FIRST WAVE OF ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL 2022

After a sold out, and enormously enjoyable Red Rooster 2021, organisers are pleased to reveal the first wave of artists confirmed for 2022.

Red Rooster is delighted to welcome four-time Grammy award nominated North Mississippi Allstars to perform next year. Formed in 1996, by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, they’re now bringing their Hill country Blues four piece with new album “Set Sail” set for release next year.

Joining them will be Mississippi Hill Country blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Cedric Burnside, widely heralded as an exemplar of the genre. Grandson of RL Burnside and Son of blues drummer Calvin Jackson – it’s in the blood – and we can’t wait to welcome Cedric back after the success of his Grammy nominated album “Be Trying.”

Louisiana bluesman Robert Finley joins the party, bringing a masterclass in Rhythm and Blues, his voice a shining centrepiece. His critically acclaimed album “Sharecroppers Son” was produced by Dan Aubach of The Black Keys and released on Dan’s label “Easy Eye.”

Straight out of Saskatoon, Canada, The Sheepdogs make their Rooster debut with their distinctive Southern Boogie sound as dynamic on stage as they are on record.

San Francisco’s Chuck Prophet and The Mission Express play the main stage in 2022, bringing a mix of modern lo-fi sensibilities with and storytelling songs with swampy roots influences. Chuck Prophet is an Americana legend going back to his days with Green on Red to his latest release, “The Land That Time Forgot.”

The smoky tones of the UK Americana Awards, “Song of the Year,” and No.1 Amazon blues charts, chanteuse Elles Bailey join the bill, alongside Danny George Wilson, Sister Suzie, Dom Pipkin & The Ikos, as well as the renowned Eddie Pillar on the decks, founder of legendary fanzine and label, Extraordinary Sensations and co-founder of the Acid Jazz label.

Red Rooster has consistently sold out its last four events 4 years with tickets flying out at a record speed. 2022 will no doubt follow suit. It is one of the best value festivals out there at just £109.50 + Booking fee for the whole weekend, which includes 3 nights of camping and parking FREE. Kids under 12 are free as always and we’ve also introduced a teen weekend tickets for just £50 + Booking fee. The weekend ticket price will also be capped for the next 2 years!

Get your ticket before it’s too late – we don’t want you to miss this one! JOIN US HERE

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Dry Cleaning @ NAC 2 December 2021

The last significant gig I attended before the pandemic was Dry Cleaning, in Shoreditch March 2020. So it was good to see them as one of my early significant gigs at the NAC (although I have been to many smaller pub gigs in the interim, as well as Bo Ningen here too, either side of a frustrating gig-free bout of Delta Covid. Things were already changing weirdly back then in March 2020, with rather over the top handwashing advice and instructions. I think most of us new things were going to change quite dramatically though I doubt many knew for quite how long it would continue, on that occasion it was most noticeable by the long queues for the gents, or more accurately the washbasins and hand-dryers as everyone was so diligently washing and cleaning their hands for the minimum 20 seconds! I wanted one final blowout of an away day gig in London and Dry Cleaning were the obvious choice, I felt they stole the show when they supported Bodega at NAC (not that there was anything wrong with Bodega but Dry Cleaning interested me far more) so I was lucky enough to secure a ticket at the 500 capacity Village Underground for the Dry Cleaning headliner before the gig sold out.

Dry Cleaning are a band who actually managed to enhance their reputation even further during the lockdown years. They seemed on the cusp of big things just before the pandemic hit but some storming sets for KEXP and a magnificent album – New Long Leg – on 4AD produced by John Parrish only enhanced their reputation so they hit the ground running when live gigs resumed.

It was great to see them headline in Norwich at the Arts Centre, fresh from a run of shows in the States, they also sold out the NAC. I detected that things did not yet feel quite entirely normal for everyone in the audience with some understandable nervousness at being out at gigs again after so long but we are getting there and on the whole people had picked up where they left off, the music certainly helps.

