Around ten years ago CON23 were hugely popular locally, gigging regularly in local venues and playing stages and festivals across the south of England. Reunion gigs can be hit or miss affairs, but much like the recent Poze bash at Champions, we think this one may be a bit special. Yes, CON23 are getting back together for one gig only… for details on what’s in store here’s the CON23 The Reunion! facebook event.

We always like a good press release (saves us a job). We’re happy to have recently been sent these words…

“Friday 8th of July sees the reunion of local favourites CON23! The 4-piece called it a day back in 2004, but singer Laurence is back from Norway for few days, long enough for a one off show!

Made up of singer Laurence Clasby (Morningside, The Clasby Parade, Medium Kitchen), Nick Churchill (Kangerooster, Ethel, The Information), Joe White (Ethel, The Information, The New Governors) and Olly Richmond-Jones (Kangerooster, Julie Staines, Velvet Hearts, StopGoSixty!), the band’s eclectic mix of indie & rock was always delivered to entertaining highs across the south in the early 00’s, being local favourites at many band nights and local festivals. Taking US influences from Counting Crows, Matchbox20 and the Foos, the band entertained as a tight working unit of sound with Laurence’s powerful yet soulful voice and cheeky charisma commanding the stage. Copies of their hugely popular 5-track EP Extended Play (produced by Steve Ennever) will be available at the gig.

This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to grab an earful of nostalgia! Expect a night of classic CON songs where even special guests will grace the stage!

Catch them at Champions, Bournemouth on Friday 8th July with support from the fantastically talented John James Newman (of the Velvet Hearts) and the amazing young indie rockers StopGoSixty! (Doors open 8pm – £5).”

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Tomorrow night at Champions bh one presents three totally unique and incredible artists. Now, Rabbit, Run are probably a fairly unknown entity to many. Suffice to say lead vocalist Sara Massoudi has a simply stunning voice, and much like the performers who will follow her, Rabbit, Run will command complete attention – this line-up has been put together with the hope that all three will perform to a beautiful, respectful audience. In their own words: Rabbit, Run came about by accident; it’s a sing-a-long, strum-a-long cover session which turned into something else. Lyric heavy and structurally mottled, we’re trying to do something interesting with our sparse set up and regardless of how successful we are, we’re having fun trying.

We very much urge everyone to arrive at Champions by 8.45, when this lovely duo will serve as the perfect musical hors d’œuvre for Saturday Sun and Michael Wookey.

The last time Michael Wookey performed at Champions in January he left us speechless. Performing in complete silence to a large gathering of totally attentive and appreciative guests, Michael proved once again that as a performing artist he is simply stunning. We have said many times, what makes Michael Wookey so watchable is you never know what to expect, both musically and visually. For those unaware of Michael’s music, here’s a bio taken from his website…

Many years ago, a Salvation Army pump organ — dusty from service and silent since the War — settled into the hands of a fifteen-year-old boy named Michael Wookey.

Michael began to play and record his own songs, and soon the pump organ was joined by other, more arcane instruments — an Optigan here, some Omnichords there; boxes of dead Casios waiting to be corrected. As the collection grew, so did the songs grow: into albums, the latest of which is called GUN GALA.

Couture Creatures from Rob Francis on Vimeo.

For the past few years Michael lived in Paris, where he played regular concerts at Divan Du Monde, Café De La Danse and Le Reservoir, and a monthly residency at the prestigious La Bellevilloise. Michael could also be seen performing his score for ‘Alice In Wonderland’ over fifty performances, leading a thirty-piece orchestra of toy pianos for the French Culture Minister and recording innumerable Parisian musicians in his studio.

Michael now lives in London and continues to play regular concerts and collaborate with other artists.

You and the stars – Michael Wookey from Samuel Kaperski on Vimeo.

Saturday Sun have blown many people away over the last six months, performing locally to an ever-growing following of appreciators. What makes Saturday Sun so special? Their music is sublime. Beautiful. Vocally Alex Hedley is simply blessed. Please… if you have not seen these guys perform before, come, watch and be amazed. For more information on Saturday Sun check out their new website from which this bio has been lifted…

Spring 2010 was the birth of Saturday Sun for Alex Hedley and Bill Merrick. Roaming the foothills of the Purbecks playing acoustic music in the radiance of the sun. Shortly after good friend Alec Harrison returned from a trip from New Zealand and turned the duo into a trio adding beautiful soundscapes with bass to the songs. It wasn’t until early Autumn that year we started playing with drummer Luke Kill allowing us to play songs that were heavier but still showing folk roots, which gave us more versatility between our songs.

Saturday Sun – Le Monge Snail (Fleetwood session)

We take our name from a story which entails the good and bad times of life, we are grateful that it represents good for us. Our faith is that you will enjoy our folk/post rock inspired songs if not at least you know we enjoy the music. We wouldn’t want the good times to go unnoticed now would we?

