Calling All Southern/south Coast Soulies

[Dave Morris]

Just found this thread.As promoter of the Bournemouth Uni nights I feel in my opinion that we have got the mix of music and dj's about right.We have a lovely small venue with a healthy crowd every couple of months.

We play anything from the 60's through to Y2K and all on original vinyl only.

What we're up against is other venues playing the same old oldies.Yes they may pack them in but are they all soulies.

We've been going for almost 4 years now and have slowly built up a loyal following.

Someone mentioned trying to get all the promoters together.Well good luck to you as we've tried and apart from two other venues they don't want to know.

Hope you're well Russ and have an enjoyable birthday.

Dave.

[Russ Vickers]

Just found this thread.As promoter of the Bournemouth Uni nights I feel in my opinion that we have got the mix of music and dj's about right.We have a lovely small venue with a healthy crowd every couple of months.

We play anything from the 60's through to Y2K and all on original vinyl only.

What we're up against is other venues playing the same old oldies.Yes they may pack them in but are they all soulies.

We've been going for almost 4 years now and have slowly built up a loyal following.

Someone mentioned trying to get all the promoters together.Well good luck to you as we've tried and apart from two other venues they don't want to know.

Hope you're well Russ and have an enjoyable birthday.

Dave.

Dave - Thanks for posting mate, I consider you one of the good guys buddy, keep on doin what ya doin, I wish I could attend more, as your policy is right up my strasse & I have mucho respect for ya & what ya doin against all the odds - its very nearly time for the balance to change again my friend & when it does you will be seen as one of the few that did the right thing - IMO if people dont earn the respect through co operation when promoting & just continue to self promote regardless - well, if & when the time comes they will be given the same as they gave, not sure if they'll take it quite as well tho'.......the 'handbagger' soul bubble will burst soon enough, mark my words mate.

Respect

Russ

[Dave Morris]

Dave - Thanks for posting mate, I consider you one of the good guys buddy, keep on doin what ya doin, I wish I could attend more, as your policy is right up my strasse & I have mucho respect for ya & what ya doin against all the odds - its very nearly time for the balance to change again my friend & when it does you will be seen as one of the few that did the right thing - IMO if people dont earn the respect through co operation when promoting & just continue to self promote regardless - well, if & when the time comes they will be given the same as they gave, not sure if they'll take it quite as well tho'.......the 'handbagger' soul bubble will burst soon enough, mark my words mate.

Respect

Russ

Thanks for the words of encouragment Russ.Much appreciated and to be honest I couldn't have done it without the backing of my partner and also from others who have given me the inspiration to try to move things on down here.

You all know who you are.

As for the 'handbagger' soul bubble quote you made..You aren't the first person to say that to me. :shhh:

Cheers

Dave

Edited November 11, 2011 by Dave Morris

[Russ Vickers]

Thanks for the words of encouragment Russ.Much appreciated and to be honest I couldn't have done it without the backing of my partner and also from others who have given me the inspiration to try to move things on down here.

You all know who you are.

As for the 'handbagger' soul bubble quote you made..You aren't the first person to say that to me. :shhh:

Cheers

Dave

Some folk have burnt thier bridges Dave - it will take some time to rebuild them - thats what happens when ya sell ya soul for a fast buck n a bit of short lived local glory.

BTW way, my last comment is not aimed at anyone in particular, just a general observation......

Best Russ

Edited November 11, 2011 by Russ Vickers

[Dave Morris]

Some folk have burnt thier bridges Dave - it will take some time to rebuild them - thats what happens when ya sell ya soul for a fast buck n a bit of short lived local glory.

BTW way, my last comment is not aimed at anyone in particular, just a general observation......

Best Russ

No problem about last comment.Fully understand.

[Guest]

Hi RUSS, happy bithday and welcome to the 50 plus brigade, well you'll be 50 plus tomorrow! (All the coolest people are 50 and over mate!)...OK, well it is a subject that has often filled my thoughts over the years and I am glad DAVE MORRIS has just contributed because he is a good example of a Promoter who does not feed his own ego and he deserves the support he gets for his events...Personally, I dont think there is any milage mate in the 'bring all the promoters' together concept, people invest a lot of time and energy into their own do's and as soon as the prospect of another event arises, there is an automatic impulse on behalf of a lot of people to get defensive...That's just human nature...The fact is there are too many do's RUSS and the culture has changed drastically since we first started going in the 70s mate..In those days in the South, if there was a do everybody did try and get there because there was not that many! It was a big thing then for a Northern do to take place and we appreciated them...At the Center Inn and when we used to do the West Indian Club, even on a Sunday night we used to get people travelling from all over Hampshire and from as far as Berkshire, for a do that ended at midnight and as ROGER SAINT reminded me at 'Brothers of Soul', used to stop at 10 pm right as it was always starting to heave for the weekly bloody meat draw! Imagine that at a do today!!

No, I still believe there is a gap in the market for a high quality, well organised premium Soul event, but it has to be sufficent of itself and offering something solid and different from the others...As regards the venue, I do not know what you have in mind yet, but I would agree with MOLDIE (and that does not happen often) and say looking to fill a 500 Souls hall is not going to happen, much as we'd love it too...Too many do's, peoples age factor, finances, boredom, politics, a whole host of reasons that combine to make a figure like that a touch unrealistic...250--280 is an attainable figure I believe if it was done in the right way...Location? Another hard one...I have thoughts on it but we all know what makes a good venue and taking the 100 Club and to risk sounding like a stuck record, places like the West Indian Club as a yardstick, it's those types of places that provide the best atmospherics...Piers are ok, but their day has gone in all truth, in the 70s there was a magic about them, nowadays, the do hardly ever lives up to the location and a more intimate environment is far likely to attract people - in my view - Now, DJ's and music policy, what would I do if I was sat in your shoes RUSS? Well, I would decide - for sure - that I want a one room venue in order to maximise atmosphere - and that is where the DJ'S come in...What you need is a highly experienced quartet of permanent Resident DJ'S and i mean not only DJ'S with years and years of experience but people with fantastic collections spanning the decades from which you could construct your music policy and develop an identifable 'mix' that would be unique and instantly synonymous with your venue...