Dry Cleaning at Norwich Arts Centre, December 2021

Official Website & Merch Store

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PRB Presents Bo Ningen @ NAC, 1 October 2021

Although I have been seeing bands and artists in pubs recently (mainly the Reindeer and the Walnut Tree Shades) I haven’t been photographing and I had not returned to the Arts Centre since March 2020, until tonight and I only brought a compact camera with me. Any anxieties about the NAC feeling unfamiliar in its new Covid-safe state were quickly dispelled on arrival when I saw Nick on the door, and David at the front desk (it was good to catch up with them both later). Suddenly it felt like I’d never been away. Reassured, I looked in the bar and found more familiar faces (the perspex screen at the bar was less familiar, however, and may take a bit more getting used to), this aspect of gigs cannot be overstated, the social side of music events and the coming together of like-minded souls; in fact the vast majority of my friends are friendships formed and forged though music in one way or another over the years. I have missed this social aspect of live music enormously.

Support was from London’s Lunch Money Life, a band making interesting and enjoyable music which almost defies categorisation but was well received by the appreciative audience. The only thing preventing me from becoming wholly absorbed was the awareness and novelty of being back in the NAC hall after so long away. It was nice to see various members of Bo Ningen among us appreciatively watching Lunch Money Life too.

During the break it was great to see plenty of familiar faces in the bar and catch up with friends, including promoter of PRB (Punk Rock Blues) Rupert Orton who said this was his first PRB post-lockdowns gig too (other than Red Rooster of course). Bo Ningen’s gig was one I had earmarked last year before, like all the others, it fell victim of the restrictions.Although possibly an outre choice to return with that was what made it all the more appealing for me, and clearly for many others too as this was a decent audience, the hall feeling nicely full without being too crowded.

For the entirety of their set Bo Ningen held our complete attention, every bit as visually compelling as their music. This was their first night of the tour and their first indoor gig in 18 months too, they obviously enjoyed it as much as the audience did. A band with immense power and energy there is no lack of subtlety or softer moments either. The whole band put everything into the performance but what a frontperson Taigen Kawabe is, charismatic and captivating, in an at times not dissimilar way to Starcrawler’s Arrow de Wilde with incredible faces pulled, unpredictable stage antics and using a bass in ways I hadn’t seen before. Closing with an absolutely phenomenal full band blowout on the epic Daikaisei Part II, III which easily topped 15 minutes and induced a modest but lively moshpit down the front (something at times over the past 18 months I had wondered if I would ever see again). It was a most welcome sight and together with the delivery of this set closer it blew away any remaining lockdown cobwebs, it was cathartic and healing, something felt purged. It also felt good to experience music in a communal way again, if anything it could have been louder but it was thrilling feeling that connection between a band and audience, particularly when everyone went bonkers towards the end. A sort of musical exorcism of any lingering lockdown blues or fatigue.

Thank you Bo Ningen and PRB, and the gig-going community. Live music is so important in many ways and I think we’ve all realised just how important that role is in bringing people together. Be they small gigs in pubs or larger ones in dedicated venues, gigs seem to be at the centre of social life for many of us. It was also a relief to be out and about talking about music again.

PRB will be back at the NAC on Sunday 17th October, this time bringing The Courettes to Norwich.

http://prbpresents.com/

http://boningen.info

https://www.facebook.com/boningenband/

https://www.facebook.com/PRBPresents

https://www.facebook.com/norwichartscentre

https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/

https://www.facebook.com/lunchmoney.life

https://lunchmoneylife.bandcamp.com/

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Red Rooster Festival on track

Best in Cajun, Soul, Rock n Roll, Blues, Roots & Country….

EUSTON HALL, SUFFOLK: 27-29 AUGUST 2021

RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL STAYS ON COURSE FOR AUGUST

MORE ACTIVITIES & FOOD NEWS

All systems go for Red Rooster, it’s looking good for the return of this popular local festival.

Red Rooster festival remains on course to bring back live music this Summer with, as previously announced, rescheduled dates of Friday 27th- Sunday 29th August 2021.

