Joe Trudgeon of Suck My Band fame and the Mojito Soundsystem will be celebrating his 18th Birthday, on his Birthday (23rd December 2008) at the infamous Evershot Village Hall with a cracking line-up of the hottest new bands in the area... watch this space for more info.
This is an invite only event. If you want to try and get a ticket then email in and tell us why!
ORPHEUS is an eight piece contemporary dance band offering fresh and original material; a blend of Soul/funk, Nu-jazz, Latin and Afrobeat. Their current set also includes familiar R'nB and Ska tunes. Orpheus will be headlining the first night of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festivalon Friday18th July 2008.
Musicians: Amanda Woollett, vocals. Andrew Leppard, guitar. James Price, bass. Simon Hartung, alto sax, keyboards. Matt Huxley, trombone. Pete Dixon, tenor sax. Ben Stevens, drums and Jules Neubert, percussion.
You can here samples of their music on myspace/orpheusport including the song 'Can't go any further'.
Thursday 18th September 2008 at Bridport Arts Centre, admission £12 doors open 7:30
Afro-Latin Jazz with The Babatunde Lea Quartet
One of the most striking figures in jazz, the dreadlocked African garbed Babatunde Lea, hits Bridport with his Afro-Latin quartet to play their thrilling, tight and melodic jazz. San Francisco based Babatunde has worked with world famous artists such as Van Morrison, Stan Getz, Pharoah Sanders, Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead) Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Hilton Ruiz and Leon Thomas (Santana) in his four decades in jazz.
Club Underground booked Babatunde Lea after seeing his scorching set at the Pizza Express jazz venue in Soho. The quartet are playing a Ronnie Scott’s residency in early October 2008 featuring BBC Jazz Awards “Best Instrumentalist” Tony Kofi.
“We are lucky to get such a world class musician to play in Bridport,” says promoter Matt Hayden. “This promises to be Bridport’s jazz gig of the year, I have not been so excited about a promotion since bringing Avishai Cohen to Bridport.”A gifted composer, drummer and percussionist, the Babatunde Lea Quartet will be featuring rising UK jazz stars Tony Kofi (saxes and flute) who has just won ‘Best Instrumentalist’ in the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards, Trevor Watkis (piano) and Larry Bartley (bass).
The San Francisco weekly described the Babatunde Lea US quartet as ‘a fiery example of everything that’s not dead about jazz.’
The Los Angeles Weekly said; ‘What you get a tightly disciplined, tightly arranged, Jazz Messengers-inspired soulful post-bop that’s propelled, rather than ruled, by its leader’s formidable technique.”
“Harkens back to the classic late-1960s Impulse label sound, where heroes like Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders made some of the most soulful searching music ever... simply beautiful.” – The Beat
“Not since Mingus and Blakey has music bristled with a sense of message like this.” - Downbeat Magazine
Born in Nottingham of West African parents, Tony started his jazz education in Leicester and went on to study at Berklee. Experience in the Jazz Warriors in the 1980s led on to work with many of leading American musicians (including Branford Marsalis, Billy Higgins and Eddie Henderson, Andrew Hill and Sam Rivers) as well work in Gary Crosby’s Nu-Troop, Julian Joseph’s Big Band, Tim Richard’s Great Spirit, Byron Wallen’s Indigo and many others. His most recent CDs (All Is Know, dedicated to Monk, and Future Passed) have received widespread praise.
Trevor Watkis
Trevor Watkis started off playing the guitar at 10 years old before later switching to the piano. At 21 years old he was awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, USA, where, being so close New York City, he was able to study with, hear and meet some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians, such as Mulgrew Miller, Betty Carter, Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard.
Trevor has since established himself on the UK jazz scene as a highly respected pianist, band leader and composer, working with renowned artists from both the UK and USA (Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint, Cleveland Watkiss, Ernest Ranglin, Gary Bartz, Kenny Garrett, the late Stanley Turrentine, Eddie Henderson, Betty Carter, Clifford Jarvis and many others).
Larry Bartley
Since studying at the Goldsmith College from 1988 - 91 with Howard Riley and Laurence Couty, Larry has become one of the most sought after bass players on the London jazz scene.
British based bands and musicians thathe worked with include Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint, Denys Baptiste, Cleveland Watkiss, Byron Wallen, Steve Williamson, Julian Joseph, Andy Sheppard, Soweto Kinch, Juliet Roberts, Alex Wilson and Robert Mitchell.
