What Happened Last Week at The Runner

Jazz night this week featured Pete Johnson (Guitar) with his band also featuring Ben Martin on Sax, I have yet to see a bad musician on a Jazz Night and it's alway's a nice friendly crowd.

Colin Staples Blues Jam on Wednesday night was lucky enough to have Rocky Frisco again sitting in on piano. Musicians who I thought stood out from the rest this week were Doc Shellard(Guitar), Mick Lund(Harp), Mogs (TenorSax), Tim Disney(Harp), Dave Stevo(Guitar), Drac(bass) and of course Colin Staples(Vocals,Harp & Guitar) and many many more that put in fine performances to make this a good nights entertainment.

Hans Theesink on Thursday was just what we needed before a busy weekend, a brilliant blues guitar player who really works the audience, I have to say the audience were also brilliant, listening to every word and note played, without any talking over songs. Thank you Hans & the crowd for making it a special night.

Linda Gail Lewis was absolutely brilliant, boogie woogie piano from a star turn. The equally amazing Firebirds are as good as you will see anywhere, Rock & Roll at it's best. We must get this act back again.

When Paul Lamb & The Kingsnakes are in town you just know it's going to be a good night and this was no exception. When a band has the likes of Sonny Below Drums, Rod Demick Bass, John Whitehill lead guitar, Earl Green Vocals and Paul Lamb on Harmonica you know you have a very special band, two hours thirty minutes of swing blues, plus loads of new material from "Live at The 100 Club" album. I hope you didn't miss this one.

Sunday saw the first performance of The Beer Monsters who played everything from 'Smoke on the Water' to 'Spirit in the Sky'. In Paul Rhodes they have a Guitar Hero/Vocalist to die for, with a more than adequate rhythm section, in Huw on Bass Guitar & Robin on Drums, these lads will be playing more gigs at 'The Runner' and surounding area's for certain. Watch this space for more details!!!.

Whats Happening This week at The Runner

The week starts with Open Mic Night tonight (Monday), pop down and see The Beer Monsters and several other musicians, playing for Free.

Tuesday night Jazz this week have Nathan Bray who has been a big hit at recent Jam Sessions, the trumpet maestro takes time out from a busy schedule to play with the house line up.

Colin Staples Blues Jam on Wednesday just has to be the best jam session anywhere in The Midlands, you get some of the best musicians, some who still play in bands, some who have retired from doing gigs, but are keeping their "hand in" as they say.

This coming Thursday we have Big Bill Morganfield, Big Bill will be the first person to play The Runner who has recieved a WC Handy Award, he recieved it in the year 2000, for Best New Blues Artist. This is going to be another memorable night.

On Friday Scotlands top blues band play at The Runner for the first time Rev Doc & The Congregation have been playing storming festival gig's all over Europe this year, if you like harp led blues this is for you.



One of my personal favourites on Saturday The Cadillac King's, Jump jive at it's best, you will need dancing shoe's for this one.



If you have never seen Shamus O'Blivion & The Megadeath Morrismen, be prepared for some high energy Celtic Rock, always a good nights entertainment when these lads take to the stage.

Sally & Barry

 

Tickets will be on sale for the following:

Big Bill Morganfield (USA)
Thurs Oct 17th - Tickets - £10.00adv £12.00door

Family Style (ITALY)
Fri Nov 1st - Tickets - £6.00adv £7.00door

The Holmes Brothers (USA) + Ian Siegal (Solo)
Sun Nov 17th - Tickets - £10.00adv £12.00door

Rudy Rotta Band (ITALY)
Sat Nov 23rd - Tickets - £6.00adv £7.00door