Harry, Duke of Grafton, co-founder of Red Rooster says:

We are getting the Rooster site prepared for our new August Bank Holiday dates. Besides one of the most exciting music line-ups to-date, there’s lots of activities and fantastic food and drink on offer. I can’t wait to see people having a good time again at Red Rooster – you’ve been sorely missed.

Throughout this difficult time keeping safe has always been our prime consideration. We monitor Government guidance closely and will organise a safe and inclusive festival, allowing people of all ages to enjoy the very best of cajun, soul, rock n roll, blues, roots and country music in the heart of the East Anglian countryside.’

Set amongst 300 acres of the historical private gardens and rolling parkland of Euston Hall in Suffolk, designed by Capability Brown and William Kent, it is the perfect setting for weekend get-togethers, great soul food, and a general feel-good atmosphere. But most of all, it is about the long-awaited return of fantastic live music in an outdoor setting. And a free Bank Holiday Monday means time to recover or travel home.

As previously announced there’ll be performances from Richard Hawley , Jade Bird , Songhoy Blues , Kitty, Daisy & Lewis , Ida Mae , Ian Siegal , Little Barrie and many more. (full line-up below).

In addition to the huge music programme there’ll be lots of other activities, such as survival expert Will Lord, who presents his Prehistoric Experiences. Will and his team will be teaching skills from the Stone Age period, giving the opportunity to try the ancient craft of flint knapping, fire-lighting and natural cordage or disco pass the parcel. For the wild ones: den building in the woods. For the competitive ones, there’s traditional carnival games, tug of war, hook a duck, Wild West tin-can alley and much more to explore.

Dog lovers will have the House of Mutt and their trainer’s onsite to answer all canine questions, as well as doggy agility around their obstacle course.

For relaxation, Heilsa Therapies are on hand for massages and a variety of other treatments, the perfect way to rejuvenate incredible night of music and cocktails!

For food offerings, this year Red Rooster is delighted to announce Smoke & Fire Events, organiser of the award-winning Smoke & Fire Festivals, the nation’s Largest BBQ and Outdoor cooking Festival, as a new BBQ partner. They promise to bring their Low n Slow BBQ and Live Fire skills to curate the dawn of the new Red Roaster BBQ Pit arena, where you can expect some of the most experienced and exciting fire cooks and BBQ Pitmasters.

Pat and Jim from Smokin’ Soul Ireland, International Competition Pitmaster Phil Wingo of ‘Pork Mafia’ from Chicago, and Michael and Thomas of Origins BBQ, will all be on hand to offer up some great interactive demonstrations, passing on a ton of practical skills and also some great tasting food! You can find out more on Smoke & Fire Festivals here: smokeandfirefestival.com

Besides a whole range of BBQ choices, there’ll be all the soul food of the Deep South and delicious street food too: jambalaya, chowders, smokin’ ribs, burritos, tacos, mac ‘n’ cheese and vegan options. And who could forget the fine selection of cocktails, beers and bourbons?

Red Rooster has consistently sold out the last 3 years; with tickets flying out at record speed. It is one of the best value festivals out there at just £89.50 + Booking fee for the whole weekend, which includes 3 nights of camping and parking FREE. Kids under 12 are free as always… HERE

Red Rooster takes place at Euston Hall, Euston, Suffolk, IP24 2QW

Festival gates open at 4pm, Friday 27 August 2021. This is for guests who have purchased a Weekend ticket, who want an extra night of fun! Saturday morning kicks off with live music throughout the day and into the night and is the very same for Sunday! Guests can purchase a ticket for a lower price just to attend Sunday which still includes one night of camping.

