Richard Hawley

I'm off to see John Bramwell of I Am Kloot in 2 weeks time & I've just booked tickets for Fleet Foxes & Chris Rea in November

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The only thing keeping me sane is my collection of talking potatoes

Went to the Bandroom in Farndale North Yorkshire last night - quite possibly the most inaccessible music venue in the UK. Over 20 miles from a main road and down an alpine, muddy single lane track -to see the Savoy Family Cajun Band.

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

..and I went to see Joel, Wilson, Ann and Marc Savoy the following night too, at the Victoria Hotel in Menai Straits. Horrible red LED lights, so everything converted to black and white.

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

The Southern Fried Festival in Perth was a fantastic affair - an outdoor stage with shelter a few yards away and no mud - loads of home comforts within easy reach....fabulous music and late nights. Highlights for me were Sam Outlaw, Chuck Prophet and Angaleena Presley - although the "North Star: Scotland Sings Canada" concert was up there. Brilliant stuff.
Chuck Prophet

Sam Outlaw (With Jim Lauderdale guesting)

High Plains Jamboree

Cyndi Cain

Nick Lowe

Angaleena Presley

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

Went to see C W Stoneking on Sunday night on his one night in the UK this year and he was fantastic, what was really spot on was the venue! MOTH club in Hckney, what a great place, proper old working mans club. MOTH stands for Memorable Order of Tin Hats, ex-military servicemen and women use the club. It is a perfect RH venue and holds about 250 people, brilliant!!

Last Dan Baird & The Homemade Sin Chester Live Rooms Fri July 21st

Next Rachel Harrington Sheffield Greystones ...Tonight!!!

We (Elvis Fontenot) played a couple of gigs and hosted a session at Broadstairs Folk Week. Managed to catch the eclectic Antwerp Deadheadz too....

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

Courtney Marie Andrews at Manchester Deaf Institute. Sort of a cross between Joni Mitchell, Erin Rae and Loretta Lynn. Went on a recommendation from a friend with similar tastes in music - wasn't disappointed.

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

C.J. Ramone at the Redrum Bar in Stafford last Wednesday. The set was 80% Ramones' classics played with enthusiasm by CJ and his three younger band members. A most enjoyable evening.

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

Erm...I've got a ticket to see Bruce Springsteen on Broadway....31st January, New York. Doubt I'll get any photos though...

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

Went down to London (the things you can do when you're retired and you don't have to go to work on Monday morning...) to see Emily Capell play a free gig that was filmed for her upcoming EP, Really liked the full band skanking brass that she's put together - whether she can afford to tour with them is another matter. Here's hoping.

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

..it was Thursday, so that meant Ryan Adams at the Manchester Apollo. Saw his very first UK solo gig at the Maze in Nottingham and in those early days he was erratic, but often brilliant - but when he was bad, he was awful; petulant and like a little kid. He's developed into a very slick act, but he's still not too good at self-editing. Value for money in a two hour set that had many highs, but lapsed into some self-indulgence towards the end. It was if punk had never happened and the 70s were still going. I'd have preferred an hour and a quarter/hour and a half of the highs with a bit less of the noodling guitar.

The obligatory photos from the front rail:

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.

The Flamin' Groovies supported by The Distractions - Ruby Lounge Manchester. Two good bands sabotaged by awful sound....




Cyril Jordan and Chris Wilson of Flamin' Groovies. 69 and 65 respectively.

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Laissez les bon temps roulez, duck.