WIZARDMARRAS DRYSTONE WIRELESS SHOW 4 - HELLO WORLD

...and welcome to the blog of WIZARDMARRAS DRYSTONE WIRELESS SHOW numero 4 and before I say anything else this one is dedicated to my THIRD GRANDCHILD who made here way into the world on June 20th weighing 7lbs 12ozs her name is ELLIE GRACE ARROWSMITH and the most beautiful baby I have ever laid eyes upon.

To the music now and the opening track is from a fine Klezmer band by the name of
MINNIE MOOSIKA - CHAVA

http://www.minniemoosika.co.uk/

http://www.myspace.com/106581393

As any right thinking person knows Klezmer is the white mans reggae and Minnie Moosika are one of our (for my money) prime exponents, they have the somewhat dubious honour of being the last act I booked this year for The Drystone Stage,I'll also have the pleasure of introducing them on stage at Glasson Music Festival this weekend where I'm comparing, standing in for the usual MC Will Morgan who unfortunately is elsewhere. (listen out in the next WDWS for a track by Will)

THE MELODICA, MELODY AND ME - PIECE ME BACK TOGETHER

http://www.myspace.com/mmmelodic

I featured these guys back in April on the first WDWS, and I just had to put another track up they are (as the describe themselves on their myspace) The Original Folksteppers. Which really is as good a description as any, though they really defy categorization. They are true originals, and it's not just me who thinks they are brilliant. Rob Da Bank has recently played them on his Sunday night Radio1 show (and booked them to played BESTIVAL the week after SOLFEST) Steve Lamacq has played them on Radio 2 and Gary Crowley on BBC London. They are also interviewed on a rather excellent podcast

http://tuckshopcommunityradio.podomatic.com/?badge=1

and there's an interesting article about the guys in VOLUME magazine which you can read online at

http://cde.cerosmedia.com/Issue-3/1I47c7d415eca1f012.cde/page/14

You'll find the links on their myspace but it's easy to miss stuff sometimes and I really recommend you to check out their myspace page as it has a couple of truly wonderful YOUTUBE vids that you simply must see. One is of the legendary Irish drinking band THE DUBLINERS demonstrating how to play instruments together! The other clip is of I know not who, to say it's a group of semi naked men in a waterfall pool could give entirely the wrong impression. These guys are making fantastic music, mind blowingly breathtaking amazing music that you won't believe. Watch it all.

DUMB INSTRUMENT - EXTERMINATING ANGELS
www.myspace.com/dumbinstrument

www.dumbinstrument.com

Mikey Grant sent me the track by DUMB INSTRUMENT through my demo upload page on my website. This is music to make your flesh creep (in a good way) it's the stories they tell that send a pleasurable thrill of unease through you. They are timely songs that make poignant comments about todays world with truth by the bucket load. Simply put they tell it like it is but underscored with beautiful tunes. This track has also been featured on Radio One making the late play list.
For those who don't live in Scotland “Neds” are “Chavs” ( or insert your own name for troublesome youths).

FIONA CLAYTON - EVEN THOUGH
www.fionaclaytonmusic.co.uk

http://www.myspace.com/soloaccusation

After that last track what's needed is the sweet voice of a young Cumbrian girl who is another to add to the list of talented singer/songwriters emerging from the Eastern side of the County. She featured on mainstage last year at Solfest, and came to The Spinners last session and sounded so wonderful that I simply had to put her onto The Drystone this year. (next Spinners Open Mic, this Saturday 5th July)

CHRISTI ANDROPOLIS - THE GALLOWS TREE
http://www.christi-andropolis.com/

Someone else who should really have been at Solfest last year but something went askew somewhere down the line and so she didn't. However the matter has been addressed and she will be with us this year. Listen to the luxurious harmonica on this track, so tasty you could dip your bread in it. It's closely followed by...

EMMA & THE PROFESSOR - THE RAGGED BEGGARMAN
http://www.myspace.com/emmaandtheprofessor

This track is for me one so synonymous with Solfest that it gives me extra special goosebumps every time I hear it. Emma and the Professor were another act who played on the Drystone Stage in it's debut year and it's special because of that. Emma Heath and The Professor (Mark Davies) have an on stage chemistry that spreads outwards off the stage in waves. Then you take Emmas soaring vocals and Marks super funky bodrahn playing (that really takes the instrument into new dimensions) and you have sheer unalloyed pleasure. Nowadays they are augmented by Jonathan Draper aka Jonny Cello on cello (surprise) and Kevin Willoughby on Bass and the mix is even better. Another act to see at Glasson Music Festival this coming weekend. Although I'll miss them as I'll be back I Carlisle on Saturday for the Spinners.