Full Line-up:

RICHARD HAWLEY – JADE BIRD – SONGHOY BLUES

IDA MAE – IAN SIEGAL – LITTLE BARRIE – KITTY, DAISY & LEWIS

ELLES BAILEY – LADY BLACKBIRD – EMILY BARKER – THE HANGING STARS – IRAINA MANCINI

HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS – THE URBAN VOODOO MACHINE – HIS LORDSHIP – IZO FITZROY

JOSE MCGILL & THE VAGABAND – NATIVE HARROW – SARAH GILLESPIE – BJ COLE & DAVE EASTOE – THE FILTHY SIX – THE COALMINERS – JIMMY REGAL & THE ROYALS – ANGEL & THE DEVIL TRIO – THE JAMBALAYA BAND – THE DIRTY STRANGERS – THE FUTURE SHAPE OF SOUND – ROBIN EVANS – EAST LONESOME DRIFTERS – PAUL-RONNEY ANGEL – KIMBERLEY REW & LEE CAVE-BERRY – BLACK CAT BONE – OFFWORLD – JOSH FLOWERS – NAOMI IN BLUE – BIG STEVE ARLENE – 4D JONES – DANNY R & PAUL GILLINGS – LOUISA SADLER

DJ’S:

DAVID HOLMES – JON MORE – ROSS ALLEN – DEAN THATCHER – ROCKY – IRAINA MANCINI – OH! GUNQUIT – WENDY MAY – THE BRIDGEWATER BROTHERS – LIAM HART – HANK JD SLEEK – DEAN CHALKLEY – SHOLA ALEJE – NEIL BARKER – JOE CUSHLEY – JANIE JONES – CRISPY COWBOY – JIMMY SUMMERS – ANDREW HACKETT

“An unrivalled atmosphere”- The Telegraph

“The go-to early summer event for those who wish to immerse themselves in a truly Deep South weekend experience of music, food and culture.” – Daily Mirror

“A truly unique event” – ITV News

“One of England’s most buzzed about music festivals” – Vanity Fair

www.redroosterfestival.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/RedRoosterFestival

https://www.instagram.com/redroosterfestivals

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Red Rooster festival full line-up for this August

Best in Cajun, Soul, Rock n Roll, Blues, Roots & Country….

EUSTON HALL, SUFFOLK

27-29 AUGUST 2021

FULL LINE UP ANNOUNCED!!

Following a difficult start to 2021, Red Rooster Festival is hugely excited to be bringing back live music this Summer, by announcing the line-up for 27th-29th August 2021!

Set amongst 300 acres of the historical private gardens and rolling parkland of Euston Hall in Suffolk, designed by Capability Brown and William Kent, it is the perfect setting for weekend get-togethers, great soul food, and a general feel-good atmosphere. But most of all, it is about the long-awaited return of fantastic live music in an outdoor setting. And a free Bank Holiday Monday means time to recover or travel home.

Red Rooster is delighted to announce that Richard Hawley remains headliner for the Saturday night. With his ninth studio album, “Further” hitting the UK album charts at No.3, his ability to cut across styles, time and, in some instances, place, is down to Hawley’s deep and intuitive understanding of music itself, and his love of country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll

Then, heralded as Americana for a new generation, the 20-year-old songstress Jade Bird will join the line up as Friday night headliner. Her wondrous song writing, lyrics, effortless vocals, gliding between honey and hessian, will be something to show off at Red Rooster.

Taking to the stage as Sunday night headliners, will be the desert blues superstars, Songhoy Blues. Born out of the civil war in Mali, in the face of a music ban, an incredible group of musicians came together to create something positive out of adversity. The result was the future of African Rock n’ Roll, an infectious mix of supercharged classic Malian music and desert blues.

Local heroes Ida Mae make a very welcome Rooster return after 2 years in Nashville with a full band show on the back of their critically acclaimed 2021 album ‘Click Click Domino.’ Classic British power trio and former Primal Scream guitarist, Little Barrie will be joining the bill this year, alongside the infamous rockin’ family band, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis.

The smoky tones of the UK Americana award-winner f “Song of the Year” and No.1 Amazon blues charts chanteuse Elles Bailey is added to the line-up, alongside the U.S hotly tipped Jazz vocalist Lady Blackbird who is set to make huge waves in 2021.

