old news

23rd October 2007

Back Street Blues played at the Endsbury Park Hotel in Bournemouth on Saturday 6th October, our début there, and Mike Biggs, drummer Jim and myself were joined by my old compadre Smudge, demonstrating some excellent guitar work.

Weysia 3 took place at the Pavilion, Weymouth on Sunday 7th. The event raised around £700 towards funding a trip for students from Wey Valley School in Weymouth to work with street children in Calcutta. I played with Robbie McIntosh’s Steamer Ducks, with Ben Waters guesting, The Mutter Slater Band, C Sharp Blues and Brahms & Liszt. Also on the bill were the magnificent Gothic Chicken (featuring Marco Rossi in a dress and Al Strawbridge in a rather fetching black bra and skirt combination), Vending Machine Repair Men, Tom Caulfield, Delayed, Ian Sedwell and Catherine Levi. It was a wonderful night. The Mutter Slater Band set got some very positive reactions, very encouraging.

Back Street Blues played at the New George, Trinity Street, Dorchester on Friday 12th, with Smudger ripping it up on guitar once more.

Custer’s Last Blues Band reunited at the Hope & Anchor in Bridport on Sunday 14th. It was a vintage line-up: Hamish Maxwell on vocals, Julie Trevett and Clive Ashley on saxes, Nick on harmonica, Tim and Grant on guitars, Steve Jones on piano and Ady and myself doing the rhythm thing. I feel a Custer’s resurgence coming on.

Back Street Blues play at the Portman Arms in East Chinnock, near Yeovil, Somerset on Saturday 20th October, at  Nelson’s Cheese and Ale House, Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset on Thursday 25th and at the Cross Rifles in Bridgewater on Friday 26th.

On Saturday 27th the Barrelhouse Blues Band will be supporting Andy Fairweather Low’s excellent band at the Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset. Mutter Slater will be doing a couple of numbers with us. Details on 01258 473444 or 01258 475137. Mutter, Ady and I then form the Mutter Slater Band as we return to the splendid Royal Portland Arms on Sunday 28th, starting at about 4pm.

As you can see, I’ve got a splendid and varied range of really exciting gigs coming up, the furthest away being Bridgewater in Somerset. I’m enjoying playing more now than I have done in many years. And they pay me for this!

Chris Lonergan

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