Spacehopper Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 just seen this on FB..apparently the only sprung dancefloor outside blackpool...er? really? don't think so! https://mazzysnape.com/2015/05/20/the-uks-first-northern-soul-motown-bar-coming-soon-to-birmingham/
Guest bigwiganer Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Best of luck to them but I cant help feeling that its got disaster written all over it. I cant see how they'll manage to pull the punters in every week to keep a float without becoming like any other bar. Granted there's a massive collection of soulies in the midlands area but how can you compete with the already over busy NS calendar? There was a similar venture in Wigan, 'Jones's Northern Soul Bar' ( sorry to pee on the "UK’s first Northern Soul and Motown bar" chips) and when it started it was purely northern and motown but before long they where advertising karaoke and the lark and it is now a popular haunt of the local piss pots. Again I hope it works out for them but they could of been a bit more creative in there promotion than pinching someone else hard work. Oh and there are many sprung dance floors outside of Blackpool.
Godzilla Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 just seen this on FB..apparently the only sprung dancefloor outside blackpool...er? really? don't think so! https://mazzysnape.com/2015/05/20/the-uks-first-northern-soul-motown-bar-coming-soon-to-birmingham/ Are they suggesting that they've got rid of the one in Manchester where my mum and dad met in the 50s - it was still there last time I looked... 1
Jordirip Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Good luck to them. The Digbeth area in Brum is a very lively area for youngsters so it should certainly attract some of them away from the deluge of happy house clubs and Indie bars. 1
Soultrainer Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 ... a sprung wooden dance-floor, making it safer for the acrobatics of the Northern Soul dancers. Safer? Maybe it's sprung like a trampoline?
Popular Post Ted Massey Posted May 20, 2015 Popular Post Posted May 20, 2015 Northern in Birmingham has the kiss of death to it considering it had the Locarno 8
Speedlimit Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Hi Ted Northern anywhere as the kiss of death to it now days where did the scene go wrong
Ted Massey Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 very alive and healthy in the west mid but bham has always been difficult to draw folks in 1
Speedlimit Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 there's a place like this in notts but it's open to all and sundry so you get lot's of t..ts in
Mal C Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 went to a soul do recently in Brum, nr Sheldon, loads of good names, dealers on the flyer, it was a disaster, should have learnt my lesson years ago...never go to a soul do in Birmingham, it will be shit... 1
Tailormade Gaz B Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 So, why is Brum a difficult gig...? Wasn't there a fairly decent mod night there by...Rob...??? I can't remember.
Guest Byrney Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 there's a place like this in notts but it's open to all and sundry so you get lot's of t..ts in Where's that Steve, be interested to know mate.
Tailormade Gaz B Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 And, in addition to my Q above... "Every Friday will be a pure Northern Soul night operating a tongue-in-cheek ‘Strictly No Handbags’ policy, thus making sure Soul fans know not to expect crossover or mainstream soul. In contrast every Saturday will operate a ‘handbags welcome’ policy, with a large disco ball and DJs playing a range of Motown, Soul, Funk, Ska, 60s r & b, and more." I'm also confused about what a 'hand-bagger' is. I thought hand baggers were top 50 and Frank Wilson 5 times a night. A night of funk/Ska/ R'n'B isn't a handbag' thing, is it? The Disco balls, yes... I thought a 'pure northern night' had become the oldies, hand bag scene.
Mark Bicknell Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 There is a place in Burnley which recently opened 'Mr Greens' has live acts and Northern DJ's on.
