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Gig Blog
This blog begins in May 2006 and goes in chronological order. So if you want to read about the most recent gigs scroll right down to the bottom of this page.
I'm not sure how interesting to read this is but here it is anyway. As much anything it is for my own benefit just to remember what has happened. A guide to the highs and lows of being a self-employed, usually self promoting, solo musician.
I'm not even sure that anybody has actually found this page yet. No-one has ever mentioned it! (infact just recently, after about a year and a half a few people have mentioned it) So maybe it doesn't matter that it is pretty mundane, however if your thinking of booking me please don't base your decision on the contents of this diary! Very recently someone tried to knock me down on price by saying that he reads in my diary that I don't always go down that well - this didn't go down very well with me. The combination of honesty with modesty doesn't really make this diary a very good piece of promotional propergander. It does whoever make a bit more interesting than if I just say the venue was brilliant & I was brilliant & everyone loved me, for every gig.
Many times I've tried to keep a general written diary before and usually I just end up writing about what food I have eaten. This habit has not totally been abandoned during the course of these entry's. The very fact that it is a gig diary does manages to keep me off the subject of food and generally it's more like "it's really great to back at ..." .But then I do feel very lucky that I can make a living by playing music, even if I've only had moderate success (see I told you I was modest) . So usually it is great to back cause that's better than not being asked back. Which as you will see can happen. 2006
During April-May 2006 I was lucky enough to travel across the USA. At some point I'm planning to include some photographs (as soon as I can get my scanner working again) , and tell you a bit more about my trip so watch this space.
28th May 2006, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm My first solo gig for a long time apart from one try out in The George, Axminster back on a lazy Sunday at beginning of April. This first gig as Stompin' Dave was slightly marred by some very loud talking in the front in the second set. Still this situation eventually inspired me to write the song Hello everybody a few months later. I got my revenge on the night by doing my impression of a silver backed gorilla!
4th June Weymouth Folk Festival My last minute call to the festival was great fun as I supported the magnificent Huckleberries+ plus the excellent Appalachian dance side No Mean Feet. What a beautiful day it was. My first and only planned set was at 10am which went remarkably well considering I had no breakfast! I was asked to perform again in the afternoon which felt great.
9th June, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Axminster,9pm My first visit to Tom's Cabin was a great success. If you want an authentic pub experience you should visit Uncle Tom's Cabin. They have red cider!
16th June Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 9pm My first gig at Eyre Court was poorly attended as it was the first time they had had music on a Friday night, but this is potentially a great venue as their popular Sunday sessions have proved. I seemed to make a good impression with the regulars though.
13th July The George, Axminster, 9pm Back to the George this time as Stompin' Dave and this time on a Thursday night which was a little better attended than my Sunday afternoon session. This is potentially a fantastic venue but the good people of Axminster are a bit slow to catch on. With Steve Black at the helm I'm sure things The George will eventually fulfil its potential.
22nd July, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm My first time at The Foundary, everyone seemed very friendly, particularly the landlord Mr Alan Freebourne. Another very loud table right at the front but this time (probably because they were younger & bigger and because it was my first visit to The Foundary) I resisted my gorilla impersonation. My evening was greatly enhanced by a long discussion with a trawler fisherman about spider crabs. Apparently they have no pincers...now that can't be right. He also says you can find 40feet high mounds of them mating!
29th July, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm Louise played the majority of this gig on backing guitar which was great fun. The audience was very enthusiastic which was wonderful, but they need more practise clapping in time though! We have a barn dance planned at the Pound Inn next! Debut of my new resonator guitar.
30th July, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Wincanton, 3pm-5.30pm Back to the cabin this time on a Sunday afternoon not as well attended as previous gig but Ali the landlady said everyone was on holiday! We were planning to play outside but the weather wasn't that great. The bar did fill up as the session went on though. Many thanks to Charlie who danced, bought me a drink and then gave me a cucumber and some runner beans!
1st August, No.10, Bridport, 9pm Hadn't played the popular Tues night sessions in No.10 for over a year. Great place but it is a bit like playing in a corridor, your tucked under the stairs! This gig was well received though and I gave my resonator a good work out.
I don't know what everyone was on in No.10(they do serve absinthe) but late in the second set I pulled out my banjo and suddenly we were in a impromptu barn dance with people dashing up and down the length of the bar, spinning round in groups and tap dancing to what appeared to be prepared routines! When I finally finished playing at midnight the bar erupted into a full on disco, with a corridor full of writhing bodies. Someone has hit No.10 with a happy stick!
3rd August, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm Cancelled
4th August, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm First solo gig at the Jazz Cafe seemed to go well.
23rd August, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Played one three hour set! Phew!
24th August, The Plough, Tiptoe, 9pm Nice to be back at the Plough after a break of about a couple of years. Liked the new layout - they've knocked down a wall and created a stage!
26th August, Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 9pm Another three hour set. Better attendance this time at Eyre Court. Also managed to acquire a gig in Seaton on Monday.
27th August, Square & Compass, Illminster, 3pm-4pm Hazy Daze Music Day Really good to see Harry & Dave (+Dave the roadie again). My one hour set seemed to go down well with the crowd. Harry's P.A. sounded great. Enjoyed listening to Derrin Nauendorf who was on after me before I had to rush off to the Greyhound.
27th August, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle Really busy bank holiday gig in the Greyhound the whole night went really well(the crowd who travelled from Soton were banging on the tables like monkeys!) There was a power cut at the end! I don't think it was related to the banging on the tables, but who knows? Thanks to Pete & Nicky for helping me pack up in the dark!
28th August, The Royal Clarence, Seaton 3pm This was another mammoth gig! Really like the locals down at Seaton. It really feels like I'm starting to take over Seaton! I was offered another gig in the town, I'm taking over Seaton! Everyone really seemed to have a great time today everyone was singing along which was great. The landlord John dancing was quite something remarkable to behold. When he spun one lady round his head she got quite flustered!
1st September, The Jazz Cafe, 9pm This gig was quite poorly attended, maybe because the first Friday of the month came round so quick!
2nd September, The Pound Inn, 9pm Thanks for Terry for stepping in as a caller at the last minute. This dance went well even if some people were more keen to dance than others.