I would conceive a 'collective' name for this group that would become one of the 'tags' associated with the event...As for who I would suggest....I would speak to DAVE GREET, SHAY, DAVE THORLEY and BOB POVEY from Bournemouth....GREETY did a fantastic set at LIFELINE, has immaculate taste as everybody knows and has records that cover the full spectrum... Although he is modest about it, he is most certainly one of the country's finest DJ's...He has rare stuff, classics and ittle known sides and could do a set anywhere in any company...If there is to be a prestigous event in the south, DAVE would surely to be one of the residents.....As for SHAY, he has a fantastic 70s/modern collection, the vast, vast bulk of which is never heard anywhere because most of the do's he gets booked for in the South require him to play Northern oldies...Of which he has a splendid array but you get my point, we have amazing collectors and DJ's down here whose stuff has still yet to be fully expoited...On the 70s side SHAY did a little sunday night about 9 years ago in a wine bar on the Avenue where he played nothing but 70s all night and it was awesome to behold mate....POVEY I would bring in to inject a bang up to date new release aspect, he is a man who is committed 100 per cent to a life spent assessing and listening to new black music releases via his successful BUMP AND HUSTLE set up in Bournemouth...But BOB also understands our scene, he knows exactly the type of tracks which could cross over and draw people onto our floors as was witnessed at my 50th birthday..(Which was just an excuse for a Soul event of course!)...Him and SHAY did a two hour double decking spot with POVEY dropping mainly new cuts and SHAY spinning 70s and the odd Northern classic...people loved it, it was a really original sounding set and the floor remained humming throughout with no walk off factor - that was because the DJ'S concerned were masters and they knew how to mix records in that would compliment each other no matter what decade they come from, the reason it fails so often is because you have DJ's who do not possess that level of musical taste and ability to truly and instinctively guage a floor......DAVE THORLEY is still on the scene, still collects and sells records and understands how you build a venue and the importance of defining your music policy and related factors...DAVE brings a wide taste in Soul music and a solid historical aspect...The man behind Stafford etc, etc...I would sit down with those guys and say...'This is what we want, sets from you guys that run from class 60s rareities, midtempo stuff etc, 70s corkers merging across into the absolute most Soulful of 80s, 90s new releases'...The details could be ironed out, whether it was going to be seperate flavoured spots as I did last time or whether you go for ATB on some spots...The important thing is to have a residential quartet that is not only highly respected but who are capable of crafting and mixing in sets which will define and evolve a distinctive 'sound'....I would encourage the DJ's to be pro-creative in the evolution of the music policy but I would not dismiss 'Oldies'...There is certainly a place for them in this mix, but the spectrum could be wider than a lot of venues and with the collections I am discussing, that would be no problem...

Regarding the rest of the Promoters, what I would do is say, this is not an attempt to compete with any of you, it is an attempt to bring together some of the finest and most experienced DJ'S the South can offer and provide an occasional, seasonal night with an exceptional residential line-up that everybody can enjoy...On top of the Residents, I would have one Guest DJ from the other promoters at every event...At my Birthday ALFIE LINNEY of Southampton Soul Club did the first hour and he did well...I would also have one other guest at each event...This person selected from the ranks of other DJ's based in the south....It should be a totally southern based DJ line up, thus establishing the identity further...You and I both know there are enough people with quality collections to fill these spots, without resorting to bringing down people from the midlands and North...Those spots would rotate and it would show goodwill and inclusion for everybody...RUSS, I would only do three of these a year...That way they would be special and people would look forward to them...It would also hopefully then be possible to put them on and minimise 'clashing' aspects and I would certainly contact the other Promoters in order to try and achieve that...

Times....Again, much as I love Niters, I think that this type of event would flourish with a finishing time around 2-3...If people were going to travel from across the south, most of them will not stay for a late finish and the fact is the 100 Club and other events cater for the hardened souls who still want to stay up hammering it until breakfast...8-3 would be the desirable time scale...Advertisisng such an event and defining it's musical policy via advertising are details that would have to be worked on, but I think that inclusive factor of something for everybody - but all high quality - is the elusive but I believe attainable factor....

Amazing how we retain such faith after all these years...

All the best, enjoy what is left of your day, I have also PM'd you about this...

Edited November 11, 2011 by rich chorley

[Guest]

Hi RUSS, happy bithday and welcome to the 50 plus brigade, well you'll be 50 plus tomorrow! (All the coolest people are 50 and over mate!)...OK, well it is a subject that has often filled my thoughts over the years and I am glad DAVE MORRIS has just contributed because he is a good example of a Promoter who does not feed his own ego and he deserves the support he gets for his events...Personally, I dont think there is any milage mate in the 'bring all the promoters' together concept, people invest a lot of time and energy into their own do's and as soon as the prospect of another event arises, there is an automatic impulse on behalf of a lot of people to get defensive...That's just human nature...The fact is there are too many do's RUSS and the culture has changed drastically since we first started going in the 70s mate..In those days in the South, if there was a do everybody did try and get there because there was not that many! It was a big thing then for a Northern do to take place and we appreciated them...At the Center Inn and when we used to do the West Indian Club, even on a Sunday night we used to get people travelling from all over Hampshire and from as far as Berkshire, for a do that ended at midnight and as ROGER SAINT reminded me at 'Brothers of Soul', used to stop at 10 pm right as it was always starting to heave for the weekly bloody meat draw! Imagine that at a do today!!

