Leeds Fringe 2010 Sunday 22nd August 2010

 Along with the rest of The Yorkshire Gig Guide I attended the blues experience at the New Conservatory where we were made very welcome by John McCabe who looked after us all evening. We were then in for  an evening spent listening to superb musicians. Firstly a grand mix of blues and storytelling by Chris Martin who was on fine form tonight, enthralling the audience from start to finish. His tale about his guitar "not called Kevin" caused much hilarity. Any time he is playing somewhere near you go and enjoy!

Next up was Dac Chamley. He entertained us for forty five minuets of slide guitar, foot-tapping rhythms and great songs, engaging with his audience in a relaxed and easy manner. (Well worth a night out)  He was joined on stage by Chris Martin for his final 2 numbers and this was also justifiably well received by the audience.
The final act was the very talented Philip Cockerham who played thought-provoking songs about modern society, popular songs coupled with much humour. He introduced this reporter to a new musical instrument played with the feet called a "stomp box". This had the dual advantage of raising him an extra three inches from the floor. Yet another act not to be missed!
As we were getting ready to leave, Sammy Lee along with Aidan and some other friends took to the stage and did an impromptu spot. All in all a splendid evening was had by The Yorkshire Gig Guide (and the rest of the audience)
Hope to see you at one of the participating venues
Denis Heaton

Leeds Fringe 2010

Welcome to the first Leeds Fringe Festival. Tonight we experienced some of the enthusiastic local talent at the Carpe Diem. We were given a warm welcome by organisers Mickey Thompson (in charge), Michelle (from the Yorkshire Music Collective) and Nick Phelps (Phoenix Radio).

First up The Spills. If you like your music loud, heavy and raw then this is the band for you. They had the crowd jumping and dancing along to their sound.
Time to have a quick drink served by the friendly staff of the Carpe Diem before vocalist with a sense of humour Mi Mye who entertained us with his stories, songs and violin.
The next band hails from Wakefield who were the winners of the Future Sounds Competition which means they will be playing at both the Leeds and Reading Festivals. These are the Runaround Kids - full on, in your face hard rock music which shook the building and had the audience demanding more.
Leeds has not had a Fringe Festival previously and Reading has had one for the past five years so Mickey Thompson decided that this needed to change. It would be a free festival and any money made would go to Martin House Children's  Hospice at Boston Spa. Any donations can be sent to www.justgiving.com/leedsfestivalfringe. There is also a 15 track CD available from the same web-site with each track donated by a different band appearing at The Fringe to support the cause.
The Festival is on all week (19th -25th August) in and around Leeds. Come and have fun and music and support this great cause. To find all the events check out The Leeds Festival Fringe at  www.leedsfestivalfringe.org
Denis Heaton YGG

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival - Day three

Up and about on a clear and sunny morning after a good nights rest. This camping lark is starting to grow on me. All around, other campers making breakfast, enjoying the early peace and sipping tea. Andrew (editor) took himself off to the empty beer tent and began putting together his article leaving us to break camp (tent down quicker than it went up). New experience for me - outdoor shaving, causing much amusement for Alison.
Soon we were all ready and the four of us set off to join the many people  already settling down in the grounds. Had lunch. Burgers in the food hall - very nice too. Andrew went over to the Great Hall and covered Ben Bettie and the Jazz Age. Rejoining us later, the main stage began with the Rob Law Trio, setting us up for the acts following. Next we had the fabulous Clare Teal. A thoroughly enjoyable hour and a half's entertainment of songs and amusing anecdotes around her recent Scottish tour. Omar Puente and Robert Mitchell hugely enthralled the crowd with multirhythmic, original sounds.
Sadly we arrived at the final act for this festival. This was performed by our host, Simon Cunliffe-Lister along with the event organiser Saffron Byas and accompanied by the Rob Law Trio. Boy did they send us off in style! As the grounds slowly emptied we four had a late tea courtesy of Green Saffron. We reflected on the past three days as we watched the main stage being pulled down and the camp-site becoming almost deserted - one or two campers staying till tomorrow. On behalf of Yorkshire Gig Guide fare well until next year.
Denis Heaton

