What's On: Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset

04/05/13: New Release: Diamonds in the Sand by HazelToy

13/04/13: Interview with Mark Chadwick of the Levellers 5th April 2013

I recently interviewed Mark Chadwick of the Levellers who are releasing a new EP,
“The Recruiting Sergeant” in May and also have an extensive schedule of summer
tour dates coming up. Here is what happened!
Hi Mark, I understand that you have a new EP coming out very soon and all the
proceeds are going to War Child. “Yes that’s right”
One of the questions I had about that was with what’s going on in North Korea at the
moment do you think there is much hope of changing attitudes in the West towards
war?
Mark, “Oh the world in general to be honest, I don’t know, I’ll never stop trying
though”
One question I had was with the name of the Levellers there’s several versions of
how you came about to be called the Levellers, do you have anything to say about
that?
Mark “The definitive version? Well it’s basically the Levellers from the civil war, the
English civil war, the agitators, the more radicalised members of the New Model
Army.”
Since releasing your solo album “After All the Pieces” in 2010 do you have any plans
to record another solo album?
“Yes I do, yeah, I’m doing one I’ve written it and got the people to play it but I just
need to find five minutes to record it.”
One of the things I was looking at is that you have this festival that you do, “Beautiful
Days” and it’s been going for a number of years and I wondered if there was a
favourite year?
“Yes, definitely, it gets better every year, it seems to.”
Primal Scream, Ocean Colour Scene, the Levellers, Sinead O’Connor and Arrested
Development are headlining there this year.
You had your 25th Anniversary of your first gig on the 3rd March this year, how did it
go?
“Yeah we haven’t done anything to celebrate, no we’re kind of looking forward to
our 30th anniversary really”
You have quite a few dates coming up; there are a few in our area of the South West,
Readingsub89 on 4th May, Bath 13th May, 15th June Yeovil, Westland’s Leisure
Complex, 2nd August, Shrewsbury The Butter market, and 16th August The Beautiful
Days Festival in Devon.”
The Ep is coming out on 5th May; it was recorded with some special guests, The
Copper Family, Shona Kipling and Dan Walsh, so how was recording the sessions that
you did, how was it?
“We did it all live together in the same room, because it’s a really old traditional folk
song, we’ve rewritten the words, we’ve updated the story to the present day, yeah
we just wanted to record it in a pub atmosphere”
Yes you also have a number of videos like that, really nice intimacy, is that fun?
“Yeah it’s great fun. The whole EP is all anti-war songs, is the Recruiting Sergeant is
the headline track, your favourite track?”
No, there is a version of “Another Man’s Cause” on there as well, which is one of my
favourite songs, it goes back a few years but it’s really good.
Yes that was live from the Albert Hall. “Yes, it was fantastic.”
You’ve been going as a band and keeping together, how does the group keep
together as a cohesive unit, is that challenging at times?
“Yeah it is yes, it can be very challenging at times but at the end of the day I think we
get on very well, we share the same world view, there’s no disparity in wealth
between us, we keep it all equal, equal footing, we all work as hard as each other so
yeah that’s it really, we actually practice what we preach, try to keep egos to a
minimum.”
The Levellers are performing at Camp Bestival in Lulwoth on 3rd August (Main Stage
Headline performance) and here is a list of their summer dates:
LEVELLERS LIVE - SUMMER 2013
4 May READING Sub 89
13 May BATH Komedia
14 May CARDIFF Coal Exchange
15 May ST ALBANS Arena
16 May BUCKLEY The Tivoli Venue
17 May GUILDFORD G Live
18 May SCUNTHORPE Baths Hall
19 May BEARDED THEORY Festival (Derby)*
25 May PLYMOUTH Volksfest (Devon)*
12 Jun CHELTENHAM Town Hall
13 Jun BEDFORD Corn Exchange
14 Jun ISLE OF WIGHT Festival*
15 Jun YEOVIL Westlands Leisure Complex
28 Jun LEAMINGTON The Assembly
29 Jun GRASSINGTON Festival (Yorkshire)*
30 Jun HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome
18 Jul LUSTY GLAZE BEACH (Newquay)*
26 Jul CAMBRIDGE Folk Festival (UK)*
2 Aug SHREWSBURY The Buttermarket
3 Aug CAMP BESTIVAL (Dorset)*
9 Aug CROPREDY Festival (Oxfordshire)*
10 Aug LAKEFEST (Tewkesbury)*
16 Aug BEAUTIFUL DAYS Festival (Devon)*
*Indicates festival appearance
www.levellers.co.uk | www.facebook.com/levellersofficial

27/03/13:LEVELLERS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS, ANNOUNCE UK SUMMER DATES AND
UNVEIL DETAILS OF NEW 5 TRACK EP SUPPORTING WAR CHILD

'THE RECRUITING SERGEANT'
featuring The Copper Family, Shona Kipling & Dan Walsh
Mixed by Matt Lawrence (Mumford & Sons, Grinderman, Emile Sande)

FORMAT: Digital EP | Release date: 05 May 2013
CATALOGUE No: OTFD007 | Label: On the Fiddle Recordings
Tracklisting:
1. The Recruiting Sergeant (War Child Version)
2. Another Man's Cause (Live from The Royal Albert Hall)
3. Not In My Name
4. Barrel Of A Gun
5. The Recruiting Sergeant (Album Version)

Brighton folk-rockers Levellers are celebrating their recent 25th Anniversary, have announceed a raft of UK summer gigs and festivals, and unveiled details of a new 5 Track EP supporting the War Child charity.

Levellers are releasing a five-track anti-war EP on 5 May 2013 featuring a new recording of 'The Recruiting Sergeant' with special guests traditional English folk singers The Copper Family, plus Shona Kipling and Dan Walsh. It was mixed by Matt Lawrence (Mumford & Sons, Grinderman, Bat For Lashes). The song is itself a contemporary reworking of the cautionary traditional Black Watch anthem, ‘Twa Recruitin’ Sergeants’.

There will also be a brand new video to accompany the new release directed and produced by Rich Mulryne. Levellers have produced videos for every track so far on their new album and this new one completes the project. The original album version, which is an anti-war song not an anti soldier song, features on their 10th studio album 'Static on the Airwaves', which was released to critical acclaim in 2012.

The EP also includes 3 other anti-war Levellers tracks - 'Another Man's Cause', 'Not In My Name' and 'Barrel Of A Gun' plus the original album version of 'Recruiting Sergeant'. All profits from the EP release will be donated to War Child, the charity for children affected by war and set up to protect children living in the world's most dangerous war zones.

Levellers celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their first gig on 3rd March 2013, and are playing an extensive number UK gigs and festivals this summer, including Isle of Wight, Cambridge Folk Festival and a headline slot at Dorset's Camp Bestival.

LEVELLERS LIVE - SUMMER 2013

4 May READING Sub 89
13 May BATH Komedia
14 May CARDIFF Coal Exchange
15 May ST ALBANS Arena
16 May BUCKLEY The Tivoli Venue
17 May GUILDFORD G Live
18 May SCUNTHORPE Baths Hall
19 May BEARDED THEORY Festival (Derby)*
25 May PLYMOUTH Volksfest (Devon)*
12 Jun CHELTENHAM Town Hall
13 Jun BEDFORD Corn Exchange
14 Jun ISLE OF WIGHT Festival*
15 Jun YEOVIL Westlands Leisure Complex
28 Jun LEAMINGTON The Assembly
29 Jun GRASSINGTON Festival (Yorkshire)*
30 Jun HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome
18 Jul LUSTY GLAZE BEACH (Newquay)*
26 Jul CAMBRIDGE Folk Festival (UK)*
2 Aug SHREWSBURY The Buttermarket
3 Aug CAMP BESTIVAL (Dorset)*
9 Aug CROPREDY Festival (Oxfordshire)*
10 Aug LAKEFEST (Tewkesbury)*
16 Aug BEAUTIFUL DAYS Festival (Devon)*
*Indicates festival appearance

www.levellers.co.uk | www.facebook.com/levellersofficial

06/03/13: SILENT DISCO

Shhh... the sound of silence is coming... Bridport's first silent disco is not to be missed!

With three channels of non-stop music, YOU choose what you want to listen to with the simple flick of a switch on your headphones. Madness or MGMT one minute, N.E.R.D or Nirvana the next, expect rock, reggae, pop, punk, dance, drum n bass, and everything in between.

Featuring sets from over 15 DJ's, the majority of whom are Dorset based, the night also provides the opportunity for some up and coming artists to take the stage for the first time.

DJ's Queen Ellie and Doctor Funk play a unique mix of golden oldies and boot stomping ska, in contrast to Ryzle and L.A.Breakz hip-hop and dub-step. London-based maestro Magoo B hits the decks with a record box crammed full of a medley of music guaranteed to get you moving.

Everyone will be dancing... but not necessarily to the same tune!

Saturday 30 March at the Bridport Arts Centre, there will be two sessions during the day:
1 – 6pm: for all ages, £3. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
8pm – 1am: 16+, £5 (ID required)

Tickets on sale from Bridport Arts Centre, South Street.
Box office: 01308 424204
Website: www.bridport-arts.com/events/silent-disco

Brought to you by Beat Junkies to Backpackers.
Join the event on facebook: www.facebook.com/events/233546036774350/
Follow us on twitter: @beat_junkies

18/02/13: Swanage Blues Festival - 1, 2, 3 March 2013
FESTIVAL NEWS FROM STEVE DARRINGTON

www.swanage-blues.org

Only two weeks to go and we'll be in the middle of the 19th Swanage Blues Festival!
"Wristbands and Programmes and Guitars and Bluesers..." "I go to Swanage at the sound of (blues) music... " Help!

ORGANISER'S PLEA
If you enjoy the festivals and want to make my life better, PLEASE don't wait till you get here. Send for your wristbands and programmes now. It's so easy at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=wristbands

If you're local, you can buy them now at the Tourist Information Centre in Shore Road, Swanage or at Replayed Records in Daisy May's Arcade, Kings Road East, Swanage.

ACCOMMODATION - http://www.swanage-blues.org/accommodation.aspx
The Beachway Hotel is prepared to consider one-nighters

SCHEDULE
The Schedule of who's playing when and where is in the festival programme - only £1

GUIDED WALK
Jurassic Jaunts is offering a Saturday morning special - email enquiry@jurassicjaunts.co.uk for more info

CROW'S NEST
Wristband wearers will be entitled to a 10% discount on food in the restaurant over the festival weekend 01929 422651

RESERVATIONS AND RESTAURANTS
If you want to book at Tawny's or Sea Breeze, you better do it now to avoid disappointment - telephone numbers are Tawny's 01929 422781 and Sea Breeze Restaurant 01929 426222. Neither of them require bookings for their Sunday lunchtime entertainment over the festval. They'll explain more if you need to know.

PUBLICITY
Even if you're not coming, you are welcome to buy a wristband to show your support and help keep Swanage Blues alive. A festival programme is only £1 and is a great advert for the festival too! If you can help spread the word in any way and need my help, just let me know. Initially by email please, to save my voice!

WRISTBANDS AND PROGRAMMES
You can order and pay online by PayPal (they accept credit cards too) or send a cheque or postal order by post – all details are at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=wristbands

02/02/13: NEW SONG FROM HAZELTOY

01/02/13: PAINT IT BLUE

This Wednesday 6th February Paint It Blue will be performing at The Underbelly in Hoxton, London. We hope you can make it!

18+, bring ID. £6 OTD. Artists Playing: BB.James, Bastedo, Paint It Blue, Alero, Lillian Todd Jones.
Venue Address: 11 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU. Venue Phone: 020 7613 1988. Venue Website: www.underbellyhoxton.com

Tonight (Fri 1st) we are playing at The Yew Tree Inn, Whitsbury Rd, Odstock, Salisbury SP5 4JE @ 9pm
Tomorrow (Sat 2nd) we are playing at The Cricketers Arms, Windham Road, Springbourne, Bournemouth BH1 4RN @ 9pm

We are happy to announce that Paint It Blue will be performing at Bentworth Blues Festival this year - playing on Sunday 18th August @ 6pm.
Early-bird tickets + line up available now at www.star-inn.com/bluesfestival

Both our live album and debut album are both available to purchase from gigs and to order by post. Debut albums are £5 each, live albums £7 each - buy both for £10.

February Gigs:

Fri 1st Feb - The Yew Tree Inn, Odstock, Salisbury @ 9pm
Sat 2nd Feb - The Cricketers Arms, Springbourne @ 9pm

Weds 6th Feb - The Underbelly, Hoxton, London @ 8pm
Sat 16th Feb - The Cellar Bar, Boscombe @ 10pm
Sat 23rd Feb - The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne @ 9.30pm

March Gigs:

Sun 3rd March - Swanage Blues Festival - East Bar, High Street, Swanage, Dorset @ 6.30pm

Sat 9th March - The Workshop, London @ 8pm

Fri 29th March - The Spyglass & Kettle @ 9.30pm

Sat 30th March - Rock, Wimborne @ 2pm

Sat 30th March - The Winchester, Bournemouth @ 9pm

01/02/13: The Dolfin Music site was temporarily offline this week due a technical issue, we apologise for any inconvenience

11/01/13: Please order now - you'll be helping me a great deal!

Swanage Blues Festival - 1, 2, 3 March 2013
www.swanage-blues.org

Happy New Year! Well, here I go again into a new year - this time without the help of volunteers due to problems with red tape and legislation - so I need your help more than ever, if you can please?
You can really help by buying your Wristbands and Programmes in advance please. That will help me to deal with sales in my own time, rather than having to rush round the venues and the retailers on my mobility scooter during the festival and top up their stock.
All you have to do is go to www.swanage-blues.org and click on the link to pay online via PayPal (they accept credit cards too) or see how to pay by post.
I'm even including post and packaging free to encourage you to help! Your order will be sent to you First Class in early February.

If you're undecided, consider this quote from a festival fan:
"Three days of great music, over 40 gigs in a variety of venues, some of the Finest examples of Blues Music talent around, the chance to see seasoned pros and up-and-coming talent, a great atmosphere, one of the (if not THE) friendliest festivals around, meeting friends old and new, looking forward to the next one… All this for the purchase of a £10 wristband. Hell even buying one for each wrist would be insanely good value!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Details of Artists, Venues, Accommodation and more can be seen on the website too.

21/12/12: TALENT COMPETITION IN PORTSMOUTH FOR TEENAGERS

Looking for a talent competition in Portsmouth? The launch of an exciting new talent competition in Portsmouth for teenagers and pre-teens is being launched this week with teens all around the UK set to get involved in a fantastic opportunity to get their name out there. The brand new talent competition in Portsmouth for teenagers and pre-teens, TeenStar, is being brought to you by Future Music who already produce the hugely successful Open Mic UK competition bringing us such acts as Hatty Keane, Birdy, Lucy Spraggan and Jahmene Douglas.

WANT A TALENT COMPETITION IN PORTSMOUTH GO TO:www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk

The talent competition in Portsmouth for teenagers TeenStar is a one of a kind singing competition looking to find the UK’s best teen singer, duo, vocal group or rapper to be crowned the UK's Best TeenStar! The talent competition in Portsmouth for teenagers is already anticipated to attract over 8,000 entrants in its first year, and with auditions taking place across the UK, now is the time to enter.

Whether it’s a pop, RnB, grime, acoustic or classical, the talent competition in Portsmouth for teenagers TeenStar is ready to find the greatest undiscovered talent from across the country. TeenStar provides a platform to help acts get noticed and offers winners the potential to be successfully launched in the UK as a major recording artist.

The talent competition in Portsmouth for teenagers TeenStar is open to anyone aged 19 and under. Audition slots are available across the UK, so if you’re a teen singer and think you’ve got what it takes, enter TeenStar now!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER TEENSTAR NOW GO TO: www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk

17/12/12: A spine chilling song creating a frisson from combining 'the word of God' with music commonly referred to as ‘the devil’s music’.

Beatitude means ‘blessedness’, and is from the Latin beatitudo which simply means 'supreme happiness'. The Beatitudes are a set of directives on how to achieve true happiness. Although the words of Jesus, the profound proverb like verses seem to relate to mankind whether religious or not. They talk of goodness leading to happiness, to be truly happy is ‘to do what is right’ (which isn't always easy), and fundamentally love oneself and love one another.

An original song by Rob Koral and Zoe Schwarz with words taken from the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ from the Bible.

The single features the regular line-up of Rob Koral-guitar, Zoe Schwarz-vocals, Pete Whittaker-Hammond-organ, Si Genaro-Harmonica, Rodney Teague-bass and Paul Robinson-drums. Produced by Rob Koral, and Mike Hallett @ Octopia Productions.

“We have passionately and wholeheartedly composed and performed this song to all who will listen advocating JOY, HOPE, PEACE AND LOVE.”

To Pre order/buy it go to:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/beatitudes-feat.-rob-koral/id585118775

or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Beatitudes/dp/B00AJYRN48/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1355002797&sr=1-2-catcorr

Or scan the QR code opposite:

watch the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTncZno9J5E

Quotes:

‘Nice stuff indeed’ – Paul Jones, BBC Radio2, 3.12.12

“And if you’ve ever wondered how the ‘sermon on the mount’ would sound sung as a blues, head straight for ‘The Beatitudes’.” Peter Quinn, Jazzwise 2012

The Beatitudes:-“Playing out now!! What a song, love your voice.” – Julian Clegg, BBC Radio Solent ,17.12.12

“That is what I call a voice. Totally majestic, passionate and eviscerating. Best I've heard in a long time”. Brian Towell, Aquarius Festival promoter.

“ The monumental centre-piece is the dramatic “Beatitudes,” an achingly, profound slow burner.” Brian Harman, www.bluesinthenorthwest.com Oct 2012

“Zoe Schwarz and her band are a BiTS area phenomenon for me the outstanding track is the Beatitudes ...This piece is magnificent and needs a wider audience..."
Blues in the South, June 2012, Ian McKenzie

“‘Good Times’ ,exceptional, original songs. Buy this CD soon. It’s remarkable.”
Blues In Britain, Bernadette Middleton July 2012

“She also sings with honesty, emotion and intensity, as exemplified by the inspirational rendition of ‘Beatitudes’ which is a tour de force.”
David J.Scott, Blues Revue / BluesWax May 2012

“Wow! Congratulations on a really powerful – on many levels – song.”
Ashwyn Smyth, Digital Blues Oct 2012

www.bluecommotion.com
www.thoroughbredmusic.co.uk

12/12/12: Swanage Blues Festivals
www.swanage-blues.org

SWANAGE WELCOME WEEKEND WRISTBANDS
Buy your weekend wristbands NOW, still only £10, and Festival Programmes are only £1 and Postage and Packaging is FREE! Some venues will require wristbands to be shown.
Please go to www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=wristbands and order today. Your order will be despatched First Class in early January.
Apart from a Warm Welcome in the Venues, we’re hoping there will be loads of Promotions, Incentives and Special Offers in some Swanage pubs, restaurants, retail and more! Here’s just one example from Jurassic Jaunts:
Saturday Jurassic Coast walk, 10:30 start. Learn about this fantastic World Heritage Site with a 1 ½ hour walk from Swanage Pier – £2.50 Wristband Wearers or £3. Contact via www.jurassicjaunts.co.uk

THE NEXT SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL 1, 2, 3 MARCH 2013
ARTISTS
Artists booked so far: Andy Grant Trio, Assorted Buskers, Back Porch, Blind Lemon Gliders, Blue Touch, Blues Machine, C Sharp Blues, Dan Sowerby Band, David Raphael Band, Fabulous Fezheads, Hugh Budden, Jam Sessions with Robin Bibi Band, Jason Manners & 3 Buck Shirt, Jawbreakers, Jay Tamkin, Johnny Sharp, Jon Walsh, Lewis Cohen, Milton-Farrow Skiffle 'n' Blues Band, Motel 6, Mustangs, Open Mic Sessions with Johnny Sharp and Martin Froud, Paint It Blue, Riotous Brothers, Riverside Blues Band, Robert Hokum & The Devil Drives, Robin Bibi Band, Saiichi Sugiyama Band, Stan's Blues Jamboree, Steamer, Steve Darrington, Tim Harrison, Tin Cats, Tommy Allen & Johnny Hewitt, Will Killeen, Zoe Schwarz and Blue Commotion, with more to come!
Artists biogs, phoos and website links: www.swanage-blues.org/artists.aspx

VENUES
We’re adding Corfe Castle Royal British Legion for Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon sessions. Take the train for a ride to this historic location, see the old castle, and enjoy great hospitality at the latest venue!
We’re hoping that Seventh Wave at Durlston Castle will be coming on board too – if not for March, then for October 2013.

HONESTY
I had to explain the other day about Swanage, the Blues Festivals, and Honesty. It was about why we ask only £10 for a whole weekend’s music. I said to the person:
“It's only £10 because we trust you to pay. If we had people on the door checking everybody we’d have to put up the £10 price to cover the cost of paying them, and nowadays that is governed by law, registered security staff and all that. They’d have to be paid more than the musicians!
“So we’re pleased to say that here, people are honest and pay the £10 voluntarily. That helps to keep the charge down for everybody. You know it makes sense!”
It occurred to me that the same thing applies to local Accommodation Providers too. They don’t have to contribute anything, their beds are full for years in advance for the blues festivals, so we really appreciate how honest they are in supporting us with their advertising. They help to keep Swanage Blues going, and that in turn helps them. They’re not daft, are they!”
If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, see our supporters at http://www.swanage-blues.org/accommodation.aspx

Wishing You All The Best at Christmas and for the New Year,
Steve Darrington

11/12/12: ZOE SCHWARZ AND THE BLUES COMMOTION CHRISTMAS SINGLE

We're going to fly in the face of the corporate machine and release a single, it's our attempt at defying the formulaic throw away music we're all bombarded with ... have a lsiten/look at this and please help us by buying the single for just 79p Itunes / 89 Amazon and 'sharing' this link via email or face book.... thank you, we really appreciate it.....

I think you'll like the track.Either click this link to see more or see below…..

http://www.thoroughbredmusic.co.uk/2012/12/zoe-schwarz-blue-commotion-christmas-download-single-beatitudes-pre-orderbuy-now/

very best wishes, Zoe x

P.S. We were chuffed that last week we had the track Fine and Mellow from our Good Times album played on the Paul Jones show....

We have had an exciting year... with many interviews, nominations (including in the USA), and great reviews, radio plays and of course gigs... please keep in touch.

via www.bluecommotion.com

10/12/12: HAMWORTHY CLUB MAIN HALL

The Main Hall of Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Wimborne is available to hire for FREE on 15th December - the hall is quite a large airy room, well funished and with a large stage, ideal for band rehearsals - contact 01202 881922 to book.

08/12/12: NEW SINGLE RELEASED BY POP GROUP WILDFIRE - ROLL WITH ME VIDEO

07/12/12: THIS Saturday 8th December - Jon Lloyd Quintet
JUST a quick reminder ~

THIS Saturday 8th December we present the Jon Lloyd Quintet at the Plume of Feathers, Half Moon street, Sherbone, DT9 3LN

Led by Jon Lloyd on soprano sax and bass clarinet, and featuring John Law on piano, Rob Palmer on guitar, Tom Farmer on double bass and Andy Trim on drums. Saxophonist Jon's compositions are both dynamic and sensitive, and this group plays them with immense verve and excitement.

"Ambitious and virtuosic...Jon Lloyd is one of the most striking writers at the sharp end of British jazz and improvisation” John Fordham, The Guardian.

Doors open at 7.30pm

Band onstage 8pm Call the Plume of Feathers for more details on 01935 - 816569

Read more about the band and hear their music at: http://uk.myspace.com/jonlloydmusic

More Sherborne Jazz dates for your NEW Diary:

Saturday, 12th January, 2013 - Compassionate Dictatorship

Described as “catching the current wave of Brit Jazz" by Jazzwise Magazine.

Compassionate Dictatorship evolved out of the long standing collaboration between Jez Franks and Tori Freestone. Together with bassist Jasper Hoiby and drummer James Maddren, they have toured extensively since their debut album in 2007, honing and developing their sound, releasing a second album ‘Cash Cow’ in 2010 to rave reviews They’re now promoting their third album, ‘Entertaining Tyrants’ which is to be released on the ‘Jellymould Jazz’ label.

Read more about the band, and check out their music here: http://www.compassionatedictatorship.co.uk/

Saturday, 9th February - the Nick Malcolm Quartet

Led by Trumpeter Nick Malcolm, this quartet plays original compositions combining the rhythmic and harmonic complexities of contemporary jazz with the intensity and interaction of free improvisation. They made a big impression at The Vortex, Manchester Jazz Festival and Ealing Jazz Festival during the summer of 2011 and toured nationally in June 2012 to coincide with the release of their first album, 'Glimmers', on FMR records. Nick also plays in an open trio setting featuring world-class rhythm section of Olie Brice and Mark Sanders.

Read more about the band, and hear their music at: http://www.nickmalcolm.co.uk/

07/12/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Paint It Blue will be playing their last gig of 2012 this Saturday 8th December, at The King's Head in Wimborne. We hope you can be there and celebrate with us, music starts at 9pm.
The King's Head, The Square, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 1JG

The live album and debut album are still available at every gig, and you can also order them by post - to do this, just email paintitblue@live.com. Both can be downloaded at www.paintitblue.bandcamp.com - this is a safe and ethical site, which is musician and fan friendly.

