Spirit of the South © All Rights Reserved.
Site designed and Maintained by Justine
This years spirit festival was such an amazing day, a far cry from the event that must not be mentioned last year. Once set up and sound checked, the $ilver dollar partners took to the floor to get us warmed up, their half hour followed by Jenny Rockett's linedance workshop got the crowd motivated and ready for the day ahead. First up were trio Muddy Boots made up of Dave Montana, Chris Mezza and Richard Edlin, all excellent performers who are like the bad boys of country music. With no nonsense real true grit country music you can get your teeth into, well dressed in Gambler jackets, plus mixed vocals make every song unique, outstanding guitar work and banter gives these boys a certain something that the audience really loved. Broadcaster took the second and fourth slot and what a show they gave, with some great modern country tracks they were relaxed and happy and sang in good harmony. I am a real fan of Broadcaster, and have been for some time. Pete's vocals always make me want to stop and listen, now with Graham on lead guitar its a first class show. It just a shame Pete dragged me onto the stage to join them in the Eagles track "How long" I actually saw people leaving with ears bleeding.. About 5'oclock, we took a intermission giving the bands time to change over for the evening. But the music doesn't stop, as long as there are dancers in the room, Jo Freeman who was our Dj for the day, took requests and kept the floor full whilst the stage was being cleared. She did a great job, mixing old and new dances whilst avoiding anything that bands would sing live. I must however mention the one track of the event that I think everyone managed to sing "ride the river" it another marmite song! (some love it, some hate it). Me? I'm not telling, I have taught it in my classes so that's good enough. On with the evening, another dance from both instructors, to welcome everyone back from the changing rooms, and how great everyone looks dressed up nice for the evening. It is something I love about all day events, during the day we all wear our smart comfortable, casual wear. Then during the break a transformation and all of a sudden everyone looks totally different. its also nice if you cant decide on an outfit for the day, bring two and swap, I should do that at our socials, just for fun.
Gemma Fairweather took to the stage for her first set, wow what a woman not a bad word to say, she looks amazing, as always and with crisp clear vocal, every song sounds fantastic. Gemma can change her set to the needs of the club, She can play 100% country for some clubs and all the modern dance tracks for others. For us she mixed it up, with older numbers like, 'Patient heart' followed by brand new tracks like 'Catch the rain'
Glenn Rogers entertained us with a brief solo slot, which was again brilliant, showing off some of his brand new material, I am pleased to say it was like the old Glenn Rogers we all remember, funny and outrageous as ever but geared up for the dancers with new tracks like, 'Inside out' 'Rolling with the flow' 'Duck Soup' and 'Fire on ice' good to have you back at the club Glenn.After Gemma's Second set and a Huge raffle all thanks to many donations from lots of the attendants. we were ready for the final act of the day 4 Card Trick. This was the bands first visit to Kent, I am sure after this show it wont be their last. good solid drum beat supplied by Jon Keys, base and lead guitar work was from, Ian Walton and Nashfeel Artists very own Les Evans. with Mr. Glenn Rogers taking his place in lead vocals. this band are going to be one to watch out for, their modern country set was outstanding top class and great to see, all smartly dressed with matching outfits, and a good mix of vocals. 4 Card Trick have a brand new album out as well which is available on their website for those of you not convinced, its worth a look. I also have to say that although its Glenn Rogers standing at the front of the stage, it is definitely Jon Keys who controls the show. As we all know Glenn can sometimes chat a little and gets carried away, but we all laughed as, when Jon gets fed up listening to him, he starts to drum out the intro for the next song, to cheers from the audience, we love you Glenn and now I think the boys are gonna keep you in line. Good luck with the band we will be seeing you all again real soon.I would like to say a huge thank you to Scott Vallance, and all the team at NAM for looking after me this year, and every year. Without such professional support from all of you, the Spirit of the South would not be here today, its is always a pleasure working with you. Also like to say thanks to Chelsea Artists all the acts, my friends and family, and everyone who came along on the day which helped to make our 2008 festival one that people will be talking about for quite a time to come, and with good reason too.
Gemma Fairweather took to the stage for her first set, wow what a woman not a bad word to say, she looks amazing, as always and with crisp clear vocal, every song sounds fantastic. Gemma can change her set to the needs of the club, She can play 100% country for some clubs and all the modern dance tracks for others. For us she mixed it up, with older numbers like, 'Patient heart' followed by brand new tracks like 'Catch the rain'
Glenn Rogers entertained us with a brief solo slot, which was again brilliant, showing off some of his brand new material, I am pleased to say it was like the old Glenn Rogers we all remember, funny and outrageous as ever but geared up for the dancers with new tracks like, 'Inside out' 'Rolling with the flow' 'Duck Soup' and 'Fire on ice' good to have you back at the club Glenn.After Gemma's Second set and a Huge raffle all thanks to many donations from lots of the attendants. we were ready for the final act of the day 4 Card Trick. This was the bands first visit to Kent, I am sure after this show it wont be their last. good solid drum beat supplied by Jon Keys, base and lead guitar work was from, Ian Walton and Nashfeel Artists very own Les Evans. with Mr. Glenn Rogers taking his place in lead vocals. this band are going to be one to watch out for, their modern country set was outstanding top class and great to see, all smartly dressed with matching outfits, and a good mix of vocals. 4 Card Trick have a brand new album out as well which is available on their website for those of you not convinced, its worth a look. I also have to say that although its Glenn Rogers standing at the front of the stage, it is definitely Jon Keys who controls the show. As we all know Glenn can sometimes chat a little and gets carried away, but we all laughed as, when Jon gets fed up listening to him, he starts to drum out the intro for the next song, to cheers from the audience, we love you Glenn and now I think the boys are gonna keep you in line. Good luck with the band we will be seeing you all again real soon.I would like to say a huge thank you to Scott Vallance, and all the team at NAM for looking after me this year, and every year. Without such professional support from all of you, the Spirit of the South would not be here today, its is always a pleasure working with you. Also like to say thanks to Chelsea Artists all the acts, my friends and family, and everyone who came along on the day which helped to make our 2008 festival one that people will be talking about for quite a time to come, and with good reason too.