30th May     "Oh residents, where wert thou?"      Report by Robin

For the second time this month, the leopards had escaped from Orpington, this time making a Pig's Ear of things down near Edenbridge. So, I was entrusted with the display board and "the basket".

I'd received an email from Sue saying that the scheduled guest, J.P. Slidewell, couldn't make it as he was ill and so it was going to be a Singers' evening. When I arrived, Ralph, the host for the evening, had already set out the room for a guest singer as he didn't know about the cancellation. We decided to leave chairs and tables as they were rather than start rearranging them. By about 8:50 there was a reasonably sized audience, but only Ralph, myself and Peter as performers. Ralph was somewhat concerned as he had only prepared a couple of songs! The number of performers improved slightly when Mark nipped back home to get his guitar and we persuaded Kevin to sing some of his blues songs using Peter's guitar - but that was as good as it got. Ralph started us off with the two he had actually intended to do, then the rest of us pitched in with three songs in the first session we all did two more in the second. The audience seemed not to mind that some of the songs were less than perfectly rehearsed and there was a very pleasant and supportative atmosphere all evening. So, a big "thank you" to all the audience members for making a rather 

tricky situation for the singers turn out so enjoyably.

Thanks Robin, and sorry Ralph. I spent all week trying to phone Chris and Mo because I was convinced that Mo was hosting the evening. We had a great time at PigFest although the camping field for the performers resembled Glastonbury! Sue

 

Friday June 6th Steve O'Kane and Fiona McBain

 

A pair of rhyming guests, Steve and Fiona played to a very appreciative audience, including some faces new to OFF. Steve writes his own songs, which he accompanies with some skillful guitarwork. Fiona adds vocals, and percussion on shaky eggs. An accomplished acapella singer, she sang several traditional numbers, often accompanied by Steve. Memories flooded back of the days when they were performers of traditional music, and, judging by the enjoyment given, they will certainly do more traditional material in future. That takes nothing from Steve's songwriting. His songs are beautifully written and performed. They have been coming to OFF for a good number of years, and left us wanting more. Roll on the next gig!

Friday June 13th  Ralph Henning. What a good night you missed by not coming down to OFF! We put the low turnout down to live cricket, football, rugby, and tennis, all on tonight. Ralph was absolutely wonderful, and gave us several new songs, as well as several old favourites. Mo did a great job of hosting. The floor spots were, Mo, TDL, Robin, and Jan Henning. Next Friday, Trevor and I will be at Knockholt, leaving Robin in charge, hosting a singaround instead of a guest, and writing the review.

Friday 20th June. I let Robin off. as we didn't go to Knockholt, due to being slightly poorly pussycats. Good thing we did turn up, or the evening may have been cancelled! Eventually, there were 8 performers and one audience member. We sang mainly contemporary songs, as we  were just entertaining ourselves.Let's hope that there's a better turnout for Rosa's Daughters this Friday.

 

Friday June 27th. Rosa's Daughters.

Doug was at a business dinner this evening, so TDL took over as hosts. We arrived to find that seats had been put out, and there were a fair number of people sitting on them.Great to see Suzi's husband, Ian looking so well after his heart surgery. There was a lot of catching up to do, so we started at 8.45. Ben joined us for 2 songs, then perfoprmed one solo, before Rosa's took to the stage. Their mew member. Ju;ia joined them in some of the songs. She has a great voice, which blends well in harmony with Suzi and Marie. After the break there were spots from Chris and Mo , Andy and Barry,before the girls' second set.(Robin was absent, but had  sent a note).

Andy found Barry on You Tube. He plays electo violin and complements Andy very well. Some times they are a trio with the addition of Les Elvin on bass. Rosa's second set flew by, as all good evenings seem to do.  See you all next Friday for The Kent Carters!

Friday July 4th - The Kent Carters

I couldn't let the fourth of July go past without having some traditional American music. In the past we have had bluegrass bands - notably Monroe's Revenge. Rick Townend is now with the Kent Carters - a tribute band to the Carter Family. Rick plays A.P, Jane plays Sarah, and Jill plays Maybell. They gave us a splendid evening which was both entertaining, and educational. Ralph hosted, and the floor singers were, TDL, Robin, Norcsalordie, and Doug.

July11th Sue's Bus Pass Birthday.  A terrific night with a host of guest performers. There will be details posted on Sue's Bus Pass Birthday Page.

Next week, Trevor, Ben, and I will be having a night off, as we have been booked to support Jackie Oates at The Goose is out, at East Dulwich Tavern. The club books it's floor acts, and we, and Drohne will be playing. Robin, over to you for the review of July 18th.