Mike

Lookback Xmas Monkey Dec 2002 Ok here we go with a look back at last nites xmas monkey. 8 o clock doors open, few early people already in, Not attempting much vinyl info, as still scrambled and as a lot of nite was spent darting about, was a case of missing a lot of vinyl going ons First up was Colin Wood one of promoters of the great Halifax Yorkshire Riders Club, got to say many thanks to Colin, fairly long story but end of day Colin put in a lot of effort to do this spot and know myself and Steve really appreciated this. And so it seemed did the early punters, numbers bit sluggish at first, so dancefloor bit underused. But Col dished out a great set, with many passing on appreciative comments . Nice one and many thanks again for the support Colin. Have to mention Shirley as always good bounce and just when thought had finally got rid of riders flyers…. Big things going on at bar by now, with the monkey 2 4 1 bar promotion going on to 9 30. Numbers were picking up, and also the Chameleon (second) Room with new format “all era soul” was into full swing. Sue with help from Janine at first then Julie had the door thing going well smooth, cash, free cd, xmas raffle, Dave F doing his bit as well Next up was Brian Ellis, resident just down the road at Broughton along with Soul Sam. This outing hitting a more 60s format, from bits what I saw/heard all really good stuff. And since have heard a fair few well good remarks. DMSC Regular Rob Thomas up and at them next, vinyl retention at alltime low at moment, even his first 45 which can remember saying no way will forget this has gone.Help! By now crowd wise numbers were up on last one and as had passed that oh so satisfying mark called “break even” it was a case of relax Main guest Dave Rimmer was up for next hour and did a great set, afterwards said how much he enjoyed it says lines of “had a feeling of being let loose”. Vinyl managed to grab top 5.from nite. 1. Brooks Brothers - Looking For A Woman 2. Magnetics - I Have A Girl 3. Vondells - Hey Girl 4 The Caressors - I just cant stay a 5. Little Charles and Sidewinders -The Loner - Decca - think Dave said first time he played this - could be dodgy info Steve T on hearing Caressors did his now familar trick of letting it slip that has a copy of this at home somewhere, I did my now familar reaction of shaking my head and wondering if he was sent to torment me! And then was sure that he was, as said cost him 4 quid. Was going to reply stroking my chin, popular Rotherham spin possibly round 1980 but as didn’t know that till 15 mins ago didn’t Andy Rix returning from his travels was back on main stage and pushed out a great set, interesting one of nite was a “other” version of “I’d think it over twice” which said recently aquired, of course straight away asked Andy details and then, yes straight away forgot them, some other interesting sides, hopefully Andy will fill in details (cop out yeah i know !) Crying Time, The Hurting Is Over, and more monkey were out and about. Great stuff top form. Finishing off nite was the 30 min “monkey till you drop” spot, bit of a change, in past guy doing local dj spot did it, but steve and meself do it now as felt was missing a bit of contunity. First had the xmas raffle to get outta way and first winner was Stuart from St Ives who won the ten 45s soul pack, the next up winner choose as prize the bottle of wine, then 30 secs later sent back by his wife to exchange it for one of those furry Monkeys The wine was later on claimed by Ann A Some current and popular north wales coast stuff got dished out.over the last 30 mins, “Monkey till you drop” meaning anything goes Crowd wise, was good to see numbers up compared to last one, especally as a fair few other events were on as well. A fair few travellers from all stops North West, Yorkshire, St Ives, Kent, Midlands Cambridge, and beyond To me seemed a well good buzz to the nite, all feedback that heard so far was/is highly positive Chameleon Room - The second room format changed (some may note the name ) , this time went for all-era soul format Chico, Mark S and Phil B had volunteered to supply sound kit for this and supply the main sounds, Along with guy who’s name missed apoliges delivered a great mix of sounds Paul Baldwin was the guest dj and caught a fair bit with some quality year 2k+ stuff. From all heard the format worked really well, with a great mix of all-era stuff, the full range.Awaiting some plays from the djs and will push up all info as know there’s some who are interested. Along with full report of going ons and views from this room. Big thanks to Chico for getting equipment and sorting out. Already had a lot of good feedback, big thanks to all djs and crowd ……….more soon. Namechecks - Gotta say just too many to