I hadn't seen "Vampires Rock" before, so wasn't sure what to expect - unlike a lot of the packed crowd at the Grand Theatre who had come in fancy dress and were obviously keen disciples of the show.
The West End Theatre luvvies tend to write off this sort of show as a "Juke Box" musical but in reality all that actually means is that you know the songs already and get straight into the swing of things. The scenery and costumes in this show are really superb, as are the live, on-stage band, although if we are being honest, my Mum might find it just a little bit loud.
Steve Steinman's Baron character mixes humour with menace in fine style and his great singing voice belts out rock classic after rock classic. The show is packed with great anthems made famous by artists such as Meat Loaf, Bon Jovi, Queen and Bonnie Tyler to name but a few. There is humour, plenty of pantomime-style back-chat and some scantily dressed lady dancers for the guys.
There was a wide age range in the audience at the Grand Theatre to see this show tonight and it seemed to go down very well with family groups as well, although I personally felt some of the on-stage humour was probably more suited to an adult audience.
All in all, a clever concept, a very enjoyable show with lots of great sing-along tunes. "Vampires Rocks" is touring the country - check out your local theatre.
More info: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Same Sex Open Dance Championship - Interviews With Competitors 2
You can hear what she had to say by clicking on the sound icon below:
Same Sex Open Dance Championship - Interviews With Competitors
With thanks to all the competitors who came from the USA, Germany, The Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, Greece, the Czech Republic, Spain and the UK and to Soren and Bradley, the Sugar Dandies from London, whose idea it was to bring this to Blackpool and to Marketing Blackpool.
Supadance had a stall at the event, as did Topline Dance Products and Farale Design House.
We look forward very much to seeing everyone in Blackpool again next year.
While we were there, we had a fascinating chat with Bernd Muller from Munich who had come with his partner Gerhard Hummel to take part in both the Latin and ballroom competitions.
You can hear what he had to say by clicking on the sound icon below:
Same Sex Dance Championship in Blackpool - Interview with Xtras Accessories
You can see what we thought before about the Topline Dance Frame here: ttp://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2010/11/improve-your-dance-hold.html
Well, they have new added a new line to their products called Xtraz and are now also offering jewellery and dance accessories for ladies.
Lucy had a chat with Alison and you can hear what she had to say by clicking on the sound icon below:
More information: http://www.toplinedanceframe.com/
http://www.toplinedanceframe.com/xtraz/
Same Sex Dance Championship In Blackpool - Interview with The Sugar Dandies
We had a chat with organisers Soren and Bradley Stauffer-Kruse - better know as The Sugar Dandies - and you can hear what they had to say by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):
More information: www.samesexopen.co.uk
UK Same Sex Dance Council: www.ukssdc.co.uk
The Sugar Dandies: www.sugardandies.com
Ice Hockey: Flyers Freeze As Dragons Swoop
English National League Division 2 North
Fylde Flyers 4 - Deeside Dragons 11
Period Scores: 0-5, 2-4, 2-2
Shots On Goal: Flyers 42 - Dragons 78
Penalties In Minutes: Flyers 22 - Dragons 36
Flyers Scorers: Bobby Caunce 3+0, Danny Jones 1+0, Andy Clark 0+2, Dan Etherington 0+1
Referees: Wardell, Hunter
Attendance 171
Fylde Flyers next home game is on Saturday 24th November against Solihull Barons at the SubZero Arena in Cleveleys, 5pm face off.
More information: www.fyldeflyers.co.uk http://www.eiha.co.uk/Leagues/NationalNorth2.aspx
Photo by Lisa Jones
NWCFL Challenge Cup: AFC Blackpool win at St Helens
AFC Blackpool are in NWCFL Premier Division action at home to Ashton Athletic on Tuesday 30th October - 7.45 kick off - and then at home again on Saturday 3rd November to Stone Dominos, 3pm kick.
Squires Gate have no midweek game and are away to Glossop on Saturday.
More information: www.afcblackpool.co.uk www.squirsgatefc.co.uk www.nwcfl.com
"Vampires Rock" at Blackpool Grand Theatre For One Night Only - Monday 29th October
Vampires Rock is at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool for one night only on Monday 29 October at 7:30pm.
Steve Steinman’s cult rock show Vampires Rock has been hailed by some of Rock’s royalty as a show like no other! With a twist of rock, a hint of comedy, and jam packed with the greatest anthems you know and love, you’re guaranteed to be on your feet!