Saturday Sun – ‘Peaked’ @ Bournemouth Tattoo Convention

Champions
51 Norwich Ave West, Bournemouth BH26AJ
Doors 7.30
£4 entry
x

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Things are progressing at a swift pace this year at Oxjam Bournemouth H/Q. With three fundraisers having already taken place in May, raising a total of £1884.83 we now move into June, with two more fundraisers planned. More on that later. First, a reminder about the main event – The Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover 2011. We’re currently advertising for bands and artists to take part in the multi-venue event on Saturday 22 October. So, who wants to take part in this fantastic event? Here’s what you need to know…

WANTED!! Bands, Musicians, DJs, soloists to take part in Oxjam 2011!

Oxjam is Oxfam’s Music Festival. The Oxjam Bournemouth Takeover will be taking place on the 22nd October 2011, over six awesome venues – one wristband entitles people to entry to all venues. Think Camden Crawl!

The whole team works on a voluntary basis, therefore we can’t pay you. However, here’s what we can do for you…

As part of Oxjam 2011, you will be associated with an amazingly high profile nationwide event. We will showcase you and your talents which will attract thousands of visitors as well as promote you via our media platforms. We have a dedicated local marketing team working to generate excellent regional press and media, producing online marketing and with dedicated flyers and posters. Oxjam’s central team are co-ordinating the national campaign for all events, and we’ll all benefit from national advertising, and a high profile media launch in London.

In the two years since the ‘Takeover’ started, there have been more than 50 events, using more than 400 venues, with more than 9000 artists performing. Tens of thousands of people have now been to an Oxjam Takeover, and most importantly they’ve raised nearly £200,000 for Oxfam.

Interested in playing and being associated with this mind blowing event, working with great people to raise both awareness and funds for Oxfam’s life changing work around the world? No matter what you play, whatever your flavour or style we would love to hear from you!

IMPORTANT!! – HERE’S HOW TO APPLY TO TAKE PART!!

Simply email Livvy on oxjamlivvy@gmail.com with a short bio of who you are and links to your music. Thanks!

Any queries please call 07834529130. Closing date for entries is Friday 1st July.
More jammin’ less famine

Our next fundraiser is TONIGHT! Info? Here…

Wednesday 8 June @ Dylan’s Bar, Bournemouth Uni! OXJAM and the Environmental Awareness team join forces for a night of eco-friendly unplugged tunes with home grown Uni and Oxjam talent! FREE entry & food provided. With the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause and learn more of Oxjam Takeover, chance to enter acts/volunteer/sign up for information!

Join us for ‘Switched Off’ with Andy Stock, Dead Beat, Isobel Thatcher, Daniel Duke and a touch of magic from Chris Keward in an eco-acoustic environment.

Then, on Thursday 23 June the Oxjam Bournemouth Team host a music quiz night at O’Neill’s…

There’s a reason why you weren’t really paying attention in double maths all those years ago. It was to allow your brain room for all that essential musical knowledge for times like this…

The OXJAM Bournemouth Music Quiz 2011!
O’Neill’s Pub
Quiz starts at 8pm
£1 entry per person
Max team size – 6
Prizes inc. £50 cash, £50 O’Neill’s bar tab, a ukulele & much more!

Plus! NEW VOLUNTEER play LIVE!

“New Volunteer have an aged and weathered wisdom cleverly disguised in hooks that won`t let you go. Chris Mears has a way about him, lyrics and a voice that make you feel like a friend is leaning in, telling what`s going to happen next.” – Isaac Slade – The Fray

“There’s an orchestra of instruments to admire, but nothing is crowded or cluttered. Most importantly it all serves as the perfect backing to the melody and Chris Mears’ honey-soaked vocals” – bh one

Please keep supporting the Oxjam Bournemouth Team! Our aim is simple – to put on a variety of well supported, exciting and successful fundraising events, culminating in another fantastic multi-venue Takeover, all raising money and awareness for Oxfam and the amazing work they continue to do all over the world.

For those who have a heart – be humankind.
£8,000 is our target!

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Last year the wonderful Larmer Tree Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary. The first festival was a one-day affair, held on Saturday in July 1990 and called ‘The First Larmer Tree Jazz, Blues & Folk Roots Festival’. With Dick Heckstall Smith headlining, it ran from midday ’til midnight with an audience of around 150 people. Apart from taking a year off in 1992, the festival has run annually in July since then.

Now, the festival boasts over 70 diverse artists on six stages, plus a Comedy Club, 150 free workshops, a street theatre and carnival procession, attracting an ‘intimate’ crowd of 4,000. The festival was voted Best UK Family Festival 08 and has seen its tickets sell out for the last 16 years. Why? Many reasons, but anyone who has been to the Larmer Tree Festival will be aware of its charm and unique atmosphere. It’s simply a joyful place to be. Even without the music, the Gardens are a magical place to explore, with the surroundings constantly playing with your senses. As Joolz Holland put it… “The Larmer Tree is magical. There’s something about the trees – you can see them growing… the music gets their boogie muscles twitching.”

Here’s a great video taken from the official website which sums up much of the charm of the Larmer Tree Festival, which this year takes place from 13-17 July…

Each year the organisers hand-pick a select few local artists to perform at the festival. DMA winners Fearne will be performing this year (we hope to be catching up with them soon), and after last year’s triumphant Larmer Tree debut, it’s no surprise that Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) have been invited back. We caught up with Steve Perry, DoMi’s enigmatic leader and asked him about the band and Larmer Tree…

bh one: Sum up your experience at Larmer Tree last year with Disco’s Out?