Sheldonsoul Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 I'm a brummie and haven't heard of it ? , if my bearings are right it's down by the custard factory in digbeth which is a very retro area with shops with 60s/70s fashion and allways a busy area so if it's situated there you might get a few plastic soulies in lol
Sheldonsoul Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 went to a soul do recently in Brum, nr Sheldon, loads of good names, dealers on the flyer, it was a disaster, should have learnt my lesson years ago...never go to a soul do in Birmingham, it will be shit... Where was the pub / venue mal ? I live in Sheldon and heard nowt
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Hi guys! I introduced myself with a link to this on the other forum, any questions hit me up as I'm working closely with the owners. Here's a start: The post above is a blog post from my private blog so if I've misinterpreted anything from what the owners have told me I apologies The logo has not yet been released, the designers are still working on it, so they are using the record label as a temporary picture If anything is factually incorrect I will happily amend the post - if it's not the only sprung wooden floor then I'll edit that sorry my mistake Fridays are pure Northern Soul, no cheese, no names for the sake of names, Saturday is the more mainstream Northern Soul & Motown but also related genres. The disco ball will not be used on Fridays. Hit me! Edited May 20, 2015 by Maryam Snape
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Haha I'm used to 'Northern Trolls' from when I helped promote the Northern Soul film in Brum! You all seem a lot more friendly! Open to questions, I understand there may be doubts, will ignore any insults though now I'm used to it & already had a few earlier but that was balanced out with hundreds of positives 1
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Well I'm off out shortly so hopefully I won't come back to a barrage of abuse If anyone has any questions or even suggestions about the venue ask away By the way they are recruiting for bar staff nightowlbirmingham@gmail.com
Jordirip Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 A couple of things in your blog write up Maryam; You mention not playing 'crossover or mainstream' soul. Just so you are aware, 'Crossover' is a genre of rare soul albeit a confusing moniker for a lot of people that has nothing to do with mainstream soul. Handbaggers are generally people who don't care what format the music is played on and the music will be very predictable overplayed tracks most of which will have been hammered to death during a few years at Wigan Casino. Handbaggers will pester the DJs for these same records all night. Unless your DJ's are playing off original label vinyl then your event, like it or not, will be a kind of handbag event. Personally it doesn't bother me and I reckon you are well placed to attract some youngsters from the lively, bar/club area of Digbeth into your bar and hopefully they will enjoy the music and vibe. 2
Swifty Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Well I'm off out shortly so hopefully I won't come back to a barrage of abuse If anyone has any questions or even suggestions about the venue ask away By the way they are recruiting for bar staff nightowlbirmingham@gmail.com Good luck and I mean it , hope it goes well for all involved Edited May 20, 2015 by SWIFTY 1
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Thanks guys that's nice positive and constructive feedback! Jordirip- Well the Fridays will be all original vinyl, they will be installing a camera on the decks so this can be seen as they play Saturdays (& other nights), DJs can play any format they prefer, I for example DJ vinyl (not many originals, can't afford it!) and CD and would not be able to DJ on the Friday. I already have some all original vinyl ska DJ's lined up for other nights. I think I've misinterpreted what the owner Rich was saying as we have a running joke because I love Diana Ross and he's banned stuff like that from the Friday. I'm your typical unashamed handbag type gal, dance like a loon to soul, funk, disco etc... Diana Ross is my queen (& Aretha!), been a Motown fan all my life and love Northern Soul but a relative newbie compared to most people on here. No one like me will be allowed anywhere near the decks on Fridays though don't worry! Saturdays only... trying to cater for all soul fans without upsetting anyone by doing the separate two main nights. 2
Pete S Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 A couple of things in your blog write up Maryam; You mention not playing 'crossover or mainstream' soul. Just so you are aware, 'Crossover' is a genre of rare soul albeit a confusing moniker for a lot of people that has nothing to do with mainstream soul. But it's still utter rubbish so well done for bot playing it Maryam, I might even come if you don't play any of it
Mal C Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Where was the pub / venue mal ? I live in Sheldon and heard nowt do called Second City Soul... was off the Sheldon road somewhere, before you get to the big underpass...we traveled as well which was a bit of a disappointment, on the upside there were allot of friends there, which made up for it.. Only do Ive liked in the last 3 or so years is Soul Kitchen in Tunbridge Wells, musically right up my street, lovely bar, pretty easy for me to get to, and some lovely folk... deffo going back for more! To my mind the only do that was ever any good in B'ham was the Outrigger and for a time Sinatras, but that was the eighties, and I haven't lived in the city in 20 plus years, but Maryam, good luck to you... Mal.C Edited May 20, 2015 by Mal C 2
Guest Matt Male Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Brum's a rocker's city. Many great and legendary rock clubs.
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Does this make more sense now? https://mazzysnape.com/2015/05/20/the-midlands-first-northern-soul-motown-bar-coming-soon-to-birmingham/
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 By the way I've been to busy soul nights in Brum, Soulvation is usually busy and mixed nights like Heart & Soul, Testify etc I used to DJ a night called 'My Town Is Motown' which was always packed, a younger crowd though I've heard Steppin' Up is good (never get to go as clashes with one of my residencies) and Newhampton Soul Club down the road in Wolves 1
Guest Matt Male Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) I haven't been to any soul venues in the middle of Brum since the Locarno closed. But like Ted says, plenty on the outskirts and in the west midlands area. Pumping Soul on Saturday was brilliant. As has been said already, the calendar is already packed to bursting. Good luck though. Edited May 20, 2015 by Matt Male
Zed1 Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Good Luck and I hope it all goes well for you, but it really isn't 'A way of Life'.
