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Gig Blog
This blog begins in May 2006 and goes in chronological order. So if you want to read about the most recent gigs scroll right down to the bottom of this page.
I'm not sure how interesting to read this is but here it is anyway. As much anything it is for my own benefit just to remember what has happened. A guide to the highs and lows of being a self-employed, usually self promoting, solo musician.
I'm not even sure that anybody has actually found this page yet. No-one has ever mentioned it! (infact just recently, after about a year and a half a few people have mentioned it) So maybe it doesn't matter that it is pretty mundane, however if your thinking of booking me please don't base your decision on the contents of this diary! Very recently someone tried to knock me down on price by saying that he reads in my diary that I don't always go down that well - this didn't go down very well with me. The combination of honesty with modesty doesn't really make this diary a very good piece of promotional proper gander. It does whoever make a bit more interesting than if I just say the venue was brilliant & I was brilliant & everyone loved me, for every gig.
Many times I've tried to keep a general written diary before and usually I just end up writing about what food I have eaten. This habit has not totally been abandoned during the course of these entry's. The very fact that it is a gig diary does manages to keep me off the subject of food and generally it's more like "it's really great to back at ..." .But then I do feel very lucky that I can make a living by playing music, even if I've only had moderate success (see I told you I was modest) . So usually it is great to back cause that's better than not being asked back. Which as you will see can happen. 2006
During April-May 2006 I was lucky enough to travel across the USA. At some point I'm planning to include some photographs (as soon as I can get my scanner working again) , and tell you a bit more about my trip so watch this space.
28th May 2006, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm My first solo gig for a long time apart from one try out in The George, Axminster back on a lazy Sunday at beginning of April. This first gig as Stompin' Dave was slightly marred by some very loud talking in the front in the second set. Still this situation eventually inspired me to write the song Hello everybody a few months later. I got my revenge on the night by doing my impression of a silver backed gorilla!
4th June Weymouth Folk Festival My last minute call to the festival was great fun as I supported the magnificent Huckleberries+ plus the excellent Appalachian dance side No Mean Feet. What a beautiful day it was. My first and only planned set was at 10am which went remarkably well considering I had no breakfast! I was asked to perform again in the afternoon which felt great.
9th June, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Axminster,9pm My first visit to Tom's Cabin was a great success. If you want an authentic pub experience you should visit Uncle Tom's Cabin. They have red cider!
16th June Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 9pm My first gig at Eyre Court was poorly attended as it was the first time they had had music on a Friday night, but this is potentially a great venue as their popular Sunday sessions have proved. I seemed to make a good impression with the regulars though.
13th July The George, Axminster, 9pm Back to the George this time as Stompin' Dave and this time on a Thursday night which was a little better attended than my Sunday afternoon session. This is potentially a fantastic venue but the good people of Axminster are a bit slow to catch on. With Steve Black at the helm I'm sure things The George will eventually fulfil its potential.
22nd July, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm My first time at The Foundary, everyone seemed very friendly, particularly the landlord Mr Alan Freebourne. Another very loud table right at the front but this time (probably because they were younger & bigger and because it was my first visit to The Foundary) I resisted my gorilla impersonation. My evening was greatly enhanced by a long discussion with a trawler fisherman about spider crabs. Apparently they have no pincers...now that can't be right. He also says you can find 40feet high mounds of them mating!
29th July, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm Louise played the majority of this gig on backing guitar which was great fun. The audience was very enthusiastic which was wonderful, but they need more practise clapping in time though! We have a barn dance planned at the Pound Inn next! Debut of my new resonator guitar.
30th July, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Wincanton, 3pm-5.30pm Back to the cabin this time on a Sunday afternoon not as well attended as previous gig but Ali the landlady said everyone was on holiday! We were planning to play outside but the weather wasn't that great. The bar did fill up as the session went on though. Many thanks to Charlie who danced, bought me a drink and then gave me a cucumber and some runner beans!
1st August, No.10, Bridport, 9pm Hadn't played the popular Tues night sessions in No.10 for over a year. Great place but it is a bit like playing in a corridor, your tucked under the stairs! This gig was well received though and I gave my resonator a good work out.
I don't know what everyone was on in No.10(they do serve absinthe) but late in the second set I pulled out my banjo and suddenly we were in a impromptu barn dance with people dashing up and down the length of the bar, spinning round in groups and tap dancing to what appeared to be prepared routines! When I finally finished playing at midnight the bar erupted into a full on disco, with a corridor full of writhing bodies. Someone has hit No.10 with a happy stick!
3rd August, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm Cancelled
4th August, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm First solo gig at the Jazz Cafe seemed to go well.
23rd August, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Played one three hour set! Phew!
24th August, The Plough, Tiptoe, 9pm Nice to be back at the Plough after a break of about a couple of years. Liked the new layout - they've knocked down a wall and created a stage!
26th August, Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 9pm Another three hour set. Better attendance this time at Eyre Court. Also managed to acquire a gig in Seaton on Monday.
27th August, Square & Compass, Illminster, 3pm-4pm Hazy Daze Music Day Really good to see Harry & Dave (+Dave the roadie again). My one hour set seemed to go down well with the crowd. Harry's P.A. sounded great. Enjoyed listening to Derrin Nauendorf who was on after me before I had to rush off to the Greyhound.
27th August, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle Really busy bank holiday gig in the Greyhound the whole night went really well(the crowd who travelled from Soton were banging on the tables like monkeys!) There was a power cut at the end! I don't think it was related to the banging on the tables, but who knows? Thanks to Pete & Nicky for helping me pack up in the dark!
28th August, The Royal Clarence, Seaton 3pm This was another mammoth gig! Really like the locals down at Seaton. It really feels like I'm starting to take over Seaton! I was offered another gig in the town, I'm taking over Seaton! Everyone really seemed to have a great time today everyone was singing along which was great. The landlord John dancing was quite something remarkable to behold. When he spun one lady round his head she got quite flustered!
1st September, The Jazz Cafe, 9pm This gig was quite poorly attended, maybe because the first Friday of the month came round so quick!
2nd September, The Pound Inn, 9pm Thanks for Terry for stepping in as a caller at the last minute. This dance went well even if some people were more keen to dance than others.
3rd September, The Loders Arms, 2pm Hadn't been to the Loders Arms for at least two years. The sun came out which was brilliant because I was playing in the garden. The pint of Palmer's Copper Ale I had went down really well, as did a burger off the barbie. It was landlord Clive's forth anniversary at The Arms.
3rd September, The Platform, 9pm Very cool to back at The Platform really liked the new extension! The food has always looked really good in The Platform so it's great for them to have more tables.
7th September, The Dolphin, 9pm It's fabulous that The Dolphin is up and running again! This gig wasn't that well attended but it may take a while to build things up again on The first Thursday of the month of the break.
9th September, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle, 9pm This was a great gig! The English civil war enactment club were here and they were great fun. They awarded me a medal!
10th September, Hardy's, Bridport, 8pm Bit of a quiet gig this one. Unfortunately it seems the present occupiers of Hardy's are moving on so this could be my last gig here.
15th September, The Vault, Seaton, 9pm Had some really good gigs in Seaton recently and this was no exception. Played a 3hours set and once again the Seaton crowd made it worth every ounce of effort.
19th September, No.10, Bridport, 9pm I enjoyed this gig - played a lot of blues.
21st September, The George, Axminster, 9pm It certainly is an eye opener going in the George!
24th September, The Weld Arms, East Lulworth, 8.30pm First time at The Weld Arms. Found the pub to have a very pleasant atmosphere, with really good food. Played acoustically which is always a pleasure.
30th September, The Oak, Dewlish, Near Dorchester, 9pm First time at The Oak. Enjoyed this gig, it wasn't as well attended as Diane the landlady would of hoped because there was a birthday party going on in the village, but I seemed to make a good impression with the rest of the locals. If you want to visit a pub which is truly out of the way this is it.
5th October, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm This gig was busier than the last one but we still not up to the full capacity! I think people are starting to realise that there are things happening down at The Dolphin again.
6th October, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm Enjoyed this gig played quite a bit of blues.
14th October, The Bell, Creech St. Michael, 9pm First time to Creech St. Michael. Allen & Rosemary(landlord & landlady) were really friendly and although it wasn't their busiest nights I think I won the locals over to the cause. Hopefully the first of many good nights in The Bell. Starting to realise that Taunton isn't actually that far away from me and that there is quite a lot of going on so I'm going to be looking for some more gigs in that direction. This gig will be particularly memorable for me as the night I couldn't get through Chard because the carnival was on!
17th October, No.10, Bridport, 9pm Really got into this gig. There's not a lot of room in No.10 so sometimes I just sit and play. Really got into the zone playing a lot of the new bluesy material I've been working on and before I new it I'd played a three and a half hour set...my bum hurt from sitting on the chair so long!
21st October, Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 8pm Again I really enjoyed this gig my new material is really coming together which is great.
28th October, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Wincanton, 9pm For whatever reason this wasn't the best gig...did play some good stuff though, hey you win some you lose some.
2nd November, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm The Dolphin is really starting to happen again now after they had to stop gigs for a while. Played some of my new songs at the end and they went down really well, which felt great. I'm sure December at The Dolphin will be mega.
3th November, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm The faithful turned up again at The Jazz Cafe which was lovely.
11th November, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm First time at The Woodman, assisted by Fred on bones and bass. Hopefully the first of many a good night here.
23rd November, The Plough, Tiptoe, 9pm Really nice to be back at The Plough this gig was added to by the presence of The Bournemouth crew who seemed to take a shine to the place.
24th November, The Boot, Weymouth, 9pm First gig at The Boot Inn it seemed to go really well. The atmosphere is good in this cosy boozer... so is the beer. Starting Jan. 07 I will be resident here on The first Monday of the month. I'd forgotten how good Ringwood 49 can taste.
25th November, The Coronation Arms, St Marybourne, Nr Andover, 9pm 1 whole year at The Coronation Arms for Reg and Sue. It was really great to catch up with them they seem to be getting along fine.
This gig which seemed to go down pretty well
was slightly mired for me by the usually gripe of noisy people at the
front. I even asked them nicely to quiet down a bit. One of the
things of noticed over the years but sometimes forget is if there's a
table right at the front at a venue you think to yourself well it will
nice if someone sits there as long as they don't sit on the chairs that
will face backwards of me. So I will dutifully remove the offending
chairs. You can almost guarantee as soon as a start someone will
move a chair back in and proceed to sit with their back to you and shout
at there friends across the table because they are so close to speakers!
At which point I can't hear what I'm playing and get irritated. The next
tactic is usually to do some high kicks pretty close to the offending
persons earhole which usually manages to quiet them down enough so that
I can concentrate but occasionally you get someone so thick skinned they
don't even care if you kick them in the head... which I would never do
on purpose of course, even if they are ruining my night, I don't expect
everyone to always sit in raptures, but come on have a little common
courtesy ... Anyway rant over, I feel a bit better for that. Thanks for
listening. Note to self: must try to remember to get that front table
taken out if possible, no matter how tempting it is to leave in.
30th November, Cunningham's, Wellington, Nr Taunton, 9pm Unfortunately this my first gig at Cunningham's was cancelled at the last minute due to Sarah the landlady illness. Get well soon!
1st December, The Jazz Cafe, Canford Cliffs, 8.30pm This was good fun as there was a large group of younguns who at first looked bemused by this old fashioned music. For a while were uninterested then after a few drinks "they starts taken the mickey" and prancing then all of a sudden they realised they actually were really enjoying themselves and the whole room was truly dancing.
2nd December, The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Beer Festival, 9pm This gig has been reviewed on Lemonrock.com so you can read all about it. It was great to be back at The Square & Compass. I love it!
6th December, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Good to be back at The Beach & Barnicott. It felt good playing material on my new CD knowing that it is now on sale. This gig rocked! (Particularly in the last 20 minutes.)
7th December, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm This gig was dampened by the sad news that landlord Chris & Sandys daughter had been badly hurt in a car crash in S.Africa. Get well soon Nicky.
8th December, The Kings Arms, North Allington, 9pm Really nice to meet the new landlord and landlady Paul & Claire at The Kings Arms. They are really trying to turn the Kings Arms into something special. However this was a record low audience of 5! This was a real pleasure to play because you could hear a pin drop! Hopefully this is the beginning of a great new venue in Bridport. The first gig of regular Friday nights. Assisted by Fred on bones and bass.
9th December, Evershot Village Hall, Evershot £5 entry, 9pm My first outing at Evershot as Stompin' Dave. Not the busiest of Evershots but it wasn't too bad. Ably assisted by Fred in the first set, The Good Old In The second, and played some rockin' stuff on my own for an hour or so at the end.
10th December, The Vault, Seaton, 4pm-7pm Really enjoyed this gig and as always was made to feel really at home by my friends in Seaton.
14th December, The George, Axminster, 9pm Still struggling to get a music crowd into the George, I think it might be time to give this one up. They now have a stupid noise meter so the p.a. was switching off every few songs! It truly is madness as the juke box is honestly five times louder! Then the fire alarm went off!
15th December, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm This gig went well, it felt quiet Chrismasy in the Foundary. It was good that the old Central crew turned out. The trawler fisherman was here again and he said that he meant that spider crabs have small very small pincers.
16th December, The Eyre Court Hotel, 8pm Good to see my friends in Seaton.
17th December, The Weld Arms, East Lulworth, 8.30pm This gig went fine, thanks to Simon for the ham sandwich! This is a really good foody pub.
22nd December, The Fox & Hounds, Cattistock, 9pm Nice to be back at the Fox & Hounds, possibly for the last time as landlord Chris is moving on to Cornwall.
24th December, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm This gig was quite interesting because Terry the landlord had booked another act to play up the other end of the pub! We(Louise played guitar) went down well but we were upstaged by one woman and her backing tracks! The really good thing about this was that we got to go home early ready for the Xmas festivities.
29th December, The London Tavern, Poulner, Nr Ringwood, 9pm First time at The London Tavern and I seemed to win over the locals straight away which made me feel right at home.
2007
4th January, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm The great thing about this gig was that Chris & Nicky were back from South Africa and Nicky although still in hospital is on the mend. Performed material from my new CD in the first half, and then Chris, yes the legendary Chris Shakespeare really got everyone going by joining me to sing in the second.
5th January, Jazz Cafe Fleur, Canford Cliffs, 9pm This was a really eventful night! Upon arrival, I was greeted by the new owner with disbelief. (I didn't know the old owners had left, I new they might be leaving but we had agreement that they would let me know if they left...more fool me.) This was no longer The Jazz Cafe this was now Bar33, incidentally my age this year.