With a massive fan base and sales well over a million, Vampires Rock has reached cult status and is returning to Blackpool’s one and only Grand Theatre!
Steve Steinman plays the supremely evil Baron Von Rockula, owner of the Live and Let Die club. In search of a new bride the Baron must convince the unsuspecting Pandora who auditions for the new singing position, to cross over to the dark side and live for ever in Rock N Roll Hell. Set in New York in the year 2030, the undead are among us and livelier than ever!
Along with Steve Steinman, a full cast of superb singers, dancers and formidable band, blast their way through some of the greatest ever rock anthems including; We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Highway to Hell, Since You’ve Been Gone, Sweet Child Of Mine, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Devil Gate Drive, I Love Rock n Roll, Poison and many more!
All teamed with an amazing stage set and pyrotechnics to blow your mind, this rock spectacular is not to be missed!
You can see Vampires Rock at the Grand Theatre on Monday 29 October at 7:30pm
Tickets from £16.00
Booking/Transaction fees apply
For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s brand new interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can now select your own seat!
Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 290 190.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Blackpool District Scout Council's Gang Show 2012, Globe Theatre, Pleasure Beach, 6th - 10th November 2012
Evening performances start at 7.30 p.m. and there is a matinee on Saturday, 10th November at 2.30 p.m. Tickets are £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for children or concessions and are available from the Pleasure Beach Ticket Hotline 0871 222 9090
For further details, please see www.blackpoolgangshow.org.uk
Mayor of Blackpool's Charity 'Variety Night' at the Parks Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park, Blackpool, Friday, 23rd November 2012, 7.30 p.m.
The wonderful Parks Art Deco Cafe in Blackpool's iconic Stanley Park (yes it IS!) are organising a Variety Night in aid of the Mayor's Charities for 2012-2013, namely The Salvation Army, Claremont West Family Centre, Claremont First Step Community Centre and Lancashire Boys and Girls Club.
And don't forget Sunday Lunchtime music at the Parks Art Deco Cafe and coming soon their special Christman lunch menu available from 1st - 23rd December 2012 £16.95 per person.
To book call 01253 395191.
Looking for something really original for Halow'een?
What a super idea for Halow'een!
Check out their website - www.pendlewitchtshirts.co.uk
E-mail pendlewitchtshirts@virginmedia.com
or call 01282 715515
and for amazingly different jewellery with the wow factor to complement your T-shirt (obviously you can wear it any time!) why not check out Nicola Jayne Hebson's Dead Good Jewellery.
Details online at
saatchionline.com/nicolajhebson
far more original than most of what's on offer on the average high street.
Help Charlie by attending a Cabaret and Dance on Sunday, 2nd December 2012 at 7.30 p.m. at The Inn on the Prom, St. Annes on the Sea, Lancashire
Tickets are £12 and are available from John Peacock on 01253 734817.
Afternoon Tea at Booths Restaurant in Lytham
We missed lunch so decided to pop into Booths Artisan Restaurant in their Lytham store for a snack. As we looked through their excellent and varied menu, we spied an advertisement for Afternoon Tea that we had not noticed on previous visits, so we decided to give it a try.
There was a mouth-watering selection of finger sandwiches - egg, smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber and ham - white and brown bread - then a freshly baked scone (warm from the oven) with butter, Claire's Natural Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream, then rich chocolate brownie triangles and slices of luxury brandy fruit cake, followed by a light fruit sorbet, all washed down with a pot of tea of your choice (and there were lots to choose from) or a cafetiere (chose from several different types) of coffee. If you so wish, you can add a bottle of champagne for an extra £28 or so, but we chose not to.
When the plates arrived, we understood why the lovely waitress asked us if we wanted to share!
All this for £9.50 per person and this has to be THE bargain of the Fylde Coast.
A word to the wise - if you are not absolutely famished do consider sharing!
Our only complaint was that we did not have our camera with us to take a photograph - hey ho we shall just have to go back then won't we?
http://www.booths.co.uk/store/lytham-haven-road/
Booths, Haven Road, Lytham, Lancashire.
Booths, Haven Road, Lytham, Lancashire.
Special Evening with Corrie's Charlie Lawson and Nick Cochrane at Colne Muni - 15th November
Join two of Charlie Lawson and Nick Cochrane – Jim and Andy McDonald – will be sharing stories of their time on the nation’s most popular street and other highlights in their careers.
And, of course, there will be a hotpot supper. It won’t be Betty’s recipe, but it’ll be just as tasty!
