Just back from two nights in Norwich, a trip based around the Robert Cray Band gig at the Theatre Royal in Norwich. One of the giants of modern day blues and R&B, we’ve only seen him once before and that was as support to Clapton at the latter’s annual Albert Hall residence.
redandwhiterag
Replaced En-Suite Bombshell
News to shock the establishment to the core and undoubtedly frighten the horses. The Redandwhite Rag’s residence has undergone some improvement in the shape of a completely new en-suite bathroom. This would be of major news import if, of course, there weren’t one or two other things going on in the wider world at the moment. But, for an admittedly very small number indeed, this was a …
Conflicted by Corbyn
Watching the race for the leadership, you couldn’t really be less than impressed by the Labour party’s ability to make something ostensibly so straightforward a little bit of a mess. But, even allowing for the accusations of ‘infiltration’ in registrations – from the left if anti-Corbyn and from the right if, let me see, anti-Corbyn, the margin of the man’s victory is still astounding.
Last Minute Sunderland trip – August Bank Holiday
A flying visit to Sunderland for Denise on Bank Holiday weekend, to be at the official opening of the new Keel Square and the Propeller monument structure. Inspired by Sunderland’s shipbuilding and industrial heritage, the maritime-themed art feature is set to be a new focal point for the city and will host a number of events in the future. The Propellers of the City sculpture …
Sunderland Sojourn – August 2015
Just back from a short trip back to the North East, combining a three day stay with Scott and Ginnette and a three night break in Durham. Astonishingly, blessed with reasonable weather throughout. Never needed a coat, unheard of in this part of the country (unless you’re a Newcastle supporter of course)!
Paul Carrack – 24th July 2015
A rare Friday night foray out into the metropolis that is Bury St. Edmunds to see Paul Carrack at the Apex. Mucky weather but suitably sustained with pre gig food and drink we settled down for what we hoped would be an excellent evening.
Maverick Festival 2015
Spent yesterday on our annual pilgrimage to the Maverick festival at Easton Farm Park. This is a Friday evening to Sunday mid afternoon celebration of Americana although, as has become the norm, we decided to only go for the full Saturday line-up (after promising yet again we would go for the full three days).
Puglia, Italy
Just back from a lovely week touring the Puglia region of Italy. Although this was an escorted coach tour and there were around fifty on the trip, it proved to be a reasonably relaxed affair. Normally, this type of travel would not be a preferred option for an old grump like me!
A London Three Nighter
Just back from three nights in London, which culminated in the Leadbelly Fest at the Albert Hall on Monday night. Managed to fit in a couple of other events while we were there, just for good measure.
B.B. King RIP
I rgemember I bought my first B.B. King LP (yes it was vinyl) in around 1974 or so. It was called “Lucille Talks Back” and was probably some kind of hybrid UK release, as I’ve never seen it on any official discography. The LP singlehandedly generated my life long love of the blues.
Otis Grand at the Apex
Caught Otis Grand and band at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds last night. Worried that at 7.25pm he was going to be playing to a largely empty hall, but then within the next five minutes it was virtually full – Apex regulars know how to time their pre-gig drinks!
Continuing Care – Part 2
When we got back from Japan, we had a letter waiting for us outlining the result of the Independent Review Panel that we attended in Leeds back in March. I may have remarked at the time that it had taken over two years and a lot of hard work (and much detailed analysis from Denise) and frustration to get to the IRP and challenge the Clinical Commissioning Group’s decision that my mother did not have a primary health need.