I was quite happy to give this one up as they had booked another act, even though the gig had been advertised. But they decided to let me play after they phoned this act and cancelled them. I then proceed to play a set and things seemed to be going ok. People were clapping and enjoying the music as was the new owner who was also dancing along behind the bar. Then remarkably at the half way stage I was told (very nicely mind) that I was very good, and I was disturbing people eating in the back room and I was generally not the sort of act they were looking for and they couldn't possibly pay me properly. So I packed up and went home, as did the faithful crew that have come especially to see me just about every month for the last two years or so, no more drinks were purchased.
Oh dear! I want to say "Bar33, I hope you enjoy your new diet of insipid jazz and backing track cheese." but I better not(oh hang on I just did?). At least I've got a story to tell out of this! I wonder if this ever happened to Elvis? It has to be said that the Jazz Cafe and Stompin' was always a bit of a funny combination.
6th January, The Hope & Anchor, Bridport, 9pm Nice to be back at The Hope & Anchor after a long break. Fred did a few numbers on bones which went down great. I think the Hope & Anchor might be starting to happen again for me, with the new tenants Dave & Sue who were friendly.
7th January, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm This gig was real quiet, I guess the Christmas season is really over now. Got through a load of stuff though and the small gathering seemed to enjoy it.
8th January, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This gig was really busy! Especially for a Monday night. I have a regular first Monday of the month spot at the Boot so hopefully it's going to be a great success. This was a really good start. It felt like I pretty much brought the house down. This little run of five gigs on the trot was a real up and down and up affair!
13th January, CAMRA Exeter Winter Ale Fest, The Cover Club, Exeter 9pm This turning out to be a stonking gig. It took a little while for everyone to warm up even though, many had been drinking the fine selection of ales all day! Soon people where starting to get into it and clapping along. The heavy stomping number at the end of the first set finished to thunderous applause, and I thought to myself this is going to be interesting where this ends up. But I was surprised by how raucous they did: cheering, singing & banging on the tables, dancing & jiving from punters and staff, and a remarkable amount of paper aeroplanes (the beer sheets) in the air! Remarkably only one was aimed at me and it missed by miles, but it did keep me on my toes! Thanks to everyone who was at The Winter Ale Festival it was really good fun.
18th January, The Plough Inn, Tiptoe, 9pm Very quiet gig this one. Probably because the pub is pretty remote and the storms were forecast after the really nasty storms the previous night. Landlord Nigel is also moving on so all the best to him and family.
20th January, The Wheatsheaf, Shedfield, 9pm Have visited the Wheatsheaf in January the last two years, and it's always been a really good. It was really busy again and the locals seemed to enjoy the show. Even though the landlord's dog took an instant dislike to me and had to be forcibly removed from the room. That was one really nasty, big... scotty dog. One nice lady at the end said "I pulled all the stops out" which I guess I did with a mass of fiddle juggling, stomping, banjo picking, some rockin' blues and a good jolly sing along at the end. There was even talk of an early autumn visit before my now traditional January trip to Shedfield.
21st January, The Three Compasses, Charminster, Nr Dorchester, 8.30pm Back to The Three Compasses after a break of over a year. Really good to see Terry & Margaret in fine form. The gig itself went really well with a good crowd . Planning to arrange more gigs at this great pub soon.
26th January, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm Good to be back at The Anchor Inn, been a few years since I've played here. This was a really good night, many familiar faces were about, mainly from the small following I've built up from playing in Corfe Castle. Much dancing and jollity into the night.
27th January, The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis, 9pm First time to The Cobb Arms and I really enjoyed it. This pub has a really good sound as it has wooden walls & floor. I didn't think things would get as raucous as last night but they did in the end, with large groups of youngsters dancing together and dancing on tables!
28th January, Eyre Court Hotel, Seaton, 4pm Nice to be back to Eyre Court, although this first Sunday afternoon spot wasn't as successful as my Friday night gigs have become. Met Karl Weber Seaton based musician who I have not seen play, but I have been playing in a lot of the same venues over the years.
1st February The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm Great to be back at The Dolphin this night was pretty busy.
2nd February, Bevois Castle, Soton, 9.30pm First booking at Bevois Castle but unfortunately it was cancelled when I arrived. This was a little bit annoying. The landlord had changed and had been told by above that he could not possibly spend any money on music. The gig had been arranged with the old landlord only weeks ago and posters had been sent and received. Why someone couldn't of let me know before I made the effort to travel I don't know.
I was told by the landlord that he used to be in a band and that his drummer always used to phone ahead to confirm the gig. I can see why he is running a pub and not still playing in a band because from my experience it's a mistake to trust a drummer to do anything. Never mind, at least I got to have an early night!
3rd February The Woodman, Bridport,9pm After last nights cancellation I was full of energy for this gig. The gig went really well in this really friendly little boozer. Lots of dancing in the last set particularly from a young birthday party group of lads. The Branscome ale tasted oh so good. Will be back here for St. Patrick's day so that's going to be a really good night.
5th February, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Great that it was busy again and it was great to be back at this fantastic character boozer, despite this loony lady who threatened to whack me round the head with my instruments. Fortunately I'm perfectly willing and capable of doing this to myself!
9th February, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm Great to back in Wells. This gig was quieter than past gigs here for some unknown reason. Terry the landlord (formerly a cracking banjoist although unfortunately his hands aren't what that used to be) was in great form and later in the night he joined me and sang Dirty Old Town, and Will The Circle Be Unbroken.
10th February, The Bell Inn, Creech St. Michael, Nr. Taunton, 9pm Great to see the Bell Inn busy after my first gig here back in October which was decidedly quiet. Word must of got round. I'll be back here in a month. You can read a review of this gig at www.lemonrock.com/stompindaveallen
16th February, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm Great to be back at The Anchor, this gig was as busy as the last and there was even more dancing. The Anchor on a Friday night is a loud and rowdy, guts and glory place, it's not for the faint hearted, but you have to say on the whole it's magnificent. It's great to play in a pub where people have plenty of room to dance. They talk you down if you try to play nice to tunes in Anchor, but give it some welly and they will boogie like there's no tomorrow. Swanage provided me with some incredible happenings just packing my car at the end. These including a man spring at full pelt down the alley, being chased by two big bruisers who abandoned their land rover, and a man being hysterically laughed at by two girls for walking down the high street with his trousers round his ankles shouting "look at my rugby shorts!" I'll be back at the Anchor the day before St. Paddy's day, be there if you dare!
18th February, The Hope & Anchor, Bridport, 4pm This gig was very eventful, I wrote it up but decided it was unwise to publish(even for this diary!), if you would like to read the details of my minor mental break down please email me!
1st March, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm Good to be back at the Dolphin. This was a very eventful gig. One of Chris's mates was getting married so unusually there was a wedding reception going on. All sorts of merryment was going on. Unfortunately I slipped and fell on my bottom, trying to give a man who was spending too much time wiggling his bum at me in the front a shock, I think I might of lost my cool. Previously I thought the bride who was a little difficult to understand as she was originally from Thailand was inviting me back to her hotel. Then I realised she was requesting Hotel California.
5th March, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Really busy once again at The Boot Inn, I was just happy to stay on two feet.
9th March, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm The Foundry was busy, particularly because my little group of friends from Bournemouth and Poole, turned up and they were great as ever and danced the night away.
10th March, The Bell, Creech St. Michael, Nr. Taunton, 9pm Similarly to The Dolphin and week or so ago, turned up to find a Birthday party going on at The Bell. This party was much better behaved though, in fact no-one even ventured up to my half of the bar! Still this time I actually had people sitting on the upper deck! I've played in some difficult laid out pubs for performing music in my time, but this pubs is really different as there is actually two layers, it's as if your actually playing on a small hill. But the landlord Allen friendliness and the Cornish Tribute ale more than makes up for the stiff neck. I remembered to bring my fiddle this time!
16th March, The Anchor, Swanage, 9.30pm http://anchorinnswanage.com/ Surprisingly quiet in Swange, I think everybody was saving it up for the next night. (St. Patrick's Day for real with the excellent (High Town Crows). However I got the chance to run through my list of Irish favourites.
17th March, The Woodman, Bridport, St Patricks Day, 9pm This gig was great fun started off playing a set with Fred, and then my friends Marina(flute and tin whiste) and Kez(bodrum) joined in and you could of thought you were really in Ireland.
29th March, The Bullfrog Blues Club, RMA Tavern, Eastney, Nr. Portsmouth, 9pm First visit to the R.M.A. really liked the pub.
30th March, The White Lion, Honiton, 9pm This gig was really strange, a large group of locals was in just before I started playing but they mustn't of liked the look of me cause they all left before I played a note. Later I was to discover that my friend had got her dates in a twist and would of bought a pub full of people, as it was she brought them the next night! As it was I performed to an appreciative crowd of about four people and one a small group playing pool at the back of the pub...
31st March, The Anchor Swanage, 9.30pm Stepped into this gig at the last minute as Stuart the Landlord had a cancellation. Took the opportunity to try out a different set, playing my electric guitar.
1st April, The Marquis of Lorne, Nettlecombe, Nr. Bridport, 8.30pm Fred, Marina and Kez, turned up to this cosy if not busy enough gig.
2nd April, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Really good to back at The Boot Inn which was heaving, brought the house down from the first tune and things went on from there. It felt great!
5th April, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm cancelled Unfortunately this gig was cancelled at the last minute as Chris & Sandy are having trouble getting any beer. They having been having lots of troubles and I/they think this might be the end of The Dolphin as we know it. I can't seem to get anyone on the phone to find out what's going on, they could of already left. I really hope not. It's a real shame. Love to Chris & Sandy.
6th April, Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil, 9.30pm First time in many moons return to Woods Wine bar, liked what they have done to the place they have really opened up the stage area.
11th April, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/13/1307/William_Cobbett/Farnham This gig was really good fun. Ian and Graham who organise the gigs were really friendly. I was supposed by Frankie a 13 year old blues guitarist. Somebody posted videos of this gig on utube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyPaGsGqkWg These are quite fun even though the lighting makes me look like evil demon.
12th April, The Platform Tavern, Dock Gate 4, Ocean Village, Soton, 9pm Really great to back at the Platform Tavern and this gig was well attended and supported even if it was a bit noisy!
23rd April, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Saint George's day at The Beach & Barnicott not the busiest of night for some reason I don't think generally people get as excited over St Georges' day as they do St. Patrick's night. Of course it I don't actually play any English folk music currently which probably didn't help, but I made no secret of that. Merv the owner is obviously big on St George's night as he insisted on blasting out Winston Churchill speech's & other bizarre sound bites at ear piecing volume during the interval.
26th April, Sherborne House, Sherborne, 8.30pm. http://www.sherbornehouse.org.uk This gig was really great, Sherborne House is really great, I wholehearted recommend it. The food was terrific, the ambience terrific the company terrific. Hope to come back soon.
3rd May, The Dolphin, St Deny's, *cancelled until futher notice* I'm afraid it looks like the end of Dolphin for now. It's really sad. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Chris Shakespeare please let me know cause I'd love to get in touch with him.
6th May, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.15pm This gig was great fun, as always nice to see Terry the landlord and the rest of his family.
7th May, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm The Boot was as entertaining as ever! This is really a great pub and I can taste the Ringwood 49 as I type.
19th May, The London Tavern, Poulner, Nr Ringwood, 9pm This was really busy, the Bournemouth crowd swelled the locals! The've got 49 too!
28th May, The Packhorse Fair, Bruton Festival, 12am www.brutonfestival.co.uk/fair.htm Really pleasant way to spend a bank holiday monday, enjoyed the bands on before me (Dom & Woody) and after me The Johnsons & Chris Jagger. The drag(men in drag) race presented by Michael Eavis was something to behold, Wonder Woman was my favourite! Bruton is a really beautiful town.
3rd June, Weymouth Folk Festival, Brewers Quay, 6pm www.wessexfolkfestival.co.uk This was a wonderful festival, found myself finishing off the acts the Brewer's quay which was a great privilege, it was a large and enthusiastic audience. You can watch footage of this festival on Youtube. www.youtube.com/user/davestomp
4th June, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Great to be back at The Boot, for some reason this was a reasonably quiet night. I really enjoyed playing though, you could hear a pin drop at times!
8th June, Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil, 9.30pm *cancelled due to flood*
15th June, The Green Dragon, Combe St. Nicholas, Nr. Chard, 9pm First time at The Green Dragon and a found the place to be an excellent music venue, I was particularly impressed with the pubs movable sound proofing system, they have large Styrofoam shields they put over the windows when music is on. Other venues with snotty neighbours should take note. I should of pestered the Green Dragon for a gig years ago it's a great venue just up the road from me.
16th June, Broadwinsor Village Fete, 3.30pm Really nice to be back at the fete again, it was another beautiful day weather wise if not quite as sweltering as last year. They even moved the coconut shy a bit further away!
20th June, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm Good to be back again at The Corbett thanks to Graham for taking me for an Indian.
21st June, The Bullfrog Blues Club, RMA Tavern, Eastney, Nr. Portsmouth, 9pm This gig was much better attended than the last one so hopefully my standing in Portsmouth(which was zero) is starting to improve.
22nd June, Glastonbury Festival, Avalon Cafe Stage, 11am-11.45am I love Glastonbury it's great! I was first on the bill at the Avalon Cafe, so I arrived at the festival at 6.30am! The cafe was pretty full for me as the Avalon Cafe is a great place to have breakfast. I was first on the bill for that day which was nice because I had plenty of time to get ready. I was stretching my legs on stage when disaster happened and I ripped my trousers right down the crotch! Fortunately I had my water proof trousers so I put them on top and performed like that. The audience were really appreciative especially as it was so early, for an encore I performed some banjo juggling which was going great until I went one throw to far and dropped my banjo and it smashed on the floor! Broke a tuning peg. Still it was a very rock n roll way to end my show.
30th June, Charmouth Village Hall, Charmouth, from 7.30pm Brilliant to back at Charmouth hall really enjoyed performing to what must of been half of Charmouth, I was assisted by Fred.
1st July, The William Corbett, Farnham, 9pm Back to The Corbett this time to play in the garden, luckily the rain kept off.
2nd July, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm The Boot is always great fun!
