Souledtrafford

If it is simply books about soul music, try Chicago Soul - Robert Pruter, The sound of Philadelphia by Tony Cummings, Making Tracks by Charlie Gillett (the Atlantic story) or Sweet Soul Music by Peter Guralnick, if you do not already have them. Ladies of Soul by David Freeland is a good read and having read this one, enjoying the piece on Bettye Lavette, I bought her book A Woman Like Me - what a story. This woman tried everything! Tamla Motown - the stories behind the singles, is a good coffee table book, while I also enjoyed Berry, Motown and Me by Ranoma Gordy Singleton. Books on the northern soul scene are numerous, some better than others and some getting more stick than others, but I found The Manchester Wheelers one of the better ones. Like the music itself, it isall a matter of taste.

Cheers for that Alison. I have emailed them and await a copy through the letter box. Hopefully it can return on a more regular basis and can get the soul night dates to run in conjucntion with when the mag comes out.

What number was the December issue? Last one had was 138. Interesting to read that there is now a new issue out. Must chase it up.

Because it is only a small scale local 'night' that we run and as explained previously, the size of venue etc, I never considered posting the event on 'SS'. Many of those who attend would probably think Wigan Casino was a gambling den, but a few of us are into the music (perhaps not to the level of some on 'SS') and only set out to find a venue with a good sound system where we could play northern/modern/motown every now and again and attempt to get others interested, or at least enjoy a night of good music. I play as big a mix as I can get away with, pushing in a few unfamiliar tunes to the locals and having only done the two nights, we feel that we are getting somewhere. More so, when someone requests 'Girl Across the Street'.

Not reluctant to post. Our venue only holds 120-130 comfortable and we can give out that number of tickets in the two or three weeks prior to the event, so there is little need to advertise the event 'nationwide', as local advertising does the job. As for a post after the event, because we only play cd's and a mixture of northern, modern and motown I wouldn't want to bore anyone with a report on a soul night that would mean nothing to the majority of people on this site. I could mention that I played Mildred Clark, the Ster-phonics, William Bollinger, but I don't think it would be of any great interest.

Can't understand why really.

Some do seem to judge the night by how many through the door, as their ego seems to be more important than what the dj's play and if the punters enjoy themselves. I always think that numbers on the dance floor are more important than numbers through the door.

Attendance figures can be stretched a bit, just to make it look good, but we know most of the people who got the tickets, if they were there and also how many we printed. In a small venue, a rough head count can be done. As others mentioned previously, it is not the number of people who were there, but what the dj's play that make the night. If the people are dancing all night then the dj's are doing their job and the people are enjoying themselves, they will come back the next time.

Cheers Len

Perhaps one of the reasons for the lack of feedback and event details from various venues is because of the stick that may follow. I help run a small 'Soul Club' and we had our second event at a local pub on Saturday night. Admission was free, but 'ticket only' and there were around 130 through the door, which was about right for the size of the venue. Kicked off at 8.00 and finished around 1.30 (should have been 1.00) and there were people dancing from before 8.30 until the end. Great I hear you say. But.............. we played cd's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is where the grief might set in. Not everyone who attends is into the music, but they like to dance and if you can get a room full of people filling the floor to 'Emperor of My Baby's Heart', 'Hand It Over', 'You Can Do It', etc etc then there should be no problem. These people do not care if it is on ovo or a pot lid. They are there for a good night and that is what we look to do. It also gets people interested and more knowledgeable about the sounds. So, perhaps there are others, whose nights are via cd's and they do not want a backlash because of this, so no mention of how their latest 'soul night' went.

I believe that changes are afoot for this year's issues, which "will be for the better".

Just found the below flyer. The same line up is down to play Liverpool as well.

Yes there are 1000's of tracks out there that could have been played at the Tower, but it up to the individual dj as to what he plays, or what he is asked to play. What does it matter if it is an original pressing or not? Only a few care. It is the music that counts, not what it is played on.

Not even one who went to the Wheel?

Have been there a few times Ali, but not for the music. Can still remember the first time, as you do, having to take a few short cuts through gaps in fences and peoples back gardens! Said I would never go back, but I did. Enjoy the weekend.

Hi Ali. I spend a considerable amount of time on your side of Hadrians Wall and have done for more years than I care to remember. I can therefore qualify as an adopted Mancunian. Take Care.

Strangely, No. 137 arrived today! Haven't read it yet, but as previously mentioned pages 4 and 5 contains info on events held on Sep. 8th, 14th and 22nd. Thankfully the 'What's On and Where' section is more up to date for those who travel around the countryside. As "daved" says, there is no need for countless play lists from down under and as Alison said, it did use to be a really good read and I am sure with a little bit of editing and a slight re-vamp, it could return to its former glory.

Cheers Alison. I think 136 was the last I had, so 137 should be 'in the post'. Like you, in two minds about renewing, as it is usually running late and 90% of the adverts for soul nights have long past, making the pages a complete waste of space. There is also one or two articles duplicated. It is to be fair a good mag, but needs a good editing before being printed.

Not seen or heard of Manifesto magazine for two or three months. Anyone know what has happened to it? I know it was a bit irregular in the past, but it always seemed to turn up. The latest gap makes you wonder if it has ceased to exist.

Will do Steve. Thel list is getting bigger by the day!! Cheers.

Comments noted with thanks. No dj costs to start with as three of the committtee are covering that and yes, we have done it before.

Cheers Mr Fred. The pub owner is supplying his usual two doormen but I intend to have a committee member on the door as well to take the tickets etc etc. Fortunately, one of the lads has a sound system at home, so we do have back up. Thanks for your interest.

No advertising ploy Len. Didn't think of it! Will certainly let you know how the first one goes, but due to dates and when everyone is free, we don't spin the first tune - no idea what that will be, until December 1st, whichdoes give us plenty of time to try and get everything right. Many thanks for the input.

Hi Len. Thanks for all your input, which is taken on board. Strangely the lad who went and looked at the venue came back and said that 'it was a bit dark'. Hopefully that and the music will create a bit of atmosphere.. Cheers.

Cheers Mark. Your mention of professional looking posters/flyers is something that one of the lads on our committee said was a 'must'. Also, one of the other committee members helps host a local radio show. The membership comments are something I wanted to hear and something I was hoping would be mentioned along the way, as this is something we are hoping to do. Are there any other clubs out there who run a membership scheme and how did the ygo about it? Thankfully we are getting the venue freee, doormen free and to start with there will be no dj expenses. Your comments were much appreciated.