Tag Archive for 'worthenbury'

Gig: Dave Kelly – Worthenbury Blues and Roots Club – 05 Feb 2010

Dave Kelly

Dave Kelly

Goin’ Up The Country Blues & Roots Club, Worthenbury Village Hall
Friday February 5th- doors 8pm, show 9pm – £12

Following on from the brilliant night with The Blues Band’s Gary Fletcher earlier this month, Dave Kelly from the same band plays solo at Worthenbury for the first time on February 5th.

As a founding member of the legendary Blues Band with Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness and Gary Fletcher, he has been at the forefront of the British blues scene and since the early days of the 60, he has played  and recorded with many of the American  blues legends including Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Son House, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and John Lee Hooker.

He has rightly been regarded by many as the UK’s number one blues guitarist and won the British Blues Connection’s award for top acoustic guitarist for 5 consecutive years.

Tickets are selling very steadily and the gig will probably sell out so early reservation is recommended by mailing me on pete@hookerblues.co.uk or ringing me on 01948 770215

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Gig: Gary Fletcher Band – Worthenbury – 15 Jan 2009

GaryFletcher

Gary Fletcher Band at Goin’ Up The Country Blues & Roots Club, Worthenbury Friday January 15th

The new season of cracking live music at Worthenbury kicks off on Friday January 15th when Gary Fletcher,founding member of the legendary Blues Band along with Paul Jones, Dave Kelly and Tom McGuinness, brings his own band to the village hall.

Backing guitarist Gary is a band brimming with talent including on drums Pick Withers who was drummer for one of the greatest rock bands ever, Dire Straits on all their top hits. Completing the line-up is Gary’s son Jack on bass and stunning young lead guitarist Steve Ling.

They will perform a set of blues influenced soft rock described by top Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris as”Very pleasantly Mark Knopflerish”

To reserve a ticket(£12) for the gig which starts at 9pm call 01948 770215 (eves)

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Gig: Worthenbury lineup for 2010

Goin’ Up The Country Blues & Roots Club at Worthenbury Village Hall

For tickets and info please ring 01948 770215 OR MAIL pete@hookerblues.co.uk www.hookerblues.co.uk

Unless stated, entry is £10, doors open @ 8pm and music starts 9pm

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AFTER CONFIRMING AVAILABILITY, BY SENDING A CHEQUE MADE OUT TO HOOKER BLUES CLUB, TO OAK COTTAGE, WALLINGTON LANE, WORTHENBURY, WREXHAM LL13 0AL – ENCLOSE A SAE PLEASE

WE NOW REQUEST THAT TICKETS ARE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE AS SOME PEOPLE HAVE NOT TURNED UP FOR GIGS AFTER ORDERING TICKETS. THIS HAS MEANT THAT WE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED SOME BOOKINGS AT SELL OUT GIGS. WE THANK OUR REGULARS FOR THEIR UNDERSTANDING IN THIS MATTER.

THINGS THEY HAVE SAID…

“The best little blues club in Europe…”  Otis Taylor, Oct 2006

“I wish I could bottle your audience and take them with me” Sonny BlacK, March 2007

“You’ve got something special here” Geoff Muldaur, April 2007

“This is just like a Mississippi juke joint” Big George Brock, June 2007

“I’ll be back, I guarantee that” Harper July 2007

“We’d love to come back if you’ll have us” Gerry McAvoy (Nine Below Zero) Jan 2007

“The best gig we’ve done in ages” The Spikedrivers Feb 2008

“I’ve been looking forward so much to coming here- it’s cracking” Jim Crawford March 2008

“Had a great time – been raving about the club ever since” Roland Chadwick March 2008

“Playing your club is an absolute true blessing for any artist” Little Toby Walker Sept 2008

“Thank goodness there are still blues clubs like this” Dave Kelly & Paul Jones  Jan 2009

“This is unreservedly one of the best places I’ve ever played at” Peter Price Feb 2009

“This really is an amazing little place” Bob Hall & Fruteland Jackson June 2009

“That sure is one unique venue!” Mike Thomas – Cadillac Kings  December 2009

“I’ve heard so much about this place – it’s wonderful – Mike Hellier December 2009

