Friday 3rd December 2010, I braved the snow and went to see Mitch Benn play at the Gulbenkian Theatre accompanied by Kirsty Newton (mainly bass, keyboard and backing vocals) and Ivan Shepherd (mainly on drums) and had a thoroughly good time, concluding in a signed t-shirt for myself and a signed album for the wife.
If you follow me on Twitter you'll know that I'm a relentless micro-blogger for lame and useless topics; if you've ever seen me blog other than that you'll know that I'm lazy and practically illiterate. So I declare this a mini-blog, as a happy compromise. Short and sweet, this shall be.
The Venue: The Gulbenkian has not really changed at all since I studied at Kent University between 2003-2006; The staff are friendly, the bar layout is awkward and clumsy, the front entrance lets the cold in; the theatre seating is quite adequate with simple but effective sound and lighting and all the seats give a pretty good view of the stage. No harsh criticism or grand praise either way; it's a good little venue for the avid non-complainer.
The Distractions: Mitch's backing, support and occasional humorous-props were a welcome presence on stage without becoming the centre of attention. I did enjoy Ivan's almost relentless portrayal of a mute clown with sticks, although think Kirsty's attempts at on-stage banter with Mitch were undermined by the sound levels. Everything Kirsty said was several times louder than Mitch, on the grounds that when singing Mitch was several times louder than everything else; so it was just the way the mics were set up for the music. Perhaps any sound engineers working with them in the future could be a little more reactive to this.
Mitch Benn: With no further delay I want to use the word hilarious and refreshing to describe this show. Old jokes are only the best jokes when they are well delivered, and a good delivery is what we got, peppered with his own unique humour and classic gags, thrust towards us in a plethora of musical styles. I think Mitch's performance in the first half suffered, perhaps from a several week gap in his tour and an audience I would describe as small (due to weather) and statistically, unusually upper-middle-class. But all this was made up for by a cracking intro, his utterly explosive The Interactive Song. Any other criticism I would put down to personal taste alone - I don't appreciate or enjoy Elvis impressions - because his/their performance was tight, musically and vocally impressive, upbeat, moved from song to song at a very comfortable pace and the gags shone through brilliantly; especially I'm Proud of the BBC, for which he gave a pre-emptive apology in case he screwed any of the lyrics up. Before the intermission Mitch did his signature move taking suggestions from the audience - entertaining some quite odd suggestions from very excited people - resulting in an excellent perspective on snowman theft.
I think seeing him live on stage will enhance my knowledge and (already extensive) appreciation of The Now Show on Radio 4 and I look forward to the opportunity of seeing him again, locally. Perhaps next time we won't be in the middle of a snow apocalypse and perhaps his merchandise stall won't be parked directly beneath a leak in the ceiling!
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
MUSIC REVIEWS
Just a note to anyone who doesn't know much about Sasquatch Records, or any bands who wandered this way wondering what the hell I'm doing on Blogger.com:
My name is Dan Blood and I've started this blog so Sasquatch Records is more accessible to other people (ie, people who don't use facebook every second of the day).
I am a fairly seasoned performer, and although some people think I don't take myself very seriously on stage, I do, and what's more is I take other people very seriously on stage and I observe objectively.
I would like to offer up my experiences to do music reviews, where invited, so that I can share my views on what works and doesn't work in local music. I will be throwing my un-targetted opinions on stage etiquette around on a fairly regular basis anyway.. but if anyone would like a review, please email me - dan.t.blood@googlemail.com
My name is Dan Blood and I've started this blog so Sasquatch Records is more accessible to other people (ie, people who don't use facebook every second of the day).
I am a fairly seasoned performer, and although some people think I don't take myself very seriously on stage, I do, and what's more is I take other people very seriously on stage and I observe objectively.