Thank you for your support this year - we'll be back in force in 2013!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Paint It Blue x

facebook.com/paintitblueuk - for updates, news & gigs
youtube.com/paintitbluemusic - to get your fix over the Christmas season

06/12/12: ALAN DOREY - THE MUSICAL BOX FOREST FM TONIGHT 10PM

30/11/12: NEW POP-UP RESTAURANT RUBY LOUNGE COMES TO DORSET!

THE SECRET IT OUT!!!!!!
New and exciting 'pop up' restaurant and cocktail bar has come to Dorset.

THE ‘RUBY LOUNGE’ SUPPER CLUB HAS ARRIVED AND IS ALREADY THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!

Pop up restaurants & bars are a NEW phenomenon, for companies to showcase their product, concept and branding. Hugely popular in LONDON, but now for the first time coming to Dorset!
The first stop for this unique concept is the old ‘Bankes Bar’ in Penn hill, only a stones throw away from the affluent Candford Cliffs area.

Only here for FIVE weeks to start, so limited time to embrace the experience!!!

Open Seven Nights a Week from 12 noon till late

Following the Amazing Launch Weekend, Ruby Lounge is pleased to announce five weeks of amazing fun and entertainment.

The Ruby Lounge is a 60 seated Cabaret, Cocktail & Supper Club restaurant, showcasing live entertainment every night. This is Dorset 1st ‘POP UP’ restaurant, unique and inspired by ‘Ronnie Scotts’ and ‘Brick House’ of London.
Our main focus will be on our High Quality Food, excellent service and great Live Entertainment. A venue that eludes excitement, social elegance, with ambience that keeps you excited, but remains comfortable and warm.
The menu will be a Modern Bistro Style Menu, using all seasonal locally sourced produce. A mouth-watering taste sensation that will appeal to a diverse clientele, offering everything from amazing great value set and a la carte menus

What about Lunch?

We open from 12 noon daily for snacks, light bites and full lunch options or ‘POP IN’ for Sunday Lunch, we offer a full 3 course roast and cabaret for just £12.95pp

Within the restaurant, we will have the ‘Birdcage’ Cocktail Lounge Bar, stocked with unique and interesting cocktails and a wine menu to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets.
The Ruby Lounge is the sister company of the Rubyz Cabaret Restaurant brand that has been established for over 11 years, being one of Bournemouth top entertainment nights out.
Home to the amazing and diverse ‘Dame Kitty’, the ruby lounge will be offering Rubyz Christmas Show, Live Acoustic, Swing, Burlesque, Tribute and Cabaret night for your pleasure.
For more information and the ‘what’s on’ listing,

Please call 01202 552 553
enquires@rubyz.co.uk
www.rubyz.co.uk
www.rubyloungebournemouth.co.uk

The Ruby Lounge mission statement
It’s not just the location, the concept, the lights or the liquor, it’s the people….
Ruby Lounge Restaurant mission is not only to have great tasting food, entertainment and drinks but have an efficient friendly service, because customer satisfaction is paramount.

21/11/12: HAZELTOY RELEASE EGGMAN VIDEO - www.hazeltoy.co.uk

19/11/12: LEVELLERS RELEASE MUTINY VIDEO

Levellers have just released the latest instalment of their project to record a video for every track from their recently released album, Static On The Airwaves.

Levellers - Mutiny (Youtube)

Mutiny tells the story of the 1917 Étaples Mutiny by British troops in France during the First World War, and in particular that of its exectuted 'leader' Corporal Jesse Robert Short. The video was produced by Rich Mulryne and Emma Birchett

Levellers are currently on a major UK tour throughout November 2012. They are inviting fans with tickets to any of the gigs who sing or play an electric instrument (not guitar) to apply to take part in the finale performance of 'The Recruiting Sergeant'.
Those wishing to apply should email info@dmfmusic.co.uk with the date they wish to apply for and the instrument they play. Succesful applicants will need to be familiar with the song, and able to pass a simple audition at 6.30pm on the day of the show.

Remaining tour dates are below.

LEVELLERS, STATIC ON THE AIRWAVES UK TOUR
SPECIAL GUESTS: CITIZEN FISH ON ALL DATES

Tues 20 GLASGOW ABC 08444 999 990
Wed 21 NOTTINGHAM Rock City 0845 413 4444
Thu 22 LEEDS O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Fri 23 BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy 0844 477 2000
Sat 24 LONDON O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000
Sun 25 SOUTHAMPTON Guildhall 023 8063 2601

17/11/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Hello,

We're happy to announce another London show - THIS Wednesday in Surya in Kings Cross: 156 Pentonville Road, London N1 9JL.

Tickets are available at £4 from: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/INDIANREDLOPEZ/Surya/676058?aff=id1gwerk
Tickets on the door will be £7.

Music starts at 8pm, Paint It Blue will be on stage at 9.20pm. This venue is 18+ only, so please bring ID. Other acts include True Penny and RedIndianLopez.

Hope to see you there,
Paint It Blue x

14/11/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Hello,

Unfortunately we will no longer be playing at The Red Lion, Winfrith, this Friday night.

However, we still have Thursday night at AAA in Kensington, London, and Sunday evening at The Thomas Tripp, Christchurch, Dorset.

You can keep bang up to date with gigs and news by keeping an eye on: www.facebook.com/paintitblueuk

Paint it Blue x

07/11/12: Released 5 November 2012 - They May Put Land Between Us the superb debut album by Joyce The Librarian:

They May Put Land Between Us – Joyce The Librarian

Order now from Folkwit Records.

Alternatively visit Bandcamp to pre-order the download album +/- the CD:

Joyce the Librarian are a new folk/acoustic ensemble from Bristol lead by singer-songwriter Martin Callingham. Their music is soft and understated and disarmingly beautiful in its simplicity. Radio play so far has come from Gideon Coe, Lauren Laverne and Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music), Bethan Elfyn and Simon Raymonde (Amazing Radio) as well as airings in France, Holland and the US.

Reactions to the album so far:

“Lovely!”
- Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music

“Joyce the Librarian are awesome.”
- Simon Raymonde, Amazing Radio/Bella Union

“This is a high quality debut album… well worth the listen.”
- Michael Farley, Americana UK

“…this is a bold debut that will find favour in both indie and traditional music circles, making a pitch for the narrow territory between, say, Laura Marling, Noah & the Whale and the godfathers of it all, Belle & Sebastian.”
- Nick Churchill, FATEA

“Expect big things from this band with an impressive debut like this one.”
- Jason Ritchie, Get Ready To Rock

“…a distinctive and original-sounding take on the folk-pop genre…definitely worth a listen.”
- Gethin Webster, Artree.org.

“The single and ‘Land’, the title track, both grabbed my attention immediately as did ‘Turn Yourself In’ and ‘Over Dinmore’ and that, for me, is a high strike rate. Joyce The Librarian are following a path of their own and it will be fascinating to see where it takes them.”
- Dai Jeffries, Folking.com

More about Joyce The Librarian here.

14/10/12: FREEPLAY AT THE LIGHTHOUSE POOLE

Freeplay (www.freeplaypoole.org.uk) and Poole Poetry group invite you to a performance evening of original work by local poets...singer/songwriters and artists on Tuesday October 16th 2012...7:30pm-9:45pm Lighthouse Poole A full programme out this week...

This is part of the Made in Poole3 visual art and sculpture exhibition currently showing @ Lighthouse in collaboration with the Poole Voluntary Art Groups...Lighthouse and Arts Development Unit...we hope as many people as possible will not only come share the music, words and images with us on this evening but also go and see the exhibition too...it's on till November 17th...top floor Gallery at Lighthouse in Poole...enjoy!

Please share and help us make the local public aware of this event. Lets make our local "centre of the arts"...local.... — at Lighthouse Poole.

09/10/12: PAINT IT BLUE NEWS

Hello,

Firstly, a BIG thank you to everyone who was at Swanage Blues Festival last weekend - what an amazing time! All three gigs were brilliant fun and we were thrilled by such a positive response. Of course, huge thanks to Steve Darrington for organising another brilliant festival and having us there. Thanks to all those who bought wristbands and programmes to support the festival. Steve has announced that there WILL be another festival in March 2013, which is fantastic news! Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for photos from the weekend.

If you were one of many who bought a copy of our new live album, your honest feedback would be gratefully received - just reply to this email if you'd like to get in touch. We made the album for you, our fans, so we'd love to know what you think.

If you'd like to get a copy of the new live album, you can buy them at any Paint It Blue gig:
- New 'Paint It Blue Live' Album = £7 each
- Debut 'Paint It Blue' Album = £5 each
- Buy both for £10!

The album is now available to download from www.paintitblue.bandcamp.com - you can buy the album as a whole, or buy individual tracks.

If you're unable to get to a gig, then we can arrange to post the album/albums to you - just reply to this email with your order, and we'll get the ball rolling (Postage & packaging costs will apply).

OCT GIGS:
Sun 14th - The Pig Hotel, Beaulieu Rd, Brockenhurst SO42 7QL @ 5pm
Fri 19th - 38 Castle Street, Salisbury, SP1 1BN @ 9pm
Thurs 25th - Ealing Club, Ealing, London @ 8pm - £5
Fri 26th - The King's Head, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1JG @ 9pm
Sat 27th - The Spyglass & Kettle, 25-27 Stourwood Avenue, Southbourne, Dorset BH6 3PW @ 9.30pm

Thanks for reading, see you at a gig soon.
Paint It Blue x

18/09/12: FREE PRIZE DRAW!
Swanage Blues & Roots Festival
5, 6, 7 October 2012
www.swanage-blues.org

Hello!
This will be the 18th Swanage Blues Festival I’ve organised – let’s all work together to make sure it’s not the last! We've had to discontinue the bucket collections due to problems with red tape, health & safety and insurance issues... so we're selling weekend wristbands instead as a pledge and a symbol of your commitment to Save Swanage Blues.
If enough wristbands are sold for this October’s festival, there will be another one on 1, 2, 3 March 2013. So, it’s up to you to Save Swanage Blues.

WRISTBANDS AND PROGRAMMES – FREE PRIZE DRAW
Please buy your wristbands and programmes now – it makes everything so much easier for me and really helps financially - but if you really want to, you can wait till you get to the festival.
As a bonus for buying in advance, everybody who orders wristbands and/or programmes by post or online will be entered into a Free Prize Draw. The Winner will get their money back!
I promise your wristbands and programmes will be despatched First Class as soon as I receive your order. You can pay by cheque or PayPal, which also accepts credit cards.
Go to www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=wristbands for details.

ORDER BY POST
Send your name, address and what you want to:
Swanage Blues, c/o T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB
together with a cheque made payable to ‘Swanage Blues’ for the following amounts:
Souvenir Programme (40 pages) £ 2.50 each
Wristband £10.00 each
Postage & Packing (max) £ 2.50 total whatever your order, as long as it’s to one address

ORDER ON LINE
Go to www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=wristbands and follow the instructions to pay by PayPal.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
You can see who’s playing where, at what time and on what day at www.swanage-blues.org/artists.aspx Complete details of venues and times are in the Festival Programme.

BUSKERS
The law relating to playing music in unlicensed places is changing again from 1 October 2012, just in time for the Swanage Blues Festival! Come to the festival and you may see musicians everywhere – I hope so!

ACCOMMODATION
There is a selection of recommended places at www.swanage-blues.org/accommodation.aspx

THE FUTURE OF SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVALS
If enough wristbands are sold, the next festival will be on 1, 2, 3 March 2013, with provisional dates too for 4, 5, 6 October 2013.
It’s up to you! Send for your wristbands today and Save Swanage Blues!

Wishing You All The Best,
Steve Darrington

11/09/12: PAINT IT BLUE NEWS

Hello,

We have some exciting news for you - this Friday 14th September we're going to be recording our gig at The Cellar Bar in Boscombe to create a live album. If you'd like to get your very own whoop, cheer, clap, whistle or squeal on the album, then get yourself down to The Cellar Bar and join us - kick off at 9.30pm-ish, we hope you can make it! Chaplin's/The Cellar Bar, 529 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AG

Secondly, this Sunday we'll be playing at Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival in Hastings, Kent. CLICK HERE for more info! We'll be on the Main Stage from 3pm - if this is your neck of the woods, we'd love to see you there!

Now, this is very important: Swanage Blues Festival is less than one month away (5th-7th October), creating a three-day blues party in the beautiful seaside resort of Swanage! www.swanage-blues.org

Check out the link below & get your wristbands in support of the festival:
http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=wristbands

This from Steve Darrington, Festival Organiser:

"FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES AND WRISTBANDS:
The Programmes and Wrist Bands are now being sent out. Thanks to those of you who have already placed your orders. It's such a help when you order in advance because it means I can deal with things at my own pace and get back some of the money I've had to lay out in advance too!

Not ordered yours yet? Here's what you do. Write a note showing your name, address and how many of each festival programme and wrist band you require, like this

..... wristbands @ £10 each
..... programmes @ £2.50 each
..... p & p at £2.50 maximum (as long as your order is to be sent to one address)

Send your cheque payable to 'Swanage Blues' to: Swanage Blues, c/o T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB

Festival Programmes and Wrist Bands will also be on sale over the festival weekend - if there are any left!"

We urge you to support this amazing festival, not least because it is so much fun! We'll be playing three times over the weekend:
Friday 5th Oct - The Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, Swanage BH19 1LU @ 8.30pm
Saturday 6th - The White Swan, High Street, Swanage BH19 2LJ @ 9pm
Sunday 7th - Bar One (formerly Bar Se7en), High Street, Swanage BH19 2LN @ 12pm

11/09/12: Wimborne
Musicians’
Collective

Musicians’ ‘Open Mic’ on the move!

The search for a new venue for Wimborne Musicians’ Collective’s Open Mic is over! Join the Collective at the Coach and Horses, Poole Road, Wimborne every Tuesday, from 8.30. Entry is free for performers and supporters.

Kevin Anderson is founder member of the Collective, local musician and performer. He said, ‘We’re really chuffed to have found such a great new venue. We started the Collective and the Open Mic to give local musicians a regular opportunity to meet, and play with, other performers. It’s a ‘music only’ open mic and we welcome any style, covers and originals; any instrument or none at all, and from all ages! Even our regulars span from relative novice performers to ‘old hands’, so there is room for any musician. We like to support each other, share ideas and experience. And if people just want to come along and enjoy the musical mix that each evening offers, that’s OK too!’

Katie and Nick Smith, who now manage the Coach and Horses, enthusiastically agreed to host the Open Mic. Katie said, ‘This is the first regular event we’ve booked since we took over in August. Wimborne is a great town, and there is so much talent about. We want to play our part in supporting Wimborne’s creative community.’

Further information about the Collective can be found on Facebook, www.facebook.com/WimborneMusiciansCollective, or you can follow them on Twitter, @wimbornemusic. Kevin can be contacted on 01202 849019.

07/09/12:

Only one month to go!
Swanage Blues & Roots Festival
5, 6, 7 October 2012
www.swanage-blues.org

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES AND WRISTBANDS
The Programmes and Wrist Bands are now being sent out. Thanks to those of you who have already placed your orders. It's such a help when you order in advance because it means I can deal with things at my own pace and get back some of the money I've had to lay out in advance too!
The Programmes have all the Artists, Venues, Who's Playing When and Where, Recommendations for where to stay, eat and drink and more!

Not ordered yours yet? Here's what you do. Write a note showing your name, address and how many of each festival programme and wrist band you require, like this

..... wristbands @ £10 each
..... programmes @ £2.50 each
..... p & p at £2.50 maximum (as long as your order is to be sent to one address)

Send your cheque payable to 'Swanage Blues' to:

Swanage Blues, c/o T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB

If you have already ordered - or if you order in the next few days - your special commemorative Festival Programme(s) and Wrist Bands will be with you next week.
Best Wishes,
Steve Darrington
PS Festival Programmes and Wrist Bands will also be on sale over the festival weekend - if there are any left!

28/08/12: Singing auditions coming to Fareham this weekend!

Singing auditions are coming to Fareham this weekend with acts having the chance to get on the road to The O2! Open Mic UK will be searching for Fareham’s best singers, singer-songwriters, rappers and vocalists when auditions come to Ferneham Hall in Fareham on Sunday morning.

Open Mic UK is the UK’s largest national music competition for singers and solo artists, and with over 9,000 unsigned acts entering last year, this year’s competition is set to be the biggest yet!

The competition travels across the country every year searching for the next big star. It's open to all genres, so whether you’re into RnB, Rap, Acoustic, Pop or Classical – Open Mic UK has it all! Acts can perform either covers or original material and they’ll be invited to a live audition in front of the judging panel.

The Open Mic UK competition boasts some incredible success stories, one of whom is teen-songstress Birdy. Previous Open Mic UK winner Birdy’s debut album has been a massive hit across Europe achieving number one status in both Holland and Belgium and hitting the Top 20 in the UK, and she has very recently hit the number one spot in France with her stunning rendition of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’.

Birdy recently reminisced about the experience of playing in front of a thousand people at the Open Mic UK Grand Final as “such a cool experience” to Radio One. She explained that it showed her what she wanted to do when she was still very young.

Chris Grayston, MD of Open Mic UK says, “Birdy has been a great example of the springboard Open Mic UK offers. She had an unbelievable talent and it’s since been channelled in the right direction and she’s achieving great things. The competition is about to start and we’re looking for someone who can be a global success in the same way Birdy has. If you’ve got the talent then why not audition in Fareham this weekend.”

Acts that get through their audition will then take to the stage in a Regional Final at the same venue in front of a packed out audience and an industry judging panel. Judges in the past have included Radio One DJ’s Annie Nightingale and Ras Kwame, Another Level star Dane Bowers and former MOBO award winning RnB sensation Shola Ama. One half of the Artful Dodger will be judging the Grand Final this year with Mark Hill already announced on the panel. He sold more than 20 million records co-writing Craig David’s Born to Do It. More celebrity and guest judges are expected to be announced for this year’s competition.

Open Mic UK is this year split into three age categories; 16 and under, 17-22 and 23 plus. It means there will be three eventual category winners each receiving £1,000 for development with the overall winner getting £5,000 to spend on their music. The overall runner-up will get £2,500. There are prizes along the way to The O2 as well with studio time and singing lessons awarded at every Open Mic UK event this year!

Another success story of Open Mic UK’s is rising star Hatty Keane. Since winning her age category last year, Hatty has been signed to BGM music and has supported big names such as Ed Sheeran, Wretch 32, Tinchy Stryder, Pitbull and Zane Lowe! She is currently working towards the release of her debut album.

The question on everyone’s lips is who will follow in Birdy and Hatty Keane’s footsteps in this year’s Open Mic UK competition? If you fancy your chances of being the next Open Mic UK winner then come along to Birmingham this weekend and audition. Auditions begin at 9.30am but please check the website for a guide on specific times for your age category. Who knows, in less than six months you could be playing at The O2 in London!

For more information and to register your attendance in advance, go to the website www.openmicuk.co.uk.

08/08/12:

SAVE SWANAGE BLUES!

Swanage Blues Festivals take place twice a year and bring joy to thousands of people and around £500,000 extra business to the area out of season. But their future is uncertain and organiser Steve Darrington has a fight on his hands – again. He’s no stranger to that.

Disabled through Polio at age six, doctors said he was not expected to live. Even after a year in hospital they said he would never have an ordinary life due to the extent of his disabilities. “They were right, it certainly hasn’t been ordinary,” said Steve. He can smile now.

As a child, his swimming companion was Ian Dury, Eric Clapton played at his school dance, he chatted with film and TV stars, World War 2 fighter ace Douglas Bader, even the student Colonel Gaddafi, and wheeled himself round Berlin all before he was 18.

He taught himself piano and played with Lonnie Donegan, Marty Wilde, the Everly Brothers, Mark Knopfler and many US blues and country music stars to festival crowds of 50,000. He was a guest at Abba’s castle in Stockholm, drank with Muddy Waters and his band, and has made 50 albums during his career.

Steve had to give up touring and came to Swanage from Buckinghamshire for two days in 2000. He liked it so much he never went back and has been organising the Blues Festivals ever since. The next festival on 5, 6, and 7 October will be the 18th and he should be looking forward to it, but all is not well.

“Don’t get me wrong, the venues do make a huge contribution but they are only small and can’t fully fund the costs of all the bands, advertising and all the other expenses. About 30% of festival costs have traditionally come from bucket collections but due to changes in legislation, insurance and health and safety matters, we’ve had to give up collecting from fans in pubs.

“So now I’ve got the headache of how to raise money to keep the festivals going. We can’t charge admission, not with all those entrances and exits. We thought about marquees but when can you guarantee decent weather? Anyway, people love the multi-venue choice and cosy appeal of our little seaside town’s bars and restaurants.”

Steve hopes to solve the problem with the introduction of £10 weekend wristbands for the next Swanage Blues Festival on 5, 6, 7 October. “£10 isn’t a lot for 40 gigs by 30 acts in 15 indoor venues. It would cost £10 just to see some of the bands elsewhere and anyway, Swanage is a fantastic place for a festival – so much charm and choice of where to eat, drink and sleep and all at reasonable prices.”

So Steve is appealing for help from businesses that are willing to sell the £10 wristbands or to be sponsors for a festival or two.”Being in a wheelchair I just can’t do it all on my own, and it would be such a shame - and a financial disaster locally - if everything had to end,” he said.

For information on how to sell wristbands and programmes or to be a sponsor, contact Steve Darrington on 01929 422338, mobile 07445 261037 or email info@swanage-blues.org

Festival website: www.swanage-blues.org

23/07/12: Dorchester Youth Extra

Young peoples’ heroic effort to make Anonymous Festival “best ever”

This years free Anonymous Festival in Dorchester has a superhero theme, and in keeping with this organisers have been putting in suitably heroic efforts to make it the biggest and best event yet.

As well as a host of local bands, including headline act The Indices and young rap sensation Dreads and Lyrical Agent, there will be stalls, activities workshops and much more, giving Dorchester a full on day to remember.

Joining the local music and dance will be award winning, amazing theatre and performance in the form of Le Navet Bete and Small Pond Theatre, there will also be a chance to step inside a The Travelling Pliosaur Cinema to watch a film before trying your hand at slacklining, with Maverick Slackline or free running with Train Hard.

Community Development Officer Emma Scott said: “This year we really have pulled out all the stops to make Anonymous a festival that showcases the wide range of activities that young people enjoy. We have some amazing performance, theatre, sports and dance to inspire and entrance the audience. In fact there’s so much going on this year that the best thing to do is pack a picnic and head down to Maumbury Rings for the day.”

“I’d also like to thank Dorchester Town Council and West Dorset District Council for all the support they have given this event over the last few years, it has really paid off and is now establishing itself as one of the best youth festivals in the South West.”

In the rings by the main stage young local dance groups, ranging from ballet to street dance, will be strutting their stuff and entertaining the crowds. There will be zorbing and a bouncy castle as well as a chance to get crafty with art and craft workshops. In fact there’s everything you need for a great day out with the family.

Adam Kerslake from Dorchester Youth Extra (DYE) said: “After a lot of hard work and dedication we think we have put together a really great event. Many people would be amazed by the wide variety of activities young people in Dorchester are involved with and I’d encourage them to come along.”

Chloe Lovell is also from DYE and said: “The Open Mic area this year is being sponsored by Keep Love Sweet and is going to be better than ever, so if you feel like playing a song or two please don’t be shy and drop by.”

The festivals music co-ordinator Keith Hatch added. “The live bands on the Arena Stage include As Flames Rise, Cracker Lion, The Little Victory, Bears, Mona of Lambray and Pop Club, but there it was a really hard choice for organisers as there is a huge amount of great live music being playing young people in the area. Come along and show your support, and if you are a young musician who fancies playing next year come up and see one of the organisers on the day.”


You can find out more by logging onto the facebook group or contacting Emma Scott on 01305 252204. Anonymous 2012 will be held in Maumbury Rings on 25th August. from 11.00 p.m. –9.00 p.m. .