mention, Regards to all Thanks - All Djs, as said all feedback on the nite given it a thumbs up, door crew - all things well smooth, members - one of the enjoyable things about the monkey is the support we get, like people just popping in briefly to show support, plus many helping us out in many ways. Promotion - As always doing this show flying on the seat of our arse, most of cash goes on making sure that we deliver the best in quality soul and djs, cause of this main promotion is just word of mouth and flyers. If can spread the word, be it on fanzines, telling muckers, internet email lists,and so on be a help. Future - Watch out for future event date, djs locations and more soon Endline - Thought attendance may have been dodgy with xmas, events on close by, similar events elsewhere, and all that. Turned out no worries, numbers were up on last one. Own feeling of it was a great nite, of course as co-promoter my view always just that bit different than others. Feel free to post up yours cheers mike Plays from 27 Dec 2002 xmas feast — site admin (site admin), in * Soul News The Drunken Monkey Soul Club, North Wales, 27th December, 2002. Colin Wood 8pm to 9pm Four Sonics - Easier said than done - Sport Joe L - Worried - Clissac Ambers - I love you baby - Verve Danny Williams - Whose little girl are you - Deram Ravenettes - Since you’ve been gone - Shurfine Bouquets - Welcome to my heart - Blue Cat Connie Questell - Give up girl - Decca Rivieras - You counter feit girl - Riley’s Jesse Boone - I got to love you - Soul Potion Buckinghams - You misunderstand me - Columbia James Bell - Amazing love - RoJam Gladys King - Orange - ABC Billy Butler - Sweet darling - Brunswick Echoes - Million dollar bill - Pulse Vows - Tell me - VIP Garland Green - Angel baby - Uni Intruders - Check yourself - Gamble Jades - Hotter than fire - Cherry Red Maximilian - You’d better - Magic Circle Sandra Phillips - You succeeded - Broadway Creations - Oh baby - Globe Shadows - My love has gone - Golden Sound Enjoyables - Push a little harder - Capitol Victors - Hurt - Philips Dave Rimmer 11pm to 12pm Larry Davies - I’ve Been Hurt So Many Times Before - Kent Joe Tex - I Wanna Be Free - Dial Frank Foster - Harlem Rumble - Triode Patience Valentine - If You Don’t Come - SAR Joanne Courcy - I Got The Power - Twirl Brooks Brothers - Looking For A Woman - Tay Jimmy Washburn - Into Your Heart - C/U Frank Dell - He Broke Your Game Wide Open - Valise Fabulous Apollos - The One Alone - Valtone Donald Jenkins - Somebody Help Me - Cortland Pat Brown - The Good Got To Suffer For The Bad - Seven B Brooks O’Dell - Standing Tall - Columbia Jimmy Hart - Tea House In China Town - Mercury Sam Fletcher - I’d Think It Over - Tollie Mill Evans - Why Why Why - King Sparkles - Try Love - Old Town Betty Turner - The Winds Kept Laughing - Crescent Caressors - I Can’t Stay Away - Ru-Jac Magnetics - I Have A Girl - Ra Sel Little Charles & The Sidewinders - The Loner - Decca Vondells - Hey Girl (You’ve Changed) - Airtown Jimmy Wallace - I’ll Be Back - Alpha Andrea Henry - I Need You Like A Baby - MGM Johnny Mae Mathews - I Have No Choice - Big Hit more to follow

Monkeys Xmas Box Yes its all jacked up for the 27 Dec and we're going for a Monkey xmas feast ! Reg Djs: Andy Rix Rob Thomas Guest Djs Dave Rimmer Brian Ellis Colin and John - Halifax Riders Club 2nd room : All Era Monkey Paul Baldwin Mark Speakman, Phil Blacknell, Chico INFO Regular djs Andy Rix (returning to do the monkey after escaping from the last two) and of course Rob Thomas Special guests for this rave up being Dave Rimmer and Brian Ellis, we reckon its going to be a non-stop rare soul xmas party in the main room, but seeing its xmas have also grabbed Colin and John from the renowned club Halifax Yorkshire Riders to get things kicking from the word go! Also if thats not enough for you. also see's the return of the Chameleon Room, as its name, its always changing, this time going for a bit of a different format than last two its time for All-era format, dishing out all the best soul licks all the way up to the year 2002 Guest DJ being Paul Baldwin who's been doing big things with the upstairs room at Tony's and also featuring some of North Wales finest all-era spinners Mark, Phil, and Chico . So thats what you got on offer for the Xmas Box - 11 djs, 2 rooms, and the finest quality fresh exciting rare soul you can handle. Along with a free monkey cd for the first 50 in and other xmas going on's, just say you better go easy on that turkey! The Drunken Monkey Soul Club - Dreaming of a monkey xmas Full details, info on venue etc all here on site

