So. The dates for next year's mighty Festival are fixed.
We had to make way for the Queen (the Jubilee knees-up not the band) - even bluesmen can be pragmatic and practical when needs must - and now we are all set up for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of June 2012. This wasn't a difficult decision as neither Jason nor Paddy fancied taking on the monarchy when it came to getting tickets sold.
We had to make way for the Queen (the Jubilee knees-up not the band) - even bluesmen can be pragmatic and practical when needs must - and now we are all set up for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of June 2012. This wasn't a difficult decision as neither Jason nor Paddy fancied taking on the monarchy when it came to getting tickets sold.
Then there was the small matter of the venues. The Picture House stays and the Trades Club goes...don't even think about asking.....we will be here all day... The small 'juke joint' gigs will still be around showcasing individual talent but the great find for next year is the b@rplace. This is a central venue run by the smart, wise and incredibly sensible Ailsa, who for the last year has been turning the place into a brilliant music bar. An added attraction for some will surely be the boutique hotel on-site accommodation. With some suites called Indulgence and Lush, I just can't bring myself to say more - just check out their website.
This terrific environment is surely set to become the hub of the action every day next June. Think of it as a Meeting of Minds bar. This is the place the like minds will talk of cabbages and kings and possibly pentatonic scales. Maybe we will have a special Festival beer to sample (of course, I am personally checking this one out). We are looking at using their wall monitors for info and some video stuff and, who knows, if the techno folk can unravel the wires and locate a translator who will tell us what they are on about, we may even do some live streaming. This place has such a good vibe that I am considering having a small chaise-longue in one corner where I will dispense gossip, cheap plectrums and the occasional mot-juste in exchange for a glass or two.
Word is reaching me of hot headliners already. Veiled threats have sealed the Hat's lips but trust me, this is looking good. Pricing and booking arrangements are still under discussion but the importance of keeping these keen and simple remains paramount. Rest assured, this team never lose sight of the need to entertain and make sure the musicians and the visitors have a cracking time.
The massive positive feed-back from the first HBBF was overwhelming with wonderful noises coming from fans and talent alike. That's why the decision to have another one only took one cigarette and one pint...ok, I'm joking....but you can tell if something's going ok when there is a steady stream of blues musicians knocking politely (and not so politely) on the door looking for a spot next year. Much of the success, however enjoyable, was down to the hard work and dedication of a small but barking mad crew of characters and their determination to succeed whilst having a rather good time. I am happy to report that outrageous offers of unlimited praise and grateful thanks look like paying dividends and they will be back for more next June.
Meanwhile, keep your blues eyes open for a taster gig on Friday 2nd December at the b@rplace where the affable Paddy Maguire will be rolling out a preview one night only session introducing some of the talent we may see next June.
See you there.
See you there.
Pip pip!
The Man In The Hat