RORY CONNOR - AUSTRALIAN WINE
http://www.myspace.com/roryconnormusic

Rory Connor finished the Drystones contribution to last years Solfest and as I say on the podcast they were my favourite act of the weekend and not just because I'd finished my compering duties for the night and I could completely relax. No, they were just a damn good band making fine music. They are back this year, appearing on one night as The Rory Connor Band and then with a slightly different line up as TARRAS making a return to the stage after far too long an absence. In truth I should say that some members of Tarras are in the Rory Connor Band and Rory is a new member of the reformed Tarras, along with Ben from Digitalis and a few others. Confused you won't be just enjoy the tunes, that's what counts.

JACA - STAY THE SAME
http://www.myspace.com/juliestolemyspace

Jaca (Julie Armstrong) is a petite lady whose size belies the power of her voice, and what a fantastic voice it is too. At last years Solfest she was attending as a journalist standing in front of the stage wishing she was on it, she told me this in the letter accompanying her demo and when I put it on, well there was no question about it. She had a gig at the next one. She calls to mind Tori Amos, Regina Spector, and yes there's Joni Mitchell there too. Check out the article in the Cumberland News.

http://beta.cumberland-news.co.uk/1.99562

and there's a nice video too

http://beta.cumberland-news.co.uk/1.99562?resourceView=video&index=1#video

WILL TAYLOR - OFFICER
http://www.myspace.com/baddacid

This is an exclusive recording and mix of Wills new song “Officer” and there are one or two swear words in it and it deals with subjects that some may find offensive. But it IS a comedy song and if anyone should be upset by it then I hear and now apologize. But it is a joke and an extremely well written one at that. It had the audience in stitches at the Spinners when he premièred it and it is for his many fans that I take pleasure in including it here.

WIZARDMARRA - THE REASONABLE SONG

A bit of nonsense from me from some while ago, as a welcome to the world and hello to Ellie.

Finally

THE MARRATIMES - MAYBE
http://www.myspace.com/themarratimescouk

The official very first band on the Drystone. Lead by Stephen (Spud) Murphy who also played solo set last year. It's pure pop and sumptuously good at that.

Next one hopefully a bit sooner. We're less than two months away from Solfest now so I'm hoping to put a couple of these out a month until then. There are still tickets available if you want to come along and enjoy the bestest ever festival there is.

http://www.solwayfestival.co.uk/

LOADSALOVE till next time.

Wiz

THE ONE WITH THE BIG ROCK

http://drystone.podomatic.com/



Here we go

WIZARDMARRAS DRYSTONE WIRELESS SHOW 3
THE ONE WITH THE BIG ROCK

Unfortunately problems with my microphone mean that this podcast is without me doing any pretend DJ bits introducing the tracks. But in the great scheme of things that is no great loss to humanity, what is important are the brilliant musicians represented and their work is brought to a little larger audience. Check them out it'll be time well spent.
The first piece of music doesn't count though, well as it's my podcast it opens with one of mine. This one is called “Tantric Dancing” and I did it yonks ago using EJay, and anybody who has ever used EJay will recognize some of the samples I'm sure. But it is closely followed by some real musicians who are one of the hardest working bands on the festival circuit.

TARANTISM
http://www.myspace.com/tarantismband

The track is “Loretta” and you can't say it's typical of the band as they stride across musical genres confidently defying anybody who says that musicians should stick to one style and enable them to be nicely pigeon-holed. Loretta is if anything a treatise on exactly that, one minute a medieval romp the next a dance hall anthem with a cheeky snatch of The Eagles, “Journey of the Sorcerer” popping up. Great stuff from the album “Last Band Standing” Which quite often is the case, you really can't stop them sometimes and that is no bad thing.