3rd September, The Loders Arms, 2pm Hadn't been to the Loders Arms for at least two years. The sun came out which was brilliant because I was playing in the garden. The pint of Palmer's Copper Ale I had went down really well, as did a burger off the barbie. It was landlord Clive's forth anniversary at The Arms.
3rd September, The Platform, 9pm Very cool to back at The Platform really liked the new extension! The food has always looked really good in The Platform so it's great for them to have more tables.
7th September, The Dolphin, 9pm It's fabulous that The Dolphin is up and running again! This gig wasn't that well attended but it may take a while to build things up again on The first Thursday of the month of the break.
9th September, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle, 9pm This was a great gig! The English civil war enactment club were here and they were great fun. They awarded me a medal!
10th September, Hardy's, Bridport, 8pm Bit of a quiet gig this one. Unfortunately it seems the present occupiers of Hardy's are moving on so this could be my last gig here.
15th September, The Vault, Seaton, 9pm Had some really good gigs in Seaton recently and this was no exception. Played a 3hours set and once again the Seaton crowd made it worth every ounce of effort.
19th September, No.10, Bridport, 9pm I enjoyed this gig - played a lot of blues.
21st September, The George, Axminster, 9pm It certainly is an eye opener going in the George!
24th September, The Weld Arms, East Lulworth, 8.30pm First time at The Weld Arms. Found the pub to have a very pleasant atmosphere, with really good food. Played acoustically which is always a pleasure.
30th September, The Oak, Dewlish, Near Dorchester, 9pm First time at The Oak. Enjoyed this gig, it wasn't as well attended as Diane the landlady would of hoped because there was a birthday party going on in the village, but I seemed to make a good impression with the rest of the locals. If you want to visit a pub which is truly out of the way this is it.
5th October, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm This gig was busier than the last one but we still not up to the full capacity! I think people are starting to realise that there are things happening down at The Dolphin again.
6th October, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm Enjoyed this gig played quite a bit of blues.
14th October, The Bell, Creech St. Michael, 9pm First time to Creech St. Michael. Allen & Rosemary(landlord & landlady) were really friendly and although it wasn't their busiest nights I think I won the locals over to the cause. Hopefully the first of many good nights in The Bell. Starting to realise that Taunton isn't actually that far away from me and that there is quite a lot of going on so I'm going to be looking for some more gigs in that direction. This gig will be particularly memorable for me as the night I couldn't get through Chard because the carnival was on!
17th October, No.10, Bridport, 9pm Really got into this gig. There's not a lot of room in No.10 so sometimes I just sit and play. Really got into the zone playing a lot of the new bluesy material I've been working on and before I new it I'd played a three and a half hour set...my bum hurt from sitting on the chair so long!
21st October, Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 8pm Again I really enjoyed this gig my new material is really coming together which is great.
28th October, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Wincanton, 9pm For whatever reason this wasn't the best gig...did play some good stuff though, hey you win some you lose some.
2nd November, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm The Dolphin is really starting to happen again now after they had to stop gigs for a while. Played some of my new songs at the end and they went down really well, which felt great. I'm sure December at The Dolphin will be mega.
3th November, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm The faithful turned up again at The Jazz Cafe which was lovely.
11th November, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm First time at The Woodman, assisted by Fred on bones and bass. Hopefully the first of many a good night here.
23rd November, The Plough, Tiptoe, 9pm Really nice to be back at The Plough this gig was added to by the presence of The Bournemouth crew who seemed to take a shine to the place.
24th November, The Boot, Weymouth, 9pm First gig at The Boot Inn it seemed to go really well. The atmosphere is good in this cosy boozer... so is the beer. Starting Jan. 07 I will be resident here on The first Monday of the month. I'd forgotten how good Ringwood 49 can taste.
25th November, The Coronation Arms, St Marybourne, Nr Andover, 9pm 1 whole year at The Coronation Arms for Reg and Sue. It was really great to catch up with them they seem to be getting along fine.
This gig which seemed to go down pretty well
was slightly mired for me by the usually gripe of noisy people at the
front. I even asked them nicely to quiet down a bit. One of the
things of noticed over the years but sometimes forget is if there's a
table right at the front at a venue you think to yourself well it will
nice if someone sits there as long as they don't sit on the chairs that
will face backwards of me. So I will dutifully remove the offending
chairs. You can almost guarantee as soon as a start someone will
move a chair back in and proceed to sit with their back to you and shout
at there friends across the table because they are so close to speakers!
At which point I can't hear what I'm playing and get irritated. The next
tactic is usually to do some high kicks pretty close to the offending
persons earhole which usually manages to quiet them down enough so that
I can concentrate but occasionally you get someone so thick skinned they
don't even care if you kick them in the head... which I would never do
on purpose of course, even if they are ruining my night, I don't expect
everyone to always sit in raptures, but come on have a little common
courtesy ... Anyway rant over, I feel a bit better for that. Thanks for
listening. Note to self: must try to remember to get that front table
taken out if possible, no matter how tempting it is to leave in.
30th November, Cunningham's, Wellington, Nr Taunton, 9pm Unfortunately this my first gig at Cunningham's was cancelled at the last minute due to Sarah the landlady illness. Get well soon!
1st December, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm This was good fun as there was a large group of younguns who at first looked bemused by this old fashioned music. For a while were uninterested then after a few drinks "they starts taken the mickey" and prancing then all of a sudden they realised they actually were really enjoying themselves and the whole room was truly dancing.
2nd December, The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Beer Festival, 9pm This gig has been reviewed on Lemonrock.com so you can read all about it. It was great to be back at The Square & Compass. I love it!
6th December, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Good to be back at The Beach & Barnicott. It felt good playing material on my new CD knowing that it is now on sale. This gig rocked! (Particularly in the last 20 minutes.)
7th December, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm This gig was dampened by the sad news that landlord Chris & Sandys daughter had been badly hurt in a car crash in S.Africa. Get well soon Nicky.
8th December, The Kings Arms, North Allington, 9pm Really nice to meet the new landlord and landlady Paul & Claire at The Kings Arms. They are really trying to turn the Kings Arms into something special. However this was a record low audience of 5! This was a real pleasure to play because you could hear a pin drop! Hopefully this is the beginning of a great new venue in Bridport. The first gig of regular Friday nights. Assisted by Fred on bones and bass.