In a casual, intimate setting the two actors will each relay their favourite tales from their times in the nation’s best loved soap.
The actors will relay some hilarious stories about real life antics off stage, talk about some of the key storylines their characters have had, tell what it was like working with other Coronation Street stars past and present, reveal how things are filmed, talk about some other memorable shows they have worked on and speak openly about their experiences of being in the public eye.
Charlie will go into detail about the McDonalds’ arrival on The Street, Jim’s temper and fights, including fighting with his own sons, the death of his baby daughter, divorcing and then re-marrying his wife, escaping from prison after a manslaughter conviction, the scheme to buy The Rovers and the bank robbery leading Jim McDonald back behind bars in 2011.
Nick will talk about the antics of the McDonald brothers, Andy’s romances, returning to The Street for his parents’ re-marriage and returning again in 2009 for his brother’s ill-fated wedding to Becky.
Charlie will also relay some stories from his career away from The Street, how he got the part, what he really thinks of Jim MacDonald and his future on the famous cobbles, as well as some hilarious accounts, including an incident when Guinness was a Coronation Street
Nick will tell you tales of Royalty, VIPs and celebrities visiting the set, the story of his audition with Simon Gregson and how they were chosen and some amusing antics of Charlie and other Corrie characters.
Following a short interval, the duo will then answer questions from the audience and the evening will finish with a ‘meet and greet’ when Charlie and Nick will be happy to sign autographs and pose for photographs.
Tickets cost £12.50 and £15 including a hotpot supper – which must be booked in advance.
Call 01282 661234 or book online at www.themuni.co.uk
See Ghost Writer at Memorial Hall, Freckleton - 2nd and 3rd November
If you like live theatre, why not go along and check this out:
Ghost Writer is a haunting Comedy by David Tristram - (Inspector Drake series author) and Harlequins Theatre Group are presenting this for 2 nights at The Memorial Hall, School Lane, Freckleton next Friday & Saturday 2nd/3rd November 2012. Starts 7.30pm.
Tickets are only £7 which includes a hot pot supper & dessert and you can bring your own bottle. These evenings have a great atmosphere and seating is informal table groups rather than theatre style seating.
For tickets, call 01772 880203 (leave a message on answerphone if no reply).
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Radio Show On 103.2 Preston FM - 7pm Friday
we'll be playing some tracks from the new Frankie Goes To Hollywood "Frankie Said" retrospective CD
we talk to Nick Cochrane - of Coronation Street fame - (in photo) about a great meet and greet show he's doing at the Colne Municipal Hall on 15th November called "Tales From The Street"
Lucy reads a poem form the new Selected Poems anthology taken from the recent Pendle War Poetry Competition
we talk to Soren and Bradley - the Sugar Dandies - about the Same Sex Open Dance Championship that is being held in Blackpool on Saturday
we delve back into the archives to hear about how Lancashire folk band The Houghton Weavers first got together
and there are brand new releases from Lynne Fox, Madness, The Divers and Rachael Sage.
So join us from 7pm on Friday evening as we'll have something for everybody in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show.
You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 FM in the local area or "listen live" worldwide over the internet at www.preston.fm
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Ice Hockey: Flyers Down Eagles In Lancs Derby
English National League Division 2 North
Blackburn Eagles 3 - Fylde Flyers 9
Period Scores: 1-4, 0-3, 2-2
Shots on Goal: Blackburn 33 - Flyers 57
Penalties In Minutes: Blackburn 54 - Flyers 22
Flyers Scoring: Bobby Caunce 3+0, Janis Grinbergs 2+0, Andrew Clark 1+2, Joe Charlton 1+1, Troy Evans & Ric Hulme both 1+0, Dan Bracegirdle 0+2, Melbourne, Hall, Marriott, Murphy all 0+1.
Photo by Lisa Jones
Monday, 22 October 2012
Review: David Hughes Dance "The Chinaski Sessions" at Blackpool Grand Theatre
The scene was set in a dark cellar with musical instruments in the background. The curtain raiser which began the evening, featured local dancers from Preston, Blackpool and Wyre with whom the David Hughes Dance Company - in particular David Hughes and Alan Grieg - have been working. This was choreographed by David Hughes during workshops on 20th and 21st October as part of the Dance Residency at the Grand Theatre and demonstrated that David is well on his way to becoming known for a wide variety of different styles in dance as the five dancers treated us to a tableau of contemporary dance more gymnastic and yoga-like than traditional ballet. The dancers - with 'street clothes' and bare feet - danced their body poetry with panache. Then, one by one, the other dancers came onto the stage, the curtain raising dancers left and the tale began in earnest - a rock band rehearsing and recording an album in a cellar.