Next up a return to the Wireless Show for

MR & MRS
http://www.myspace.com/mrandmrsmusic

who featured on the very first one. I could not resist putting this one up, Ric Birtill the “MR” of the duo writes bloody good songs with real tunes great hooks and literate words. If there is any justice in the world one day they will be getting lots of radio play and lots of cash for doing it. This track is called “Cut All Strings” do give them a portion of your time at Solfest this year if you are coming, you'll not regret it.

KTB
www.ktb.org.uk

KTB who is Katie Bennett and was on The Drystone last year is a delightful young lady who not only works as a solo artist but with her band LITTLE SISTER who also appeared on the Drystone last year. Katies track here is “Five” and I just love it, listen and let it speak for itself you'll love it too.

ROB HERON
http://www.myspace.com/robheronmusic



Another returnee to the Drystone this year and I've no doubt I will have more of his work up on here too. What can I say about Rob that hasn't been said by others; not much I'm sure, the obvious things are that Rob is a Cumbrian Nick Drake, or a Tim Buckley in that he writes intelligent songs and performs them with passion and sensitivity as they did. But I never like drawing such similes to performers. Rob is Rob not Nick or Tim his songs and voice are his own and I'm sure it's a voice that one day the world will enjoy. But not too soon so those of you who live here in North West Cumbria can come and see one of our own before he's off on the world stage, he is one of the lynch pins of my open mic sessions at The Spinners Arms in Cummersdale being such a success and I must also mention his own venue The Number 15 Cafe in Penrith where Rob programs a fantastic line up over the year. Go there and see what I mean. BTW The menu is also bloody amazing and they probably serve the HOTTEST cups of coffee on the planet. Oh yeah, the song is "Things Get Washed Away"

http://www.myspace.com/no15cafe

DRAGONSFLY
http://www.dragonsfly.org/

Dragonsfly are another band I saw at Stainsby Festival fronted by the charismatic Maya Preece they play some of the most infectious dance music you could wish for. I saw them again just a few weeks ago at Wheaton Aston Festival and they were as good as the first time and I sorely regretted the fact that at present I have a torn ligament or some such in my leg that stops me from dancing. The track here “O'u Qu't Etais” is one that when played live you just can't help it, your feet move and you are dancing, and they do that for an entire set. FANTASTIC.

HUB
www.myspace.com/hubthebanduk

I said that not only acts who've been on the Drystone (or will be) but also those who didn't quite make it for whatever reason. Hub are one of those, but they bear the dubious honour of being the first band to take advantage of using the demo upload page on my website. It's only just gone up and in truth it's too late for Solfest this year. But this track I like, I thinks it's fair to say that it unrepresentative of the band and if you check out their myspace you'll see what I mean and in honesty I'm unsure if they are right for the Drystone Stage. But they would do well on the Bar Stage and I'll be pushing them to Alec who runs that stage for next year. The track is called “Pletinckx” and they cite this enigmatic word in their influences but I'm none the wiser. A quick Google search revealed several answers ranging from...


Joseph Pletinckx who was a Belgian water polo player who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics, in the 1912 Summer Olympics, in the 1920 Summer Olympics, and in the 1924 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Belgian team, which was able to win four consecutive medals in a 22 years Olympic career.

To White Pletinckx a strain of racing pigeons created by Mons. Plentinckx of Belgium of whom it was said “M. Pletinckx kept about 300 pigeons, which may appear to be too many,”



and also a musician called Koen Plentinckx check him out at

wwws.sheetmusicplus.com/sheetmusic/artist/P/Koen_Pletinckx.html

You can hear samples of his work there. I recommend “Happy Bubbles” and “Whistling Kettles” though I somehow think that none of these have anything to do with HUB.

Next Track

PADDY ROGAN & JACK HARTLEY
http://www.myspace.com/paddyandjack

Another pair of astoundingly good young Cumbrian musicians their contribution here called “I Can Hear Those Hills” showcases their virtuoso guitar playing. They are at present recording an album which I am anxious to get my grubby paws on as it'll be a belter.

The talent of the likes of Paddy, Jack, Rob, Laura James (who is on the last podcast) and others (who'll be featured here in due course) leads me to wonder what exactly was in the water eighteen or so years ago to produce such a wonderful generation of exceptionally creative people. It is really good to be able to enjoy what they are doing though, and to enjoy a fresh upsurge of real music, played live on real instruments.