15/07/12: The Ministry of Prog proudly presents…

PROGUPHORIA

It is with the greatest of pleasure the The Ministry of Prog proudly presents, for your delectation and delight, the inaugural PROGUPHORIA festival to be held at the rather spiffing Mr Kyps rock and roll venue in Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, England on Saturday 20th October 2012 from 4pm onwards.
The first of its kind on the south coast, this celebration of modern popular music will feature several well respected bands loosely associated with the rock/progressive genre, namely:
Galahad will be playing a selection of songs from both their new studio albums ‘Battle Scars’ and ‘Beyond the Realms of Euphoria’ as well as a few golden galaclassics.
The Cryptic Clues (featuring three original Twelfth Night band members!) will be performing a selection of well known Twelfth Night standards.
The Paul Menel Band will be performing songs from the IQ album ‘Nomzamo’ to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its original release in 1987 (!) along with a few other Paul Menel originals from his two recent solo albums.
Alan Reed, erstwhile vocalist with Pallas, accompanied by the ubiquitous Mark Spencer (Twelfth Night, La Host, Alexander O’Neal), will be playing a selection of his Pallas past, his own solo songs, drawn from his recent release ‘Dancing with Ghosts’ and from his forthcoming new studio album.
PROGUPHORIA promises to be a wonderful evening of rather lovely music by some of the finest purveyors of what is known as ‘Proglife’ and a whole lot more besides.
There will also be merchandise stalls, a charity auction which will include some very interesting items up for grabs along with an extremely hip ‘Prog’ disco, for those who fancy a jiggle to some particularly awkward time signatures. There may even be a prize for the best movers and shakers!
Mr Kyps is a fine bespoke 300 capacity venue with a brand new sound system which, more importantly, also sells a rather good selection of the best real ales, wines and lagers. Tickets are priced at a very reasonable £20 each in advance and £25 on the door and can be obtained directly from the Mr Kyps website at: www.mrkyps.net or by calling the ticket hotline on: 01202 748945
PROGUPHORIA is the first festival of its kind on the south coast of England and we’d be delighted and incredibly grateful if as many of you as possible would come along and support us in this new and exciting musical adventure.
Kindest Regards
The Ministry of Prog

10/07/12: THE FREQUENCY NEWS RELEASE

08/07/12: TONIGHT'S GIG PAINT BLUE AT THE TRIPP CANCELLED

Hi folks,

Unfortunately we won't be playing at The Tripp tonight due to further illness! The Lawmakers will be playing instead, great funky, bluesy band, check them out from 8.30pm at
The Thomas Tripp, Wick Lane, Christchurch.

Paint It Blue x

07/07/12: PAINT IT BLUE GIG TONIGHT'S GIG CANCELLED!

Hi folks!

Unfortunately we've had to cancel our gig tonight at The Seaview due to illness. We will be playing at The Tripp in Christchurch tomorrow with a kind of super-group line-up; PIB rhythm section, fronted by Carl of The Lawmakers and Stan of Riverside Blues! Our thanks to them for helping us out this weekend :)

Paint It Blue x

29/06/12: LIVE WIRE TECHNICAL ERROR

Some of you may have noticed we had linked to the June issue of Live Wire under the July link. Apologies for this error, it has now been corrected. The 2nd edition of Live Wire is now online on our Live Gigs page.

29/06/12: Paint it Blue

This Saturday night you can catch us at The Spyglass & Kettle in Southbourne, from 9.30pm - we'll be playing 'til midnight!
Unfortunately, our gig at Bar One which was scheduled for this Sunday 1st July has been cancelled, due to football! We're hoping to re-schedule the gig for later in the summer, so keep an eye on our gig listings for that!

On Friday 6th July we are playing at Dare2Festival, Tollard Royal, Wiltshire at 11.15pm - check out their website for details and tickets for this great festival - we'd love to have you there! www.dare2festival.co.uk

On Sunday 8th July at The Thomas Tripp in Christchurch, we'll be gigging with a special guest on guitar... Intrigued? Come down and see for yourself!

At the 'BH24 Music' Festival in Ringwood on Saturday 14th July, we're playing on the Main Stage at 7pm - check out www.bh24music.tumblr.com. Lots of other great local acts playing throughout the day, tickets are available from: Ringwood Gateway, Ringwood School, Paperview, Oasis Music Shop & TEDS at only £5 for 0ver 18s & £3 for Under 18s.

24/06/12: Ben Watton/Peachy Jane

Ben Watton has joined local indie rock band Peachy Jane on drums. The bands first gig together will be at Christchurch Festival Saturday 30th June in the afternoon apx 3.20pm. The band have recently released a new song called Big Heart Mountain on Soundcloud here http://soundcloud.com/peachyjane/big-heart-mountain

07/06/12: TALENTED DRUMMER SEEKS BAND BOURNEMOUTH AREA

We would like to introduce 16 year old Ben, who is a very talented kit drummer, who is trying to find appropriate live performance opportunities in the Bournemouth/Poole/Dorset area.

He is a highly skilled, versatile, mature and sensitive drummer, is a good reader and loves performing live.
He has his own kit and transport to get to gigs / rehearsals.

09/05/12: Vocalists wanted in Portsmouth

Vocalists are wanted in Portsmouth as auditions for Open Mic UK, the national music talent competition for vocalists and solo artists in the UK, begin this summer. Vocalists are wanted in Portsmouth as Open Mic UK, the competition that discovered Birdy and Hatty Keane, is searching for the UK’s best vocalists, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists. Portsmouth vocalists are wanted as Open Mic UK is coming to Highlight, Portsmouth on Sunday 2nd September 2012. Check out the Open Mic UK promo video here: http://bit.ly/wUQCbk

Vocalists in Portsmouth that enter Open Mic UK can perform either covers or original material throughout the competition. Open Mic UK offers vocalists in Portsmouth not only the chance to win prizes, but the opportunity to perform live in some of the best music venues in the country and the Open Mic UK Grand Final takes place at the best live music venue in the country – The 02 in London! This year, it could be you!

There will be £50,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for vocalists in Portsmouth, and the winning act will not only be crowned the Best On The Mic in front of a packed out crowd at The 02 in London, but they will also be offered a recording contract to release their single.

The competition is divided into age categories: 16 and under, 17-22 and 23 and over. Open Mic UK is all about finding an act that has the ability to become a professional recording artist. Vocalists are wanted in Portsmouth, so if you want to play at The 02 and think you have what it takes, it’s open to all. So get on the mic....Open Mic UK.

Vocalists are wanted in Portsmouth as auditions start again this summer, but places are limited so book your audition now at www.OpenMicUK.co.uk

Regards

Live and Unsigned

www.LiveandUnsigned.uk.com

02380529966

Also follow Live & Unsigned on;

www.facebook.com/liveandunsigneduk

www.twitter.com/LiveandUnsigned

Live Fest www.LiveFest.co.uk Saturday 21st January at the O2

03/05/12: LEVELLERS NEW ALBUM!

LEVELLERS

‘STATIC ON THE AIRWAVES’

RELEASE DATE - 25 June 2012

Folk-rock band Levellers release their tenth studio album, Static On The Airwaves, on 25 June 2012 through their own On The Fiddle Recordings.

Already being heralded as their most accomplished album to date, Static On The Airwaves is the sound of a band whose incisive lyrics, innate musicality and passion have continued to improve rather than diminish in nearly a quarter of a century of writing, recording and performing.

In many ways Static On The Airwaves represents a coming of age for Levellers; it is unquestionably their most mature and considered release to date and is an album rich in reasoned clarity and insightful observance of the world in which we currently live.

Produced by Sean Lakeman, who is renowned for producing his brother’s Mercury-nominated and gold-selling albums as well as Letters From The Underground (Levellers’ previous album), Static On The Airwaves was recorded ‘as live’ at Sono Studios in Prague and mixed in New York by the legendary Victor Van Vugt (PJ Harvey, Beth Orton, Nick Cave).

Befitting the most actively militarised era in British society since WWII, Static On The Airwaves returns regularly to a universal theme of War and its impact in both a contemporary (‘Gunmen’) and historical (‘Mutiny’, ‘Raft Of Medusa’) context, with the closing track, a fabulous contemporisation of Black Watch Anthem, ‘The Recruiting Sergeant’, perfectly fusing the two.

From the frenetic energy of ‘Forgotten Towns’ to the melodic introspection of ‘After The Hurricane’ via the pop melodies of ‘Second Life’, musically, the album is the most diverse the band have recorded to date.

This summer, Levellers appear at Hop Farm, Latitude, MFest, Larmer Tree, Wickerman, and Wickham Festivals. They have also recently announced a full UK tour in November – full details overleaf.

'STATIC ON THE AIRWAVES'
UK Tour

November 2012
14 CAMBRIDGE Corn Exchange, 01223 357 851
15 BRISTOL o2 Academy, 0844 477 2000
16 LINCOLN Engine Shed, 0844 888 8766
17 MANCHESTER Academy, 0161 832 1111
18 LIVERPOOL o2 Academy, 0844 477 2000
20 GLASGOW ABC, 08444 999 990
21 NOTTINGHAM Rock City, 0845 413 4444
22 LEEDS o2 Academy, 0844 477 2000
23 BIRMINGHAM o2 Academy, 0844 477 2000
24 LONDON o2 Shepherds Bush Empire, 0844 477 2000
25 SOUTHAMPTON Guildhall, 023 8063 2601

www.levellers.co.uk
www.facebook.com/levellersofficial

03/05/12: First bands announced for Anonymous Festival

Organisers of this Augusts free youth festival, Anonymous, have just announced the first acts to perform this year, but as ever the day is about more than great music. There will be a whole host of activities and performances are being put together to give Dorchester a day to remember.

Local indie band The Indices will be joined by young rappers Dreads and Lyrical Agent along with the alt skiffle sounds of The Little Victory. Festival goers, young and old alike, will also get a chance to try their hand at slacklining, with Maverick Slackline or free running with Train Hard.

There will be a zorbing and a bouncy castle as well as a chance to get crafty with art and craft workshops. In fact everything you need for a great day out with the family.

In the rings by the main stage young local dance groups, ranging from ballet to street dance, will be strutting their stuff and entertaining the crowds. This year the Open Mic area will return, sponsored by Keep Love Sweet, and will allow young acoustic musicians to show off their songs.

Community Development Officer Emma Scott said: “Anonymous really is a festival of youth and showcases the wide range of activities that young people enjoy. Its not just music, though we have some great bands, but its dance, arts, sports. Many people would be amazed by the wide variety of activities young people in Dorchester are involved with and I’d encourage them to come along on August 25th to get a real taste of Dorchester's thriving youth culture.”

Festival co-ordinator Keith Hatch added. “This is the forth year Anonymous has happened and it keeps just getting bigger and better. We’ve already had lots of young musicians approach us, and the quality of the talent in the area is outstanding.”

The organisers of Anonymous have had great support from many organisations, particularly Dorchester Town Council, which is responsible for Maumbury Rings.

You can find out more by logging onto the facebook group or contacting Emma Scott on 01305 252204. Anonymous 2012 will be held in Maumbury Rings on 25th Aug. from 11.00 p.m. –9.00 p.m. .

03/05/12: HARMONICA LESSONS IN SOUTH WALES;

"Learn to play the coolest instrument on the planet"...

Wednesday evenings (two separate classes);

"Absolute beginners" @ 7.30 pm (Folk) and "Intermediate" @ 8.15 pm (Blues).

Only five pounds per evening. You can choose to attend either a single class or you can attend both classes at no extra charge.

**Please be aware that you should already be able to bend notes in a controlled manner (or be prepared to acquire this skill) to get the best from the intermediate class.

The "Absolute Beginners Folk Class" is inclusive and user-friendly. It starts at the very beginning, giving you lots of practical playing tips and a firm foundation upon which to build. Before you know it you will have learned to perform some excellent melodies from the folk tradition encompasing Welsh, English, Irish, Scottish, Cajun, French, German and American music.

The "Intermediate Blues Class" is ideally suited to musicians who can already play harmonica. If you wish to improve your playing techniques, learn new harmonica pieces, better control your playing and want to practice with like-minded harmonica enthusiasts then we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday evenings.

Tuition is provided by Harmonica Tutor Aidan Sheehan BA (Hons) PGCE, MU. He is a National Harmonica League (UK) & HarpsCool Accredited Harmonica Tutor and performer. He has been a harmonica tutor for many years and has taught hundreds of people (all ages, all abilities) to play, regularly working alongside a variety of educational establishments, community organisations, charities, various institutions... even teaching people to play harmonica via the radio! He is also a performing musician and recording artist being a member of Whiskey River, the UK-based Zydeco Blues and Louisiana-style "Swamp-Rock" band.

Want to know more? Just get in touch :¬)

harmonica@whiskeyriver.co.uk

27/04/12: BLUES CRUISE!

On Thursday 9th August we set sail from Poole Harbour with the Smokin' Benny Brown Band for the Blues Cruise! A night of fun, blues and fireworks - all taking place on a boat - with a licenced bar!

Tickets for this special event are £15 each, and you get:

- FREE Drink on arrival
- Stunning Sunset Cruise out to Old Harry Rocks
- Two Fantastic Bands
- Unrivalled views of the Summer Breeze Firework Display

Guests board the boat from 7pm, which leaves the quay at 7.30pm - Paint It Blue will kick things off shortly after we depart, followed by the Smokin' Benny Brown Band! All this and fireworks too!

Please message us to secure tickets, which we will have with us at gigs very soon for you to collect/buy! This is a popular event, so it's a good idea to get your tickets sooner rather than later.

Hope you can make it!

Paint It Blue x

17/04/12: 60 MILLION POSTCARDS

WHAT: SATURDAY SUN and FIRE ISLAND PINES

WHERE: SIXTY MILLION POSTCARDS, BOURNEMOUTH

WHEN: SATURDAY 28th APRIL 2012, 9.00pm onwards

ENTRY: FREE

SATURDAY SUN AND FIRE ISLAND PINES AT SIXTY MILLION POSTCARDS IN BOURNEMOUTH

Swanage’s own post-rock folk troubadours Saturday Sun, who are currently making a splash across the UK, will be playing a show in their native Dorset at Sixty Million Postcards in Bournemouth Saturday 28th April. Joining them will be the refined indiepop sextet from Cornwall, Fire Island Pines, in their first Dorset show.

Saturday Sun don’t give too much away; “whenever a band has a biography it's usually written by themselves in a way that makes it sound as if it's not written by them … check out our tunes and you'll probably get a better idea of us”. Influenced by “great music, great ideology and great times” the acoustic/alternative band from Swanage are Alex Hedley, Bill Merrick, Alec Harrison and Luke Kill. With a series of high profile gigs lined up across London later in the summer, catch Saturday Sun in one of their few Dorset shows while you can.

Writing about their brand-new EP Seagull Never Enough Notes blog said “Alex’s voice takes hold of you and draws you into this sublime song that drifts through your thoughts like an autumn breeze”. It is available now at: http://saturdaysun.bandcamp.com/

Fire Island Pines appeared on the South West indie scene last year. They were included on Art is Hard Records’ celebrated indie compilation Dry Route to Devon and their recent EP Rickie Lee Jones has received oodles of critical acclaim. The sextet have been winning over audiences from Bristol to Brighton with their quirky blend of bright and breezy pop songs and low-key bittersweet vocals enriched by brass, percussion and a trio of gently jangling guitars.

The Rickie Lee Jones EP, described by Folly of Youth blog as “the shy sophisticate sensitivity of Felt meets the swoon of early Postcard jangle”, is available now at: http://fireislandpines.bandcamp.com and also at Bournemouth’s Rose Red Records.

The gig will be taking place at Sixty Million Postcards, Bournemouth’s super stylish hangout for all those who love to hear alternative music, with great food and art to boot. Entry is free and the music starts from around 9.00pm.

17/04/12: PAINT IT BLUES NEWS

Hey folks,

Firstly, our song 'Not Gonna Lost My Faith' has been nominated for a British Blues Award! Voting is still open for the Kevin Thorpe Memorial Award - designed to celebrate original songwriting - please take a second to show your support and vote for us! You can do so until the end of April, just go to:
http://www.britishbluesawards.co.uk/bishopfm.htm

Secondly, following the Final of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues last month, material captured on the night has emerged which we'd like to share with you:

Zone One Radio of London have featured us in their Blues Special, with interviews from the night amongst some great blues songs, check it out:
http://www.zoneoneradio.com/2012/04/victoria-ferran-zoneoneradio-blues.html#!/2012/04/victoria-ferran-zoneoneradio-blues.html

The video of our performance of 'Crash', our set-opener, is up on Youtube - see it here:
http://youtu.be/QAn1KAlXjJ0

Also, see our Facebook and Reverbnation pages for photos from the night courtesy of a number of talented photographers!
We also have received lots of great shots from the Dorset Music Awards, including this album from Alexander Freeman:
http://afreeman.zenfolio.com/paintitblue_dma2012_semis1

Alas, we did not get a trophy at this year's Dorset Music Awards, but we send our sincere thanks to all who voted for us in the various categories and came to see us in the Live Heats.

Our next gig is this Saturday night at The Red Lion, Winfirth, Dorset from 9pm.

Upcoming gigs:

Fri 4th May - Qudos, Salisury @ 9pm
Sun 6th May - The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury @ 7pm
Fri 18th May - The Wheatsheaf, New Milton @ 9.30pm
Sun 20th May - Bar One, Swanage @ 5pm
Sat 26th May - The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne @ 9.30pm

Sat 2nd June - Ashburton Blues Festival, Devon @ 12.30pm
Sun 3rd June - The Yew Tree Inn, Odstock, Salisbury @ 9pm

See you soon,
Paint It Blue x

02/04/12: INTRODUCING WHO SHOT SHERLOCK

We are Who Shot Sherlock, we are a five piece alternative rock band from the South West of the United Kingdom, blending a big rock rhythm section with catchy pop hooks and captivating lead lines. Forming in 2011 and playing a rapturous debut show in a local venue and have been playing around the dorset scene, we have spent much of our time perfecting a unique sound before heading to Fortress Studios to record our debut EP Elementary in early 2012 with Producer Joe Grouse (The Courtesans, Wires) and mixed by Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Young Guns).

We are looking for gigs over the summer period as we are touring the south of england, we are very happy to support bands.

Here are two of our tracks from our debut EP elementary due for release in the next month.

http://soundcloud.com/who-shot-sherlock

http://www.facebook.com/whoshotsherlock

31/03/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Hello everyone,

Firstly, if you're looking for something to do tonight (Sat 31st) then come and join us for a special night of music at Harmans Cross Village Hall near Swanage! Doors at 7.30pm, music from 8pm - for tickets and info, see their website:

http://www.harmanscrosshall.co.uk/music_nights_live.html

Secondly, we have been nominated for a British Blues Award!! Our song 'Not Gonna Lose My Faith' from our debut album has been nominated - please click here: http://www.britishbluesawards.co.uk/bishopfm.htm and give us your vote!! We'd appreciate you helping us by spreading the word too!

Thank you for all your support recently in the various competitions we've been involved in - it's wonderful to know you are rooting for us!

We were not the chosen winners of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues last Tuesday at The Garage, but it's great to have been among the last five acts, chosen from over 100 acts who entered. We gave it everything we had! It was great to play at The Garage, meet and watch the other top acts in the Final, and to perform for people who are passionate about blues! We had a great number of people who came from all over to support us, so a massive thank you to them for travelling to be there, and for all those who sent good luck messages.

We didn't make it through to the Final of the Dorset Music Awards, but we are proud to have got to the Semi Finals - again thank you to those who came and supported us. You can still vote for us in two other categories:

One Great Song: 'Not Gonna Lose My Faith' - http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/oneGreatSong.php
Favourite Album: 'Paint It Blue' - http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/favouriteRecording.php

Upcoming gigs:

Tonight - 31st March - Harmans Cross Village Hall, Purbeck - 8pm - £6

Fri 6th April - Good Friday! - The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne @ 9.30pm
Sat 21st April - The Red Lion, Winfrith @ 9pm

Fri 4th May - Qudos, Salisbury @ 9pm
Sun 6th May - The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury @ 7pm
Fri 18th May - The Wheatsheaf, New Milton @ 9.30pm
Sun 20th May - Bar One (Formerly Bar Se7en), Swanage @ 5pm
Sat 26th May - The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne @ 9.30pm

Sat 2nd June - Ashburton Blues Festival, Devon @ 12.30pm
Sun 3rd June - The Yew Tree, Oddstock near Salisbury @ 9pm

For a full list, see www.reverbnation.com/paintitblue

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/paintitblueuk

Watch us on Youtube: www.youtube.com/paintitbluemusic

And Myspace: www.myspace.com/paintitblueuk

Thanks for reading, see you at a gig soon!

Paint It Blue x

26/03/12: Zakopower (www.zakopower.pl) - 15th May – Bournemouth, O2 Academy (£25)

"One of the hottest music bands on the current Polish musical scene and the only one that has truly successfully combined Polish highland folk with contemporary sounds, Zakopower are one of Poland’s most popular bands ever. Their debut album “Music Hall” (2005) quickly reached gold status selling over 25 000 copies and they have been awarded numerous music awards in their native Poland. Their music features elements of folk and rock aesthetics, clever use of electronics, and draws on jazz influences as well as incorporating African beats - the overall mix resulting in a truly unique, authentic and strong sound – fun, lively, infectious and instantly recognizable."

ZAKOPOWER BIOGRAPY

One of the hottest music bands on the current Polish musical scene and the only one that has truly successfully combined Polish highland folk with contemporary sounds.
Sometimes labelled as folk rock, Zakopower escapes all manner of classification – their music, originally inspired by the Podhale Polish highlands musical tradition equally features rock aesthetics, clever use of electronics, draws on jazz influences as well as incorporates African beats - the overall mix resulting in a truly unique, authentic and strong sound – fun, lively, infectious and instantly recognizable.

Named after the highland town Zakopane situated in the Tatra mountains and founded by phenomenal violinist Sebastian Karpiel Bulecka the band is seen as one of Poland’s most popular bands ever. Their debut album “Music Hall” (2005) quickly reached gold status selling over 25 000 copies. They have been awarded numerous folk as well as various mainstream music awards in their native Poland, most notably the prestigious academy award Fryderyk award in 2008 for best polish ethno/folk album (for their second album “Na Siedem” featuring Nigel Kennedy’s guest performance) and have been nominated for the Best Polish Performer in MTV Europe Music Awards (2006). Their concert DVD released in 2009 received gold status for best selling music DVD in the polish music market and remains a bestseller. Their most recent and most highly acclaimed album “Boso” released in 2011 has achieved double platinum status and the single has topped the charts for several weeks, being played by virtually all major radio stations.

Their instrumentation includes violin, highland bass, bagpipes, highland flute.
Unlike many ethno/folk inspired groups of today rather than unashamedly borrow from existing melodies the band develop and present entirely new original compositions - an ingenious mix of traditional and modern– drawing on folk aesthetics and technique but yet allowing it to develop and expand and bringing it in tune with the 21st century -theirs is a truly creative and progressive approach to making music. This is music with rare truthfulness to it and masses of positive energy and it cuts easily through language or cultural barriers, easily reaching and fascinating audiences from all backgrounds. Skilled musicians, known predominantly for the very highly charged energetic performances, they are a versatile ensemble with vast and varied repertoire that delivers equally well at large outdoor shows as well as more intimate clubs and acoustic stages.

The band is made up of an eclectic group of musicians, all bringing unique touch to this ingenious mix and is led by a phenomenal violinist Sebastian Karpiel Bulecka, recognized as the leading one of the young generation of Podhale region – an extraordinarily gifted and intuitive musician - vocalist and instrumentalist - great showman and charismatic band leader, praised by critics both for his skills on the violin as well as stage manner and natural ability to engage the audience.
The full line up includes:
Sebastian Karpiel – Bulecka - lead violin, lead vocals, bagpipes, highland flute
Bartlomiej Kudasik – viola, vocals
Wojciech Topa – violin, vocals
Józef Chyc-Scepon - highland bass
Piotr Rychlec – keyboards
Tomasz Krawczyk – electric guitar
Dominik Trebski - trabka
Michal Trabski – electric bass
Lukasz Moskal - drums

All seasoned musicians, they have recorded and performed with Nigel Kennedy and Goran Bregovic, worked alongside other renowned international musicians (Doug Boyle, Mamadou Diouf) as well as collaborated with leading musicians from Polish popular scene (Kayah, Voo Voo, T.Love, Grzegorz Turnau and others) and the jazz scene (Nigel Kennedy Quintet, Robert Majewski, Zbigniew Namyslowski)

They have amassed a great following in their native Poland and are steadily gaining a large fan base worldwide, with fans demanding concerts from as far as US, New Zealand and Australia.
Predominantly a live performing band they tour extensively both in Poland and abroad,
giving on average about 100 performances a year (having developed a somewhat legendary status with their shows unfailingly attracting large audiences of crazed, histerical with euphoria fans) their touring schedule has so far taken them throughout Europe (including major festivals such as Rudolstadt, Sziget, Ostrava, Zagreb) as well as the US (NY, Chicago) and the Far East (India, China) and Africa (Marocco).

In 2010, they appeared in the exclusive line up of artists representing the very best of Poland at Nigel Kennedy’s Polish Weekend at the London’s prestigious SouthBank Centre, with their performance selling out the Queen Elizabeth Hall, causing quite a stir and gaining them high critical acclaim as well as huge interest from both British promoters and the media. Their steadily rising fan base on the Isles made a need of a larger UK tour - they are returning to perform in May 2012, amongst others cities, their touring schedule will feature HMV Forum London, Institute Birmingham, HMV Picture House Edinburgh & O2 ABC Glasgow.

