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chris lonergan news |
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| 1 | 22nd June 2004 |
Here’s the latest from Lonergan land: |
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| The Ben Waters Band played at Royal Manor School on Portland, Dorset on Friday 18th June as a fundraiser for the Grove Infant School, also on Portland. This was Ben’s musical thank-you for the Grove school’s gift of a beautiful old grand piano, which Ben and friends had to manhandle down three flights of stairs, into a van, and into Ben’s dining room. The fundraising night was a great success, with Portland’s discerning musical public appreciating our efforts. |
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That was followed by a surprise 60th birthday bash on Saturday night in a field somewhere near Yeovil, where Ben and band were joined by the inimitable Roger Bastible. Foolishly, Ben challenged Roger to a drinking competition during the break, which, as Clive Ashley put it, was a bit like challenging Mike Tyson to a punching competition. Ben came second, unsurprisingly, but a great night was had by all, despite the fact that it was a f-f-fairly cold night. |
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We rounded off a great weekend with another Ben Waters Band gig, this one at the extremely exclusive Crooked Billet pub in Stoke Row, near Reading. We were treated to a three-course gourmet meal and all the champagne we could drink. Oh and the gig was good, as well. We’ll go back there if we get the chance, fantastic food, wonderful hospitality and an audience that was right up for it. |
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Next weekend sees the inaugural Spydafest music festival at Southwell Business Park on Portland. I’m playing there on Friday night, when Johnny Mars and the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra top the bill. I’m there again on Saturday afternoon, at 2p.m., when Little Dixie will be performing a 40-minute set of Mutter Slater’s wonderful original material. |
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The festival boasts an impressive line up of blues/r&b/world music acts, and I sincerely hope it’s a success for the organisers. The site is a huge horseshoe shape overlooking Portland Bill and Lyme Bay, a spectacular setting. It would be wonderful if it were to become a regular event. For more details, go to www.spydafest.com |
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On Sunday, I’ve got an afternoon of funky blues with the excellent C Sharp Blues at the George Inn, Reforne, Portland, starting at 4.30 p.m. I might as well move to Portland for the weekend. |
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| The Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra’s single, the live version of Jumping Jack Flash recorded with ex-Stone Mick Taylor, actually snuck into the Top 100, but has now sunk from sight. Another single is being planned as I write, another intriguing project – more details as they emerge. |
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| You can still but the single, of course - Jumping Jack Flash, by the Barrelhouse Blues Orchestra, SMCDSBBO 001. |
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| The jam sessions continue at Finns in Westham Road, Weymouth, Dorset. As usual, if you want to get up and do a few numbers, contact me or just turn up at the gig before 9 p.m. and book yourself a slot. |
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Chris Lonergan 22nd June 2004 |
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© 2004 Galeforce Media Solutions, Dorset |
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