Mickeyboro

Some smashing gig reports and stunning photos ; keep em coming folks!👏

The ones we have done ticketed have been a 50-50 split and 65-35 after deduction of costs which probably comes to about the same thing. So there are rewards, but in publicity terms we had to work hard to get them.

We are looking for ticketed gigs since we find people pay more attention to us when they e paid for the privilege!

Who are you playing with Steve?

A first gig of the year at an award-winning Glamping site in deepest Dorset. We - the Otis Jay Blues Band - had to tweak our repertoire to include more danceable/recognisable stuff as the glampers have come for a good time. Hence a closing Mustang Sally with three young ladies around the mic adding the responses! (Sadly not pictured…) The applause sounded tumultuous, though that was clearly assisted by downpours onto the clear plastic covering of the bar. Only mystery to be solved was why four cop cars and a paddywagon turned up during set two. A Blues Brothers moment😂 Gear: Flea Jazz, Elf, 2xBarefaced One10.

Wasn’t Chinn and Chapman, but Mike Leander…

Went and formed a band with a similar line-up after seeing them at Hammersmith Palais! Fabulous.

James is hilarious! Was he looking okay? Hasn’t been well of late.

A three-band bill of folk (State of Undress), blues (my own Otis Jay Blues Band) and Americana (World Gone Wrong) at New Milton’s Forest Arts Centre. Capacity audience of 125, which is gratifying. Sound technician Alice did a brilliant job considering the variety of instruments involved. A super fun evening, and though we had a few duff intros - new drummer’s first gig - no one seemed to mind. Photos show me having foolishly raced to the top of the theatre with Sandberg in hand, and descending rather more gingerly… Love to take this package to other venues - suggestions gratefully received.

It’s all looking good at present. Only 12 out of 100 tickets to sell before Thursday. Fingers crossed!

Lindisfarne. Original bassist Rod Clements the only survivor - now on guitar - but Dave Hull- Denholm, the late Alan’s son in law, to right of pic, was the star.

I am sure he must, Pete - but I know his book upset Donal Gallagher so wondered if there was any legal undertaking… seems unlikely, but people can be petty!

What I didn’t expect about Band of Friends was that not once in the evening was Rory’s name mentioned! Any idea why?

Good to see Keith’s cab serving you well!

I have just put together an ‘Evening of Folk, Blues and Americana’, happening at a local arts centre on Thursday. I chose two other acts I felt were compatible with my own Otis Jay Blues Band. We shall see how it all works - no idea if they have sold any tickets. Any tales of doing this kind of thing?

I lost a brother called Julian - but losing a child is another dimension of grief. Sending warmest wishes from Southbourne.

It is the venue, the Poole Hill Brewery! have edited to make clear.

Central Bournemouth show at the Poole Hill Brewery, one of the best live venues. First of three bookings this year for the Otis Jay Blues Band. Sparsely populated to start with (playing 3-6) but fuller later. Had our original guitarist come visit - he isn’t in the best of health now - and was good to see him. Audience changed halfway with an influx of would-be dancers so had to change set 3 to suit, but few noticed the repeats! Played my Flea through an Elf and two Barefaced One10. While I’ve played the venue with one cab, the sound is so much better I’m a two-cab man now!