No, I still believe there is a gap in the market for a high quality, well organised premium Soul event, but it has to be sufficent of itself and offering something solid and different from the others...As regards the venue, I do not know what you have in mind yet, but I would agree with MOLDIE (and that does not happen often) and say looking to fill a 500 Souls hall is not going to happen, much as we'd love it too...Too many do's, peoples age factor, finances, boredom, politics, a whole host of reasons that combine to make a figure like that a touch unrealistic...250--280 is an attainable figure I believe if it was done in the right way...Location? Another hard one...I have thoughts on it but we all know what makes a good venue and taking the 100 Club and to risk sounding like a stuck record, places like the West Indian Club as a yardstick, it's those types of places that provide the best atmospherics...Piers are ok, but their day has gone in all truth, in the 70s there was a magic about them, nowadays, the do hardly ever lives up to the location and a more intimate environment is far likely to attract people - in my view - Now, DJ's and music policy, what would I do if I was sat in your shoes RUSS? Well, I would decide - for sure - that I want a one room venue in order to maximise atmosphere - and that is where the DJ'S come in...What you need is a highly experienced quartet of permanent Resident DJ'S and i mean not only DJ'S with years and years of experience but people with fantastic collections spanning the decades from which you could construct your music policy and develop an identifable 'mix' that would be unique and instantly synonymous with your venue... I would conceive a 'colective' name for this group that would become one of the 'tags' associated with the event...As for who I would suggest....I would speak to DAVE GREET, SHAY, DAVE THORLEY and BOB POVEY from Bournemouth....GREETY did a fantastic set at LIFELINE, has immaculate taste as everybody knows and has records that cover the full spectrum... Although he is modest about it, he is most certainly one of the countries finest DJ's...He has rare stuff, classics, little known sides and could do a set anywhere in any company, if there is to be a prestigous event in the south, DAVE would surely to be one of the residents.....As for SHAY, he has a fantastic 70s/modern collection, the vast, vast bulk of which is never heard anywhere because most of the do's he gets booked for in the South require him to play Northern oldies...Of which he has a splendid array but you get my point, we have amazing collectors and DJ's down here whose stuff has still yet to be fully expoited, on the 70s side SHAY did a little sunday night about 9 years ago in a wine bar on the Avenue where he played nothing but 70s all night and it was awesome to behold mate....POVEY I would bring in to inject a bang up to date new release aspect, he is a man who is committed 100 per cent to a life spent assessing and listening to new black music releases via his successful BUMP AND HUSTLE set up in Bournemouth...But BOB also understands our scene, he knows exactly the type of tracks which could cross over and draw people onto our floors as was witnessed at my 50th birthday..(Which was just an excuse for a Soul event of course!)...Him and SHAY did a two hour double decking spot with POVEY dropping mainly new cuts and SHAY spinning 70s and the odd Northern classic...people loved it, it was a really original sounding set and the floor remained humming throughout with no walk off factor - that was because the DJ'S concerned were masters and they knew how to mix records in that would compliment each other no matter what decade they come from, the reason it fails so often is because you have DJ's who do not possess that level of musical taste and ability to truly and instinctively guage a floor......DAVE THORLEY is still on the scene, still collects and sells records and understands how you build a venue and the importance of defining your music policy and related factors...DAVE brings a wide taste in Soul music and a solid historical aspect...The man behind Stafford etc, etc...I would sit down with those guys and say...'This is what we want, sets from you guys that run from class 60s rareities, midtempo stuff etc, 70s corkers merging across into the absolute most Soulful of 80s, 90s new releases'...The details could be ironed out, whether it was going to be seperate flavoured spots as I did last time or whether you go for ATB on some spots...The important thing is to have a residential quartet that is not only highly respected but who are capable of crafting and mixing in sets which will define and evolve a distinctive 'sound'....I would encourage the DJ's to be pro-creative in the evolution of the music policy but I would not dismiss 'Oldies'...There is certainly a place for them in this mix, but the spectrum could be wider than a lot of venues and with the collections I am discussing, that would be no problem...

Regarding the rest of the Promoters, what I would do is say, this is not an attempt to compete with any of you, it is an attempt to bring together some of the finest and most experienced DJ'S the South can offer and provide an occasional, seasonal night with an exceptional residential line-up that everybody can enjoy...On top of the Residents, I would have one Guest DJ from the other promoters at every event...At my Birthday ALFIE LINNEY of Southampton Soul Club did the first hour and he did well...I would also have one other guest at each event...This person selected from the ranks of other DJ's based in the south....It should be a totally southern based DJ line up, thus establishing the identity further...You and I both know there are enough people with quality collections to fill these spots, without resorting to bringing down people from the midlands and North...Those spots would rotate and it would show goodwill and inclusion for everybody...RUSS, I would only do three of these a year...That way they would be special and people would look forward to them...It would also hopefully then be possible to put them on and minimise 'clashing' aspects and I would certainly contact the other Promoters in order to try and achieve that...

Times....Again, much as I love Niters, I think that this type of event would flourish with a finishing time around 2-3...If people were going to travel from across the south, most of them will not stay for a late finish and the fact is the 100 Club and other events cater for the hardened souls who still want to stay up hammering it until breakfast...8-3 would be the desirable time scale...Advertisisng such an event and defining it's musical policy via advertising are details that would have to be worked on, but I think that inclusive factor of something for everybody - but all high quality - is the elusive but I believe attainable factor....

Amazing how we retain such faith after all these years...

All the best, enjoy what is left of your day, I have also PM'd you about this...

there ya go ... i'm excited already and ready to travel up for that . Shay, Povey and co ... too right i'd be up there, this sounds like a night NOT to be missed

[Guest gordon russell]

hard one this RUSS....for me it depends.....my fav place by a country mile because of it,s music policy and the special people that it attracts.....love to have the crac,talk bollox,bit of a dance all in an upbeat vibe....in short perfect night out.

However go to other places where my kinda people go, where they're at takes precident over the music (just ) generally because although these venues play some great music they fall down on the vibe front.

Lastly occasionally go to venues where none of the above fit.....l know mad!!!.......sad thing is there are more that do this than the above. Also love club soul nights now and then ...reason to hear all the great old sounds (saphires,elgins,little hank ect ect) that l don,t wanna hear at nighters.

Give me a promoter that truely cares who picks his dj,s carefully for his club.....if it,s what l like we,ll be there.....tezza

generally....these are to be found..............ooooop norf except the soul nights stewartby......and we all went to the howard mallett reunion and had a ball

Edited November 11, 2011 by gordon russell

[Guest]

If I were to venture South I would want one room, an allnighter with DJ's of good calibre that play rare/underplayed but no real modern stuff. Including my new love, Funky Soul. That said, there's already enough venues doing that for me around the country and as you know, the travelling isn't something that puts me off.

[Guest]

If I were to venture South I would want one room, an allnighter with DJ's of good calibre that play rare/underplayed but no real modern stuff. Including my new love, Funky Soul. That said, there's already enough venues doing that for me around the country and as you know, the travelling isn't something that puts me off.

I am not being confrontational but didn't you not say - quite definitively - after the 'Soul in the South' 'RARE AND UNDERPLAYED ALLNIGHTER' that you did not think there was scope for a niter like that in the south, yet what you have just prescribed is exactly that...And there are actually venues down here already playing that type of stuff... I am not convinced a Niter of any description other than the 100 club could be sustained, so the idea I have come up with is for what I think might work given that a lot of people down here do like modern stuff as well as 60s...

