
Since last time, we've uploaded reviews of two events, Rock Ridge Rumble and Atomic Vintage Festival. You can read those, and view pics, at the weekender section on this site. Here's our review of the club gig we nipped along to mid August
Very Divine. Just one club gig among the weekenders, and that was another sortie to Domino’s club at Letchworth, for Australian songstress, Cherry Divine and her Rockabilly Band, playing her final gig in Europe before returning home. Also on the bill, a guest performance from Baby Jai. All that, and guest DJ Strops Hop, sounds pretty good to me.
The sounds from the decks were top drawer, so good to hear the likes of ‘Dimples’ by John Lee Hooker, played as a floor filling stroller, offset with Cliff’s ‘Dancing Shoes’ opening up the jive set.
The band took the stage for the first of their two sets, with just two of the touring Australians, flame haired Cherry herself (Helen Bailey) on vocals and rhythm guitar and husband Keith on bass. And with guest musicians, it meant that most of Cherry’s original material, wouldn’t be in the show tonight. I was looking forward to hearing the likes of ‘Devil Heard Me Coming’ and ‘Fakin’ It’, which I suggest you search out, but hey ho, what we got was ace.
It was pacey and punchy with the likes of ‘Rip It Up’, Janis Martin’s ‘Bang Bang’ and Elvis’ ‘Hard Headed Woman’ opening the set. It’s always good to hear a classic done well, and their take on ‘Stupid Cupid’ was a super cool vibe, as were Wanda Jackson Rockabilly classics ‘Let’s Have a Party’ and ‘Fujiyama Mama’, and Brenda Lee’s ‘Sweet Nothings’.
Big up for Baby Jai’s take on ‘My Babe’ during the sets, and a treat to hear George Jones’ ‘Sparkling Brown Eyes’ rocked out, in contrast to the more country ramble of Patsy Cline’s ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’. Cherry’s own ‘Rockabilly Fever’ snuck in, and was very welcome, before the show culminated with Baby Jai joining the band for a kick arse take of ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’.
A bonzer show, and kudos particularly for Pat Reyford depping on guitar, having arrived from Belgium that very day. A good night of live and recorded music, at a now fully established and well run club, courtesy of Nigel ‘Domino’ Babb and Beverly Buckland.
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Flagging up new for early 2019, Frisking the Whiskers The feel for the weekend is fresh new and different to other weekenders that are currently hosted in the UK. It will have UK based DJs playing a mix of Swing, Jazz, and 40s RnB.
The line up looks good although, one note would be that the Early Bird Offer ends on 1st October. Pakefield Pontins regularly hosts dance weekenders so the venue and ambiance is already there, just add people!
Shake Rattle and Roll weekender is celebrating it's 17th year in 2019. Situated in Great Yarmouth's Vauxhall Park (Parkdean resorts) it's immensely popular, and judging by the already confirmed line up, next year's will be the same.
April, see another new Jump jive weekender, this time in Weston Super Mare in the west country. This features some cracking bands and DJs to fulfill the biggest R&B appetite.
Finally, it's early doors for the Rockabilly Rave, but looking at the collection of names and bands already confirmed, it's gonna be another good one!
The Big Jive all dayer is set in the superb setting of Worthing Assembly Halls on the south coast, and next year's line up is an R&B and jive lovers delight.
Check out the new diverse Southport Rumble in the North West of England, from the guardians of the Rock Ridge Rumble, Kevin Greener and Tracy Hobbs.
Neil and Claire Seabrook have taken their Hot Rock n Boogie weekender to the next level for 2019, their second event, to follow the highly enjoyable debut event this May.
And finally, club nights with Nigel Babb in Letchworth Hertfordshire at Domino's Rock n Roll club, one you should really check out

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Cheers 'til next time