Congleton Unplugged Festival 2014
February 28th - 2nd March 2014
Friday: Tres Amigos (EPH) / Phil Maddocks & Nick Bayes (Beartown Tap)
/ Oli Ng / Tailor Made (White Lion)
Saturday: Jake Leg Jug Band (Illucini's) / Elephant Parts (EPH)
Sunday: Beartown Stompers (YP) / Murphy's Marbles (White Lion)
Tres Amigos
When you write it down, it doesn't seem like I did that much over Congleton Unplugged weekend. My knees will argue that point with you, later. I did really want to see some of the acts, such as the wonderful Freddie Garner Quartet, Gregory S. Davies, and Last Call, but I physically couldn't get to where they were playing when they were on. Others, I made it to the venue in time, such as House of Cain. I was there, but couldn't see a damn thing. Hollie May, I wanted to catch at The Beartown Tap and I hiked all the way up there, only to find that she was running late, and I had to leave before she went on. Heidi Browne, I did see but, as good as she was it's not my kind of music so, I moved on. I did what I could but there was much to see and some pretty brisk walking between venues is involved.
If you want me to see you play, maybe take some great photos of you, I don't get paid for any of this so, convince me.
Phil Maddocks & Nick Bayes
Venues
STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS
The Electric Picture House is no longer the coldest place on the entire planet. OK, they have a noisy old jet engine in there to thaw the permafrost but, hey, it's warm! A nice space. Sound is not as bad as you would expect and it can be a little dark without the lights on. But, people who turn up there, want to see the performers and it's a nice atmos. Silver Star.
Illucini's. I could list all of its flaws and, there are a few, but we know that. Where it loses points for the acoustics (aye, and lighting, too) it more than makes up for with something else. I'm not sure it's ambience, warmth, or what but, every act I've seen there, I have really enjoyed. I can't really explain it. I just wish I could afford to eat there. Actually, I just wish I could afford to eat... Silver Star.
The White Lion and The Beartown Tap both have issues with putting on live bands and it is mainly down to space and being old buildings. That said, they care about the acts that they put on and they are warm, friendly, little venues that actively promote good, local artists. If it was me I'd look at having a bit of a move round of furniture but, hey, time, money, I know. Tough times. The music matters and that's what counts. Gold Star to each venue.
STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS | STOP PRESS
The Electric Picture House is no longer the coldest place on the entire planet. OK, they have a noisy old jet engine in there to thaw the permafrost but, hey, it's warm! A nice space. Sound is not as bad as you would expect and it can be a little dark without the lights on. But, people who turn up there, want to see the performers and it's a nice atmos. Silver Star.
Illucini's. I could list all of its flaws and, there are a few, but we know that. Where it loses points for the acoustics (aye, and lighting, too) it more than makes up for with something else. I'm not sure it's ambience, warmth, or what but, every act I've seen there, I have really enjoyed. I can't really explain it. I just wish I could afford to eat there. Actually, I just wish I could afford to eat... Silver Star.
The White Lion and The Beartown Tap both have issues with putting on live bands and it is mainly down to space and being old buildings. That said, they care about the acts that they put on and they are warm, friendly, little venues that actively promote good, local artists. If it was me I'd look at having a bit of a move round of furniture but, hey, time, money, I know. Tough times. The music matters and that's what counts. Gold Star to each venue.
Beartown Stompers
With the exception of The Beartown Stompers, I avoided The Young Pretender. The acoustics are atrocious, the lighting is insultingly pitiful, and the ambient noise from the patrons, whilst performers are playing, is unacceptable. It may be a good drinking hole, with some great [albeit, expensive] brews but, as far as music is concerned, I feel that the management puts bands on merely to entice customers in, to spend money on beer; the music is an afterthought. I appreciate the business aspect but it is clear that the music is a ploy to get people in, not provide a serious music venue for Congleton. If it was, it would have more than a 60 watt light bulb for lighting, they would try and do something to improve the sound, and they would make a serious attempt to provide a decent stage area that doesn't make bands feel like they were busking in the street; an austere and unwelcoming environment.
Well done to Vince Cutcliffe, James Byrne, and Jake Rayner for pulling together a really interesting, varied, and thoroughly entertaining line-up of bands for our pleasure. As always, there is not the time to see everything but, what it does give you is the opportunity to sample some things you know, try out some you don't, and discover things you never even knew you'd like. It's always a blast and we should consider ourselves fortunate to have access to this kind of event. For a town the size of Congleton, we have a disproportionate number of talented musicians, songwriters, artists, and creative types. For these events to prosper and continue, the organisers have to do their part but they rely on patronage and support from venues and people attending. If people don't go, it will cease to be an option. The events are well attended but we need to spread the word that Congleton is THE place to come for all things of a Bohemian nature. Don't just read this piece and say' 'Yeah!' Go and spread the word! The way I see it, this kind of event is a big part of this former mill town's future. I appreciate Congleton's past but it is the future that will affect everyone.
Mark L. Potts
8th March 2014
Mark L. Potts
8th March 2014