9th December, Evershot Village Hall, Evershot £5 entry, 9pm My first outing at Evershot as Stompin' Dave. Not the busiest of Evershots but it wasn't too bad. Ably assisted by Fred in the first set, The Good Old In The second, and played some rockin' stuff on my own for an hour or so at the end.
10th December, The Vault, Seaton, 4pm-7pm Really enjoyed this gig and as always was made to feel really at home by my friends in Seaton.
14th December, The George, Axminster, 9pm Still struggling to get a music crowd into the George, I think it might be time to give this one up. They now have a stupid noise meter so the p.a. was switching off every few songs! It truly is madness as the juke box is honestly five times louder! Then the fire alarm went off!
15th December, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm This gig went well, it felt quiet Chrismasy in the Foundary. It was good that the old Central crew turned out. The trawler fisherman was here again and he said that he meant that spider crabs have small very small pincers.
16th December, The Eyre Court Hotel, 8pm Good to see my friends in Seaton.
17th December, The Weld Arms, East Lulworth, 8.30pm This gig went fine, thanks to Simon for the ham sandwich! This is a really good foody pub.
22nd December, The Fox & Hounds, Cattistock, 9pm Nice to be back at the Fox & Hounds, possibly for the last time as landlord Chris is moving on to Cornwall.
24th December, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm This gig was quite interesting because Terry the landlord had booked another act to play up the other end of the pub! We(Louise played guitar) went down well but we were upstaged by one woman and her backing tracks! The really good thing about this was that we got to go home early ready for the Xmas festivities.
29th December, The London Tavern, Poulner, Nr Ringwood, 9pm First time at The London Tavern and I seemed to win over the locals straight away which made me feel right at home.
2007
4th January, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm The great thing about this gig was that Chris & Nicky were back from South Africa and Nicky although still in hospital is on the mend. Performed material from my new CD in the first half, and then Chris, yes the legendary Chris Shakespeare really got everyone going by joining me to sing in the second.
5th January, Jazz Cafe Fleur, Canford Cliffs, 9pm This was a really eventful night! Upon arrival, I was greeted by the new owner with disbelief. (I didn't know the old owners had left, I new they might be leaving but we had agreement that they would let me know if they left...more fool me.) This was no longer The Jazz Cafe this was now Bar33, incidentally my age this year.
I was quite happy to give this one up as they had booked another act, even though the gig had been advertised. But they decided to let me play after they phoned this act and cancelled them. I then proceed to play a set and things seemed to be going ok. People were clapping and enjoying the music as was the new owner who was also dancing along behind the bar. Then remarkably at the half way stage I was told (very nicely mind) that I was very good, and I was disturbing people eating in the back room and I was generally not the sort of act they were looking for and they couldn't possibly pay me properly. So I packed up and went home, as did the faithful crew that have come especially to see me just about every month for the last two years or so, no more drinks were purchased.
Oh dear! I want to say "Bar33, I hope you enjoy your new diet of insipid jazz and backing track cheese." but I better not(oh hang on I just did?). At least I've got a story to tell out of this! I wonder if this ever happened to Elvis? It has to be said that the Jazz Cafe and Stompin' was always a bit of a funny combination.
6th January, The Hope & Anchor, Bridport, 9pm Nice to be back at The Hope & Anchor after a long break. Fred did a few numbers on bones which went down great. I think the Hope & Anchor might be starting to happen again for me, with the new tenants Dave & Sue who were friendly.
7th January, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm This gig was real quiet, I guess the Christmas season is really over now. Got through a load of stuff though and the small gathering seemed to enjoy it.
8th January, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This gig was really busy! Especially for a Monday night. I have a regular first Monday of the month spot at the Boot so hopefully it's going to be a great success. This was a really good start. It felt like I pretty much brought the house down. This little run of five gigs on the trot was a real up and down and up affair!
13th January, CAMRA Exeter Winter Ale Fest, The Cover Club, Exeter 9pm This turning out to be a stonking gig. It took a little while for everyone to warm up even though, many had been drinking the fine selection of ales all day! Soon people where starting to get into it and clapping along. The heavy stomping number at the end of the first set finished to thunderous applause, and I thought to myself this is going to be interesting where this ends up. But I was surprised by how raucous they did: cheering, singing & banging on the tables, dancing & jiving from punters and staff, and a remarkable amount of paper aeroplanes (the beer sheets) in the air! Remarkably only one was aimed at me and it missed by miles, but it did keep me on my toes! Thanks to everyone who was at The Winter Ale Festival it was really good fun.
18th January, The Plough Inn, Tiptoe, 9pm Very quiet gig this one. Probably because the pub is pretty remote and the storms were forecast after the really nasty storms the previous night. Landlord Nigel is also moving on so all the best to him and family.
20th January, The Wheatsheaf, Shedfield, 9pm Have visited the Wheatsheaf in January the last two years, and it's always been a really good. It was really busy again and the locals seemed to enjoy the show. Even though the landlord's dog took an instant dislike to me and had to be forcibly removed from the room. That was one really nasty, big... scotty dog. One nice lady at the end said "I pulled all the stops out" which I guess I did with a mass of fiddle juggling, stomping, banjo picking, some rockin' blues and a good jolly sing along at the end. There was even talk of an early autumn visit before my now traditional January trip to Shedfield.
21st January, The Three Compasses, Charminster, Nr Dorchester, 8.30pm Back to The Three Compasses after a break of over a year. Really good to see Terry & Margaret in fine form. The gig itself went really well with a good crowd . Planning to arrange more gigs at this great pub soon.
26th January, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm Good to be back at The Anchor Inn, been a few years since I've played here. This was a really good night, many familiar faces were about, mainly from the small following I've built up from playing in Corfe Castle. Much dancing and jollity into the night.
27th January, The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis, 9pm First time to The Cobb Arms and I really enjoyed it. This pub has a really good sound as it has wooden walls & floor. I didn't think things would get as raucous as last night but they did in the end, with large groups of youngsters dancing together and dancing on tables!
28th January, Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 4pm Nice to be back to Eyre Court, although this first Sunday afternoon spot wasn't as successful as my Friday night gigs have become. Met Karl Weber Seaton based musician who I have not seen play, but I have been playing in a lot of the same venues over the years.
1st February The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm Great to be back at The Dolphin this night was pretty busy.