Media quotes

“Zakopower are to highlander music what the Pogues are to Irish music. Even if you can’t understand a word of it you will love it.”
“All my friends have gone crazy about Zakopower. Everybody’s bought their album”
Nigel Kennedy

“Undoubtedly the most popular polish group ever”
Nigel Kennedy’s Polish Weekend, Southbank Centre

“(…)emerging polish musical talent, a fiery folk group Zakopower”
Jazzwise Magazine

“(…the violinist Sebastian Karpiel – Bulecka leads Zakopower. (..)The band is one of Poland’s most popular groups“
Time Out

„(…) Sebastian Karpiel – Bulecka, of Zakopower: his violin became an electrified bird, flying and trilling with mesmerising high speed-elan“
1st June 2010 The Times,
Geoff Brown „Nigel Kennedy’s World Cup Project at the Clore Ballroom“ (Southbank Centre)

„Best band The great thing about Zakopower is that even my Polish friends can’t understand what the f**k they’re saying ’cos it’s in Goralic mountain dialect. It’s a bit like how Americans can’t understand Irish. Zakopower play a semi-techno, popular adaptation of highlander music. It’s kind of folky with violins but they’ve got a good edge of pop consciousness”
Nigel Kennedy, The Times, 21st May 2010, Emma Pomfret „Nigel Kennedy Jams with the Pole Cats”

Awards:

2005 - Opole Festival
2005 - Sopot TopTrendy Festival
2008 - Fryderyk, Album Roku Etno/Folk
2011 - Opole Festival

Discography:

Music Hall (cd) 2005
Na Siedem (cd) 2008
Koncertowo (dvd) 2009
Boso (cd) 2011

21/03/12: NEW SONG LITTLE CLOUDS RELEASED BY LOCAL ROCK BAND PEACHY JANE www.peachyjane.co.uk

19/03/12: INTRODUCING FINDING LOLA

May I introduce FINDING LOLA, a Bournemouth based band that play surf/grunge rock. We have been playing for a while now and feel our music has lots of energy and really gets the audience up and dancing. We are influenced by Reef, Black Stone Cherry, Incubus, Wolfmother and others, trying to bring back that 90's sound that everyone loved so much. Check back for our gigs coming soon...

12/03/12: Hi folks!

We have news for you...

Paint It Blue are through to the Semi Finals of the Dorset Music Awards!

We will be performing in the first of two heats at Mr Kyps in Parkstone, near Poole, this Saturday 17th March!

We would love to have your support in this - tickets can be bought online here: http://dma.fatsoma.com/events/55800/ at £5 each

...or on the door on the night (Admission minimum age restriction of 14+ if accompanied by an adult).

The ethos of the competition means that we'll be performing all original material, as will the other four acts, so it's set to be a great showcase for local, live, original music!

The line up for our heat:

The General Public
Paint It Blue
Peace, Love & Gloves
Yellowgroove
Know One

Only four of the ten remaining acts can go through to the Final, which is to be held at the O2 Academy in Boscombe next month.

Ticket Link: http://dma.fatsoma.com/events/55800/

For all info, visit: www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk

We hope that you can be there to support us!

Paint It Blue x

11/03/12: SWANAGE BLUES NEWSLETTER – post March Festival 2012

Swanage Blues Festivals

60 Gigs in 20 Venues

www.swanage-blues.org

2, 3, 4 MARCH 2012 SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL

All gone, but the memories linger on! Thank you if you’ve already sent your comments – see www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=2012march Your words summarise the Sprit of the Festival better than I can.

If you’d like to comment, please email info@swanage-blues.org

Thanks to everybody and especially The Bucketeers, whose hard work again raised around the same amount of money as the last five festivals - equivalent to just over £2 per person per weekend (based on 2,000 people attending) plus programme sales.

Enough people were generous to make up for those who were not – overall you gave enough to keep us going till the next festival.

5, 6, 7 OCTOBER 2012 SWANAGE BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL

In an attempt to do more than tread water, next time people will be asked to make a contribution of at least £5 a day towards festival funds. The mere fact that you’re subscribing to this newsletter quite probably means you happily give at least £5 a day when you’re here, but...

We’re considering festival wristbands so you can show you have made a contribution of at least £5 a day or £10 for the weekend. Wristbands will be available in advance or from the festival shop and other outlets. The Bucketeers will continue to collect from everybody who wishes to make a contribution.

Comparable events have ticket prices of £35 - £100 for a weekend’s music, so £5 a day isn’t too much to ask!

Or is it? Email your comments please to info@swanage-blues.org

Your opinion is very important to us. We will listen and take it into account as always.

ADVERTISING

You can now advertise on the festival website; in the festival programme (32 pages last festival); or on the monthly ‘Live Music and more...’ gig guide. Email info@swanage-blues.org if you’re interested.

FESTIVAL TEE SHIRTS

If you missed your opportunity to purchase a Swanage Blues Festival T-Shirt at the weekend all is not lost. Just email Stan & Helen at enquiries@riversidebluesband.co.uk to arrange mail order. Cost will be £17 to include postage. All sizes available Small (36” chest) to XXXL (56” chest).

Personally, I love the way they’ve incorporated the Artists’ and Venues’ names into the design. Well Done and Thank You!

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

We will be asking Friends of Swanage Blues to vote on Acts they wish to see at upcoming festivals and other events. The next PRIZE DRAW will be held at the end of March.

So far, only 76 people have renewed or joined for 2012, so PLEASE do it now before you forget!

To join, see Friends of Swanage Blues on the festival website (now accepting PayPal) or send your name, address, phone number and £10 cheque payable to “Swanage Blues” to:

Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB. Thank you!

09/02/12: 12th SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL - The 12th Swanage Blues Festival – 2, 3, 4 March 2012 – 70 gigs by 40 Acts in 20 Venues – free admission to customers! www.swanage-blues.org

All organised by one man with no major grants or sponsors! FULL FESTIVAL LINE UP HERE!

06/02/12: FOLK-AHOLICS!!

A festival for the folk-aholic, Bournemouth Folk Festival celebrates the brilliant new wide-ranging folk music of this country.

Charismatic songwriter MARTYN JOSEPH and BBC Folk Musician of the Year ANDY CUTTING give concerts and workshops. These are on the Saturday afternoon along with EMILY BARKER’s Red Clay Halo and ex-Twisted Folk star MARTHA TILSTON with six piece band.
Anglo-Spanish celts The URBAN FOLK QUARTET headline the Friday night concert with fiddler Paloma Trigas playing jigs and muineiras after Jeremy Avis’s KORASONG RADIO. Also on main stage Friday night are indie-folk FEARNE and folk-blues guitarist ALEX ROBERTS.
The festival’s final session is on Saturday night with three bands: hoedown-ceilidh with CUT-A-SHINE and caller, impelling rhythms from cello-led prog-folkers The MOULETTES, and to close, Anglo-Congolese soukous and salsa band GRUPO LOKITO.
No clichés, just good music!
Check out www.bournemouthfolkfestival.co.uk for ticket information, the full programme and youtube of all main acts.

02/01/12: BMTH UNPLUGGED COMPETITION

Ok for those of you not at the sign up party at the Jug last night, here are those juicy details that were promised.....

There have been a few changes to this years competition. We wanted to offer a life changing prize and i think we have achieved this by awarding all the individual prizes to ONE overall winner as a super prize package.

This package contains all the essentials a singer songwriter needs to get there foot well and truly up the ladder of the music industry in this era.

So one talented person will recieve...

- An album of their material professionally recorded, mixed and mastered to radio play quality.
- The album pressed and packaged
- High quality Artwork and design for album and promo posters.
- A photoshoot for use on album and promo posters.
- Online digital distribution of album.
- A music Video
- Over £200 of musical instrument shop vouchers (think of all the strings you could buy!)
- A slot at the Purbeck Folk festival plus more to be confirmed.
- And of course a shiny trophy!

I wanted this years judging system to be uneqivocally straight forward and fair as possible so every act will be judged purley by all the prize givers at every stage.

Another big difference this time around is that we wanted to make more of a level playing field and to concerntrate on the individual artist as a song writer and performer. So this year the competition is open only to solo artists. ALTHOUGH you may invite one or two people to the stage for a couple of songs in the later rounds.

We have also been very lucky to have the amazing venue of The Winchester, Bournemouth to hold host to the competition this year. Heats will be held in the early part of the week, every week, throughout March and April (specifific dates given soon after sign up).

So if you would like to sign up all you need to do at this stage is send your NAME (and stage name if applicable), ADDRESS and TELEPHONE NUMBER by email to
bmth-unplugged@live.co.uk. Everyone that enters will be invited to play the live audition stage. Closing date for signing up is 19th Feb. You must be over 18 years of age and live in the Dorset area.

I hope that was juicy enough!, and hope to see you soon,

Anthony Lewis

01/02/12: PAINT IT BLUE NEWS

We have Paint It Blue updates for you!

Today we were featured in the Bournemouth Echo newspaper, due to us making it to the Final of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues - check it out online: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/christchurch/9505303.Dorset_band_Paint_It_Blue_one_step_away_from_playing_at_Canadian_festival/
The Final of the competition takes place at The Garage, Highbury Corner, London N5 1RD on Tuesday 27th March.
Get tickets from: http://www.ents24.com/web/event/New-Brunswick-Battle-Of-The-Blues-The-Final-The-Garage-London-2765778.html
For more info. on the competition, visit: www.tourismnewbrunswick.co.uk

In other music-competition-related news, we can confirm the date of our Quarter Final Round of the Dorset Music Awards 2012:
Friday 10th February at The Winchester pub, Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW.
Tickets are £5, available on the door, or in advance via: http://dma.fatsoma.com/events/55797/
Other top local acts playing on the night are: Jack Grace, Krista Green, Tom Clements & Constellation.
We would love to have your support, as only 10 of the 20 Quarter Finalists can go through to the Semi Finals - please come and make some noise for us!!

These live performances are for the 'Best Live Act' category, and your vote could make all the difference as to how far we get in the competition!
Please vote for us in the Public Vote via http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/bestLiveAct.php

We are also nominated for two other categories in the Dorset Music Awards this year - and, you guessed it, we need your vote!
Our debut album 'Paint It Blue' is up for 'Favourite Album/EP' - http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/favouriteRecording.php
And 'Not gonna Lose My Faith' from the album is nominated in the 'One Great Song' category - http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/oneGreatSong.php

Please take a second to vote - it is quick and easy! Thank you.

It is February already, and only a couple of weeks until we take a trip to Broadstairs in Kent, to perform at The Broadstairs Blues Bash!
We will be playing on Saturday 18th Feb at The Balmoral, 27 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1LU from 5pm until 7pm. Entry is FREE.
We would love to see you there, it's looking to be a great event! For more info. see: www.broadstairsbluesbash.com

After February cometh March, and March means... Swanage Blues Festival! www.swanagebluesfestival.org
We are very happy to be playing TWO gigs this time!
Friday 2nd - The Crow's Nest, Ulwell Road, Swanage BH19 1LE @ 9pm
Saturday 3rd - Bar Se7en, High Street, Swanage BH19 2LN @ 3pm
We will also be jammin' with all the Swanage favourites over the weekend!

On March 31st we will be returning to Purbeck to perform at a special Music Night at Harmans Cross Village Hall.
Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmans-Cross-Village-Hall-Music-Nights/298417733522065?v=info
Tickets are £6 and available from:
Swanage Tourist Information - Shore Road 01929 422885
Wareham Tourist Information - South Street 01929 552740
Spar Shop Harmans Cross - ( From 24/02/12 )
Nigel Edmonds - 01929 477134
John Dainton - 01929 480477
Doors at 7.30pm, music from 8pm. There will be cafe-style seating and a liscenced bar.
Email hxvh.music.nights@gmail.com with any questions.
The Hall's website: www.harmanscrosshall.co.uk

29/01/12 www.swanage-blues.org

Swanage Blues Festival

A record-breaking 70 gigs in 20 indoor venues!

MARCH FESTIVAL – 2, 3, 4 March 2012

All details of Artists, Venues and a Schedule of who’s on where and when, are all available on the website – plus a Poster for you to print out and put up – please!

Admission will again be Free to Customers, but Venues reserve the right to charge an admission fee to non-customers. Restaurants usually require pre-booking.

The festival is funded by Your Contributions so please be generous to ensure these festivals keep going! And please be nice to The Bucketeers, who are music fans like you who have given up their weekend to ensure there IS a weekend!

There is a list of Accommodation on the website. The Grand Hotel (one of our main sponsors) is offering a special rate of £55 per person per night for B&B.

Stan & Helen from The Riverside Blues Band will be selling new design Tee Shirts. We totally support them in their venture and hope you will too.

You can see videos and hear music from the festival’s Artists on our Facebook Page – well worth joining

We look forward to seeing you!

25/01/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Paint It Blue have made it through to the Quarter Finals of this year's Dorset Music Awards, and have also been nominated for two other prizes!

YOUR vote could make all the difference to the result - please follow the links & vote!

Best Live Act: http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/bestLiveAct.php

One Great Song ('Not Gonna Lose My Faith'): http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/oneGreatSong.php

Favourite Album (Paint It Blue): http://www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk/favouriteRecording.php

t he four Quarter Final dates will be held at The Winchester venue, in Bournemouth, in February.

Thank you for voting, we really appreciate your support!!

Paint It Blue x

19/01/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Paint It Blue are thrilled to be through to the Final of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues competition - to be held at The Garage, Highbury, London, on Tuesday 27th March 2012.

Last night (Weds 18th Jan) Paint It Blue performed alongside 5 other blues acts in the South West heat of the competition, and were voted first place by a panel of three judges.

"The Canadian Province of New Brunswick has been looking to the UK to provide new performers for its world-renowned Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, which celebrates its 21st Anniversary in 2012. Says competition organiser, Lee George; “The competition at this heat was fierce. Six excellent acts provided a great evening of live entertainment. But there had to be just one overall winner and Paint It Blue was chosen. "

The winner of the Competition will get an all-expenses paid trip to the beautiful maritime province of New Brunswick to perform on one of the main stages at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival in the provinces’ capital Fredericton in September.

For more information about the competition, visit www.tourismnewbrunswick.co.uk

We would love to have your support at the Final - buy tickets online at: http://www.ents24.com/web/event/New-Brunswick-Battle-Of-The-Blues-The-Final-The-Garage-London-2765778.html

17/01/12: PAINT IT BLUE

Happy New Year, Paint It Blue fans!

We have lots coming up to kick-start 2012!

Firstly, tomorrow (Weds 18th Jan) we head to The Thunderbolt in Bristol to compete in the South West heat of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues competition!
We are among six blues acts competing for a place in the final of the national competition, to be held in London in March.
Wish us luck! If you can be there to show your support in person that would be fantastic!
Entry is FREE, from 7.30pm, first band on at 8pm - for more info: www.tourismnewbrunswick.com and www.thethunderbolt.net

Secondly, we have entered the Dorset Music Awards 2012, and are among 40 acts competing in the first round of the 'Best Live Act' category.
The acts will performing over two days, this coming weekend at Centre Stage in Bournemouth. We will be performing this Sunday 22nd at 3.45pm - we would love you to come and make some noise for us!
Tickets are just £3 - for 20 artists! - get yours from: tp://dma.fatsoma.com/events/55795/
Music starts at midday until 6pm - for more info: www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk

We are also in the running for the 'One great Song' category of the Dorset Music Awards! 'Not Gonna Lost My Faith' from our debut album has been nominated.
If you think it deserves to win, visit www.dorsetmusicawards.co.uk next week when voting begins!

Catch us live this weekend...

This Friday 20th Jan - Bankes, Penn Hill ' 8pm - 10pm
This Saturday 21st Jan - The Cellar Bar, Boscombe @ 10pm until... who knows!

For full gig listings, please visit www.reverbnation.com/paintitblue
For videos - comment & subscribe! - www.youtube.com/paintitbluemusic
To download the album or tracks from it: www.paintitblue.bandcamp.com

14/01/12: www.swanage-blues.org

Swanage Blues Festivals

60 gigs in 20 indoor venues – free to customers

MARCH FESTIVAL – 2, 3, 4 March 2012

ARTISTS – so far

NEW: Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues (from New Orleans), Clare Free, Howling At The Moon, Jason Manners & 3 Buck Shirt, Jay Tamkin Band, Milton-Farrow Skiffle & Blues Band (with Alan Glen) and The Tin Cats

PLUS John Crampton, Coalhouse Walker, The Guv’nors, Pearl Handled Revolver, Robert Hokum Band, Assorted Buskers, Back Porch, Blind Lemon Gliders, Blue Touch, C Sharp Blues, David Raphael Band, Fabulous Fezheads, Jam Sessions with Robin Bibi Band, The Jawbreakers, Open Mic Sessions with Johnny Sharp & Martin Froud, Kevin Brown, Kris Dollimore, Lewis Cohen, Motel 6, The Mustangs, Paint It Blue, Pete Harris Duo/Band with Hugh Budden and Ray Drury, Riverside Blues Band, Robin Bibi Band, Steamer, Tim Harrison, Tommy Allen & Johnny Hewitt, Will Killeen and – with a bit of luck – yours truly, Steve Darrington!

More information, photos and links at Artists on website

Sorry to all artists whose applications have been unsuccessful. Due to overwhelming numbers of applications, the Selection Committee has set new conditions at Want to Play? on website.

ACCOMMODATION

If you need to book, you need to book now. There is a good selection at Accommodation on website.

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

PRIZE DRAW

The Christmas Eve Grand Prize Draw produced the following winning membership numbers: 91, 15, 24. If one of these is yours, please email me to arrange delivery of your prize.

11/01/12: LIVE AND UNSIGNED

Singers and bands wanted for Live and Unsigned 2012 auditions!

Singers and bands are wanted as Live and Unsigned 2012 auditions start early January! With the chance to play at The O2 in London and with £100,000 in prizes, Live and Unsigned auditions are set to attract thousands of unsigned singers and bands when auditions begin in January 2012. The competition has also just announced an additional new main cash prize of £10,000 for the winning act to spend on their development. Live and Unsigned auditions are heading to Highlight, Portsmouth on Saturday 25th February!

Singers and bands to be filmed

A new addition to the competition in 2012 is that it will also be filmed for a new music series to be broadcast on Sky TV; a fly-on-the-wall music series on Live and Unsigned has given acts another reason to enter the competition! The documentary music series airing next year on Sky TV, will give an insight into what goes on behind the scenes of the Live and Unsigned competition.

Festival slots

To add to that, there is the prospect of festival slots across the UK and the world and it’s clear to see that Live and Unsigned is THE competition for aspiring bands and acts to enter in the New Year. There are festival slots in Canada, Italy, Latvia and Dublin up for grabs for the best unsigned acts in the country that make it to the Grand Final at The O2, which is incorporated into Live Fest, London’s biggest indoor festival.

Live and Unsigned Auditions 2012

Live and Unsigned is the UK’s biggest unsigned music competition for original artists and auditions are open to all genres. So whether you're into pop, RnB, punk, Indie, Alternative, rock or acoustic, the competition has it all. Each year the competition prize pool gets bigger and better as acts take to the stage and battle it out for equipment, festival slots, studio time and master classes. Other prizes up for grabs include a UK tour, a selection of Blackstar and TC Electronic amps, extensive coverage on MUZU TV and YouTube anda comprehensive consultation package with Future Music including social marketing, image, brand, access to industry contacts plus more!

All acts in the competition are auditioned live which is what makes Live and Unsigned so unique, there are no demo submissions. Acts that make it through the audition stage will get to perform to industry judges, A&R associates and celebrity guests in some of the UK's most prestigious venues. Those who make it to the Grand Final will get to share the stage with some of the UK's best musicians at Live Fest at The O2 in London!Acts on the bill last year included Tinchy Styder, Zane Lowe, Roll Deep and The Hoosiers.

Industry Judges

Judges set to join the panel in 2012 include Radio 1 DJ’sAnnie Nightingale, Tom Deacon and Daniel P Carter, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and Happy Mondays star Bez.

Live and Unsigned Auditions

Auditions begin again in January 2012 with a number of new audition venues on the circuit including the world famous Dingwalls in Camden. Acts are urged to enter now as places are in high demand and auditions are limited for what will be a great platform for any act or band to showcase their music. For information on how to secure your live audition for 2012 go to www.LiveandUnsigned.uk.com and register today!

06/01/12: THE FREQUENCY

21/12/11: Hugh Budden

Hugh's brand new web site is now online at www.hughbudden.com - check it out!

19/12/11: Dolfin Music is offering online advertising - we've released traffic reports here.

03/12/11: Peachy Jane

We've just released some of our songs on iTunes, here is the link: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/peachy-jane/id483263464

20/11/11: www.swanage-blues.org

Swanage Blues Festivals

60 gigs in 20 indoor venues – free to customers

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

LATEST PRIZE WINNERS

Congratulations to R Foster, Weymouth (member 93), M Bloor, Thatcham (80) and K Lowen, Swanage (58), each of whom receives a choice of box set CDs.

SPECIAL OFFER – Join Friends Of Swanage Blues now, and get November and December 2011 FREE

In 2011 we had only 100 members. So far, only 6 people have renewed or joined for 2012, so PLEASE do it now before you forget!

See Friends of Swanage Blues on the festival website (now accepting PayPal)

I do hope you can help keep all this wonderful music going!

2, 3, 4 MARCH 2012 SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL

ARTISTS BOOKED

Blind Lemon Gliders, Bob Pearce Blues & Gospel Band, C Sharp Blues, Clare Free, Coalhouse Walker, David Raphael Band, The Fabulous Fezheads, The Guv’nors, Jay Tamkin Band, Kris Dollimore, Motel 6, The Mustangs, Pearl Handled Revolver, Pete Harris Blues Band with Hugh Budden, Riverside Blues Band, Robert Hokum Band, Robin Bibi Band, Tim Harrison, Will Killeen, plus Jam Sessions with Robin Bibi Band and Open Mic Sessions with Johnny Sharp and Martin Froud

ARTISTS UNDER DISCUSSION

Back Porch, Blue Touch, Freezer, Gypsy Elise & The Royal Blues (New Orleans), Jason Manners & 3 Buck Shirt, The Jawbreakers, Kevin Brown, Lewis Cohen, Paint It Blue, Pete Christie, Tommy Allen & Johnny Hewitt and many more...

LIVE MUSIC IN SWANAGE

Printed copies of the “Live Music and more...” gig guide for December will be available soon from participating venues and tourist information centres. Download from the Swanage Blues website page ‘What’s On’. The Swanage Life website www.swanagelife.com has been terminated to save money.

LIVE MUSIC IN DORCHESTER

Bluesnights at Dorchester Arts Centre has a tremendous programme for 2011/2012.

Saturday, 10 December 2011 - SPIKEdrivers

Saturday, 7 January 2012 - Guy Tortora & Costa Tancredi

Saturday, 4 February 2012 - Chuck Farley

Saturday, 3 March 2012 - Eddie & Frank Thomas – shame about the clash with Swanage Blues Festival!

Saturday, 24 March 2012 - Watermelon Slim

Saturday, 21 April 2012 - Midnight Train

Saturday, 26 May 2012 - Groanbox

Saturday, 16 June 2012 - Cherry Lee Mewis Trio

TICKETS are £12/£13 in advance/on the door. Concessions: £10/£11 for Senior Citizens. £6/£6.50 for under 18s or students with NUS card.

Doors/bar open at 7:30pm. Performances begin approximately 8:00 pm and generally finish around 10:30 pm.

Anybody interested in a mini-bus from Swanage to any of these events, please email info@swanage-blues.org for further information. There will be a discount for Friends of Swanage Blues.

COMMENTS ON THE LAST FESTIVAL

Well worth reading! See www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=2011october

2012 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

The 12th Swanage Blues Festival 2, 3, 4 March 2012

The 6th Swanage Blues & Roots Festival 5, 6, 7 October 2012

One last request for you to join or renew Friends of Swanage Blues please! See Friends of Swanage Blues

03/11/11: LIVE AND UNSIGNED LATEST AUDITION NEWS

Music Auditions

The music auditions will be searching for the best singers and bands. Win prizes that will blow you away! With up to £100,000 in prizes up for grabs and a comprehensive winners’ package which includes; recording studio time, Blackstar and TC Electronic Amps, Music development classes and the main prize of a music management and development contract with Future Music, with up to £50,000 investment!

Auditions for bands and singers are open to all genres, so whether you’re into RnB, Rap, Acoustic, Pop or Classical – Live and Unsigned has it all! From BBC Radio One, Kerrang, NME, BBC Introducing, Regional Press & record labels. What better opportunity to get your music heard live and by the right people?

Play at the best venues in the country! From auditions through to the Grand National Final, you could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jimi Hendrix at Sheffield City Hall or take on the best live music venue in the world with the Grand Final at IndigO2 The O2 in London!

www.liveandunsigned.uk.com

If you make it through the auditions you will compete at the Live Showcase finals with a chance of making it to the National Grand Final at The O2 as part of Live Fest, London’s Largest indoor festival inside the world’s best venue.

So you can win a world tour, festival slots, get press, huge prizes, free equipment, showcase in front of industry and loads more!... get entering and we’ll see you soon.

For more information and to Enter Now go to www.liveandunsigned.uk.com

01/11/11: Advertising on Dolfin Music

Dolfin Music is now offering online advertising services, please visit our Dolfin Services page for more information.

26/10/11: PAINT IT BLUE LATEST NEWS

Things may seem to ‘quieten down' over Winter – but rest assured, we will not be going into hibernation! There are plenty of gigs coming up between now and Christmas to beat the Winter Blues (boom boom) and plenty of preparations for 2012 to keep us busy.

Firstly, a HUGE thanks to everyone who came to see us and support us at Swanage Blues Festival at the start of the month. We had a fantastic weekend, as always!!

Secondly, we’re pleased to announce that we will be appearing at a couple of festivals next year, for the first time:

Broadstairs Blues Bash, Broadstairs, Kent – Saturday 18th February

Ashburton Blues Festival, Devon – Saturday 2nd June

We are working hard to add to this list, so if you would like to recommend us to your favourite festival, or recommend a festival to us, then that would be grand!

