Tucked away somewhere within the depths of facebook, we’ve just stumbled across a special event that will be taking place next Monday at The Winchester (formerly Bartonka, the venue for their very first event) – Solid Air will be celebrating their 10th birthday. The fact that the event has not (as yet) mentioned on their own message board, or (as is usual Solid Air practise) has not been invited to ‘guests’ on facebook is not overly surprising, as Connie has never thought of himself as a promoter, although this online definition of the word would appear to suggest otherwise: pro•mot•er – [pruh-moh-ter] – noun – 1. a person or thing that promotes, furthers, or encourages.

Locally, no other person has done more to promote, further and encourage local musicians and songwriters to musically create and perform than Conrad Barr (with the Solid Air help of Paul Tucker until – to the best of our memory – 2007). That sentence should not be taken lightly. What Connie has done for the local music scene since oh… the 1980s(?) cannot be praised highly enough. Most importantly, Solid Air’s longevity is down to one important fact: Anyone who spends time with Connie will know that he is truly passionate about music and the arts. Local musicians will be fully aware that in the truest sense of the word he is an individual – a man who’s dedication and commitment to the local scene, and clear love of music make him an inspirational person to be around.

As for what’s going on next Monday, I’ll simply steal Connie’s words from the event he’s knocked up on facebook…

Exactly 10yrs on from tha 1st ever SOLiD AiR, in tha very same room, event 1,233 is our 10th Birthday Adventure. Founding member from tha 1st 7yrs, Paul Tucker, returns with his own songs in THE TROUBADOURS, feat Si Genaro on harmonica, Fearne’s bassist Nick & duo RABBIT, RUN feat Sara Massoudi & OTC’s Paul, plus KRISTA GREEN is back from summer abroad. Still waitin’ on word from GLOWGLOBES, but PARALLEL UNiVERSE will open, with Connie (hopefully) joined by cellist Sandy, Joey Daley on clarinet/flute/glock & Alix Digby on violin…

Connie and Solid Air, we salute you! Here’s to the next 10…

photo by Fiona Megapix

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