Eating out at the Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival

Not arriving at the Festival until after 6.30pm and needing to set up the tent (rain imminent and only managed before it began due to help from Kai and his Dad - many thanks) we had taken our own food which we managed to eat after the late night music session in the beer tent at around midnight.
Saturday however opened our eyes to new culinary delights. In the morning the air was full of the smell of cooking bacon as the Hall staff - manning an outdoor kitchen - produced wonderful sandwiches with which to start the day. They then spent the rest of the day cooking hot pork rolls with apple sauce, the tastiest burgers from local Aberdeen Angus cattle and a variety of salads (much of which came from the Hall's walled kitchen garden) to complete the meal.
Opposite the Hall stand was the kitchen of  Green Saffron. This catering company had travelled from Southern Ireland to provide Indian cuisine which was second to none. Using fresh herbs and spices along with equally fresh meat and vegetables, they created edible works of art to rival the music to which we were being treated. Dishes who's names make the mouth water - Tamil style chicken dadagam, Kashmiri lamb rogan josh and the vegetarian Keralean red lentil dal all served with aged basmati rice and banana riata and salad. Even breakfast had an exotic twist with porridge with vanilla and apricots infused with star anise, spiced granola with mango lassi or bread and jam when the bread is cooked on site in wood-fired ovens.
All together the smells from the cooking area floated across the lawns awakening the senses with anticipation.
Liquid refreshment was to be found in the tea tent which served tea and coffee all day and very tasty cakes which ensured a very civilized afternoon teas at the appropriate time. The beer tent was open until midnight providing refreshment with the late night entertainment.
Most people go to a music festival for the music but if Burton Agnes continues to encourage food like we have had this weekend, then it will have people attending especially for the food.
A very satisfied corespondent
Alison Elgie-Heaton

Day two Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival. Morning to all our readers.

Woken up by a lot of talking and movement around our tent then the sound of a car driving away, a glance at my watch told me it was 4-30am .

More muttering from me as I rolled over and went back to sleep unaware my wife Alison had swept out of the tent and run off!. Roused much later at 9-15ish only to find that our camera crew (Alison) had hot footed it back to Leeds throwing a bit of consternation and  not least panic into the day. Andrew (our editor) who had risen was at a loss due to this turn of events. Still we have a job to do so after breakfast (made by Eve) we set about our revised itinerary. Whilst Eve was busy around our pitch Andrew and I had a stroll through Burton Agnes's magnificent grounds which was coming slowly to life. People all ready setting out their seats, blankets and picnics in anticipation of an afternoons entertainment.


Text message from Alison (camera crew) saying our youngest daughter had gone into labour - hence the dash back  home, followed by instructions on how to use her treasured camera. A quick dash back to base and run through said directions then we three were ready for a busy schedule.


Eve and Andrew would be taking interviews whilst I had some how become cameraman (God help us). Just so you know that today's events were taking place in different venues, main stage in the beautiful lawns with fountains gently flowing in the large fish pond,whilst in the great hall a series of three performances starting at 12 noon which this intrepid trio had to cover. Thankfully timings at both venues meant it could just be done.


Firstly we covered Ben Beattie and the Jazz Age playing in the Great Hall, a sumptuous setting surrounded with oak panelling, majestic fireplace (Adams!), portraits hung all around. What better place to hear classic jazz.


Next stop main stage in time for Zezo Olimpio Trio who soon had the festival throng swaying and foot tapping as Bossa-Novas swirled around the grounds. Zezo playing his vintage Fender-Rhodes piano entertained us with his own compositions which brought a hearty response from the audience.


Back we go to the Great Hall where RevRay and Jenny Bray who run the East Yorkshire jazz evenings and courses had gathered students  and  friends for our listening pleasure. An extremely talented group of musicians and singers.