Steve Perry: Well our experience at Larmer Tree last year was amazing. The organisers (James and his team) were so helpful and kind. We were a little nervous that no one would come to watch us play, but with a little help from the weather we managed to pack the Big Top out. I personally have never felt so excited stepping out on stage and being welcome with such a roar from the crowd. The whole weekend was a great experience for all of us. I think it will stay with us forever!

bh one: You played two sets at last year’s Festival, one in the Big Top and another in the Social. Both completely different… which one did you prefer, and why?

Steve Perry: Both gigs were very different like you say. The Big Top was our first experience of getting the proper festival atmosphere with the crowd going crazy and being fantastic. The Social was a lot smaller but again absolutely crazy. People were falling on top of each other and people were trying to get into the venue even though it was at capacity. To be honest both were very special gigs for us and I wouldn’t want to choose one over the other as it was the whole weekend which made the experience so special.

bh one: When and where are you playing at this year’s Festival?

Steve Perry: This year we will be playing Thursday night at the Big Top and then again on Saturday/Sunday at the Social. It’s going to be super awesome!!!

bh one: In your opinion what makes the Larmer Tree Festival so special?

Steve Perry: I guess it’s a number of things. The music line-up is fantastic every year, and they always have one or two big headliners like Seasick Steve this year. Also it is very family orientated which makes it good for everyone. Most important is that you are welcomed with open arms and the team running Larmer Tree are extremely helpful. They make it a fantastic experience no matter if you’re playing or just there to spectate.

bh one: Any new, exciting additions to your attire for this year’s Festival?

Steve Perry: To be honest we haven’t thought that far ahead, but I have been working on a robot suit which I attempted to use at a gig in Salisbury. It still needs some modification but think that’ll be pretty special. There has been talk about making some paper-mache masks as well… I suppose I shouldn’t give too much away though. There might also be more of a stage show involving throwing things into the audience and see what come out of the chaos, but all shall be revealed at Larmer Tree Festival.

Here’s Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) playing in the Big Top at last year’s Festival…

For all the information you need about this year’s Larmer Tree Festival take a look at the official website.

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Having missed Bournemouth Ink 2009, and subsequently hearing so many positive comments about it, I approached last year’s Convention at the BIC with much excitement. Whilst the event proved enjoyable, it certainly didn’t live up to my expectations… “right event, wrong venue” is perhaps the most apt phrase to quote from my review of last year’s Convention. This year’s event was again at the BIC, but was housed more centrally, through the front doors and into the Purbeck Hall (I think) rather than the rear, and as soon as you entered the two main halls it felt and looked very different to last year. Better than last year.

Spending most of the two days at the Oxjam Stage I saw very little of the main entertainment, but walking around the convention it felt not just bigger and better but it felt more alive, more colourful and vibrant… the sort of words I’d expect to write about a Tattoo Convention. The 42ft Yurt was a fantastic Main Stage and then there was the ‘Fire Girls’… mmmm. In truth I cannot speak with any authority about the merits of such an event so I’ll leave my comments brief, but there was music and all manner of ‘alternative’ entertainment to enjoy beyond the needles, including… the closing party at the Old Firestation!

Before that, a few words of thanks to Rich and Trevor for allowing the Oxjam Bournemouth Team to be associated with the Bournemouth Tattoo Convention. The Oxjam Stage was a very chilled area throughout the two days. In truth a little too detached from the main arenas to attract big audiences, but as a space to ‘chill out’ it suited that need perfectly. Thank you also to everyone who played and donated… our total amount raised this year has now reached £1884.83!

So to the closing party. Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) followed by Lady Winwoods Maggot (pictures above by Dreadlock Photography), and sandwiched in between were some lovely burlesque girls. At least I assume they were lovely… I skipped that bit. Disco’s new EP is a more than decent attempt at capturing the band’s appeal, but Sunday night proved again that on stage is where the band come alive. This was perhaps the best I have seen these guys perform. The band was at full strength, the sound was spot on, and the huge, unstoppable blast of positive energy radiating from everybody on stage was stunning. There is far more to Disco’s Out (Murder’s In) than costumes and smiles… for a Festival party band they are close to perfection.

Following DoMi is no easy task, and to their credit Lady Winwoods Maggot managed it with aplomb. A band perfectly suited to the occasion both musically and visually, the Maggots stormed through their set, if anything enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere. The bar and friendly people became a distraction as their set grew, but I do remember a classic version of ‘Crazy Horses’ and constantly thinking… “great band, great set” through my half attentive eyes and ears.

The feedback on the night and over the following couple of days I’ve heard about the whole weekend has been almost totally positive. Congratulations therefore must go to the organisers for learning lessons from last year putting on a great event. Spending most of my time at the Oxjam Stage meant I saw little of the main rooms, but one man who has captured some fantastic images from the whole weekend is Steve aka Dreadlock Photography.

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