Finally
DYFRAMIX
http://www.myspace.com/dyframix

From last years Solfest, Nick Burman and Stef. M two of the nicest guys you could meet and who make some wonderful tunes, this track “Emu Wrestling” is just the business Nick taking The Didgereedoo to places Rolf Harris never didgereedid (I'm sorry that cropped up with the predictive spelling and a couldn't resist keeping it with a slight alteration)

I'll shut up now, until number 4 sometime in July.

THE BIG NUMBER TWO (Podcast that is)

http://drystone.podomatic.com/

A huge apology first for this current podcast being delayed an enforced temporary loss of my internet has been a problem in so many ways.

So apart from the title (which will mean nothing to listeners outside the UK) whats big about this the second installments of Wizardmarras Drystone Wireless Show? Well first off I've got to say it has an exclusive track from the ever popular stars of the Drystone for two years running THE 3 DAFT MONKEYS. The track “Paranoid Big Brotherr” is from their brand new album “Social Vertigo” and I could have played anything from it as it's all good. A huge thank you to Tim Ashton for allowing me to use something from the album visit their website and BUY a copy you'll not regret it.

http://www.3daftmonkeys.co.uk

I've been lucky enough to see the Monkeys twice in as many weeks just now, first at Wheaton Aston Festival in Staffordshire at what could be the last fezzi there and the Monkeys were possibly the last band to play it and they finished it in style after initially having a very cold crowd to please turned the atmosphere electric becoming one of the very best gigs I've seen them do. Then a week later they were at Knockengorroch Festival though timetabled far too early in the day to really kick ass they still gave a cracking set.

http://www.wheatonastonfestival.supanet.com/
http://www.knockengorroch.org.uk/

I'm doing things out of sequence though so to get it all back on track the first music you hear is mine it's short and sweet to start it all off and should you be interested in such an inconsequential musical gewgaw it's called “Fresh Eight” Why? Because that's what came into my head when I saved the file.

Next the real music begins. It's from “FLUTATIOUS” and the track is called “Space”, Flutatious are one of those bands that when you hear the demo that's come through the post you get a tingle shooting up your spine and you know you have to book them. They will go down so well on the Drystone, wait until you hear what they've done with a brief snippet of Faure's “Pavane” (it may even feature on a later podcast, you never know.)

Next is the aforementioned Monkeys track, followed by “Follow The Lights” from DELIVO a now sadly non existent band who were the very first band to perform on the Drystone Stage. Although some purists may insist the first “official” performance was by fellow West Cumbrian band “THE MARRATIMES” (hear them on the next podcast). But Delivo did do the business first for the benefit of Border Television. Made up of Matt Kirk on drums (See him play guitar with Sheepskin Beard on the Drystone this year) Dave Connor on rhythm guitar and vocals, brothers Dave and Mikey Proud on Lead and Bass guitars. As I said on the podcast Dave is on the road to becoming a Dad and bucket loads of love and congratulations to him and Jude.

Mikey is now playing with rising West Cumbrian stars MAZZONI

http://www.themazzoni.com/

Delivo are followed by the wonderful SLEEPY ED HICKS and the old standard “Frankie and Johnnie' performed however in Eds inimitable style. Ed was one off the first program of acts I had on the Drystone back in 2005 it's first year and Solfests second, his fantastic performance and great reception guaranteed a return booking in 2006. If you can find him performing anywhere near you you go and see him and you will not be disappointed

http://www.fredwoodbear.com


The next two tracks are from two members of the same family. First the daughter, LAURA JAMES and a beautiful track called “All I Ask” performed live at The Spinners Arms, Cummersdale, Carlisle. You can also hear it on the”Wizardmarras Saturday Night at The Spinners “myspace” but it will be getting changed very soon, there is also a really nice studio version of it on hers. Laura like Rob Heron who was featured on the last podcast are still (in the great scheme of things and on a global geological timescale) very young, being so talented at such a young age can only mean one of two things they will either go a very long way or they'll peak soon. I think the former is true in both cases.