6th July, Lulworth Castle, Supporting Joe Brown & Ben Waters www.westdorset.com/site/whats-on/open-air-concert-at-lulworth-castle-p374833 Seemed pretty much like a full house at Lulworth Castle for this outdoor event. Luckily the weather was fine, my performance seemed to go down pretty well with the audience even though I did break a few strings! Enjoyed watching Ben Waters & Joe Brown.
7th July, The Charter Fair, Bridport, from 10am Again, luckily it was nice weather for the Charter Fair and there was a good crowd at Bridport's brilliant Bucky Doo Square.
13th July, Annabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, from 9pm My first visit to Plymouth was very enjoyable and Annabel's Cabaret was a very fine an ambient place. I shared the bill with Mat & Kat who were excellent. My final set of three was marred as it was difficult to play over the rumbling of the night club down stairs!
14th July, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Back to the Woodman which is always a good gig, accompanied by Fred on bones & bass. Ended up playing a three hours set in the end, felt on top form by the end of it!
18th July, The New Inn, The Isle of Scilly, 8pm My first visit to Scilly was eventful! The fire engine was broken so we had to land on St Mary's rather than Tresco, and then get a boat across, which was interesting as I had all my instruments with me. The gig itself went really well, I'm not sure some people get out much as before the end of the night the dance floor was pretty much moshing!
22nd July, The Coronation Inn, Alderney, 12.30am This was a great little boozer, I really enjoyed performing here, the locals were really friendly.
6th Aug, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Another noisy & raucous night in the Boot. This gig was poignant for me as I was looking forward to a well earned break.
25th Aug, Foxstock Festival, The Fox Inn, Great Barrington, Oxon, The Cotswolds, 2pm & 8pm www.foxinnbarrington.co.uk/ This festival was organised by a very good guitar player and singer called Maurice Dickson, there was also performances by the excellent harmonica man Ian Briggs, and some other really good bands Urban Stew, Folkus & Aislingi Ceoil. Everybody was really friendly & wonderful. Thanks to Laurence who put me up Friday night.
26th Aug, Southsea Folk & Roots Festival, The Pier (free), Afternoon This gig went really well for me and I really enjoyed playing on The Pier, incidentally where my grandparent's met at a dance before WW2. It was good to finally meet John Roberts and the rest of the Barking Spider team who were really friendly(what a great & friendly weekend I'd had) . I was joined on stage by John(spoons) and Pete(Jew's Harp) which went down great. I also met another musician from Portsmouth who is also called Dave Allen!
26th Aug, Festival fringe, The Florence, Evening http://webplus.barkingspider.abelgratis.com/cgi-bin/listings/listing.pl?list=festival I good gig in the afternoon meant I had brought a good crowd down with me to The Florence. This gig turned into a real party in the second set!
30th Aug, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, Blandford, The Folk Tent, 4.30pm www.gdsf.co.uk/music.html My first visit to the Steam Fair was really exciting! What I loved about it was the great billowing smoke over the festival as I arrived. I performed before & after Bournemouth's favourite Cowpunk band Pronghorn, in the very large folk tent. Again I managed to break a few strings which lost me some momentum but I think I did pretty well to keep such a big (and fairly sober) room entertained all by myself.
31st Aug, The Green Dragon, Combe St. Nicholas, near Chard, 9pm Good to be back at the Green Dragon after my maiden trip here recently, friends from the Chard area turned up which certainly help swell the crowd.
Sep 2nd, The Royal Clarence, Seaton, 4pm-7pm Very quiet gig in Seaton, I think the Napoli & the bad summer weather has really effected trade in Seaton this year. I was joined by Fred. I was really flying on the banjo by the second set.
Sep 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Back to the Boot again, not the busiest of nights for whatever reason, this could of been a really enjoyable gig with a small and receptive audience if it hadn't of been for a really noisy table at the front, who I really should of given a hard time, still they did leave 30mins before the end.
Sep 7th, The Marine Theatre Lyme Regis, Supporting Nimomashtic, 8pm www.marinetheatre.com Cancelled This gig was cancelled due to very low ticket sales. I still went and played in the theatre bar for a short spot attended by friends of the theatre. The theatre organisers were really friendly & supportive so I might still get another spot in The Theatre at Lyme at a later date. Nimomashtic were a very colourful group of walkers & musicians.
Sep 8th, The Pound Inn, Coxley, Near Wells, 9pm Always good to visit Terry and the other kind folk at the Pound Inn.
Sep 9th, The Hare & Hounds, Waytown, Near Bridport, 3pm-7pm This was a very pleasant gig in a very scenic garden. It was nice to see some old friends from Beaminster. If ever your in the Bridport area I can recommend The Hare & Hounds, especially on a nice day for a delicious & refreshing pear cider.
Sep 12th, The Boileroom, Guildford www.theboileroom.net/ Unfortunately England were playing a big football match on this night so the turn out was fairly disappointing. The small crowd that were at The Boileroom were very appreciative. This is a really nicely put together venue so hopefully I'll get to have another crack at it soon.
Sep 14th, The New Inn, Tresco, The Isles Of Scilly, 9pm This was a really enjoyable visit as I was accompanied by my family and had more time to explore the Island than when I first visited Tresco in July. We spotted bird spotter Bill Oddie! He seemed to go to bed before I performed, but I as I was setting up he tried to slip through the pub to the loos, I was the only one who saw him trip over a step and just save himself from landing on his face! Perhaps he should return to comedy.
The gig itself was almost as raucous and s(c)illy as last time. One young lady came up to me about half an hour into the gig after she had been dancing with friends and complained that everyone else was too scared to dance. I knew this not to be the case, after last time, they just needed one more pint! I announced the ladies observations and the dance floor filled, so I guess she did me a favour although she seemed to get the hump after that. The locals requested Irish favourites which I dutifully performed with a slight grumble as I wanted to practise my bluegrass for the coming festival.
Sep 15th, The Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, times TBC,Hendra Holiday Park www.cornishbluegrass.co.uk This was my first performance at a bluegrass festival and it was an absolute thrill. There was lots of great bands to enjoy including, to name a few Cages Bend (U.S.A), Four Wheel Drive (Holland, Belgium & Germany), banjo whizz Johnny Button & The Thunderbridge Bluegrass boys. There were bluegrass sessions, stalls and the excellent Hendra holiday camp to enjoy. I performed about 9pm on Saturday night and it was quite an experience as it was a full house and there were excellent bands on before & after me. I think the excitement brought the best out of me I went down really well despite a few tuning problems. I was only due to perform for 40 minutes and as they were running a little late I was expecting to be cut short but they let me play for over an hour in the end. I didn't realise this at the time so I was beginning to think that time was going wobbly! So when I did get asked to play an encore I declined as I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed & I was anxious to get my equipment off the stage so I didn't delay things any further. Also in my mind was that the last time a did a big show I managed to temporarily lose all my microphones. Back stage was mayhem as there were loads of musicians due on stage, and I managed to spread all my kit in all the dark corners & hide my banjo mike from myself, for quite some time, so I never got to sell any CD straight after the show like the bands were doing. Despite all this the organisers told me I had been "a hit" which felt great. I enjoyed the rest of the show and some people were still picking in the courtyard three o'clock in the morning. I had a very enjoyable time winding down and chatting to a few friends, particularly a couple I met Rich & Jules who entertained me with busking stories and cat tales(tails?).
Sunday was a beautiful day even though the weather did look decidedly dicey at times. I got to perform again in the courtyard and I sold the CD's (thanks to Judith who kindly sold them for me as I was pickin') I guess I would of sold on Saturday if I had been more together. I even sold two of my new CD's which is not even finished yet! Johnny Button who broke the world banjo speed record on Saturday came and jammed with me which was incredible. Banjo heaven, two banjo's what a sound! I was speechless with delight. This was a dream finish to what has been a very enjoyable summer. I feel really invigorated as perhaps there is after all a chance that I might of started to break into a scene, which is what I have been working so hard towards. Still it's back to the faithful old pub circuit for now. I think I might need to do some busking first just to put my feet back on the ground, hopefully somebody will tell me to "get a real job" like they have in the past.
Sep 20th, The Platform, Dock Gate 4, Ocean Village, 9pm Really good to back at The Platform Tavern, arrived early to sample the new fish restaurant which is now attached to The Platform. I enjoyed a wonderful bass fillet with all the trimmings! The gig went well even if I did have some loud talking in the front. Some of my previous gigs here have been mired by some unreasonably loud chatter right next to me, and I had previously had a gig recently almost ruined at The Boot by the same thing. This time I dealt with the problem head on: by stopping and asking the culprit head on to quieten down on the mike (after a few ignored hints) and low and behold I got some joy, so hopefully this will be a new start and a new way with coping with a problem audience member. Even though I'm sure this won't work on every occasion certainly not on some of the thick skinned, music dead idiots I sometimes have to deal with. I think I might of just been a bit too flush & full of myself after the success of The Bluegrass Festival, but on the other hand this is something I've got to try to deal with.
Sep 22nd, The Anchor Inn, Swange, 9.30pm http://anchorinnswanage.com/ Another good night at The Anchor, not as busy as some of my previous visits but Stuart still insisted I play on till 1am, phew! At least I've got a break for a few days after this. My friend Paddy very kindly, joined me on banjo for a few numbers and helped keep me going: good fun.
Sep 28th, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm This gig was pretty irritating to begin with as over half the pub was watching England play rugby on the T.V. beside me. I played a very long version and slightly sarcastic version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot, which was largely ignored! The second set once the rugby had finished was much better.
Sep 29th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Fred joined me on bass and bones for this night, but unfortunately this was one of those nights when we just didn't jell at all well. Fred, bless him, does very well to play at all as he is well into his seventies. I always enjoy his company and sometimes he can play very well, but sometimes he is a bit erratic, particularly if I'm not completely on top of my game. The second set (Fred had a rest) went much better.
Sep 30th The Axminster Inn, Axminster, 4pm-6pm This gig was great! Pleasantly surprised by the set up in The Axminster Inn, its recently been rejuvenated, and it has been done well. I good crowd turned out and showed that I've still good a small following in the Axminster area. All the people who were perhaps too scared to turn up to watch me in The George did. The gig was going really well and a few of the locals were really making me laugh by doing some very amusing dancing.
Then suddenly this bloke popped his head round the corner with a very large T.V. camera, and a girl with a rather large microphone. I've had some very disheartening experiences with T.V. people filming before so I pointed out to them that they didn't have permission to film but they kept filming anyway. Got to the end of the gig and the sound girl said that they were filming for Channel 4, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall. I must admit that I am a fan of Hugh but even so when she presumptuously said "so we have your permission to broadcast?" I said no. To be continued...
Sep 30th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.30pm It had already been a very busy and eventful weekend and by the time I got to The Three Compasses I was tired, but fortunately I was on great form, and there was a good crowd. Probably the best gig I've ever played here, and there's been many.
Oct 1st, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm I thought this gig was going the same way as the last in Boot when I got a large group of youngsters at the front table again. But actually despite a little mickey taking(fair enough!) they actually turned out to be a very receptive if boisterous group. The rest of the pub joined in with the happy atmosphere and I must say this was probably the best night I've had in the Boot. Mind you my friend Bob summed the night up best when he said he'd "never seen so many drunk people in a pub". And on a Monday night as well.
Oct 2nd, Little Johnny Russell's, Southsea, 8pm www.littlejohnnyrussells.com First time to Johnny Russell's. It's been quite a while since a played such a a large pub in a "city" centre. I really enjoyed the raucous atmosphere, and the two acts who supported me.
Oct 4th, The Dolphin, Soton, 9pm Great to be back at The Dolphin, but I'm sure we'll go from strength to strength, now were back up and running. It was great to see Chris, Sandy &Nicky.
Oct 5th, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 8pm http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=117822186 This was a mega busy night, I shared the bill with a great band who played on junk.
Oct 6th, Chickenstock, Axminster Square, Possible Appearance on Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's Channel 4 series, 11am After all the fuss I made when his camera crew turned up to my gig amazingly I was invited & paid to play in Axminster for Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall who was recording his new TV series. This all seemed to go reasonably well. The whole programme was about free-range chicken. I have had an idea in my mind for sometime about recording a special chicken album so this may be the catalyst that get's that idea done.
Oct 10th, The William Corbett, Farnham, 9pm Good to be back at The Corbett another great night.
Oct 12th, The Royal Oak, Gorley, 9pm First visit to The Royal Oak. A lot of characters in here, men dancing with each other for one! Broke a record eight strings but still managed to keep things going enough for the landlord to book me for the first Friday of every month starting in January 2008.
Oct 13th, The London Tavern, Poulner, Ringwood, 9pm Arrived at The London Tavern to find the place had been totally "rejuvenated" it was quite a shock! I liked it the way it was to be honest. Never the less it's the people that make the place and tonight as ever it was a great crowd at The London Tavern with lots of boozing, cheering & dancing.
Oct 19th, The Coach & Horses, Winterbourne Abbas, Near Dorchester, 9pm First visit to The Coach & Horses and it went fine. Quite a few familiar faces, some real blasts from the past also! Other than the Three Compasses I haven't actually played around Dorchester for some time.
Oct 21st, The Duke Of Cornwall, Weymouth, 4pm-8pm First gig at The Duke of Cornwall not the the busiest of gigs but I really liked the pub. I think this pub is potentially a great spot for me.
Oct 28th, Bournemouth Folk Club, Centre Stage, 8pm, www.bournemouthfolkclub.com Oh I really enjoyed this gig it was an absolute pleasure. Support was provided by my friends: Pete Reid (Vocals & guitar) Guitar , Simon Stanley Ward of Black Bart(Vocals & Guitar) from Black Bart, Cath Burke of Djambo(Mandolin, Voice & Fiddle) & Paddy Mathlin(Voice & Banjo) this was fantastic. I really enjoy playing to a very attentive & receptive crowd it all seemed to go down very well. I video this gig so watch this space for footage. There was talk by Paul the organiser that I would be asked to return within six month or a year. Can't wait.
Nov 1st, The Dolphin, Soton, 9pm Hurray! The Dolphin is well and truly up and running now this gig was really well supported, it was as we'd never stopped!
Nov 2nd, The Coaver Club, Exeter, 9pm Not as quiet as the first time I played the Coaver Club but still not quiet busy enough perhaps. Still the folks who were here seemed to enjoy the gig. My friend, & one of the organisers down at the Coaver Club Ray Hodgins requested blues so I obliged with a glut of blues in the second set. It was great also to see my friends John, & Barbara.