Views From The Floor - 16 Nov 2002 " site admin (site admin), in * Soul News * Drunken Monkey SC Views From The Floor - 16 Nov 2002 Reviews-Plays : Monkey Time - Nov 16 Posted on 2002/11/21 18:30:55 Well after a great night at the Wilton with a quality dj line up it was time to leave for North Wales and make Monkeys of ourselves (Andy Dyson and Mick H, the two guests for the night and myself. Arrived an hour and fifty minutes later to be greeted by such a wonderful sight, two lasses in fancy dress, one dressed as a genie....f*g 'ell could have rubbed her lamp but as my hands were full with Andy's record boxes any thought of playing Aladdin soon disappeared Was sorely tempted to put the boxes down and head next door but as we weren't suitably dressed for the occasion had to settle for the Drunken Monkey Soul Club! All I can say is top night and top crowd. Musically great with the emphasis on quality, non of the usual overplayed hammered to death soul you get at some other venues. We all had a great night and can't recommend this place enough, you really ought to try and get along. Crowd were fully appreciative of all the records played regardless of individuals tastes. As I said earlier Andy and Mick H were the guests and they didn't disappoint. Both played blinding sets as did all the djs on the night. Our ears were treated to sounds like Soul Inc, Sensations- Demanding Man, Robert Tanner - Sweet Memories, Vanguards on Shirley (listen out for this great choon), Locations - Mister Diamond Man, Nu-Rons All Of My Life and many more which I'm sure I'll remember when some brain cells have recovered. Maybe Andy can remember what he played and post a playlist Nice to meet all the other Soul Talkers making monkeys of themselves, I won't name names as I don't want to offend anyone I miss out which I probably will with my memory. Left towards the end and headed for Stoke which was a different experience altogether. Again great night and hope to get back there again pretty soon. Chalky Another view Many thanks to Neil and gang for taking time to pass on their view Regrettably, despite having read a lot about them, we haven't been able to attend the previous DMSC nights so, when the five of us arrived at 8.45pm we were all officially 'monkey virgins!!' Having paid our soul tax, we walked into the main room and immediately you could tell the room had atmosphere - WHY HAVEN'T WE GOT VENUES LIKE THIS IN SHROPSHIRE!! we all cried. What a great place!! Having grabbed some seats we headed for the bar and that was the second pleasant suprise of the night. £6.40 for five drinks!!! I thought (perhaps in some bizarre tribute to Stafford top-of-the-world) that the beers were being charged at 1980's prices!! Whilst at the bar, the tunes started to hit me. 'Hang on', I thought. We're still in the first hour of this night and already the big tunes are playing. If the tunes are this good early on, things could only get better - And I wasn't disappointed!! It was like being new to the scene again. LOADS of records I've NEVER heard before - Superb. A track by Prince Paul was played twice and this was the highlight of the night for me. WHAT AN AWESOME RECORD and I've never heard it before. Taking my seat again, my aged fellow soulie Chic said what we were all thinking, 'this is like an allnighter atmosphere', he said. 'It's like the tunes that used to get played at Droylesden and Hyde Town Hall'. This truly was praise indeed as these two venues rank highly in my list of all time favourite venues. Suddenly on comes Teardrops by Soul Bros. Inc. and we're up and dancing This was to be the third suprise of the night!! I have, for over 10 years assumed the slippyist dancefloor in the world was at a soul nite we used to go to at a working mens club in Leigh. THE SPRINFIELD HAS PROVEN ME WRONG!! What have you done to the thing!!?? It was like ice!! I went up to ask the DJ for a record at one point and nearly paid the ultimate price. Surely no-one in the history of Rare Soul has ever fallen on their @rse on a dancefloor whilst simply walking across it (unless very drunk!!). Anyway, I soon learned that by dancing on the edge of the carpet I could survive and I will make sure that next time I wear trainers!! I'll have to do something because when you're hearing tunes like Troy Dodds, Arthur Willis and Buddy Smith not dancing is not an option!! As you can tell, we are now all firmly Monkey converts and we will be regulars at future nights. My only regret is that the Christmas one clashes with the do we run at the White House in Cannock. Anyway, I hope that goes well and we will all be back with you at the Springfield for more quality soul in 2003. Keep up the (very) good work. Neil, Chimene, Kiddo, Wendy and Chic Shrewsbury

