A wee dram of The Mac Awe

   It is hard to believe it's been a month since I last posted. Apologies for that, because I know people do read this Blog, following  the adventures of various musicians and picking up news about Nuneaton and other Folk Clubs. But family funerals, domestic upheavals, illnesses etc got in the way of doing so. This didn't mean I wasn't out gigging. Indeed, public performance provided some respite from all the stress and sheer bloody hard work of supporting various people through several crises. Since that last entry:

Nunc did floor spots at The Tump and Atherstone Folk Clubs. The Tump turned out to be quite a long one, where he had a chance to air several songs.  

 Mac Awe On Tour

     After a series of rehearsals, Mac Awe on Tour had a triumphal gig at Nuneaton Beer Festival on Saturday June 19th, with two long sets.  Mostly of covers material. Dylan, Beatles, Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke. loads of Blues, some traditional Folk, and even a Spiritual or two. And (by audience request!!) A couple of old Black Parrot Seaside favourites, " Albert Balls " and  "The Odeon." This fulfilled  a longstanding commitment made by me, last year, to Nuneaton and Bedworth CAMRA when I was in another band.

    Mac Awe on Tour even had a Sperrins Brewery beer named after them, especially for the occasion. Described in the Festival notes as  a " dark mysterious porter with chocolate undertones. "   I am delighted to record that it was later judged  Beer of The Festival! I had a drop: it was, like several of the Band members, a Dark, Strong and Stout thing!

   We had planned to include Brian Phillips in the final line-up, but despite managing to attend rehearsals and making a great contribution, Brian had his own family troubles and could not attend the actual gig. Similarly, Sue Sanders, who played fiddle with MAOT at The Comedy night ( and so featured on the Mac Awe Pump clip!) intended to join us but was unable to this time.

    The format then, was myself, Malc Gurnham (acoustic bass), John Kearney (guitar) and his son Brendan, on Percussion. Gill Gilsenan very kindly drove the P.A. for us. Having John and Malc meant that we were able to finish with the marvellous John Richards song "Shine On," with Malc's thunderous vocals shaking the windows of Dugdale Street. And the audience too were treated to John Kearney's unique version of "Downtown." The audience chorus singing was particularly loud and enthusiastic. I can't think why.

Is that a pint of Mac Awe at Brendan's feet?