Fil's Frobbin'
LOCAL ROCK
Column


covering Local Music & Musicans


"Fil's Throbbing Column" looks good on paper but, in reality, Ely's "live music scene" is a serious business. The phrase itself is something of a misnomer, given the paucity of the subject and the short, and lazy, answer is - there isn't one.

Thank you, editor, that's a pint you owe me.
SPRING 2002 - The Summer of Music
Live music needs an audience to thrive and as most thriving seems to take place in the city's hostelries of a weekend they become a prime target for groups of musicians seeking to establish and sustain their art.

Of course, most of Ely's pubs were constructed when music was all about tunes, spoons and songs that even I am too young to remember. For youngsters weaned on MTV2, live music is a different beast. The ancient watering holes of my ancestors simply cannot cope, and those that are prepared to try find themselves hamstrung by regulations imposed to penalise any landlord brave enough to risk anyone spontaneously breaking into song, chorus or, possibly, wind without the correct licence application.

I confess I have never seen the logic in providing a platform for young musicians, via the well established annual rock competition, without any apparent provision to further the ambitions of the artists that it attracts, so [and those of you waiting for the plug can begin to relax, because here it comes] may I ask you to doff your hats toward Marcus Deaves, who is allowing this year's Ely Feast organisers to use the "PURE" venue in the Cloisters to promote live music once a fortnight, Thursday evenings.

Marcus has extended this invitation for five dates, after which the arrangement will be reviewed. I have no worries about finding the bands to fill these dates. My work with the Feast and its predecessor, Lammas 2001, has shown me there is a whole pool of talent just itching to get out there.

My concern is the venue's acoustics and so, with the aid of a couple of accomplices, we shall be giving these a thorough going over on Sunday morning. Those of you used to picking up your early morning paper from Waitrose might like to review the stores moshing policy.

Until then, then - Fil

ps. i do possess an actual throbbing column - it sits above three wheels on my front drive.

DELIVERS PROMISE AT LAST..!

L!VE MUS!C @
The Cloisters - Ely

Thursday May 2nd "Duvet"
May 16th "Realnumbers"
May 30th "JEFF"
June 13th "Mushroom Shed"
June 20th "John Beedle's Electric Boogie Band"

As well as fundraising for the feast it is intended that local groups and charities will benefit from these dates. funds raised from the first date will be split between The Feast and the Lily House Residential Home in Ely. funds from the second date will go towards The Feast and Highfields School.

I will forward further details, band biogs. etc as the dates approach. may i add that the first ely quiz night was a resounding success, £300 being raised. The St Patrick's knees up in Stretham with Entertainment from "Cooking with Sticks", "Roddy Steele and Andy Ross" PLUS "Butchers Brew" was also very sucessful. Many thanks from the Ely Feast organisers to all those involved for their enthusiasm and to everybody who attended these Fund Raising events..

- Please continue your crucial support by attending the Fund Raisers -

bye for now - Fil - Events Organiser
Volunteers Information
Contact - Phone Fil 01353 669718 - email

SPRING 2002 - The Summer of Music