(Preview by Russell)
This year’s Darlington Rhythm and Blues Festival is as
big, and arguably better, than ever before. Sunday’s day-long event takes place
in the town’s Market Square and in many of the friendly pubs in the immediate vicinity.
A multi-venue blues festival is a rarity and here it is in the north east of
England.
Topping the bill on the Market Square stage is the
Mick Ralphs Band (4:00pm). Some will be attracted by Ralphs’ Mott the Hoople
connection, others will be elsewhere. For instance, Bishop FM’s blues DJ Gary
Grainger will be playing his own set at the same time around the corner at the
Voodoo Café on Skinnergate. The duo of Lee Bates and Billy Newton will be well
into their set (2:30pm) at the Boot ‘n’ Shoe and Leeds City Stompers stomp-off
at three thirty in the Pennyweight.
The Mentulls kick-off the day’s music at one o’clock
in the Market Square and it’ll be half past eight when the final sets get under
way – the Andy Power Band will be in the Green Room on Tubwell Row and Kung Fu
Blues will knock you for six in the Camra award-winning Quakerhouse in
Mechanics’ Yard. The latter venue is certain to be full long before the Kung Fu
boys hit the stage. Preceding their set will be Groove-a-matics featuring
Johnny Whitehill (guitar) and Mick Cantwell (sax & vocals). You won’t hear
anyone better than Groove-a-matics. They’re on at five, start queuing about
now.
Regular visitor to Darlington, Eugene ‘Hideaway’
Bridges, plays the Market Place stage at half past two and at seven Howlin’
Matt shouts at the moon in the Voodoo Café. The festival runs across ten venues
including the Dolphin Centre and the Hole in the Wall. A day of rhythm ‘n’
blues from the Missisippi Delta to Chicago to Darlo. Sunday 13th.
Russell.
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