9.29°C This editorial currently features in the April 2011 issue of The Colchester Circle, available throughout the town right now.
Keep Colchester Cool recommends
Here are just some of the events taking place this month that you can attend, safe in the knowledge of hearing some great music.
Ben Howard
DJ Gilly spinning tunes in the Main Bar of The Bull? What’s all this about? On Saturday 9 April, after Rekovered and 3AMS have performed live at the venue, the man famed for providing the soundtrack to many of our nights out over the years will take to the decks from midnight until 2.30am. This is a first for The Bull, who are introducing The Gilly Sessions to ensure the party continues long after the bands have finished. Don’t be surprised if people head down just for the Gilly Sessions alone.
Lady Bird and the Larks always combine great singing with a touch of bling, so their aptly named Sing & Bling Ding Dong at The Headgate Theatre on Friday 15 April promises a sparkling night. The group – Sally Theobald, Jeanette Lynes, Lorraine Francis, Jenny Allenby and Alison Benz – are as lovely off stage as you’d hope, and their live shows continue to win over new fans. Expect a musical feast of original songs with luscious harmonies and fabulous costumes, covering everything from life on a checkout to spurned single-mother vampires, celebrity culture, mobile phones, and, of course, love and loss.
Just to avoid confusion, the Ben Howard headlining at Colchester Arts Centre on Tuesday 19 April isn’t me. He makes good folk-rock music; I promote good music. He surfs waves; I surf the internet. However, I will be DJing on the night before and between the acts, so whichever Ben Howard you’re coming to see, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
The Twist welcomes back The Small Fakers on Saturday, 23 April. The band will perform the entire classic 1968 Small Faces album Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake. As tribute acts go, these come with impressive credentials. John Hellier, organiser of the annual Small Faces convention, described them perfectly: “The sound is authentic and just one word describes them – awesome.”
On Easter Monday, 25 April, Pat Molloy’s (formerly O’Neills) hands over the reins to Ice Breaker Promotions. Although relatively new on the scene, they’re working hard to build a strong reputation. Founded by sound engineer Jack Jordan and musician Gary Hill, their aim is to help bands get out there and play live, raising their profile locally. Their Easter line-up features Newton’s Apple – currently creating a buzz around town – alongside Never Ending Lights and Sinead Orme.
To close the month, I’ll be DJing at Twisters Bar on Saturday, 30 April for the launch of a new night called High Fidelity. I’ll be spinning a mix of indie, rock and slightly wonky pop – in fact, whatever takes my fancy – alongside tracks from the current crop of Colchester bands. Joining me for the launch is DJ Huffle, who is well worth checking out. Come down, and if you’re in a band and want me to play your CD, drop a copy off at 15 Queen Street, Colchester. If I like it, I’ll play it.