Last but not least, we’re excited to say our debut album is now available to download online – ideal for long-distance fans! You can download individual tracks if you wish, or the entire album.

Just visit www.paintitblue.bandcamp.com and there you are!

Gigs through to the end of 2010…

Sat 29th Oct – The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury near Fordingbridge, SP6 3PZ

Fri 11th Nov – Bankes, Penn Hill, Parkstone

Fri 18th Nov – The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne

Sun 20th Nov – The Thomas Tripp, Christchurch

Thurs 1st Dec – The Rydal Arms, New Milton

Fri 2nd Dec – The Wheatsheaf, New Milton

Fri 9th Dec – The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne

Sat 10th Dec – The King’s Head, The Square, Wimborne

www.myspace.com/paintitblueuk - for gigs/info etc.

www.facebook.com/paintitblueuk - for updates/events etc.

www.youtube.com/paintitbluemusic - for videos - please leave comments & subscribe!

www.reverbnation.com/paintitblue - for music/info etc.

www.paintitblue.bandcamp.com – to download the album!

That’s all for now, folks!

See you at a gig soon,

Paint It Blue x

14/10/11: VEETACORE FREE DOWNLOAD

What to do?
The new Veetacore single '14 & 3/8ths' is now available to download for free, simply head over to http://veetacore.bandcamp.com/album/14-3-8ths-single and click 'Free Download' and we'll send the track straight to your inbox. Simples!

Why Free?
Ever since the band started we have made a promise to make sure our music is always accessable to our fans all over the world and never to not make cost an issue. Our last EP 'The Monopoly' was given away and now this single is free to give you a taste of whats to come on our new EP, due to be released in December.

Spread the word
If you like the Free Download then it makes sense to tell people about it. Please help us by getting more people to download the single! Be imaginative and think of creative ways to tell people, but Facebook/Twitter are obviously the easiest ways.

27/09/11: We bring you the latest PIB news...

We are feeling the excitement build by the day as Swanage Blues Festival approaches!

Paint It Blue will perform on Saturday 8th Oct at Bar Se7en (No. 1, High Street, Swanage) at 3pm, playing three sets of groovy blues - including a few new numbers!

Visit www.swanage-blues.org for all info on artists/venues/accomodation etc.
The festival is FREE to all customers, and The Bucketeers (also volunteers) will be roaming around town shaking their buckets to collect your donations, which keep the festival going!

Stan & Helen from the Riverside Blues Band will be selling special 'Swanage Blues Festival' T-Shirts, so pop down to a 'Riverside' or 'Steamer' gig over the weekend and get yours!

Now, back to the week in hand - don't miss this Saturday's gig at The Cricketers Arms, Springbourne, Bournemouth. We'll be rocking the oldest pub in Bournemouth from 9pm, we'd love to see you there!

This is where you can find us through to the end of 2011:

This Saturday 1st Oct - The Cricketers Arms, Springbourne, Bournemouth
Sat 8th Oct - Swanage Blues Festival - Bar Se7en, 1 High St., Swanage
Sat 15th Oct - The Cellar Bar, Boscombe, near Bournemouth
Fri 21st Oct - The Grove Tavern, Southbourne Grove
Sat 29th Oct - The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury, near Fordingbridge

Fri 11th Nov - Bankes, Penn Hill, Parkstone
Fri 18th Nov - The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne Overcliff Drive
Sun 20th Nov - The Thomas Tripp, Christchurch

Thurs 1st Dec - The Rydal, New Milton, Hants.
Fri 2nd Dec - The Wheatsheaf, New Milton, Hants.
Fri 9th Dec - The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne Overcliff Drive
Saturday 10th Dec - The King's Head, Wimborne

Keep up to date with the gig list - check out >> www.myspace.com/paintitblueuk <<

You can also get your Paint It Blue fix elsewhere online -

Facebook www.facebook.com/paintitblueuk - be a fan & invite your friends!
Youtube www.youtube.com/paintitbluemusic - videos of live performances!
Reverbnation www.reverbnation.com/paintitblue - Be a fan & help us spread the word!

Last but not least, harmonica player extraordinaire and founding member Ed Fish has returned from New Zealand safe & sound!
We hope to have him perform with us as often as he can, while he continues to better himself with his musical studies in The Big Smoke.

Thanks for reading,
See you at a gig soon!

Paint It Blue x

23/09/11: 7, 8, 9 October 2011

The 5th Swanage Blues & Roots Festival

22 Indoor Venues – 60+ Great Gigs – 100+ performers – all free to customers

www.swanage-blues.org

ACCOMMODATION VACANCIES

Major festival sponsor the Grand Hotel has a few vacancies for the festival – only £65 per person per night for Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal. Stay for both Friday and Saturday nights, and you can stay Sunday night on the same deal for only £50. That’s only £180 for Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal for three nights – Bargain!

Beachway Hotel has a few vacancies and is willing to take ‘one nighters’.

See www.swanage-blues.org under Accommodation for contact details and other accommodation providers.

RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS

To avoid disappointment, please reserve a table in advance.

ARTISTS NEWS

Festival organiser and pianist Steve Darrington is phasing out live performances with bands and concentrating on solo and duo work. There will be no 'Final Tour', he'll just stop doing it. So don't miss Steve with Pete Harris Blues Band on all three days of the Swanage Blues & Roots Festival on 7, 8, 9 October 2011.

“People who couldn’t stick around for the Festival Finale on the Sunday night asked if we could do something during the rest of the festival,” said Steve. So on Friday night at 8pm there is a special performance at Swanage Bay View Holiday Park. There is a dining area with stage view of course, and reservations are recommended (01929 422130). There is also concert seating, cabaret seating and a dance floor off to the side for dancers, and REAL ALE.

SCHEDULE OF ACTS

A full Schedule of Who’s on Where can be seen at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=2011october

RADIO INTERVIEW

Stan from Riverside Blues Band recently interviewed festival organiser Steve Darrington for his radio show. Listen in by following this link http://www.thepark.fm/ on Tuesday 4th October from 8pm to 10pm, or if you are in the New Forest area, tune in to The Park on 96.9 FM. The programme contains a wide selection of blues tracks as well as local blues news and gig information.

TEE SHIRTS

Stan & Helen are organising special tee-shirts and will be selling them wherever you see them (open mics and jams etc) as well as their festival gigs as Riverside Blues Band and Steamer.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Swanage Blues is pleased to announce a Photography Competition in conjunction with the Photographers Lounge www.photographerslounge.co.uk and the glossy colour magazine Purbeck! – which will be featuring the winners in a multi-page spread. Details will be available on the website soon.

DISCOUNT WRIST BAND

There will be Discount Wrist Bands for sale at only £3 each – these will enable you to get discounts off various goods, drinks and food etc over the festival weekend, and hopefully raise a little money towards our expenses. The Discount Wrist Band Scheme is not a replacement for the bucket collections. These will continue to raise money to pay towards the festival costs. Admission is free to customers at all venues, so please continue to be generous with your donations.

BRITISH BLUES AWARDS

Thanks to everybody who voted for Swanage Blues Festival in the British Blues Awards. It was indeed an honour to be one of the six nominees for Best British Blues Festival, which was won by the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival held in Colne, Lancashire - a massive event put on by Pendle Borough Council and costing £125 per weekend ticket for access to the International Stage, the British Stage, the Acoustic Stage and five roadhouses. Now remind me again, how much is admission for Swanage Blues Festivals?

OCTOBER IN SWANAGE

The “Live Music and more...” gig guide for October will be available shortly at participating venues, tourist information centres and online at www.swanagelife.com

21/09/11: PEACHY JANE NEW RELEASE

With achingly heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies, female fronted pop band Peachy Jane have created something very special with their new song “Love Life”.
The song starts gently, softly drawing in the listener and slowly transforming into a rising tide of emotion and heartache that is captivating, due to the pure and deep tones of vocalist Vicki who fronts the band.

The song has been recently released together with a video on the band’s You Tube channel at http://youtu.be/YOlIQ2bQ79E The single is set to go virile with the band sure to make an impressive impact on the music scene very soon.

Currently the band has recently collaborated with top London Producer Sam Roman and will shortly be releasing a new single called “Drive Away the Dark” which has been produced by him. “It was an amazing experience to go to London and work with someone like Sam, who gave us a lot of advice and support,” says Beca Fludgate, the band’s guitarist.

Sam is currently working with artists such as Matt Cardle, Mica, Take That and Pixie Lott, as well as other X Factor artists and is an artist in his own right. The band are really excited by the completion of this project, and are looking forward to the new release.

Read a review of the single Love Life here

17/09/11:VEETACORE RELEASE NEW SINGLE FOR FREE

“fully charged rock at its best” Tom Aylott, Punktastic

Fusing the pop sensibilities of You Me at Six with the raw passion of Paramore and the growl of
Foo Fighters, rise Veetacore.
Three piece Veetacore is built around drummer Dan Cook who brings to the table an enviable
arsenal of beats and rhythms that compliment the soaring and impassioned vocals of Becky
Rewse and provide a foundation from which guitarist Tom Clay can overlay some of the catchiest
riffs and hooks this side of the Atlantic.
2010 saw the band release the critically acclaimed record ‘Monopoly//EP’, these 3 tracks set the
benchmark for what is expected for emerging bands and have quickly built a large UK fan base
from extensive touring throughout the year. This EP is still available to download for free from
www.veetacore.com.
During 2011 the band set aside time to write and together with producer David Evans (The
Plymouths, BOSH, Paul Oakley) they crafted 5 tracks now known as the forthcoming EP named
‘The Settling’, due out in December.

On Friday 14th October 2011 Veetacore will be releasing their brand new single ’14 & 3/8ths’
for free download. This track is the 1st single to be released from the bands forthcoming 5 track
EP titled ‘The Settling’ due for release in December. Becky comments “We’re all so excited
about this new season the band is in, the songs on the new record have really shaped us and
brought us closer together as a band”.
3 piece Veetacore launched in April 2010 with 3 tracks collectively known as the ‘Monopoly
EP’ which received critical acclaim both locally and nationally. With over 5,000 downloads of
this EP to date and a full UK tour already under their belt at the end of last year, this new
material is much anticipated.
Release Date: 14/10/2011
Available from: TBC
Cost: FREE
Format: Download Only
Veetacore Info:
www.veetacore.com
www.facebook.com/veetacoremusic
www.youtube.com/veetacoreTV

16/09/11: Here's the latest news from The Haiku.

Update on our new single
Many thanks to everyone who has watched and shared the video for "To The Night". We know that a lot of you have been posting it all over facebook and twitter, and we'd really like to be able to thank you in a more meaningful way. So if you've been plaguing your friends' timeline with our video then please let us know.

If you haven't got around to watching the video yet you can do so at http://www.thehaiku.co.uk

New album and upcoming gigs
We'll be heading in to the studio in a month's time to start work on our third album, but before that we've got the following gigs. We'll be road testing several new songs at these gigs, so if you want an advance listen to the songs from the new album, then come along!

17.09.2011 George IV, Lichfield
30.09.2011 Katie Fitzgeralds, Stourbridge
07.10.2011 The Crown, Frampton Mansell

08/09/11: Red Light the new EP from Empire Affair

Beca has reviewed the new EP from local Bournemouth band Empire Affair - check it out on the Dolfin Reviews page here.

25/08/11: SWANAGE BLUES - SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

7, 8, 9 October 2011

The 5th Swanage Blues & Roots Festival

22 Indoor Venues – 50+ Great Gigs – 100+ performers – all free to customers

www.swanage-blues.org

TOP GIG IN SWANAGE THIS WEEKEND!

On Saturday 27th August from 7.30pm King Salami & the Cumberland Three, Polly and the Billets Doux, plus Saturday Sun will be playing at the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage. This is a promotion by the Rock-A-Hula Club in conjunction with the Swanage Hospitality Association and will prove to be a brilliant evening. Tickets are available from the Mowlem, www.wegottickets.com and Swanage Tourist Information Centre for only £8 advance or £10 on the door.

Swanage Blues applauds the promoters for putting on this excellent triple bill. We hope to see you there!

NEXT FESTIVAL – COMING SOON!

It’s not long now till 7th October...

A full Schedule of Who’s on Where can be seen at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=2011october

If you can put up a Poster, please let me know.

There will be Discount Wrist Bands for sale at only £3 each – these will enable you to get discounts off various goods, drinks and food etc over the festival weekend, and hopefully raise a little money towards our expenses. The Discount Wrist Band Scheme is not a replacement for the bucket collections. These will continue to raise money to pay towards the festival costs. Admission is free to customers at all venues, so please continue to be generous with your donations.

We hope to have a small Festival Shop and its location will be advised nearer the event.

There will be a Photography Competition with cash prizes! If anybody has experience of running such a competition, please let us know. We are also interested in capturing some of the activity on camcorders etc, so we can publish it to the website and YouTube etc.

We are currently receiving quotes for Tee Shirts, polo shirts etc. Would you be interested in a Swanage Blues tee shirt or similar? Please let us now.

All Contact by email please. Thank you.

VIP VISIT

I was pleasantly surprised recently to be contacted by Phil Pemberton, lead singer of the US band Roomful Of Blues. He was on holiday in Swanage and asked if I’d like a chat. A great guy with a big voice and an amazing band! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have them at a Swanage blues festival?! Check out their website and latest album at www.roomful.com Let us know what you think.

SEPTEMBER IN SWANAGE

The “Live Music and more...” gig guide for September will be available shortly at participating venues, tourist information centres and online at www.swanagelife.com The Swanage Comedy Festival is on 23, 24, 25 September – details at swanagecomedy.com

FACEBOOK

Find us on Facebook!

Swanage Blues Festival

Swanage Open Mic Sessions

Swanage Live Music and more...

19/08/11: Anonymous Festival

Anonymous promises to take up the slack

Its all systems go for what promises to be the biggest and best Anonymous yet. This Saturday Dorchester's free youth festival once again takes over Maumbury Rings for a day, to bring the best young musicians, dancers, artists and activities the county town can offer, and its all FREE!!

Adam Harris, Chair of Dorchester Youth Extra said: “The Anonymous festival is really fun and a great way to get people in Dorset together. Dorchester Youth Extra really love being involved in this event. Since we put out an announcement for bands earlier in the year we’ve been flooded with requests, the only downside has been having to turn some great acts down.”

One of the highlights of this years festival are Maverick Slacklines who will be giving everyone a chance to try their hand at Slackline, an extreme balance sport that has its World Championships in Sandbanks this September.

The group describe the sport as the art of balancing on a flat line of webbing tensioned between two anchor points. The use of webbing makes it different to the classic tightrope or wire balancing. The nature of the webbing and its tension means that it is stretchy and bouncy, like a trampoline. These differences mean is has developed completely different styles and tricks to that of the more commonly recognised circus arts.

As well as Slacklining visitors can try out Free Running, Graffiti Art, Craft activities, Giant Sumo and loads more.

On the music front this years headliners are local boys Thomas and the Mock Ups. Leo from the band said: “We are really stoked that we have been invited to play the Dorchester Anonymous festival and better still being asked to headline. Maumbury Rings is the one of the most awesome venues we have been lucky enough to play in.”

“There are so many gifted and talented young musicians in Dorchester and its surrounding villages, that without events like Anonymous would not get to show case their works to the general public, friends, colleagues and family. We are living in turbulent times and the voices of the younger generation need to be heard."

Joining the Mock Ups on the stage will be Jack Harrison, Sarah Pardoe, Epic Journey and many more, while an open mic area will be running for budding young musicians to play.

Emma Scott, Community Development Officer for West Dorset District Council said: “Young people from Dorchester Youth Extra really wanted to build on the success of last two years Anonymous Festival, and we have really pulled out all the stops to make this an event that has something for everyone.”

“Brilliant local bands and DJ’s, amazing activities, stunning performers and much more. Its all free so you’d be mad not to join us in Maumbury Rings on Saturday and experience the whole event for yourselves.”

Emma Scott can be contacted on 01305 252204. Anonymous 2011 will be held in Maumbury Rings on 27th Aug. from 11.00 a.m. –9.00 p.m. .

16/08/11: In The Pink Big Band are organising:

Largest Jazz Band in the World Attempt for the Guiness Book of Records

Saturday 3rd September 2011

King’s Park, Bournemouth

We are looking for 600 musicians who play any of the following instruments: Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, double bass, drumkit.

To apply as a musician or stall holder, visit our website: www.biggestbandrecord.com or for more information phone: 01202 468099 or 07971 201506 or email: jointheband@biggestbandrecord.com

This event is in aid of www.ourkilimanjaroclimb.co.uk . To add to the challenge we have also pledged to each raise a minimum of £1000 (after costs) for Cementing Futures, an educational charity that works to bring accessible education to poverty stricken families living in slum accommodation. Please visit our individual team pages and make a donation to your favourite member of the Kilimanjaro climb www.cementingfutures.org Charity Registration No: 1129276

30/07/11:DUB OPTIC presents “The Notting Hill Carnival Warm-up party” Saturday August 20th

DUB OPTIC is the only event spectacular to be at on Saturday August 20th - Bournemouth’s Airshow weekend. This sure-to-be impressive ‘Carnival Warm up party’ not only features some of the UK’s most premier artists in Dubstep, Jungle, Reggae, Drum & Bass but it’s heavy bass driven soundsystems will be sure to pack 1800 people into this magnificent venue for a night to remember. THIS WILL SELL OUT - Do not miss this event – it will go down in History! (www.duboptic.com)

From the co-Creator of *DUBNIUM,

*Luke Murray presents…

A NEXT LEVEL PROJECT…

*Name ……… || D U B O P T I C ||

*Mission …… ‘Eye Opening Dubstep, Jungle, Reggae, Drum & Bass’

*Venue ……... ‘O2 A c a d e m y – B o u r n e m o u t h’

*Date ……….. Saturday August 20th, 2011

* Event …….. “The Notting Hill Carnival Warm up party in Bournemouth”

_________________________________________________________

_____________________________________

Why wouldn’t you go? !

“ DUB OPTIC is the only event spectacular on Saturday August 20th - Bournemouth’s Air Festival weekend.

“ This sure-to-be impressive ‘Notting Hill Carnival warm up party’ not only features some of the UK’s most premier artists in Dubstep, Jungle, Reggae and Drum & Bass, but it’s heavy bass driven soundsystems will be sure to pack 1850 people into the magnificent O2 Academy Bournemouth for a night to remember ”

Do not miss this event – It will go down in History!

_____________________________________

MASSIVE LINE UP … at one of the UK’s premier venues
– O2 Academy Bournemouth

2 Reggae Soundsystems + 10 Dubstep, Jungle and Drum & Bass Headliners
_____________________________________

CHANNEL ONE SOUNDSYSTEM

---------------- meets -----------------

HYTAL BOSRAH SOUNDSYSTEM

A Bournemouth First…" 2 full Sound-systems on 1 dance floor "

+ 10 Dubstep, Jungle and Drum & Bass headliners including...

HATCHA
ORIGINAL SIN
ALIX PEREZ
DOCTOR P
THE RAGGA TWINS
SUKH KNIGHT
JAKES
MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND
LOGAN D
HARRY SHOTTA MC
AUDIO SLEAZE
SUBFREQ
DRTY
MC's SKYDRO / REMIDY / MANIC

CARNIVAL VISUALS SHOW from VJ SPLATTY33

COACHES ACROSS THE SOUTH COAST TO THIS EVENT

For more information and to book travel to DUB OPTIC from Chichester, Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight…

… CONTACT Ernie on 07973551171

ENTERTAINMENT EXTRAS

+ CARNIVAL PERFORMERS
- FESTIVAL STALLS
- CARIBBEAN FOOD
- FIRE SPINNING
- STILT WALKERS
- FULL DÉCOR

DRINKS PROMOTIONS

£2.50 selected pints ! ! !
+
£2.95 house spirit & mixer
£3.50 Captain Morgan & mixer

TICKETS & PRICING INFORMATION

** This Event will Sell Out !

** Buy in advance to avoid disappointment - price will be More on the Door!

£10 ONLINE tickets – hurry LIMITED to only 150!)

£12.50 thereafter from WWW.DUBOPTIC.COM

£14 from Ticket Outlets:
- O2 Academy Bournemouth
- Enter Records (Bournemouth)
- Hemporium (Boscombe)
- Buffalo Bar (Winton)
(Booking fee’s may apply – check before travelling for your ticket)

VENUE ADDRESS

O2 Academy Bournemouth, 570 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 4BH

***** The ‘Dub Optic’ Concept ******

DUB OPTIC, an eye-opening concept born originally as the brainchild DUBNIUM in 2007. After nearly 4 years of solid promotion, good vibes and natural growth by organiser Luke Murray, DUBNIUM ceased and DUB OPTIC became a fully-fledged being in 2011.

With a clear vision in mind, the Bournemouth based event specialist felt, after creating a non-exist dub-scene from scratch (2007-2011) it was time to step it up a gear – into overdrive, and give the people what they want…

…the new sounds of the underground, more big name artists, multiple soundsystem dances, a festival, a highly praised resident artist roster amongst a visual splendour in production not to be matched by any other imitators.

DUB OPTIC continually strives to blend a history of dub-based music- from Reggae Roots to Jungle, Drum & Bass to Dubstep - focusing on Soundsystem Culture as the pinnacle.

DUB OPTIC is known as one of the UK’s premier dub-based events, not to mention festival-contributors, providing music, sound, food and culture to festivals around the UK as well as the mighty OUTLOOK FESTIVAL in Croatia.

CHANNEL ONE + FULL SOUNDSYSTEM

After defeating Magnetic Man, (Skream, Benga, Artwork) and ‘Metalheadz’ a.k.a Goldie, Storm, Shy FX and Andy C in this years “Red Bull Culture Clash” - Channel One Soundsystem duo Mikey Dread & MC Ras Kayleb were crowned deserved winners. Not only are they current champions but they’ve also been a pivotal part of “Notting Hill carnival” for the last 30 years. If you think this is ‘just reggae,’ your mistaken - be prepared to have your eyes opened!

HYTAL BOSRAH + FULL SOUNDSYSTEM

From the heart of the Birmingham underground dub scene, Hytal Bosrah – headed by Izyah Davis is sure to show you a soundsystem like no other. This sound runs with the best, and that’s why DUB OPTIC chose them alongside legends Channel One for an original Reggae ‘meet’ – a Bournemouth exclusive with two huge soundsystems facing each other on one dance floor.

HATCHA

No one DJ or indeed producer can claim sole credit for dubstep. But when the history of the genre gets told, it’s no overstatement to say the entire genre bares his stamp. Hatcha holds down his flagship Kiss 100 show alongside long time MC, Crazy D, not to mention DJ’ing across the planet and co-producing with a variety of the scene’s heavyweights. No DJ can test this man.

ORIGINAL SIN

DUB OPTIC welcomes ‘Playaz Recordings’ artist Original Sin aka one half of the undisputed kings of Jump Up Drum & Bass, G Dub. Original Sin has been destroying raves with his inimitable blend of rig mashing beats for over half a decade, and it’s thanks to this tireless reputation for crafting straight up club bangers that Original Sin has become world-renowned for his outstanding studio skills.

ALIX PEREZ

Alix has been catapulted to the forefront of the drum and bass scene with an ever-growing reputation and sought after catalogue of music. ??With a history of massive releases on legendary labels Metalheadz, V Recordings and Soul:R, Alix went on to sign exclusively to Friction's label, Shogun Audio. This is where his remarkable debut album ‘1984’ was released gaining extraordinary reviews and extensive support globally with coverage in publications such as the Metro, Mixmag and more.

DOCTOR P

Circus Records monster artist joins us after a worldwide tour, countless Radio One airplay and a bright future for all out success in production and the club scene. Doctor P helped fellow Circus Records producer Flux Pavillion host the BBC Radio 1 MistaJam Show a matter of months ago, with an overwhelming response.

THE RAGGA TWINS

From 1982 to 1990, Flinty Badman and Deman Rockers could be found ripping up reggae dancefloors on soundsystems around the north east London area. Not long after their profile soon went nationwide with influential tracks like Spliffhead, Hooligan 69 and Illegal Gunshot, the Ragga Twins ended up with album 'Reggae Owes Us Money' reaching number 26 in the national album charts. This success led to tours around the UK and Europe with Ragga don ‘Shabba Ranks.’

SUKH KNIGHT

An integral part of the True Tiger collective, Sukh Knight made a mark on the dubstep scene at a very young age. With True Tiger now hosting a show on BBC Radio 1 and Sukh having a smash hit with his release “Slang Like This” this young producer is going sky high.

JAKES

Hench Recordings founding father, Jakes is now making dubstep. This is no ordinary production Jakes has been said to have ‘taken it to the next level,’ putting the Bristol scene firmly on the map. Formerly a Drum & Bass MC, Jakes is now at the cornerstone of modern dubstep production. Expect upfront proper dubs from the man like Jakes!

MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND

With Album release “worldwide” just out, this duo have received an overwhelming response to their modern style production. Worldwide’ is a perfect snapshot of the electronic scene in 2011, keeping a sharp focus on the freshest D&B around whilst also drawing on Dubstep and Electro to capture the sound of a Matrix & Futurebound live set in all its glory. Expect nothing less live at the o2!