This is a fusion of contemporary dance and music with sensational results, breaking new ground with complex moves and an entirely believable story of the band called 'I love Sarah' played by Belgian rock duo Jeroen Stevens and 'Rutger ~De Brabander. The fusion of music and movement is fascinating and raises questions - which came first the music or the movement?
There were several comedy moments - first an excitable, vociferous Irishman supposedly following the band around - who noisily entered the auditorium and then prodeeded to sit in different seats, try to find programmes, etc. Then the curtain raising dancers left the stage by the steps and joined the audience. By this time the band were in full swing and a sofa was placed on the stage. This was the Irishman's cue to join the band on the stage and 'gatecrash' their session. (We weren't fooled - we guessed he was part of the performance.) Then the story began and the dancers dived and gyrated to the rythm of the music, demonstrating the chaotic lifestyle of a successful rock band - beer (a whole crate of it - part of the props) and who knows what else, alluded to with clever use of lighting and props. But though this all appears random it is definitely not and has clearly been very carefully choreographed - brilliant work by Kylie Walters with David Hughes as the Creative Producer and Matt Foster as Associate Director - each dancer using his whole body with flowing movment.
Then a pizza delivery boy arrives from the back of the auditorium and ends up on stage as one of the dancers. It was clever the way Blackpool was woven into the story - Funny Girls, the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool rock and life in Blackpool in general were all mentioned during the verbal exchanges that took place - with the Irishman and then later with an interviewer (from Radio Wave perhaps) who spoke to the drummer about I love Sarah. The drummer mentioned that the stage of the Grand Theatre slopes down towards the autitorium (Friends of the Grand and anyone who has done a tour of Blackpool's beautiful Theatre will know that), whereupon he rolled down it, saying there's no need to go to the Pleasure Beach!
First the drummer then the whole stage disappeared in a haze of red smoke - the lighting was superb - and the lads are obviously a little the worse for alcohol, etc. A comatose body is dragged on to the stage and he finished up on the sofa, waking to wreck the room and try to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher. Then, obviously suffering from a massive hangover he jumps and dives from the sofa to the matress and back again - everything appearing to be randomly placed but a lot of hard work and rehearsing has gone into the performance to make it so slick and professional.
The dancing becomes wilder as the alcohol flows, reaches a crescendo and then slows down, finishing with a fountain - now that was a surprise.
A wonderfully inspiring evening. Our thanks as always to all the staff at the Grand Theatre - especially those behind the scenes - to the sound engineer, the lighting engineer and of course to the artists, musicians and chorographer and all members of the David Hughes Dance Company.
They are going on tour but they will be back at the Grand. Hurray!
For more tour dates, have a look here: www.davidhughesdance.co.uk
To find out what else is coming up at the Grand Theatre, click here: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Review: Pendle Open Art Exhibition 2012 and Art & Vintage Market
If you have never been to the Ace Centre, do yourselves a favour and go. There are all sorts of events on all the time - from tea dances to films and theatrical performances. For instance "Bullets and Daffodils" the musical drama about the life and work of Wilfred Owen the First World War Poet was on last Thursday. There is so much to see and a lovely Bistro open for superb food and drink with a patio for sunny days. I keep saying "every town should have an Ace Centre".
The Art Exhibition was truly fantastic - there were several categories - photographs, paintings and drawings, portraits, ceramics and sculpture to name but a few - and a chance for those under 18, under 12 and under 7 to take part and show their artistic talent off. And what a high standard - the public were asked to vote and it was no easy task.
There were stands of every description showing off craft work - I would have needed a week at least to do all of them justice. As it was in the brief time available I saw and chatted to the following people:
Wynne Barnes Calligraphy and Illumination (as well as beautiful cards and wonderful calligraphy and illuminations, Wynne has also written a fascinating book called "A Window into the World of Visual Communication" and did you know there was a Pencil Museum in the Lake District?); Pendle Witch T-Shirts - very spooky and just right for Halow'een but also to spread the word about the Pendle Witches - www.pendlewitchtshirts.co.uk) and Sandra Holmes coin purses, etc. at reddevil Crafts.