2nd February, Bevois Castle, Soton, 9.30pm First booking at Bevois Castle but unfortunately it was cancelled when I arrived. This was a little bit annoying. The landlord had changed and had been told by above that he could not possibly spend any money on music. The gig had been arranged with the old landlord only weeks ago and posters had been sent and received. Why someone couldn't of let me know before I made the effort to travel I don't know.
I was told by the landlord that he used to be in a band and that his drummer always used to phone ahead to confirm the gig. I can see why he is running a pub and not still playing in a band because from my experience it's a mistake to trust a drummer to do anything. Never mind, at least I got to have an early night!
3rd February The Woodman, Bridport,9pm After last nights cancellation I was full of energy for this gig. The gig went really well in this really friendly little boozer. Lots of dancing in the last set particularly from a young birthday party group of lads. The Branscome ale tasted oh so good. Will be back here for St. Patrick's day so that's going to be a really good night.
5th February, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Great that it was busy again and it was great to be back at this fantastic character boozer, despite this loony lady who threatened to whack me round the head with my instruments. Fortunately I'm perfectly willing and capable of doing this to myself!
9th February, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm Great to back in Wells. This gig was quieter than past gigs here for some unknown reason. Terry the landlord (formerly a cracking banjoist although unfortunately his hands aren't what that used to be) was in great form and later in the night he joined me and sang Dirty Old Town, and Will The Circle Be Unbroken.
10th February, The Bell Inn, Creech St. Michael, Nr. Taunton, 9pm Great to see the Bell Inn busy after my first gig here back in October which was decidedly quiet. Word must of got round. I'll be back here in a month. You can read a review of this gig at www.lemonrock.com/stompindaveallen
16th February, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm Great to be back at The Anchor, this gig was as busy as the last and there was even more dancing. The Anchor on a Friday night is a loud and rowdy, guts and glory place, it's not for the faint hearted, but you have to say on the whole it's magnificent. It's great to play in a pub where people have plenty of room to dance. They talk you down if you try to play nice to tunes in Anchor, but give it some welly and they will boogie like there's no tomorrow. Swanage provided me with some incredible happenings just packing my car at the end. These including a man spring at full pelt down the alley, being chased by two big bruisers who abandoned their land rover, and a man being hysterically laughed at by two girls for walking down the high street with his trousers round his ankles shouting "look at my rugby shorts!" I'll be back at the Anchor the day before St. Paddy's day, be there if you dare!
18th February, The Hope & Anchor, Brddport, 4pm This gig was very eventful, I wrote it up but decided it was unwise to publish(even for this diary!), if you would like to read the details of my minor mental break down please email me!
1st March, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm Good to be back at the Dolphin. This was a very eventful gig. One of Chris's mates was getting married so unusually there was a wedding reception going on. All sorts of merryment was going on. Unfortunately I slipped and fell on my bottom, trying to give a man who was spending too much time wiggling his bum at me in the front a shock, I think I might of lost my cool. Previously I thought the bride who was a little difficult to understand as she was originally from Thailand was inviting me back to her hotel. Then I realised she was requesting Hotel California.
5th March, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Really busy once again at The Boot Inn, I was just happy to stay on two feet.
9th March, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm The Foundry was busy, particularly because my little group of friends from Bournemouth and Poole, turned up and they were great as ever and danced the night away.
10th March, The Bell, Creech St. Michael, Nr. Taunton, 9pm Similarly to The Dolphin and week or so ago, turned up to find a Birthday party going on at The Bell. This party was much better behaved though, in fact no-one even ventured up to my half of the bar! Still this time I actually had people sitting on the upper deck! I've played in some difficult laid out pubs for performing music in my time, but this pubs is really different as there is actually two layers, it's as if your actually playing on a small hill. But the landlord Allen friendliness and the Cornish Tribute ale more than makes up for the stiff neck. I remembered to bring my fiddle this time!
16th March, The Anchor, Swanage, 9.30pm http://anchorinnswanage.com/ Surprisingly quiet in Swange, I think everybody was saving it up for the next night. (St. Patrick's Day for real with the excellent (High Town Crows). However I got the chance to run through my list of Irish favourites.
17th March, The Woodman, Bridport, St Patricks Day, 9pm This gig was great fun started off playing a set with Fred, and then my friends Marina(flute and tin whiste) and Kez(bodrum) joined in and you could of thought you were really in Ireland.
29th March, The Bullfrog Blues Club, RMA Tavern, Eastney, Nr. Portsmouth, 9pm First visit to the R.M.A. really liked the pub.
30th March, The White Lion, Honiton, 9pm This gig was really strange, a large group of locals was in just before I started playing but they mustn't of liked the look of me cause they all left before I played a note. Later I was to discover that my friend had got her dates in a twist and would of bought a pub full of people, as it was she brought them the next night! As it was I performed to an appreciative crowd of about four people and one a small group playing pool at the back of the pub...
31st March, The Anchor Swanage, 9.30pm Stepped into this gig at the last minute as Stuart the Landlord had a cancellation. Took the opportunity to try out a different set, playing my electric guitar.
1st April, The Marquis of Lorne, Nettlecombe, Nr. Bridport, 8.30pm Fred, Marina and Kez, turned up to this cosy if not busy enough gig.
2nd April, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Really good to back at The Boot Inn which was heaving, brought the house down from the first tune and things went on from there. It felt great!
5th April, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm cancelled Unfortunately this gig was cancelled at the last minute as Chris & Sandy are having trouble getting any beer. They having been having lots of troubles and I/they think this might be the end of The Dolphin as we know it. I can't seem to get anyone on the phone to find out what's going on, they could of already left. I really hope not. It's a real shame. Love to Chris & Sandy.
6th April, Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil, 9.30pm First time in many moons return to Woods Wine bar, liked what they have done to the place they have really opened up the stage area.
11th April, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/13/1307/William_Cobbett/Farnham This gig was really good fun. Ian and Graham who organise the gigs were really friendly. I was supposed by Frankie a 13 year old blues guitarist. Somebody posted videos of this gig on utube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyPaGsGqkWg These are quite fun even though the lighting makes me look like evil demon.
12th April, The Platform Tavern, Dock Gate 4, Ocean Village, Soton, 9pm Really great to back at the Platform Tavern and this gig was well attended and supported even if it was a bit noisy!