FRIDAY JAN 15th THE GARY FLETCHER BAND – Gary, the bass player in The Blues Band brings his excellent band to us for the 1st time. Playing guitar, Gary gives the bass playing duties to son Jack whilst on drums is Pick Withers of Dire Straits and on 2nd guitar is Steve Ling. A great night is promised with Bob Harris on Radio 2 stating “Very pleasantly Mark Knopflerish” £12

FRIDAY FEB 5th DAVE KELLY  This gig is the reorganized one from Dec 4th and sees Dave leaving Paul Jones and The Blues Band at home to play songs that have influenced his career as arguably the UK’s top blues guitarist. Early booking needed. £12

FRIDAY FEB 26th THE HAMSTERS AT OVERTON VILLAGE HALL
Britain’s top blues rockers now approaching their 23rd year and 4,000th gig make their 1st appearance in the area for years. The band is rated as one of the best exponents of the work of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top and guitarist Slim is regarded as being in the top ten of all time British guitarists alongside Clapton, Green and Gilmour. To get the full impact this band has made on the British blues/rock scene check   www.thehamsters.co.uk £15

FRDAY MARCH 26th RICK PAYNE Guitar teacher Rick is one of the UK’s most gifted guitarists playing all styles from classical through to jazz but it is as a blues guitarist that he has made his name. Often referred to as the English Ry Cooder his guitar workshops are much in demand and he has composed themes for many TV programmes.   £10

FRIDAY APRIL 23rd JIM CRAWFORD Back by popular demand, acoustic guitarist Jim featured in one of our best ever gigs when he mesmerized the audience with the quality of his playing. A great entertainer originating from Lancashire but now living in Devon, someone remarked that “It was like Peter Kay meeting Robert Johnson”. Singing sensation Beth Rowley recently recorded Jim’s “When the Rains Came” on her new cd.  £10

FRIDAY MAY 7th TBC

FRIDAY JUNE 4th RORY ELLIS The Aussie sensation who was the star of our festival in June 2009 returns with Alex Roberts on slide guitar. Possessing an amazing voice Rory delivers a superb  selection of self penned songs to back up the top quality musicianship     £10

SAT JULY 3rd TBC WORTHENBURY BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL

We don’t want to clash with a possible England football game in the World Cup so by our reckoning, if England play reasonably well and reach the semi final stage, that game would be staged on the Sunday. However, we won’t be caught out as we were in 2006 and we will have a dedicated TV marquee for those sad enough to want to watch soccer!

Download Flyer Here

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Gig: Derrin Nauendorf – Goin’ Up the Country Blues and Roots Club, Worthenbury – 18 Dec 2009

DerrinNauendorf

The final gig of the year takes place at Goin’ Up the Country Blues & Roots Club, Worthenbury village hall on Friday 18th December when top young Australian roots acoustic guitarist and singer Derrin Nauendorf appears with his band.

He is rated as one of the finest guitarists in his homeland and also has a massive following in this country appearing regularly on BBC Radio 2.

He is backed on double bass by Ian Jennings ( Robert Plant, Lisa Mills, Jools Holland, Jeff Beck and others) and Mike Hellier on drums.

Tickets for the gig which starts at 9pm, cost £12 and can be reserved by contacting 01948 770215

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Gig: December line up at Worthenbury

There have been some changes to the forthcoming gigs at Worthenbury.

Dave Kelly was due to appear next Friday December 4th but has had to postpone the gig as The Blues Band have been asked to support Chuck Berry on his UK tour.

However due to a cancellation of one of their gigs in the north, The Cadillac Kings will now make a very welcome appearance on Saturday December 12th. This will follow on from their appearance at Warrington the night before so there will be two chances to see this outstanding UK band who are probably playing as well as ever at the moment.

Tickets are also selling very rapidly for The Derrin Nauendorf Band on Friday December 18th. Derrin is simply one of the finest acoustic guitarists on the circuit and is backed by Ian Jennings on double bass and Mike Hellier (Movin’ Music Agency) on drums.

