Mike

Northern room line-up; 9pm KEV ROBERTS 10pm NEIL JONES 11 DAVE EVISON 12 CHRIS KING 1 BUTCH 2 GINGER TAYLOR 3 KENNY BURRELL 4 NIGE BROWN 5 KEITH MINSHULL 6 CLOSE MODERN; 10 BOB HINSLEY 11.30 COLIN CURTIS 1 NEIL RUSHTON 2.30 TERRY JONES 4 ROGER WILLIAMS 5.30 CLOSE record dealers marketplace. Admission £12 advance ticket available on-line from www.goldsoul.co.uk or 01782-266888 OR BY MAIL from; Goldsoul, PO Box 909, Worksop, Notts S80 3YZ Txt 0784-1197874 £15 ON THE DOOR.

As co-promoter of this wonderful event, I, together with my partner Bill Snow were looking forward to another special weekend. The tickets were Sold Out apart from a handful left at the local Tourist office. Imagine our horror when at 11pm Friday night, we observed a well known character selling counterfeit tickets. Apparently he had been retailing them for quite some time with no one coming forward to report his behaviour. The upshot being a security issue resulting in more than 100 being locked out for 90 minutes from 10.30pm. The police arrested him and took him into custody. The event was superb on Friday, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening too until the 'roadblock'. To summarise exactly what happened, though we are still waiting for a full Police and Security summary; 10.30pm Security reported that in their opinion, 1,500 were in the building. As promoters we must adhere to their expertise, although it did look slightly lower than Friday. 11.30 Tensions rose dramatically outside the building as genuine fans could not be admitted at this time. Police were called. 11.35 Bill Snow went outside to talk to fans, while I convinced Police to allow me to make an announcement asking if 60 volunteers would be kind enough to leave early allowing the disgruntled fans back into the venue. The Police agreed and nearly 80 polite and courteous Soul fans vacated the building allowing others in. They were admitted between 12 midnight and 12.30am. The tension calmed, the bars which temporarily closed, re-opened and the evening got back on track. Sunday was a roaring success. I personally spent all Sunday morning and afternoon speaking with non-agressive customers, answering their concerns. WHITBY 2007 If we decide we want to promote the 5th Soul Weekender at this delightful location, both promoters have agreed to LOWER the capacity even though we are not obliged to. Tickets will not be on sale. We are implementing a new Security device to allow Soul fans entrance without fear of 'counterfeiters' and other criminal acts. Unfortunately at least 15% of this year's crowd will be unable to purchase tickets for July 6-8, 07 due to the new lower limit of availability. Any questions regarding the event can contact us at sales@goldsoul.co.uk