Edited November 11, 2011 by rich chorley

[Oldfeet]

Only speaking for myself but I can't think of a 'soul night' or an 'all nighter' in the South that would be a 'must attend' event no matter who was DJ'ing or what the musical policy was, the closest would be Alfie's annual Southampton All Dayer. The biggest reason for me is that with todays transport links I can be in London in an hour and Manchester is just a 4 hour drive so I can already listen to the best DJ's at great clubs with wonderful atmosphere and brilliant tunes.

On the other hand the closest to a new 'must attend' event in the South that would get me 'excited' would probably be a weekender. Perhaps a Friday night to Sunday morning event, that would give the best DJ's from the South three maybe four sessions to 'wow' us and mix up the music 'genres' and plenty of time to chat with friends old and hopefully new ones as well. (With the added bonus that whether it was an hotel or a holiday camp it means my bed is closer when I finally crash lol)

Again the sort of thing that would make it a must attend for me would be a 'meet & greet' of an artist or producer that has had an outstanding contribution to the music we love so much.

[Guest]

Only speaking for myself but I can't think of a 'soul night' or an 'all nighter' in the South that would be a 'must attend' event no matter who was DJ'ing or what the musical policy was, the closest would be Alfie's annual Southampton All Dayer. The biggest reason for me is that with todays transport links I can be in London in an hour and Manchester is just a 4 hour drive so I can already listen to the best DJ's at great clubs with wonderful atmosphere and brilliant tunes.

On the other hand the closest to a new 'must attend' event in the South that would get me 'excited' would probably be a weekender. Perhaps a Friday night to Sunday morning event, that would give the best DJ's from the South three maybe four sessions to 'wow' us and mix up the music 'genres' and plenty of time to chat with friends old and hopefully new ones as well. (With the added bonus that whether it was an hotel or a holiday camp it means my bed is closer when I finally crash lol)

Again the sort of thing that would make it a must attend for me would be a 'meet & greet' of an artist or producer that has had an outstanding contribution to the music we love so much.

Fair enough...But firstly why should an area like the South not make an effort to hold a bi-monthly special Soul event when there are literally hundreds and hundreds of Soul fans down here who most certainly do not travel North regularly? You might personally take advantage of those links and fair play to you - but it's a time consuming business all the same and costs money in petrol, sometimes hotels and train fares etc...A lot of people, especially those with kids are not up for that anymore and in truth, quite a few of the people on the Soul scene in the south these days have never, ever travelled regularly to the North..

You make reference to an event promoted by a mate of mine but I am not going to comment on that or any other event, they all hold a purpose to a particular section of the overall audience....What I will say is RUSS will go with what he sees fit, but I certainly do not think there is a big event anywhere in the south - music policy - like the type I have described...

Lastly, hang on a minute, a bloody weekender and flying in artists from the USA ETC, ETC!!! That's somewhat of a jump, particularly in costs mate! And I am sure if somebody was to put on one - and take an almighty risk on the finance - there would immediately be people coming on here and going 'What do we want a weekender in the south when we have so many in the North and the Midlands and in Europe already?'...

I believe at the last count that there are 93 weekenders of one sort of another around Britain and Europe now...Do we really need yet another one?...

Edited November 11, 2011 by rich chorley

[Johnmcc]

Last time I checked, London was down south.

December 10th, 100 Club, Butch and Andy Dyson.

Good enough for ya?

Yea but...........

[Russ Vickers]

Thank you, for some fantastic comments people, I'm absolutely taken aback by the level of passion in some of these posts, something I thought may have been lost some what on the South Coast of late......I need to read through this stuff properly as there is a lot of food for thought here my friends......thank you all so much for taking this thread in the spirit it was intended & running with it......f*ck me, I feel inspired !!!.

Best Russ

[Guest]

Last time I checked, London was down south.

December 10th, 100 Club, Butch and Andy Dyson.

Good enough for ya?

Yea but...........

Times....Again, much as I love Niters, I think that this type of event would flourish with a finishing time around 2-3...If people were going to travel from across the south, most of them will not stay for a late finish and the fact is the 100 Club and other events cater for the hardened souls who still want to stay up hammering it until breakfast...8-3 would be the desirable time scale...Advertisisng such an event and defining it's musical policy via advertising are details that would have to be worked on, but I think that inclusive factor of something for everybody - but all high quality - is the elusive but I believe attainable factor....

'Oh I did not read that bit....'

[Guest souldjer 1]

plymouth soulie through and through.id rather drive to new century or kings hall than drive from plymouth to bournemouth/southampton.terrible roads thats all.

we still travel all them miles for the so many reasons...the banter on the way up,meeting friends in far away places,wondering whos gonna be there we havnt seen for ages..our soul family scattered along the M5/M6.

LIVING THE DREAM(STILL)

nowadays we will be very picky in where we go..fuel prices killing us.

the old J11/9 lads do a great weekender every year in torquay.

gloucester allniter superb

pete n cathy lyster at bridgewater 10yrs

newquay weekenders,superb all round except the dancefloor is pants.

exeter is sadly missing

weston s/mare

barnstable just had a weekender/superb.

handbaggers have had a very negative effect on us/plymouth from attending events on south coast.

maybe we just love going up north...better vibe all round..dont f****n know what they sayin to us most of the time but we love it...

ohh bugger janner...

dicky(rich) has been going with us and friends from up north lately.

best nighter in the southwest in years was the YATE REUNION..

southwest djs a MUST for anything planned for me would be pete lyster ady heaney Dr pickles.

also the right venue..not nightclub.they are to flashy.

the right security helps to..dont have southern bouncers..

great topic russ.

deano

[Jez Jones]

plymouth soulie through and through.id rather drive to new century or kings hall than drive from plymouth to bournemouth/southampton.terrible roads thats all.

we still travel all them miles for the so many reasons...the banter on the way up,meeting friends in far away places,wondering whos gonna be there we havnt seen for ages..our soul family scattered along the M5/M6.