Nov 3rd, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm, Dave's Brand New Electric Blues Band! http://anchorinnswanage.com/ First outing for my electric band. It all went pretty swimmingly, (Dave Saunders on bass, Graham V. Bundy on drums) except for repeatedly being asked to turn down: I didn't know that The Anchor had had noise complaints. This gig was recorded, and we have been busily worked away on a studio CD, so again watch this space. I think the Beach & Barnicott gig we have soon is going to be very interesting.
Nov 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This was a stonkin' & steamingly busy bunfire night bash, described by my friend Bob as my best performance down at the The Boot.
Nov 10th, The Moorings, Alderney, 9pm This was another mega gig on Alderney, great venue one of the most scenic gigs I've played. Still it was dark by the time I got on. Approx 150 islanders young & old had payed £5 a head for the privilege (they don't get that many bands travelling to the Island) and they really enjoyed themselves despite a few technically difficulties which meant the whole gig was a bit banjo heavy, but nobody seemed to mind. There was plenty of boozing and writhing about. At one point during the Drunken Sailor a gentleman collapsed through over consumption of alcohol, he was surrounded by a hoard of similarly drunken helpers who eventfully helped him onto a chair, and then proceeded to dance around him pointing & singing the line "What shall we do with The Drunken Sailor!" at him, while he gave a wry smile with dull eyes!
Nov 11th, The Coronation Inn, Alderney, 12.30am Up bright & early for another excellent session down at The Cory. Very busy, lots of singing and clapping along and generally a jolly good jolly up. What a great weekend! Thanks to Phil & Jake from Scratch Ci for the loan of the guitar & P.A. & Derek blues harp man for the loan of P.A. Saturday night. Thanks to Mark & Helen for organising everything again and being such congenial hosts. Special thanks to Mark for my first experience of a sleepwalker: "I've come for you and your banjo!" approx 5am.
Nov 16th, The White Swan, Swanage, 9pm Cancelled due to double booking by venue.
Nov 22nd, The Sunray Folk Club, Broadmayne Village Hall, 8.15pm, www.bobkirkpatrick.co.uk/sunrayfolkclub.htm A very pleasant evening of folk music. Broadmayne Village Hall is a new venue for the club which was previously based in the Sunray, Osmington. I took some video footage of this performance which shall perhaps eventfully make it's way here, so watch this space.
Nov 23rd, The Ropemakers, Bridport, 9pm First Stompin' gig at the Ropemakers. I played here once before with Dablues a few years ago. This gig seemed to go swimmingly well. My friends Pete & Carol, took some video of this performance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB7nIIdpp4A
Nov 24th, The Kings Arms, Stockland, 9.30pm First time back at The Kings Arms, for a long time. The old landlord who stopped music a couple of years ago has now left.
Nov 25th, The Duke Of Cornwall, Weymouth, 4pm-8pm Turned up to find that the venue had been double booked! I received half my money mind and got an early night. Just my luck at the moment! I see also that next years bluegrass festival in Cornwall, which was my favourite gig last year has been cancelled as well. That's three in a week or so what with the mix up at White Swan, ghee!
Nov 28th, Britian's Got Talent Audition, The Birmingham Hippodrome,12am Travelled up to Birmingham to audition. An amazing experience, there was thousand of people in the queue luckily I got called up quickly! Just have to wait and see if I get the call to go further!
Nov 28th, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 8.30pm, Dave's Brand New Electric Blues Band! Second gig for the new band went swimmingly well, a fair few in the audience they seemed to really enjoy the band.
Nov 30th, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 9.30pm Not the busiest of gigs, at The Anchor Inn again I stepped in the last minute as Stuart the landlord had had a band cancel.
Dec 1st, The Woodman Bridport, 9pm Always enjoy playing at The Woodman. We decided to move the performance area out from the corner and into the centre of the pub and it worked really well so enjoy the gig even more!
Dec 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Always good to be in The Boot Inn. I didn't feel my best this night though to be honest and sure enough I went down with the flu.
Dec 6th, The Dolphin, Soton, 9pm Cancelled Still feeling awfull so Chris & Sandy agreed to cancel the gig, which was a shame as it felt like the Dolphin was well and truly back in action last month. Still I'm sure 2008 will be a great year at The Dolphin, fingers crossed.
Dec 8th, The New Inn, Tresco, The Isles Of Scilly, 9pm feeling better but still getting over my cold but this very pleasant trio over to the beautiful Scilly Isles, by the time I'd done the gig I almost felt human.
Dec 11th, Little Johnny Russell's, Southsea, 9pm www.littlejohnnyrussells.com This was my last gig before Christmas and it was an absolute stonker. Really busy pub, appreciative audience, they even sang also to my banjo breakdown version of Jingle Bells with me!
Dec 28th, The Coach & Horses, Winterborne Abbas, 9pm First gig of the year after a nice long and well earned rest. I'm sure the floor was closer to the ground when I bend over before Christmas.
Dec 30th, Eyre Court, Seaton, 4pm till 7pm New management at Eyre Court. A very enjoyable afternoons stompin.
Dec 31st, The Green Dragon, Chard, 9pm New Years eve. This was a busy although not stupidly busy as I have experienced on some previous job's on New Years Eve. This was a great night the audience were very appreciative, even if they were a bit reluctant to dance at first. I find everyone always relaxes on New Years Eve once we have had the chimes. And sure enough after midnight things got really lively and the room was dancing which was great fun. I was still stompin' gone 1.30am!
2008
Jan 2nd, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm First gig of the year and although The William Cobbett wasn't as busy as usual this was a very enjoyable night.
Jan 3rd, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Always a pleasure to visit Chris & Sandy at The Dolphin, again not the busiest of nights I think everyone is still recovering from the festive season.
Jan 4th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm This is a very pleasant pub to visit and this is the beginning of a regular first Friday of the month spot here at the Royal Oak. I hope this is going to be successful.
Jan 5th, The Bell Inn, Creech St. Michael, Near Taunton, 9pm Again unfortunately not the busiest of gigs but still a very enjoyable evening. Sad to hear that it looks like landlord Allen will probably be moving on.
Jan 6th, The Axminster Inn, Axminster, 4pm till 6pm Back to the Axminster Inn, not quite as wild as the last gig here but a very enjoyable afternoon once again.
Jan 7th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This was a remarkable gig mainly because of the antics of bar manager Robin, his dancing was something amazing to behold. He then proceeded to knock over my mike stand, stopping mew from playing and then fall on to the chair I had next to me. From a seated position upon the chair, I tried to help him up onto his feet but unfortunately he had the wind taken out of him and he ended up sitting on top of my dancing board! He never quite recovered during the cause of the evening and looked decided shaky for a while and in the end he had to be helped from the building. I don't know how this could of happened, I think that alcohol could of had a part in it. All the best to Robin.
Jan 11th, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 10pm Once again a shared the bill with excellent The Junk band. This gig went really well and I really had the room rocking and dancing by the end.
Jan 12th, Camra Winter Ale Festival, Exeter University, 8pm This gig was an absolute blast, a friend of mine sent me some video footage of this gig which is a scream including some remarkable table top dancing by one particular audience member. Watch this space, I'm planning to provide a link to this video soon. Thanks to everyone who made this such a great night once again I think that alcohol could of had a part in it!
Jan 17th, The R.M.A. Tavern, Southsea, 9pm My first visit to the R.M.A. Tavern back in 2007 was very poorly attended. Since then I have had successful gigs at The Southsea Festival, The Florence & Little Johnny Russell's. As a result this gig was much better attended even if it wasn't completely crammed, we are well on the way with this venue. Kevin the landlord has put a new stage in at The R.M.A. and I really liked it.
Jan 19th, The Wheatsheaf, Shedfield, 9pm Always a pleasure to visit The Wheatsheaf and this gig was another cracker.
Jan 20th, The Barton Inn, Barton St. David, Nr Glastonbury 4pm till 6pm First visit the Barton Inn. This is a very eccentric and wonderful place, the locals were really friendly and I look forward to performing again in March, and then again for the "Folk & Ale" festival in May.
Jan 25th, The Ropemakers, Bridport, 9pm This gig was well attended, and very enjoyable.
Jan 26th, The Star Inn, Bentley, Nr Farnham, 9pm www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/18/18507/Star_Inn/Bentley First visit to The Star Inn, Jane the landlady poached me from The William Cobbett, this gig was well attended gig and once again the locals seemed to enjoy the music and were really friendly.
Jan 27th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.30pm It's always a pleasure to visit Terry and family at The Three Compasses.
Jan 29th, Recording at The Mill St. Studios I had got a call about a week before from a very nice young man who said there was an opportunity to record at this fantastic studio. They was a special offer on in which studio time would cheap as long as you allowed students to help. I decided to give it a shot. I arrived approx at 10am, predictably the student didn't arrive till about 1 o'clock by which time I had recorded 15 tracks. Unfortunately pretty quickly upon the students arriving there was a problem on the mixing desk and I had to leave with a CD with just 8 tracks. The students were a very pleasant bunch though!
Jan 31st, Britain's Got Talent, Performance for the audience & panel, The Birmingham Hippodrome. Had to arrive at 7.30am where I was interviewed several times and asked all manner if questions. Finally got on stage in front of a large crowd at The Hippodrome, and the panel: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden & Piers Morgan. Unfortunately I only got about 15 seconds into my chosen song I'll Fly Away, until I was buzzed off by all three members of the panel. Simon said "You can't sing...the tap dancing was alright...I suppose", Amanda said "You have a terrible fake American accent", Pier's just nodded in agreement. I can't say it wasn't a slap in the face but at least I went and had a go. It was an amazing experience even if I didn't get a positive response. I have the rest of my career to try and prove them wrong! Part of me hopes they show me on telly because more opportunities might arise as a result, another part of me thinks it might be best if they just over look me completely, it's a bit embarrassing to be told you don't cut it! Maybe I'll re-enter next year and try a different approach!
Feb 1st, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm Back to my new regular spot and this time we were really busy thanks to a large party of hikers. This gig got quite raucous in the end and I definitely started to feel better about yesterdays experience by the end.
Feb 2nd, The Castle At Landkey, Near Barnstaple, 9pm www.thecastleatlandkey.co.uk/ First visit to the Castle, I'm not sure I completely won over the locals this time. I admit I was quite tired, by the time I got here as it had been quite a long and difficult week, but I still thought I was doing okay. It was a very long bar with a very low roof, and they haven't had music for very long here. However the landlord and landlady seemed to enjoy my playing so perhaps I'll get to have another crack at it at some point. There were some pretty annoying girls who seemed to enjoy trying to knock me over whilst dancing at the front.
Feb 4th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Quite a quiet night in The Boot.
Feb 6th, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport 9pm This gig went really well, the audience really seemed to get into it at the end.
Feb 7th, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Great to back the Doplhin for a good busy night. Took a video of this gig which I hope to feature on the website in the very near future.
Feb 8th, The Ilchester Arms, Abbotsbury, 9pm Dave's Electric Band! Cancelled by venue! I don't know if the bird flu at the Swannery had an affect on this as Graham the drummer had organised this gig. But the landlord had apparently decided that he wasn't doing very well and he need to cancel all of his planned music.
Feb 9th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, Dave's Electric Band! First visit for the band to The Nags Head which was a mainstay of gigs for my previous blues band Dablues. Very busy pub, good atmosphere, and some dancing for the last half hour.
Feb 10th, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 8.30pm I always enjoy visiting the Platform Tavern and this was another good gig.
Feb 11th, The Fat Fox, Southsea, 9pm Really feel like things are going well for me now in Southsea. Been building up a good little following performing in Little Johnny Russell's, & the R.M.A just up the road as well as The Southsea Festival. An excellent amount of people (over 100) turned up for this Monday night gig. Most of them I guess had come from Little Johnny Russell's including the boss himself from Johnny Russell's Ben who had been very sporting about me performing up the road. I think the more landlord's work together the better for everybody, and I hope this can be a prime example. In other circumstances I have found that some landlords are very uncharitable towards there neighbours. I don't actually think it does anybody any good. I'm sure my next gig at Little Johnny Russell's will be busier from me having a good night in The Fat Fox, I'm hoping I've picked up some more regular Stompin' enjoyers. Time will tell. Obviously you can over perform in a town. But if I can perform once a month at St. Deny's surely there's scope to play in Southsea once a month. I am also trying to drum up interest for our debut band gig in Southsea at The Alma Arms in April.
Feb 22nd, The Coach & Horses, Winterborne Abbas, 9pm Not the busiest of nights at The Coach & Horses, but I enjoy performing anyhow. Need to watch what I say though mind as the landlady Liz gave away that she is one of the few people that read this on-line review! Sad to hear that Sean(Shaun?) from The Coach & Horses had fallen down the stairs and hurt himself badly: get well soon.
Feb 24th, Eyre Court, Seaton, 4pm till 7pm Pretty busy gig at Eyre Court I enjoyed it.
Feb 29th, The Pound Inn, Coxley, Nr Wells, 9pm This was a very remarkable gig in many way. Fancy dress was the order of the day. A few of the locals had made the effort. One particular local seemed like he had not made any effort and then when I began to play he wiped off his to top to reveal nothing but braces and a decidedly hillbilly hairy chest. This caused much amusement. Later he put his feet upon the table(he was sitting right at the front) and began stroking his shaved legs!(he was wearing shorts). This pretty much floored me. If anybody had of happened just to walk in the pub on the off chance they would of been very bemused and disturbed indeed!
In the second half Terry, my friend and the very popular landlord at The Pound came down with his friend from the kitchen in excellent hillbilly outfits and they helped me to sing I am a man of constant sorrow which was great fun.
Mar 1st, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 10pm Always an enjoyable gig at The Anchor Inn. It was the birthday bash of biker called Chris, so the bikers were in.
Mar 2nd, The Barton Inn, Barton St. David, Nr Glastonbury 5pm till 7pm This gig was absolutely stonking! Mega busy mothers day crowd, really good response from the audience. This is a really great, and friendly pub if your ever in the area stop in for a pint. I'm really looking forward to The Folk And Ale Festival here in May.
Mar 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Not the busiest nights at The Boot but a very enjoyable evenings stomping never the less. I'm sure this gig is going to start to happen now that spring is on it's way.
Mar 4th, Little Johnny Russell's, Southsea, 9pm www.littlejohnnyrussells.com Another very pleasurable night at Little Johnny Russell's. Very busy, took the drums which seemed to go down well particularly What Am I Supposed to Do. Managed to break a string just as I was kicking into Duellin' Banjos but I quickly popped another one on and the crowd proceeded to go nuts. Which felt great!