Emily BarkerThe Hanging StarsHeartworn Highways: A Live Tribute (Feat. The Magic Numbers, Beth Rowley, Ren Harvieu, Zak Hobbs, Robert Chaney, Naomi In Blue, Pat Ralla, Josh Flowers, Laura Tenschert, Felix Holt, Joe Harvey-Whyte), 6 Music playlisted favourite Iraina ManciniThe Urban Voodoo MachineHis Lordship, UK soul and gospel sensation Izo FitzRoy, and Jose McGill & The Vagaband will also be performing, alongside Blues & Rock n’ Roll DJ sets from David Holmes paying tribute to his much-missed friend Andrew Weatherall, plus  Jon More and Ross Allen, and many more.

Red Rooster has consistently sold out the last 3 years; with tickets flying out at record speed. 2021 will no doubt follow suit. It is one of the best value festivals out there at just £89.50 + Booking fee for the whole weekend, which includes 3 nights of camping and parking FREE. Kids under 12 are free as always… Get your ticket before it’s too late – HERE

http://redrooster.org.uk/tickets/index.html

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Red Rooster festival confirms August 2021 dates…

Red Rooster festival goes full steam ahead with new bank holiday August dates

27-29th August 2021 – Euston Hall, Suffolk

www.redrooster.org.uk

In light of recent Government announcements, Red Rooster is delighted to announce new dates as 27th – 29th August! Held across the bank holiday weekend, rest assured that no matter how much you go wild on the Sunday, Monday is a day off and you also won’t need to worry about kids getting back to school.

With nearly 18 million people already vaccinated and a target of all UK adults being offered the vaccine by the end of July, Red Rooster is confident that we can finally welcome you back to our home at Euston Hall. 

There is now real light at the end of the tunnel, and what better way to celebrate than with something special on the horizon. Offering the best Cajun, Soul, Rock n’ Roll, Blues, Roots and Country, Red Rooster promises an explosion of sights, smells and sounds at the historic and picturesque Euston Hall and parklands.  Pull up a chair by the broadwater, watch a pedalo float by, listen to the shred of guitars echo through the woods. Sheer bliss.

Since the government announcement, Red Rooster has been inundated with enquiries. It has sold out consecutively the last 3 years, and 2021’s roaring event is expected to be no different. All previously purchased tickets will be valid. Line-up soon to be announced.

Tickets are on sale at £89.50 for the weekend including camping in your own tent & parking, with kids 12 and under having free entry.

 JOIN US HERE  

“An unrivalled atmosphere”- The Telegraph

“The go-to early summer event for those who wish to immerse themselves in a truly Deep South weekend experience of music, food and culture.” – Daily Mirror

“A truly unique event” – ITV News

“One of England’s most buzzed about music festivals” – Vanity Fair

https://www.facebook.com/RedRoosterFestival

https://www.instagram.com/redroosterfestivals

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Dereham Blues Festival 2021 cancelled

The Dereham Blues Festival 2021 cancelled


Since the 2020 Dereham Blues Festival was regrettably cancelled last year, the Festival
Organising Committee run exclusively by volunteers, have been very busy with a view to organising the Festival for July this year (2021). The uncertainty last year was recognised but it was hoped the situation would be clearer as the year progressed. We now know, this is not the case. Indeed, if anything the position at the beginning of 2021, is less clear.


To put the festival on, many of the arrangements and decisions must be made early in the year – for example to sign up the venues, agree arrangements with sponsors, arrange the line-up of the bands, work with the Friends of The Dereham Memorial Hall to set-up the opening headline concert and organise the publicity.


The committee has continued to meet virtually each month to assess the situation which early in 2021 is currently still very uncertain. Without certainty, we regret cannot plan fully putting on a festival while maintaining safety of all those involved, especially audience members. So, with extreme regret, it has been decided, that the Dereham Blues Festival this year will not be taking place as normal in July.


This has been a very hard decision to make. Over the last eight years since the Festival
was first held, its reputation has grown in line with increasing scale and scope of the
festival itself. The committee is concerned this reputation is maintained and do not want to do anything to dilute the Festival’s brand. Given the current uncertainty, and that the Committee only want put on a top class Festival, we would rather wait until 2022.