Contact Pete Evans on 01948 770215 or pete@hookerblues.co.uk for tickets

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Gig: Cadillac Kings December dates

Cadillac Kings  - The Ent shed

One of Britain’s best bands have two dates in the region in December.

The Cadillac Kings will bring their blend of blues, swing and RnB to the following venues.

Fri Dec 11th: Warrington R&B Club
Sat Dec 12th: Worthenbury Village Hall, nr Wrexham

The band are in stunning form at the moment and are really not to be missed.

Flickr photo my Maxine Ford.

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Gig: Woody Mann and Tom Doughty – Worthenbury – 06 Nov 2009

woody mann

WOODY MANN & TOM DOUGHTY

Worthenbury Village Hall Friday November 6th
doors 7.30pm, music 8.15pm

Goin’ Up the Country Blues & Roots Club at Worthenbury Village Hall presents a major coup with the appearance of New York acoustic guitarist Woody Mann – www.woodymann.com

Not only is he a big name in the jazz world but he was taught blues guitar by the legendary Reverend Gary Davis and has played with Son House and Bukka White.

He is also a renowned guitar tutor and taught guitar to none other than Paul Simon and his workshops are legendary.

He is supported by Cheshire guitarist Tom Doughty, a remarkable slide guitarist who despite being seriously injured in a car accident, plays beautiful guitar from his wheelchair.

Tickets (£12) for this gig are going very quickly indeed and the gig is expected to be sold out before long so a rapid response is needed to confirm availability. Call 01948 770215 or 01978 312755

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Gigs this weekend

I am going up to Worthenbury tonight to see Little Toby Walker then tomorrow my own band Down at Antone’s will be playing at The Academy in Buckley.

I am looking forward to seeing some of you at these two events.

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Gig: Little Toby Walker – Worthenbury Blues Club – 23 Oct 2009

toby walker promo

Goin’ Up The Country Blues & Roots Club, Worthenbury on Oct 23rd

LITTLE TOBY WALKER

American guitarist Little Toby Walker makes a very welcome return to Worthenbury on Friday October 23rd just 12 months after his amazing 1st performance at Goin’ Up the Country Blues & Roots Club.

Toby honed his skills at the feet of legendary Mississippi bluesmen R.L. Burnside, Eugene Powell and Jack Owens and since those days he has developed into one of the finest American guitarists to visit the UK.

Last year’s gig sold out and this gig is expected to follow suit.The doors open at 8pm and the music starts at 9pm. To reserve a ticket please ring 01948 770215

So you know what to expect, here is a YouTube of Little Toby Walker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIOhoJDy-oI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NNOGtmEFU

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Gig: Guy Tortora – Goin’ Up the Country at Worthenbury Village Hall – 18 Sept 2009

Courtesy M J Imagery

Guy Tortora at Goin’ Up the Country Blues & Roots Club, Worthenbury Village Hall, Friday Sept 18th

The first gig of the autumn season at Goin’ up the country  Blues & Roots Club Worthenbury Village Hall takes place on Friday September 18th when American guitarist Guy Tortora brings his band to the region for the 1st time.

Pasadena born Guy is a brilliant guitarist and songwriter and recently lived every musician’s dream when was joined on stage in London by non other than Eric Clapton.

The evening which will comprise both acoustic and electric music commences at 9pm with the doors opening at 8pm.

Tickets at £10 can be reserved by ringing 01948 770215

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Gig: Woody Mann – UK Tour 2009

Woody Mann – UK Tour 2009

We have a handful of dates in the region for the renowned guitarist and performer Woody Mann.