Mar 5th, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm Another good night at The William Cobbett.
Mar 6th, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm This gig was an absolute blast it was really good to see the Dolphin back to it's best. Lots of old friends turned up. Special thanks to Andy for the gift! Landlord Chris sang a few numbers with me which is always great fun. Landlady Sandy danced until she was red in the face. Brilliant!
Mar 7th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm Mixed things up played a blues set in the second half with the drums here at Gorley. Unfortunately this gig wasn't as busy as expected. Hopefully once the spring comes round this is going to be the place to be on the first Friday of the month. I have some communication with Livewire Bournemouth's music bible, who are hopefully going to start listing this gig so hopefully some of my old friends from Bournemouth & Poole will catch on to this great little pub to help swell the numbers.
Mar 8th, Banbury Blues Festival, Banbury, Foyer performance, 7pm All the team at The Blues Festival were really friendly at, particularly Colin, they made me feel right at home. I was right at the bottom of the bill(at least I was on the bill) so hopefully I can work my way up it. There were some great acts at The festival. There was a girl named Abbie there who had a fantastic voice.
Mar 11th, The Orange Box, Yeovil, Dave's Electric Band! Supporting Steve Arvey Unfortunately this gig was cancelled by venue due to low ticket sales. I think they had had a previous Tuesday night blues gig that was very poorly attended, so when they hadn't sold any tickets alarm bells started ringing. Despite this The Orange Box have given the band it's own gig on a Sunday night in April so hopefully this is well supported.
Mar 15th, The New Inn Eype, **St. Patrick's Celebration**, 9pm I thought I was going to get away without a gig on St. Patrick's day this year(I never really wanted to play Irish music I just kind of fell into it) but a got The call from The New Inn at the last minute as they had had a cancellation. It was however a very enjoyable gig and a very friendly pub. The locals were set up across the other end of the pub and when I finished about 11pm they crack off their own session which was still going strong when I left about 1am.
Mar 19th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm First visit to the Black Black and luckily I managed to bring in quite a nice crowd so it looks like this might become a regular spot for me.
Mar 21st, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm It was good to see all the familiar faces at the Foundary, felt like I put on a really good show. As one of the locals put it: "your the first act I've seen silence the pub" which felt great.
Mar 22nd, The London Tavern, Poulner, Near Ringwood, 9pm This was a stonking, honking Easter Saturday knees up. With a large and enthusiastic crowd. Unfortunately my fiddle juggling went horrendously wrong when a lady at the front shouted "don't drop it!" at the wrong moment. What amused me is that she turned out to be a health and safety inspector. I should of guess as she had previously left her glass of wine wine perilously close to my electrical equipment!
Mar 23rd, The Old Ship, Near Upway, 9.30pm, Dave's Electric Band! The bands first outing to The Old Ship. I good crowd had turned out, mainly because it is Graham the drummers local. Luckily for him(as I pointed out to him at the time it would be shame if he could never show his face in here again) the gig went swimmingly.
Mar 26th, The New Inn, Tresco, The Isles Of Scilly, 8pm Always a very pleasant trip to the Scillys.
Mar 27th, Q Bar, Falmouth, 9pm First visit to Q Bar, unfortunately this gig wasn't as well attended as we had hoped. However most of the university student were home for Easter.
Mar 28th, The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis, 9pm Good to be back at The Cobb Arms. This gig didn't reach the dizzy heights of my last visit here. But I have some pretty enthusiast dancers.
Mar 29th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm It always pleasant to visit the Woodman I must admit I was pretty tired when I was getting near to the end of this gig and when it got to 11pm I was looking forward to putting my feet up. However just as I was about to finished a large crowd of blokes who were on some kind of extended wake-booze-up, came in and started requesting Irish songs. So I ended up playing for about another hour, just to satisfy them...they were a jolly bunch. I had to draw the line when they requested "Hey Jude" I packed my kit up to the sight & sounds of them all singing "Hey Jude" gathered round one man who played a table like an imaginary piano.
Mar 30th, The Axminster Inn, Axminster, 4-6pm A change of position in The Axminster Inn worked well. They've got rid of there pool table, good for me not so good for the pool enthusiasts of Axminster.
Mar 30th, The Three Compassess, Charminster, 9pm, Dave's Electric Band! Doey guested on bass for the band's poorly attended debut at The Three Compassess, what a fine job he did too.
Apr 3rd, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Always good to be back at The Dolphin. Debut of my new electric piano.
Apr 4th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm Another fun gig at The Royal Oak, Tom the landlord joined in on his bass with some of my piano set: this was fun!
Apr 5th, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 10pm, Stompin' Dave night featuring Dave's Electric Band This was a hell of a gig. I was performing a Stompin' set as well as the band which meant lugging massive amount amounts of equipment up the three flights of stairs to get into Anabel's. On the whole it was worth it as we got a good response from the audience. We shared the bill with a belly dancer, which was novel. It was our final set with piano which got the audience up and moving.
Apr 6th, The Orange Box, Yeovil, Dave's Electric Band! 8.30pm +support £3 entry This gig was very poorly attended. This to be expected though, I suppose as this venue has up to now mainly specialised in rock and punk bands. What a great place though, brilliant atmosphere, the sound guy also did a great job. This venue could well be worth persevering with.
Apr 7th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Great to be back at the Boot. This gig was special as it was Giles the landlords forth anniversary in the pub. Played quite an extended piano set which seem to go down well.
Apr 9th, The Beach & Barnicott, Bridport, 9pm Dave's Electric Band! This gig was pretty interesting as we had problems with the p.a. pretty early on during the gig. Fortunately my monitor amp is pretty powerful so we managed to survive with a bit of extra effort in the voice department, and actually the gig seem to go down just as well as usual.
Apr 11th, The Coach & Horses, Winterborne Abbas,9pm Dave's Electric Band! Everything seemed to come together well for this gig, a good crowd and we played well.
Apr 12th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Dave's Electric Band! You couldn't move in the Nags Head, which was great and I think we even played even better than last night! The piano set went down particularly well.
Apr 16th, The Alma Arms, Bullfrog Blues Club, Southsea, 9pm, Dave's Electric Band! Unfortunately this gig was a bit of a disaster as we only got a dozen people to attend. We still seemed to perform o.k. despite the noise limited that cut us off in our prime a few times! The machine providing a very abrupt but deliciously bizarre end to the gig. It is obviously going to take some time for us to get these door money gigs to work for us. It was however very pleasant to catch up with John Roberts and the rest of the Barking spider crew. Thanks to Andy on the door.
Apr 18th, Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, 9pm Always a pleasure to return to The Square & Compass, undoubtedly one of Dorset finest pubs. A few familiar faces were in a good crowd.
Apr 20th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.30pm A better attend ay The Compasses, than for the recent visit by the band. Terry the landlord kept us all entertained as usual he even sang some very smutty songs at the end!
Apr 25th, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 10pm New landlord & landlady at The Anchor and they seemed to be won over to The cause by the end of the night.
Apr 26th, Private Function, 9pm This was a charity ball in The Royal Beech, at Southsea.
Apr 27th, The Blue Vinney, Puddletown,
(Dorset over 50 Cricket Club meet), 1.30pm
Apr 30th, The William Cobbet, Farnham, 9pm, Dave's Electric Band! First visit for the band to The William Cobbet & everything seemed to go down pretty well despite there being a big football match going on.
May 1st, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Another cracking night at The Dolphin. Gave the piano a good airing.
May 2nd, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm Another good and busy night at The Royal Oak. Tom the landlord joined me on his bass for a few number again. The night finished very dramatically for me with my friend Dom giving a man mouth to mouth on the pavement in Downton.
May 3rd, The Barton Inn Folk & Ale Festival, Barton St. David, Nr Glastonbury, 9pm May day celebrations, there where some excellent acts on in the afternoon, I arrived early because I attended Downton Cuckoo Fair in the afternoon. The gig that night went down swimmingly, with dancing on the table, streaking and all sorts of May day madness!
May 4th, The Martin Club, Martin, Between Blandford & Salisbury, 8pm My first visit to The Martin Club and everyone was very friendly. This was a reasonably well supported event. It was interesting though because at one point the audience was split between one side who were clearly having great fun, one side who were very straight laced, and then a good deal of people who were in the bar area and didn't even want to enter the room I was playing in!
May 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Another excellent and enjoyable night in the Boot, despite one very noisy who left early on...
May 6th, The Orange Box, Yeovil, Supporting Rory McCloud, 8pm Absolute pleasure to be on the same bill as Rory! Once again though this was a very disappointing turn out for the Orange Box though.
May 7th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm This gig was extra enjoyable as there was a group of young BP workers who decided they wanted to party!
May 9th, The Lamb Hotel, Hartley Wintney, 9pm First to The Lamb Hotel. It was a scorching hot day so when I was due to play at 9pm there was not a soul inside, so I played my first set outside which went o.k. moved inside for the second set. By 11pm there was actually quite a reasonable crowd and I seemed to make a good impression. I will be playing here for Lambfest in a few months time.
May 16th, The Greyhound, Amesbury, 9pm i was approached by the Greyhound, but I didn't think this venue is suited to me.
May 17th, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm First time I've performed at The Platform on a Saturday night, I was moved because of Morris dancers! The Saturday crowd are not as music friendly as the usual Thursday & Sunday crowd perhaps.
May 16th-17th, Almeley, Bluegrass Festival, Herefordshire, 9pm Cancelled!
May 18th, Suffolk Bluegrass Day, The George, Hadleigh, afternoon performance approx 4pm After what had a been a quite difficult weekend this gig was an absolute pleasure with a really receptive audience. There were lots of other good bands too.
May 22nd, Q Bar, Falmouth, 9pm Good to be back in Falmouth one of my favourite places, this gig was a bit better attended than my last outing here.
May 23rd, The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, 9pm, Dave's Electric Band! First visit to The Quicksilver and it was very enjoyable, the good people are friendly. Bunny did a great job guesting on the bass. There was a young persons party going on in the back room which was quite entertaining to see the mess they were in by the end of the night.
May 24th, Brixington Stomp @ Exmouth Festival, 7pm, also Tom Lewer, Phil Henry, Paul Strange & Ian McKenzie A bit of a blowy night for an outdoor event but at least it wasn't raining. A good crowd turned up. Enjoyed the other acts, particularly Paul Strange who was quite a character.
May 25th, The Bull, Swyre, 3pm till 5pm There was a bit of a beer festival going on in the back room of the Bull,
May 25th, The Old Ship, Upwey, 9pm, Dave's Electric Band! For some reason it took as a set to really get going, this time at The Ship, but when we did we really flew!
May 26th, The Packhorse Fair, Bruton Festival, 12noon www.brutonfestival.co.uk/fair.htm Absolutely poured down! The whole thing was pretty much cancelled, I dutifully got there and performed in a marquee for the hangers on just with my fiddle for a good hour and half.
May 28th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm First ever solo gig at The Nags, wasn't the busiest of nights.
May 30th, The Sunrise Festival, Somerset, 2.00pm Cancelled due to the bad weather!
May 30th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Another good night at The Woodman.
June 1st, The Axminster Inn, Axminster, 4-6pm There was Rugby or something going on so I'm afraid the Axminster Inn was a bit quiet.
June 2nd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Always a good night in The Boot.
June 3rd, Little Johnny Russell's, Southsea, 9pm First outing for the piano at Little Johnny's seemed to go well. Sad to hear that Jack has had a funny turn.
June 4th, The William Cobbett, Farnham, 9pm Cancelled by venue! Pretty disappointing to be cancelled on the day, due to "refurbishment".
June 5th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Always great to be at The Dolphin.
June 6th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm This gig is really starting to work well here at the beautiful Royal Oak.
June 7th, The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis, 9pm My last few visit to The Cobb Arms have been attended mainly by the local youth of Lyme, who are good fun lot, but they can be a little tiring! Tonight however there seemed to be a lot of tourists in The Cobb Arms which actually made a refreshing change.
June 8th, Wessex Folk Festival, 5pm til 5.45pm banjo workshop will be at the Sea Cadet Hall at 2pm unitil 3.15pm ish This gig went absolutley swimmingly, I'd been such a busy boy that I was on a complete roll, and a felt completely relaxed despite quite a big audience. Some of this gig got filmed so watch out for that.
June 13th, The Ropemakers, Bridport, 9pm What was quite entertaining about this gig was that a member of the PRS turned up for there records. She could only recognise about 2 or 3 of the 27 tracks a played in the first 2 hours! The piano set at the end was I guess a bit easier!
June 19th, The R.M.A. Southsea, 9pm The R.M.A. is getting busier every time I play. Kevin the landlord entertained me at the end of the night when he hurt his leg and his wife cello taped a massive ice pack to his leg!
June 20th, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 10pm Another good night at THe Anchor.
June 21st, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Dave's Electric Band! A stonking night at The Nags Head, wall to wall people. Very entertaining when Graham lost his rag with the man who was threatening to run into the drums.
June 22nd, North Devon Fringe Festival at Marshalls, Boutport Street, Barnstaple, 3.30pm This gig was a delight, what a great pub, the only shame of it was that the very lovely landlord and landlady were leaving, otherwise I think I would have had a gig for life!
June 28th, The Beaminster Festival, Beaminster, 1-1.40pm A good crowd at Beaminster and a nice day! Brilliant!
June 29th, Glastonbury Festival, Avalon Cafe Stage, 11am I love Glastonbury! Wow. More to follow here if & when I can finally get my head around everything I saw and did!
July 2nd, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Another good night at The Black Bear.
July 3rd, The Doplhin, St. Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Another good night at The Dolphin, Chris's is off to Mongolia soon now.
July 4th, The Royal Oak, Gorley, 9pm Another good night at The Royal Oak.
July 5th, Bridport Charter Fair, 11.15am until 12noon A very busy day! Got off to a good start with a lovely morning at The Charter Fair, Fred played bones on a couple of numbers.
July 5th, Lamb Fest, The Lamb Hotel, Hartley Wintney, 3pm till 4pm Quite a set up in the garden of The Lamb, again still a beautiful day. Unfortunately they were running a bit late, so we had to rush off at the end.
July 5th, The Woodman, Briport, 9pm End of pretty exhausting day was capped of quite nicely here at The Woodman, despite a group of mechanics refusing to give up their table so I that I could play, making me late starting.
July 6th, Eyre Court, Seaton, 4pm-7pm The final of the tennis(Wimbledon) was going on so Eyre court wasn't quite as busy as usual, but this was still a very pleasant way to spent a Sunday afternoon.