After a delicious lunch in the Ace Centre's lovely Bistro, we moved on to the Art and Vintage Market - again so much to see - here are just a few to whet your appetite:
Sam Amir Eastern Fashion Design (Sam is setting up shortly in Skipton and has some fantastic designs); Barbara at Not only but also; Ian McKay, beautiful hand made jewellery using lovely stones by Ati and Ayu; the most fascinating idea - Taxidermy design - Nicola Jayne Hebson - very original idea; Anita Burrows told us all about Arts on Prescription - courses to help people "make stuff - make friends and make life better" (far better that sitting watching the telly!); and MH creative vintage photography.
There are more vintage and retro events planned - have a look at www.craftyvintage.com
Thank you to all the wonderful staff at the Ace Centre, to all the people who submitted entries to the Open Art Exhibition and to everyone who had a stall at the Ace Centre and the Art & Vintage Market.
More info: http://www.pendlegallery.blogspot.co.uk/
Ice Hockey: Sheffield "Steel" Flyers Thunder
English National League Division 2 North
Fylde Flyers 2 - Sheffield Senators 12
Period Scores: 1-5, 0-2, 1-5
Shots On Goal: Flyers 77 - Sheffield 58
Penalties In Minutes: Flyers 72 - Sheffield 72
Flyers Scoring: Ric Hulme 2+0, Chris Butcher 0+1, Kurtis Hall 0+1
MVP:
Referees: Boynton & Liversedge
Attendance: 142
Flyers are away at Blackburn tonight (21st October).
Next home game: Saturday 27th October v Deeside Dragons at Sub Zero Ice Arena, Cleveleys - 5pm face off.
More info: www.fyldeflyers.co.uk
Photo by Lisa Jones
NWCFL: Nelson 0 - Daisy Hill 2
The opening goal after just 2 minutes came from a defensive mix-up and, from then on, Nelson were always on the back foot. A second goal just before half time sealed the points for the visitors but Nelson looked more solid defensively in the second half and went close to scoring themselves on several occasions.
More info: www.nwcfl.com
Pendle War Poetry Competition Prizegiving Evening
For full details of the prizewinners, visit the official website at www.pendlewarpoetry.com
Monday, 15 October 2012
Ice Hockey - Flyers Go To Hull And Back
English National League Division 2 North
Hull Stingrays 8 - Fylde Flyers 1
Period Scores: 4-0, 1-0, 3-1
Penalties In Minutes: Hull 58 - Flyers 32
Shots On Goal: Hull 44 - Flyers 21
Flyers Scoring: Grinbergs 1+0, Bracegirdle 0+1
Attendance: 81
Observations to follow....
Thursday, 11 October 2012
World Premiêre of "Inspector Norse" at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Monday 15th October Only
Showing Monday 15 October 2012 For ONE NIGHT ONLY!A Swedish self-assembly crime thriller.
It is bitter mid-winter. Ex-pop-star recluse Freya looks out of her log cabin at a rural winter scene. She smiles and turns back to her meatballs. But who is the stranger Nordic walking across the frozen wastes? In a fur hat. With a chisel. Days later a man is found dead in a barn nearby with a bizarre message carved on his forehead.
Enter Inspector Sandra Larsson in her authentic, rustic knitwear. With her own personal life unravelling before our eyes, it is up to her to follow the pattern of a mystery with many holes.
Cast on multi-award winning comedy duo LipService, Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding. Cast off your preconceptions as we weave a web of mystery that will leave your nerves jangling!
All seats £15
Call the box office on 01253 290190 or book online here: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/inspectornorse
For full UK tour dates, click here: http://www.lip-service.net/home
Best Kept Secrets Show on 103.2 Preston FM - 7pm Friday
In this week's show:
we'll be playing some tracks from the new Gary Moore "Legacy" retrospective CD
we talk to Christopher Lee Power (in photo with Lucy) about his new autobiography "Breaking Free"
we delve back into the archives for a Lancashire Tale from Marie Kershaw and do sone Desert Island Dancing with Gemma Bynert and Helen Harrison
and there are brand new releases from The Red Paintings and Ingrid Michaleson.
So join us from 7pm on Friday evening as we'll have something for everybody in our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show.
You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 FM in the local area or "listen live" worldwide over the internet at www.preston.fm
CD Release: "Legacy" by Gary Moore - 2CD Set - Out 15th October
Order link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legacy-Gary-Moore/dp/B0090VQYPK/ref=sr_1_7?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1349979413&sr=1-7Format: 2 x CD / Cat. No: MCDLX169 / Barcode: 5014797671690
Fact: Gary Moore (1952 – 2011) is widely acknowledged as one of the finest musicians that the British Isles has ever produced. An all round guitar great, he made his mark in the fields of rock, jazz and blues, gracing the line-ups of several highly regarded rock bands; Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II and Skid Row. With an incredibly successful solo career to boot he established himself as a world-class guitarist, with few equals.