LIVING THE DREAM(STILL)

nowadays we will be very picky in where we go..fuel prices killing us.

the old J11/9 lads do a great weekender every year in torquay.

gloucester allniter superb

pete n cathy lyster at bridgewater 10yrs

newquay weekenders,superb all round except the dancefloor is pants.

exeter is sadly missing

weston s/mare

barnstable just had a weekender/superb.

handbaggers have had a very negative effect on us/plymouth from attending events on south coast.

maybe we just love going up north...better vibe all round..dont f****n know what they sayin to us most of the time but we love it...

ohh bugger janner...

dicky(rich) has been going with us and friends from up north lately.

best nighter in the southwest in years was the YATE REUNION..

southwest djs a MUST for anything planned for me would be pete lyster ady heaney Dr pickles.

also the right venue..not nightclub.they are to flashy.

the right security helps to..dont have southern bouncers..

great topic russ.

deano

sorry for jumpin in on this thread---but pmsl at that--can just imagine it. Its sometimes difficult for 'northerners' to understand each other--never mind from further afield..

[hipshaker 05]

Aside from all the stuff about DJ line-up I reckon the aforementioned South Parade Pier would make a great venue if it could be filled .... and if it is still in good condition (I've not been in there for a while). As I'm sure you know though, it's big. Main side I think has 800 capacity.

Personally I like multi-roomed events. Northern room & funk room maybe, perhaps a reggae/ska room or something. However, I appreciate that sort of thing might take it away from what you're trying to create.

[Dave Abbott]

Last time I checked, London was down south.

December 10th, 100 Club, Butch and Andy Dyson.

Good enough for ya?

Yea but...........

John; the 100 Club is positively up north. From where I am sitting.

[Dave Abbott]

Thank you, for some fantastic comments people, I'm absolutely taken aback by the level of passion in some of these posts, something I thought may have been lost some what on the South Coast of late......I need to read through this stuff properly as there is a lot of food for thought here my friends......thank you all so much for taking this thread in the spirit it was intended & running with it......f*ck me, I feel inspired !!!.

Best Russ

Russ, my friend...

Try to get a venue 150 to 200 MAX..the darker the better and keep break even to 50 or 60 people (think of any more than 50 as a big bonus).

Get DJ's you'd like to hear.

What ever you do mate I'm behind you all the way...unless you clash with something decent up north....

[Guest]

I am not being confrontational but didn't you not say - quite definitively - after the 'Soul in the South' 'RARE AND UNDERPLAYED ALLNIGHTER' that you did not think there was scope for a niter like that in the south, yet what you have just prescribed is exactly that...And there are actually venues down here already playing that type of stuff... I am not convinced a Niter of any description other than the 100 club could be sustained, so the idea I have come up with is for what I think might work given that a lot of people down here do like modern stuff as well as 60s...

Yes you are.

I have described what I'd like, not whether it could be pulled off of sustained. I still don't believe it could.

Is that OK for you? Or will I be required to write a 1000 word essay to pre-empt all possible facets of your troublesome thoughts to ensure you don't/can't twist what I say in future?

[Spacehopper]

wasnt going to get involved with this one but....sorry to be a bit negative but are there REALLY enough soulies in the south west GOING OUT to warrent another night? as i understand it there are already a couple of good nights down there...let me explain....take the handbaggers out (no,not with a gun!)...oldies only crowd....and then those who already attend local nights and go up north regular because as hard as you try its almost immpossible not to clash with something...how many are left?...as dave said a lot smaller numbers than has been said previous...

im living in bristol and came down to the first soul in the south alnighter and had a great nite...but...the drive was a nightmare,almost 2 hours and im only about 65 miles away!...i can get to bidds ,lifeline,wooten hall,riverside,soulfusion,bridgwater,torquay in that time and even nearly radcliffe etc....how many weekends left?....

ive been promoting in various genres of musicfor years and it can be a very hard job...great when it works but very depressing and expensive when it doesnt...and its not an easy time at the moment...go go children in bristol is lucky,we have about 50 regular soul fans and can make that upto 100 most months because of where we are....lots of students etc but no pissheads wanting to cause trouble,everyone gets off on the buzz whether they know the tunes etc or not...after 3 years we must be the only club in bristol where there are very rarely drinks on the dancefloor...a lot of soul nites ive been to where numbers have been down they've let locals in to pay the bills and its pissed soulies off and ruined both the night and reputation of the event for the future....

we also have quite low expenses so we will never be rich with only 3 adm but we never lose money....but even so...people still say they will be there and then somethings crops up and they dont make it sometimes...if you have a big bill to pay it only takes a few to drop out....

like i said at the beginning...sorry to be so negative but with nites already on and the scene today so spilt between oldies,handbaggers,rare etc....i wouldnt bother after all isnt it said on here time and time again how there are too many nights on?

BUT GOOD LUCK IF YOU DO!!!!!!!

dean

[Guest]

I don't think that is negative at all Dean. An informed opinion is what is needed if anyone is going to do this sort of thing so both sides of the coin need to be considered. If Russ went ahead with planning further on this venture, your response is the type of things that need to be looked at for consideration

[Spacehopper]

thanx mike!....its just i read people saying do it! and i also see,working with martin at 'going to a happening' at the grand atlantic in weston how hard and stressfull it can be....if you are running a nite for 250 people plus, the venue,sound,flyers,big name djs all cost a lot of money...we got 106 in on our first nite in weston,the club was about half full and we got a great atmospherewith nige brown,sean chapman,pete french,trowbridge matt and myself... but martin still lost a lot of money and that was without paying me or trowbridge matt(which isnt a problem by the way!)....and thats with martin out EVERY weekend!...

dean

[Guest]

Yes you are.

I have described what I'd like, not whether it could be pulled off of sustained. I still don't believe it could.

Is that OK for you? Or will I be required to write a 1000 word essay to pre-empt all possible facets of your troublesome thoughts to ensure you don't/can't twist what I say in future?

I just genuinely wondered what is the point of offering an idea that you do not believe could be sustained in a thread where RUSS clearly and specifically asked for POSITIVE contributions?....

And nobody has twisted anything you have said about any subject, as I have already privately explained to you in detail so please stop implying that they have...I wrote to you at length when you asked me to respond to your position and then when I requested you publish my response, you declined to do so...Then you removed all the postings you'd made on FACEBOOK to which I had responded and stated that as far as you were concerned the matter was finished with...So please stop making rude personal comments now in a thread which has nothing to do with the subjects I presume you are alluding to...That is a reasonable request, I would have thought?....

Edited November 12, 2011 by rich chorley

[Daved]

I would like to see an event with:

- a modern room

- a modern room that actually plays modern music

- a modern room that actually plays modern music until very, very late.