July 7th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Quite a lot of my family, extended family attended this gig so I had a very receptive audience which was fun!
July 8th, Littlle Johnny Russell'S, Southsea, 9pm, Dave's Electric Band! First visit to the band to Little Johnny Russell's. There was a very eccentric support band which was very good. They also brought in a big crowd which was great for us. For what ever reason though I just couldn't seem to seize the moment for this gig . I didn't feel the band came over as well as it should as a result, I can't put my finger on why this happened.
July 9th, The William Cobbet, Farnham, 9pm T.B.C. Dave's Electric Band! Cancelled by venue! This gig was cancelled by the venue on the morning of the gig. Apparently they have trouble with the environmental health. This was annoying enough, but when some of our friends in Farnham turned up to the gig and asked where the band was, they were told that we had cancelled!
July 11th, The Coach & Horses, Winterborne Abbas, Dave's Electric Band! This gig went stonkingly well and we had a good crowd, a return to electric form for myself. The only shame of it all was that The Coach & Horses are starting to wind up there live music as they have not been getting the attendance they need. As it happens, we've done really well here pulling in pretty decent sized crowds, so it's a double shame for us.
July 24th, The Cobb Arms Lyme, Regis, 9pm First gig back after a well deserved but short hiatus.
July 25th, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm This gig was didn't go quite as swimmingly as the last one here but it went o.k. First outing here for the piano which went down well.
July 26th, Evershot Village Hall, Evershot, 8pm, Solo & Electric Band We got a pretty good crowd of 70-80 people at Evershot which felt great for a start. We actually began about 8.30pm with an acoustic set, which is the first time we've tried this as a band, I really enjoyed this. We stopped about 9.50pm then I played a solo set for about half an hour and then I was joined again by the band for a piano set which went on till about 11.30pm, we then finished off with an electric set from 12 till 12.45pm. What a great night, with the usual very receptive and dancy Evershot crowd. Bassman Dave Saunder's particularly seemed to enjoy this gig he was dancing all over the stage!
July 27th, Dorchester Borough Gardens, 2.30pm This was a swelteringly hot day, a reasonable but shade loving crowd, we're pretty mellow. Still a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
July 30th, Fuller's Event @ The Purbeck Hotel, 10pm First visit to the Purbeck Hotel, not the busiest of nights especially as the carnival was going on all around, but still was a small and appreciative audience.
Aug 1st, The Royal Oak, Gorley, 9pm Another good night at The Royal Oak. There were a large group of London Cab Driver's in who were pretty appreciative, if (predictably) little lippy!
Aug 4th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm This gig really was a tad fraught, there was a group of people who at a previous gig I'd had to ask to quiet down, as they were just banging on the tables(out of time) and making far too much noise, and to be quite honest just irritated me cause all they wanted to do was take the mickey. This time they had youths with them who really were out of it, one made a half hearted grab at me while I was playing. Then, when one of them said he was going to "smash the place up" that was enough for me. Finally got asked to leave by the bar staff and then the gig went well!
Aug 7th, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Good to be back at The Dolphin for my monthly event. Did some stompin' then spent sometime sitting down playing blues, I was accused by a regular of being tired! Finally took a break at 10.50pm! Chris was on his adventures, he was in Ubekistan!
Aug 8th, The Ropemakers, Bridport, 9pm Dave's Electric Band! First visit to the band to The Ropemakers, everything went fine, except when one young chap tried to grab me while I was playing(what is it with this week! smmer ) , and I obstructed him and knocked the mic stand over, this was a bit embarrassing! Apparently this chap had done this kind of tiresome trick to bands in the past, and had been barred before now.
Aug 9th, The Square & Compass, Windmill Hill, 9pm, Solo & Electric Band Our first visit to The Square & Compass and it all went swimmingly. We got about 35 people which at £10 a ticket wasn't bad at all.
Aug 15th, Q Bar, Falmouth, 9pm Unfortunately it was Falmouth week & everything was going on in the rest of Falmouth. So this gig wasn't half as well attended as was hoped. The few attendees seemed to enjoy it though.
Aug 16th, Private Function A private party for a lovely bunch of Cornish cowboys and outlaws. I was however upstaged by the electronic rodeo bull!
Aug 22nd, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle, 9pm It was good to return to The Greyhound after what has been a long gap, they had a beer festival in the back. I drank a pint of Piddle: truly delicious!
Aug 23rd, Foxstock Festival, Gloustershire, afternoon & evening Great to be back at Foxstock.
Aug 24th, Southsea Folk & Roots Festival, Southsea Pier, 3pm This gig went absolutely stonkingly. I have never received such a warm welcome when my name was announced which felt great, this shows how many friends I've made in Southsea. I was joined again on stage by John(spoons) and Pete(Jew's Harp) which went down even better than last year.
Aug 25th, Festival at Havering, near Romford, Essex. 1.15pm My first visit to Essex was fun, but I have to admit the people at Havering were a tough crowd to crack. I didn't hang around for Buck Fizz.
Aug 27th, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm Four gigs in four days at The Great Dorset Steam Fair.
Aug 28th, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm got half way through and the power went off. Somebody had siphoned of the petrol out of the generator! I actually did the second half of the gig acoustically, standing in the middle of the room.
Aug 28th, The Platform Tavern, Southampton, 9pm Always good to be at The Platform, felt like I put on a pretty good show, was good to see a few of my old friends from University.
Aug 29th, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm This was actually my best performance of the four days here at the Steam Fair.
Aug 29th, The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis, 9pm Another raucous night at The Cobb Arms.
Aug 30th, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm This day was hot and steamy I couldn't of been wetter from sweat if I'd jumped in the swimming pool.
Aug 31st, Bunkfest, The Corn Exchange, Market Place, 13.15 Upstairs Stompin' is always quite fun, it must sound like a herd of elephants from above.
Aug 31st, Bunkfest, George Hotel Sir John Hedges Suite 16.30 The band on before me at George had brought a big crowd, but unfortunately they did not hang around to check me out, which was a bit of a shame. The few that hung around were a thoroughly decent bunch who laughed at my bad jokes. It was a really good experience to perform a concert type gig as I don't get a lot of those kind of jobs.
Sep 1st, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Quite a quiet night at The Boot, but a highly enjoyable one.
Sep 3rd, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Another good night at The Black Bear.
Sep 4th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, Southampton, 9pm News had come through that dear Chris, the landlord at the Dolphin had reached his destination, on his travels to Mongolia. We collected some money for his causes and had our usual fun night.
Sep 5th, The Royal Oak, Gorley, 9pm Very quiet in The Royal Oak for some reason.
Sep 6th, The Brewery Bar, Botley, Soton, 9pm The Brewery Bar was a wild and raucous place to be on a Saturday night and they seemed to take a shine to me.
Sep 7th, The Lamb Hotel, Hartley Wintney, 2pm till 3.30pm This gig was quite remarkable for all the wrong reasons. I started playing for about 10minutes but they refused to switch of the Grand Prix which was above my head. When I said that I would rather go home and perform to a bunch of people watching television, the boss said you better go home then, so I did! He did gig me some petrol money though which was good of him.
Sep 7th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 9pm After what had happened in the afternoon I felt I had a point to prove, and I guess I proved it here at the lovely Three Compassess, pretty much bringing the house down.
Sep 13th, The White Horse, Litton Cheney, 9pm I hadn't played inside in The White Horses for quite a few years, and I had forgotten what a beautiful pub it is. Not the most attentive of audiences to be honest (there not really used to music in here I guess) but I think this gig is definatly worth pursuing.
Sep 14th, The Gaggle Of Geese, Buckland Newton, Beer Festival, 5pm till 7pm This gig was a blast. Doey, deputy bass player with the electric band, was there with his excellent band Stress, which meant I didn't need to set up my p.a. which was great(thanks Doey!), this was particularly good as I was travelling up to Heathrow that evening. Unfortunately I missed the Goose auction itself which would of been fun. I did managed to get through quite a lot of, if not Goose, then bird related material: Go Tell Aunt Rhody, Turkey in Straw, Cluck Old Hen, C.H.I.C.K.E.N, The Chicken Reel etc.etc.
This was one of the few marquees I'd performed in which was wetter on the inside than out. The crowd really were a good bunch, keen to dance. Duelling Banjos produced a dance floor full of revellers, a broken string: an idea for my sonic footprint from the audience (watch this space), another version of Dueling Banjos, another dance floor full of people, much joviality. A great fun gig to send me off on my latest American adventure.
Sep 15th-22th, U.S.A Field Trip, Attended Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield, Kansas
Wow! Had the time of my life at "pickers
paradise". I entered the American National Banjo Contest.
Alas no prize, as expected the competition was tough. All five who
got to the final had either previously won or been placed in the top
three. They were playing some absolutely amazing, but pretty crazy
stuff though. Bluegrass had a wider definition than what I'd
expected. I'm going to have another go next year now I know what to
expect, I still hadn't decided what I was going to play until I got
up there which probably wasn't the way to approach it. What
brilliant fun though! You just have to hear the sound of 20 or 30
banjos all playing different tunes at once in the practise area!
The whole festival was brilliant and I had an absolute blast, made lots of friends, heard stacks of excellent music. More to follow here about what I saw & did soon and hopefully some photos. The group I camped with the KAAA (Kansas Acoustic Arts Association) were great, really friendly & generous. The Lizard Pirate section I was in was a blast! Loads of playing in the camp & I got to perform on an open stage(stage 5). Got my first ever standing ovation which was really, really cool. Thanks to Dalane from Misa Table who hooked my up with these brilliant people & his family & friends who adopted me.
Sep 26th, The King William, Catcott, Between Bridgewater & Street, 9pm First gig back from the states, quite a nice easy gig, only moderately well attended to ease my self back to reality. My car had broken down so Louise had to give me a lift, she played guitar in the first half.
Sep 27th, The London Tavern, Poulner, Near Ringwood, 9pm Another good & busy night at The London Tavern, moved to a different part of the pub which seemed to work well. Please I I didn't break my violin this time!
Sep 28th, The Barton Inn, Barton, St. David, 5pm till 7pm Great to be back at the Barton Inn again, another bust afternoon's Stompin
Oct 2nd The Dolphin, St. Deny's, Southampton, 9pm Cancelled by the Venue Unfortunately this gig had to be cancelled because The Doplhin had run out of beer.
Oct 3rd, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm This gig was made really fun by a guest appearance by Washboard Dave, who was excellent. Thanks Washboard Dave. The landlord Tom also joined in as usual so we had a nice little band going in the second half.
Oct 4th, Bridport Fiddle Festival, Bridport Arts Centre Opened the bill for the excellent Bella Hardy & Chris Sherburn and Nyckelharpa. It was really good experience to play a proper concert. I have been busking outside Bridport Art Centre for over 10 years so it was great to finally be invited inside!
Oct 6th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Always a good night at the Boot!
Oct 10th, The Manor Hotel, Exmouth, Blues Concert, 9pm Absolute pleasure to play another serious concert. I even got to play a real piano. This gig obtained a very favourable review in B.I.T.S. magazine which I hope to include here soon.
Oct 11th, The Anchor, Swanage, 10pm Another good night at The Anchor. Some Stompin', some sit down blues, finished off with a piano set.
Oct 18th, The Moorings, Alderney, 9pm This gig was an absolute blast, thanks again to Mark & Helen for sorting this all out and putting me up. Really busy night, lots of dancing we've got some pictures which hopefully will find there way here before long.
Oct 19th, The Coronation Inn, Alderney, 12noon Another very pleasant mornings work before being whisked back to the main land.
Oct 24th, The Portland Arms, 9pm, Electric Band First visit to The Portland Arms very friendly Landlord & Landlady, the wonderful Chris Lonergan guested on Bass guitar.
Oct 26th, The Hobby Horse, Minehead, Solo & Electric Band, 9pm ***CANCELLED BY VENUE!!!*** Unfortunately due to very poor attendance the past few months at The Hobby Horse the landlord has decided to suspend all live music.
Nov 1st, The Square & Compass Cider Festival, Worth Matravers, 9pm Mega busy night at The Square & Compass. If you've never visited the Square and Compass you must because it is a terrific place to visit. This place is a bit of a Mecca to travellers & drinkers from all over the world and there was a group of folks from Ohio, which reminded me of the great people I had met recently in Kansas.
Nov 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Not the busiest of nights at The Boot, the whole night was made a bit more interesting by three pretty drunk ladies who we're pretty lively. Graham guest on snare drum & brushes.
Nov 5th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Very quite night in The Black Bear, an enjoyable evening none the less.
Nov 6th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, Soton, 9pm Great to be back at The Dolphin especially after last months problems. Remarkably well attended gig considering, lots of the usually suspects. Brilliant to see Chris again who had been to Mongolia and back, amazing photographs.
Nov 7th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm Another well attended gig at The Royal Oak. Had the pleasure once again of performing with Washboard Dave & landlord Tom.
Nov 8th, The Cove Hotel, Portland, 9pm, Electric Band Tight little venue probably a bit small for the band, but we had a fun night anyways, in a very nice pub. The gig was however no where near as wild as weather outside.
Nov 9th, The Platform Tavern, The Quay, Southampton, 8.30pm Always good to visit Stuart up at The Platform. A small but very appreciative audience which I loved playing for. Got right carried away & by the time a decided a better take a break, the gig was pretty much over, so I just kept going.
Nov 13th, The R.M.A., Southsea, 9pm Likewise its always good to visit Kevin up at the R.M.A. !
Nov 14th, The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury, Near Fordingbridge, 9pm First visit to The Cartwheel Inn. This gig was funny because the previous landlord left, I heard about it on the grapevine so I called the pub to check it was on and the response I got was "it's Alan from the Foundary" he had told me he was taking a pub over near Fordingbridge but I hadn't put 2 and 2 together. The gig its self was only moderately well attended, and then every one seemed to go, to bed early leaving me and Washboard Dave playing to my Dad, & the landlord, landlady and a couple of their friends.
Nov 15th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Electric Band Stonkingly busy night at The Nags Head. Kevin form the Ship was our roadie for the night which provided some fun. He was however a lot better behaved at the beginning of the night!
Nov 21st, The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, 9pm Very, very quiet night in The Bottle. At one point as was playing to myself. It's a shame because the Bottle is potentially a great venue. Obviously it is pretty remote. Dave Saunder's used to put some brilliant blues gigs on here which again only used to be well attended. One of these gigs included the legendary Lazy Lester (I was there!).