This superb 32 track 2 x CD compilation entitled, ‘Legacy’ (released 15th October) via Music Club Deluxe, focuses on his prolific Eighties classic rock and Nineties blues periods, and includes many of his memorable chart hits along with key album tracks, duets, live tracks and rarities. Highlights of this compilation include a stunning live version of Moore’s first solo U.K. top ten hit, the atmospheric ballad, ‘Parisienne Walkways’ (1979) and the memorable chart anthems, ‘Empty Rooms’ (1984), Out In The Fields’ (1985), and ‘Over The Hills And Far Away’ (1986).
Born in Belfast, 1952, Moore first picked up a guitar when he was just eight years old and he would go on to be regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation commanding the respect and admiration of musicians around the world. In a remarkable career he would collaborate with a number of leading artists, including the Beach Boys, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrew Lloyd Webber and George Harrison of The Beatles. He received international recognition for his solo albums and toured throughout Europe and America with the likes of Frank Zappa, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and Canned Heat. He also shared the stage with blues and rock luminaries such as BB King and Albert King.
He began his musical career as a blues guitarist influenced chiefly by Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green and would first record with Dublin rockers Skid Row in 1968, before beginning an on/off relationship with Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy throughout the Seventies. He would go on to record numerous collaborations/solo records across various genres over the years although he will be best remembered during Eighties for his classic rock phase and the Nineties his blues period – the focus for this excellent collection of his work from those periods.
Included here is a rocky version of Free’s ‘Wishing Well’ taken from 1982’s, ‘Corridors Of Power’, ‘Oh Pretty Woman’ and ‘Walking By Myself’ both taken from ‘Still Got The Blues’ (1990) and the hit ballad ‘Empty Rooms’ from 1984’s ‘Victims Of The Future’. The Yardbirds cover ‘Shapes Of Things’ (1984) with Slade’s Noddy Holder on backing vocals also features along with ‘Out In The Fields’ (1985), a hit single, which saw Moore link up again with Lizzy/Skid Row pal Phil Lynott.
Other notable highlights include a live solo recording of ‘Nuclear Attack’ (1981) recorded with ELP bassist Greg Lake, the instrumental ‘The Loner’ (1987), the Easybeats’ ‘Friday On My Mind’ (1987), ‘Wild Frontier’ (1987), ‘Ready For Love’ (1988) and ‘After The War’ (1989). The BB King duet, ‘Since I Met You Baby’ (1992) along with ‘Need Your Love So Bad’ (1995) taken from the album, ‘Blues For Greeny’, both feature, the latter a tribute to early career mentor Peter Green. 1997’s highly autobiographical ‘Dark Days In Paradise’, believed to have been inspired by the end of his marriage is another highlight while ‘Beasts Of Burden’ is a rare single-only out-take from those sessions.
Gary Moore was on holiday in Spain’s Costa del Sol when he was found dead in a hotel room on 6 February 2011. He was 58. He leaves behind a huge hole for many, not just his close family and friends, but guitar fans around the world. His musicianship however lives on in this hugely enjoyable compilation.
We'll be playing some tracks from this great new compilation in our Best Kept Secrets In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM on Friday evening from 7pm. You can tune in on 103.2 FM in the local area or "listen live" worldwide via the internet at www.preston.fm
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Review: An Evening with the Gershwins and Cole Porter
Well, they weren't actually there of course, the event was presented by David Windle and Lynne Fox, but they would most definitely have approved. David played the piano and told us something of the lives of George and his brother Ira Gershwin and Cole Porter and Lynne Fox played the piano and sang. Lynne, who is bringing out a new CD any minute now, changed into several different costumes which were very stylish indeed.
As David pointed out, to play every single song and piece of music written by those composers would take at least a fortnight of non-stop playing - a real Marathon! On Saturday, David and Lynne presented a couple of songs new to us - "I've got a Crush on You"and "The Ship" - but otherwise all the old favourites were there and the church, which was full, was a lovely setting for the show. Had there been room, people would have got up and danced!
During the interval, we were treated to a cup of tea or coffee and some delicious biscuits in the Church Hall adjoining the Church and as we walked the few steps to the Hall, we noticed the sky was full of stars.