http://www.myspace.com/songsabouttheweather

Following Laura is her father CHRIS JAMES who doesn't actually look like a rum and whiskey soaked sot whose life was wrecked by a woman who “Done him wrong” in the ante bellum land of levees and satanically attended crossroads. No he's from somewhere near London Village but that doesn't stop him from singing the blues like he's lived it. The track here is “Will and Testament” from his album “Trick Of The Light” and like the Monkeys album I was hard pressed to choose what to play. Honestly there is not a single bad track on the album, for a full flavour of what he can do (if you haven't already realized that he can play a guitar like he was ringing a bell) go to his myspace and enjoy and again there is more on the “Spinners” myspace too.

http://www.myspace.com/chrisjamesblues

http://www.myspace.com/wizardmarrassaturdaynightatthespinners

Hands up next as I must apologize for I have involuntarily reversed the Christian names of my next artist on the podcast who is in truth LOUISE MARY MARTIN (which I should easily remember as it is also the name of one of my step daughters, I slap myself for being an idiot) Louise gives us the quite hypnotic and wonderful “Green Sweets”
I love the sound of Louise's voice, jazzy and sexy and damn fine music, a big hit at last years Solfest and she'll be returning again to the Drystone this year.

http://www.myspace.com/louisemarymartin

Last of all a tune by my son ADAM WHITTAKER. (hey if I can't practice a little nepotism here then where can I?) Adam was Stage and Technical manager of The Drystone for it's first two years of life and the hard work he put in gives him the right to be included anyway but It's a more special reason that the track “Dancing Maiden” is here. The quality of the recording is admittedly poor but until I find the CD that's got better stuff on it will have to do.

On Tuesday 20th May 2008 and 5:30(ish) his daughter JASMINE TANHAYER WHITTAKER was born and it's to her that this podcast is dedicated, my sweet wonderful and tiny tiny granddaughter.

Finally check out my new website

www.wizardmarra.com

Which has among other things a Drystone page and one where you can submit electronic press kits for consideration to perform at Solfest or to have your work featured on the podcast

http://www.wizardmarra.com/drystyan/

http://www.wizardmarra.com/demo/

WIZARDMARRAS DRYSTONE WIRELESS SHOW

Well here I am back blogging again after too long an absence with every good intention of getting it done once more on a regular basis.

To start it of here are a few details of the very first ever WIZARDMARRAS DRYSTONE WIRELESS SHOW my new podcast in which I'm featuring acts from the past three years of the DRYSTONE STAGE at Solfest and those who will be appearing on it this year. I'll also be putting some tracks up from artists who have submitted for a slot on the stage but for whatever reason haven't made it. I can only put on so many acts per year and nowhere near as many as I would like to so it's a small way to redress the balance. There are some fantastic acts out there all of whom deserve to be heard.

I'll also be playing EXCLUSIVE recordings made at my Open Mic sessions at the Spinners Arms in Cummersdale, Carlisle which takes place on the first Saturday in the month. It's worth mentioning here that I'm also running one at THE LAST MAN INN in Plumbland near Aspatria on Friday 25th April which will also be a regular session should it go well.

Back to the podcast and who's on it.

It opens with a bit of naffness by me and then into the track...

No Accident by OUTROADS.
This sensationally good blues band was on the Drystone back in 2005, its first year after their demo from which this track is taken blew me away. They were back at Solfest on mainstage a year later and also on the Drystone filling in for Dyframix who were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. They will be back on the Drystone at some point, in the meantime enjoy this track which should have a place on a TOP GEAR album or such like pure driving music that it is.

next up

ISAAC & LUCY THOMPSON
Here is their full set from The Spinners. Neither Isaac nor Lucy his sister have reached their teens yet and they are refreshingly unencumbered with the nonsense of ego that besets performers as the years advance. Their playing is fresh and exceptionally good and the excellent recording by Will Taylor of Montgomery Funk Enterprises captures the energy of their set perfectly. Enjoy.

BANJO BILL LLOYD - Carey
A well known figure in the folk music scene in Cumbria and The North of England. A really nice bloke and someone who is far too well preserved for his age. This song Carey from his myspace page is one that I have played and played and played. In short I love it I hope you do too.

MELODICA, MELODY AND ME - Hold On
I nearly missed these guys when they submitted to Solfest and they are also responsible for me starting to take more notice of bands myspace pages. I prefer a demo and listening to a myspace is not always convenient, but I did with these chaps and was taken by their sound. Quite original to say the least, charming and in some ways hypnotic. But never mind me, make your own mind up.

