.

Karima Francis
Fresh back from California Karima was a spontaneous and surprise guest singer for one song. Linda Perry’s ‘What’s Going On’. In a faultless and perfect rendition the crowd was totally silent to hear every note in Karima’s spine tingling chosen key of magic.

Spiral Scouts
Following their main gig on the pier Spiral Scouts really laid on their amazing and varied sounds and harmonies within the enclosed walls of The Club Above. With a slight change to their line up, the perpetrators of some infantile racist innuendo were soon educated, dancing, and assimilated by the gypsy rhythms and diverse global guitar strings.   






Independent Gig – Club Above, WCRC
25.06.10

These three talented singer songwriters had a big following with them to make for an atmospheric and fun night.

Rachel Morris
Rae Morris may be Blackpool’s best kept secret. Here is an artiste who can make time stand still, take your heart, shake it up, & replace it so it beats forever. On tonight’s performance there were touches of Kate Bush, Barbara Dickson, Stephanie de Sykes, and Noosha Fox. Amazing dazzling keyboard and sounds that seemed not from any musical rule book. A mind-blowing performance.

Catlow
Laura Catlow gave a fantastic performance with a lively medley of well delivered songs. Catlow has superb confidence with her guitar and can really rock the place with a relaxed humour and great unity with her audience. The more I hear the more I like.
The autobiographical ‘Chicken Shop Blues’ is a true to life song with some superb and relevant lyrics, and the amazing ‘Horror Show’ was one of the highlights of the month.

Karima Francis
Karima with her natural talent, experience, and sense of adventure, always has an edge to her songs and amazing stories, and her vocal quality and extra sensory perception can take you on a fantasy sleigh ride through the canyons of your mind. ‘What’s Going On’, and the duet with Rae Morris on the song ‘Tonight’ was world class and as good as you would hear at Glastonbury or Las Vegas, and a bit more intimate. It was an honour to be one of her audience.

Between Yellow Mellow and this gig there was potential talent to open future World Cups and Olympic Games.

With Black Vegas soon to return to The Grand Theatre, I thought it a good idea to re-visit a review from 2007.  It may seem a bit dated now with some bands moving on, but hope it whets the appetite for the event.



Black Vegas
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool
Friday, Saturday, 15th, 16th June, 2007.

I’m not comparing The Sound Of Superstring with Status Quo, but SOS did for Black Vegas what Quo did for Live Aid, if not more.
They got this rock show off to a rousing start. They were a band that could have been the headline for the night.

Preceding them were the magnificent 7 dancing Jamming Tarts, who really warmed up the surprised audience with synchronised burlesque. (Where have these gals been hiding).
Their second appearance was even better, and more risque than the first.

The Magdalenas opened after the first interval, and were perfect to keep the party going. An energy fuelled band with musical longevity.

Reporting Emily (who had a small army of adoring badge giving female admirers dancing in the aisles), were one of those bands that dominate and use the whole stage. They went down a storm.

Nick Unlimited followed the 2nd interval. A rock icon in the town, and who often
has quality guests playing in the line up. (Ex Rocking Vicars, He once shared the stage with Van Morrison).
Thanks to Reporting Emily it did not take much for many of the audience to be dancing at the front, and by the time Sweet Home Alabama was blasting,
the whole place was rocking like crazy.
Nick introduced Sarah, who sang solo sweetly and bravely, considering it was
only her 2nd time on stage from being discovered at The Cedar Tavern.

Finally to end the night came The Lotus Circle.
Here was an extremely talented band who were involved in organising Black Vegas.
They were winners of the recent Battle of the Bands at the Tower Lounge. Their music was extremely diverse, and they melded between genres with fire and brimstone.
Talented musicians individually and versatile omnipotent rock vocals made for a mesmerising, mind-blowing, electric finale to the first night. All Hail Lotus Circle !

The after-show party at Envi (now K2) got off to a slow start, and there was no massive exodus from The Grand Night Out that was evident, although the DJ made us welcome.


Day 2

Empty Headed Heroes
A threesome with 2 guitars and harmonica, another energy fuelled band, with bouncy melodies to match their jumping agility and style. Great start to the show.