[Guest Glawster]

Russ - We started travelling(from Glawster) to the Bournemouth area a few years back ,when Rubyz and The Railway Club were going and I have to say for me personally I loved The Railway Club,Tim,Jonah and Simon played some cracking choons along with some brilliant guest DJs,spit and sawdust I would describe the venue but great crowd. We have also been to Daves Uni do's and not for clashes with Sue DJing we would certainly have attended a few more and in the future we will attend again.

Sue has DJ'd for Steve @ The Belvedere and the pier and as is well documented a very different crowd but there are a few that do attend both!

Not been to Alfies do @ Southampton or Portsmouth so I cant comment on these venues, Throw Soul shooz into the mix @ Eastleigh which the last time Sue Dj'd there was very well attended by a lot of Southern Promoters and judging by the banter in the record sales room/ kitchen when I popped in there were enjoying it too.

So after all that's said, what I'm saying is,there is a varied array of venues/music policy/personel down south but each one we've attended the faces on of folk says it all(majority of the time!) - So is there a need to want the "ideal" venue size etc etc?

I used to be a die hard oldies/RnB "soulie" but by visiting different venues in the South and also being spoilt for choice in the South West and Midlands with Wotton Hall,Soulfusion,Riverside,Coppertops,Bridgewater,Weston,St Georges,Go Go Children I've broadened my tastes - waffle over.

ATB

Mart

[Guest]

I just genuinely wondered what is the point of offering an idea that you do not believe could be sustained in a thread where RUSS clearly and specifically asked for POSITIVE contributions?....

And nobody has twisted anything you have said about any subject, as I have already privately explained to you in detail so please stop implying that they have...I wrote to you at length when you asked me to respond to your position and then when I requested you publish my response, you declined to do so...Then you removed all the postings you'd made on FACEBOOK to which I had responded and stated that as far as you were concerned the matter was finished with...So please stop making rude personal comments now in a thread which has nothing to do with the subjects I presume you are alluding to...That is a reasonable request, I would have thought?....

[Guest]

Rich, my reply was positive until you stuck your over the top armchair activist opinion in yet again. I think you fancy me.

[Davekd]

Trouble for me is there is so much going on in London that we dont get to travel much, although we do try and get to different venues.

Most events I go to regularly/support, I know or have met the promoter out and about before going or go to support a mate DJ'ing.

What keeps us coming back is harder to figure - I like a good venue and good sound system but more so it can be about the crowd and the atmosphere they generate (encouraged by the promoter I think). I've been to nights where the music has been fantastic but just didnt feel right - crowd going through the motions, outsiders welcome but not made welcome, old boys/regulars network going on etc and then other nights that are musically so so but the crowd are just electric and really make the night.

I think what would make us travel further out of London would initially be a big name DJ we don't get in London but the venue and atmoshphere would keep us coming back, but more importantly not clashing with events we go to already (a tough ask I know).

Musically a mixture of rare and more well known tunes, 60's and 70's, don't even mind some R&B thrown in (occasionally). Guest DJ's who play what they like but residents who are not afraid to play to the crowd without being cheesy.

Monthly is an extremely tough ask of any event, so would suggest 3 or 4 times a year, maximum.

Only do one allnighter a year so have to agree a 2 o'clock finish.

Not sure that helps but an honest opinion.

Oh and when I us, thats a crowd of us from East London that ranges from four up to fourteen (mini bus full to the Kent Soul Club).

Dave

Edited November 13, 2011 by DaveKD

[Mike]

I just genuinely wondered what is the point of offering an idea that you do not believe could be sustained in a thread where RUSS clearly and specifically asked for POSITIVE contributions?....

And nobody has twisted anything you have said about any subject, as I have already privately explained to you in detail so please stop implying that they have...I wrote to you at length when you asked me to respond to your position and then when I requested you publish my response, you declined to do so...Then you removed all the postings you'd made on FACEBOOK to which I had responded and stated that as far as you were concerned the matter was finished with...So please stop making rude personal comments now in a thread which has nothing to do with the subjects I presume you are alluding to...That is a reasonable request, I would have thought?....

Rich, my reply was positive until you stuck your over the top armchair activist opinion in yet again. I think you fancy me.

ok both of you had your say on whatever this is about

ask can you both take it to pms and leave it off this and other threads on here

thanks

mike

[Guest]

ok both of you had your say on whatever this is about

ask can you both take it to pms and leave it off this and other threads on here

thanks

mike

No problem mate...

[Little-stevie]

Interesting thread Russ and good to see your passion....

If you got the event together then i would look to support if at all possible. Much on up here, it would just depend on possible clashes, thats the hard bit with so many events i guess..

. Always good to get to new events and support promotions..

Any of us coming from up North would have big trouble understanding you lot but i am sure that would not take away from the experience...

Getting topics like this going could really work for other parts of the country too, yes plenty nights but very fractured, a few promoters coming together and showing unity could work wonders and repair some deep wounds that have had a real negative affect on many good folk..

Good luck and let us know if you get anything together, a few of us would look to come down to the tropics and get a top up on our northern tans

[Guest brummiemick]

Russ

As I said in my original post, due to my very long term absence from the scene I am not really qualified to say what would draw the crowds in, but I would be willing to help people ITK get such an event off the ground.

What are the costs involved for a 250 - 500 event? If its not crazy money and you could get the right committed people on board I might be prepared to underwrite the costs so that people could focus on making it a fantastic event rather than worrying about the potential losses.

Let me know Mick

[Russ Vickers]

Stevie - You are a true super star my friend, events I have promoted in the past, albeit some yeras ago now, were always very well supported from all corners of the UK, especially the north. I was always in great admiration that folk travelled down to us passing events on the way !!!.....I would add, that there were far fewer events back then & anything out of the ordinary was almost unique.

Thank you for your support.

Hope you are well my friend.

Best Russ

[Russ Vickers]

Russ

As I said in my original post, due to my very long term absence from the scene I am not really qualified to say what would draw the crowds in, but I would be willing to help people ITK get such an event off the ground.

What are the costs involved for a 250 - 500 event? If its not crazy money and you could get the right committed people on board I might be prepared to underwrite the costs so that people could focus on making it a fantastic event rather than worrying about the potential losses.

Let me know Mick

Mick - What a wonderful & selfless gesture. The costs could be many & depending on the venue/sound system/DJ's/Promotion etc, etc.

