Urban Music with you at The Centre

Very, very late this week, but eventually the News Blog is Published. 

Going to keep it to the bare bones, but just one note to say how much I enjoyed Madfest at the Elsicar Heritage Centre at the weekend.  A lovely couple of hours with some great company and music.  Also good to get out with Sue and Barrie – lovingly referred to as the Road Crew.

The Heritage Centre makes for a lovely setting for the Festival, and I spent ages checking out the craft and art shops on offer, most of which are open the entire year seven days a week.  Certainly worth a trip out.  

You can see The Masher played out his set to a very attentive and appreciative audience of rather smart plastic chairs and not for the first time.   I'll let you into a secret, after Barrie took the photo the tent was packed out human activity and at least one person who sat and listened to my set.   And big thanks to The Fat Controller Scott, for buying my beer and making me feel so welcome.

Such a pity that Bombfest decided to relocate their date to the same weekend!  Not the best of planning by Bombfest, although they may have been in the hands of the Council – in which case it’s their fault. 

Watch out for details of Madfest for 2013.  The setup is fantastic with the daytime event full of great free music from around the Region and entertainment for all including the kiddies Village Green and some super Street performers.   The evening concerts are very impressive with some of the top names, this year amongst them were the Demon Barbers, Chambawamba and Eliza Carthy with her Band. 

But enough – onwards. 

The excuse for not getting the Blog out on time is that I’m currently not at my best, and tend to get exhausted very quickly, and a steroid injection this week in the hand has not helped matters. So apologies and I hope you can bare with me. 

I've also been struggling to get my new strings fitted to the New Mashing Machine.   I use the strings seen in the picture, anyone have any advise? 

BUSKING DAY AND URBAN PIANOS 29^th September -  Yes!! That’s this Saturday, panic.   Just to recap on everything said previously.

BUSKING  -  Music starts 11:00 am        Please Register with us at the IMPERIAL BUILDING on Corporation Street in Rotherham, before starting to play.  The Registration Office is open from 10:00am -  Office is probably a bit grand lol.    

Singers, musicians – street dancers, street performers – anyone who would like to do something  is welcome and we’ll find you time and space. 

Or you can also Register Online HERE

URBAN PIANOS -  

You can find the score to the short TUNE to be played HERE  check it out and if you would like to  play it on the day  Register at THE IMPERIAL BUILDINGS FROM 10 am. 

The Pianos will be played throughout the day, from 11:00 am   But please Register.  

For those in need of a polish up or even a piano lesson help will be on hand from Get Sorted. 

The special tune will be played as part of the launch to The Rotherham Open Arts Festival  at around 12:50 with Joshua Goodman plying the tune publically for the first time, Steve and I will do our bit and then it’s all systems go as the tune is taken through the Town from Piano to Piano.  

There are some fantastic, nay spectacular works of art in the form made over pianos to be seen.  We’ll have pictures on the Web Site very soon.  

So everything from fantastic visual images to acoustic musical sound throughout the Town  and one or two poems to for “1000 Poets for Change Day” as well – it’s going to be a great knees up and Party.

And in this first week of the Fringe Festival we have on Wednesday 3^rd October the first of our Wednesday Acoustic Clubs at The Old Market Gallery.  Starts around 7:30 and we have three top local performers, Steph Little, Will Padfield and of course Toein’ In the Dark.   A not to be missed Wednesday evening – even if The Champions League is on.   Even though the Exhibition does not start until the 10^th October (Opening 9^th) we hope to have a Bar up and running and I believe that this year we may also be offering tea and coffee.   Full details of the Wednesday Acoustic Club HERE

And on Saturday 6^th at The Bridge we have a top Punk night with The Sons of El Roacho and Cambodia – it’s a sort of 60^th knees up for The Masher as well so come on down and just have a great evening of entertaining music.   This is a FREE EVENT – of course it might cost you a beer for Dickie, but hey that’s what birthdays are for!

As explained last week we have to charge for some of the events, and you can securely and exclusively buy the Fringe Festival Season Ticket (available until 1^st October) or tickets to the individual Concerts and events at “We’ve Got Tickets”  HERE   Just a warning –  some of the tickets are selling fast.

Keep an eye on the Fringe Festival Web Site HERE for details of the Festival Programme as I find the energy to get them on line.

On Sunday night there’s a real treat at Wath Folk Club where Hicks and Goulbourn will be guesting.  If I can get transport I’ll be there to this outstanding duo.   Some super tunes and fantastic instrumentalisation and not to be missed.  

And of course I think Barnsley Folk Club have something going on tomorrow Friday in the form of their 50^th Anniversary, with Ray holding Court in Snooker Room all afternoon or until he drops then Dave Burland + String Theory (The House Band lol) will be letting off along with a host of other top names.  You’ll have to get in early like Ray to get a seat.   And of course Acoustic Rotherham’s congratulations to Barnsley Folk and Acoustic Club.

You can keep up to date with all the regular sessions, open mics and folk clubs by heading to the link HERE

Parish Notice:  Urgent   Artwork for the Festival Exhibition needs to be in by 4^th October .  This is a chance for any artist from any discipline to exhibit work at NO CHARGE.  Film makers, animators, photographers, painters, sculptors of Rotherham this is your one real chance a year to dust off the work under the bed and show it.   Email HERE

Keep your eyes peeled for Festival Special Blogs in the days and weeks ahead.

Whatever you’re this weekend, (and we hope it’s joining us in Rotherham for some great acoustic music in the fresh air, and view some amazing pianos), support your local artists and above all, KEEP IT LIVE.

PS – Being on The Masher mailing list is going to be crucial to keeping up with Festival activities for October so head HERE and sign up.