Thirsty work this, so snatched drink of tea plus cake. Very welcome it was too. Next on the agenda the amazing Anita Wardell who's voice is an instrument of its own. During her performance a text from Alison informing  us that we have a new granddaughter weighing in at 6lb 11 oz.(that's 8 now). Great Hall again last act today Kate and Manny taking us on a musical nostalgic tour of the greats Gershwin through to Sinatra.


Now we can relax a bit. Good job too. Not being used to toting a camera about my arms are aching. Still needs must. Rest of the action will be on the main stage so no dashing about (till to-morrow). Up on stage for the next hour and half the legendary Skip McDonald better known as Little Axe we settled down whilst his raucous blues rolled over the grounds. Alison rejoined us at last so I hand over the camera - with a sigh of relief I must add. Al Wood Big Band took over for the next two hours with guest vocalist Saffron Byass (one of the festival organisers)


This blog seems to be turning into an essay. Bear with us, there is so much going on I don't want you to feel left out. Last act on main stage a trombonist with a unique versatility for this underrated instrument. The incredible Dennis Rollins. Catch him if he's playing near you - well worth seeing.

After all this we still had the late night session in the beer tent. First up storyteller, musician and writer Miles Cain, followed by Helen Turner and Sharon Winfield collectively know as Two. Finally rounding up this days events Bandiqui singing into the late hours with modern songs.

Well dear readers it's been a long day. So much going on and not forgetting our new arrival Analise Nicola.

Did I mention the rain? No! Well it did, yet no one left. Instead in true festival style out came the brolly's. The tent looms so good night all.

   Denis Heaton YGG          

Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival-Denis's Diary

Day one arrived on site at 6-30pm  this my first experience camping so not sure how to pitch tent (learning something already!)

Read the instructions, hang around looking lost with all the bits lying about, scratch head,  mutter a lot, then seasoned campers came and in a very short time it was up. (Thanks Kai  and your Dad). All the time we were getting into and helped out of this tuck we were being serenaded by Five Pieces of Silver who were playing the great Horace Silver 60's Blue Tone music.

Andrew and Eve arrived and managed to erect their tent in 2 minutes and then we all went to into the Festival itself. This was a magnificent setting in the grounds of Burton Agnes Hall where we were entertained by  Base Man Family who are a 12 piece band who played until 10pm. We thoroughly enjoyed their music which set the scene for the late night tent. 

This is the first year that Burton Agnes have had late night entertainment after the main event. This proved to be a great success and most of the visitors stayed until the end of the session. We were entertained on this first night by Holly Tamer, Bandiqui and the Alligators who woke us up before we went to bed. All the above gave us interviews which will be posted on the YGG later.

Once we were back at base camp we all enjoyed a very late tea and then to bed. If I survive the night in this tent there will be more tomorrow.
Good night
Denis Heaton

"I just had to share with you how much my friends and I enjoyed ‘This Weeks Scandal’ a 3 piece pop punk band from Leeds".

Dear Yorkshire Gig Guide this is my first review but I just had to share with you how much my friends and I enjoyed ‘This Weeks Scandal’ a 3 piece pop punk band from Leeds.
I attended the Cockpit with a group of friends, a wonderful live music venue in the heart of Leeds, on the last day of August to watch up and coming brilliant pop punk band ‘This Weeks Scandal’ launching their new EP.
They entertained and thrilled the crowded room with Chris’s great vocals and bass playing, Richard’s frenetic guitaring and vocals, and Arron’s rhythmic drumming in a half hour collection of musical boasting, bouncy riffs and sing along choruses.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed their music as was proved by everyone’s energetic dancing maximum participation and shrieks of fun!
‘This Weeks Scandal’ was the headline band and as their last song came to its end the audience was reluctant to let them leave screaming for more; A strong following of fans already prove, they will go far.
Sadly Redemption and Girl Kills Boy, who were billed to play didn't but this in no way spoiled the fun of the night.
Asia Elizabeth Pickup,
Hope this is okay. 
myspace.com/thisweeksscandal