It can be done on a shoestring, but in my experience a good venue, sound system & flawless promotion take time & money, no point throwing money at something, without at least some thought to breaking even though, so it must be approached from a proffessional, business like way with regards to finance - my personal point of view is that the SOUL comes first & breaking even would be all you could expect - any profit, which is highly unlikely would go into making the event better or saved to make up the deficit if the next event made a loss........

Whilst I very much appreciate your wonderful offer, I would have to decline on the grounds that much of this thread has to be scrutinised, digested & thought out properly before any decisions were made by me, anyone normal person in their right mind after all of the cogitating & number crunching, potential character assassination etc, etc would be insane to promote a Rare Soul event any where.......however, we aint normal & we're pretty mad even to be on this wonderful, mad, bad & emotional roller coaster of a scene, so you never know what might happen...........thank you for your support & if anything happens you & your plus one will be on the guest list .

Kind regards

Russ

[Guest brummiemick]

Mick - What a wonderful & selfless gesture. The costs could be many & depending on the venue/sound system/DJ's/Promotion etc, etc.

It can be done on a shoestring, but in my experience a good venue, sound system & flawless promotion take time & money, no point throwing money at something, without at least some thought to breaking even though, so it must be approached from a proffessional, business like way with regards to finance - my personal point of view is that the SOUL comes first & breaking even would be all you could expect - any profit, which is highly unlikely would go into making the event better or saved to make up the deficit if the next event made a loss........

Whilst I very much appreciate your wonderful offer, I would have to decline on the grounds that much of this thread has to be scrutinised, digested & thought out properly before any decisions were made by me, anyone normal person in their right mind after all of the cogitating & number crunching, potential character assassination etc, etc would be insane to promote a Rare Soul event any where.......however, we aint normal & we're pretty mad even to be on this wonderful, mad, bad & emotional roller coaster of a scene, so you never know what might happen...........thank you for your support & if anything happens you & your plus one will be on the guest list .

Kind regards

Russ

No problem. But if you decide to proceed the offer remains on the table. I own a small group of catalogue and ecommerce companies and could also help with designing flyers, email, promotion etc. I am not interested in becoming a promoter or making any profit. If it broke even and a fantastic event was the result and subsequently the start of something in the south that would be my reward. Let me know if you decide to proceed. View it simply as my way of giving something back for being away for so long Regards Mick

[Russ Vickers]

Top man........thank you.

Best Russ

[Guest Dave Mortimore]

.

. I've read the preceding posts with interest and thus fully understand why Russ has tentatively put forward an idea seeking feed-back from southern promoters.

. I imagine that Russ has many contacts that are far and wide who would be drawn to an event under his tutelage. But he knows well that local support is also vital to make anything happen on a larger scale.

.

. So whatever you may have in mind Russ? You're wise to check out opinions. For sentiment does go a long way.

. Putting certain promoters in the know, gets them on-side for working out a date that doesn't ruffle any feathers, which all makes good sense.

.

. Posts saying that ,with the right venue and D.J. line-up playing the right music (which is always a matter for debate), you could hope to attract 200 - 300 people, are suggestions that hold water. The annual Totton All-Dayer being an example. Although as has also been suggested, bringing in an attractive live act (someone who doesn't need propping up and still has a fair pair of lungs as in say Sharon Jones) would generate a much bigger crowd. Costs of course being a major consideration would deter only the very brave. But there again Russ, maybe you have the contacts to cut the right deal and make the proposition more viable in minimalizing the risks to you?

.

. People talk about the prospect of losing money, leave alone all the work involved, in such an undertaking. But such a major project would bring something special to the south and it's soul fraternity. Somehow Russ, I think you're one of those romantically passionate soul disciples within the U.K. who is prepared to put his money on the line.

. Afterall, many people are prepared to part with three or four figure sums for just one piece of vinyl and how much enjoyment can you get from owning that one record? Knowledge of ownership sounds rather insular.

. Sometimes Philanthropy, rather than being materialistic, is far more noble and can be a reward in itself. In a close knit world, that's how people are received and remembered.

.

. So whatever altruistic plans you may have, I'd like to take my hat off to you for attempting to make something special happen.

.

........................Good Luck Russ, Dave

.

Edited November 18, 2011 by Dave Mortimore

[Russ Vickers]

Dave - Always enjoy hearing your opinions & you are always very honest.......my personal situation at present would make it very difficult to attempt anything right now, but I do like to keep my finger on the pulse of whats happening darn south particularly the South Coast, also I like to hear what people WANT aswell as whats actually happening.......two totally different things.

Watch this space...maybe ....you never know whats round the corner.....

BTW I love Sharon Jones & she is totally amazing live.....unfortunately I think she is filling far larger venues now days.....

Thank you for your positive comments Dave very encouraging.....

Out of interest Dave, do you like 7ts Soul.......or any contemporary soul, just wonderin' ?

Best Russ

[Willow]

Hi Russ,

I agree with most of Winnie's summary,

1) The Floor - most important for me, sprung wood and a reasonable size (Preferably no or limited Talc)

2) Decent music policy, although I love oldies, a touch of something a bit different. a little smattering of modern and only a few of the funkier stuff (fussy I know)

3) Easy parking - agree on Win's point about not the City centre venues

4) Size wise, 200 - 300

5) DJs, Not fussed really, if a lesser known DJ played a track that a Top name one would, does it sound any different. I go for the music not who plays it.

6) Timescale: Quarterly

Cheers

Yogi

[Russ Vickers]

Thank you Yogi - I must say I feel very encouraged by all the positive comments, as well as many PM's. I have promoted relatively successfully on the South Coast & Newbury some time ago & have always wanted to do something SPECIAL again.......when the time is right I aim to do this & hope all the hundreds of soul fans & friends who supported my venues in the past will be there for the launch, you lot were a bit special & deserve another night just to get us all in the same room again & create that monster atmosphere that you so famously created on & off the dance floor........there are many others out there who from messages want to join the family........

Fantastic responses from a everyone, I'm very inspired by all the comments on the thread, but especially some of the private emails & messages.

Best Russ

[Guest Dave Mortimore]

Dave - Always enjoy hearing your opinions & you are always very honest.......my personal situation at present would make it very difficult to attempt anything right now, but I do like to keep my finger on the pulse of whats happening darn south particularly the South Coast, also I like to hear what people WANT aswell as whats actually happening.......two totally different things.

Watch this space...maybe ....you never know whats round the corner.....

BTW I love Sharon Jones & she is totally amazing live.....unfortunately I think she is filling far larger venues now days.....

