To bring you up to date…

17 May, 12 /  Events, General, Gigs /  Chris /  2 Comments

Wow, its been a long time since my last blog. I suspect this will be a little lengthy! Been a busy boy you see, and just haven’t gotten round to putting finger to key. I can’t blame Draw Something entirely, but that has occupied some of my random free time! Now I think a chronological order will be the most sensible option, so back to Easter we go…. Just imagine the Waynes World flashback moment…

Friday 13th April brought us a return visit from “A little Preece and Dove”. A two guitar duo from Congleton playing some great roots and relaxed music. Having been compared to Simon & Garfunkel, you can get an idea what they were like. Lots of harmonies and complex guitar work. In fact I’ve seen electric “lead” guitarists play less complex solos! Really enjoyable and will be returning.

The weekend after saw a very busy time for the pub. Mozarts Gokarts played the Friday with their huge mix of rock and blues classics. Silver Machine to end a top night. They always bring a big crowd of appreciative people and a real party atmosphere. The Saturday was a surprise 30th party for Sy, one of our pool team. A complete surprise for him with lots of friends and embarrassing pictures pinned up. On Sunday we had a hog roast for East Cheshire Hospice organised by JP Exhausts who had made the spit roast machine and sourced a great bit of meat. A full house with quite a chunk of cash raised for the Hospice.

On Friday 27th we hosted Dazed & Confused. Renown as a great party band and having played at The Hollins a couple of years ago, I was looking forward to seeing them play again. The pub was heaving and very hot and the band played superbly. A super night in all aspects. You can read the D&C blog about it here.

Tuesday 1st May saw something completely different happen. We had Kaleidoscope Big Band play in the pub for a customers birthday celebration. Now when I say Big Band, I mean 15 piece Big Band! Playing everything from Glenn Miller classics through some crooner swing to full on early Rock’n'Roll. It was an astounding night with dancing and enjoyment that no one would expect in a corner pub midweek! It was also the perfect start to a mini-break to Yorkshire that Jane and I were having for our wedding anniversary. We were back in time for the Friday night where the pub hosted the Brook Street Four from Manchester, the name is just a coincidence! BS4 played a lovely range of music from piano solos to 4 part harmonies and guitar work. Lead by Tracey Browne who is a superb roots/folk musician in her own right. You can view her site and listen to her music here, also there is an iPhone App of her album Everyone Is Ordinary which is great. Just search for it.

The Saturday, 5th May, we welcomed Michelle from Offbeat Brewery in Crewe for a Meet The Brewer session. A very informative presentation to a group of avid listeners (and drinkers) and all 4 taps pulling Offbeat beers. Shame I didn’t get chance to hear any of it as the pub was too busy. One day I’ll organise something that I can enjoy as a customer!

Phew, nearly there! One more weekend to go… Friday 11th brought Mumbo Jumbo back for a return visit. These guys are now a three piece band with blues type roots that I called Skiffle but they played a massive range of music to appeal to all ears. They even brought a bass ukelele which sounded like a stand-up bass. Mind blowing stuff. Considering we were competing against the Macc Beer Festival, we had a good night and MJ will be returning again soon.

On the Saturday I had offered to work the bar at the Beer Festival lunchtime session. A good time to try some beers that were new to me and talk to present and new customers alike. The Saturday session seems to have really picked up over the years and is still my preference. I enjoyed some lovely beers which will be making an appearance on the bar soon. After the festival, I hopped on the Pub Bike and rode back to the pub to get ready to work. I was slightly apprehensive about having a quiet night but my fears where dispelled quickly as I realised Manatees were playing again! I love this band and on Saturday they really excelled. Their version of Allman Brothers Whipping Post is still one of my favourite live covers. In the half time break we even managed to show the Britains Got Talent coverage of The Showbears doing a special appearance with David Walliams. Tom, the bassist for Manatees, is the brother of Will Read, one of The Showbears. You can watch the video on YouTube here. A super night and one of the reasons I have booked Manatees as our Sunday Sessions house band. The first session is this Sunday, the 20th May.

Now, we are pretty much up to date. There is still another blog within me yet after an eventful trip to Sheffield this week but it’ll have to wait until after I have given Darcey her lunch.

Brew time,

Chris