16-Oct - Theatre Clywd, Mold
06-Nov - Worthenbury
11-Nov - Bluefunk, Poynton
13-Nov - Grand Theatre Studio, Blackpool
21-Nov - Guitar Festival, Birkenhead
22-Nov - Guitar Festival, Birkenhead

Not only was Woody taught by the peerless guitar picker the Rev Gary Davis, but Mann has played with Son House, Bukka White and John Fahey and has studied jazz under the great Lennie Tristano…. don’t miss a chance to see him; you are unlikely to hear anything – or anyone – better..”   – The Times

He is one of the world’s most renowned guitar masters and song story tellers – updating the past with his own unique contemporary improvisational style.   He’s a teacher, producer, and writer who also taught Paul Simon to play guitar !!  He’s been a faculty member at the New School in New York City, conducted master workshops, founded International Guitar Seminars and Acoustic Sessions Inc, and schooled countless guitarists through his acclaimed books and DVDs including the series “The Art of Acoustic Blues Guitar,” “The Complete Robert Johnson,” “The Blues Fakebook,” and the recently published “Lisboa – the Guitar Of Woody Mann” a collection of original compositions.

http://www.woodymann.com

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Gig: Lisa Mills – Goin’ Up The Country at Worthenbury Village Hall – 17 July 2009

LisaMills

The final gig of the summer season at Goin’ Up The Country blues and roots club at Worthenbury Village Hall takes place on friday July 17th when Mississippi singer/guitarist Lisa Mills will be appearing with double bass player Ian Jennings.

Likened to a mix of Janis Joplin, Etta James and Bonnie Raitt , Lisa’s reputation has blossomed since her first visit to the region 5 years ago and in that time she has appeared and recorded with the legendary Robert Plant, Jools Holland and Jeff Beck as well as appearing at Glastonbury. She also regularly appears with Janis Jolplin’s original band, Big Brother & The Holding Company in large festivals worldwide.

Ian Jennings is one of the UK’s leading bass playes and is a member of top band The Big Town Playboys and has also played with the above mentioned UK rock legends.

The doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm.For information regarding tickets please ring 01948 770215 (evenings).

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Review: Worthenbury Blues and Roots Festival – 27 June 2009 – PART2

Worthenbury Festival 2009

The evening session got under way on the main stage with a rousing uptempo RnB blast from The Dirty Robbers, led by ex-Cadillac Kings guitarist Oliver Darling – also to be seen in Mike Sanchez’s band, and in the absence of keyboards, the superb Paul Garner on second guitar – also to have graced The Cadillac Kings guitar slot, together with the rhythm section of Craig Rhind (bass) and Matt Cowley (drums). A spirited hour featured mainly tunes from their first album, kicking off with “Ain’t Nothin’ Shakin’ “, and Richard Berry’s oft-covered “Have Love Will Travel”, with a dip into some classic Peter Green for “Watch Out”, from the “Blues Jam in Chicago” album . . . a set highlight. The eloquently titled “Lemon Squeezer” was a taster from the forthcoming second album, with more dips into the first album for a corking “Lonesome Woman Blues” and “Mary Lou”.

Either side of The Producers, Naomi Mather and Rory Ellis played second sets . . . not much to add to Lionel’s fine words, just to echo his sentiments really. Naomi Mather is a real talent, a product of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and she possesses a quite beautiful voice, and is a deft guitar picker and slide player, her “Born At The Wrong Time” EP comes highly recommended, with the second set featuring a reprise of the strutting “Can’t Do Nothing”. Ashamedly I must admit to not having heard of Rory Ellis before the festival… Wow!, he was without doubt most people’s star of the day! Coming across as a Melbourne hybrid of Johnny Cash, Steve Earle and Tom Russell, his rootsy tales of childhood, politics and more were just superb, with his strumming guitar and banjo work beautifully fleshed out by Alex Roberts more intricate guitar and lap slide – this guy having driven six hours from Poole to play the set! A reprise of “Work” saw some audience participation, with another treat being the lovely “Railway Parade”, his deep, rich voice and story telling winning over the crowd.

Worthenbury Festival 2009

Back in the mid to late 1990s’ The Producers were without doubt one of Britain’s most popular blues bands, but split, actually playing their last North West gig at Hooker Blues Club in Wrexham . . . fitting then that their first gig back in the area should be here at the festival. Original members Harry Skinner (lead vocals and guitar) and Dave Saunders (bass) are now joined by Ray Drury (keyboards) and Biff Smith (drums). A beautifully delivered set featured some sparkling guitar from Harry Skinner, who also was on top form vocally, with newcomer Drury excelling on the keyboards. New material included “I Got Blues” and “Some People Say”, with a dip into the back catalogue for “Bitter And Twisted And Blue” . . . with the great “Take Me The Long Way Home, another new song, being well received. It’s nice to have such a fine band back on the scene!

