18th and 19th June 2022 (updated 21st June to include video footage)
If you see my previous post you can see that for this and a variety of other logistical reasons we were feeling fairly under-rehearsed for the two hour gigs we were scheduled to perform across the weekend.
The Middlewich Folks & Boat Festival was back after a Covid-induced absence of two years and was now actually better than ever, with acts including Cast, Gruff Rhys, The Waterboys, Boo Radleys and more. Founding festival organiser Lizzie was back at the Helm in collaboration with the local council and I'm sure played a huge part in making this the best one yet, 30 years on from the 1st event.
Under-rehearsed though we were, we've now reached the stage where we know each other so well musically, we can not only take risks but jam-out songs successfully with gusto and with a sort of free-flowing, exhilarating vibrancy even though we might not know them brilliantly well yet, as was the case with the live debut for "The Stronger You Love", newish songs in terms of playing live like "Bella" and "new" cover "Closing Time".
In a complete reversal of what I'd expected, the Saturday gig was much busier (in spite of a slightly more out-of-town venue) than I expected and the Sunday one seemed to be more "hangover day" with a very small but nevertheless responsive audience.
The gang played absolutely brilliantly and it was a joy to see so many old friends and as meet lots of new people who seem to have enjoyed it all.
Thanks X
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| Photo: Stephanie Burgess |
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| Audience member Ruby danced and joined us on tambourine at one gig! Photo: Tim Lee |
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| Photo: Tim Lee |
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| Photo: Tim Lee |
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| Photo: Tim Lee |