He has also toured with visiting musicians such as Stanley Turrentine and Steve Grossman, and performed with dancer Sharon Wrey's at the Royal Opera House. Larry's playing is featured on many recordings by some of London's best-known jazz players.
Club Underground has a long history of bringing top flight musicians to Bridport. For more information call Matt Hayden 07957 550 232 or Paul Lashmar 07713 635 079
Sunday 17th August 2008, Bar and Hog Roast from Midday Everyone Welcome - Admission Free, The Cricket Ground, Evershot
Ten teams of six people subjecting themselves to the bizarre, warped and twisted concoction of games and races that create the eccentricity of Evershot Wakky Races. The now infamous Evershot Wakky Races typically involves gallons of water, dozens of eggs, bags of flour and other messy things, as well as a truly extraordinary array of “high tech” props. You can’t fail to have a fantastic fun-filled, action packed day and all are guaranteed to end up very wet, filthy dirty and exhausted! Spectators are welcome, the more the merrier, admission is free, BAR, HOG ROAST and MORE throughout the day.
Come and be entertained by the hilarious antics of the teams as they attempt to rise to the challenges of the Evershot Wakky Races.
For further details and team entry forms contact Steve Crate 01935 83520 (Entries on a first-come-first-served basis - £36 per team of 6 persons) All proceeds in aid of Evershot Parish Hall, Registered Charity No. 206475
Saturday 26th July 2008 8.00pm Evershot village hall STOMPIN' DAVE ALLEN'S Stompin' Extravaganza! American Roots Music featuring Stompin Dave & Stompin Dave's Electric Band live At Evershot Village Hall.
"A musical genius." Cornish Bluegrass Association
"Raw, unmitigated virtuosity." Lemonrock.com
"Generates enough energy to illuminate Blackpool."
Saturday March 8th 2008 EVERSHOT village hall Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm programme £8 on door
SECKOU KEITA Young new-generation Kora star, Seckou Keita, with a fantastic musical pedigree represents the emergence of a new generation of African musicians. He has a unique style on what is generally a gentle melodic instrument which is sure to get people out of their chairs and up on their feet! An unforgettable musical experience - last year his quartet performed four stunning sell-out concerts for Artsreach in a row, and this year the quartet are joined by vocalist Binta Sissou who brings new colours to their already amazing sound -
".....an inspired exponent of the Kora" The Guardian
Advance tickets:Evershot Village Shop or 01935 83471/01935 83580
Saturday, December 8th, 2007 EVERSHOT village hall 8PM £6 on door
BOY LE MONTI We are delighted to have our favourite Rock Steady, Reggae 5 piece Ska band back in the Dance Hall. Authentic rare grooves and old skool reggae numbers that are guaranteed to make hop. every single tune. If you haven't caught these stunning musicians yet, make a date for a pre-christmas dance that will melt away your winter blues away.
BOY LE MONTI Bridport Radio - Tuesday, 04 December 2007
Saturday October 27th 2007 EVERSHOT village hall Doors open 8.00pm BAR £6 on door THE SIDEKICKS are hoping to encourage anyone who loves a good band, and hates a plastic Halloween night, to get themselves up to Evershot Hall on Saturday the 27th October. Playing together as a 5 piece since 2001, the bands full-on sets have earned them a well-deserved reputation as a live act. Having a choice of 200+ songs, sets can include anything from Ian Dury to Toots and the Maytals, via Johnny Cash, or the Kinks to Stevie Wonder and the Who.
Always versions, never copies. SG ‘We’re not too hung up on trying to sound like the records, we stick close to the plot, but we want to make the music come alive, so if we lose it occasionally that’s us finding what we’re looking for… if you know what I mean.’
The line-up, fronted by West Dorset’s Sean Geraghty, features local music scene notables: Tom Hughes the Hammond Organ maestro from Weymouth’s psychedelic Rockers GOTHIC CHICKEN Dan Anderson a lead guitarist of sublime ability and frontman of Somerset’s R’n’B Legends MOTEL 6, Andy Hancock The top-drawer drums of Soul big-band DT8, and the rock-solid bass end of Laurie Higgins, who has sessioned and appeared with anyone worth playing with North of Portland Bill.
PRESS RELEASE: BEN WATERS Friday October 5th 2007 EVERSHOT village hall Doors open 8.00pm BAR £10 on door
One of the UK's finest pianists, and humorous performers, Ben Waters takes time off from his big band project, to make a welcome return to smaller venues. This is the man who barely in his early 20's played with the likes of Mick Jagger; Pete Townsend; Shakin' Stevens and the late Florida blues harp legend Rock Bottom! Ben mixes Boogie woogie, blues with a Dr John style New Orleans feel, and some good old time rock & roll. Come early cos Ben packs them in!
