News (Gigs and Gossip)
Sunday 28th - The Shakers - Cavern Club, Liverpool 8.30pm - Midnight
Entrance fee £5.
Saturday 27th - The Shakers - Cavern Club, Liverpool 3.30pm/ 5.30pm
Entrance fee £5.
Thursday 25th - The Shakers - Cavern Club, Liverpool 8.30pm? (TBC)
Sunday 14th - The Shakers - Cavern Club, Liverpool 8.30pm - Midnight
After arriving back in England Saturday night, the Shakers will be performing
back on their home turf the
The Cavern Club on Sunday night as usual.
Entrance fee is £5.
Friday 12th - The Shakers - Moby Dick Club, Madrid, Spain 9pm
Ian will be flying out with
The Shakers from the John Lennon
Airport, Liverpool on Wednesday, ready for the "From Us To You" show
in the Spanish capital at the
Moby Dick Club.
Tickets €9 are available from the venue website.
Tuesday 2nd October 2012 - The New Foundations rehearsal, High Wycombe
Ian has been asked to dep for the singer of the seven piece Soul band.
The rehearsals will take place at band leader (and drummer from The Silver Searchers)
Keith Bryan's
West Star Studios.
Friday 28th - The Herbs album release/ legalities - Conference
Ian has a phone conference with Musician's union regional secretary Paul
Burrows, to discuss legal options for the pending release of The Herbs album.
Monday 24th - Musicians' union East/ South East regional AGM - London
Ian had to drive back to Reading straight after the gig last night in Liverpool,
to take up his seat on the Committee for the Annual General Meeting.
"A tiring weekend, but very rewarding and bloody good fun!" - Ian
The meeting was also attended by the union's general secretary John Smith, Horace
Truebridge and Dave Ashley.
Sunday 23rd - The Shakers - The Cavern Club, Liverpool 8.30pm - Midnight
There was a healthy turn out of The Shakers fan club in tonight. Ian
got to sing all his party pieces including "All my loving", "I saw her
standing there", "Til there was you", "P.S I love you" and
"Love me do" playing the blues harmonica as well etc etc. It was great
speaking to everyone afterwards. Here's to the next time!
Saturday 22nd - The Shakers/ Cave Dwellers - Cavern Club Liverpool
The afternoon two set show at 3.30pm and 5.30pm, is followed by an
8.30pm show with
The Cave Dwellers. Ian again providing rhythm guitar and vocals.
Ian would like to thank Allen from
Cavern Photos for some great photo's of himself
with the lads on stage. Joey and the Belgium football team really went for it,
Paul a singer from Dublin proposed to his girlfriend on stage, it was all happening!
Friday 21st September - The Shakers, Cavern Club, Liverpool
After spending the afternoon round at Dave's place in Crosby, paperwork etc,
I'm off to The Cavern Club to perform with
The Shakers, collected by Drummer Tony for a 10pm
start. It is the first time Ian has played rhythm guitar with the lads.
After a quiet first spot, it begins to really fill out in time for our second spot at 11.20pm.
By the last spot at 12.15am, the place is rammed, the music is kicking.
20th September - Back up to Liverpool
I've been asked by Tony from
The Shakers if I can dep for singer and
rhythm guitarist Eddie Harrison, this weekend. After recent illness, he's still not quite
up to giging yet. Hope you're well soon mate!
In the evening I catch up with Dave Laing from my old band The Herbs. We have a couple of
pints in the Crows Nest in Crosby. We're in the final throws of releasing our album from
1991 "These are the days my friend". The thirteen tracks (11 penned by Lindsay
& Laing) have been remixed and remastered by Dave and myself. We'd been in
regular contact with other former band members Mal Peet and Barry Lloyd. It's been a
case of registering with PRS and PPL an setting up partnership agreements through the
Musicians' union legal department etc. We'll get there in the end!
15th September - Trans Festival 2012 - Pink Punters - Bletchley, Milton Keynes
Ian has helped to organise the entertainment in his music consultancy capacity. It is very well
attended for an inaugural event. The entertainment is very well received. Many thanks to Gina, Bertie,
Juan and the rest of the acts. A big thanks too to the owner Frank, Managing Director Joe and all the
staff.
10th September - Pink Punters Festival organisers meeting - Bletchley, Milton Keynes
Ian Wisdom joins Ian at the venue of this years festival event. The lads are both organising
the entertainment and performing a selection from their Burleski's Reveue show. Both owners and
managers have set up a great initiative and platform here for future live entertainment. Cheers to
Joe and Frank.
8th September 2012 - Reading Pride
Ian supports the local event in both a Musicians' union, and social capacity.