The Interruptions struck me as a very commercial sounding band with quality catchy songs. Great lead vocals.

The Wheeljacks, were high energy with guitars that made people want to dance.
Sounded like many bands put together, but also unique. Created their own sounds and beats.

Limousine, a very ambitious band that imposed themselves, (mostly hoodies for tonight), filled the stage and gave a great resounding performance that created a wall of sound.

The talented Joanna Byrne, a singer songwriter, and member of The Neon Trees, was a real treat to listen to and had the audience in her hand.

Stephanie Fraser was a surprise guest singer songwriter who literally silenced this crowd like no one else. There was a touch of Eva Cassidy in her haunting pure voice and interpretation.
Probably the youngest singer involved in Black Vegas, I’m sure we will hear more of her in the future.

Sinister Footwear rounded off the weekend festival. Another band that imposed their heavyweight showboat style across the masses, a big meaningful almost stadium rock sound. Almost everyone was now at the front, pulled in by the magnetism and crescendo they created. Recently on Radio Lancashire’s BRYAN show, haunting atmosphere, had the place in raptures with their finale of Bowies ‘Ashes To Ashes’.

Appearances from ‘Stig’ and ‘The Devil’ all made for a bizarre show.

Both nights had large audiences, and the packed bar must have had better profits than it would for Madame Butterfly.

All credit to the painted-faced security who added to the occasion.

The after-show party at ‘Beat’ Club was very well attended by the bands, and a good time was being had by all. There were free CD’s being handed out by Sinister Footwear, and a few other artistes. It must have been past the bedtime for most fans as they were outnumbered by the celebrities.
Good to see a professional photographer at both after-show parties, with a few tasty happy snaps being taken. Also the Black Vegas film crew were on location in Beat recording the event and doing interviews.

It looked to me the whole event was a resounding success.

Can anyone tell me if David Royle (Dalziel and Pascoe-Sergeant Edgar Wield is where I saw him) is still acting? He is on the site as a Friend of the The Fringe. Thanks,
Kathleen

Club Above - West Coast Rock Cafe
Blackpool

Saturday, 29th May, 2010

With this line up of bands all on one night this was guaranteed to be a very eventful occasion.

With the mics and instruments circled around the dance floor and drum set directly to the front of the crowd the scene was set for the night.

CSOD
Great for CSOD to start the proceedings and get the action rolling. They started in a frenzy and soon had the crowd whipped up and rocking as if it was the headline finale. They never let up, with wild rapturous hard core riffs beats rhythms and vocals. This band has definitely moved forward and some of their songs have a real deep dark quality marching feel. CSOD had a sound raw to the root of their genre. I was really impressed with ‘Public Disorder’ and ‘Meat Pit’.

Their brilliant 7 track promo CD ‘More Than A Handful’ is definitely worth every penny, and that’s less than the price of a beer. Awesome.

http://www.myspace.com/csoduk


Litterbug
Between a recent gig at The Blue Room and tonight’s performance this is the best I’ve ever seen and heard Litterbug. They had the sound of a good organised tight well-rehearsed 3 piece punk band. I think they have a real 70’s sound, but very contemporary also for the current scene. They tick all the boxes and listening to them is like being on a roller-coaster. With some clever song writing skills on such as ‘Lizard Man’ that almost plays with your audio senses and hits the listener from both sides, and the great song ‘One Track Mind’ that sounds radio friendly and I think should be promoted as such.
Their excellent new CD is definitely worthy of any punk rock fans collection.

http://www.myspace.com/litterbugblackpool


Dropout Wives
The Dropout Wives were next to take this smart arena. This band could have been for a trip in Dr Who’s TARDIS and materialised in the West Coast Rock Café 2010 (thinking they were Lotus Circle) with an image and sound from the distant future. With Chelsea on keyboards for an amazing dimension they gave a mind blowing culture shocking performance that the packed house adored and made me realise for real cutting edge diverse rock music there was no other place to be in this town tonight.