Bringing a quite fabulous day to an end were possibly the best live band on the circuit at the moment – The Stumble – who after a recent storming headlining slot at the Warrington Blues Festival, could not fail with their uptempo mix of blues, soul and more! The area in front of the stage soon became a full dance floor as an extended over-curfew (only slightly!) set of favourites were performed. Set highlights were rip-roaring opener of Hound Dog Taylor’s “Gimme Back My Wig”, the stomping “Maudie” and a slide driven “The World Is Tough” – the title cut of the band’s first album. The band got soulful on “Bus Stop”, from the second album, “The Houngan”, but were back with the blues on a ferocious “Meet Me At The Bottom”. They were afforded the first encore of the day, purely due to time demands, and played the show-stopping “All Over Again”, a gorgeous slow blues, with brilliant guitar from Colin Black and impassioned vocal from Paul Melville. This band go from strength to strength, and are pretty unstoppable at the moment. The full line-up is Paul Melville (vocals), Colin Black (guitar and harmonica), Jonny Spencer (guitar), Simon Anthony (saxophone), Dave Heath (bass) and Boyd Tonner (drums).

Thanks from me to the organisers – particularly Pete Evans, Paul Taylor and Ian Williams – and to all volunteers and helpers. This was a great festival – reasonably priced, good beer, etc.,  and long may it prosper, see you in 2010.

Worthenbury Festival 2009

GRAHAME RHODES

All pictures from both reviews supplied by Grahame Rhodes; these and more have been uploaded to the bluesinthenorthwest.com photo archive.

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Review: Worthenbury Blues and Roots Festival – 27 June 2009 – PART1

Worthenbury Festival 2009

This was the fifth Worthenbury Blues and Roots Festival, building on the wonderful heritage of the Dragon Blues Festivals that graced Wrexham Rugby Club for many memorable years. The venue for the open-air festival is farmland kindly made available by Michael and Elizabeth Brownrigg at the village that lies between Malpas and Bangor-on-Dee in North Wales.

The event comprised a main stage and an adjacent acoustic stage, on which the action alternated in impressively quick succession. The task of opening the show on the acoustic stage fell to Hopson, a trio of local sixth-formers, who were making their first ever public appearance. As if that were not daunting enough, the lads had also been forced to regroup owing to the indisposition of their bass guitarist, Adam Squire, as a result of a broken wrist. Rhythm-guitarist Gavin Hooson bravely filled the gap and joined drummer Alex Squire in the engine room. Led by singer/guitarist John Taylor, the band overcame their first-date nerves and went on to deliver an enthusiastic set that included numbers by Bob Dylan and the White Stripes.

First up on the main stage were Newton-le-Willows-based Papa Legba, with singer/guitarist Alan Crawford very ably supported by his brother, Scott, on bass guitar and Graham Brighouse on drums. Their vibrant set combined some rocked up versions of Robert Johnson and Son House favourites, SRV’s “Pride and Joy” and some beautifully played slow blues, including a fine rendition of Eddy Boyd’s “Five Long Years”. There was also an airing of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and a rousing delivery of Rory Gallagher’s “A Million Miles Away” to provide a terrific impetus to the day’s events.

Back on the acoustic stage, Liverpool-based Naomi Mather entered the afternoon session with the first of two sets, the second forming part of the evening session. Naomi demonstrated her burgeoning talent as a songwriter with a programme of excellent original songs. She accompanied her beautifully clear vocals with highly accomplished playing on acoustic, resonator and lap guitars, showing equal mastery of finger-picking and slide techniques. She also tapped the rhythm on a very effective stomp box. This is a young lady who is surely destined to make a considerable impact across the British blues scene.