23rd April, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Saint George's day at The Beach & Barnicott not the busiest of night for some reason I don't think generally people get as excited over St Georges' day as they do St. Patrick's night. Of course it I don't actually play any English folk music currently which probably didn't help, but I made no secret of that. Merv the owner is obviously big on St George's night as he insisted on blasting out Winston Churchill speech's & other bizarre sound bites at ear piecing volume during the interval.
26th April, Sherborne House, Sherborne, 8.30pm. http://www.sherbornehouse.org.uk This gig was really great, Sherborne House is really great, I wholehearted recommend it. The food was terrific, the ambience terrific the company terrific. Hope to come back soon.
3rd May, The Dolphin, St Deny's, *cancelled until futher notice* I'm afraid it looks like the end of Dolphin for now. It's really sad. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Chris Shakespeare please let me know cause I'd love to get in touch with him.
6th May, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.15pm This gig was great fun, as always nice to see Terry the landlord and the rest of his family.
7th May, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm The Boot was as entertaining as ever! This is really a great pub and I can taste the Ringwood 49 as I type.
19th May, The London Tavern, Poulner, Nr Ringwood, 9pm This was really busy, the Bournemouth crowd swelled the locals! The've got 49 too!
28th May, The Packhorse Fair, Bruton Festival, 12am www.brutonfestival.co.uk/fair.htm Really pleasant way to spend a bank holiday monday, enjoyed the bands on before me (Dom & Woody) and after me The Johnsons & Chris Jagger. The drag(men in drag) race presented by Michael Eavis was something to behold, Wonder Woman was my favourite! Bruton is a really beautiful town.
3rd June, Weymouth Folk Festival, Brewers Quay, 6pm www.wessexfolkfestival.co.uk This was a wonderful festival, found myself finishing off the acts the Brewer's quay which was a great privilege, it was a large and enthusiastic audience. You can watch footage of this festival on Youtube. www.youtube.com/user/davestomp
4th June, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Great to be back at The Boot, for some reason this was a reasonably quiet night. I really enjoyed playing though, you could hear a pin drop at times!
8th June, Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil, 9.30pm *cancelled due to flood*
15th June, The Green Dragon, Combe St. Nicholas, Nr. Chard, 9pm First time at The Green Dragon and a found the place to be an excellent music venue, I was particularly impressed with the pubs movable sound proofing system, they have large Styrofoam shields they put over the windows when music is on. Other venues with snotty neighbours should take note. I should of pestered the Green Dragon for a gig years ago it's a great venue just up the road from me.
16th June, Broadwinsor Village Fete, 3.30pm Really nice to be back at the fete again, it was another beautiful day weather wise if not quite as sweltering as last year. They even moved the coconut shy a bit further away!
20th June, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm Good to be back again at The Corbett thanks to Graham for taking me for an Indian.
21st June, The Bullfrog Blues Club, RMA Tavern, Eastney, Nr. Portsmouth, 9pm This gig was much better attended than the last one so hopefully my standing in Portsmouth(which was zero) is starting to improve.
22nd June, Glastonbury Festival, Avalon Cafe Stage, 11am-11.45am I love Glastonbury it's great! I was first on the bill at the Avalon Cafe, so I arrived at the festival at 6.30am! The cafe was pretty full for me as the Avalon Cafe is a great place to have breakfast. I was first on the bill for that day which was nice because I had plenty of time to get ready. I was stretching my legs on stage when disaster happened and I ripped my trousers right down the crotch! Fortunately I had my water proof trousers so I put them on top and performed like that. The audience were really appreciative especially as it was so early, for an encore I performed some banjo juggling which was going great until I went one throw to far and dropped my banjo and it smashed on the floor! Broke a tuning peg. Still it was a very rock n roll way to end my show. 30th June, Charmouth Village Hall, Charmouth, from 7.30pm Brilliant to back at Charmouth hall really enjoyed performing to what must of been half of Charmouth, I was assisted by Fred tonight.
1st July, The William Corbett, Farnham, 9pm Back to The Corbett this time to play in the garden, luckily the rain kept off.
2nd July, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm The Boot is always great fun!
6th July, Lulworth Castle, Supporting Joe Brown & Ben Waters www.westdorset.com/site/whats-on/open-air-concert-at-lulworth-castle-p374833 Seem pretty much like a full house at Lulworth Castle for this outdoor event. Luckily the weather was fine, my performance seemed to go down pretty well with the audience even though I did break a few strings! Enjoyed watching Ben Waters & Joe Brown.
7th July, The Charter Fair, Bridport, from 10am Again, luckily it was nice weather for the Charter Fair and there was a good crowd at Bridport's brilliant Bucky Doo Square.
13th July, Annabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, from 9pm My first visit to Plymouth was very enjoyable and Annabel's Cabaret was a very fine an ambient place. I shared the bill with Mat & Kat who were excellent. My final set of three was marred as it was difficult to play over the rumbling of the night club down stairs!
14th July, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Back to the Woodman which is always a good gig, accompanied by Fred on bones & bass. Ended up playing a three hours set in the end, felt on top form by the end of it!
18th July, The New Inn, The Isle of Scilly, 8pm My first visit to Scilly was eventful! The fire engine was broken so we had to land on St Mary's rather than Tresco, and then get a boat across, which was interesting as I had all my instruments with me. The gig itself went really well, I'm not sure some people get out much as before the end of the night the dance floor was pretty much moshing!
22nd July, The Coronation Inn, Alderney, 12.30am This was a great little boozer, I really enjoyed performing here, the locals were really friendly.
6th Aug, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Another noisy & raucous night in the Boot. This gig was poignant for me as I was looking forward to a well earned break.
25th Aug, Foxstock Festival, The Fox Inn, Great Barrington, Oxon, The Cotswolds, 2pm & 8pm www.foxinnbarrington.co.uk/ This festival was organised by a very good guitar player and singer called Maurice Dickson, there was also performances by the excellent harmonica man Ian Briggs, and some other really good bands Urban Stew, Folkus & Aislingi Ceoil. Everybody was really friendly & wonderful. Thanks to Laurence who put me up Friday night.
6th Aug, Southsea Folk & Roots Festival, The Pier (free), Afternoon This gig went really well for me and I really enjoyed playing on The Pier, incidentally where my grandparent's met at a dance before WW2. It was good to finally meet John Roberts and the rest of the Barking Spider team who were really friendly(what a great & friendly weekend I'd had) . I was joined on stage by John(spoons) and Pete(Jew's Harp) which went down great. I also met another musician from Portsmouth who is also called Dave Allen!