The Second Monkey!!!!! Look back Well got there in the end, a bit slower starting this time, but come midnight it was case of Monkey a go go, with the main room full and kicking. As always great sets from regs Andy Rix and Rob Thomas, guests Guy H, Ally M and Phil B did the hardest to give us overload of quality soul Second Room got off to a cracking first one, thanks to the efforts of the 4 guest second room djs And as always big thanks to all members who helped, supported, turned up and made the nite. A well lengthy view on nite is available.... ...hit that read more to read more Anyway finally me and Sue got up to hotel. Into the non stop sorting. Plain sailing - yeah sure. Shape of things to come, seems hotel had a fair few changes of staff, so everything that had sorted out in the last one was unsorted, and they weren't eager to go back, plus as new not clued up on what we were about, ho hum ,second room needed fair bit of work, as manager had set it up so could use it for a christening the next day, so didn't really have the look for a sweaty den of hardcore 6ts soul, move tables, more sweat, move tables, then found eldest had borrowed the mixer but forgot to put it back in box, frantic phonecalling and favours finally sorted it. Speaker cable no good. Partner in crime Steve was late, more sweat.. People starting arriving, more sweat, curtains needed sorting as daylight, they had to be in crap order, playlists, lights, yeah think that's it, chance to taste hour old pint. On wind up session well cause of the messing around with me and Steve all over the place - the "monkey wind up" was being done by someone else, no offence to anyone and all that but one choice had even Sue looking amazed. As had strongly pushed the get in early and jump straight in quality on newsletter, was just looking at ceiling at this stage.Quick walk around, nearly slipped over on the dance floor, this was start of the icerink saga. But in between had the not enough bar staff scenario, eventually solved when manager came in. Last time, though made sure floor was polished first, had a few saying weren't that good, don't know what the hotel had done, but this time it was a skating rink, this was a major problem early on, as was well dodgy, needed the ideal solution, orange juice was one given, sand another suggested, Steve showing his chef expertise threw salt all over the place, nah, even a suggestion of get levine in and then no one will want to use it, by now people had marked their spot threw something down and then refused to budge. Final solution was mop and hot water, which seemed to work a bit.Though if anyone has a proven soloution let us know . OK now about 9 30, and apart from those who thought a promoter meant general handyman, things were on the way up. Best blagger of the nite award went to the guy who told Sue , " allright I'm Rob Thomas dj-ing" and thus got in free and led to a later "no that's not Rob Thomas " conversation Most adaptable punter - had a local woman, heard it was a soul nite, assumed to be motown nite, turned up, asked nicely why no temptations, once told checked out second room and now part of the malcolm woosley R&B fan club Most content person -Small Paul who as hasn't even got a computer isn't doing that bad for online mentions, says cheers to john p Most unusal punter 1- Carl W who turned down bookings for this nite so could attend event Most unusal punter 2 - The first ever person at the two events to ask for oldies Anyway got this far and not a mention of any of real action, well Phil Blacknell did the first guest spot at 840 opening in fine style after the monkey wind up (think this one was wrong word wind up:), followed by Ally Mayer who started off with a early soul acetate recently picked up from new york, the real Rob Thomas was on next , a cracking set, Guy H the main guest was up at 11 - Andy Rix doing the 12 -1 with yet another top of the range set Phil B finished the nite off with the monkey till you drop spot - which as a bit of a throwback to the chaos early on, also had the new manager first trying to close it at 1.am, then 1.15, and then finally throwing the lights on in a strop about 1.30 with Phil B failing in the attempt to slip just one more on Off course got all plays logged in head and all the running bout early on didnt affect me, will add soonest Not just the main room this time, but also the second room was on the go, dj duties split between, malcolm worsley - tim fletcher - carl lloyd- johnny jones - all selected to give a fair old balance of non-main room stuff - fresh revivals, little heards, R&B, early soul etc Students of second room scientology ( was it john p who put up article on it) may be interested to know our thoughts on it and how it went Had to give this a lot of thought as looked at modern option and to tell truth dismissed it as to us seemed just to be a "get more thru the door" and as never see that much interaction between