Stockport Ukrainian Club

The much anticipated 5th Anniversary of what is colloquially and affectionately known as Dodgers Soul Do’s. Did not disappoint. The great and the good of Stockport’s burgeoning Soul community descended on the Stockport Ukrainian club for a celebratory gathering. And enjoy Classic Northern Soul with a sprinkling of lesser known delights, all spun by great DJ’s.

A full house with many old friends and familiar faces made for warm and welcoming ambience. This coupled with great music generated a vibrant atmosphere and a busy dance floor.

We arrived relatively early, Gavin Bates was on the decks playing some great tunes, including The Ambassadors and the timeless Judy Freeman.

Next up was Neil Higson, playing a real mix, including some more obscure tracks. He played the under- appreciated and rarely played Donnie Elbert “Along Came Pride”. His set concluding with the big sound of C. L Blast.

Billy Mailey graced the stage next with some real quality and instantly filling the dance floor. Some classic sounds: John Bowie and the Servicemen “Sweet Magic”.  The Trends “If You Don’t Dig the Blues”, if there was a monthly top 20 sound based on plays, this must be close to the current number 1.  Mixing things up nicely with Drizabone “Pressure”.

Paul Kidd (Kidda) knows his audience and played a typically fabulous set. Kicking off with Ritchie Adams and including Vickie Baines and the Ascots. He played a real marmite record, which I personally adore, Garry Garnett “Have You Heard the News”. For those that have loved and lost this is particularly poignant. Kidda concluded his set with the magical Mark Lloyd “When I’m Gonna find Her”.

It was left to the man himself, Dodger to take the last hour. He played a real dancer in Jesse Johnson “Left Out”, a nice melody of 70’s crossover including Larry Houston and the Spinners “I’ll be Around”. The evening was over all too soon with the closing track, Gwen McRae “Lead me On”.

This event was my port of call this weekend

It was a small event with a big heart. The moment I walked into the room I saw that it was well attended and to hear tunes unknown to me. This theme continued for most of the night, there some of the top 500 played, but in general it was an education. Added to which the floor itself was good and a joy to do some moves on.

The room was just the right size not to be intimidating, so ideal for somebody who wants to be educated with rarely played tunes and to do some moves.