Big Dave Stomp!

On Sunday night there was a musical celebration of the life of Big Dave Hicketts. Everyone was invited to raise a glass, bump fists, dance, smile, wear a golden suit and bring an owl. A musical celebration that was no way going to filling the gargantuan hole left in the world by his absence, but was, at least, going to be loud. It definitely was loud!

African food was provided by Totem. I enjoyed a plate of Zimbabwean curried bean stew before the bands took to the stage. The first band to play was Death Of Death Of Discotheque who once again put on another great show. It was like we had been transported to the height of New York No Wave being mixed with The Fall. Dirty, distorted and brilliant!

It was then the turn of The Neutrinos to entertain us in an Art Punk kind of way. it was another energetic set from Karen Reilly and the band on this emotional night. There were great performances of Eat My Hole and Mother's Mother Tongue.

It was then left to Def Tex to finish the day off with a bang and what a show they put on. it was a classic hip hop show from the Norwich veterans. They had the crowd eating out of their hands, it was like everyone and everything at the Norwich Playhouse Bar was bouncing up and down. Their performance was a fitting tribute to Big Dave Hicketts.

At the end of the night a blue plague was unveiled in the bar for Big Dave and several lanterns were let off into the night sky. I'm sure Big Dave would have approved.

On The Norwich Music Scene!

Katie Allard of The Kabeedies

Last year Norwich was placed in 15th place on the NME Cool list. There is definitely a healthy and thriving music scene going on in the City full of innovative progressive music. If you think of a Norwich sound you mind turns to Bearsuit, The Neutrinos, The Kabeedies and violet violet all Art Punk female fronted bands. Then there's the indie sounds of These Ghosts, The Olympians complete with their famous trumpet, Kunk, Loyal Few, Great Shakes and The Barlights.

Sennen are one of the top shoegazing bands in the country with three excellent albums behind them. Takeda are new on the scene with their folk music with added ambient droning and loud drums who have just released their debut EP Hufsa. Girl in a Thunderbolt mix of indie, soul and cabaret has got star quality. Her album Seven Sisters that she recorded in Norway is a brilliant slice of soulful indie. Sargasso Trio have added a Latin twist to the scene.

When you have such a beautiful venue as Norwich Arts Centre in your City then playing their regularly is something to inspire too. This year I've seen gigs from Rory McVicar, Great Shakes and Takeda at Norwich Puppet Theatre an amazing place to put an event on. Other venues include Take 5, Olives Cafe, Ten Bells, St Gregory's Centre, The Birdcage, The Marquee, Dragon Hall and B2 proving their is plenty of music beyond UEA and The Waterfront. Keep your eyes and ears open then you will discover many musical delights in this Fine City.

Photos from Neutrinos gig at Norwich Arts Centre 25th September 2010

The Sargasso Trio strutting their stuff!
Photo by Julie Layden

All the Ladies in the House!
Photo by Julie Layden

Karen Reilly of The Neutrinos
Photo by Julie Layden

Let's have a Norwich Musical Celebration!
Photo by Julie Layden

Norwich bands take my breath away!

Karen Reilly of The Neutrinos

On Saturday 25th September 2010 it was a night of celebrating Norwich music at Norwich Arts Centre with a triple bill of exciting sonic sounds. The Neutrinos, Sargasso Trio and Girl In A Thunderbolt all gave storming performances which if you allow me to quote Berlin. All the bands take my breath away! Incidentally Berlin is where The Neutrinos have been recording their latest album The Butcher of Common Sense. Another twist on the night was that all the bands did covers of each others songs.

First on stage was Girl In A Thunderbolt who literally caused a big bang on stage! Her sound was soulful and haunting with brilliant guitar playing laced with a pinch of swing. Her music is very varied taking in influences from punk to cabaret. When her set finished I went straight to the merch table and bought a copy of her album Seven Sisters. 

Next on stage were The Sargasso Trio with their salsa sounds full of latin beats. Full of drums and keyboards they brought their eclectic music to life on stage. The crowd were highly entertained for a Saturday night and great fun was had by all. 

Headliners The Neutrinos commanded the stage with their art-punk noise. Their set was full of energy and theatre. They got the quite ones out of the way first then rocked. We had complete darkness and stories from Berlin. Karen Reilly didn't just sing but brought various facial expressions to her performance. The crowd were so in love with The Neutrinos they could have got away with anything.

A Celebration of Norwich Music!

Please make it to Norwich Arts Centre on Saturday 25th September 2010 for a night celebrating Norwich Music! Doors open at 8.00 pm!

With The Neutrinos, The Sargasso Trio and Girl In A Thunderbolt all playing live it's a night not to be missed! All the bands are amazing live!

Tickets are £7.50 in advance. £5.00 concessions and £8.50 on the door. Avaliable from Norwich Arts Centre or online at: http://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/