Nov 22nd, The Kings Head, Bradpole, Nr. Bridport 9pm First visit to The Kings Head found a very friendly and fun place to visit with a decent sized crowd who were a pleasure to play for. Hoping that this will become a regular venue for me. Fred joined in on a few tunes on his bones.
Always a pleasure to visit Terry & Margaret at Three Compasses & this night was no exception. Graham joined in on some tunes on snare & bass drum.
Nov 28th, The Ropemakers, Bridport, 9pm Unfortunately John the landlord wasn't felling to good so we didn't so John. It was however a pretty well attended gig. Had a very eccentric lady dancing on the dance floor flamenco style which was interesting if a bit scary. Graham joined in again on snare and brushes.
Nov 29th, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 9pm Solo & Electric Band Anabel's is a rather wonderful mad house! We shared the bill with a belly dancer and some burlesque dancers. Vince Gill came on after us at 1.15am! Absolutely ram packed house, smashed glasses, people falling over. Got a microphone in the mouth when a "lady" fell forward onto the stage. Knew I'd regret not getting my drunk proof microphone stand out of the car! Still it's three flights of stairs to get to the stage & we had plenty of other things to carry! Had a few problems with the sound, had to give up with the piano, but you have to say sound & light man Alex was working hard. Graham had already backed up his car into a bollard and then when he was packing his car a druggie(that's his description of himself by the way) tried to get in! Dave Saunders had to pull him out, then after a short converse with me he called me not very nice names(that's the duggie not Dave) and then he was surprised when I wouldn't shake his hand.
Could of gone for another audition for Britian's got Talent if I had driven on to Cardiff but I decided it was all just too much effort what with all that was & is going on, for the slim chance of my talent being recognized! Things might be different next year!
Nov 30th, The Bat & Ball, Breamore, Nr. Fordingbridge, 8.30pm Cancelled by venue Unfortunately the nice people at The Bat & Ball, where incidentally I've never played before have gone out of business. Victims of the credit crunch.
Dec 1st, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Always good to be at The Boot. Occasionally though at the Boot if really loud people sit in the table right at the front it can totally ruin the gig and I'm afraid that's pretty much what happened tonight. In end I just ended up playing loads of blues on the guitar because that was loud enough to be able to hear myself!
Dec 2nd, Little Johnny Russel's, Southsea, 9pm Really enjoyed this gig, what a great audience! Southsea is one of my favourite places to play no matter what venue. Proved a point to myself after the shenanigans' the night before.
Dec 4th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, Soton, 9pm Very quiet to begin with at The Dolphin, poor Chris had a cold too. Thing soon got busy as the night went on. Andy's brother caused much amusement by miss hearing me saying "Flatt & Scruggs" as "Flying Ale & Scrote". Great to see Nicky at the bar, happy birthday for tomorrow Nicky, happy birthday to Sandy too who really excelled herself with dancing for Sunday.
Dec 5th, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm Another great night at The Royal Oak good to see the Bournemouth crowd out. Had some fun at our table before I went on with Washboard Dave entertaining us with stories of UFO's, and magic tricks from Barry. Loads of banjo in the first set with me really indulging my Flatt & Scruggs obsession, followed by giving my newly fixed, (thanks Don Strike) slide guitar a good work out , with Washboard Dave "sparking" on the washboard.
Dec 6th, The Anchor, Swanage, 10pm Back to the Anchor not the busiest nights but a fun one never the less.
Dec 12th, Private Party This gig was at Chedington Golf Club Xmas party. Not the most enjoyable gig to be honest as I spent most the night performing to peoples back while they were playing roulette!
Dec 24th, The Pound Inn, Wells, 9pm Xmas eve at The Pound Inn, good to see Terry and Margaret again. It was even good to see that man who mortally offended me at the hillbilly night, particularly as he kept his clothes on this time. The gig itself was well received in the most part, had to ask a a noisy pair at the front to keep it down or carry on their conversation in another part of the pub because I couldn't hear what I was playing(they were shouting at the top of their voices at each other about 2yards away from me). I asked so nicely but all I got was an incredulous look, merry christmas!
Dec 27th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm After the excesses of Xmas. The first set a played seated on the piano. I was pretty proud of myself that I managed to dance in the second half!
Dec 31st, The Green Dragon, Chard, 9pm Not quite as busy as last New Year's eve in The Green Dragon but not that bad either. As usual things didn't really kick off till 12, then great fun was had, lots of dancing, a stomping competition. All finished off with a boogie-woogie set. One lovely old gentleman (I think his name was Alan) caused much amusement with his jiving, determined to finish the rather long medley I'd decided to play he took to dancing up to me with his partner to curse me to stop, which of course only brought about yet another piano solo.
Jan 1st, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm This gig was a blast! Washboard Dave turned up which was great, plus also had Canadian Rob guest on Guitar & Mandolin, by the time our host Chris Shakespeare started singing we had a right hootenanny going! O.K. there wasn't many listeners, but everyone who was agreed this was the best way to start the year.
Jan 2nd, The Royal Oak, North Gorley, 9pm cancelled by venue Unfortunately one of the locals past away so they cancelled my gig for the wake. Later I discovered that they have decided to cancel my monthly at North Gorley, but hopefully I will be still be appearing sporadically.
Jan 4th, Platform Tavern, The Quay, Southampton, 9pm Moderately well attended gig at The Platform Tavern. After a slow start (which included one crazy loon dancing on a very small table) I think I actually played o.k. at the end.
Jan 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Very quiet night at The Boot. I hope another monthly gig isn't going pear shaped!
Jan 7th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm cancelled by venue Turned up to the Black Bear only to realise I'd been forgotten about! My posters I sent hadn't been put up, and John & Sandra had gone to the bingo! So the gig was cancelled. The next day all was forgiven when they redeemed themselves by booking many of the first fridays of the month that I had lost at North Gorley. My fortunes have been a bit mixed the beginning of this year!
Jan 10th, The Kings Head, White Parish, 8.30pm This gig was a real pleasure. The good folk at The Kings Head were really friendly, the whole night seemed to go down well. The table of "old fogies" at the front were particularly good fun.
Jan 16th, The Barton Inn, Barton St. David, 9pm The gig was an absolute blast, you had to say they really get in the spirit of things at the Barton Inn. We had a stompin' competition which was mayhem with about 20 people up and dancing in a small space. People falling over, knocking my mic stand over, dancers with broken limbs, people lifting tables up & down to the beat. The highlight of the night though was when Anita the landlady came smiling in from out of the kitchen with her tap shoes on, showing skill training, and above all a big smile.
Jan 18th, The Royal Portland Arms, Portland, Electric Band, 3pm Pleasant afternoon in The Royal Portland Arms.
Jan 23rd, Tom Brown's, Dorchester, 9pm Electric Band cancelled double booking by venue! There goes another one!
Jan 24th, The Wheatsheaf, Shedfield, 9pm Mega busy night in The Wheatsheaf for what has traditionally become my traditional January gig here. It seems each year gets better, felt like a played really well if I say so myself, the piano went down particularly. Landlady Sally got up on the dancing board to much amusement, but she actually quite a talented stomper!
Jan 26th, The North Hall, Covent Garden, London, Audition, 10.30am Went up to the big smoke to audition for my licence so that maybe I could make regular trips up here. Finally arrived in London just in time having got up at 5am to get there for 10.30am. Unfortunately the auditioner took one look at my banjo in its case and said they were no longer looking for musicians. I said that I'd emailed saying I was a musician and I was coming to audition and I wasn't told that you weren't taking any more musicians, so I was a bit miffed about having travelled for 5hours for nothing. A few more shenanigans continued and then I remembered( it was early) I was primarily a tap dancer. "Okay that's fine then, get ready to audition." This seemed to go fine, it fact it was quite amusing because one of the panel of judges had a lovely little dog who, when I started tap dancing like mad, and my hat fell off, came and picked it up. I shouted "go collect the money!" Despite nearly sending me home with nothing the whole team at Covent Garden were really friendly.
Jan 26th, The Lower Court Yard, Covent Garden, London, 4.40pm, & 6pm I was told there were spaces available for me and my provisional licence that day so despite being tired & only having my basic banjo I jumped at the chance of having a go. Had a good wander around Covent Garden before I played and I was impressed by the standard of the other performers & I just enjoyed being in a such creative environment. The classical quartets before and after me were particularly good. My own performances themselves seemed to go quite well despite being a bit nervy, I got a reasonable crowd particularly in my second performance. Thanks to Christine who collected for me.
Jan 30th, The Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil, 9pm Electric Band Not the busiest of nights at The Quicksilver mail although we did get a few in thanks to Dave Saunder's mailing list. Played a good piano set in the first half, even if some of the locals were put out with the noise. First outing for my new electric guitar in the second half which was fun, even though we didn't quiet gel as well as we have been.
Jan 31st, Portland Conservative Club, 9pm A good crowd for my debut gig at At the Portland Conservative Club. Played well, a good listening audience seemed enjoy my veracious advertising of my CD even if they only the barman purchased any.
Feb 2nd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Surprisingly busy at the Boot considering the recent bad attendace and the bad weather.
Feb 5th, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm with Dave Saunders This gig was a lot of fun, Dave Saunder's came down on a whim, and we play pretty well together as a duo for the first time. Now we're planning on trying to do more! Chris got up for the last half a dozen which was a blast, as always!
Feb 7th, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 10pm Solo & Electric Band A night of three halfs(!) acoustic blues, bluegrass banjo & piano boogie, all featuring the band. Absolute mayhem as usual here at Anabel's with a packed house, a bellydancer, all sorts of shenanigans- i.e. people careering into the stage, lucky to get home with my teeth intact! We were still playing to a dance floor full of writhing bodies at 2.30am!
Feb 12th, The Maltings, Farnham, Supporting Ben Waters, 9pm This was an absolutely magic night, I played a short 30min showcase set. Gave a little taste of the different instruments: harmonica, guitar, banjo, fiddle & piano, seemed to go o.k. Would love to score a gig here for the band. Ben Waters was absolutely terrific on his piano as expected, but what was unexpected was the other guests he had: the most excellent Tony Farinha on electric guitar and the magnificent "Bloater" who sang a few beautiful Big Joe Turner & Fats Domino numbers. It was a pleasure to join all three of them on the stage, great fun all round!
Feb 14th, The Old Ship, Upwey, 9pm, Electric Band Another enjoyable night at The Old Ship even if Kevin did get the strop and go to bed because I didn't have my banjo. One very nice lady wrote me an email saying "the best live music in a pub ever!" which was a very kind thing to write.
Feb17th, The Lower Court Yard, Covent Garden, London, 1.30pm, & 6.30pm Another visit up to the big city. Thanks to Mandy who collected for in my first spot. Starting to feel a bit more at home up here at Covent Garden, starting to work out how everything works!
Feb 20th, The Thimble Inn, Piddlehinton, 9pm Steve & landlord Norman where collecting for Guitar Doors & The Life Boats and it was a busy night so quite a bit of money was raised. The locals even had a dance in the end!
Feb 21st, The Barley Mo, The Ding, Bristol, 9pm till 10pm My first visit to Bristol was on the whole a success, not the busiest nights but the few very pleasant locals who did attend seemed to enjoy my show. Thanks to Vincent who got me this gig!
Feb 27th, Tom Brown's, Dorchester, 9pm Electric Band I was feeling at bit rough to be honest(bit of a cold) when I arrived at Tom Brown's but it's amazing how a nice big crowd of people can liven you up, and it all came together quite nicely. The band sounded great.
still to review: Mar 2nd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Always a good night in the Boot.
Mar 5th, The Dolphin, St Deny's, Soton, 9pm Always a great night in the Boot. Joined by Washboard Dave.
Mar 6th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm with Dave Saunders Second time out as a duo for me and Dave and we played nicely together again!
Mar 13th, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 10pm Not the busiest of nights at The Anchor.
Mar 14th, Bridport Farmer's Market, 12am A funs morning work at The Farmers market joined by Fred on bones and bass.
Mar 14th, The Chaplhey Tavern, Weymouth, Rustys St. Patricks Bash, 9pm This gig was a blast even if Rusty's mum got a bit miffed because I didn't know When Irish Eyes Are Smiling she sang her self in the end with me accompanying.
Mar 15th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.30pm Another new line up! Fred on bass and bones Graham on snare drum.
Mar 19th, The Ritz Acoustic Club, Burnham On Sea, doors 8pm, £3 member, £4 non-members Sold out in The Ritz lots of talented folk come here to perform when it came to my turn everything seemed to go swimmingly enough. Friendly folk here at The Ritz. Looking forward to the festival in the summer now.
Mar 26th, Bournemouth Folk Club, Centre Stage, Westborne, 8pm Adv £5 door £6 with Dave Saunders Not too bad a turn out for me at The Folk Club although maybe not as well attended as my last gig here. Pete and Catherine did support. Gave a less energetic performance than usual perhaps I was really enjoying just sitting and playing for a very appreciative audience.
Mar 27th, Castlebrook Inn, Compton Dundon, Nr Street, Somerset, Adv £6 door £7 Electric Band This gig didn't go as well as we hoped at all we had been promised that all the locals were coming but they didn't. They didn't put the heating on either which didn't help things much: played the first set in my duffel coat!
Apr 2nd, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm Another hootenanny at the Dolphin with Washboard Dave, Pete on double bass and Chris joining in.
Apr 3rd, The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, 9pm A bit better attended here at the bottle about twenty people, a record crowd so far for the Bottle this year!
Apr 4th, The London Tavern, Poulner, Nr. Ringwood, 9pm with Dave Saunders Heaving night at the London Tavern, another new line up: Washboard Dave, & Dave Saunders. The three Dave's!
Apr 6th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Another raucous night at The Boot.
Apr 10th, The Foundary Arms, Poole, 9pm Hmmm.
Apr 11th, The Royal Oak, Charmouth, 8.30pm Bit of a mammoth day after a spot of playing in Bridport in the morning, it was Catherine's birthday and me and Fred gave her a 4 hour show!
Apr 13th-18th, Attending Sore Fingers My first visit to Sore Fingers and I had a blast, John Herrman was a very inspiring tutor.
Apr 23rd, The R.M.A. Tavern, Southsea, 9pm Good to see Kevin up at the R.M.A.
Apr 24th, The Old Ship, Upwey, 9pm Electric Band Back to The Ship this time with Chris Lonergan on bass.
Apr 25th, The Kings Head, Bradpole, Nr. Bridport, 9pm Another trip down the road to Bradpole to a well attended gig, Fred joined me too.