We were told the next event at the church will be a carol service with brass band - so check out their website for details.
Many thanks to the organisers and to David and Lynne for a most entertaining event. We hope they raised much-needed funds towards the refurbishment of the church.
For further information about St Teresa's Church, and/or to donate to the refurbishment, please see
www.st-teresas-church.co.uk
For further information about the Fylde Flyers Ice Hockey Team and/or to sponsor a player/join the Supporters' Club/ please see www.fyldeflyers.co.uk
For further information about David Windle and Lynne Fox's "Evening with the Gershwins and Cole Porter", or information about Lynne's new CD, please see www.lynnefox.co.uk
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Ice Hockey: Flyers Sink Stingrays In Seven Goal Thriller
English National League Division 2 North
Fylde Flyers 4 - Hull Stingrays 3
Period Scores: 1-1, 1-2, 2-0
Shots On Goal: Flyers 62 - Hull 63
Penalties In Minutes: Flyers 50 - Hull 28
Flyers Scoring: Andy Clark 3+1, Bobby Caunce 1+2, Mark Gillingham & Joe Charlton both 0+1
Flyers Penalties: Grinbergs 40, Melbourne, Etherington, Fearon, Charlton, Caunce all 2
Flyers MVP: Bobby Caunce
Referees: Boynton / Abbott
Attendance: 134
Well, this was the first match of the season that we were able to get to - and what a cracker it turned out to be!
Following on from last season, when they finished 4th in the league, I had expected a bit more "oomph" from the Hull team but you can only beat what is put in front of you and the Flyers got off to, well, a "flying" start with great opening goal from Andy Clark midway through the first period. Hull outshot the home side in the first period without necessarily looking too threatening and I felt that their equalising goal towards the end of the period came pretty much against the run of play at that time.
Flyers then found theselves with a 2 man advantage on the ice, a face off in the Hull blue zone and a minute to restore the lead before the buzzer. That play broke down, however, and the resolute Stingrays held out against the ever more offensive Flyers until another great strike from Clark broke the deadlock with a powerplay goal after 26 minutes. I fully expected the Flyers to, erm, fly away with the game from this point as they looked very confident and very much on top of things.
However, it only takes a matter of seconds to score in ice hockey, and Hull did just that - twice - before the end of the period to carry a rather unlikely 3-2 lead into the last third of the match.
The last period was excrutiatingly tense for anybody watching as the Flyers battered the Stingrays goal - outshooting the visitors 28 to 16. A Bobby Caunce powerplay goal after 43 minutes levelled the score and helped settle the nerves and then another Andy Clark goal - his third of the game - edged the home side back in front to the relief / joy of the home crowd some 10 minutes later and it was a matter of hanging on to that slender lead for the last 5 minutes.
On a slight negative note: I don't like to criticise any individual but, as a serious ice hockey writer and watcher of many years standing, I have to say that I was rather disappointed that a supposedly experienced and influential player like the Latvian Grinbergs should spend more time in the penalty box than in the game. He seems to have a bit of a history of picking up needless misconduct penalties and it is hard to understand how this early season tilt for the "Penalty King" title is helping his team mates while they battle it out on the ice trying to win matches.
Anyway, moan over with: In all this was a great game to watch and good advert for the game of ice hockey. A couple of friends who we have recently introduced to the game thought it was "absolutely brilliant" and are now both keen ice hockey and Fylde Flyers fans.
The Flyers are away to Hull next Sunday - 5pm face off - and a supporters coach is being run to the game.
The next Flyers home match: Saturday 20th October v Sheffield Senators - 5pm face off
More information: www.fyldeflyers.co.uk http://www.eiha.co.uk/Leagues/NationalNorth2.aspx
Photo by Lisa Jones
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Ice Hockey: Fylde Flyers Host Hull Stingrays - Saturday 5pm
The Flyers beat Lancashire rivals Blackburn Eagles 9-6 in an entertaining and "penalty rich" home game last Saturday before losing out 5-2 away at newly relegated Solihull Barons, who older fans may remember as being the "team to hate" back in their 1980s British League heyday...
The Flyers beat Hull in their last meeting in April - a comprehensive 9-3 home victory - but lost the other 3 matches against the Stingrays, so there will everything to play for and, as ever, lots of action to enjoy!
Fylde Flyers v Hull Stingrays at Sub Zero Ice Arena, Cleveleys.