6th Aug, Festival fringe, The Florence, Evening http://webplus.barkingspider.abelgratis.com/cgi-bin/listings/listing.pl?list=festival I good gig in the afternoon meant I had brought a good crowd down with me to The Florence. This gig turned into a real party in the second set!
30th Aug, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Blandford, The Folk Tent, 4.30pm www.gdsf.co.uk/music.html My first visit to the Steam Fair was really exciting! What I loved about it was the great billowing smoke over the festival as I arrived. I performed before & after Bournemouth's favourite Cowpunk band Pronghorn, in the very large folk tent. Again I managed to break a few strings which lost me some momentum but I think I did pretty well to keep such a big (and fairly sober) room entertained all by myself.
31st Aug, The Green Dragon, Combe St. Nicholas, near Chard, 9pm Good to be back at the Green Dragon after my maiden trip here recently, friends from the Chard area turned up which certainly help swell the crowd.
Sep 2nd, The Royal Clarence, Seaton, 4pm-7pm Very quiet gig in Seaton, I think the Napoli & the bad summer weather has really effected trade in Seaton this year. I was joined by Fred. I was really flying on the banjo by the second set.
Sep 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Back to the Boot again, not the busiest of nights for whatever reason, this could of been a really enjoyable gig with a small and receptive audience if it hadn't of been for a really noisy table at the front, who I really should of given a hard time, still they did leave 30mins before the end.
Sep 7th, The Marine Theatre Lyme Regis, Supporting Nimomashtic, 8pm www.marinetheatre.com Cancelled This gig was cancelled due to very low ticket sales. I still went and played in the theatre bar for a short spot attended by friends of the theatre. The theatre organisers were really friendly & supportive so I might still get another spot in The Theatre at Lyme at a later date. Nimomashtic were a very colourful group of walkers & musicians.
Sep 8th, The Pound Inn, Coxley, Near Wells, 9pm Always good to visit Terry and the other kind folk at the Pound Inn.
Sep 9th, The Hare & Hounds, Waytown, Near Bridport, 3pm-7pm This was a very pleasant gig in a very scenic garden. It was nice to see some old friends from Beaminster. If ever your in the Bridport area I can recommend The Hare & Hounds, especially on a nice day for a delicious & refreshing pear cider.
Sep 12th, The Boileroom, Guildford www.theboileroom.net/ Unfortunately England were playing a big football match on this night so the turn out was fairly disappointing. The small crowd that were at The Boileroom were very appreciative. This is a really nicely put together venue so hopefully I'll get to have another crack at it soon.
Sep 14th, The New Inn, Tresco, The Isles Of Scilly, 9pm This was a really enjoyable visit as I was accompanied by my family and had more time to explore the Island than when I first visited Tresco in July. We spotted bird spotter Bill Oddie! He seemed to go to bed before I performed, but I as I was setting up he tried to slip through the pub to the loos, I was the only one who saw him trip over a step and just save himself from landing on his face! Perhaps he should return to comedy.
The gig itself was almost as raucous and s(c)illy as last time. One young lady came up to me about half an hour into the gig after she had been dancing with friends and complained that everyone else was too scared to dance. I knew this not to be the case, after last time, they just needed one more pint! I announced the ladies observations and the dance floor filled, so I guess she did me a favour although she seemed to get the hump after that. The locals requested Irish favourites which I dutifully performed with a slight grumble as I wanted to practise my bluegrass for the coming festival.
Sep 15th, The Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, times TBC,Hendra Holiday Park www.cornishbluegrass.co.uk This was my first performance at a bluegrass festival and it was an absolute thrill. There was lots of great bands to enjoy including, to name a few Cages Bend (U.S.A), Four Wheel Drive (Holland, Belgium & Germany), banjo whizz Johnny Button & The Thunderbridge Bluegrass boys. There were bluegrass sessions, stalls and the excellent Hendra holiday camp to enjoy. I performed about 9pm on Saturday night and it was quite an experience as it was a full house and there were excellent bands on before & after me. I think the excitement brought the best out of me I went down really well despite a few tuning problems. I was only due to perform for 40 minutes and as they were running a little late I was expecting to be cut short but they let me play for over an hour in the end. I didn't realise this at the time so I was beginning to think that time was going wobbly! So when I did get asked to play an encore I declined as I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed & I was anxious to get my equipment off the stage so I didn't delay things any further. Also in my mind was that the last time a did a big show I managed to temporarily lose all my microphones. Back stage was mayhem as there were loads of musicians due on stage, and I managed to spread all my kit in all the dark corners & hide my banjo mike from myself, for quite some time, so I never got to sell any CD straight after the show like the bands were doing. Despite all this the organisers told me I had been "a hit" which felt great. I enjoyed the rest of the show and some people were still picking in the courtyard three o'clock in the morning. I had a very enjoyable time winding down and chatting to a few friends, particularly a couple I met Rich & Jules who entertained me with busking stories and cat tales(tails?).
Sunday was a beautiful day even though the weather did look decidedly dicey at times. I got to perform again in the courtyard and I sold the CD's (thanks to Judith who kindly sold them for me as I was pickin') I guess I would of sold on Saturday if I had been more together. I even sold two of my new CD's which is not even finished yet! Johnny Button who broke the world banjo speed record on Saturday came and jammed with me which was incredible. Banjo heaven, two banjo's what a sound! I was speechless with delight. This was a dream finish to what has been a very enjoyable summer. I feel really invigorated as perhaps there is after all a chance that I might of started to break into a scene, which is what I have been working so hard towards. Still it's back to the faithful old pub circuit for now. I think I might need to do some busking first just to put my feet back on the ground, hopefully somebody will tell me to "get a real job" like they have in the past.
Sep 20th, The Platform, Dock Gate 4, Ocean Village, 9pm Really good to back at The Platform Tavern, arrived early to sample the new fish restaurant which is now attached to The Platform. I enjoyed a wonderful bass fillet with all the trimmings! The gig went well even if I did have some loud talking in the front. Some of my previous gigs here have been mired by some unreasonably loud chatter right next to me, and I had previously had a gig recently almost ruined at The Boot by the same thing. This time I dealt with the problem head on: by stopping and asking the culprit head on to quieten down on the mike (after a few ignored hints) and low and behold I got some joy, so hopefully this will be a new start and a new way with coping with a problem audience member. Even though I'm sure this won't work on every occasion certainly not on some of the thick skinned, music dead idiots I sometimes have to deal with. I think I might of just been a bit too flush & full of myself after the success of The Bluegrass Festival, but on the other hand this is something I've got to try to deal with.