RICHARD ANDERSON - Till I've Done Good
Came to the Spinners last month an enormously likable guy and shamelessly plugged his new album. From which this track is taken, it is well worth getting a copy and can be had from
www.crucialmusic.co.uk

MR & MRS - Get Well Soon
I was returning home from a gig in Burnley and there on Preston Platform doing a soft shoe shuffle dance and was about to brush away the cigarette ash that fallen down my pants when I realised that I'd stopped smoking the year before and it would have looked suspect when I noticed a couple laden with guitars, banjos, melodicas, saxophones, clarinets and a full church organ in a rucksack and I though "ah musicians" and quickly introduced myself and my involvement with Solfest. We shared the journey north until Lancaster where they left for a gig and gave me a demo. I loved it and booked them for the Drystone. A week later another act I have coming this year Louise Mary Martin who was on the Drystone last year too contacted me and said "I saw this great duo in Lancaster last week, they'd be great on the Drystone they're called Mr and Mrs."

BAD ACID - Christmas Number One
The aforementioned Will Taylor performing this beautiful song which I'll let speak for itself.

THE ONE AND ONLY MIGHTY TREE/PHIL HAZLEHURST - Bovril In The Jar
A show stopping live recording from one of the undeniable stars of The Spinners sessions and fellow compere at Solfest.

Finally a track of mine which I've entitled Old School Varnish, don't ask me why I just have.

SUNSHINE

WIZARDMARRAS SOLFEST DIARY

FOREPLAY

DAY summet or other, mebbe 3

Monday 20^th of August.

I actually got out of bed with a bit of enthusiasm today, that little breath of magic and joy that being onsite had brought to my heart has grown overnight. I can't believe how good I feel, I feel happier and fuller of life than I have for months. There is REAL MAGIC
IN THE AIR OF
THIS SOLFEST.

I endeavoured to finish my sign painting, but I had on umpteen occasions the necessity to go and do something else. I don't wish to give the impression this was a complaint. Quite the other side of the coin, It was good "going on the rounds" each new point that needed attending getting sorted and then I went and checked that everybody else who was doing something for me was OK. It followed too that conversations ensued and so forth. But also deals were made, compromises agreed and the festival is literally shaped by what is said.

Like I was saying yesterday on how the Drystone Stage has changed again. In that change the Pyramid is no longer part of the stage and really has no function other than being a "green room" for the acts. I don't have a problem with that. As an "act" myself it's nice to be treated well by your employer and you give a good show to your public because of it. But artistically it doesn't look right next to the new stage. But this year there will be a few traders down by the stage and its look will be very different. There will also be THE SMOKEHOLE SPEAKEASY a new late night session venue to play the stuff that doesn't quite fit in Wals and Bills is something else again so if you want to get into the JAZZ and a few other things to intrigue you.

But the really lovely thing about today was that the sun came out, and it came out in style, bright and warm and wonderful and it's HERE TO STAY.

So painting my signs, including now two chalkboards to announce the acts on the Drystone, in the sunlight has been a pleasant thing. Watching the wall go up was good too. So the Drystone Stage is once more resplendent with a wall built by Eddie Allen and Dave Corrie. Jamie's crew (who have been the guys putting it all together this year (who's names shall be checked tomorrow)) have worked damn hard putting it up. They have dealt with my grumblings and adapted the backstage to work as a practical music venue and to function well.

That's it for today. I must be brief, for I have to write a copious book of notes for my Personal Assistants and Stage managers. It's half past one...

...and we have a site meeting at 8:00 am

I
LURVE
SOLFEST

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC.

WIZARDMARRAS SOLFEST DIARY

FOREPLAY

DAY 1

Sunday 19^th of August.

5 days and counting...

In truth I haven't been able to get round to writing anything regularly or anything near, as it has suddenly become too damn busy.

The lists that must be made of names

                    And names

                            And names

                                    All the same

                                    For

This

&

That

And for meals, Drystone passes (all cumbered with Wainwright Walls and herdwicks) Mainstage back passages to sit among the Glitterati of badly drawn boys and chalked menu upon a blackout board. A Camping Kenneth Williams limp cloth wristbands to get you in.

A STAGE HAS BEEN BUILT TOO.

