News (Gigs and Gossip)
15th-16th July - SPARKLE Festival, Canal Street, Manchester
The Burlesque Boys (one of Ian's stage shows) will be headlining at the
international SPARKLE festival in Manchester.
9th-10th June - Twyford Beer Festival
ian has agrred to organise the music/ entertainment for this years festival again.
He will be performing and hosting at the event for the ORCHID cancer charity. His band
The Black Diamonds Skiffle band will also be in the line-up together with Liverpool's
Gerry Murphy and Ska tribute 'The Skangsters'. Details to follow.
2nd - 6th May - Reading Real Ale Festival
Ian is helping behind the scenes at the forth largest Real Ale
festival in the UK.
29th February - Equalities Committee Meeting - Birmingham
Ian will be fullfilling his role as Chair-person for the first Musicians' union Equalities
Committee meeting of 2012.
1st February - Folk, Roots & Traditiion Music Committee meeting - Birmingham
Recently voted onto the F.R.T.M national Musicians' union Sub-committee, Ian will attending
his first meeting at the MU HQ in Birmingham, with Black Diamond drummer/washboard player
Paul McKenna.
25th January - National Health & Safety Reps Day - London
As a Musicians' union H & S Roving Rep, Ian will be attending this annual national event.
16th January - Musicians' Union Committee Meeting - London
11th January - The Star, Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire
Ian performs "Dedicated follower of fashion" with fellow 'Two I's' member Ian Wisdom,
and his own composition "Sink or Swim". The first songs he's been able to perform since his
injury last September!
1st January 2012 - Happy New year!
Best wishes for the New Year to all family, friends & supporters - Ian.
14th December - Back to Reading
After catching up with his son Adam (Ian is deeply moved to catch up with him after
all this time and remarks "It's been far too long!"), Ian and guitar
catch the 10.35 train from Lime Street Station back to Reading.
12th December - Gerry & Ian - The Pig & Whistle - Pier Head, Liverpool
Gerry Murphy & Ian perform an impromptu acoustic unplugged gig
at the Pig & Whistle live music venue. It's good fun and warmly receieved by the
crowd.
10th December - The Shakers & Gerry Murphy - Mathew Street
In a long night, Ian catches up with friends Tony O'Keefe (drummer/ actor) and Phil Melia,
at the world famous Cavern Club, Mathew Street, Liverpool. Ian worked alongside Tony in the 1996
Everyman production of "Best", the musical comedy about
Pete Best and The Beatles. Tony portrayed Pete Best and Ian Paul McCartney. He leads the
Merseybeat tribute and Cavern Club resident band The 'Shakers' along with former Green Room
Lead guitarist and old friend Phil Melia. They were fantastic. Check them out!
Later, Ian watches a stunning performance by friend (Ian was best man at his wedding) and mentor Gerry Murphy,
at the the famous 70's and 80's live venue 'Erics Bar'.
5th-9th December - Remixing The Herbs & Green Room Albums.
Ian's bands The Herbs and The Green Room rehearsed and recorded in Crash Studio's
Liverpool, during the 90's, along with bands like the The Farm and the LA's. It's fitting that
Ian and fellow band leader Dave Laing use this venue to remix their work from that era.
Many thanks to old friend (and owner) Mark. Good to see you again.
2nd December - Liverpool
Ian travels up to Liverpool.
1st December - Musicians' union Health and Safety Roving Reps course
Ian sits the thrid and final level of the cross union
course for Roving Health and Safefy Reps in Kings Cross, London.
16th November - LGBT Committee meeting - MU Birmingham Regional Office
Ian chairs the last LGBT Committee meeting of the year.
27th October - Musicians' union Health and Safety Roving Reps course
The headquarters of Journalists union the NUJ hosts the second stage of the cross union
course for Roving Health and Safefy Reps in Kings Cross, London.
21st September - Doreen Barter's funeral
Ian attends the funeral of former Black Diamond member Tony Barter's
mother. He provides the eulogy for the service at St John Bosco church, Woodley, Reading.
17th Operation - Wexham Park Hospital, Slough
Ian undergo's an operation on his tendon. Many thanks to all the staff at Wexham Park.
15th Septemeber - Private Party - Chichester
After a very successful solo Modern Moods performance in Chichester, there is a freak accident
resulting in Ian severing the tendon of the index finger of his right hand. It will require surgery.
Ian will be unable to play the guitar for at least three months.
5th September - The Silver Searchers rehearsal - High Wycombe
Ian joins John Dee at drummer Keith Bryan's White Star rehearsal studios.