The main stage was then taken by storm by Big Blues Tribe, a nine-piece ensemble from the Midlands that boasted no less than a five-piece brass section. Fronted by big-voiced singer/trumpeter Oliver Carpenter, they opened their account very appropriately with “Let The Good Times Roll”, an apt description of what lay in store. Other delights included “King Of The New York Streets”, “St James Infirmary Blues” and a reggae-style version of “I’m In The Mood For Love”, for which Beth Naylor and Abby Brant took over the vocals. They also provided close harmonies on a gospel number before ending a highly entertaining set with an upbeat rocker. The band reported that they were dashing off to a second gig in Worcester. “That’s two gigs in one day,” they boasted. “Come to think of it, it’s only the second gig this year!” one of them added. The truth is more likely to be that they are in great demand, if this performance is anything to go by.

At each of the previous Worthenbury festivals, there has been a surprise package that has stolen the show. This year’s event was no exception to that rule, as Australian singer/guitarist Rory Ellis proved with his two warmly-received appearances on the acoustic stage. Supplemented by the superb playing of Alex Roberts on lap slide guitar, the man from Geelong produced a stunning mix of powerful vocals, brilliant guitar and banjo playing and hilarious chat. His two sets featured many of the tracks from his most recent album, including the title song, “Two Feathers”, a compilation of high quality original songs, which draw heavily on his eventful life. A particular highlight was “No Love In This war”, while “Home Tonight” was inspired by his spending an eternity trying to find an appropriate exit from the Leicester ring road – an ordeal that has been universally endured. Lost in Leicester, perhaps, but found by a host of admiring fans at Worthenbury.

The headlining act of the afternoon session on the main stage was the recently re-formed Down At Antones. Led by founder member, singer/guitarist Neil Partington, the band comprised bluesinthenorthwest’s own Ken Peace (also a founder member of the band) on harp, Nick Lauro on drums and Steve Brown on bass. On this occasion, the band also included Paul Need, guesting on keys in the absence of usual keyboard player, Glen Lewis. The band shuffled into action with Howlin’ Wolf’s “Riding In The Moonlight” and a fine version of “Black Cat Bone”. The jazz standard, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” featured some wonderfully full-bodied harp and tasty guitar and keyboard solos, all immaculately driven by the rhythm section. The nicely varied set included Rice Miller’s slow blues, “Cross My Heart”, and a lovely portion of New Orleans funk in the shape of “Pocky Way”. The icing on the already delicious cake was provided by the introduction of Johny Hewitt to weave his harmonica magic on Lowell Fulson’s “Reconsider, Baby”, followed by top class interplay with Ken Peace on the driving boogie, “Biting The Bullet”, to climax a tremendous set.

Pete Evans, Paul Taylor, Ian Williams and their myriad assistants are to be congratulated on yet another magnificent event. It is entirely fitting that the quality of the line-up and the excellence of the organisational arrangements was matched by a massive attendance and brilliant sunshine.

Lionel Ross

Worthenbury Festival 2009

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Great time at Worthenbury

I had a great time at Worthenbury yesterday.  I enjoyed playing the spot with Down at Antone’s and I enjoyed all the music and the good friends that I met.

There will be a review shared between regular bluesinthenorthwest.com writers Lionel Ross and my partner in crime Grahame Rhodes.  Watch this space for details.

Thanks to all the organisers and the volunteers.  A terrific job.  My sincere thanks.  I didn’t take many pictures for two reasons 1.  I’m not very good and 2.  I’m lazy.  However I did try to capture some pictures that would be a bit different to everyone else’s. 

Worthenbury 001

Worthenbury 005

Worthenbury 006

The sweet collection of Gibsons belong to Jonny Spencer of The Stumble.  Top bloke.

Roll on Worthenbury 2010.

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Worthenbury Festival TODAY

I’m looking forward to the Worthenbury Festival today.  A chance to see some old friends and make some new ones.  It’s a great event and is highly recommended.

The weather forecast is not perfect but it is not bad, a bit of drizzle early on then fine later.

http://www.bluesinthenorthwest.com/index.php/2009/06/12/gig-worthenbury-festival-sat-27-june-2009/

See you later.

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