Sep 22nd, The Anchor Inn, Swange, 9.30pm http://anchorinnswanage.com/ Another good night at The Anchor, not as busy as some of my previous visits but Stuart still insisted I play on till 1am, phew! At least I've got a break for a few days after this. My friend Paddy very kindly, joined me on banjo for a few numbers and helped keep me going: good fun.
Sep 28th, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm This gig was pretty irritating to begin with as over half the pub was watching England play rugby on the T.V. beside me. I played a very long version and slightly sarcastic version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot, which was largely ignored! The second set once the rugby had finished was much better.
Sep 29th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Fred joined me on bass and bones for this night, but unfortunately this was one of those nights when we just didn't jell at all well. Fred, bless him, does very well to play at all as he is well into his seventies. I always enjoy his company and sometimes he can play very well, but sometimes he is a bit erratic, particularly if I'm not completely on top of my game. The second set (Fred had a rest) went much better.
Sep 30th The Axminster Inn, Axminster, 4pm-6pm This gig was great! Pleasantly surprised by the set up in The Axminster Inn, its recently been rejuvenated, and it has been done well. I good crowd turned out and showed that I've still good a small following in the Axminster area. All the people who were perhaps too scared to turn up to watch me in The George did. The gig was going really well and a few of the locals were really making me laugh by doing some very amusing dancing.
Then suddenly this bloke popped his head round the corner with a very large T.V. camera, and a girl with a rather large microphone. I've had some very disheartening experiences with T.V. people filming before so I pointed out to them that they didn't have permission to film but they kept filming anyway. Got to the end of the gig and the sound girl said that they were filming for Channel 4, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall. I must admit that I am a fan of Hugh but even so when she presumptuously said "so we have your permission to broadcast?" I said no. To be continued...
Sep 30th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.30pm It had already been a very busy and eventful weekend and by the time I got to The Three Compasses I was tired, but fortunately I was on great form, and there was a good crowd. Probably the best gig I've ever played here, and there's been many.
Oct 1st, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm I thought this gig was going the same way as the last in Boot when I got a large group of youngsters at the front table again. But actually despite a little mickey taking(fair enough!) they actually turned out to be a very receptive if boisterous group. The rest of the pub joined in with the happy atmosphere and I must say this was probably the best night I've had in the Boot. Mind you my friend Bob summed the night up best when he said he'd "never seen so many drunk people in a pub". And on a Monday night as well.
Oct 2nd, Little Johnny Russell's, Southsea, 8pm www.littlejohnnyrussells.com First time to Johnny Russell's. It's been quite a while since a played such a a large pub in a "city" centre. I really enjoyed the raucous atmosphere, and the two acts who supported me.
Oct 4th, The Dolphin, Soton, 9pm Great to be back at The Dolphin, but I'm sure we'll go from strength to strength, now were back up and running. It was great to see Chris, Sandy &Nicky.
Oct 5th, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 8pm http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=117822186 This was a mega busy night, I shared the bill with a great band who played on junk.
Oct 6th, Chickenstock, Axminster Square, Possible Appearance on Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's Channel 4 series, 11am After all the fuss I made when his camera crew turned up to my gig amazingly I was invited & paid to play in Axminster for Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall who was recording his new TV series. This all seemed to go reasonably well. The whole programme was about free-range chicken. I have had an idea in my mind for sometime about recording a special chicken album so this may be the catalyst that get's that idea done.
Oct 10th, The William Corbett, Farnham, 9pm Good to be back at The Corbett another great night.
Oct 12th, The Royal Oak, Gorley, 9pm First visit to The Royal Oak. A lot of characters in here, men dancing with each other for one! Broke a record eight strings but still managed to keep things going enough for the landlord to book me for the first Friday of every month starting in January 2008.
Oct 13th, The London Tavern, Poulner, Ringwood, 9pm Arrived at The London Tavern to find the place had been totally "rejuvenated" it was quite a shock! I liked it the way it was to be honest. Never the less it's the people that make the place and tonight as ever it was a great crowd at The London Tavern with lots of boozing, cheering & dancing.
Oct 19th, The Coach & Horses, Winterbourne Abbas, Near Dorchester, 9pm First visit to The Coach & Horses and it went fine. Quite a few familiar faces, some real blasts from the past also! Other than the Three Compasses I haven't actually played around Dorchester for some time.
Oct 21st, The Duke Of Cornwall, Weymouth, 4pm-8pm First gig at The Duke of Cornwall not the the busiest of gigs but I really liked the pub. I think this pub is potentially a great spot for me.
Oct 28th, Bournemouth Folk Club, Centre Stage, 8pm, www.bournemouthfolkclub.com Oh I really enjoyed this gig it was an absolute pleasure. Support was provided by my friends: Pete Reid (Vocals & guitar) Guitar , Simon Stanley Ward of Black Bart(Vocals & Guitar) from Black Bart, Cath Burke of Djambo(Mandolin Voice & Fiddle) & Paddy Mathlin(Voice & Banjo) this was fantastic. I really enjoy playing to a very attentive & receptive crowd it all seemed to go down very well. I video this gig so watch this space for footage. There was talk by Paul the organiser that I would be asked to return within six month a year. Can't wait.
Nov 1st, The Dolphin, Soton, 9pm Hurray! The Dolphin is well and truly up and running now this gig was really well supported, it was as we'd never stopped!
Nov 2nd, The Coaver Club, Exeter, 9pm Not as quiet as the first time I played the Coaver Club but still not quiet busy enough perhaps. Still the folks who were here seemed to enjoy the gig. My friend, & one of the organisers down at the Coaver Club Ray Hodgins requested blues so I obliged with a glut of blues in the second set. It was great also to see my friends John, & Barbara.
Nov 3rd, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm, Dave's Brand New Electric Blues Band! http://anchorinnswanage.com/ First outing for my electric band. It all went pretty swimmingly, Dave Saunders on bass, Graham V. Bundy on drums except for repeatedly being asked to turn down: I didn't know that The Anchor had had noise complaints. This gig was recorded, and we have been busily worked away on a studio CD, so again watch this space. I think the Beach & Barnicott gig we have soon is going to be very interesting.