rooms, espically modern to main room. Thought wouldn't add anything to event for the mainly 6ts fan which event is about So decided 60s - then what r&b? name is to some a put off for some reason, and as nearly everyone has their own idea of what R&B is, sacked it Oldies room ? - Nah defintely not, think thoughts on this was, not what event is about Collectors Room - Could work, but name would put some off End Choice - Other Side Of Street - Bit of a mix - said non main hall stuff inc all sorts 60s soul, bit hard to categorize espically the non-main hall term , but thinking being that if have varied styles djs should result in a worthwhile addition to the soul; fans nite, as thats what they come for End Result - Bit slow to kick off but when it did, yep it worked very well, fairly packed thru out nite, someone said more in than the modern room at lowtown which was funny in a nice way, few ups and downs in numbers.as nite went on But overall 100% success and know all djs got big thumbs up from members. Was a bit of concern with numbers as could always drag people from the main hall, but never a problem, with both busy did close it at 1215. as main effort always gonna be the last 1hr 15. Plus with room whole event moved up a notch as the other bar was now more availble and the venue had more depth rather than just the one main room. Well thats the rooms/djs covered ought else... yeah of course most important one the crowd, bit slower filling up than last time, but later on was close to the same as the first one. We were thinking after the first for numbers to improve a bit but pre-event feedback gave better idea, a lot said it was because of clashes, though almost impossible to avoid them this time, and to me makes sense to clash with a commerical oldies nighter than any proper northern event, would like to avoid Bretby but if we did for example then be clashing with Keele for next one, do know a few moved on afterwards to either Bretby or togetherness. Crowdwise well words getting around a lot of travellers from all over the place down south, midlands and so on and a fair few doing their second visit, crowd yet again made the nite, bit subdued earlier on but made up for it later. Always lots of good comments on the feel and the attitude of the crowd, friendly, up for it being just some of the descriptions. Photos - well watch out a roving digital camera was busy on the nite, so expect a few laughs, portraits, and all the rest on site Anyway think thats the end of this lengthy piece, overall after a shakey start, a few problems, and the nite picked up to a well enjoyable one, some well ouch sounds were being dished out by the regulars with the guests doing the buisness as well. The second room format seems to be a winner.Have another all star line up for next one Think most of the hiccups were ironed out after the first hour or so. Apoligies if any of them had a bad effect on your nite, think most were due to the having new staff, The manager apoligies for the floor, again it was his first northern one, and think said floor was ideal for ballroom. He said that will repeat the drinks promotion at the next one in recognition of the problems Big thanks as always from all the Monkey Team to all members who supported the event, and all those who have helped with event, spread the word and flyers and as we say without you there be no monkey Next one is 28 Sep Note: All DMSC members feel free to pass on your views of last nites event, enjoyed it? suggestions? points? and so on We thrive on feedback!! Just hit that comments

Due to the rush of membership applications, running low on the free preview cd. Only a few left. Track listing and sleeve notes are in the "read more" section. To join please use the Join Club link on the left! for info: heres notes that be with cd OK heres the first monkey GBH preview, rough as .... Cd Done in typical monkey style, raw, off the cuff, last minute and in a rush No fancy mixing, balancing, sound levelling or other stuff majority of tracks off vinyl, some of dodgy tapes, radio, mobile phones and most clipped to about 1 min 30 sec and you even have to cut out your own sleeves! But all we say........... check out the content!! First one the spotlight falls mainly on our two regulars Andy Rix and Rob Thomas with a stunning line up of all sorts Thrown together current floor fillers, one offs, alt versions, recent floor fillers that were first plays for them, class revivals and more Track listing below Anyway whole thing was yet just another excuse for us to hammer some more quality soul, check out website for more listings info and so on, from all djs So wack it in, turn stereo up to the " let the whole street hear it " setting and stand by... DRUNKEN MONKEY - 22 nd JUNE - That days