LOGAN D

Logan D has risen to prominence in the last few years, becoming one of the best up & coming DJs in the scene as well as running his successful label, ‘Low Down Deep Recordings’ and presenting his own bi-weekly Kool FM show.

HARRY SHOTTA

One of the most exciting MCs to come out of the UK underground music scene in recent times. Introducing Harry Shotta, an artist well-known for his contributions within the drum and bass scene with his unique rhyming style and energetic delivery. But Harry isn't just limiting himself to just one genre, oh no. Grime, hip-hop and dubstep, this MC is covering all bases.

AUDIO SLEAZE

A dubstep collective from Bournemouth on the south coast, made up of Matt Deep, Harry Judda and Lewis Skydro. With regular plays across the UK each week and appearances in Australia, Ibiza and various festivals not to mention releases 'Man On The Moon' and the remix of 'Hustler' out now - with more tracks being finished now 2011 is looking like a big year for Audio Sleaze.

SUBFREQ

A secure part of the DUB OPTIC unit Subfreq continues to showcase his skills making his mark on the Dubstep scene in 2011 with vinyl releases alongside Itchy Robot (Afterdark Dubs) as well as a successful weekly radio show, (which often crashes the servers) with other DUB OPTIC resident DJ Drty!

DRTY

From ‘Dirtys’ sets you can expect to hear the entire spectrum of the dubstep sound, all the way from ‘eyes down rollers’ to ‘bouncy jump up.’ Expect a huge variety and serious exclusives from this DUB OPTIC resident.

SKYDRO

Resident Skydro is at home on the microphone – simple. But this man is more than just an MC, he’s a host across the board, with an understanding of crowd control whilst upholding his passionate attitude towards the music and nights he represents.

REMIDY

Hailing from Bristol UK, it’s no doubt this man has made a mark on the scene across the UK. A top MC and firm favourite amongst the Drum & Bass elite, DUB OPTIC resident Remidy is often asked to host the big stars sets, which currently see’s him smashing it across the UK for nights like Metalheadz, Renegade Hardware, Shit the bed + many more.

DOUBLE L

Double L has always sought to set himself apart from other MC's by putting maximum emphasis on lyrical content. Not satisfied with simply 'making the right noises' and constant double timing he strives to write thought provoking lyrics that his fans connect with.

VJ SPLATTY33

One of the top visual artists in the UK right now, holding residencies for DUB OPTIC as well as for Engine Earz live shows. ‘VJ Splatty33’ aka Stephy Platt can be seen mixing visuals out in Croatia for Outlook Festival as well as frequent Fabric appearances in London not to mention putting together visuals for pretty much every major dance artist in the scene right now! Expect a visual splendor not to be matched by any other!

30/07/11:SWANAGE BLUES - AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER

7, 8, 9 October 2011

The 5th Swanage Blues & Roots Festival

20 Indoor Venues – 50+ Great Gigs – 100+ performers – all free to customers

ARTISTS NEWS

We welcome for the first time RHYTHM ZOO, who have a number of festivals lined up before Swanage, including the Taurus Blues Festival, Maryport, the Limetree, Colne and Congleton Festivals. Then they will be headlining at the Orkney Blues Festival in September before heading back down south to Swanage in October! Plus their sax player, John Sanderson, has been nominated for the British Blues Awards Best Instrumentalist. Great Stuff!

Other first timers on the bill are THE WORRIED MEN, BLIND LEMON GLIDERS, STEVE BROOKES BAND, TOMMY ALLEN & JOHNNY HEWITT, LEWIS COHEN and ANITA JARDINE.

A full Schedule is in preparation and will be sent out to subscribers to the mailing list shortly. Meanwhile you are advised to book for the following restaurants:

RESTAURANTS – Book Now!

KRIS DOLLIMORE is our latest signing for October, with restaurant sessions at Beco Belle (formerly the Moonlight Bistro) in the High Street. Saturday evening is already completely booked, but you can still book for Friday evening by phoning 01929 475615.

SONNY BLACK at the Ship Inn, Langton Matravers on Friday evening (01929 426910) and at Tawny’s Wine Bar on the Saturday evening (01929 422781).

KEVIN BROWN is at Tawny’s on Friday evening (01929 422781) and at Brook Tea Rooms on Saturday evening (01929 422061).

LEWIS COHEN is at Brook Tea Rooms on Friday evening (01929 422061) and Sea Breeze Restaurant on Saturday evening (01929 426222).

ANITA JARDINE is at Brook Tea Rooms on Sunday lunchtime.

RULES OF ADMISSION

Admission throughout the festival is for Customers Only. Everybody is expected to make reasonable purchases from the pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotel bars that are hosting the live music.

FESTIVAL FUNDS

Everybody is also expected to donate as generously as possible towards festival expenses so we can keep them going! This time we are hoping to introduce a Discount Wristband at a set price that will give the wearer access to discounts in some venues and shops etc for the duration of the weekend. These wrist bands will be available in advance by post, so you can enjoy discounts as soon as you arrive without needing to come to the festival shop to buy then. More in the next newsletter.

We are still in need of Bucketeers to collect money over the weekend – even an hour will help. Please email for more details.

FESTIVAL POSTER

Now available.

FESTIVAL SHOP

We hope to have a small festival shop and its location will be advised nearer the event.

POEM

Greg Rowe has written a poem about The Mustangs at the last Swanage Blues Festival. You can see it on The Mustangs’ website at www.themustangs.co.uk/poetic-tribute-written-mustangs

AUGUST GIGS IN SWANAGE

The “Live Music and more...” gig guide is now available at participating venues, tourist information centres and online at www.swanagelife.com The STEVE DARRINGTON BAND welcomes a new addition, Neil Nicholson on guitar this month, joining Hugh Budden, Bournemouth Fred and myself. There are various gigs in the gig guide and we hope to see you at some of them!

BEST FESTIVAL

Swanage Blues has been nominated as Best Festival in the British Blues Awards. Voting ends on 31st July so if you haven’t voted yet, please click on the link www.britishbluesawards.co.uk

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Welcome this month to Sue Searle of A Great Escape Guest House, bringing our total members to 97. Many thanks to Sue and all of you for helping to support Swanage Blues all year round!

2, 3, 4 March 2012

The 12th Swanage Blues Festival

20 Indoor Venues – 50+ Great Gigs – 100+ performers – all free to customers

ARTISTS

Artists booked or under negotiation include Pearl Handled Revolver, Bob Pearce Band, Acadian Driftwood Cajun Band, Coalhouse Walker Blues Band, Marcus Bonfanti, Mestizo, and the Robert Hokum Blues Band

5, 6, 7 October 2012

The 5th Swanage Blues & Roots Festival

20 Indoor Venues – 50+ Great Gigs – 100+ performers – all free to customers

08/07/11: www.JCJESUS.co.uk

Performing "post punk desktop pop", we take an alternative approach to music, with a charismatic performance every show.

In the recording studio - 27/06/11

The Team have recently dedicated studio time working with the renowned TL Sound Studio recording there hotly anticipated debut single "Last days of school".

Due for release in Late Autumn 2011.

JCJESUS Shine in South-Coast Competition - 02/06/11
JCJESUS wooed the crowed and judges at The Winchester to triumph in the Bournemouth heat of this south-coast wide competition.
Battle of the Bands The Final - 05/08/11
Fresh from the success in heat one JCJESUS prepare to take Southampton by storm @Talking Heads, Southampton. The coaches are full and tickets are selling out fast.

More details available Here

MC Lars Checks JCJESUS Out - 28/06/11
American Rapper MC Lars gives a thumbs up to JCJESUS for Bottom 5% Video

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Past Shows

02-06-11 @ The Winchester - Bmth
16-04-11 @ Champions - Bmth - 250 Capacity
23-03-11 @ Champions - Bmth - 250 Capacity
18-02-11 @ The Winchester - Bmth
10-12-10 @ I-Bar - Bmth
25-11-10 @ The Cellar Bar, Chaplins,Bosocombe
12-11-10 @ The Green Room - Bmth
29-10-10 @ Champions - Bmth - 250 Capacity
12-09-10 @ Boscombe Community Feastival
27-08-10 @ Sound Circus - Bmth - 300 Capacity
13-08-10 @ The Winchester - Bmth

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JCJESUS' Next show
Event: Quest for the chest
Info: South Coast Battle of the Bands Final
Venue: Talking Heads
Details: Event Link

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JCJESUS Review

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"most energetic on-stage aerobics workout I've ever seen"

"This duo of Bournemouth based rave lovers really know how to bring a stage and a crowd to life with one punchy, fast and mind numbingly awesome tune"

"JCJESUS is certainly a space to watch for those who enjoy a great live performance"

07/07/11: TAP - The Arts Poole

Georgian Festival in Poole Old Town!

The Arts Poole (TAP) invites you to join local artists and musicians in St. James' Church Hall between 11am - 5 pm as part of Poole Old Town's Georgian Festival this Saturday. Help us creatively document this day. Find your inner artist and have some FUN! We will provide some art materials and paper.

Introduction and talk on Art in Georgian times by Norma Rawlings at 11am. A model or two in period costume for you to draw or photograph at 1.30pm (for approx.1 hr with short break). Bring your creations back throughout the day for 3pm to showcase (recite a poem, short story sing a song or play a short piece of music and exhibit any artwork/sketches done).

Capture some of Poole's Georgian architecture starting with St James' church. Make art in the Hogarth style, Look at the harbour from Turner’s perspective make a portrait inspired by Gainsborough. Write a poem with Coleridge or Blake in mind. Discover your inner Georgian!

Location
St. James' Church
Poole Old Town
Saturday, 9th July
11:00AM ~ 5:00PM

07/07/11: PAINT IT BLUE NEWS

Firstly, those who’ve seen us play in the last week or two will have noticed the absence of Harmonica Fish. He is on the other side of the world at the moment, on a musical adventure, but will return to us in the autumn, fear not.

At the end of this month, we’ll be making our way North to Maryport, Cumbria, for the Maryport Blues Festival Trail – where we’ll be playing four gigs around the town from the 28th – 31st July:

Thurs 28th July – The Captain Nelson @ 7.30pm

Fri 29th July – The Crown @ 7.30pm

Sat 30th – The Labour Club @ 1.30pm

Sun 31st – The Lifeboat @ 2pm

We’re working on expanding our set, so listen out for a couple of new numbers!

We’d like to say a big thanks to those who voted for us/bigged us up in the High Voltage Festival competition, which took place on Facebook over the last few weeks. We weren’t the chosen winners, but were pleased to get to be shortlisted in the final ten. Your support was very much appreciated and noted!

Also, a big thanks to all who came to see us at Christchurch Festival last weekend – we had a great time!

GIGS:

Keep up to date at www.myspace.com/paintitblueuk

This weekend we’re playing at The Athelstan, Tuckton, near Christchurch on Friday night from 9pm.

On Sunday we’re at Bar Se7en in Swanage from 6.30pm - a little later than usual as the Jazz Festival is in town over the weekend.

Throughout the Summer, you can find us at:

Fri 8th July – The Athelstan, Tuckton, Dorset

Sun 10th July – Bar Se7en, Swanage, Dorset @ 6.30pm

Thurs 14th July – Nelson’s, Blandford, Dorset

Sun 17th July – The Elm Tree, Ringwood, Hants @ 3pm (on the lawn, weather permitting!)

Thurs 28th – Sun 31st July – Maryport Blues Festival Blues Trail, Cumbria

Thurs 28th – The Captain Nelson, Maryport @ 7.30pm

Fri 29th – The Crown, Maryport @ 7.30pm

Sat 30th – The Labour Club, Maryport @ 1.30pm

Sun 31st – The Lifeboat, Maryport @ 2pm

Thurs 4th Aug – Bankes, Penn Hill, Parkstone @ 8pm

Sat 6th Aug – The Cricketers Arms, Springbourne, Bournemouth

Sun 7th Aug – Bar Se7en, Swanage, Dorset @ 5pm

Fri 12th Aug – The Wheatsheaf, New Milton, Hants.

Sat 13th Aug – New Milton Community Festival – time TBC

Fri 19th Aug – The Cellar Bar, Boscombe @ 10pm

Thurs 25th Aug – The Rising Sun, Wimborne, Dorset

Fri 26th Aug – The Spyglass & Kettle, Southbourne, Dorset

Thurs 1st Sept – Bankes, Penn Hill, Parkstone @ 8pm

Fri 2nd Sept – The Shoe, Plaitford, Hants.

Sat 3rd Sept – The Ship, Christchurch, Dorset

Sun 4th Sept – Bar Se7en, Swanage, Dorset @ 5pm

Fri 16th Sept – The Athelstan, Tuckton, Dorset

Sat 17th Sept – The King’s Head, Wimborne, Dorset

Sat 1st Oct – The Cricketers Arms, Bournemouth

Sat Oct 8th – Swanage Blues Festival: Bar Se7en, High St. Swanage @ 12.30pm.

Don’t forget to check out our videos at www.youtube.com/paintitbluemusic and leave your comments, we love to know what you think.

Our debut album is still available - if you’d like a copy you can get one at any PIB gig, or you can send us an email at paintitblue@live.com and we can send one to you! £7 (+P+P)

Paint It Blue stickers and window stickers are now also available! Mmm… sticky!

See you at a gig soon,

Over and out

Paint It Blue x

05/07/11: CALLING ALL MUSICIANS....

THURSDAY 14th JULY 2011

YOU ARE INVITED TO COME ALONG TO THE LAUNCH OUR BRAND NEW WEEKLY OPEN MIC & JAM SESSIONS AT THE MELLO MELLO BAR IN THE HEART OF BOSCOMBE

ADDRESS :
MELLO MELLO LOUNGE BAR
677 CHRISTCHURCH ROAD
BOSCOMBE, DORSET. BH7 6AA

*Just 2 min walk from Boscombe Bus Station / right next door to the Percy Shelley pub

EVERY THURSDAY : FROM 9PM TILL MIDNIGHT

FREE ENTRY & CHEAP DRINKS ALL NIGHT LONG :-) PINTS FROM £2.20 - BOTTLES FROM £1.80

TURN UP, TUNE UP & JAM OUT!!!!

* Facilities available to record your set onto a CD

* Text your name to 07510 571080 to reserve an open mic slot... Or just turn up & play!!!

Facebook Event : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106448469450998

13/06/11: CON23 – The Reunion

Friday 8th of July sees the reunion of local favourites CON23! The 4-piece called it a day back in 2004, but singer Laurence is back from Norway for few days long enough for a one of show!

Made up of singer Laurence Clasby (Morningside, The Clasby parade, Medium Kitchen), Nick Churchill (Kangerooster, Ethel, The Information), Joe White (Ethel, The Information, The New Governors) and Olly Richmond-Jones (Kangerooster, Julie Staines, Velvet Hearts, Stopgosixty!), the bands eclectic mix of indie & rock was always delivered to entertaining highs across the south in the early 00’s being local favourites at many band nights and local festivals. Taking US influences from Counting Crows, Matchbox20 and the Foo’s, the band entertained as a tight working unit of sound with Laurence’s powerful yet soulful voice and cheeky charisma commanding the stage. Copies of their hugely popular 5 track ep “Extended Play” (produced by Steve Ennever) will be available at the gig.

This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to grab an earful of nostalgia! Expect night of classic CON songs where even special guests will grace the stage!

Catch them at CHAMPIONS, Bournemouth on Friday 8th July with support from the fantastically talented John James Newman (of the Velvet Hearts) and the amazing young indie rockers STOPGOSIXTY! (Doors open 8pm - £5).

J

27/05/11: SWANAGE BLUES

1. VOTE FOR SWANAGE BLUES!

2. OCTOBER FESTIVAL

3. STEVE DARRINGTON’S GIGS

4. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

1. VOTE FOR SWANAGE BLUES!

MAY

Swanage Blues Festival has been nominated in the British Blues Awards. This is indeed an honour and a thrill. We are, after all, up against some fantastic festivals, some of which charge at least £99 for the weekend!

Anyone can vote – you just have to go to http://www.britishbluesawards.co.uk/vote.htm and complete the form with your name and email address and click the submit button. Please only submit one form per person. You may vote in as many categories as you can but please don’t forget Swanage Blues in the Best Festival category. Voting will close on 31st July 2011, but do it now please and pass this on to your friends and relatives!

2. OCTOBER FESTIVAL

ARTISTS

Overall I am expecting at least 50 performances from at least 30 Acts in at least 20 venues. Artists booked or under negotiation include: Andrew Bazeley, Anita Jardine, Assorted Buskers, Back Porch, Blue Touch, C Sharp Blues, Dave Raphael Band, Electric Jam Sessions, Fabulous Fezheads, Freed, Freezer, Johnny Sharp, Kevin Brown, Kris Dollimore, Motel 6, Open Mic Sessions, Paint It Blue, Pete Harris Band with Hugh Budden, Rhythm Zoo, Robin Bibi Band, Sonny Black, Steamer, Steve Darrington, The Jawbreakers, The Mustangs, The Riotous Brothers, The Riverside Blues Band, Will Killeen and many more!

Admission will again be free. There are plans for wrist bands to be on sale for a modest sum, enabling the wearer to benefit from discounts on drinks and food etc in certain establishments. Your opinion is welcome. Just email me on s.darrington@btopenworld.com Thank you.

ACCOMMODATION

If you’re new to this, you really do need to book in advance to get the accommodation you want. Lots of ideas on the website at http://www.swanage-blues.org/accommodation.aspx and the a whisper from the Grand Hotel says they’re doing special deals if you book soon!

3. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

WELCOME! TO NEW MEMBERS

Russ Fox, Edith & Jack Mason, all of Swanage; Sue Grahame, Bournemouth; Glenn Campbell, East Molesey; Chris Littmoden, Chelsea; Anna Larkin, Twickenham. Congratulations to all of you for helping to support Swanage Blues.

NOT A MEMBER YET?

Just send your name, address, email and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends to receive your Friends Of Swanage Blues Welcome Pack, including Membership Card, Window Decal, and the chance to win in the Prize Draws!

4. STEVE DARRINGTON’S GIGS

This weekend Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May I will be with Steve Brookes, founder member of The Jam and excellent singer/guitarist. We’re at the Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, Swanage at 8.30pm on Saturday 28th May and at Bar Se7en, 1 High Street, Swanage on Sunday 29th May from 5pm. I have been assured that both places will be football free zones! My full gig listing follows:

MAY

28 Sat Grand Hotel Steve Darrington and Steve Brookes 8.30pm

29 Sun Bar Se7en Steve Darrington Band with Steve Brookes 5pm

JUNE

10 Fri White Swan Steve Darrington Band with Hugh Budden 9pm

12 Sun Bar Se7en Steve Darrington Band with Hugh Budden 5pm – note time change to 5pm. Barbeque on the patio!

24 Fri Sea Breeze Steve Darrington & Hugh Budden - for reservations phone 01929 426222. No cover charge.

26 Sun Bar Se7en Steve Darrington Band with Neil Nicholson 5pm - note time change to 5pm. Barbeque on the patio!

For more music in and around Swanage, pick up a copy of “Live Music and More…” in participating venues and tourist information centres or download a copy from www.swanagelife.com

HOW TO JOIN FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Just send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB

or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends Thank you!

27/05/11: Sand Polo, 2011!

The Event....

Britain’s premier beach location plays host to Polo’s finest in a festival of sport and music. Building on the success of the last 3 years the British Beach Polo Championships 2011 promises to be another phenomenal event bringing with it widespread sporting, business and social acclaim.

It is well known as the 'social event of the year' and this year promises to bring unparalleled levels of luxury, celebrity appearances, guest DJ's and incredible entertainment.

The Parties....

The British Beach Polo Championships will conclude on each night with an extravagant and prestigious party. 2,000 people will enjoy the glamorous parties which start from 7pm, all the way through to 1am..

Friday 8th July -

WAVE FM host the Friday after party, with THE HOOSIERS already confirmed and plenty more to be announced.

Expect live music mixed with the incredible Sandbanks Beach backdrop, drink, dance and socialise until the early hours.

Saturday 9th July -

Hosted by London's prestigious Kensington nightclub, Amika. Exclusive Amika Nightclub is frequented by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy, Rihanna, Naomi Campbell and many other artists, as well as Royalty and stars of both cinema & television. You can expect some big name guests and incredible talent from top London DJ's and entertainers.

Live performances include DJ Remy Kersten, Stringz and Bloomfield Avenue!

Tickets....

Head on over to: http://www.19ten.com/sandbanks_polo.aspx to purchase your tickets online (no booking fee).

General Admission - £35 (includes grandstand seat)

General Admission and Party - £70 (includes grandstand seat and party ticket)

General Admission Family Ticket - £90 (2 Adults and 2 Children)

Party VIP Table Tickets - £120 (based on tables of 10, though smaller groups are considered)

Hospitality, Club Experience - £175

Hospitality, International Experience - £250

Party only ticket - £35 (arrival 7pm - last entry 9pm)

For all enquiries please contact: sandpolo@19ten.com

Website: http://www.19ten.com/sandbanks_polo.aspx

10/05/11: THE HAIKU

This Friday marks 5 years since our very first gig at Terry's, Trowbridge on May 13th 2006. Yup, it's true, we've had five thoroughly enjoyable years and we're showing no signs of stopping! If anyone has pictures from that first gig, we'd love to see them.

To celebrate this significant birthday, we've decided that for one day only, you will be able to get your hands on our entire back catalogue for just 5. That's 27 songs split over 2 albums and an EP for just a fiver! This will only be available from our website on Friday.

The party won't stop there though, because we're playing at Marlowes, Bristol this coming Saturday, so we'll be carrying on our celebrations there! Come along and join us for a 5th Birthday party, which may or may not have birthday cake.

Many thanks to all of you, but especially those who have been with us since the beginning.
Phil, Bert and Satch

02/05/11: MR KYPS www.mrkyps.net

Adam Ant Announced + Free Wedding Tickets & More

Time to celebrate I think and how better than with some incredible live bands. Firstly I would like to announce our special guest for 20th June as the one and only ADAM ANT. Yep, Stand and Deliver for the man himself. Tickets will be on sale on the 28th April at 9am.

This week we start off with a bang, well more of a hoedown with hillbilly rockers Hayseed Dixie. This show has but 50 tickets remaining which we expect to sell before the show, not surprising since they are the kings of rockgrass. All the best rock tracks are given a hillbilly makeover by these banjo wielding Americans. Check out these videos for Bohemian Rhapsody, Ace Of Spades, Walk This Way and even Greendays Holiday.

Friday and a day off for most the population due to a certain wedding. We plan to get fully behind these festivities and will be showing the marriage of William Windsor and Kate Middleton on our HUGE big screen. What's more we will have live music in the evening from none other than Nokia's TV Star Joe Driscoll. This man is a pure musical genius, using a looping pedal he plays Guitar, Harmonica, Sings, Beatboxes and god knows what else to make some extremely funky tunes. Check these videos of him live here and doing the nokia advert track here.

Next up on Saturday will be The Four Fighters. Four Fighters' live shows are explosive events and the band go to every effort to reproduce the raw power and dynamics of Dave Grohl's original band.
With phenomenal accuracy they manage this and provide a great night of sing-a-longs with tracks from every album played with perfection.

Finally we reach Sunday when charity is the name of the game. Three local groups will perform to raise money for Julias House and MS. Jak The Lad have played here many times before and are sure to put on a show which contains many feelgood tunes. They will be playing alongside Weaver and The Relays who are all sure to get the feet tapping with covers from indie rock through to chart toppers.

The Upbeat Festival Update - Aug 27-29

Tickets are NOW ON SALE. There are a limited number of cheap early bird tickets available at just £35 for the three days. For a bill that includes Chart Topper Imelda May, Brit-rockers Toploader and blues sensation Sandi Thom alongside top UK tributes, No Jacket Required, T.Rextasy and Rollin' Stoned to name a few....... its an absolute bargain!

Check out THIS LINK HERE to view the teaser video for the event. Please do us a favour and share the link via email and social networking.

If you wish to have a stall or sponsor the event please contact paul@bigbearevents.co.uk

02/05/11: SWANAGE BLUES www.swanage-blues.org

· 1. WEEKLY GIGS AT BAR SE7EN

MAY

The Super Sunday Sessions at Bar Se7en now start at 5pm and go on till 8pm. There is a BBQ outside on the terrace from around 1pm, with certain pints of beer, lager, cider and a local real ale at greatly reduced prices till 8pm . Admission is still Free! Acts booked for May are Voodoo Chile (1st), Abject Blues Band (8th), Paint It Blue (15th), Abject Blues Band (22nd) and Steve Darrington, Steve Brookes and Bournemouth Fred on Sunday 29th.

YOUR OPINION COUNTS!

What do you think about the new playing times? Let me know please. SUMMER 5pm start – too early or too late? What time would you like it to start? WINTER 2.30pm start perhaps – too early? What time would you like it to start?

· 2. OCTOBER FESTIVAL

There has been an overwhelming number of requests from Acts to play at the next festival on 7, 8, 9 October 2011. Some Acts will be returning from the last festival due to popular demand, including the Robin Bibi Band for gigs and electric jam sessions; Johnny Sharp and Martin Froud’s Open Mic sessions; The Mustangs; Motel 6; Will Killeen; and the return of Sons Of The Delta, plus many more in negotiations. Overall I am expecting at least 50 performances from at least 30 Acts in at least 20 venues!