Apr 30th, Platform Tavern, The Quay, Southampton, 9pm with Dave Saunders Fun night at The Platform.
May 1st, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm with Dave Saunders Another good night at The Black Bear good and busy.
May 2nd, Anabel's Cabaret, Plymouth, 10pm Solo & Electric Band Another crazy night at Anabel's we got finished on stage early this time only 2am! It was fun when hard working sound man Alex played half our set to the dancing audience while we were waiting to go on!
May 3rd, The Blue Vinney, Puddletown 2-4pm Electric Band (Doey On Bass) Thanks to Rodger of the Dorset over 50 Cricket team.
May 3rd, The Forresters Arms, East Coker, 9pm Electric Band (Doey On Bass) First visit to The Forreter's, organised by Doey bassman. Not very well attended but a very appreciative and friendly landlord Al.
May 4th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Really tired but still managed to pull off a good show. Barman Robin is a diamond.
May 7th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm with Dave Saunders Another outing for the Three Dave's. Chris joined in too at the end which is always a blast!
May 12th, Little Johnny Russel's, Southsea, ***9pm cancelled by venue*** Poor old Ben has broken his leg get well soon Ben.
May 15th, The Wren, Main St., Woodford, County Galway, Ireland, 9.30 p.m. My first official gig in a Ireland! What fun! Did a spot of street entertaining in Galway the next day which was much fun also.
This gig was a blast a very receptive & dancy audience, during the break a very nice man named Mike played the accordion beautifully and a group of 8 ladies started step dancing, then the mic was opened to some other rather brilliant singers, later when nearly everybody had gone home a man named Jody entertained all who were left by superbly dancing around and on the outside furniture & car park in my tap shoes, rarely have a laughed so hard! Thanks a million John, of Barking Spider for making all this happen and accompanying me so wonderfully on the spoons!
May 20th, The Bourne Beat Hotel, Bournemouth, 9pm, Electric Band tickets £5 Only about 20 attendees for the bands first gig in Bournemouth, but a very attentive audience another first for the band, a really good experience.
May 22nd, Exmouth Festival www.exmouthfestival.org.uk 7pm This gig was a lot of fun with a good crowd here in Exmouth Gardens. Support included Ian Mckenzie and his crew.
May 23rd, The Perfect Fifth, Taunton, 9pm Solo & Electric Band www.theperfect5th.co.uk/ May 25th, Crick Boat Show, Crick, Northamptonshire www.crickboatshow.co.uk May 29th, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 10pm May 30th, Ashburton Blues Festival, Outside the Town Hall, 10.30-11.30am 1.00-2.00pm & 3.30-4.30pm www.ashburtonbluesfestival.com May 31st, The Shoe, Plaitford, Nr Romsey, 8.30pm Electric Band
June 1st, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm June 4th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm with Dave Saunders June 6th, Evershot Village Hall, Evershot, 9pm, £6 entry Solo & Electric Band June 7th Wessex Folk Festival, Brewers Quay, 7-8pm June 8th, Lulworth Castle, 8.30pm, with Dave Saunders £10 entry June 11th, The Old Pub, Galhampton, Castle Cary, 8.00pm June 12th, The Royal Portland Arms, Portland, 9pm Electric Band June 13th, Broadwindsor Village Fete, 3pm till 5pm June 13th, The World Nettle Eating Competition, The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, 9pm Electric Band June 20th, Private Party Electric Band June 27th, The American Museum, Bath, 2pm
July 2nd, The Dolphin, St Deny's 9pm July 3rd, The Anchor Inn, Swanage, 10pm July 4th, The Charter Fair, Bridport, 12.25pm July 4th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Electric Band July 5th, The Shoe, Plaitford, Nr Romsey, 8.30pm Electric Band T.B.C July 6th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth 9pm July 11th, The Star Inn, Romsey, The Beggars Fair, 12noon till 2.30pm with Dave Saunders July 11th, Private Party, night July 12th, Evershot Street Fair, 2-5pm with Dave Saunders July 14th, Wild West Night, Court Farm Country Park, nr Western Super Mare £6, 8.30pm with Dave Saunders July 17th, The Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas, 9pm (with special guest G.V.Bundy)
July 18th, The Wren, Main St., Woodford,
County Galway, Ireland, 9.30 p.m. July 25th, Bridport Bees, Bridport Football Club, Charity Event, 2pm ish July 26th, The Cross Keys, Bath, Beer Festival 7.30pm July 31st, The Ship Inn, Upwey Electric Band July 31st to August 7th Attending Sidmouth Folk Week?
Aug 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Aug 6th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm Aug 7th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Aug 8th, The R.M.A. Tavern, Southsea, 9pm Aug 11th, The Inn On The Furlong, Ringwood, 9pm, Electric Band (Doey On Bass) Aug 14th, Bridport Art Centre, 8pm, Electric Band tickets £6 (Doey On Bass) Aug 15th to Aug 27th unavailable Aug 28th, Platform Tavern, The Quay, Southampton, 9pm Electric Band (Doey On Bass) Aug 29th, Foxstock Festival, 6.15pm
Aug 30th, Southsea Folk & Roots Festival,
Southsea Pier, Supporting Adrian Edmondson
Sep 2nd, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm (Dan) Sep 3rd, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm Sep 3rd, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm Sep 4th, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm Sep 4th, The Thimble, Piddlehinton, 9pm Sep 5th, The Great Dorset Steam Fair, The Black Bull Marque, 1.30pm-3.30pm Sep 5th, The Drax Arms, Bere Regis, 9pm Sep 6th, Burnham On Sea Festival, 1.30pm with Dave Saunders Sep 6th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 8.30pm with Dave Saunders Sep 7th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Sep 11th, The Royal Portland Arms, Portland, 9pm (special guest GV Bundy) Sept 12th, Enfield Homes, 2.10pm & 4.35pm Sept 13th, The Goose Fair, The Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton, 2pm Sep 14th-27th, Attending Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield, Kansas, U.S.A.
Oct 1st, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm Oct 2nd,The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Oct 3rd, Tom Brown's, Dorchester, 9pm Electric Band Oct 1st, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm Oct 2nd, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Oct 3rd, Tom Brown's, Dorchester, 9pm Electric Band Oct 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Oct 6th, Little Johnny Russel's, Southsea, 9pm ***Cancelled by venue!!!*** Oct 9th, Annabel's Cabaret, 10pm (with special guest GV Bundy) Oct 10th, The Tobacco Factory, Bristol, 2.30pm Oct 11th, Boogaloo Blues Festival, Norton Grange, Yarmouth, IOW, ticket only event www.boogaloopromotions.com/weekends Solo & Electric Band Oct 16th, Private Party Oct 17th, The Kings Head, Bradpole, Nr. Bridport, 9pm Oct 18th, The Rose Inn, Taunton, 2pm Oct 22nd, The Sun Ray Folk Club, Broadmayne, supporting Ember, 8.15pm Oct 24th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Oct 31st, The Old Barn, Wraxhall, 9pm
Nov 2nd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Nov 4th, Mr Kyps, Poole, supporting 3 Daft Monkeys, tickets £7 with Dave Saunders If you would like tickets please send a email request to davestomp@yahoo.co.uk Nov 5th, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm Nov 6th, Private Party Nov 7th, The London Tavern, Poulner, Nr. Ringwood, 9pm Nov 8th, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 9pm Nov 19th, Joshua Tree, Southampton, 9pm Nov 20th, The Ship Inn, Upwey, Electric Band Nov 21st, The Barton Inn, Barton St. David, 9pm Nov 26th, The R.M.A. Tavern, Southsea, 9pm Nov 28th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm Nov 29th, Private Party, Afternoon Nov 29th, The Pal Tavern, RBL poppy appeal, 4.10pm Nov 29th, The Shoe, Plaitford, 8.30pm with Dave Saunders
Dec 3rd, The Dolphin, St. Deny's, 9pm Dec 4th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Dec 5th, Private Function Dec 7th, The Boot, Weymouth, 9pm Dec 12th, The Bell, Ash, Near Yeovil, 9pm with Dave Saunders Dec 26th, The Woodman, Bridport, 8pm Dec 27th, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle, 8.30pm Dec 31st, The Green Dragon, Combe St. Nicholas, 9pm
2010
Jan 2nd, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Electric Band cancelled by venue:double booking Jan 4th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Jan 14th, The RPA, Portland, 9pm (With Chris Lonegan) Jan 15th, The Mansion House, Bridgewater, 9.30pm Electric Band (with Doey Damen) Jan 16th, The Wheatsheaf, Shedfield, 9pm Jan 20th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Electric Band Jan 22nd, The Ship, Dorchester, 10pm Electric Band (with Doey Damen) Jan 23rd, Private Party Jan 29th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Jan 30th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm
Feb 1st, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Feb 5th, The Pound Inn, Coxley, Near Wells, 9pm Feb 6th, The Perfect Fifth, Taunton, 9pm Electric Band, £3 entry (With Chris Lonegan) Feb 12th, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm Feb 13th, The Bent Brief, Southampton, 9pm Feb 14th, No.6, Weymouth, 5pm Electric Band (with Chris Lonegan) Mar 12th, The Talbot, Winton, 9pm Mar 13th, The Electric Palace, Suporting Hayseed Dixie, 8pm with Dave Saunders May 14th, The George, Bridport, 8.30pm Mar 17th, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm, St Patrick's Night Mar 19th, The R.P.A., Portland, 9pm Electric Band Mar 20th, The Joshua Tree, Southampton, 9pm Mar 21st, River Cottage, Axminster, 11am-2.15pm tickets only sold out! Mar 21st, The Three Compasses, Charminster, 9pm Mar 26th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm Mar 27th, The Nags Head, Lyme Regis, 9pm Electric Band (With Chris Lonergan)
Apr 1st, The Maltings, Farnham, £9 cons £8, solo & Electric Band Doors open 8.15 pm Apr 2nd, The King William, Catcott, 9pm Apr 3rd, Tom Brown's, Dorchester, 9pm, Electric Band Apr 4th, Brasenose Arms, Cropredy, Oxon, 9pm with Dave Saunders, 9pm Apr 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm Apr 30th, The Ship Inn, Upwey, 9pm, Electric Band
May 1st, The Woodman, Bridport, 9pm May 2nd, The Greyhound Corfe Castle, 8.30pm Cancelled by venue May 2nd, Dorset Knob Throwing Festival, Cattistock, 11am till12noon May 2nd, The Royal Portland Arms, Portland, 3pm Electric Band (With Chris Lonergan) May 3rd, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm May 6th, The Joshua Tree, Southampton, 9pm May 7th, Shipton Gorge Village Hall, 7.30pm May 8th, The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, 9pm May 9th, The R.P.A., Portland, 3pm Cancelled by venue May 12th, Private Function in afternoon May 13th, The R.M.A., Southsea, 9pm May 14th, The Electric Palace, Bridport, Tickets £5/£6 Solo & Electric Band Tickets £5/£6 doors 7pm email davestomp@yahoo.co.uk for a ticket May 15th, Private Function, 6pm May 16th, Forresters Arms, East Coker, 9pm, Brand New Rock Band! May 20th, The Platform Tavern, Soton, 9pm May 21st, The Shoe, Plaitford, 9pm with Dave Saunders May 22nd, The Pal Tavern, Yeovil, 9.30pm Dr Stomp & Prof Oz reunion gig May 23rd, The Hop Inn, Bounemouth, 9pm http://www.thehopinn.co.uk May 27th, Bournemouth Folk Club, Supporting Allison Williams & Chance McCoy, 8pm May 28th, Ashburton Blues Festival, doors 4.15pm 6.30-7.45pm Electric Band May 29th, The Kings Head, Bradpole,Nr. Bridport, 9pm
June 3rd, The Joshua Tree, Southampton, 9pm June 6th, Wessex Folk Festival, Brewers Quay Weymouth, 4pm http://www.wessexfolkfestival.co.uk/ June 7th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm June 8th, Amberley Folk Club, East Sussex, 8.15pm with Dave Saunders June 11th, The Greyhound, Corfe Castle, 8.30pm June 12th, Broadwindsor Fun Day, 2.45pm June 12th, Tom Brown's, Dorchester, 9pm, Electric Band June 13th, The George, Bridport, 8.30pm June 17th, The Tivoli, Wimborne, Suppporting The Producers with Dave Saunders Doors 7.30pm http://www.producersbluesband.co.uk June 18th, The George Hotel, Nr Newent, Gloustershire, 10pm June 19th, Piddletrentide Village Fete, 1pm - 3pm June 19th, The Blue Keys, Southampton, 9pm June 20th, The Beach Cafe Bar, Yeovil, 6pm Brand New Rock Band! June 24th, Glastonbury Festival, The Avalon Cafe, 12.30pm(listed as Dr. Stomp!) June 25th, Glastonbury Festival, The Band Stand, 12.40pm with Dave Saunders June 26th, Glastonbury Festival, The Avalon Cafe, 12.30pm with Dave Saunders
July 1st, The Joshua Tree, Southampton, 9pm July 3rd, Maverick Festival, Suffolk 11.30am & 2pm July 3rd, Bridport Charter Fair ***Unfortunately unable to perform*** July 4th, The White Horse, Wincanton, 3pm, Electric Band July 4th, The RMA, Southsea, 9pm July 5th, The Boot Inn, Weymouth, 9pm July 7th, Brackley Festival, 8pm with Dave Saunders July 8th, The Bent Brief, Southampton, Electric Band, 9pm July 9th, Lulworth Castle, Lulworth, Solo & Electric Band £10 tickets 01202 631912July 10th, The Beggars Fair, The Star Inn, Romsey, time tbc with Dave Saunders Cancelled July 10th, Private Party Cancelled
July 10th, The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, 9pm
July 11th, Western Super Mare Cowboy Gig
with Dave Saunders
July 16th, Private Party, 5-6pm
July 16th, The Black Bear, Wareham, 9pm
July 17th, Parchment Street Summer Party, Winchester 12.45 - 14.15pm
July 17th, Evershot Village Hall,
Evershot, 9pm, £5 entry Solo &
Electric Band
Special guest at Evershot Prof. Oz!
July 18th, Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, Martys' Marque 11am
July 21st, The Dolphin, St Deny's, 9pm
July 22nd, The Sun Ray Folk Club, Broadmayne, 8.15pm
July 23rd, The Mansion House, Bridgwater, 9.30pm
New Rock Band!
July 24th, Trojans, Harley Club Bikers Somerset Rally, Rugby Club, Minehead, 3pm
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