I would like to offer up my experiences to do music reviews, where invited, so that I can share my views on what works and doesn't work in local music. I will be throwing my un-targetted opinions on stage etiquette around on a fairly regular basis anyway.. but if anyone would like a review, please email me - dan.t.blood@googlemail.com
Events Coming Up
Wednesday 25th August @ Orange Street Music Venue, Canterbury
Sunday 29th August @ Victoria Hall, Ham Street, Ashford
Sunday 29th August @ Three Mariners, Hythe
Wednesday 15th September @ The Old Brewery Tavern, Canterbury
- Dan Blood
- Chris Walker
- Funke and the Two Tone Baby
- Free Entry, Doors open at 7.
- Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=142749102432360&ref=mf
Sunday 29th August @ Victoria Hall, Ham Street, Ashford
- Dan Blood (12.45 - 13.15) and others
- Proceeds go to Chernobyl Childrens Lifeline
- Free Entry
- Open from midday
- Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106794016019684
Sunday 29th August @ Three Mariners, Hythe
- Dan Blood will be at the open mic.
- Starts at 8/8.30pm ish.
- Free entry
- For anyone to join in.
- Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=101072479950377&ref=mf
Wednesday 15th September @ The Old Brewery Tavern, Canterbury
- Callum Black (Band) and others performing live.
- 9.30pm - 11.30pm
- Free Entry
- Fantastic drinks offers.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Euphex Beatbox @ The Old Brewery Tavern
The creatures that inhabit and run the Met Office have suggested the weather will be A'OK for this evening's festivities at the Old Brewery Tavern - I'm looking forward to getting things moving!
Soon I shall take the PA system over to Canterbury and get things set up. The acts are getting very excited about putting on a show for everyone.
I've grabbed a book of raffle tickets.. 50p a raffle ticket, there are drinks to be won, compliments of Sasquatch Records!
Jamie of Euphex Beatbox is going to run a beatboxing competition for anyone who fancies having a go.. again, there are drinks to be won, compliments of Sasquatch Records!
Now I'm going to tuck into some well deserved grub before going back to work!
See you on the other side....
Dan
Soon I shall take the PA system over to Canterbury and get things set up. The acts are getting very excited about putting on a show for everyone.
I've grabbed a book of raffle tickets.. 50p a raffle ticket, there are drinks to be won, compliments of Sasquatch Records!
Jamie of Euphex Beatbox is going to run a beatboxing competition for anyone who fancies having a go.. again, there are drinks to be won, compliments of Sasquatch Records!
Now I'm going to tuck into some well deserved grub before going back to work!
See you on the other side....
Dan
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Euphex Beatbox @ The Old Brewery Tavern
In just a few days we will be hosting an event for Euphex Beatbox and various other acts linked to what he does.
Facebook users can check out more details on the event page.
The event is at the Old Brewery Tavern, Stour Street, Canterbury
Free entry to anyone, doors open at 9.30 (that's when the Old Brewery Tavern stops being "a fancy restaurant")
Line up for the night
EUPHEX BEATBOX
MC SPOOKA
KABUKI ZOMBIE WARRIOR
FUNKE AND THE TWO TONE BABY
KYLE ELLIS
Drinks Promotions are:
£2.50 Gaymers and Pear Gaymers
£2 Amaretto and Coke
£2.50 JD and Coke
£2 Sambuca
At this point there may not be many people following this blog, but I'll say "I hope to see you there" anyway!
Take care
Dan
Facebook users can check out more details on the event page.
The event is at the Old Brewery Tavern, Stour Street, Canterbury
Free entry to anyone, doors open at 9.30 (that's when the Old Brewery Tavern stops being "a fancy restaurant")
Line up for the night
EUPHEX BEATBOX
MC SPOOKA
KABUKI ZOMBIE WARRIOR
FUNKE AND THE TWO TONE BABY
KYLE ELLIS
Drinks Promotions are:
£2.50 Gaymers and Pear Gaymers
£2 Amaretto and Coke
£2.50 JD and Coke
£2 Sambuca
At this point there may not be many people following this blog, but I'll say "I hope to see you there" anyway!