Admission will again be free. There are plans for wrist bands to be on sale for a modest sum, enabling the wearer to benefit from discounts on drinks and food etc in certain establishments. More later!

· 3. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

MEMBERS ONLY FREE PRIZE DRAW

The Winner of the latest Prize Draw is GR from Dorset, who wins two tickets worth £48 for Saturday 21st May at Blues At The Fort. Further information is available at www.bluesatthefort.com and we do thank the organisers of the festival for being so kind as to donate this prize. For details of how to become a Member, see end of newsletter.

WELCOME! TO NEW MEMBERS

Charlie Sanderson, Swanage; Richard Pull, Isleworth; Matthew Denness and Malcolm Bloor, both of Thatcham. Congratulations to all of you for helping to support Swanage Blues.

NOT A MEMBER YET?

Just send your name, address, email and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends to receive your Friends Of Swanage Blues Welcome Pack, including Membership Card, Window Decal, and the chance to win in the regular Prize Draws!

HOW TO JOIN FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Just send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB

or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends Thank you!

04/04/11: MR KYPS

It’s been exciting times over the past few weeks here at Kyp towers as we work towards putting tickets on sale for our August Bank Holiday festival. Last week we asked for festival name suggestions and Jeanette Walsh was our winner of two VIP weekend tickets with The Upbeat In Upton Festival, or Upbeat Festival for short.

Before I reveal more information on the lineup etc… let’s take a glance at this weeks entertainment in Ashley Cross.

This Friday we go slightly gaga for Lady G and XXXTina. Performed by Gem Rose this tribute to Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera has all the makings of a fun filled evening of sing-a-longs. Both artists have sold millions of records and have had hit after hit in the charts meaning that you are likely to know every word to every track played on Friday night. As a professional dancer Gem Rose has performed with the likes of Jamelia and 911, her show is fully choreographed and completed with two dancers on stage as well.

Saturday is the return for a second week of the Dorset Music Awards Semi-Finals. The winners of these two rounds will be reaching the final held at the O2 Academy Bournemouth. Prizes include slots at many UK festivals, recording time and equipment. Last weekends show went down a storm and Mischa, Hessian, Big Face Reggae, Evolver and New Volunteer will be looking to make a repeat performance.

Finally on Sunday we welcome a true legend of a genre, Akil The MC from Jurassic 5. Founded in Los Angeles J5 became one of the most infamous and world respected Hip-Hop groups of all time.

Renound for their uplifting lyrical content coupled with old skool style harmonies and production J5 have surpassed the usual barriers and clichés that surround the Hip-Hop world. Akil has penned many of Jurassic 5's classics including Concrete school yard (Top 35 single), Quality Control, Thin Line (featuring Nelly Furtado) and many other favourites, this will be a set of J5 standards plus some of his newly written solo material.

The world of Hip-Hop is not something that usually gets a fair airing here at Mr Kyps so we would like to offer you some half priced tickets for the show. Come and try something new, support from Last Child Dancing and Bones & Meterz, DJ’ing the night for us will be Si Haines, frontman for none other than local ska legends Rat Race.

So back to where we began. The Upbeat Festival is now Confirmed for August Bank Holiday Weekend at Upton Country Park. There will be three days of live music featuring some of the very best tribute and original acts in the UK today. Friday will be our tributes day featuring No Jacket Required (Phil Collins Tribute) and T-Rextasy among others. Saturday will be a more originals based day with Rock-a-billy heroine Imelda May heading up the day with other acts including sensational blues singer Deborah Bonham (John Bonhams sister) and Ben Montague. Monday will be entirely free entry headlined by The Rollin Stoned.

People have been phoning up asking about prices and camping etc… We hope to have everything on that front finalised by Friday ready for next weeks email. We will be trying to keep everything as cost effective as possible with chances being that early bird weekend tickets could be as low as £30.

Keep an eye out in The Echo for more information in the near future including the announcement of a special guest to play before Imelda May.

01/04/11: APRIL NEWS FROM SWANAGE BLUES

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

NOT A MEMBER YET?

Just send your name, address, email and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends Thank you!

WEEKLY GIGS AT BAR SE7EN

MARCH

What a tremendous turnout for the special reunion gig of The After Eight Blues Band, that well known 1960s London band! People attended from as far away as Devon and London for a great gig featuring IAN BRIGGS, vocals, harmonica http://www.ianbriggsharmonica.com, JIM PANORMO, vocals, guitar; ROGER MILLER, vocals, guitar; TIM STRANGE, drums; and me on keyboards. Many of you told me to get them back again as soon as possible.

APRIL

I need a break so I won’t be playing at Bar Se7en in April. This Sunday 3rd it’s Rory Benmore’s band – Rory is a lead guitarist in the Gary Moore style! You can find out about later dates by phoning Bar Se7en on 01929 422100.

OCTOBER FESTIVAL

ACTS

Negotiations have started already for the next Swanage Blues Festival on 7, 8, 9 October 2011. Please let me know which bands you would like to appear. One outfit I’ve been after for years is The Jive Aces. Take a look at their test promotion for Bring Me Sunshine and tell me what you think! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvJ8UquYoo

Steve Darrington at http://www.facebook.com/steve.darrington

28/03/11: LATEST NEWS FROM THE HAIKU

On searching for a new and exciting way to open this newsletter, we discovered that today (28th March) is the first of the St Priscus feast days. Despite not knowing an awful lot about the various saints who were named Priscus (beyond having a daft name), the catholic church sees fit to celebrate them on 4 different occasions through the year. The Haiku: offering you musical entertainment and useless wikipedia based knowledge since 2006! So anyway, on to more relevant matters...

Firstly, thank you to everyone who came along to one or more of our tour dates. We had a great time and consider the tour to have been a success. We're now working on songs for our third album as well as continuing our live shows. We've got a fair few dates lined up for April as listed below:

Saturday 2nd April, The Leftbank, Bristol (Free Entry)
This Saturday, we're in Bristol at The Leftbank, a lovely little venue on Cheltenham Road. Phil and Bert both have spaces in their cars to give people a lift (offer is limited to those living in close proximity to where we live!), so if you fancy a Saturday night in Bristol with some great music, in a great venue, just ask. In fact if you want to come to any of our gigs, just ask and we'll see what we can do!

Saturday 9th April, Marlows, Bristol - Phil solo gig
Phil will be playing a solo gig at Marlows, with songs from The 9 Album as well as some new material.

Thursday 14th April, Riff's Bar, Swindon
This is our first venture to Swindon's legendary Riff's Bar. We can't quite believe it's taken us this long to play here!

Sunday 24th April, Adam and Eve, Birmingham
We'll be celebrating Easter in style at the Silent Filter Easter weekender. There's music going on all weekend and we're on at 4pm on the Sunday.

Monday 25th April, The Mash Tun, North Bradley
Continuing our awesome Easter based afternoon gigs, we'll be playing a little closer to home on the bank holiday Monday at 3pm for Mashfest. Again, Mashfest is taking place over the entire Easter weekend, with Britpop Legends, Dodgy headlining on the Saturday night!

Wednesday 27th April, The Louisiana, Bristol
We end the month as it begins, with a trip to Bristol! Back at the excellent venue that is The Louisiana.

Travelodge Sessions

While on tour we had the dubious pleasure of staying in some of this nation's finest Travelodge establishments. To help pass the time, and stave off the insanity, we videoed a few acoustic sessions, taking requests from the lovely people on facebook and twitter, as well as picking songs just because we wanted to (and why not!). There are five sessions in total, which you can watch on youtube here. Please share your thoughts with us, or even make requests for future sessions!

17/03/11 MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL

Wow! That just about sums it all up! Thank you for your comments, please keep them coming by email only to me at s.darrington@btopenworld.com You can see what people have been saying here or paste http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=2011%20march into your browser

THE COLLECTIONS Thanks to all who gave, and the collection was around the same amount as it usually is nowadays. Based on 2,100 people attending, it works out at £2 per person per weekend. It’s never enough to enable us to do more than limp along to the next festival, but at least we didn’t lose any money and we all had a great time.

Thanks to everybody who sent sympathetic messages to me when they heard the dreaded icy cold wind had given me toothache all weekend, but at least I saw some of the festival this time and did manage to do the Sunday evening gig. I was hoping to make other guest appearances over the weekend but, Hey! let’s hope I have better luck next time…

That will be 7, 8, 9 October 2011 - the 5th Swanage Blues & Roots Festival. I suggest you book your accommodation now if you haven’t already!

WEEKLY LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS

Every Sunday at Bar Se7en, admission free, 6.30 for 7pm. House band consists of Steve Darrington, keyboards, harmonica, vocals and Bournemouth Fred on drums, plus Special Guests! But on some occasions…

Sunday 20 March at Bar Se7en, admission free, 6.30 for 7pm. The After 8 Blues Band Reunion with IAN BRIGGS, vocals, harmonica http://www.ianbriggsharmonica.com, JIM PANORMO, vocals, guitar; ROGER MILLER, vocals, guitar; TIM STRANGE, drums; and Special Guest STEVE DARRINGTON, keyboards – that’s me, Folks!

This really is a Big Deal! This 1960s London Band has chosen Swanage and our Blues Club for their reunion gig. I’m sure you’ve all heard of top UK harmonica player IAN BRIGGS (and the SUPERVAMPERS), and you know TIM STRANGE of Robert Hokum Band and The Guv’nors and from when he’s played with me in and around Swanage.

For a long time now I’ve been actively encouraging people to hold their Reunions here in Swanage, so please come along if you possibly can and tell your friends too!

Sunday 27 March at Bar Se7en, admission free, 6.30 for 7pm. KING VEGAS with HAGGIS, vocals, bass; PETE MORRIS, guitar; LUKE KILL, drums; and Special Guest – yes, you’ve guessed it – STEVE DARRINGTON, keyboards.

At last! This super talented trio of amazing musicians will be entertaining us. Just because they happen to live locally, doesn’t in any way dilute the length and breadth of their combined talents and experience which includes the Musicians Institute, College of Contemporary Music in Los Angeles.

This is a gig I’ve been looking forward to for a long time… so please come along if you possibly can and tell your friends too!

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

MEMBERS ONLY - FUTURE ACTS

Would you like to comment on future acts for both the weekly sessions in Swanage and the Festivals? I’ve had enquiries from the Acts at the bottom of this newsletter –please let me have your comments.

MEMBERS ONLY – SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

Friends Of Swanage Blues will be invited to a Special Performance on Thursday 6 October 2011. This will be a Very Special Performance indeed and you’ll be glad you’re a Friend Of Swanage Blues! More to come later…

MEMBERS ONLY – FREE PRIZE DRAW

The next Prize Draw will be on 1 April 2011 so if you’re going to join, do it today! The first prize will be two tickets worth £48 for Saturday 21st May at Blues At The Fort. Further information is available at www.bluesatthefort.com and we do thank the organisers of the festival for being so kind as to donate this prize. If you win and you don’t want the tickets, I’ll send you some CDs instead.

NOT A MEMBER YET?

Just send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends Thank you!

WELCOME! TO NEW MEMBERS

Carlotta Barrow, Swanage; Derek Marsh, Swanage; Debbie D, Wareham; Andrew Bazeley, Bradford on Avon; Dave M, Swanage; Stephen R, Swanage; Stephen T, Godalming; Alan H, Exeter; Rowena H, Exeter; Mikki K, Swanage; David B, Swanage; Jamie L-S, Swanage; Matthew S, Swanage; Tracie R, Poole; Paul R, Poole; Pete R, Swanage; Kevin L, Reading; Barbara H, Swanage; Phil D, Twyford; Wendy A, Twyford; Martin D, Christchurch; Alan D, Maidenhead; Clive M, Crawley; Colin S, Kingsbridge; Graham N, North Harrow; Mike T, Bristol.

ACTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION

Ainslie’s Vibes www.ainsliesvibes.com.

Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band www.myspace.com/bigmacswhollysoulband

Black River Heavies http://blackriverheavies.com/index.html

Blues Machine http://www.myspace.com/thebluesmachineuk

BluesMix www.bluesmix.com www.sonicbids.com/bluesmix

Broombusters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAmJTW47pUA www.playonmusic.co.uk

Clare Free Band www.clarefree.co.uk

Dan Raza Duo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsxkBOAxayg&feature=related www.danraza.com

Double Your Trouble www.myspace.com/doubleyourtroubleband

Hangover Blues Band www.myspace.com/hangoverbluesband

Idle Hands Blues Band www.the-idle-hands.co.uk

Jiveoholics http://www.jiveoholics.co.uk/gigs/

John Crampton http://www.johncrampton.co.uk/

Kirris Riviere Blues Band www.myspace.com/kirrisrivierebluesband

Lewis Cohen www.lewiscohenblues.com

Lucifers www.myspace.com/thelucifers1

Mestizo http://www.myspace.com/mestizobluescollective/stream/Status/350798809

Mike Markey & Nick Jones www.mikemarkeyandnickjones.com

Paul Garner Band http://youtube.paul-garner.com

Prior Engagement www.prior-engagement.webs.com

Revenues www.myspace.com/therevenuesblues

Rhythm Room www.myspace.com/rhythm-room

Shoestring Blues www.shoestringblues.co.UK

Sidewinder www.lemonrock.com/sidewinder www.davegraysidewinder.com

Slim’s Blues www.slimsblues.com

Smokin’ Benny Brown Band http://www.myspace.com/smokinbennybrown

Steve French Band www.thestevefrenchband.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeoWm7Cmemc

Tonemasters www.myspace.com/tonemasters http://www.tonemasters.net/gigs.asp

Walk Hards www.walkhards.co.uk

White Knuckle Blues Band www.wkbb.co.uk

Willie and the Bandits www.myspace.com/willesband http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EULASejKND4

Worried Men www.theworriedmen.com

16/03/11: BLUEGRASS NIGHT - STOMPIN DAVE, CARRAVICK, THUNDERBRIDGE
Electric Palace on Friday 6th May

Bridports Bluegrass bonanza in the Electric Palace

Bridport’s contest winning banjoist Stompin’ Dave brings another night of top music to the Electric Palace on Friday 6th May. This time its a chance to have a real hoedown with a “Good ol’Bluesgrass Night” in the company of The Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys, The Carrivick Sisters and Stompin Dave himself.
The bluegrass music scene is thriving in Britain and headliners Thunderbridge, who have been together now seven years, are seen as one of the most exciting and innovative bands on the circuit. As well as playing songs such as Man of Constant Sorrow and Copperhead Road, they perform they own material that transports you from straight from West Dorset to West Virginia.
They combine the tradition of a single-mic performance with all-acoustic instruments, blistering four-part harmonies, a strong original & classic setlist and a no-compromise determination to always give a top notch, one hundred percent performance.
Joining the Boys are the girls, The Carrivick Sisters to be precise. Twins Laura and Charlotte Carrivick are from South Devon and as well as playing a variety of bluegrass instruments with vocal harmonies, are both songwriters. Although their background is in bluegrass, their music has a strong folk influence which is evident in their original songs, many of which are inspired by their local landscape and stories.
On the back of extensive touring across the UK, Europe, and Canada, and three CD’s , “My Own Two Feet”, “Better Than 6 Cakes” and “Jupiter’s Corner”, the Carrivick Sisters were recently finalists in the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2010.
As ever kicking off the night with a special high octane bluegrass set of only the finest banjo playing will be Stompin’ Dave himself. This is an event he is really looking forward to and is sure will build on the fabulous Winter Blues Acoustic night in February.
Dave has travelled across the US and Canada and competed in the American national bluegrass banjo contest at Walnut Valley Festival, Kansas. This year his skill was recognised by The Friends Of American Old-Time Music, the UK’s Old-Time music society. Dave won the societies 2011 banjo competition, and was chosen as a winner by a panel of judges comprising of The Mostly Mountain Boys from North Carolina.
Dave says “It was an amazing experience taking part in the competitions, especially as the standard of my fellow competitors was so high. It was a great honour to be selected a winner by such an excellent and entertaining group of musicians who have played with some of the legends of old-time music such as Tommy Jarrell and Benton Flippen.”
Tickets for the 6th May gig are only £10 in advance and already selling well. They can be bought from Bridport TIC (01308) 424901 or direct from Dave via the website www.stompinstore.com

01/03/11: www.swanage-blues.org

Next Festival 4. 5. 6 March 2011

1. FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

The festival programme is now available at www.swanagelife.com In the event of difficulty, please email me and I will email you copy. Thank you.

2. BUCKETEERS REQUIRED

Due to illness, we will be needing people to help collect donations at the festival this weekend. If you can only spare an hour, please offer to do so. Just send an email to me and I will be in touch. Thank you.

3. HOW TO JOIN FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Join Friends Of Swanage Blues to create a stable environment to ensure the festivals continue. As things stand, we don’t ever know how much will be raised from the bucket collections at the festivals – especially this festival.

Send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends

Thank you!

When you join you will be helping to ensure the future of the festivals. PLUS you’ll get: Free Entry to Members’ Only Prize Draws; Access to Special Performances at free and reduced ticket rates; Club Meetings and Outings at reduced rates; Merchandise at reduced rates; a Free Window Decal (additional ones £2.50 each); Membership Card; and most important of all

The good feeling you get from knowing you’re supporting Swanage Blues!.

28/02/11: LIFE IN FILM

It's been a busy time in the Life In Film camp. We've just got back
from Liverpool having been recording our new single (to be announced
soon) with producer Mike Crossey. We spent four days at The Motor
Museum up there and are very excited about the results.

In the mean time our next London headline show will be on April 7th
at The Camp in Old Street - 70-74 City Road, EC1Y 2BJ. For tickets
please follow the ticket link at the bottom of the page to secure your
place.

In Europe Unter Schafen/Alive Records are releasing a Double A-Side
7'' single of ''Sorry'' and ''Get Closer'' in Germany, Austria and
Switzerland on the 18th March. To celebrate this release we have
booked a headline show at Magnet Bar in Berlin on the 24th April. More
details will follow about the show but make sure you come on down!

We're also very pleased to announce three support dates with The
Rifles in Southampton, Oxford and London. Please follow the ticket
links if you'd like to come.

April 7th - The Camp Basement - London - HEADLINE

http://www.livenation.co.uk/event/194123/life-in-film-tickets

April 24th - Magnet Bar - Berlin - HEADLINE

May 3rd - Talking Heads - Southampton w/ The Rifles

http://www.seetickets.com/Event/THE-RIFLES/Talking-Heads/542966

May 4th - O2 Academy - Oxford w/ The Rifles

http://www.seetickets.com/Event/THE-RIFLES/O2-Academy2-Oxford/540503

May 19th - Gibson Guitar Rooms - London w/ The Rifles

To come to this show email music@merc.com with the name of the band
you want to see in the email subject and then your name, age and phone
number in the email, it is first come first serve and will get busy.

June 18th - Winterwell Festival - Gloucestershire

http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/winterwell/10014344?wlid=3868

More dates and information on up coming releases will be available
very soon.

21/02/11: New gig dates in from Hannah Robinson and Paint It Blue, Jellyroll. Check out the listings here.

21/02/11: www.swanage-blues.org

Next Festival 4. 5. 6 March 2011

It’s all happening this month as we build up to the Swanage Blues Festival in March, and announce the first winner of our FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES free prize draw for members!

1. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

WINNER OF THE 1st FREE PRIZE DRAW IS ANNOUNCED

Only 42 members have joined so far. The winner of Friends Of Swanage Blues first free prize draw is Wendy M from Twickenham, who wins two tickets worth £48 for Saturday 21st May at Blues At The Fort. Further information is available at www.bluesatthefort.com and we do thank the organisers of the festival for being so kind as to donate this prize.

WELCOME TO THE LATEST MEMBERS

From the Venues Michael Bird, Bar Se7en. Accommodation Lyn & Declan Fegan, The Limes, Swanage. Fans George Crane, Dorothy Mac, John & Nicola W, Tony & Linda G, Joan V, Mick R and Maureen S; all from Swanage; and Frank H, Purley; and Dave S, Cheshunt.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

When you join you will be helping to ensure the future of the festivals, gigs all year round and Swanage’s only monthly music guide. PLUS you’ll get: Free Entry to Members’ Only Prize Draws; Access to Special Performances at free and reduced ticket rates; Club Meetings and Outings at reduced rates; Merchandise at reduced rates; a Free Window Decal (additional ones £2.50 each); Membership Card; and most important of all

The good feeling you get from knowing you’re supporting Swanage Blues!.

Join Friends Of Swanage Blues to create a stable environment to ensure the festivals continue. As things stand, we don’t ever know how much will be raised from the bucket collections at the festivals, which overall have been a lot lower than you might expect. Although we ask festival fans to contribute at least £2 per session, the average over all the festivals is less than £1.50 per person per weekend! Amazing, isn’t it? I can’t afford to subsidise the festivals like I used to, so if you’re not a member yet, please join.

Send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends

Why not get a group of you and send the names and addresses together with just one cheque?!!!

2. FESTIVAL ACCOMMODATION

Less than two weeks to go and there are still vacancies at:

A Great Escape Guest House 01929 475853

Beachway Hotel 01929 423077

Buddies Guest House 01929 423319

California Barn (self catering) 01929 425049

Hermitage Guest House 01929 423014

Jasper Knights Guest House 01929 424453

Limes Hotel 01929 422664

Miles & Son Holiday Lettings (self catering) 01929 423333

Robertsbrook Guest House 01929 421378

Town Hall Lodge 01929 421027

I’m sure that other places have vacancies too, but these ones support the festival by advertising on the website and have notified me of their vacancies.

3. FESTIVAL LINE-UP

The last pieces have been put into place. One of the Artists who appears for the first time is Kris Dollimore, who will be at the Grand Hotel on Sunday afternoon. This really is a coup for us because Kris was recently at the Dorchester Arts Centre and tickets were £11. You can see him for free at Swanage Blues Festival!

At the White Horse on Friday evening is one of our new bands, Pearl Handled Revolver in place of Saiichi Sugiyama Band, who will be at Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, a new venue that is great for dancing, large car park, disabled toilets and easy access, restaurant and bar (with Real Ale they assure me) and a stage as well! For those of you who wish to take a taxi from town, it’s only about £1 each if four people share, or just a bit further on via Priest’s Way over the road from the British Legion if you want to walk.

The restaurants are now all sorted too. On the subject of restaurants please realise they are restaurants and you will be expected to have a meal – it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. So here are their phone numbers:

Brook Tea Rooms 01929 422061 – Saturday evening: Andrew Bazeley; Sunday lunchtime Kevin Brown

Country Foods Kitchen 01929 422594 – Friday evening: Kevin Brown

Tawny’s Wine Bar 01929 422781 – Friday evening: Pete Harris & Hugh Budden; Saturday evening Kevin Brown

Sea Breeze 01929 426222 – Saturday evening: Steamer, an acoustic trio out of Riverside Blues Band!

A new venue is Swanage Royal British Legion with a separate room that holds over 200 with a stage and lighting etc, up the High Street just a bit further on from the Black Swan. Robert Hokum Band will be playing there on Saturday evening.

Full directions for all venues will appear on the website and in the Programme, along with detailed listings of who’s on where and when. I do apologise for the lateness of completing the Schedule, but various people who run venues were away on holiday and some of the smaller venues needed to make sure their temporary entertainment licences were approved in time.

You can see the latest Schedule at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=schedule Please note the information is subject to change.

4. FESTIVAL RULES OF ADMISSION

Admission is free to CUSTOMERS only. You will be expected to make purchases at both restaurants and bars. Sorry to have to say this because the vast majority of festival fans are great and understand, but some of the venues have had people who think it is their right to stand around without ordering anything. Strange, isn’t it? Good job there’s so many more of you than them! Thank you.

5. FACEBOOK

After ten years of Swanage Blues festivals, many friendships have been formed between festival fans. In order to help people keep in touch, there are now two links on Facebook to pages you might wish to join:

The Swanage Blues Festival Open Mic Sessions at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Swanage-Blues-Festival-open-mic-sessions/168517453194956

Swanage Blues Festival at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Swanage-Blues-Festival/189492404413425

Steve Darrington at http://www.facebook.com/steve.darrington

I didn’t use to be a Facebook user, but I’m very glad I joined. Many people from all over the world I thought I’d never be in touch with again, have contacted me. Plus I’ve formed some great friendships with people in Swanage I didn’t know existed! It’s great fun for sharing photos, if you want to. Worth looking into, I promise.

6. HOW TO JOIN FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Just send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends Thank you!

01/02/11: www.swanage-blues.org

Next Festival 4. 5. 6 March 2011

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES – First Free Prize Draw
Are you a Member yet? Act now to make sure you take part in the first Prize Draw, free to members!

Thanks to the organisers of the Blues At The Fort Festival, one of the prizes is a pair of tickets worth £50. For more information about that festival, see www.bluesatthefort.com

When you’ve joined, you will be helping to ensure the music flows at two festivals, live gigs and with the circulation of Swanage’s only monthly music guide. PLUS you’ll get: Free Entry to Members’ Only Prize Draws; Access to Special Performances at free and reduced ticket rates; Club Meetings and Outings at reduced rates; Merchandise at reduced rates; a Free Window Decal (additional ones £2.50 each); Membership Card; and most important of all The good feeling you get from knowing you’re supporting Swanage Blues!.

