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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Moseley Day 2 - Part 1

Phew! It is really humid - there are thunderstorms forecast for later today - I forgot to bring my rain jacket - it is (I hope it is still there) lying in the back seat of the car - and of all things - wait for it, Mr Amateur Photographer . . . . yes, you guessed - did not remember to bring his camera . . . lol

I'm in a dilemma - should I nip into TK-Max and buy a cheap rain jacket or just weather the storm so to speak . . . possible scenarios - I don't buy and it rains the way it did in Dublin - I'll be a drowned rat . . . I buy it and of course nothing happens - could use it to sit on anyway on the grass . . .the other scenario is of course a hybrid of the above two . . . hmmm decisions decisions . . . I suppose I'll get one TK is on my way to the bus stop anyway . . . this humidity kills me . . . I can't adjust the oom temperature - can increase the fan though . . .

James is coming round in about 20 minutes - I gave him a DVD to watch - will be interested to see what he made of it

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Moseley Report back - day 1

Well today was day 1 - two performers who really stood out for me today 1) Peter Moran - who in a way reminded me of a young Elvis Costello - he had a very natural and comfortable stage manner . . . and confident in what he was doing - without being in your face . . . really enjoyed his set . . . he had everyone going


and then not long thereafter 2) Chris Wood a traditional folk artist - just himself and acoustic guitar a master story-teller in his own right as each song is much more than just a pretty melody - I obviously could not hear everything he was singing - but I was impressed enough to make a special not to explore his CD's and I think it will not be long before I add one to my collection - listen to his 'Come down Jehova'



Other than this - James my mate - met me at the station and we dumped my stuff in the room and we wet out for a few beers . . . managed to see a wee bit of Birmingham last night . . .

This morning it was breakfast and then out to get the bus (number 50) to Moseley . . this is one of the most regular busses in Birmingham . . Moseley is Birmingham's West End basically . . . the festival is held in a private park which the festival organisers hire for the occasion - they are only allowed to sell 2500 tickets - it is quite a small area and quite intimate . . . very family orientated - which gave it a nice feel - a real mixture of ages and lots of kids running around . . . plenty of beer and quite a few food stalls / etc.,

Met a guy called Steve who is originally from Moseley but now works in Shropshire . . .nice bloke - and we took it in turns throughout the day watching each others stuff and spot . . and proceeded to have quite a few beers together - which was nice as then had someone to talk to . . . we were able to discuss the artists bands etc., - another 2 bands that I enjoyed were The Destroyers - I think more for their energy than anything else - they are like a 15 piece traditional Yiddish band . . . every song is like a rock opera . . . . with titles like 'Methusula the Mouse' 'The Glass Coffin' - watch and judge for yourself . . click on the little arrow at the bottom NOT on the screen (they both work but the large arrow launches another screen and you'll have 2 versions running and they are just slightly out of synch - they are not that busy . . . on stage they are just as energetic . . .




The other band was Bee - who are quite a popular band - also a bit on the quirky side - they have had a hit single 'A Minha Menina'



Apart from this the highlight act ho was very good is Jose Gonzalez . . .


now for bed . . .

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Moseley here I come -

Exciting news I am off to Moseley (Birmingham) Folk Festival the end of this month - to wet your appetite - some of the performers . . . . just a wee sample . . . lol

Moseley folk festival