not gonna be long enough! Tracks Done for ease and quickness in session style The Anorack Monkey is still missing after recent crimewatch appearance, so all info, notes and listings well dodgy 7 sessions with a couple of fillers at end Track 1 i gotta get away-tommy good-jobete acetate its time- seven souls - cover Shes not the marrying kind -Kenny Lewis - Audio Acetate Im Not Satisfied -Dream team-Gregory Shes wanted - Larrys Boys - Virtue acetate Sock it to me - Commotions - RCA Custom acetate Track 2 Nothings to good for my baby - springers - alt version Try My Love - Moses Smith - Unissued Mr Misery - Alt version - played by pat brady as robbie lawson back in time you made a man out of me-scott english-associated acetate with this love and what you got - the jean wells just popped out for fags band - select sound acetate Track 3 Crying Time(Instrumental)- The Boys in the Best Instru This Century Band! Dont Let The Door Hit You Back -Cashmeres - Edgewood acetate alt version switch around-wallie hawkins and rose marie mcoy-beltone acetone - the top sound of recent prestatyn in one ear and out of the other-cindy scott-virtue acetate dont stop-royal five-impact stop acetate Track 4 running back-charles mintz- up look- ouch how good! thats the same thing-masquaders-soul town If ever I needed you -little dooley -koko i should cry-ronnie walker-virtue acetate the thrill of lovin you-jimmy radcliffe-jaysina acetate track 5 small things (make a difference) -keli osborne-new bag i want to be free-admirations-peaches whos that kissing you tonight-herman lewis-bell sound acetate I cant turn my back on you-vince apollo-impereial sound acetate just the way i feel-faye and hilletes-audio acetate four strong winds-daisy burris-deesu i gotta find a way(to get you back)-tammi terell track 6 keep on searching-brenda jackson-sunshine sound im bringing home-tony mason-april and blackwood acetate gonna get even-ray williams-space nobody else-royal five-impact sound acetate baby-young brothers-soul power speak on up-joe king-prix track 7 you left me-admirations-peaches Just A Boys Dream.-Willie Hutch & the Phonetics love is allright-jesse james-virtue acetate. where did they go-faye and hillettes - Audiodisc acetate Getting together - Dreamlovers - Virtue acetate two karaoke dont stop none-mayfield players back streets - detroit Symphony

PAOLO HEWITT : AUTHOR JOURNALIST. " Petes story is really pacey and exciting so my question is " Who The Hells Pete McKenna " and more importantly should you read his book ? As the man himself once sang " Indeed you should ". MARK SARGEANT : MUSIC EDITOR SCOOTERING MAGAZINE. " Sums up the essence of the " golden era " incorporating the seven esses - substances scooters skinheads sex and seven inch soul gems. A fictional journey back to the worlds first superclub. A sizzling scintillating story ". JOHN KING : AUTHOR. " I got into Petes story quickly and it works well, chugging along at a good pace. It is a powerful book I can easily imagine as a good film ". PETE HAIGH : DJ FEATURE WRITER. " Petes second opus is a mix of fact and fiction about 70s life in the northern soul underground and what you get is more " Lock Stock And Northern Soul ". Pete lets you live the life whether you want to live it again or just enjoy the ride. Only you can say and I wonder what Frank will think ? ". Website currently under construction. Demand is hgh so get in early by getting on the mailing list or order a copy by contacting the following. " WHO THE HELLS FRANK WILSON ? " IS OUT MID AUGUST AVAILABLE INITIALLY FROM TWISTED SAMURAI PUBLISHING, PO BOX 723, LANCASTER LA1 5WT. PRICE : CHEQUES OR POSTAL ORDERS FOR £6.99 + £1.99 POST PACKING.

According to Joe Billingslea of the Contours, "some inhospitable Southerners fired rifles at the Motor Town Special tour buses, many of the hotels on that famous 1962 Motown trek were dumps, the buses was hot and rickety, but overall it was a fabulous tour. In 1962, a Detroit photographer came along for the ride, and Curtis E. Woodson’s new book about the trip is being launched this week. “Memories of The 1962 Motown Revue — A Photographic Journal” captures scenes from Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr.s road show, that featured Marv Johnson, Mary Wells, the Marvelettes, the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Contours, the Supremes, Singin Sammy Ward and the Choker Campbell Orchestra. Woodson was the shows official photographer but for more than 40 years, the 100 odd photographs, shot during performances in Washington, D.C., Boston and Birmingham, Ala., have never been published or seen by the public. Photo: Diana Ross, left, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard of The Supremes and Rosalind Holmes of the Vandellas.