Nov 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This was a stonkin' & steamingly busy bunfire night bash, described by my friend Bob as my best performance down at the The Boot.
Nov 10th, The Moorings, Alderney, 9pm This was another mega gig on Alderney, great venue one of the most scenic gigs I've played. Still it was dark by the time I got on. Approx 150 islanders young & old had payed £5 a head for the privilege (they don't get that many bands travelling to the Island) and they really enjoyed themselves despite a few technically difficulties which meant the whole gig was a bit banjo heavy, but nobody seemed to mind. There was plenty of boozing and writhing about. At one point during the Drunken Sailor a gentleman collapsed through over consumption of alcohol, he was surrounded by a hoard of similarly drunken helpers who eventfully helped him onto a chair, and then proceeded to dance around him pointing & singing the line "What shall we do with The Drunken Sailor!" at him, while he gave a wry smile with dull eyes!
Nov 11th, The Coronation Inn, Alderney, 12.30am Up bright & early for another excellent session down at The Cory. Very busy, lots of singing and clapping along and generally a jolly good jolly up. What a great weekend! Thanks to Phil & Jake from Scratch Ci for the loan of the guitar & P.A. & Derek blues harp man for the loan of P.A. Saturday night. Thanks to Mark & Helen for organising everything again and being such congenial hosts. Special thanks to Mark for my first experience of a sleepwalker: "I've come for you and your banjo!" approx 5am.
Nov 16th, The White Swan, Swanage, 9pm Cancelled due to double booking by venue.
Nov 22nd, The Sunray Folk Club, Broadmayne Village Hall, 8.15pm, www.bobkirkpatrick.co.uk/sunrayfolkclub.htm A very pleasant evening of folk music. Broadmayne Village Hall is a new venue for the club which was previously based in the Sunray, Osmington. I took some video footage of this performance which shall eventfully make it's way here, so watch this space.
Nov 23rd, The Ropemakers, Bridport, 9pm First Stompin' gig at the Ropemakers. I played here once before with Dablues a few years ago. This gig seemed to go swimmingly well. My friends Pete & Carol, took some video of this performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB7nIIdpp4A
Nov 24th, The Kings Arms, Stockland, 9.30pm First time back at The Kings Arms, for a long time. The old landlord who stopped music a couple of years ago has now left.
Nov 25th, The Duke Of Cornwall, Weymouth, 4pm-8pm Turned up to find that the venue had been double booked! I received half my money mind and got an early night. Just my luck at the moment! I see also that next years bluegrass festival in Cornwall, which was my favourite gig last year has been cancelled as well. That's three in a week or so what with the mix up at White Swan, ghee!
Nov 28th, Britian's Got Talent Audition, The Birmingham Hippodrome,12am Travelled up to Birmingham to audition. An amazing experience, there was thousand of people in the queue luckily I got called up quickly! Just have to wait and see if I get the call to go further!
Nov 28th, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 8.30pm, Dave's Brand New Electric Blues Band! Second gig for the new band went swimmingly well, a fair few in the audience they seemed to really enjoy the band.
Nov 30th, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm Not the busiest of gigs, at The Anchor Inn again I stepped in the last minute as Stuart the landlord had had a band cancel.
Dec 1st, The Woodman Bridport, 9pm Always enjoy playing at The Woodman. We decided to move the performance area out from the corner and into the centre of the pub and it worked really well so enjoy the gig even more!
Dec 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Always good to be in The Boot Inn. I didn't feel my best this night though to be honest and sure enough I went down with the flu.
Dec 6th, The Dolphin, Soton, 9pm Cancelled Still feeling awfull so Chris & Sandy agreed to cancel the gig, which was a shame as it felt like the Dolphin was well and truly back in action last month. Still I'm sure 2008 will be a great year at The Dolphin, fingers crossed.
Dec 8th, The New Inn, Tresco, The Isles Of Scilly, 9pm feeling better but still getting over my cold but this very pleasant trio over to the beautiful Scilly Isles, by the time I'd done the gig I almost felt human.
Dec 11th, Little Johnny Russell's, Southsea, 9pm www.littlejohnnyrussells.com This was my last gig before Christmas and it was an absolute stonker. Really busy pub, appreciative audience, they even sang also to my banjo breakdown version of Jingle Bells with me!
Dec 28th, The Coach & Horses, Winterborne Abbas, 9pm First gig of the year after a nice long and well earned rest. I'm sure the floor was closer to the ground when I bend over before Christmas.
Dec 30th, Eyre Court, Seaton, 4pm till 7pm New management at Eyre Court. A very enjoyable afternoons stompin.
Dec 31st, The Green Dragon, Chard, 9pm New Years eve. This was a busy although not stupidly busy as I have experienced on some previous job's on New Years Eve. This was a great night the audience were very appreciative, even if they were a bit reluctant to dance at first. I find everyone always relaxes on New Years Eve once we have had the chimes. And sure enough after midnight things got really lively and the room was dancing which was great fun. I was still stompin' gone 1.30am!
2008
Jan 2nd, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm First gig of the year and although The William Cobbett wasn't as busy as usual this was a very enjoyable night.
Jan 3rd, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Always a pleasure to visit Chris & Sandy at The Dolphin, again not the busiest of nights I think everyone is still recovering from the festive season.
Jan 4th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm This is a very pleasant pub to visit and this is the beginning of a regular first Friday of the month spot here at the Royal Oak. I hope this is going to be successful.
Jan 5th, The Bell Inn, Creech St. Michael, Near Taunton, 9pm Again unfortunately not the busiest of gigs but still a very enjoyable evening. Sad to hear that it looks like landlord Allen will probably be moving on.
Jan 6th, The Axminster Inn, Axminster, 4pm till 6pm Back to the Axminster Inn, not quite as wild as the last gig here but a very enjoyable afternoon once again.
Jan 7th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This was a remarkable gig mainly because of the antics of bar manager Robin, his dancing was something amazing to behold. He then proceeded to knock over my mike stand, stopping mew from playing and then fall on to the chair I had next to me. From a seated position upon the chair, I tried to help him up onto his feet but unfortunately he had the wind taken out |