As always the Drystone Stage, first to go up. It's changed again providing me with the most ridiculous statistic in the known universe. The Drystone Stage has had 50% more regenerations than Dr Who in the same amount of time.

This is actually the first time that a significant thought has occurred to me. The Drystone Stage has been in existence for as long as the new series of Dr Who, so...

...Has one affected the other?

It is no longer connected to the Pyramid. Which has now just become a "Green Room" for the artists, it's drifted a long, long way from my original idea was. Which I'll not repeat as it's written elsewhere.

But The Stage will still in all things be THE VERY BEST STAGE

IN ALL OF ENGLAND! As I've often said before.

There will be traders next to it so you can get a brew and munchies and there's just up from it. The SMOKE HOLE SPEAKEASY. This is for cover should the weather get grim, sunshine mix of world music and tribal tunes will play in a morning set upon Saturday and Sunday by Paul Thompsons' Beat Roots.

The main thing is today I felt for the very first time since last year a sense of REAL EXCITEMENT. That certain buzz, which brings with it a frisson that only Solfest, gives.

Tom's new dance tent has arrived, and what a sight it was seeing Tosh actually pushing a lorry with the Tele-Handler up the wet field when it got stuck.

Big bugger that tent is. You mark my words, you wait and see, you w...

...but I'm getting ahead of myself. Way to far ahead as it starts on Thursday and I'd decided to take a break from all the paperwork.

(Read this in a Phillip Marlowe Style, practise saying "SCHWEETHEART" like Bogey.)

What I needed to do was chill out; I was feeling guilty about having nothing written or to write for the blog. But how many times can you write.

"I've got shit loads to do, going spare and trying to get it all in balance making sure all acts are attended to with all problems dealt with! Before it gets boring, and the only interesting (a bit) bits are the bands problems and none of your damn business thank you very much.

You will never believe the stuff this year!!!

Any way I did what I had to do mundane stuff that really makes no story to tell. I went to Carlisle to see Gary and organise my sound and lights. Bit interesting, but I can't make

"We sat down around a BIG TABLE and said things like microphone, radio link, bass trap and backline."

Much better than that.

I gritted my teeth and excelled at making my excel sheet of guests and fees and meal tickets and said right Alan here is you treat.

I sat here on the pooter and recorded two "WIZARDMARRAS DRYSTONE RADIO SHOWS" which will probably be broadcast on the Test transmission day. It's all cheese but with good tracks from Drystone Stage Acts Past and Present. I'll probably adapt them a bit post Solfest as podcasts. I really enjoyed myself though, loads of fun. That gets us to Friday, only I somehow am stuck in Thursday so when I get a message from Alwyn that we were putting the Drystone Up I chortle

"Daft Alwyn's muddled as we are putting up on Saturday and it's not even Friday yet. But for half four I'm on my bike and off down to the site, and it dawns upon it is indeed Friday and we are putting up today because BLOODY HELL THE FESTIVAL WILL BE STARTING

IN

EXACTLY

SEVEN

DAYS

SHIT!

When I get there it's good to see JT, Tosh, Chris, and Alec and Massam too who had vanished last year. Jamie arrives too, who I was hoping to work with last year using his green diesel jenny for the stage. This year he comes to build, brought in by JT.

What a squad we have this year, in seven days we shall build for you a field of dreams

             An arena of diamond illusions in one week.

             As Sandmartins swoop across the grass, at first wet from the constant drip

Drip

Drip

 

 

Drip

Of relentless never-ending soul destroying dampening cooling soaking horrible wet wet wet wetwetwetwet

WET

WATTER

Last night was lovely after a wet and a grafting hard work grit toothed day.

We had Leah to stay with us, and it was great. You cannot imagine how much pleasure (remember in the middle of SOLFEST WEEK) changing a nappy and giving ones Grand Daughter a feed at Four in the morning is.

I am smitten

With Princess Leah

Slowly over two to three days the weather dries and Alec said a lovely thing as seven O'clock clouds cumbered overhead in an air that was softly dry and dark.

"It's very nearly sunshine this!"

And it was, and later today we had the most wonderful most golden brassy XANTHIC (look it up, good word) sky. I have been so chilled painting the sign that our LOLLYPOP HIPPY will be using.

And I felt the buzz again

THIS IS GOING TO BE A

GOOD

ONE

 

 

COUNTDOWN