Take care
Dan
Hell's Bell's Tiki Party
Well my week ended very badly at work.. I came back to Ashford in an absolutely filthy mood. Thankfully I had been invited along to the Tiki Party, being held by Hell's Belles at the Down Town Diner (Ashford), so I grabbed my camera and headed on down there.
I can't say I'm really into dancing, but everyone there was, in a big way! There was a fantastic atmosphere in the room, and I got to meet the guy behind Kraken Photography.
More photo's can be found on my Flickr page.
I'm very much looking forward to more Hell's Belles night and working with Kraken Photography.
I can't say I'm really into dancing, but everyone there was, in a big way! There was a fantastic atmosphere in the room, and I got to meet the guy behind Kraken Photography.
More photo's can be found on my Flickr page.
I'm very much looking forward to more Hell's Belles night and working with Kraken Photography.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
2010
2010, the year that Sasquatch Records started a blog! I know this isn't going to go down in history, but I'm starting this blog because I've got plenty to celebrate now that 2010 has finally started getting better! (better after the apocalyptic snow and my foot operation and the chaos revolving around getting married)
Contribution to local events:
I'm aiming to increase the amount I participate in local (Kent) events, so I can learn more from companies like Audio Energy and fundraising groups like Find a Voice and The North Park Hillbillies (band setup to raise funds for Ashford Festival in the Park). In 2010 I helped out at Ashford Festival in the Park, producing their website for them, doing some photography, but mainly helping out back stage. I made a similar backstage effort for Create Festival, and frankly, it feels great to get involved in these big collaborative events. I'm hoping to build a good working relationship with Audio Energy in coming months.
Photography:
I am now set up with a flash and so poorly lit pubs will no longer be an issue! Now I'm doing the rounds at local events trying to build up a portfolio.
Recording:
My recording desk has been out of action for a while, it is currently with Alesis being mended. Although the shop I bought it from has said if they stall any longer they will demand a new unit! I will be able to offer recording services again after that.
Events:
I have plans for events flowing all over the place at the moment.. please keep checking the website for more up to date details of what we're upto!
New from Acts:
Currently putting together an extensive Dan Blood set, which will be ready for November 7th at the Three Mariners in Hythe.
Just joined band, Callum Black as a bassist. We hope to start recording asap and intend to start gigging from early September.
Music Reviews:
I am always willing to review music. Please send me your demos and EPs, and I will post about them. Also, I am always on the look out for new music to put into a playlist and play between acts at Sasquatch Records events.
First post over with.. Will be updating on more specific news from now on.
Take care
Dan
Contribution to local events:
I'm aiming to increase the amount I participate in local (Kent) events, so I can learn more from companies like Audio Energy and fundraising groups like Find a Voice and The North Park Hillbillies (band setup to raise funds for Ashford Festival in the Park). In 2010 I helped out at Ashford Festival in the Park, producing their website for them, doing some photography, but mainly helping out back stage. I made a similar backstage effort for Create Festival, and frankly, it feels great to get involved in these big collaborative events. I'm hoping to build a good working relationship with Audio Energy in coming months.
Photography:
I am now set up with a flash and so poorly lit pubs will no longer be an issue! Now I'm doing the rounds at local events trying to build up a portfolio.
Recording:
My recording desk has been out of action for a while, it is currently with Alesis being mended. Although the shop I bought it from has said if they stall any longer they will demand a new unit! I will be able to offer recording services again after that.
Events:
I have plans for events flowing all over the place at the moment.. please keep checking the website for more up to date details of what we're upto!
New from Acts:
Currently putting together an extensive Dan Blood set, which will be ready for November 7th at the Three Mariners in Hythe.
Just joined band, Callum Black as a bassist. We hope to start recording asap and intend to start gigging from early September.
Music Reviews:
I am always willing to review music. Please send me your demos and EPs, and I will post about them. Also, I am always on the look out for new music to put into a playlist and play between acts at Sasquatch Records events.
First post over with.. Will be updating on more specific news from now on.
Take care
Dan
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