old news

3rd January 2006

On Wednesday 28th the Ben Waters Band had its Christmas party at Mr Kyps, Parkstone, Dorset. It’s the first time I’ve played at this wonderful venue, one of the best gigs in Dorset in my experience. Ben was in fine form despite lingering lurghi, and he was joined by Clive Ashley on sax and his brother Ray on trombone, Ady Milward and myself. The Tom Caulfield Band played support, proving that the blues is alive and well for another generation at least.

Little Dixie returned to the Westgate in Taunton on Friday 30th December, our first gig there for some months. It was very well received and great fun.

The Rosetta Life Band with Billy Bragg took part in BBC1’s New Year Live programme at Somerset House on the north bank of the River Thames in London. It was quite a day, hob-nobbing with the stars in that amazing building on the Embankment. We also had ringside seats for a truly amazing firework display from the London Eye.

Space restrictions meant that we were without Ady Milward on drums, and our performance was beset by sound and technical problems, but it was a truly unique experience, playing live to an estimated 8 million viewers. A day not to be forgotten.

2006

On Sunday 2nd January Robbie and I were reunited with Ady Milward for an afternoon of blues to Dylan to Hank Williams at the Park Hotel in Weymouth. Robbie was on blazing form, and it was the perfect way to start the New Year.

On Saturday, 7th January the Ben Waters Band take place in an all-day blues festival at Farnham Maltings in Farnham, Surrey www.farnhammaltings.com

As usual, the Thursday night jam sessions continue at Finns, Westham Road, Weymouth. New and established bands and solo artists are encouraged to take to the stage, and there’s at least half a dozen bands out gigging now that started off playing a few numbers at these sessions. If you want to book yourself a slot, get down there before 9pm and have a word with me. PA and backline is provided.

Chris Lonergan





Valid CSS! Valid HTML 4.01!