Now Is The Time ...to Get On Down&Boogie At The Merrie England Soul supremo Jimmy James&his 60's super group The Vagabonds are going to be stomping into the sunset on Blackpools legendary Merrie England Bar, on North Pier, this Saturday night, July 8th. The popular live entertainment venue is hosting a series of free Live Music events on Saturday nights this summer including Clem Curtis&The Foundations on Saturday August 19th. Hailed as The High Priest of Soul - Jimmy James&The Vagabonds are the ultimate 60s live soul act - their reputation built on a storming residency at London's famous Marquee Club. One of the legends of British soul, Jimmy James and his band The Vagabonds, were rivalled only by Geno Washington's Ram Jam Band as a live club attraction in the 60s. The band built a happy-go-lucky sound on fast disco dance floor fillers and soul ballads hitting the UK Top Ten with a succession of sensational soul classics such as a rendition of Neil Diamond's 'Red Red Wine', the classic dance floor anthem 'Now Is The Time', and one of the best disco-pop records of all time - 'I'll Go Where The Music Takes Me'. The big man stands alongside Otis Reading, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett as one of the all-time R 'n' B greats. Jimmy went on to join Biddu Records, recording 'I'll Go' and You Don't Stand A Chance (If You Can't Dance) which is still sounding wonderful. Further releasing one of the best-titled singles ever 'If You Think This Funk Is Junk, You're Drunk'. (The other side of that, incidentally, was 'Let's Go Disco', which The Real Thing also recorded with Biddu.) Nowadays Jimmy is still shaking dance floors across the UK with a Live show that is jam-packed with poptastic disco crowd-pleasers. Jimmy James's phenomenally successful full on party crowd-pleasing set will have soul&disco lovers dancing all over North Pier this weekend. The dynamic funky pop duo ITCHY&SCRATCHY will warm up the crowds early doors with live music to get the party started. Joey Blower will be hosting the special Live @ The Merrie England Nights with a full, fun packed evening of his hilarious comedy antics and formidable style followed an exclusive LIVE performance by Jimmy James&The Vagabonds. The entertainment continues after the show with Resident DJ Johnny Vee spinning classic soul&disco sounds to keep the crowds buzzing in the party spirit. Joey Blower recently saw Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, at a Soul Weekender in the Star Light Rooms in Lincolnshire and was completely awestruck: "Musically Jimmy James&The Vagabonds are everything you would expect of a serious soul band, solid, tight with a driving bass and sparkling brass section and from the moment Jimmy James stepped on to the stage the audience was his. And the man himself - after 40 years in the business, he still has the energy and drive of a 20 year old. From his opening 'That's Where the Music Takes Me' to his closing number, 'Now is the Time to Say Goodbye', Jimmy took the audience on a musical motorway of memories of 60's and 70's Soul. His imaginative sing along's and crowd interaction got the crowds up singing, dancing&clapping for more. The dance floor was heaving as the crowd surged towards the stage, and there they stayed for a night of non-stop brilliance! With these guys, this joint can't fail to jump! It's going to be a very special live music night&we're going to have lot's of fun on stage, great classic soul&disco sounds and we want everyone in Blackpool&all over the North West to get grooving this weekend!" Jimmy James is looking forward to his visit to Blackpool saying why he thought that Blackpool was the one of the best places to perform: "The Merrie England is the ideal venue for soul music because of the fun people that go there. Just like soul music, it appeals to so many across the generations&Joey is legendary for getting to know all his customers&reaching out through his comedy&music. "Soul is a one to one type of music, we try to get people involved. It's a party, I'm just the host for the party for the night. That's the thing about soul music; it involves you. You listen to it. You feel it. You can't help but feel good&get up and dance to it. I want everyone to walk out the gig singing. Blackpool is world famous for it's lively party vibe&unrivalled feel good atmosphere so I am truly excited at being here. Blackpool is soul music heaven!." · Admission is Free. · The Merrie England is located at the front of North Pier&doors open from 7.00pm · Funky Pop duo Itchy&Scratchy LIVE on stage from 8.00pm · Joey Blower performing a special fun packed show prior to Jimmy James&The Vagabonds from 9.00pm · DJ Johnny Vee keeps the disco dancing flowing into the early hours. Get there early to ensure you don't miss one of the most fun packed Saturday nights out in Blackpool - EVER! ................................................................................................. For further PR information please contact: Pearl Mina PR&Media Creative North Pier Tel: 01253 621 452 Mobile: 07901 696 490 Fax: 01253 752 308

Event 'Lookbacks' now has its own 'stand alone' forum ....there will be no change to events talk... so please feel free to carry on posting there as usual... Hoping that 'Lookbacks' will become a rounded and well-informed view of events around the country... making it not only informative and entertaining... but also an insight into what a venue has to offer anyone thinking about attending for the first time... music policy etc. Basically a place to post venue reports, in depth reviews, play lists, any thoughts and observations you may have about a night, was it easy to get to, how busy was it, what DJ stood out for you... that kind of thing. BUT... must ask if posting to please keep it on topic and worthwhile... If you enjoyed an event ... say so If you didn't ... say why you didn't ... as long as it's constructive ... it's valid ... and (i'm hoping)... welcomed by the promoters! Communication... as they say... is a beautiful thing... thumbsup.gif check it out - busy already https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showforum=39

At long last - que fanfare of trumpets - Shades Of Soul issue 32 will be out for the weekend. There’s 20 contributors highlighting The Topics, The Hytones, The Fabulous Dinos, Joe Perkins discography and the Chicago based Crash label. Steve Plumb’s 4 pager on ‘rare 70s soul 45s not released in the US or UK’, Mal Collin's indepth story on the St Louis based Yodi label with interviews & listing plus Chris Waterman’s Young Guns. Reviews of the Oslo Soul Experience, Piercebridge and Manchester’s ‘Soul Or Nothing’.Alex M Franquet's 7 page interviews with Frank Garcia, Barbara Mercer, Joey Kingfish and members of the Debonaires, Falcons & Magic Tones. Words from Dean Johnson. Steve Guarnori reviews the 70s/80s Venture label. Birmingham DJ John Weston gets interviewed so does the singer Vee Allen who recorded for Lion Records. Plus record reviews by Eddie Hubbard (deep), Jumpin Joan (northern), Glyn Thornhill (tent), Des Parker (northern), Brian Goucher (allsorts), Brett Franklin (northern), Andy McIntyre (crossover), Andy Dyson (northern), Barrie Waddington (northern), Matthew Simpson (northern) and Mark Baildon (Greatstone plays). Dozens and dozens of playlists and label scans. 54 pages of solid reading for those that just can’t get enough. To all the contributors I say thank you – it’s all been very worthwhile. And there's a Brunswick photo of Channel 3 on the front cover! Will post up price, payment details blah blah blah tomorrow. Onwards, derek will start mailing subscription copies out Monday 3rd July onwards...

