Vegas in Manchester
I met Nigel Cartner at Blackthorn Festival. He wrote reviews of the festival and was great company. At the 2017 Blackthorn Festival he told me that he had written a book and would I like to come to the launch. A night in a casino with 3 top music acts sounded good to me.
I was not in my natural habitat as I walked through the casino towards the private room with pull up display showing the book cover and tag line.
It was the first gig I had been at where my drinks change was passed to me on a small silver tray!
Thankfully Nigel and also lots of other friends from the music industry were already in the room and the first act was soon on the stage.
I have been fortunate enough to watch Jess Kemp play on numerous occasions. Her family had also turned out to support her. I have never seen Jess play a bad set and she didn't disappoint with her own songs a cover that related to music mentioned in the book.
Matt Fryers took to the stage and I instantly liked his voice and music. He really puts a lot of emotion into his songs and this resulted in a great set. He did an amazing cover of Hurt.
Mohawk Radio are a band that I have heard talked about a lot and it has all been very positive. Mia has a great voice and when surrounded by talented musicians it could only lead to a good things.
Nigel did some readings from the book which just makes me want to start the book so Im off
Lost in Manchester Found in Vegas is available through Amazon.
Thanks to Nigel for inviting to his night
Thanks to all 3 acts for brilliant performances
and thanks to friends old and new for letting me shoot them.
Circus Starr
I took my boys to watch Circus Starr in Blackpool. This was the third year that we had visited which says how good it is. I was sat with my boys and had a line of bulbs across my view I thought it would be tricky to get any shots.
The circus is a brilliant display of what humans can do. The strength, grace and bravery of the performers was evident in every act.
A very funny clown kept everyone amused while the equipment was changed between acts.
Thanks to all at Circus Starr
Needles, Fire, Lawnmower and Chainsaw
I spent a brilliant day at Blackpool Tatcon. This was the second year that I had been invited to take shots and I had a great day.
The room has rows of booths with artists doing tattoo and at the end a large stage. There is also a separate room with trade tables.
The quality of the tattoos being produced had to be seen to be believed. On stage Johnny Strange help my attention with an act that included: cutting an apple with a chainsaw while blindfolded, balancing a running lawn mower on his chin and sword swallowing.
Am over 6 feet tall and so its unusual for me to sense being looked down on but today these ladies looked down on me. They also did a great stage act which included use of fire. The stage manager was looking slightly twitchy at the size of the flames.
Massive thanks to Anna and Sham for inviting and looking after me.
If you are tempted check out their work at inked tattoo Blackpool
The Day the Music Didn't Die
I spent the day feeling upset and angry that people could go out to enjoy a night of music and it ended in tragedy. I am not a manc but I photograph most of my gigs in Manchester. I have met so many amazing people through the music scene. The one thing that I have learnt about Mancs is that they will not be shut up or put down. They will dust themselves off and come back stronger and louder.
Love and thoughts to all those effected by the attack.
See you at a Manc gig soon
Labrat
Stealing Rum from the Factory
The Factory Manchester is a venue housed in the original Factory Records building. As you enter a large picture of Tony Wilson looks down on you.
The gig kicked off with Red Light Effect. I have not seen this band before but enjoyed their set. I also liked the sense of humour of the lead singer. The back of his t-shirt read "sing in tune drummer boy".
Mad Winter were next on the stage with a full crowd in the venue. This Manchester band really seemed to enjoy performing and played a good set.
Orchid Hunters describe their sound as "high energy grooving rock" and I agree. They have some videos on their Facebook so have a look. I really enjoyed their set and look forward to seeing them again.
Rum Thief are one of my favourite Manchester bands. I saw Jon perform a solo set and was transfixed by his style. He plays the guitar hard and yet has sensitive clever lyrics. He now performs with a full band and this has increased my enjoyment of the set. He was launching his new EP "Time To Make A Move".
Jon also used the night to raise money for The Sanctuary which is a centre that provides a place of safety and support for adults at crisis point. Contact details are at bottom of blog.
The night also also provided people the opportunity to think about Priya and have a drink and dance for her.
The only downside to the night was the lack of time to enjoy the full set of songs planned by Rum Thief as time beat us. This just left me wanting to know when the next gig will be.
Thanks to the bands for entertaining me.
Thanks to Jon, family and friends for making me feel so welcome
The Sanctuary can be contacted at
0300 003 7029
www.facebook.com/sanctuarySHS
www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/sanctuary