The lads run through a set for a 1960's music weekend next month.
1st August/ 4th September - The Burlesque Boys website & music
Ian spends the month developing the shows website. Several songs are
sequenced on 1980's Roland synths, including 'In these shoes', 'Sweet Dreams',
'Dedicated follower of fashion' and 'Lily Marlene/ Falling in love again'.
27th July - Musicians' union delegates conference (Day 2) - Bristol
The theme of the day is 'The Lost Arts' campaign - Cuts to arts funding
and it's impact. There's a stirring speech by John McDonnell - Labour MP
for Heathrow (originally from Speke in Liverpool) "For every pound spent on the arts,
two is generated". Next there's a presentation on 'Justice for Columbia' by Mariella
Cohon. The persection of trade unionists in Coloumbia. One is killed every three days.
Next is a speech by Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK MUSIC. The Live Music Bill,
and arts cuts - 7.7 million music tourists last year generated 1.4 billion pounds, keeping
20,000 people employed. That evening there is a formal dinner and seven piece swing band.
26th July - Musicians' union delegates conference (Day 1) - Bristol
The conference begins with an address from the General Secretary John Smith. Ian seconds
conference motion 16, an Equalities recruitment initiative. There are speeches by
Michel Binoir, head of the French musicians' union SNAM and Federation of Internation Musicians'
representative and Brendan Barber TUC.
After dinner, there is a Jam session Featuring Ian - Vocals, Flemenco guitar
and blues harp; vocalist Abigail Seabrook, Mike - Fiddle & Mandolin; Tom Sharrat - Cajon;
Gary - Gitane, Brian - Elelctric guitar. A two hour set of folk, blues and Gypsy Jazz
entertains the conference delegates.
25th July - Musicians' union national conference - Royal Marriott hotel, Bristol
Ian is staying at the very plush Royal Marriott hotel, wasting no time in
checking out the gym, sauna and heated indoor pool. After a delegates meeting,
all adjurn to 'The Bunch of grapes' pub, before an evening meal on the terrace.
23rd July - 2 I's/ Burlesque Boys photo shoot - Farnham, Surrey
Ian and Ian W spend the day at photo studio of photographer
Paul Fitchett
in Farnham to start portfolio's for the two I's and Burlesque Boys new websites.
We get some great images. Many thanks to Paul for his help.
20th July - Madame Jojo's - Soho, London
After a brief appearence in The Wyndford Arms in Reading, The
Burlesque Boys hit Soho. A quick wine in 'The Escape' then it's round the corner
to Madame Jojo's to join the late night cabaret. The club scene in Soho comes highly commended.
18th July - Musicians' union East/ South East committee meeting
Ian attends the quarterly committee meeting at the London HQ, which is followed by a
a delegates meeting for this months national conference in Bristol.
11th July - Back to Reading
"It's been a fab weekend. I've made so many new friends, fans. The atmosphere
was excellent, the people inspiring. Sad to leave. many thanks to all" - Ian
10th July - After festival lunch - Villaggio's, Manchester
During lunch at Villaggio's with the SPARKLE festival organisers there is
lots of positive feedback regarding the new Burlesque Boys show. At seven, it's off to a
Northern Soul disco near the hotel on London Road. Some great music, great dancers.
9th July - EDEN Masquerade Ball - SPARKLE Festival, Manchester
Ian visits Afflecks Palace for the first time since the late 1980's and buys
a gold mask for the evening show. Ian has his photo taken with 'Allen Tyrell'
in Sackville Street during SPARKLE In The Park. See a great 80's style techno duo
- The frillez performing their own songs. In the evening by popular request it's
the Great Wall again for another Chinese. The Burlesque Boys make an appearance
at club EDEN's masquerade ball attracting much local media interest. Local Jazz band
The Mustangs are the house band for the night. later it's to the VIP party at Villaggio's.
8th July - New York New York - SPARKLE Festival, Manchester
After meeting up with channel 4 producer Rosie in Bar VIA, the lads sound check,
then induldge in Ian M's fave Chinese - Wonton noodle soup with char sui - in the Great
wall - Chinatown. The Burlesque Boys perform a 40 minute set to a packed crowd at the
New York, New York night club. It's very well receieved. A mixture of music, comedy
and costume. Described as 1930's Marlene Dietrich meets 1980's/ 90's techno pop.
Many Thanks to Vanessa. Later it's to 'Velvet' for Long island Ice tea's.
7th July - SPARKLE festival, Manchester
Ian M and Ian W head up to Manchester to take part in the international festival.