There were some good guest backing singers for one song. With powerful fearless vocals from Stormy, and unique vocals from Lola (is there a more raw dynamic female rock voice in the UK)? Apart from their great original songs they did awesome covers of ‘Monster Mash’ and ‘Do Ya Love Me’. They were untouchable.

http://www.myspace.com/dropoutwives



UFX
Next up were UFX who kept the pace going at a fantastic rate. This is one hell of a band, and even though most songs were original they have that feel that you’ve known them for years. If they were a cover band (thank goodness they’re not) they would put others out of business. With a great focal point in their lead vocalist Dunk they had an in your face attitude in a supreme way. Once again there was quality timing on guitars and with Ratty on drums the songs they performed were sensational, pulsating, riveting, blinding, and invincible.

http://www.myspace.com/httpmyspacecomubeenfesterd


Senton Bombs
After supporting The Real McKenzies earlier this year The Senton Bombs hit the ground running as 'the' headline act in this so far amazing night, with explosive vocals from Joey Class, and brilliant guitars and backing vocals from the band. There was some of the best and skilful drumming I’ve witnessed for some time with flying, and I think even breaking drum-sticks with splinters airborne. The rocking crowd had a drummers eye lens and felt the passion with the kit in front of the audience. Last but not least The Senton Bombs completed this rock night of nights.

http://www.myspace.com/thesentonbombs


The Venue
For £2 admission this was as good as you’ll get for value for money. The sound system seemed excellent to me, the crowd packed the place in good spirits and made for a great atmosphere with some celebrity faces, the stars of the bar kept everyone served timely, the air conditioning kept people cool, and the great diverse interlude music calmed the senses between the mayhem.

http://www.westcoastrock.co.uk/



Friday, 4th June, 2010

Dropout Wives
In their 2nd appearance within a week The Dropout Wives were not time travelling this time with a Sinister technical hitch. No band can recover from a possible failure like the Dropout Wives and they literally blew away any gremlins and stormed to a fantastic sonic victory and planted a seed of joy to all present


The Temps
The Temps sounded a pure Liverpudlian band with style and attitude. Their anti-pop punk infused music was in your face, so original, sharp, cutting, edgy, contemporary, ahead of its time, professional, thought provoking, heart stopping, and quite amazing. Their lead singer is a tour de force, excels with a big stage, takes no prisoners, and you will ignore him at your peril. The guitarists & drummers were 100% dedicated and focused on nothing but delivering the songs. They would not be every ones sambuca, but no one listening can deny their commitment. They could be destined for bigger things.

http://www.myspace.com/thetempsliv


Die Nakse Bananen
From the Rotterdam region of The Netherlands came the mature and well-travelled and still touring Die Nakse Bananen. With an orange mohawk the lead singer was clear, razor sharp powerful with strong vocals. Their lightning fast guitars and drums and all round routine was impressive. This youthful band has been around since the 1980’s and they showed their years of skill and artistry in their music, and they radiated the feeling that rock music should also be fun.

http://www.dienaksebananen.com/

http://www.myspace.com/dienaksebananen

I would like to make you aware of 2 very talented local singer songwriters who are appearing this Friday night 25th June 2010 at The West Coast Rock Cafe, Club Above.

Karima Francis - Who has appeared on UK & French national TV and is just back from California working with top record producer Linda Perry (Whats Going On) and has worked with Snow Patrol.
www.myspace.com/karimafrancis

Rachel Morris - In the style of Noosha Fox, Stephanie de Sykes, Kate Bush. She can make time stand still.

Music should commence around 22.15 pm.   Usually £2 door charge.

I'll second that, it's a great show which unites the town and gives the town such a great advert.

I want to write an article for Blackpool Aloud about Art Galleries in Blackpool.

I know we have the Grundy Art Gallery and there is a Gallery in Norbrek but does anyone know of any more.

If you can pm me or email me on zim.flyer@blackpoolaloud.org.uk that would be great.

Cheers Paul

Hello, we run a news magazine and forum called Blackpool Aloud, it has all the news and lots of pictures of everything that is happening in Blackpool.

www.blackpoolaloud.org.uk

We are always after anyone who fancies writing an article about anything to do with Blackpool, pm me if anyone is interested.