http://www.soulmusic.co.uk Web Site RELAUNCHED JUNE 2006!!!! A selection of original Northern Soul, 70's Modern&Crossover, Funk, Sweet&Deep 45's for sale. Sound files and label scans are provided for each side, so you can have a look and listen before you buy! Going for quality over quantity - each record has been specially hand-picked to cover a range of styles and prices so hopefully there will be something for everyone! Records can be bought and paid for immediately and will be shipped the very next day. Site addition, looks good, easy to navigate and worth a visit Also features the latest word on the Orwell Events: Friday 30th June 2006 THE ORWELL Wigan Pier, Wigan Friday 30th June 2006 70's Soul&Crossover with smatterings of quality Northern Soul DJ's - SOUL SAM, FLANNY, BARRY MALEADY, STEVE PLUMB&STEVE CONNOR 8.30pm til late (with 2 am bar) £6 entrance

Just a quick mention about the all-nighter this Saturday 1st July at Queens Theatre in Burslem Stoke-on-Trent This venue is being promoted by my old mate Alan Johnson from Stafford, many of you may remember him running the South Side Stafford (follow up to TOTW),Loughborough, Whitchurch etc. etc. in the mid to late 80's. The venue has 2 rooms, oldies/60's downstairs and modern upstairs, once the refurbishments are complete there is a possibility of that increasing to 4. There is a refreshing attitude towards musical policy, basically Alan wants you the public to talk to him, tell him what you want to hear, and who you want to dj, if there is any way to avcomodate those wishesat future nights then he will do his best to do so. This second night sees the launch of the modern room upstairs, i have put a lot of time in asking Alan to have a room playing modern soul, garage jazz n funk, and i'm sure that a good turn out will justify his faith in me. Just to answer the Question that has been raised i can honestly stake my(rather tarnished) reputationon telling you that Alan is the sole promoter with no affiliation to anyone else. So try and get down on Sat. what a great way for the 'foot'y' fans to celebrate another England victory, or like me those who just want a great night out. CHEERS...HOPE TO SEE YA SAT...HARPO

Goldsoul in association with Backtrack Records present the WHITBY SOUL WEEKENDER at the WHITBY PAVILION, Whitby, North Yorkshire. · FRIDAY(Main Room) Welcome to the 4th Whitby Weekender' · 8pm ANDY BELLWOOD · 9pm JOHN POOLE · 10pm KEV ROBERTS · 11 SOUL SAM · 12 SEAN CHAPMAN · 1 MICK H · 2 SNOWY · 3am Close SATURDAY(Main Room) BIG OLDIES, ULTRA-RARITIES 1pm TOMA 2 NIGE BROWN 'with a Special Tribute to Nige Shaw' 4 RICHARD(Drax Club) 5.15 SEAN CHAPMAN 6pm Close 8pm SNOWY 9.15pm KENNY BURRELL 10.30 BUTCH 11.30 GINGER TAYLOR 12.30 NEIL JONES 1.30 CHRIS KING 3am Close SUNDAY (The Greatest OLDIES ever!) 12 ROB SMITH/KEV ROBERTS 1.30 GINGER TAYLOR 2.30-5 SNOWY ,THE WALKERS and friends. MODERN; FRIDAY (Modern Anthems and New Dance Culture) 8.30 ANDY JACKSON 9.30 SOUL SAM 10.45 PHIL KINGSWOOD 12.30 NEIL RUSHTON 3am Close SATURDAY; 2pm-5 (Crossover and 70's) SEAN CHAPMAN, KEV ROBERTS and Guests. Modern Anthems! 8.30 PHIL KINGSWOOD 10 BOB HINSLEY 12.30 BARRY MALEADY 3 Close NEXT YEAR's DATE; Fri-Sun JULY 6-8

The below was posted in the forums by Rob Moss Sad news just received that my friend Emmanuel has passed. One of the truly good guys and one hell of a voice. His Thelma recordings rank of some of the finest performances ever, as well as his other material for a variety of labels.His gentle manner and personal warmth will be long remembered and greatly missed. The forum thread can be read here https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=30278 Article "Emanuel Laskey - This is his story " can be viewed here https://www.soul-source.co.uk/rare-northern-soul-words/rare-northern-soul-articles/emanuel-laskey-this-is-his-story

Very sorry to have to report the sudden death of Paul Walker, better known to everyone as Crispie. Originally from Wolverhampton, well known in the Midlands and especially in the Devon / Cornwall areas where he lived for almost 20 years, Paul was found dead this morning by his father. Cause of death unknown but it's more than likely he had an epileptic fit. He was only 45. I realise many of you won't know him but he'd been a friend of mine for something like 31 years and I'm going to miss him. the forum thread can be read here https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=30304