Northern Monkey Brass Band @ The British Science Festival.

Graham Hardy (trumpet), Alastair Lord (trumpet), Sue Ferris (tenor saxophone), David Grey (trombone), Don Fairley (trombone), Phil Rosier (tuba), Brendan Murphy (bass drum, Nik Alevroyiannis (snare drum) + assorted university student boffins.

(Review by Russell)

The 2013 British Science Festival has taken over Newcastle city centre this last week or so. The closing outdoor event at Grey’s Monument involved university science students and an endangered species – the Northern Monkey Brass Band. The boffins conducted experiments (the Northern Monkeys weren't harmed) with the participation of budding school student scientists and curious passers-by.

Laboratory (home made) instruments (musical as opposed to scientific) were handed out. Blown, they resembled the annoying vu vu zela (FIFA 2010 World Cup) and the equally annoying kazoo. The purpose? Hmmm, something to do with sound waves and vibrations (cue the Northern Monkeys’ take on the Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations). Sue Ferris’  tenor blew, Alastair Lord’s trumpet shook Earl Grey’s Monument to its foundations and David Grey’s trombone sent the tumbleweed tumbling down Grey Street.

The Northern Monkeys are the A-Team at an event like this; percussionist Brendan Murphy led a conga dance, rhythm partner Nik Alevroyiannis kept it bang on and tuba star Phil Rosier funked this way then that. Veteran ‘bone man Don Fairley enjoyed it all and Monkey in Chief Graham Hardy couldn't have been happier with the street crowd response. The band packed-up quickly, no monkeying around, and dashed off to Matfen for a gig in Matfen Church. If you’re in that neck of the woods - up in the trees or wherever – call in and hear the great Northern Monkey Brass Band.   

Russell.