Out And About In The Midlands

Went to two new venues last night after driving up to Manchester to pick Mark Bicknell up we landed at my place about 7.30pm just enough time for me to have a quick shower and Mark to empty my fridge of its weeks supply of beer,after a tough week for Mark I knew he was back on form, next time he waits in the car ( I should know better).

Well on to the first venue at Fishley Park near Pelsall ( Walsall ) run by Martin Bradley, Paul and I didnt catch the other fellas name but nice guy. These lads ran Lea Manor nr Wolverhampton, But this was not a modern event how could it be with Rob Smith, Dave (I wont even say the word Modern) Rimmer and Mark Bicknell as the Guest line up. With all new venues as a promoter you worry will people come, well they did, around 150 ish not bad for a first night lots of local faces came out to lend their support Phil from the Station, Blue Max ( hes got a best selling book in him) Kenny Onions who kept me amused all night with tales of John Weston, Gary Hollyman, Kiddo and Wendy so a lot of the local faces turned out to support this event.

The Djs all played stroming sets and as I said before Mr B was back on form, every 5 mins a could see a long chubby arm wave an empty beer bottle at me this being my que to get my ass to the bar for his refill( anyone would think that I worked for him). We all ask the question is there room for another Soul night with so much going on, the answer is easy its a big fat YES well done lads cracking venue cracking night.

We left Fishley Park around midnight to head for the New All-Nighter in Birmingham, now I never want to see anyone fail so when I say this please dont read this the wrong way, when I heard a few months ago that Roly Ferguson and Ged Parker were going to put a Nighter on in Birmingham I thought It will never work reason being Brum has never had a strong soul history, that said I cant knock them for trying, well its based at UCE on Moor Lane just off jct 7 M6 the night just did not work for me they had two rooms the problem being the music from the modern room could be heard in the main room, so spent most of the night hearing modern in my left hear and northern in my right, the DJs in the main room did a good job Neil Ruston doing what I think he does best and he wont thank me for saying this but the guy is still a top Northern jock even though he spents most of his time now days pushing forward with soulful house.

Dave Rimmer,Mace and Rob Smith all kept the dance floor busy. Not enough people there to make the venue pay and I am not convinced Birmingham is the right place for a All-Nighter and I really mean this I hope they prove me wrong and Roly and Ged if you are willing to try again then I for one am willing to support you again and urge other folk to do the same.