Doors open at 4.30pm and the match faces off at 5pm.
To find out more about Fylde Flyers, check out the official website at: www.fyldeflyers.co.uk
Photo by Lisa Jones: Flyers in action away at Solihull
Listen Again: Christopher Lee Power Exclusive Interview
We also spoke to Christopher's wife Pauline about the show - and there's also a special bonus: Christopher Lee Power reciting Wilfred Owen's most famous war poem!
To Listen Again, simply click on the relevant sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):
Listen Again: Same Sex Dance Open Championship - Sugar Dandies Preview
Soren and Bradley are especially keen for local same sex couples to enter the competition, as well for members of the public to come along and watch.
To Listen Again, simply click on the relevant sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):
To find out more about the competition - or to book tickets or enter - visit the competition website at: www.samesexopen.co.uk
Listen Again: Charlotte Roberts Dance Interview
To Listen Again, simply click on the relevant sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):
To find out more about Charlotte's dance company, visit the website at: www.jigsawdance.co.uk
Monday, 1 October 2012
Review: DECADANCE at Blackpool Grand Theatre - 1st October 2012
Then the dancing started in earnest - first "4" to the music of "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi with additional music from Hilltop Hoods. As soon as the dancing began, I felt it was evocative of Charlotte Roberts' "body poetry" within the musical biography about Wilfred Owen "Bullets and Daffodils" and you could feel the influence of classical dance in the duet. The dance routines were almost playful. But make no mistake about it, there is nothing random about the brilliantly choreographed and executed dance routines served up by Decadancetheatre - it is very plain to see that a great deal of hard work goes into their performances and hours of classes and rehearsals, much the same as with any discipline. Here were inspirationally choreographed moves and carefully selected music to match the mood, cleverly highlighting the Circadian Rhythm of our human lives.
Next came "City Breathing: 2012 Remix" with Soloist Megan "Megz" Alfonso, which started with a film of the six Company members in New York. The dance suite began and ended with one solo dancer in front of four green lights and contained the most amazing 'electronic' dancing experience - with all the dancers mixing seemingly effortlessly in and out of their green silhouettes, lit, eerily on a dark stage, sometimes accompanying and sometimes leaving the soloist alone to music mixed by DJ Boo. Absolutely BRILLIANT!
Then came a short interval, during which one of those amazing Friends of the Grand volunteers (where would we be not only in Blackpool at the Grand Theatre, but in the UK as a whole without our army of wonderful, willing volunteers?) came round with 3D glasses for everyone and a gentle reminder to give them back at the end of the show.
Then came the 3D piece "When the Sky Breaks" which 'looks at the duality of water - an element that can replenish and renew as easily as it can destroy and erase' with music, special effects and dancing that were simply breathtaking. There was one sequence that was pure Catwalk magic. The distortion of the 3D glasses brought a surreal, "Chaplainesque" aspect to the movements on stage, melting and fusing into each other, co-ordinating with the backdrop and with the music with energy and vibrancy and a message that seemed to be saying "reach for the stars - anything is possible".
All in all this was a fantastic evening's entertainment and definitely worth stepping outside your comfort zone if you have never experienced contemporary dance or hip-hop. Sisters if you always thought that ballet and tutus was the only way to go dancewise (eat your heart out "Strictly") - think again! And if you are looking for a joyous expression of true liberation this is it!
Decadancetheatre bring a sensational new dimension to dance and it is very liberating indeed - giving one that magical tingly feeling that dance is within the grasp of everyone single one of us, no matter what our colour, creed, age, gender or physical form, in a similar sweep of emotion that we felt in the UK this summer with both of those Olympic Games.
Thank you to the Decadancetheatre Company for such a treat and to the Grand Theatre for providing the venue and everyone involved - behind the scenes as well as the sensational dancers - for a fantastic evening.
Decadancetheatre - for details of their UK Tour please see www.decadancetheatre.com - are DJ Boo (Filipino-American) Megan "Megz" Alfonso (America), Ann-Sylvia Clark (Norway) Taeko Koji (Japan), Georgina Philp (Netherlands), Adaku Utah (Nigeria) and Jennifer Weber (America) who is the founder and artistic director of the Company, and Doug Hunt (UK) - live sound engineer and theatrical lighting director.
Decadancetheatre were commissioned by the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal to create a new piece of work inspired by the Lake District landscape. For more information, please see www.breweryarts.co.uk
To book tickets for any of the Grand Theatre's events, please see their website - www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01253 290190.
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