27th August - The Black Diamonds - Private Party - The Butler, Reading
The joint birthday bash for Jane and our Trev goes swimmingly. There is a French
theme and the wine is flowing. It's the first time the band has gigged the 60's
material together. They also perform a set from their
Lonnie Donegan Skiffle tribute Show.
26th August - The Silver Searchers - Hastings, East Sussex
There's a packed and enthusiastic crowd at Coghurst Hall, Ore. The 90 minute
tribute to the Swinging Sixties has the dance floor packed.
8th - 22nd August - Black Diamonds rehearsals - Reading
The band band are joined by drummer Martin, to rehearse a set of 60's hits
for a private party at the end of the month.
5th August - The Shakers - Cavern Club Liverpool
It's the last show for this weekend. With Tony O'Keefe on drums, Phil Melia
on guitar, Ian provides the bass as the lads perform as a three piece.Show time 8.30pm.
4th August - The Shakers/ Cave Dwellers - Cavern Club Liverpool
After a very lively afternoon two set show at 3.30pm and 5.30pm, the lads
are back on stage at 8.30pm for an evening with
The Cave Dwellers. Ian again providing bass guitar and vocals.
3rd August 2012 - The Shakers - Cavern Club Liverpool
It's a packed night in the Cavern Club. Resident band
The Shakers (and old friends) Tony, Phil have
invited Ian to dep singing and playing the old trusted Hofner Violin bass together with Jimmy Rae on
rhythm guitar.
""If you're going to play a tribute show to The Beatles & Mersey Beat,
there's nothing to touch playing with the most authentic band The Shakers, in the venue where it
all began -
The Cavern Club. " - Ian
28th July - The Black Diamonds - Isleworth Marina, Middlesex
The Black Diamonds Skiffle band headlines the annual musical soiree, beside the Thames.
13th-15th July - SPARKLE Festival, Canal Street, Manchester
The Burleski's Review (one of Ian's stage shows) headlined at the
international SPARKLE festival in Manchester.
The show was a resounding success and has been booked for events here next year.
13th July - The Burleski's Review - Eden Bar, Manchester
The lads perform their musical cabaret show to a packed crowd.
7th July - World Pride London
Ian joins Equalities official Alice Lemon to represent the MU at the event. The
torrential downpours do little to dampen the spirits of the many thousands involved.
An incredible atmosphere.
5th & 6th July - TUC LGBT Conference, Congress House, London
Ian is a delegate representing the Musician's union at the annual national conference.
25th June - 3rd July 2012 - The Burleski's Review - Re-mixes
In preparation for the Sparkle festival, Ian has been re-mastering the
show music.
23rd June - The Two I's - Ascot Garden Party
Ian M L and Ian Wisdom provided the musical entertainment at this black tie affair.
18th June - Equalities Committee meeting - MU HQ, London
Ian will be chairman for Musicians' union Equalities Committee.
10th June - 3rd Annual Twyford Beer festival
Ian will be performing his Modern Moods set at 12.30pm and performing in the duo
The Two I's
and guests in an end of festival jam session at 4pm.
Other acts include The Bullfrog Band
at 3pm.
9th June - 3rd Annual Twyford Beer Festival
His band The Black Diamonds Skiffle band
will be headlining at 7.30pm Saturday evening along with Ska tribute 'The Skangsters'.
Free admission, 30 Real Ales, plus Cider & Wine bar, Hog Roast etc in aid of Orchid
Male Cancer Charity.
12 noon-9pm
The Twyford Beer Festival
The Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA
2nd - 6th June Festival entertainment managing/ video production
Another few days in the office.
1st June 2012 - The Black Diamonds Corporate booking - London
The lads perform a lunchtime Skiffle show.
30th May - Folk, Roots & Traditiion Music Committee meeting - Birmingham
Ian attends the Musicians' F.R.T.M committees second meeting of the year.
29th May - The Black Diamonds rehearsal - The Butler, Reading
In preparation for a series of corporate bookings, the band are adding a few new numbers to their Lonnie Donegan/ Skiffle
boom tribute. "Thanks once again Lynne & staff for all your help x." - Ian
26th May - The Silver Searchers - Rye Harbour, Kent
Featuring Leigh Limbrick on bass guitar, it's a great success.
19th - 25th - Music & video production
Ian lays down bass, guitar and vocal tracks for a new release and is involved in the film production.
8th May - 18th Twyford Beer Festival entertainment managing/ production
The next few days are spent in the office finalising the details for the festival music.
