Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival 2012 - 25/26th August 2012

The Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival.
Sounds quite grand. And, you know what? It is.
Yeah, I said it. I actually praised something that I didn't do. Get over it! I'm fair. I don't have to like it...
I have spewed an awful lot of bile, over the years I have lived in Congleton, criticising the council for being a shower of incompetent morons. I take none of that back, they were, are, and show every sign of continuing to be, a useless collection of corrupt idiots. At least they are not as stupid as the councillors in Blackpool...
Then again, I seriously doubt that the council had much to do with The Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival, other than getting an unfair share of the publicity and their name in the program.
But, enough curmudgeonly grumbling.
Sounds quite grand. And, you know what? It is.
Yeah, I said it. I actually praised something that I didn't do. Get over it! I'm fair. I don't have to like it...
I have spewed an awful lot of bile, over the years I have lived in Congleton, criticising the council for being a shower of incompetent morons. I take none of that back, they were, are, and show every sign of continuing to be, a useless collection of corrupt idiots. At least they are not as stupid as the councillors in Blackpool...
Then again, I seriously doubt that the council had much to do with The Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival, other than getting an unfair share of the publicity and their name in the program.
But, enough curmudgeonly grumbling.

Firstly, the organisers deserve a standing ovation. I doff my cap to you good people. Well done! To put together such an event is an outstanding achievement.
Secondly, none of this could be achieved without the participation of the local venues and the very talented local performers that came along and entertained us.
Thirdly, if you went and saw any of it for yourself, give yourself a pat on the back, too. Without the fans there would be no festival at all so, good on you for seeing what it was all about.
Secondly, none of this could be achieved without the participation of the local venues and the very talented local performers that came along and entertained us.
Thirdly, if you went and saw any of it for yourself, give yourself a pat on the back, too. Without the fans there would be no festival at all so, good on you for seeing what it was all about.

As with any festival, where there are multiple stages and/or venues, chances are, you can't get to see everything you want to. However, the organisers of this event are obviously sensible people. They organised a nice selection of compatible acts appearing across the town centre venues, with staggered start times, so you can catch a little bluegrass here, some jazz there and, a whole lotta R 'n' B all over everywhere. Give me an Amen! Brother! Oh Hell Yeah!
Thing is, it's not rocket science, just common sense, but the number of times it is completely forgotten, is astonishing.
Thing is, it's not rocket science, just common sense, but the number of times it is completely forgotten, is astonishing.

Over the weekend, it didn't matter where you went, there was just some damn fine music going on, all over the town. This should be what Congleton aspires to, the reason for people to come here. This direction is, in my opinion, the salvation of this town. More of this, is what is needed.
Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival 2012 is over. I wandered off home in the moonlight, contemplating the weekend. I love to knock things about this town, because I get frustrated seeing such a great, little town going to hell in a handbasket. But, I was left in no doubt that, after the last couple of days, events like Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival 2012 are essential to the future of the town. More of the same, please!
I have but one comment for next year. In some of the venues, the artists were not lit well, sometimes not even by a single 60 Watt bulb. Some of the punters might like to actually see the act.I understand keeping costs down but, it makes a big difference to the enjoyment level if you can see, as well as hear, the band.
Well done to everyone involved in realising this event. Outstanding selection of some exceptional artists, intelligent scheduling, a wide variety of great little venues made the whole event pleasurable, entertaining, and a whole lot of fun. I can hardly wait for next year.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
1st September 2012
Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival 2012 is over. I wandered off home in the moonlight, contemplating the weekend. I love to knock things about this town, because I get frustrated seeing such a great, little town going to hell in a handbasket. But, I was left in no doubt that, after the last couple of days, events like Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival 2012 are essential to the future of the town. More of the same, please!
I have but one comment for next year. In some of the venues, the artists were not lit well, sometimes not even by a single 60 Watt bulb. Some of the punters might like to actually see the act.I understand keeping costs down but, it makes a big difference to the enjoyment level if you can see, as well as hear, the band.
Well done to everyone involved in realising this event. Outstanding selection of some exceptional artists, intelligent scheduling, a wide variety of great little venues made the whole event pleasurable, entertaining, and a whole lot of fun. I can hardly wait for next year.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
1st September 2012