Martin Carthy at The Cumberland Arms 7th March 2016

Posted on March 10, 2016

@folkastro
A legend of folk music appeared at the legendary Cumberland Arms in Byker on a cold Monday night in March and it was a sell out; no standing room even!
What a treat it was for the assembled crowd; it’s like watching a human folk computer at work trying to select a personal set for the night for the throng; no pre-loaded set list here.
It worked.  The highlight being The Famous Flower of Serving Men.  Martin’s phraseology and knowledgeable musical storytelling being such a delight it entrances the audience.  A wonderfully humble set to a mixed age audience such is his attraction ad one of the true masters of folk music heritage; or as he says himself this living and vibrant music of our isles.  This was a long overdue chance to see him; and it will be long remembered.
@gerry0504
Legend is an overused word in the music industry but Martin Carthy is the genuine article.
I first saw him some 40+ years ago with electric- folk pioneers, Steeleye Span, then later as a solo artist.
He may be a #NationalTreasure, albeit a somewhat spiky one,  but he played 2 sets with consummate ease,  casual, informative delivery & trademark staccato guitar style.
Highlight for this #Gadgee was the performance of:”Famous Flower of Serving Men”
which encapsulated his pre-eminence as a  researcher, performer and  interpreter of traditional material.
For once, #Gadgees were in similar company, beards but not hipster ones, and many younger fans too:
@paulsmithmusicIn the presence of greatness tonight at @thecumby - Martin Carthy is the best: pic.twitter.com/gNWBDiP3JF
@Gerry0504Saw a #legend of folk music 2nite, #MartinCarthy @thecumby, artistry, warmth & humanity @folkastro @alphaspud pic.twitter.com/66yWEhIMAp
 @alphaspudA night of superb music in great little intimate venue

Otava Yo at The Sage Gateshead Friday 4th March 2016

Posted on March 7, 2016
Firstly, The Gadgees must commend Making Tracks for yet another memorable gig in their World Music series:
“Making Tracks brings brand new music from the far-flung corners of the world to YOU and YOUR local music venue.
From the almost classical to the hot and groovy, from the big and bold to the small and intimate – here at Making Tracks we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest for the world’s most exciting new music.
The best music you have never heard of – coming soon to a venue near YOU.
http://www.makingtrackslive.org.uk/
Having seen the video clip on The Sage website & heard Otava Yo in session on Lopa Kothari’s excellent World on 3 programme, the Gadgees expectations were high & Otava Yo delivered in spades.
From the outset, the audience responded to the vitality, artistry, humour, harmonies & sheer professionalism emanating from the stage. They were rewarded with a splendid & joyful evening’s entertainment.
@Gerry0504:
Vibrant #OtavaYo @sage_gateshead @makingtracks_uk delicious harmonies, verve, wit & huge warmth @alphaspud
As an added bonus, the lead singer had the look of a young Bob Harris about him:
@Gerry0504 :
& a young @WhisperingBob up front? #OtavaYo @sage_gateshead @makingtracks_uk @folkastro @alphaspud splendid gig! Ty pic.twitter.com/wVhbVj
@alphaspud:
@Gerry0504 @sage_gateshead @makingtracks_uk @alphaspud
Totally hooked from the start,suberb gig, great musicianship

#DeathAtDawn by Peter Mortimer at The Discovery Museum 26/02/16

Posted on February 27, 2016
#Gadgees attended this revival of Peter Mortimer’s 2014  play about William Hunter, a North Shields WW1 soldier , executed for desertion, in the splendid setting of Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.
After leaving his North Shields home & girlfriend, our  amorous, itinerant hero, Hunter, arrives in Liverpool via Montreal to join a first world war fab four to fight in the trenches.
The minimalist set, sparse sound effects, provide a vivid platform  for the Cloud Nine theatre company to give a memorable performance of the themes of love & death.
A fitting tribute to the original director, Jackie Fielding, who died, aged 47, in spring 2015.
@Gerry0504

#TheGatedCommunity at Alphabetti Theatre Newcastle 20th February 2016

Posted on February 25, 2016
#Gadgees enjoyed their visit to the newly revamped Alphabetti Theatre for this Handheld Arts production of #TheGatedCommunity.
The presentation & feel reminded me of Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected
@folkastro
@Alphabetti @HandheldArts @Gerry0504 projected cutout images – memories of play as a child – brought to life by Gated Community. Wonderful.
@Gerry0504
@Alphabetti @HandheldArts #TheGatedCommunity macabre, comic & chilling tales told with simple panache & great verve

Anda Union

Posted on February 10, 2016
We saw Anda Union, Mongolian Band, at The Sage Gateshead last Friday, not really knowing what to expect.
A vibrant traditional band gave a thoroughly entertaining gig with vocal & visual delights & great humour. Each member introduced songs of nostalgia from their locality with famous polyphonic vocals & some great horse riding tunes. The traditionally dressed vocalists provided humorous songs with a Country & Western feel, quite a feat.
Catch them if you can ! href=”http://gerry.blog.com/files/2015/12/image1.jpg”>

2016 Upcoming gigs Newcastle

Posted on January 22, 2016
http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/vieux-farka-toure-and-julia-easterlin-present-touristes/
Vieux Farka Toure Saturday 30th January, 2016. 8pm Tickets £15-£17.
Anda Union, Mongolia
Friday 5th February, 2016. 8pm
Tickets £15-£17
Otava Yo, Russia
http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/otava-yo/
Tickets £14.50
Friday 4th March, 2016. 8pm
http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/folkworks-one-night-in-gateshead-the-elliots-the-doonans-the-unthanks-and-the-wilsons/
Thursday 7th April, 2016. 7.30pm, £16
https://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/get-carter
12-18/2/2016 Get Carter
https://www.ents24.com/newcastle-upon-tyne-events/the-cumberland-arms/martin-carthy/4606025
Cumby Monday 7th March
Send me more gigs. Let me know if you want tickets.
Reviews & photos to follow.

Family Gig

Posted on January 3, 2016
I’m organizing a family outing to see The Unthanks gig at the Sage:
http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/folkworks-one-night-in-gateshead-the-elliots-the-doonans-the-unthanks-and-the-wilsons/
Grandad is up for this; Marie & John are confirmed.
Anyone wanting to attend, please contact me & I’ll book tickets.
Reply by next weekend please so I can book Grandad friendly seats.