Thank you for your positive comments Dave very encouraging.....

Out of interest Dave, do you like 7ts Soul.......or any contemporary soul, just wonderin' ?

Best Russ

.

. Do I like 70s or any comtemporary soul?

.

. You know what Russ, I've always been a bit crusty in that department. Some of my preferences are like myself, relics from the past in my nostalgia for 70s music from times during the mid to late 70s when my first wife would drag me off to places playing such soul usually courtesy of Curtis and Lenvine (which had a Modern label at the time) rather than strictly Northern Soul.

From memory off the top of head :-

. Seventh Wonder - Captain of my ship

. Life - Cat Eyes / Tell me why

. Stanley Woodruff - What took you so long

. Mel Hayes - Lady are you crazy

. Bobby Franklin - The lady's choice

. Skull Snaps - I'm your pimp / My hang up is you

. Chuck Jackson - I can't break away

. Black Nasty - Cut your motor off

. Nite Liters - Kay Gee

. etc. etc.

.

. This music was fine until the boundaries got pushed too far forward with stuff that you may like. I think you once mentioned a liking for Summer in the parks - East Coast Connection. For me and others, it was getting more akin to Robbie Vincent and Jazz Funk. People were turning up in brightly coloured boiler suits and plastic sandals or similar clothes that were fresh from the trends being set by The Kings Road.

. Thus from there on I stayed with Oldies orientated events until things fizzled out in the early 80s, whence I left The Potteries (never to return) and the soul scene to work abroad in (Dearborn) the Motor City, Detroit of all places. As far as I was concerned, soul music had had it's day. Hence I missed alot of the 70s music that had been unearthed to gain recognition through the back end of The Mecca, Yate, 80s Stafford and The 100 Club.

.

. As you can imagine, there's been alot to catch up on in that department. I've witnessed folk lip-synching (therefore they're well known) whilst dancing to 70s style music that I've never heard before. Gary Samways, always a mine of information, does his best to educate me. Consequently, there are 70s soul sounds and beyond that have gained a place in my heart. To name but a few :-

.

. Milton James - My lonely feeling - (Courtesy of Tim Brown)

. Nicole Willis - If this ain't love

. Eddie Parker - Body Chains

. Yvonne Fair - Walk out the door

. Sweet Mixture - House of fun

. Candi Staton - As long as he takes care of home

. Dolly Gilmore - Sweet Baby

. Rufus Wood - Before 2001

. Claude 'Baby' Huey - Drifting

. Nicola Conte / Dee Dee Bridgewater - Into my soul

. Sharon Jones - Keep on looking

. ? - Damn Sam 'The miracle man' - ( Courtesy of your friend Dave Abbot)

. etc. etc.

.

. Maybe no real surprises in there? I'm sure the full spectrum of 70s and latter day soul that you and Rich Chorley endorse is far far wider. Stuff You've already tired of probably hasn't reached the ears of many of the south coast locals. Therein lies the difficulty of choosing what to and what not to play to a given audience, which I suppose all D.J.s have to consider.

. It's the same old story! Regards, Dave

.

Edited November 21, 2011 by Dave Mortimore

[Guest]

.

.Therein lies the difficulty of choosing what to and what not to play to a given audience, which I suppose all D.J.s have to consider.

Great post DAVE...yep, going to take a lot of thought and planning and the DJ's will be a crucial factor...all the best mate...

[Russ Vickers]

A great post again Dave & nowt wrong with any of the 7ts things you have mentioned above, I think there is a place for some good 7ts dancers & anthems, as well as some well chosen contemporary releases too, if they have the X factor & are slipped in by intelligent DJ's who can fit these things sensibly in to a set, having read the floor & room.......which is something Rich & I are in agreement with, the key as Rich says is the DJ's........

A big tune at Abshott & the Newbury Nighters was this...........fitted in well with the 6ts & other Modern tunes being played at the time, but was quite inovative back then, I have deliberately chosen a tune that may now seem obvious to most, but its more to give you an idea of what others/I was playing back then in my sets with the Northern/Rare Soul & everything else..........I have always loved the Modern side of things as well as the 6ts stuff & at the time was being heavily influenced by Keith & Maxine, Lloyd Attrill & I was attending events that were playing everything in one room, I must add I was also attending Soul Essence amongst other events & some huge Northern Room plays started getting attention thier first.......

I'm just a SOUL whore & whilst I love my traditional NS i hanker for the days were we just danced to good soul music in one room regardless of year of release, so long as it had the X factor everyone just got on with it.......as Gavin Page would say 'Some ya dance from side to side to, some ya dance up & down to' .

Best Russ

Edited November 21, 2011 by Russ Vickers

[Russ Vickers]

Russ, my friend...

Try to get a venue 150 to 200 MAX..the darker the better and keep break even to 50 or 60 people (think of any more than 50 as a big bonus).

Get DJ's you'd like to hear.

What ever you do mate I'm behind you all the way...unless you clash with something decent up north....

Must have missed this Dave, thank you for your support my friend.....

See ya soon

Russ

[Guest Bearsy]

Hi Russ and happy 50th birthday for the other week hope it was a great one

only just seen this as ive had loads on and not been on SS much, will post up some thoughts as soon as i can get a bit of time to think and type

hope your well and safe outt here

atb

Bearsy

[Russ Vickers]

Thanks for the Birthday wishes Paul, look forward to hearing your comments.....

Hope to see you soon

Love to Marie

Best Russ

[Dave Moore]

Russ,

If you're serious then when the time comes give me a little notice and I'll get there. Only got 3 criteria:

1, One x Good Record Putteroner

2. One x Good Record Putteroner

3. One x Good Record Putteroner

Everything else is peripheral as you know.

Regards,

Dave

[Russ Vickers]

Russ,

If you're serious then when the time comes give me a little notice and I'll get there. Only got 3 criteria:

1, One x Good Record Putteroner

2. One x Good Record Putteroner

3. One x Good Record Putteroner

Everything else is peripheral as you know.

Regards,

Dave

A lot of truth in that my friend, one thing for sure, it wont be 1976 .......it would be lovely to see you, if we decide to go ahead with anything, I reckon Fergie should get down too, as a one time resident of Southampton......I will also refuse to admit anyone who has the 'smell of death' about them :lol: .........Dave, I still roar with laughter when ever I think about that.....happy days indeed & the start of a firm friendship....& the beat goes on !!!

Best Russ