The lads have been putting together a Burlesque club show - The Burlesque Boys. Staying
in The Monroe Hotel (a shrine to Marilyn Monroe - owned by world renowned 'Drag Queen'
Foo Foo Lamar), the evening is spent with festival organisers and friends in the
prestigious ZOUK restaurant. Food is excellent - The margarita's go down a treat!
Many thanks to Leanne and Lauren for a great night.
2nd July - London Pride
Representatives of the Musicians' union, Equity (actors union), National
Union of Journalists and Professional Footballers Association will be joining
the procession and festivities under the joint FEU banner (Federation of
Entertainments Unions).
30th June-1st July - LGBT conference, Congress House, London
Ian is a delegate at the annual conference on behalf of the Musicians'
union Equalities committee.
25th June - 2 I's - Garden Party, Ascot, Berks
The two Ian's (Ian M and Ian Wisdom) perform a Modern Moods and party set
in front of 50 guests. Champagne and canapés, wine and cabaret,
dinner jackets and fine dinning.
"Many thanks to our hosts. A beautifully cloudless evening in Ascot and a
warm and appreciative audience. My own compositions and especially 'Sink Or Swim'
were very well received" - Ian
22-24th June - 80's Techno Pop Review production meetings
Ian has been writing a tribute to the 1980's techno pop era. The
show will feature new interpretations of classic 80's hits, mixing sequenced
authentic 1980's Roland and Yamaha keyboards and sound modules with acoustic
guitar. The show will be performed in clubs across the UK later this year
and in Gran Caneria and Ibiza next year. More details to follow.
20th June - Musician's union Equalities Committee meeting, Birmingham
Ian chairs the meeting at the Birmingham union office.
18th June - The Black Diamonds - Two Rivers, Staines
Ian is joined by Brin, Jack Giles and Paul McKenna and perform a lively Skiffle
set to entertain the audience at the retail park's fashion show. Not even the brief
thunder storm could dampen their spirits.
12th June - 2nd Annual Twyford Beer Festival
Line up includes: Ian M Lindsay (12.30pm), The Black Diamonds Skiffle Band (3pm)
Patsy Bishop, Lisa Winship & Andy Mathewson.
12 noon-4.30pm
The Twyford Beer Festival
The Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA
11th June - 2nd Annual Twyford Beer Festival
Free admission, 30 Real Ales, plus Cider & Wine bar, Hog Roast etc in aid of Orchid
Male Cancer Charity.
Line up includes: Ian M Lindsay (12.30pm), Dolly and the Clothespegs, The Skangsters,
Cheryl Hillier, Bakers Brew, The Newtowners.
As well as runnning the music and entertainment behind the scenes, Ian will
be opening, hosting and presenting each days events.
12 noon-9pm
The Twyford Beer Festival
The Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA
23rd May - 12th June - Black Diamonds Rehearsals/ Twyford beer Festival
Ready for the up and coming festivals at Twyford and St Johns's Street, Ian's
been rehearsing with new musician's.
"There's a lot of work to be done in the CENTRESTAGE office, after being appointed
Music Consultant and Entertainments Manager for the Twyford Beer Festival" - Ian
21st May - The Black Diamonds - The Dolphin Hotel, Newbury
Ian is joined by new guitarist Brin and Cathy & Colm
from The Newtowners, at the 77th Birthday celebrations of an old
Skiffle hero.
"What a fantastic afternoon! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
We performed two hours of pure 1950's Skiffle. Guests of all ages
joined in singing and dancing" - Ian
19th May - Modern Moods - The Retreat
Ian will be performing his Modern Moods show for the first time
without Tony on bass, since his passing. He's been promised a lot of
support from friends and fans alike. He'd like to thank you all.
9-11pm
The Retreat
8 St John's Street, Reading, Berkshire,RG1 4EH
3rd-18th May - Black Diamonds Auditions/ Rehearsals
In preparation for festivals and events later in the year, auditions
and rehearsals will take place in Reading and London for singer/ musicians.
Ian will be holding further auditions, so watch this space.
27th April-2nd May - Reading Real Ale Festival
Ian is helping behind the scenes at the forth largest Real Ale
festival in the UK. He has provisionally been asked to be the
entertainments consultant for next years festival.
18th April - Musicians' Union Committee Meeting - London
17th March - The Funeral of Tony Barter
A full requiem mass will be held at St John Bosco church,
Woodley, Reading, Berkshire at 1pm. (St Patrick's day - He'd have liked that!)
6th March - Tony Barter passed away
After suffering from a longterm illness, Dearest friend to Ian,
Black Diamond member and bass guitarist in Modern Moods, tragically
left us at 2.30pm. Ian was at his side with him in the Royal Berks hospital.