NEW MEMBERS: Musicians Pete Harris, Hugh Budden, Robert Hokum, Stan & Helen from Riverside Blues Band; Venues Alyson Lyles, Black Swan, Mike Perry & Alison, Bankes Arms, Corfe and Licensed Victuallers Association, ‘American’ Mike, Brook Tea Rooms; Shops Christine from Hayward Guitars; Bucketeers Les and Brian; Fans: Graham Southbourne, Wendy Twickenham, Martin Poole, John Beckenham. Geoff & Jenny Verwood, Jane Flackwell Heath, and from Swanage: Lidy Carl, Pete and Paul.

Send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends

2. FESTIVAL ACCOMMODATION

One-nighters are very difficult to get in Swanage, I know. If you require a booking for just one night over the festival weekend, please contact me by email only please and I’ll see if I can help but nothing promised. Email s.darrington@btopenworld.com with the subject as Friday, Saturday or Sunday, whichever night you require.

Festival-friendly accommodation can be found on the website at http://www.swanage-blues.org/accommodation.aspx

FESTIVAL LINE-UP changes
A new venue is Swanage Royal British Legion with a separate room with a stage and lighting etc, up the High Street just a bit further on from the Black Swan. Robert Hokum Band will be playing there on Saturday evening.

Please note that Saiichi Sugiyama Band will not be playing at the White Horse on Friday evening, but at a great new venue instead. Swanage Bay View Holiday Park is a great place and since it came under new management recently, fast becoming a firm favourite on the festival circuit. There is a stage, dance floor, restaurant, bar with real ale, disabled toilets and access, plus a large car park. For those of you who wish to take a taxi from town, it’s only about £1 each if four people share, or just a bit further on via Priest’s Way over the road from the British Legion if you want to walk.

Full directions for all venues will appear on the website and in the Programme, along with detailed listings of who’s on where and when. I do apologise for the lateness of completing the Schedule, but various people who run venues have been or are still away on holiday and do need to be consulted.

You can see the latest version of The Schedule at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=schedule Please note the information is subject to change.

4. FESTIVAL PUBLICITY

If you can help by giving out business card-sized flyers or putting up a poster, please email me at s.darrington@btopenworld.com And don’t forget to tell your friends to get on the mailing list!

5. FACEBOOK

After ten years of Swanage Blues festivals, many friendships have been formed between festival fans. In order to help people keep in touch, there are now two links on Facebook to pages you might wish to join:

The Swanage Blues Festival Open Mic Sessions at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Swanage-Blues-Festival-open-mic-sessions/168517453194956

Swanage Blues Festival at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Swanage-Blues-Festival/189492404413425

I didn’t use to be a Facebook user, but I’m very glad I joined. Many people from all over the world I thought I’d never be in touch with again, have contacted me. Plus I’ve formed some great friendships with people in Swanage I didn’t know existed! It’s great fun for sharing photos, if you want to. Worth looking into, I promise.

6. SWANAGE BLUES GIGS EVERY WEEK

Bring Your Dancing Shoes to Bar Se7en, 1 High Street, Swanage every Sunday. Appearing either in their own right or with the house band (Steve Darrington and Bournemouth Fred) this month are The Skint Imperials, Hugh Budden and Chris Collins. Music starts at 7pm but arrive at 6.30pm to make sure of a seat, and it finishes at 9.30pm. Admission is free and there is a raffle to help with Swanage Blues funds.

I’m also playing with Hugh Budden and Bournemouth Fred at the Crow’s Nest Inn, Swanage on Friday 4th February. They do very good food there and some people like to dine in the restaurant before the gig, which starts at 9pm. Phone 01929 422651 to make sure of a table or just come along for a drink and some fun music.

7. THE RIVERSIDE BLUES BAND

Congratulations to Stan & Helen from the Riverside Blues Band for all the support they give to The Blues and live music. They organise three Stan's Blues Jams each month in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Lymington, as well as compiling an e-newsletter called The Blues Jammers Chronicles - essential reading for dates of Stan's Blues Jams, along with Riverside Blues Band gig dates for the month, links to local gig guides, and other interesting blues-related news items.

If you would like to join their e-mailing list, just email Stan & Helen at enquiries@riversidebluesband.co.uk Their website is www.riversidebluesband.co.uk and from there you can follow the links to MySpace and Facebook to find more details for each jam.

The Riverside Blues Band will be appearing at the Anchor Inn on Friday night of the blues festival.

8. HOW TO JOIN FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Just send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends

31/01/11: Peachy Jane

New song from rock out fit Peachy Jane http://soundcloud.com/peachyjane/dew-drop-extended-play

22/01/11: www.swanage-blues.org

EXTRA! News from Swanage Blues!

by Steve Darrington

Hello!

Some Extra Special news for you that just won’t wait another week or so till February!

In this newsletter:

1. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES – don’t miss out!

2. THIS SUNDAY – Special Guest

3. SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL

FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

Don’t miss out on the first Friends Of Swanage Blues members’ prize draw! If you haven’t joined yet, do so now! Membership for the whole of 2011 is only £10 and you will be helping all year round with two festivals, monthly live music guides and weekly live gigs. PLUS you’ll get:

Free Entry to the monthly Prize Members’ Draw; Access to Special Performances at free and reduced ticket rates; Club Meetings and Outings at reduced rates; Merchandise at reduced rates; a Free Window Decal (additional ones £2.50 each); Membership Card; and most important of all The good feeling you get from knowing you’re supporting Swanage Blues!.

Membership is open to all musicians, promoters, advertisers and most important of all, YOU the Festival Fans! New Members include: Mike Perry and Alison from the Bankes Arms, Corfe and Licensed Victuallers Association; ‘American’ Mike from Brook Tea Rooms; ‘Bluesmaster’ Robert Hokum; Helen & Stan from Riverside Blues Band; Christine from Hayward Guitars; ‘Bucketeer’ Les 007; Wendy, Twickenham; Martin, Poole; John, Beckenham; Pete, Southampton; and Mike, Swanage.

Send your name, address and £10 per person to Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB or use the entry form at http://www.swanage-blues.org/default.aspx?p=friends

THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday 23rd January there will be some SPECIAL GUESTS at Bar Se7en, 1 High Street, Swanage at 7pm. TRACIE REDDING will be appearing with her guitarist from 7pm – 7.30pm, performing songs tinged with country blues and soul. You can listen to her version of Elmore James’ tune “It Hurts Me Too” at http://www.myspace.com/tracieredding

Following on will be Steve Darrington’s Band with Rory Benmore, Bournemouth Fred and Mighty Marty Johnson. Bring your dancing shoes!

SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL

The First Provisional Schedule for the March 2011 Swanage Blues Festival is shown below. There are still other venues to add with other bands and solo artists.

PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE at 22 January 2011 approximate times only and subject to change

FRIDAY 4 MARCH

2.00pm
Red Lion
Open Mic with Johnny Sharp

5.00pm
Se7en
Robin Bibi Band

6.00pm
Tawny’s Wine Bar
TBA

7.30pm
Country Foods Kitchen
TBA

8.15pm
Tawny’s Wine Bar
TBA

8.30pm
Grand Hotel
Back Porch Band

8.45pm
Black Swan
Will Killeen

9.00pm
East Bar
Freed

9.00pm
White Swan
The Riotous Brothers

9.00pm
Red Lion
The Jives

9.00pm
Crow’s Nest
Robert Hokum Band

9.00pm
Ship, Langton
C Sharp Blues

9.30pm
Ship, Swanage
Motel 6

9.45pm
White Horse
Saiichi Sugiyama Band

9.45pm
Anchor Inn
Riverside Blues Band

SATURDAY 5 MARCH

1.00pm
Se7en
The Barcodes

2.00pm
East Bar
Fabulous Fezheads

2.00pm
White Horse
Jam Session with Robin Bibi Band

2.00pm
Red Lion
Open Mic with Johnny Sharp

2.00pm
Bankes Arms, Corfe
Back Porch Band

3.00pm
White Swan
Paint It Blue

3.00pm
Grand Hotel
Saiichi Sugiyama Band

3.30pm
Ship, Swanage
The Riotous Brothers

4.45pm
Se7en
Pete Harris Band

6.00pm
Tawny’s Wine Bar
TBA

7.30pm
Brook Tea Rooms
TBA

7.30pm
Country Foods Kitchen
TBA

7.30pm
Sea Breeze Restaurant
TBA

7.30pm
Swanage Bay View
TBA

8.15pm
Tawny’s Wine Bar
TBA

8.30pm
Se7en
The Groundhogs Rhythm Section

8.30pm
Grand Hotel
The Barcodes

8.45pm
Black Swan
Will Killeen

8.30pm
East Bar
Freezer

9.00pm
White Swan
Coalhouse Walker Blues Band

9.00pm
Red Lion
Fabulous Fezheads

9.00pm
Crow’s Nest
Back Porch Band

9.45pm
Anchor
C Sharp Blues

9.45pm
White Horse
The Mustangs

10.00pm
Ship, Swanage
Robin Bibi Band

SUNDAY 6 MARCH

1.00pm
Se7en
Saiichi Sugiyama Band

1.00pm
Red Lion
Open Mic with Johnny Sharp

1.30pm
Black Swan
Will Killeen

2.00pm
Bankes Arms, Corfe
Robert Hokum Band

3.00pm
White Horse
Jam Session with Robin Bibi Band

3.00pm
White Swan
Blue Touch

3.00pm
Anchor
Dave Raphael Band

3.00pm
Grand Hotel
TBA

4.00pm
Ship, Swanage
The Jawbreakers

6.00pm
Se7en
Back Porch Band

8.00pm
Grand Hotel
Festival Finale: Steve Darrington with Pete Harris Band

9.00pm
Anchor
Blue Touch

.Become a FRIEND OF SWANAGE BLUES and help to ensure Swanage Blues keeps going!

03/01/11: SWANAGE BLUES

www.swanage-blues.org

January News from Swanage Blues!

by Steve Darrington

Hello!

Happy New Year Everybody!

I hope your Christmas was wonderful, and your New Year’s Eve as good as mine. I was playing at the Grand Hotel, Swanage with Bournemouth Fred, Martin Johnson, The Skint Imperials including Barb, Nick Gomer, Chris Lonergan and guitarist Paul Sundt, plus some wonderful Andrews Sisters ladies and Helen Holt on accordion bringing in the New Year with Auld Lang’s Syne and motley dances!

As for 2011… whatever difficulties there may be before us, please everybody remember that it doesn’t cost a fortune to allow Music into your life, to raise your spirits and to put life’s problems into perspective. We know that here in Swanage! Just take a look at this month’s guide to Live Music and more… A copy is attached or you can download from www.swanagelife.com.

In this newsletter:

1. MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL and PUBLICITY. SPECIAL REQUESTS?

2. JANUARY ACTS

3. WANT TO PLAY?

4. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

5. BLOG

6. PURBECK GAZETTE

7. MAILING LIST

8. DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS

1. MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL and PUBLICITY. SPECIAL REQUESTS?

Artists, Venues and Schedule are on the website at www.swanage-blues.org but please note some details are under construction. Please spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends, colleagues and anybody you know who might be interested. If you can put up a poster or want some business card-sized flyers to give out, email your request (including your address) to s.darrington@btopenworld.com

If you can’t make the March 2011 Festival on 4, 5, 6 March, the October one is on 7, 8, 9 October 2011.

But whichever festival you’re planning on coming to, it’s a good idea to book your Accommodation well in advance to prevent disappointment. There are Festival Friendly accommodation providers on the website.

Special Requests. I’ve had some Special Requests from festival fans for specific bands and some solo artists to appear here. Some of the bands are just beyond the limit of our budget. Some acts have appeared at a festival in the past because it suited them to drop their price at one particular time only. Getting them back could just be too expensive, unless fans are prepared to help towards their fee?

So, if you have a particular request for a band or individual, please let me know if you and your friends would be willing to contribute in any way towards the cost of getting them on at the festival? This could be, for example if you’re local, being able to put them up at your home; if not local, paying for their meal, helping towards travel costs or their fee etc. Get the picture? Let me know what you think..

2. JANUARY ACTS

Our Sunday Sessions at Bar Se7en, 1 High Street, Swanage from 6.30 – 9.30pm continue to be popular with plenty of space to dance. If you’re in Swanage, please continue to make it your place on a Sunday evening and TELL YOUR FRIENDS, so we can keep Live Music Sundays going in 2011 and beyond. You know the saying: “Use it or lose it!”

For the first few weeks Steve Darrington (vocals, keyboard, harmonica) will be joined by Bournemouth Fred (drums), Martin Johnson (vocals) and Rory Benmore. Rory has always been well-known locally for his guitar playing, and has been living in USA for a while. He is back on one of his visits and we have the opportunity to hear him once again. Some of you may know Rory’s father, who played with world-famous local man Martin Johnson before going off to play with somebody called Gary Moore!

3. WANT TO PLAY?

Want To Play? If you are Interested in playing at the Swanage Blues Festival or at Swanage Blues Club during the year, please go to the website, look down the menu on the left, and click on Want To Play? for further information.

4. FRIENDS OF SWANAGE BLUES

You can now become a Friend of Swanage Blues with prize draws, access to special performances at reduced ticket rates and other special offers, and the knowledge that you are supporting Swanage Blues all year round.

Membership for the calendar year 2011 costs just £10 each. You will receive a membership card (see above) plus a window decal. Further window decals are available at only £2.50 each.

Just send your name and address and a cheque payable to “Swanage Blues” to Steve Darrington, Swanage Blues, T I C, Shore Road, Swanage BH19 1LB.

5. BLOG

Any comments you have about Swanage Blues can be emailed to me direct or publish them to the Swanage Music blog at http://swanagemusic.blogspot.com/

6. PURBECK GAZETTE

We’re very proud here in Swanage to have a great publication called The Purbeck Gazette. It is essential reading if you want to know what’s going on! You can read it online at www.purbeck-gazette.co.uk Their January issue contains the following article about Swanage Blues and we do appreciate their permission to reproduce it here.

IS SWANAGE BLUES GOOD FOR SWANAGE?

“I certainly hope so!” says Steve Darrington. “Seven years ago I had to borrow £13,000 to ensure the festivals’ survival. Thanks to the generosity of festival fans and local businesses, that money has at last been repaid, but it’s been a real struggle.

“Now I can get on with doing what I do best: being enthusiastic, playing music, encouraging others and helping to keep fun and entertainment going in Swanage!”

Every week Swanage Blues hosts Live Music Sundays sessions at Bar Se7en with a variety of different acts. “Come on down and see for yourself,” says Steve. “There’s a real fun social scene going on for everybody. Our oldest regular is over 80, and children are welcome if accompanied by a responsible parent.”

Every month Swanage Blues helps to ensure the production and distribution of a guide to local music and other events. Copies are displayed in shop windows, at venues, and are included in many Welcome Packs for visitors.

Twice a year Swanage Blues hosts festivals that attract between 2,000 and 3,000 people into the area, giving a boost to local trade when it’s most needed, and creating more fans of Purbeck.

Anybody interested in helping Swanage Blues can contact Steve on 01929 422338, via the Swanage Blues website, or leave a message at the Tourist Information Centre.

“There are so many good causes, in my opinion local businesses are tapped out,” says Steve. “But if they can just display a poster in their windows, they’ll be making a big difference.”

Steve is a remarkable man who does deserve our support, says Nico! [Editor]

7. MAILING LIST

Please pass on this Newsletter to anybody you think might be interested, and advise them to Get On The Mailing List.

8. DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS

None of this can be achieved without your support, so please help if you can in any way. Contact me or send donations payable to “Swanage Blues” to Steve Darrington, c/o Tourist Information Centre, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB. Thank you.

Swanage Blues is a trading name of Blues Roots a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee which I have set up to ring fence festival funds and promote even more events

Blues Roots is a company limited by guarantee registered in England 7270783

Registered Office: Herston Cross House, 230 High Street, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2PQ

06/12/10: GRUFF RHYS

555 bottles of shampoo or shower gel, 28 sewing kits, 22 razors, 26 packets of shoe polish, 36 toothbrushes or paste, 121 shower caps and eight sanitary bags, 27 combs or brushes, five pairs of slippers, 13 nail files, one badge, one bottle of olive oil and two keys.

The ever-eccentric Gruff Rhys is back to tour the UK with his third studio album, and his most ambitious yet. 'Hotel Shampoo' (released February 14th) is, like its name, drawn up by inspiration from the mini bottles of shampoo collected during 15 years of frequent hotel visits and the people met over the last 15 years of performing.

Adding to an expansive range of creative work, which has seen two previous solo albums, the Welsh-sung 'Yr Atal Genhedlaeth' and 2007's 'Candylion', the Mercury nominated project - Neon Neon, a number of high profile collaborations with the likes of Gorrilaz and Dark Night of the Soul, the Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse LP and finally, an experimental LP with a Brazillian TV repairman' Tony Da Gatorra, titled 'The Terror of Cosmic Loneliness' which goes hand in hand with Gruff's film-making debut 'Seperado'

The 25th February 2011, Gruff Rhys comes to Bridport for a debut performance at Electric Palace. From the purveyor of the leftest-field pop, catch Gruff in this, the most intimate of environments, for what is sure to be an incredible show.

‘Trademark wistfulness' - The Guardian

'Super Brilliant Super Furry Animal Gruff Rhys' - Drowned in Sound

New single ‘Shark Ridden Waters’ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usGdERPWoPU

Show Details

SPC Live Proudly Presents…

Friday 25th February – Electric Palace, Bridport

Gruff Rhys (myspace.com/gruffrhys24hrs)
with
Y Nwil (myspace.com/ynwil)

Age: 14+
Doors: 20:00
Tickets: £13.50 Adv Online (crowdsurge.com / 08450 50 82 58)

26/11/10: ALAN BARNES

Alan Barnes

Centre Stage

8:00pm 26th February 2011.

The great Alan Barnes will be performing a range of his favorite jazz numbers backed by a superb trio and.

This concert is not to be missed.

Licensed Bar and food available

Doors open 7:30pm

Advance Tickets £10 call 07917 468953

Alan Barnes is one of the UK’s Leading and foremost Reeds / Saxophone players He appears on more than 30 albums, many of which are his own. He has played with Stan Tracey, Clark Tracey, Scott Hamilton, Tina May, Humphrey Littleton, Selina Jones, Bjork, Charlie Watts, Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry, Martin Taylor, Clare Teal, Jamie Cullum and Westlife.

Alan Barnes Masterclass

Centre Stage

9:30pm ~ 4:30pm 26th February 2011

Alan will be imparting his extensive musical knowledge and improvisation skills on to students who attend this Masterclass. This is a rare opportunity to be taught by one of the world’s leading reeds players and proves to be a very special and fun day.

· All levels welcome (min. Age 11)

· Fun and learning

· Structured day covering:

§ Playing the instrument and sound techniques

§ Timing and playing melody

§ Soloing on the changes

§ Putting it all into practice putt

· Refreshments and lunch provided and is

included in the price for the Masterclass

· Masterclass price includes the evening concert

Price £35

Registration forms on www.mosaic-jazz.com/masterclass or

call 07917 468953 to secure your place

26/11/10: SWANAGE BLUES

www.swanage-blues.org

December News from Swanage Blues!

by Steve Darrington

Hello!

Thank you for your interest in Swanage Blues! There’s lots happening this month, news about next year, and a competition!

In this newsletter:

1. MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL ADDITIONS and COMPETITION

2. SUCCESS FOR BANDS!

3. 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTY!

4. DECEMBER ACTS

5. FESTIVAL FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION, SHOPS and PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

6. BLOG

7. LIVE MUSIC AND MORE…

8. MAILING LIST

9. DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS

1. MARCH 2011 FESTIVAL ADDITIONS and COMPETITION

Artists: New acts will include FREED and THE GROUNDHOGS RHYTHM SECTION, plus the return of THE BARCODES, a superb band whose members are highly respected throughout the musical world. Other acts include Back Porch Band, Blue Touch, C Sharp Blues, Coalhouse Walker, Johnny Sharp’s Open Mic, Kevin Brown, Pete Harris Band, Riverside Blues Band, Robin Bibi Band and Will Killeen.

Venues: Welcome to SEA BREEZE (formerly the Fisherman’s Catch) in Shore Road. Enjoy some great music while dining and looking out across Swanage Bay! Negotiations are also taking place with Swanage British Legion, the Scott Arms at Kingston, and Funworld Café opposite the Mowlem Theatre.

If you can’t make the March 2011 Festival on 4, 5, 6 March, the October one is on 7, 8, 9 October 2011.

Competition: Guess how many times Barcode member Alan Glen (ex-Nine Below Zero and The Yardbirds) has played at the Albert Hall. Answers by email only to me by 1st December 2010 and the first one out of the hat wins a CD!

2. SUCCESS FOR BANDS!

Congratulations to two Dorset bands that appeared for the first time at Live Music Sundays! in November and were instantly booked for the March 2011 Swanage Blues Festival.

FREEZER played incredible versions of blues rock popular songs from the 60s to date, amazing us all but particularly appealing to many younger members of our Swanage Blues Club. This band’s vocals and lead guitar have to be heard to be believed!

PAINT IT BLUE showed exactly why they have built up such an excellent reputation along the South Coast and beyond in only two years! The solid foundation of the experienced rhythm section works perfectly with the younger members on vocals, harp and guitar. Go Hannah!

Want To Play? As you probably know, I can’t get out of Swanage much to judge for myself how suitable a band will be for one of our festivals, so this looks like a great way forward for bands, club members and audiences alike!

Any bands on the waiting list to appear at Swanage Blues Festivals will be given this option, so if you have already followed the procedure at Want To Play? on the festival website and fancy a gig in Swanage, please let me know by emailing s.darrington@btopenworld.com Thank you.

3. 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTY

Sunday 28 November Not to be missed! This Sunday we will be celebrating the Second Birthday Party of Live Music Sundays at Bar Se7en, 1 High Street, Swanage with the PETE HARRIS BAND featuring HUGH BUDDEN, plus a guest appearance from me (Steve Darrington) on keyboards from 6.30pm to around 9.15pm.

Back by Popular Demand, Pete Harris brings an irresistible blend of Swing, Funk and Down-home Blues with his rhythm section and Hugh Budden on harmonica,. Just the stuff for the second anniversary of Live Music Sundays!

4. DECEMBER ACTS

Sunday 5 December RIVERSIDE BLUES BAND has been bringing old school R&B to venues and festivals across the south of England for more than six years. The band consists of Stan (guitar and vocals), Helen (bass), Paul (harmonica) and Syd (drums). Get ready for a hearty mix of Old School R'n'B from Britain, Chicago and Texas , and a generous sprinkling of Classic Blues... with just a hint of ACDC! The focus is on up tempo and up beat so get your dancing boots on!

Sunday 12 December Christmas Party! With STEVE DARRINGTON BAND featuring Bournemouth BOURNEMOUTH FRED and Guests

Sunday 19 December DAVE RAPHAEL BAND will be bringing their unique high octane, foot stomping, authentic sound delivered with the genuine enjoyment of guys who love what they're doing

Sunday 26 December Boxing Day band to be announced.

5. FESTIVAL FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION, SHOPS and PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

I’m working on additional information for the Swanage Blues website so you can easily see who supports us, so you can support them with your custom if you wish. The Accommodation section is complete and can be seen by going to www.swanage-blues.org and clicking on SWANAGE.

6. BLOG

You can email me direct with your comments or publish them to the Swanage Music blog http://swanagemusic.blogspot.com/

7. LIVE MUSIC AND MORE…

Go to www.swanagelife.com to get your free download poster with all the gigs and some of the other events in Swanage and surrounding areas

8. MAILING LIST

Please pass on this Newsletter to anybody you think might be interested, and advise them to Get On The Mailing List for

(2) Latest News

(3) Special Offers

(4) Monthly Newsletters

(5) Details of Prize Draws

9. DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS

None of this can be achieved without your support, so please help if you can in any way. Contact me or send donations payable to “Swanage Blues” to Steve Darrington, c/o Tourist Information Centre, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LB. Thank you.

14/11/10: SWANAGE BLUES

www.swanage-blues.org

1. WEEKLY CLUB MEETING

Good News! Live Music Sundays! sessions are continuing through November and December! I’m having a break from playing at the moment but I am hoping to be playing at our second Birthday Party on 28th November with the Pete Harris Band and Hugh Budden

NOVEMBER

Sunday 14 JON WALSH BLUES BAND

Sunday 21 PAINT IT BLUE

Sunday 28 PETE HARRIS BAND with HUGH BUDDEN, featuring STEVE DARRINGTON

DECEMBER

Sunday 5 RIVERSIDE BLUES BAND

Sunday 12 FREEZER

Sunday 19 DAVE RAPHAEL BAND

Sunday 26 Band to be announced

2. SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVALS 2011 – March 4, 5, 6 and October 7, 8, 9

The next festival will be the 11th Swanage Blues Festival on 4, 5, 6 March 2011. Book accommodation early, and please get in touch if you can help by being a Bucketeer! It is good fun and a great way to meet people.

Artists appearing include: The Barcodes; Freed; The Groundhogs Rhythm Section; Back Porch Band; Blue Touch; C Sharp Blues