This Years Festival at Badlesmere on the 28th July 2007 The Review! BADLESMERE BEER AND BANDS FESTIVAL 2007
It was 4.00pm on Friday 27th and we were setting the stage when the campers began to arrive. It was at this point that I thought, 'the word is spreading'. Not only were the 'Surf Dudes' setting up, but there was a camper van in the car park and four other tents in the camping area. So, we decided to pitch our tent. Returning at 8.30 on Saturday 28th. As the sun shone down, Equilibrium opened the show with some classics. During the interval fun was had in the Sumo Suits, while EBEN serenaded us with the voice of Olly Knight sounding amazing like the Chris Martin from Coldplay. They felt so passionately about the cause that they left us with a box of their EP's should anyone want to purchase. While the kids enjoyed some of the best face painting we have had yet, the dulcet tones for Jon Woode echoed through the fields with one of my personal favourites 'Shady'. Another amazing artist, who left us with CD's to sell for the cause, thanks Jon. Tortilla Army, I'm delighted to say then played one of my favourites of theirs, 'Broken'. Good to see the guys on such capital form, and I'm SO GLAD that Mik didn't mind judging the 'Wet T Shirt' competition! That was definitely a crowd drawer and all participants received a free Champagne or Chocolate flavoured condom, can't be bad. Electric River then hit the stage, and they were indeed 'electric'. What a fabulous group of young guys with fantastic energy and such fun, let alone brilliant musicians, would certainly go and see them before next year! Our treat for the ladies, as we aim to please, was the Tempting Torso, competition, victoriously won by the Landlady's daughter's boyfriend...mmmm? Well, he got the loudest cheers anyway, not that I am questioning Rosie's vocal chords! Thanks for all being such brilliant sports. Then our scoop, filling in for us at the last minute, and how lucky we were that RECULVER, who are already signed to an American label squeezed us in before their evening gig in Canterbury. Superb, musicians, excellent stage presence and prime quality. Thank you so much guys you really have the 'wow' factor, and I can recommend them to anyone, and that is no mean recommendation given what a musical purist I am!
Not to be out done. Mental Floss then gave us their all round talent obliging audience requests and of course bringing their very own guest star out of the woodwork. Kevin Iverson joined them on stage, whom has also supported Paul Weller and Ocean Colour Scene. They delivered an interesting rendition of Amy Winehouse. The audience grew as dusk fell and Surf Dude Grandad hit the stage. As always they were brilliant entertainment, with their mini 'Slash', and everyone rocked to the beat and swayed to the rhythm. Every year the 'Surf Dudes' are the band that even other bands come to see. Face2face came on and Abbey's voice, our only female vocalist of the day, rang out the sound of Jefferson Airplane and the unique voice of Stevie Nicks that she does so well. Then the audience had a real surprise that we had kept a secret since we had discovered that our finale band, Ben Carter, had unfortunately been in an accident, which we had heard of earlier that day. While The Fat River Band played their hearts out in their own unique way, Ben Mills, who has supported our charity event from its very beginning three years ago, gave the audience a treat. He travelled 7 hours just to show his support and draw our raffle, but was unfortunately unable to play.
The day raised just over £2,000 for the School and Aids orphanage in Kenya that I visit personally and continue to support with your help. However, our school and orphanage needs £50, 000 per year to keep those orphans that are already residents alive. To show his support, Ben signed a few of our 'Best of Badlesmere' albums for fans to purchase. Should you wish to purchase Eben, Jon Woode or Ben Mills albums please mail me. The cost is not set, but open for your donation. Please give generously, and not forget that although we had an amazing day, it ran like clockwork due to the following people: Gary Barnes, a great friend from Cloudbase PA systems Rebecca Todd, Ollie Rogers and their team who run the BBQ Natasha and The Face Painting crew, who continued to paint, free of charge all the children relentlessly. Tony Burrows from K R Gavin removals who loaned the transport. Shaun Barrett from Barretts Digital World for the loan of the Digital Screen Steve from Grumble Funk for the tarpaulin Jo picket for the lorry trailer come stage. Alex for the loan of the Bouncy Castle Martin from Brakes Catering Martin Judd for the Web design Nigel for being the roadie for the day Kim for the use of her pub and of course anyone else who did an hour here and there, it couldn't run without you. I think you'll all agree, I was probably our best, we certainly worked the hardest we have yet!
Gary and I were there at 8am on Sunday dismantling the stage and PA systems.
Until next year... Thank you all for coming and giving your support, With enough love to go around the world, Janet x.
(Would all the bands please email Janet so she can regain their email addresses)
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Reviews from Badlesmere 2005
The Bands The day kicked off to a fine start with 238s. Their set included some classic Stones numbers and it was a great way to start the event. They were followed by Nectar. I understand it was their first public performance and very impressive it was too. They delivered some eighties classics including Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf". Sadly, the Untouchables couldn't make it but, instead, we were treated to a fine set from The Clintstones who stepped in at the last minute. They were joined by their new guitarist, Graham, who had only played with the band once before, for "Tie Your Mother Down". The rest of the set was ably handled by their former guitarist, Neil. A number that went down particularly well was their old favourite, "War Pigs". They were followed by The Sharpees, complete with banner at the back of the stage. "My Generation" and "You Really Got Me" were among the songs guaranteed to get the audience going! Face to Face were next, a raunchy, rock band, and I was surprised and delighted to hear their excellent rendition of the Daniel Bedingfield song, "Wrap Your Words Around Me". Following them were Benz Ego, an excellent jazz rock band whose set included a fine rendition of "Rock Steady". From the USA, friends of Tortilla Army, Fizz Gig, made a surprise guest appearance and delivered a superb set, including an excellent version of the Who's classic, "Baba O'Reilly", leaving many of us keen to see and hear more of them. Get Carter gave us some bluesy harmonica numbers, as well as treating us to a lovely mellow sax. Very nice! As ever, Tortilla Army were absolutely brilliant. I can't believe these guys still aren't international superstars! It's got to happen! The crowd were indulged with particular favourites, "Milk Shake", "Broken", the title track from the album (if you haven't bought it yet, shame on you; it's only a fiver and every track is a winner); and, of course, their highly entertaining version of THAT song made famous by the Muppets! The band played two encores at the insistence of the audience, obviously people with good taste! The day was concluded with a fine set from The Leigh Highwood Trio, as versatile as ever, and included classics such as "Won't Get Fooled Again". The Attractions As well as hearing some great bands, we were entertained by mud wrestlers and the brave ladies who entered the wet tee shirt competition. Despite requests from Janet for some men to take part in a wet pants competition, there were no takers. Come on guys; what have you got to hide?! The barbecue and pig roast were very popular, as was the rodeo, the tug of war and the yard of ale contest. The popular tarot card reader gave private readings to a string of customers. All in all it was a very entertaining and successful day, with £2,500 raised for the charity. The Heroes Barbara
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