Ashton Ukrainian Club 8th Anniversary

This was the 8th Anniversary of this stellar event. Where has all that time gone? The Ashton faithful were in attendance, plus many return visitors and new faces. The event was packed very early with the devotees and the connoisseurs of our scene.

We arrived as Phil Dunn was playing Kelly Garett ‘Love is the Answer’, things started to warm up nicely with the classic sound of Frankie Karl and The Chevrons. Simon Ingham gave us 30 mins to light up the dance floor, kicking off with Donna Coleman, including The Masqueraders and thumping beat of Lenny Curtis.

Next up was Chris Churm, battling through an issue with one of the decks and ably assisted by Billy Mailey, while Simon went to fetch another deck. A minor hiccup, which did not lesson the quality or the impact of the music. The 70’s classic The Montclairs, still fills the dance floor. The polished sounds of Shirley Lawson, and the sublime Soul Communicators to name a few.

Guest: Pete Hollander gave us the alternate take to Sam Dees ‘Lonely for You Baby’, complete with count in and backing singers. The Mighty Popes version of Jesse James’ ‘If You Want a Love Affair.’ Followed by the ever popular Harvey Averne and the brilliant dancer by the Dramatics ‘Your Love is Strange’

Robbo rolled back the clock with some real crowd pleasers that had dance floor almost in party mood:  The Jelly Beans, Bill Bush, The Incredibles and the Stafford anthem by the Righteous Brothers, ‘It’s up to You’

Next guest was the renowned Mick H.  He didn’t disappoint, an awesome set, kicking off with El Anthony, The Honeybees, cross over excellence by the Imperial C’s. The standout for me being Detroit magic with Sharon McMann ‘Got to Find Another Guy’, an incredible track.

Simon Ingham on the decks for the final hour with an exceptional selection. Starting with the pleading vocals of Johnny Gilliam ‘Room Full of Tears’, Troy Dodds, Moses Smith ‘Let Me Love You’. The thumping R&B sound of Leo Price. And finally concluding a brilliant night with Simons’ cover up: The Exits ‘Girl if You Come Back to Me’.

Thanks to Chris and the team for pulling it altogether and making yet another memorable evening.

Ashton Ukrainian Club Saturday February 15th 8th Anniversary Celebration and boy did we celebrate!!!

I arrived fashionably late after a Family Birthday Meal, gutted to have missed Pete Hollander DJ Farewell set!! The place was heaving with the place full to the rafters. This is a short summary of the night, I'm sure Mike Roche will give a more in depth look and track listings later, it was all a bit of a blur, great to catch up with our good friends Ann Mundey + Tony Mundey. I even managed a few dances (more power to my Arthritic Knees) !!

Great to see the Rugby All Nighter team in attendance, Sian, Tom Romark hope you liked it!!

Robbo was on the decks when we arrived, with a full dance floor in sync with every tune, top man!!

Mick H took to the stage at 11pm an hour of pure quality, United Sounds, Sharon McMahon (gotta find another guy) Lee McKinney + The Magnetics "holding on" Buddy Smith "when you lose the one you love " WOWSER!!

Unfortunately Nicey Chris Churm didn't join Smashie Simon Ingham for the double deck finale set!! What a great last hour Johnny Gilliam "room full of tears" Johnny Rogers, Troy Dodds, Bobby Rich and many more, full dance floor to the final record !!

Once again thanks to The Ashton Faithful, once again turning out in force, it makes all the hard work so worth it!!

Keep your eye on here and Soul-Source for details of our March event with Roger Jenny Banks and Chris Penn as our guest DJs!!