Despite the lack of a Festival again this year, the finances which are run on a not for profit basis, remain sound. One reason for this is that kind festival fans have continued to support the festival financially by participating in the Breckland Lottery Fund where they have nominated the Dereham Blues Festival as their local organisation to be supported. The Committee are so grateful for this continued support. If any fans want to add to this initiative, they are welcome to do so by contacting the fund at https://
http://www.derehambluesfestival.org.uk/support-us/breckland-lottery .
In September this year, bands will be contacted again to sign them up for 2022. We are
always on the look out for new talent. So if new artists and bands want to apply to play
next year, of course this is encouraged via “Wanna Play” page on the Dereham Blues
Festival website at https://www.derehambluesfestival.org.uk/wanna-play from September onwards.


The committee have been keeping other involved organisations informed of the Festival’s activities. These include Dereham Town Council, the bands, advertisers, sponsors, the programme printer and the venues. The sponsors who are especially valued contributors to the Festival, have had their 2021 sponsorship funds reimbursed and we are discussing with them their continuing support in 2022.


The committee hopes the Festival’s fans understand this difficult decision and look forward to their continued support for this unique and special festival.


Onwards and upwards to 2022.

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Bark Prelude – Light of Winter

Bark Prelude (aka Philip Lewis-Jones) has returned with a highly impressive new album – Light of Winter – which although dealing with melancholy thoughts, feelings and situations is, due to the playing, humour and melodies, not a depressing listen. It’s quite an immersive experience in fact with a feel of continuity to the tracks and stories. Excellently crafted and played songs with a strong supporting cast of musicians that include Fran Broady on violin and backing vocals, Ross Mitson on guitars and backing vocals, and Gary Cole-Wilking on double bass and backing vocals to complement Philip’s piano and expressive vocals.

Cover photo by Claire Hobden Phillips

There are recurring themes in the song stories, feelings of loss of friendships, relationships, identity of the past and the summer, it almost feels like it chronicles ten days in the life of someone going through great transition and not always coping with it. The protagonist is searching for answers, searching his own soul but also looking for answers everywhere between the ocean and the stars, trying to stay afloat when in the water or flying in the sky when the route is rough. Trying to make sense of a changing world, this feels even more apt in 2020.

 

The imagery from the lyrics is vivid and colourful, the descriptive drama brings to mind Sparks at times and it’s always done with an ear for a strong hook and melody to accompany the expressive and clear, descriptive lyrics. An album to be proud of. Added mention for the fine production from Philip himself, with mastering by David Riggs.

 

Recorded in Norwich Bark Prelude’s Light of Winter is available through MuchoRetro Records.

 

Things seem to change day by day but as things stand Bark Prelude will be playing for Bare Feet Records at the Bowling House on the afternoon of Sunday 13 December. Tickets are £6 advance only and available from https://www.musicglue.com/barefeetrecords/

Food is available so alcohol will be allowed with a meal. And remember you can only sit/mix with your own household.We also offer FULL refunds for any Covid related reasons.

Bark Prelude – Light of Winter

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Das Fenster & the Alibis – Lucky Charms & Firearms, new album

Norwich favourites Das Fenster and the Alibis release their second album this week – Lucky Charms & Firearms – on Halloween (when else?) available on CD, download, to stream on Spotify, and best of all, on glorious vinyl. Order here.

Opening perfectly with the apt Roll Up, this is followed by live favourite, the call and response Down to the Gates of Hell which is in turn followed by the heavily reggae-flavoured and incredibly catchy ear worm that is Run From the Police putting me in mind a bit of Police On My Back. It’s no novelty reggae track either and is one of many album highlights. This one also features some great backing vocals from Emma Ni Raghallaigh.

Perhaps the police caught up with Das Fenster as the next track is the lonely three day diary of Three Days in This Cell with brass from Laurie Arcourt and Chris Dowding before side one closes with On the Day You Die.

