Picture from Facebook
Although I wasn't really in the mood for it I decided that I have to get back into seeing live music on a regular basis, if I continue to avoid going to gigs while at the same time championing local music there is a danger I could end up with a show on Notts TV. Yesterday's proceedings took place from one o'clock in the afternoon but I wandered up after lunch at my dad's and missed a chunk of the opening sets. The Maze hold this all day acoustic event every year and the line up this year was of the usual high quality. I have in the past spoken out against the constant barrage of singer/guitarists but on occasions like this when the fat has been trimmed leaving just the meat it is an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday evening, especially with a Bank Holiday Monday following it so you don't have to get up early.
To tell the truth I was getting bored of going to gigs in Nottingham on a club level as I just couldn't get excited by the same stuff all the time, but although yesterday did throw up some familiar faces there was plenty of variety. The first person I saw (and I did stick mainly in the front bar for most of the day) was a new name to me, Joseph Knight, who impressed me by playing to a handful of people most of them talking of course. He was the only unfamiliar face I saw although there were a few people I had not seen for a while, next up was Stanley Mackerel who didn't really fit a Sunday afternoon due to the content of his act but was entertaining and went down well with the small gathering. Somehow I have managed to miss seeing One Million Motors since he appeared on my radio show but he has continued to plug away and make a name for himself which is good to see. Adam Clarkson treated us to some new songs and was joined by Alex Hale for a song, someone else I haven't seen for way too long. Emily Martin (not sure if she is using her recently acquired married name professionally, she's changed it on Facebook) is someone I have seen before but not accompanied by Kym (they were billed as Kym and Emily) and together they sounded amazing. Their set was mostly covers at this stage in their life but I will be keeping an eye (and most importantly and ear) out for original material from them. We sat and watched We Show Up On RadaR, another singer I haven't seen for ages and his show was as brilliant as ever, I made a cheeky phone recording which is enhanced by Adam shouting at everyone to shut up.
The Sunday Alternative #54 is available from here.
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August housekeeping
We are now in the eighth month of the year and at a standstill as far as work is concerned. In unrelated news, it is my birthday on the 27th of this month so a nice present would be a donation using the PayPal button. This would be spent on creating podcasts, documentaries, short films, comedy sketches and various other entertainments that I will make available to enjoy online for free.
The above t-shirt and bag is also available to buy, all the money goes to the same creative fund. They are on my shop page.
I'll play you a kazoo song request, find out how here.
Letter of complaint written for you for £2, here.
steveEoliver@gmail.com