5th May - The Silver Searchers - Chichester Lakeside
"We really enloyed ourselves. We've played there many times
before and have always been well received. Thanks to all the audience and staff." - Ian
2nd - 6th May 2012 - Reading Real Ale Festival
Ian is helping behind the scenes at the forth largest Real Ale
festival in the UK.
28th April - The Black Diamonds - 80th Birthday surprise party - Embrook, Wokingham
The lads bring the house down performing their Skiffle boom/ Lonnie Donegan Tribute. Brilliant night
and good to catch up with so many old friends and faces. Greta had a wonderful birthday.
23rd April - Musicians' Union Committee Meeting - London
21st April - Video shoot/ The Cavern Club
Ian catches up with his old band The Herbs,
as they begin shooting video's for the re-release of their 1991 album "These are the days my friend".
Produced by Terry Kerr and Dave Laing of Quinion Murdstone Productions
.
Ian catches up with his son Adam in Mathew Street, before joining The Cave Dwellers
band with Phil Melia, Tony O'Keefe & Martin on stage at the Cavern Club. I play and sing several songs with them. Just like the old days.
20th April - Cheltenham/ Liverpool
Ian drives to Cheltenham to collect Françoise, his Manouche guitar, then up to Liverpool. After catching up
with his mum, its off into town to meet old friend Phil Melia and son River in The Lennon Bar, in Mathew street.
later Ian & Trev watch Gerry Murphy perform an acoustic set in 'The Hard Days Night Hotel'.
17th - 29th April - Black Diamond rehearsals
7th April - The Silver Searchers - Dymchurch, Kent
Now featuring Jack from The Black Diamonds on bass, the 1960's tribute is a hit.
Situated on Romney Marsh, the town is famous for it's smuggling past and the Disney film 'The Scarecrow',
Dr Syn, vicar of Dymchurch.
6th April - The Black Diamonds - The Butler, Reading
As a three piece, the lads perform a set of Lonnie Donegan hits - minus Paul.
3rd April 2012 - The Black Diamonds Photo shoot/ rehearsal - The Butler, Reading
The band are joined by photograher Dale Strickland-Clark of Immortaleyes.co.uk
for some long overdue publicity shots of the new lineup and show. The rehearsal of the Lonnie Donegan
tribute show, goes a treat. Ian on banjo & guitar, Jack Giles lead guitar, Nick Wright Tea-chest bass,
Paul McKenna drums & washboard.
31st March - Last night of The Hobgoblin, Reading
Due to legal reasons, Readings favourite watering hole has been forced to change its name. From
tomorrow it will be called 'The Ale House', but always known as 'The Hob'. Ian
joins CENTRESTAGE team mate Trev and a crowd of regulars.
Friday 30th March - Two I's - The Butler, Reading
The two lads are back again for another night of mayhem. Fun night!
28th March - Vintage Strings, Cheltenham
Manouche guitar creator, takes Ian's model in for a service. She's re-valued at £4,000.
23rd March - The Silver Searchers - Victoria Club, High Wycombe
The band play their first gig together since October 2010.
19th - 22rd March Rehearsals - The Silver Searchers, High Wycombe
Ian catches up with the lads from the Silver Searchers, in peparation for a
string of tour dates for this year.
17th March - St Patricks Night - The Two I's The White Hart, Wargrave
The two Ian's play two sets of Irish classics old and new.
12th - 16th March - Rehearsals/ recording
9th March - The Burlesque Boys show - The Rising Sun, Reading
The preview night is marred by a series of technical problems. All the crew are
disappointed.
7th & 8th March - Burlesque Boys remixes
Ian spends two days in the studio remixing the 80's numbers for the show.
6th March 2012 - Tony Barter's 1st anniversary
After spending Sunday with Tony's family, today marks the first anniversary of his death.
Thanks for the kind words. His many friends continue to miss him.
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.
23rd - 28th February - Burlesque Boys recording
Ian adds the finidhing touches to the show soundtrack. All recorded on vintage 80's synths.
18th February - Noctors - Maidenhead
Singer/ Songwriter Gerry Murphy visits from Liverpool and guests at the Two I's gig. The
place is packed.
17th February - Charity night - The Rising Sun, Reading
Ian co-hosts the event for local charities. There's an excellent turn out.
12th - 16th February - Burlesque Boys recording/ rehearsals
A few days are spent adding the finishing touches to the Burlesque Boys show.
11th February - The Butler, Reading
The Two I's perform some new material in a two hour show.
4th February - The Dukes Head - Wokingham
Ian performs a solo show. Everybody is almost snowed in. many thanks to Darren & Michelle
for their hospitality.
1st February 2012 - 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.
31st January - The Crown - Hazelmere
The Two I's are guests at the Tuesday night jam session.
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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