The Verve Music Group and the American Diabetes Association will kick off “Write a Love Letter to Luther,” a national fundraising campaign for musician Luther Vandross, on August 3. “Write a Love Letter to Luther” offers fans the opportunity to write encouraging letters to Vandross, who suffered a diabetes-related stroke earlier this year. The letters will be accompanied by contributions to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). August 3 is being called the “Love Letter to Luther Day” and has gained many supporters around the country, including the mayors of Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Raleigh, N.C. and Dallas. The love letter campaign is being launched in conjunction with Verve’s release of Forever, For Always, For Luther, a benefit CD featuring 10 of Vandross’ greatest hits as performed by fellow soul and jazz musicians. The album was released on July 27. On October 22, a gala will be held in New York City to benefit ADA featuring several of the artists on Forever, For Always, For Luther. At the concert, the ADA will present the love letters to Vandross’ family and announce the results of the fundraising campaign. Supporters can send their love letters to Luther along with their contributions to the American Diabetes Association: American Diabetes Association Forever, For Always, For Luther Fund 1701 North Beauregard Alexandria, VA 22311 For more information call 1-800-DIABETES or visit www.diabetes.org/letterstoluther. Web source: jazztimes.com

Celebrate New Years Eve at The Parkside Social Club, Bramhall, Nr Stockport. Fabulous DJ line up,6 hours of top quality music. Full Hot and Cold Buffet and a free New Years prize draw with some brilliant prizes.I know it is a long way off but anyone wishing to come and stop over in Stockport will have to book hotels etc and also secure their tickets from me as we know it is going to be a sell out. I can supply hotel and taxi information if you ring me on 0161 285 0130 or email me on hitsville45@aol.com but you will have to be quick as we have been round all the hotels and we have found two that are within a mile of the venue and have rooms at very reasonable rates. Thanks. Hopefully see you there. Alan Pollard

Thanks to soulgirl who posted up a link and info, can pass on word of a new site for " Soul Jewellery" "A unique site and a unique opportunity to purchase solid gold effigys of Northern Soul keepsakes" few pics below of some of the products on offer can visit site thru soul source links here

While you can view the Soul Source online event guide when out and about through your mobile phone, its not always that practical, lucky enough there is a fine publication that can pick up at events, thats free and keeps you in touch with just what is on and when (and can safely take into bath) A long winded way of just passing on word that the latest issue of "On The Scene" is out!

Llandudno Niter Like the boy who lives next to the school always being late, this event was on 500m from where live and still didn’t manage to get their till 230am, as got attacked my sleep fiend. In past always a bit wary about writing views on local events, as may see it from a different perspective. But nowadays its a case of just do own thing so here you go. Llandudno being my home town am always keen to see such events do well, promoters off this event do things their own way, and at times has to be said in past dont always agree with way do some things. However that’s just my own personal punter view and not important in whole scheme of things. Not sure how many years its been running regular 7? so their methods work. However looking at the line up booked for this one have to say that this line up core looks like was strongest around the uk this weekend mark bicknell carl willingham kev murphy carole roger banks little scotty ricey gary beattie Walked into Mark Bicknell set , who was letting out a strong set of top rarities, Jimmy Burns, Ivories had missed Roger Banks and earlier sets Carl Willingham was up next and carried on his superb form he is in at moment with yet another great set. Highlights being yet again Teardrops Soul (bros?) inc and his latest newie/biggie - Survivours - Baby, heard this first time at New Century other week and have to say its a good one. As more than likely know Carl is retiring from dj-ing with finishing his dj-days at Prestatyn 2005, have to say he is going out on top form, and as said before one his strengths in the range of styles he can push out as the venues/crowd demands. Is there such a thing as 5d as got so many dimensions (groan:) Top stuff and he is sure going to be missed come next year. Kev Murphy double decking with Andy McCabe on next - Sonattas - Going on down the road kicking things off with a set that included a bit of a motown session. 7 O Clock and time for Little Scotty to finish nite, fresh from New century event at Wolverhampton he finished the night as he only does. Heard numbers where up on last one and while healthy as with a fair few events nowadays it could have done with few more just to lift the buzz and feel of nite. Though i certainly enjoyed it. Fair few travelers and few muckers turned up unannounced, London, Cambridge, Stoke, Midland, North West, and so on well represented. Fair few locals there but not as many as last time. Myself though got there late found it most enjoyable, was good to see event on the up and a strong dj line up is always a winner for me. As said Dave P and Garry B do things their own way, they certainly put effort and organization into this event, hopefully the next one in October the first Saturday will continue the upward trend and if main part of dj line up is as strong am sure this event be back on the map with a bang. 8am saw us spilling out to what has to be the best uplifting view from a niter anywhere, Llandudno bay, glorious welsh sunshine as well, unfortunately the alldayers after are no longer at moment so that was that. Next one OCT 2ND Line up as it occurs