Jules Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 is it at the crown, the old black and white pub? the oldest pub in bham. seen some good soul nights in bham, the q2, saw the contours jj barnes , edwin cant remember who else...??? carls do at minworth was decent, good sounds but a touch aromatic if I remember. went to a not so good nighter about 10 years ago kings norton?? and was it caburys social club? that always had a good attendance 2
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Thanks guys really appreciate the positive comments and constructive feedback! It'll have other nights with associated genres too, DJs feel free to email nightowlbirmingham@gmail.com Also we're planning an all ages all-dayer so original fans can introduce their kids to it and the young fans can come along with their pals
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 It's round the corner from The Old Crown - oldest pub in Brum
Wiggyflat Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 But it's still utter rubbish so well done for bot playing it Maryam, I might even come if you don't play any of it I always thought the good stuff was mid tempo northern.
Maryam Snape Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Welcome your feedback and input re DJs we have Little Scottie as one of our main Friday residents & I'm booking the Saturday DJs (& will sometimes DJ myself on Sats)
Pete S Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 I always thought the good stuff was mid tempo northern. It's all stuff that wasn't good enough to be classed as Northern
Wiganer1 Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 outrigger all dayers in the 80s ... the niters in brum city centre were really good but didnt last i ll give it a go when i can get 1
Popular Post Louise Posted May 20, 2015 Popular Post Posted May 20, 2015 A few really good nights in the Sunflower lounge. Usually followed by a few good early morning headaches !!!!! Not forgetting the night Johnny Weston had both decks running backwards at the same time Dave 4
Len Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Wasn't there a fairly decent mod night there by...Rob...??? I can't remember. Sinatra’s is a club I went to in Birmingham - I wonder if that's still there. Len Edited May 20, 2015 by LEN
Neil Rushton Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 is it at the crown, the old black and white pub? the oldest pub in bham. seen some good soul nights in bham, the q2, saw the contours jj barnes , edwin cant remember who else...??? carls do at minworth was decent, good sounds but a touch aromatic if I remember. went to a not so good nighter about 10 years ago kings norton?? and was it caburys social club? that always had a good attendance Funnily enough, was in at The Crown today. It's best experienced when Birmingham City are at home! . Our Soulvation nights @ Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham are busy. Full house last Friday. Tony Reynolds was guest DJ,and he has a great pedigree (The Outrigger etc) in bringing Soul to Birmingham. And don't forge that before he was at The Chateau Impney and The Catacombs, Carl Dene was playing "Rhythm'n'Soul" at Le Metro in Brum. and he is due to appear at Hare & Hounds Soulvation night soon. Plus, there were the great days of both Graham Warr and Steve Glover having record stalls in the Oasis Market. 2
Guest Byrney Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) I liked the idea of a disco ball at a rare soul night, I'd get a smoke machine and strobe in too - just saying like Edited May 20, 2015 by Byrney
Hornet Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 I liked the idea of a disco ball at a rare soul night, I'd get a smoke machine and strobe in too - just saying like Like the Stafford revival nite , U didn't mention the sticky carpets !! Awfull venue !
KevH Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 I'm a brummie and haven't heard of it ? , if my bearings are right it's down by the custard factory in digbeth which is a very retro area with shops with 60s/70s fashion and allways a busy area so if it's situated there you might get a few plastic soulies in lol I like the idea of the Custard Factory. Got a rave ring to it. 1
KevH Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 very alive and healthy in the west mid but bham has always been difficult to draw folks in brummies not as gullible ? Lol.
50 Shades Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) I like the idea of the Custard Factory. Got a rave ring to it. Me too, especially if Mr Blobby is promoting it. Gimmicks, Glitterballs and NS sounds like a hoot .... .... for folk who won't give a Txss. Edited May 21, 2015 by 50 Shades
NEV Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Usually followed by a few good early morning headaches !!!!! Not forgetting the night Johnny Weston had both decks running backwards at the same time Dave Damn those decks with reverse buttons lol
Guest Polyvelts Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) do called Second City Soul... was off the Sheldon road somewhere, before you get to the big underpass...we traveled as well which was a bit of a disappointment, on the upside there were allot of friends there, which made up for it.. Only do Ive liked in the last 3 or so years is Soul Kitchen in Tunbridge Wells, musically right up my street, lovely bar, pretty easy for me to get to, and some lovely folk... deffo going back for more! To my mind the only do that was ever any good in B'ham was the Outrigger and for a time Sinatras, but that was the eighties, and I haven't lived in the city in 20 plus years, but Maryam, good luck to you... Mal.C I saw the playlists posted up here for second city soul, thought they were really good ! Edited May 20, 2015 by Polyvelts
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