Anyone who has seen DF live in recent years will surely know opening track of side two, Jeopardy. This voodoo-tinged recording features the accordion talents of Hugh Stanners. Voodoo also happens on the next track which is pure rockabilly (voodoobilly) with Pearly Gates’ brilliant double bass playing to the fore on Bad Luck, the intro reminded me of King Kurt! Chris Dowding on trumpet guests on Followed By a Shadow which has a film noir feel. Another live favourite is next, the L’Étranger anthem Outside Looking In before this impressive album closes with more voodoo percussion, brass backing and jazzy guitar on King of Voodoo, surely a title in these flatlands that cannot be disputed for Das Fenster himself, joined here by The Angelic Demons Choir who happen to include a number of names who it seems I know very well, reading the back of the album cover.

Das Fenster and the Alibis are a band I love and have seen literally dozens of times since first being introduced to them through Richard Penguin‘s Acoustic & Eclectic nights at Olives many years ago (I think it was just the second DF gig). I loved their darkness, the stories, the sense of theatre and occasion and the terrific musicianship. There have been a few line-up changes along the way but all of those magical ingredients remain in this powerful voodoo spell, and so of course does the Voodoo Shrine itself. Lose yourself among the Lucky Charms and Firearms in these stories of gangsters and hoodlums, ne’er do wells and characters from old black and white movies. Come over to the dark side and join the outsiders looking in, just remember though – you can’t go back … not that you’d want to.

Das Fenster & the Alibis

I sure wish we still lived in that world where I could head off to the Walnut and see DF play but in a strange and difficult year this album is a delight to listen to, all the more welcome for the immersive escapism it delivers by the cauldron. The JuJu is strong on this one.

Das Fenster are:

Pearly Gates – double bass

Das Fenster – guitar & vox plus keys & percussion

The Chemist – drums

Donna Matrix – keys, sax

Guests:

Chris Dowding – trumpet

Laurie Arcourt – sax

Hugh Stanners – accordion

Emma Ni Raghallaigh – backing vocals

“The Angelic Demons Choir”

Das Fenster and the Alibis (c) shashamane 2015

The album is produced by Paul Finlay, engineered by Jason Wick, with sleeve photos by Martin Figura and Kevin Fry. It is dedicated to the memory of Jim Moore, Judith Hewitt, Rob Powell & King Leo of Redonda,

The Voodoo Shrine

Lucky Charms and Firearms is released on 31 October 2020. During the hours of Halloween darkness though, obviously. 7:30pm to be precise.

Thanks to Paul Finlay.

http://www.dasfensterandthealibis.co.uk/shop/

http://www.dfandthealibis.com

http://www.dasfensterandthealibis1.bandcamp.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DFandTheAlibis/

http://www.instagram.com/dfandthealibis/

http://www.dasfensterandthealibis.bigcartel.com/

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The Birdcage to close

Very sad to learn this week that The Birdcage pub and venue in the heart of the Norwich Lanes has announced that it will not be renewing its lease and will be closing.

The news came from a post on the Birdcage Instagram account on Thursday.


THANKYOU and GOODNIGHT. It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to say goodbye to this magical building. We have had the most EPIC time over the last 15 years but our lease is up now and we’d rather leave the party at this point with all those good memories than be booted out at last orders 🤣. We lived for messy nights out, live performances, chaos and creativity. To all of the performers, artists and creatives we’ve seen here over the years KEEP GOING! You are INCREDIBLE and we will always be cheering you on from the sidelines. We know those sunny days will come again so here’s to the next chapter and we’ll be doing EVERYTHING we can to support our friends and fellow businesses throughout this time. SO much love Norwich. Keep strong and THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU xxxx

The Birdcage (c) shashamane 2015

This is a massive loss to the city in many ways and will send shockwaves as to just how hard the restrictions on independent businesses in the hospitality and live music industry are hitting and must surely be the major factor behind this decision.

The Birdcage

Big thanks to all at the Birdcage and those such as Alex Carson and Robbie Powell, among many others, who have hosted gigs there over the years. I wish all involved with The Birdcage the best in their next endeavors and thank them for all the gigs and friendships forged there.

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