Friday 28th September 2007 EVERSHOT village hall Doors open 8.00pm BAR £6 £3.00 + £5.00 on door
Following the success of The Evershot Battle of The Bands earlier this year, the bands have formed a treaty and aim to give us their all on Friday 28th of September. Evershot is proud to welcome back some familiar and some new young faces. These original up and coming bands promise a night of inspired rock music and adrenalin packed performance. The line up includes
TheFree Radicals, a 3-piece from Beaminster 6th form, dynamic and rocking guitar solos and kicking drum beats. Astronauts and Parachutes, this years winners of The Evershot Battle of The Bands, who recently performed at West Bays ‘Inside Out Dorset’ event and return to us with their indie based rock sounds. Breaking Point, a Somerset based 4-piece heavy rock band, new to the hall and Suck My Band, a local favorite with a uniqueArt House Rock style. This looks to be an excellent night for lovers of the new and diverse.
Saturday, July 21, 2007 EVERSHOT village hall Doors open 8.00pm BAR £10 on door
As a tribute to the enormously talented pianist, the late Ian Stewart (Stu), the legendary Rocket 88 have got back together this year following a request from Stu's home town of Pittenweem in Fife to appear at a special 25th Anniversary Festival to commemorate Stu's life.
Stu died at the age of 47 in december 1985. He was a founder member of the Rolling Stones and can be heard with his distinctive boogie woogie style on many early Stones recordings. It was Charlie Watts and Stu's shared love of big band boogie, blues and jazz which prompted the formation of Rocket 88. This eight piece band, four horns and four rhythm, worked extensively during the 80's and into the 90's appearing at many festivals, clubs and on radio and tv, representing Britain at the Montreux Festival.
On the piano the band now has the well known blues artist Ben Waters who was a friend of and greatly inspired by Stu at the start of his career. In addition to Ben the line-up is:-
Willie Garnet & Olaf Vas, Saxophones John Picard & Mike hugh, Trombones Roger Smith, Bass/ vocals Jimmy Roche, Guitar Sam Kelly, Drums (replacing Charlie Watts)
PRESS RELEASE: BARN DANCE Saturday 14th July 2007 WOOLCOMBE FARM
BAND-ON.co.uk is proud to present a summer BARN DANCE at Woolcombe Farm, MelburyBubb. The fun starts from 5pm onwards. There will be live music with the caller from CAPTAIN THUNDERBOLT and additional tunes from THE EMERGENCY DJ’s
There will also be a Hog Roast (which is included in the price of your ticket), a licenced bar and camping.
TICKETS IN ADVANCE 01935 83860
Adults £10 ~ Children £5
This event is a "Fund Raiser" for the Little Acorns
Karen and I took some snaps on Saturday night of the Etran Finatawa gig which you can see by clicking here. I also grabbed a quick burst of video on my phone. It was an amazing sell out night, if anyone else took some pictures then please email them in!!
Despite the unexpected cancellation of the Evershot Street fair on Sunday 27th May 2007, the Acorn Inn will still be holding the beer festival. In the pub garden there will be face painting, fancy dress, barbecue and live music from Flaky Jake.
On Saturday 19th May 8.00pm Band-on.co.uk are proud to present ATCHA! ‘Spearheaded by Chris Jagger's charisma and wry wit, ATCHA! presents a highly original mix of rock, growling blues, R&B, country, Cajun and funk. This is your chance to experience ‘ top notch Cajun -flavoured R & B ' as the band takes time out from their international tour to promote the new album ‘Act of Faith'As kings of the British roots scene Chris Jagger's ATCHA! includes multi-instrumentalist Charlie Hart ( ex . Pete Brown, Ronnie Lane 's Slim Chance), drummer Malcolm Mortimore (ex Ian Dury, Frankie Miller) and the talented bassist Paul Emile and guitarist/producer Jim Mortimore.‘very engaging'; ‘if the Faces or Pogues had been from Louisiana they would have sounded like this'; ‘ this Jagger is a sly sharp songwriter'.
Another fantastic night in Evershot that even included some 'stage dancing' from a few members of the audience. I think it was Karen who asked if anyone was taking pictures? So I did. On my phone. A massive thank you to Something Blue and the Scuzzbuckets for another classic BAND-ON.co.uk night out!!
