Taking the Michael?

 

     Last Wednesday night, as so often happens, the quality of performance at Nuneaton Folk Club was once again outstanding. We welcomed back Adam Wilson and Des Patalong to fill our longer 30 minute feature spots. And (after several postponements, rearrangements and cancellations due to Covid), we finally got Mike Reinstein to travel up from Sussex. I’ve played all three artistes on Anker Folk many times. Deservedly so, because their material is top class.

     It was also great to see  returning audience members. People we have missed and who always add quality to our evening, just by being there. People like John B.  Smith, Mick Stanley, Keith Donnelly and Ray Buckler. And there were  newbies. At least four. Please try us again and tell your friends. 

   The turnout  was a tad disappointing. The foresight of the Tory Council in closing most local car parks since our July session probably did not help. Although- (future attendees please note)- there is STILL free local parking nearby in Victoria Street.

Our August guest Mike Reinstein deserves great credit for keeping going under quite difficult circumstances. He was thoroughly professional. There was a remarkable variety in all his songs. Some were funny. Some were poignant and some were both.

All of them showed a great deal of craft, both in their composition and delivery. His background is in Drama, Education and Children’s Entertainment. And it showed throughout. One of the wittiest, most articulate performers we’ve ever welcomed to the Queen’s Hall, Mike was an excellent and thoughtful songwriter. He was erudite, polished and intelligent. And if you look at the photos JBS has uploaded to the NFC Facebook Page-count the facial expressions-he has dozens! 

Making a welcome return, Adam Wilson was (as ever), charming, likeable and earnest. He has a superb voice and writes great songs. The few cover versions he does do are immensely polished. As a Neil Young Tribute Act alone he could make a fortune in the Wine Bars and Tapas Restaurants of South Warwickshire. He once again forgot to bring along any of his excellent CD’s but if anyone contacts me, I can pass on details of how to buy one. They are well worth a listen.

Des Patalong has a voice and a presence that needs no P.A. His own songs are really clever and full of passion Des cares. He really does care. The spot he took on was advertised as being the Thrup’nny Bits, but due to ill health they could not make it and Des had to fly solo. (Get well soon Gareth!). He held the fort magnificently.

Some other old bloke making a fool of himself started the evening. The less said about that the better. He was returning from a throat and chest infection and sang like Lee Marvin. A sprinkle of people sang along with “Di Di The Ice Cream Man.”   ( Soon to be released on a CD?). The rest of the audience just looked either frightened or confused. Probably shouldn’t have even tried  the Barry Manilow spoof or the Three Lions parody. Oh well. That's the career in stand up fooked. 

     The Street Fight (Interval) Amongst the most energy expended in the area all night was the unedifying spectacle of two women on the pavement outside, air punching, and trying fairly unsuccessfully to hit each other. Hilarious. Treacle at its spectacular best.

       Despite the talent evident in the room the attendance was low. This was no reflection on Mike Des or Adam.  It is true that August is a holiday month and also the Festivals like Sidmouth are in full swing. However, it is also my personal opinion that having three folk nights within a few metres of each other inside five days is unfortunate. It does not matter how much each one costs or whoever the billed artistes are. People just will not come out three nights out of five. ( Some can no longer afford to).

      This level of competition does not happen in any other town I know of. At NFC we are not subsidised or profit making, or able to run at a loss. The Club funds are now dry. We  cannot go on inviting people to travel long distances to play to a virtually deserted room. There are alternatives. We will need to consider some of them over the next few months.

      My thanks go again  to Rich Burlingham for continuing to supply the room, the excellent facilities and the Church End Goats Milk. (that’s local real Ale to out of towners). And also to Pete W. for helping us out with advance publicity. Thanks also to Aaron for working the bar, and to Ross for driving the sound. Great also, to have top photographers like John B. Smith  back in the room. All the photos shown here are used with his permission. Thanks finally  to Pete Botting for his kind donations towards Anker Folk on Anker Radio. We'll be spinning them soon, Pete. 

      Finally a word for the witty Yoof who shouted “No one carries cash nowadays!” before running off downstairs to watch the fight outside. The object of terror which drove him and his mates away was the Interval jug collection. They had stayed to listen to the music for free, in air conditioned comfort, with a bar and toilets but then baulked at making any contribution towards it. Which is their prerogative of course. But if you are going to heckle lads, at least make it serious. A Post Office survey released this week also proves your supposition is wrong. So come along to NFC, enjoy the music and don't be a tightwad.