He was 64. Requiescat In Pace
22nd February - The website in German and Spanish is live
Due to requests by international venues and agencies, Ian's been busy
helping in the translation of this site. Although French is his second language,
he's studied several others in the past. He would greatly appreciate any comments and
corrections from foreign language speakers.
1st January 2011 - Happy New year!
Best wishes for the New Year to all family, friends & supporters - Ian.
2nd December - Modern Moods - The Retreat
Ian & Tony will be making a guest appearence and performing new
and original compositions. Ian does not perform in Reading very often so
it will be good to see everyone there.
9-11pm
The Retreat
8 St John's Street, Reading, Berkshire,RG1 4EH
14th November - Georgina's Review Bar - Launch Party
Ian will be attending the launch of this exciting new burlesque and live music
experience in Reading. Think of decadent 1930's Berlin and the musical
'Cabaret'.
Live entertainment includes La Morte Subite, Nicole and Rhapsodaisical.
Open 8.30pm until 12.30, the opening night will be a fund raiser
for the Orchid Charity. It's definately going to be the place to be seen.
Please show your support!
Georgina's Review Bar
63-65 Caversham Road Reading, Berkshire RG1 7BL
16th October - The Silver Searchers - Marle Farm, New Romney, Kent
Another great night of 60's music and another great crowd.
12th October - Musicians' union Equalities Sub-Committee Meeting - London
Ian attends as a member of the newly appointed sub-committee.
9th October - Happy Birthday John L.
8th October - Check out my new
Musical Influences
page
27th September - Musicians' Union East/ South East region AGM - London
Fellow Black Diamonds/ Modern Moods band member Tony Barter, joins Ian on the regional committee.
25th September - The Black Diamonds - Berrow Court, Edgbaston
The first Techno-Skiffle show goes down a storm. The Bride, Groom and guests at the wedding reception, dance and sing along throughout. It was worth the hard work!
1st-23rd September - The Black Diamonds - Techno-Skiffle Rehearsals
After Ian spending over 200 hours sequencing the Techno-Skiffle set, the band spend three weeks
rehearsing at Winnersh and West star studio's.
28th August - The Silver Searchers - Cricket St Thomas and The Lakeside, Chichester
After a lunchtime performance at a 60's weekend in the grounds of the Devon manor house, the lads
play to a sell out crowd at The Lakeside Club. A fantastic, but tiring day.
19th July - Musicians' Union Committee Meeting - London
After attending the East/South east regional committee meeting, Ian makes an impromptu appearance at The Admiral Duncan in Soho. Performing 'Say hello, wave goodbye' and 'A little respect'.
17th July - The Silver Searchers - Coghurst Hall, Hastings
It was good to catch up with old friends in the place I used to live.
14th July - Techno-Skiffle - Winnersh Studio
Ian starts to sequence the Techno-Skiffle set for The Black Diamonds
26th June - The Black Diamonds - St John's Street Party
The Black Diamonds will be performing between 2pm and 6pm to raise money for the Macmillan cancer trust. Last year was a great success. Music, Food, good beer, great atmosphere. Show your support!
The Retreat - 8 St Johns Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4EH
5th June - The Black Diamonds - Twyford 1st Annual Beer Festival, Berkshire
Ian and the lads will be performing their full Skiffle show at the 1st annual Twyford
Beer festival. Doors open at noon. Long Bridge Road, Twyford, Berkshire RG10 9JA
22nd and 23rd May - Silver Searchers - Hampshire
The trio entertain at two private garden parties.
23rd April - Sink or Swim goes on youtube
Another track from the 'Absinthe' album is giving a test airing on youtube. Thanks to Rosemarie Edwards. It's given the thumbs up!
1st February - 'Absinthe Makes the heart grow fonder'
Ian is taking time off from performing to complete his new record album. It's expected to be completed for an official launch in September.
29th January - The Black Diamonds -Lock Stock & Barrel, Newbury
An enjoyable night for young and old alike. The Johnny Cash songs were well received. Many thanks to all that turned out to support us!
16th January - Silver Searchers -Victoria Club,Aylesbury
Performed their Swinging 60's show to a packed enthusiastic audience. It was K.B's first gig back on drums after a three month spell in hospital. Good to see ya back mate!
1st January 2010 - New Years Day
Wishing all our Friends and Clients a happy New Year!
Ian Performed last night with The Black Diamonds at the Lower Early Retreat, Reading, Berks.
A good night enjoyed by all.
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