The Wired the Witch and the Plum Duff

 The Wired, the Witch and the Plum Duff

As the gales howled and the tides rose, dodging falling slates and flying objects, clinging tenaciously to the bridge in the teeth of the wind or the treachery of sheet ice.....it had better be worth it, I thought grimly, on my way to yet another class event in my favourite city.

And it was. They all were.  Lancaster pulled out the stops to take our minds off the encroaching winter, from cult black=and-white photography and eclectic ars and crafts to rude humour and raucous jazz.

On Sunday lunchtimes, despite a tenent/management changeover, The Robert Gillow continues to host a packed and lively session as Sun Street Stompers take to the floor: a wall of brass blasts away the cobwebs while that Box Car Willie on speed, Ben Ruth, rips in from across the Atlantic to add funky harmonica.

Arteria's most recent launch on the 24^th showcased the remarkable talents of photographer Mike Shepherd while almost incidentally scattering one's path with irresistable goodies: hand woven and hand knits of excellence, work from new and established local artists, jewellery both elegant and funky and the constantly enticing range of kitchen and bath accessories downstairs. Unable to take the entire shop home with me, I brought my husband in later and pointed meaningfully. Time will tell.

 www.arteriashop.co.uk

More essential shopping at The Storey on 3^rd December, where a Hand Made and Vintage Christmas Fair saw a record turnout to view and persue the many goodies on offer. With Vintage Lil handing out nostalgic sweets on the staircase below, and a host of experts dishing out the goodies above, this Christmas fair was cut well above the average (see photos courtesy of Johnny Bean) Of particular note were Golden Era Girl's vintage clothing (hands off the feathered hat as I saw it first!) www.goldeneragirl.co.uk , Jaqui Wilson's artsoaps jwilson@dukes-lancaster.org , Black Rose Crafts for interesting glass fusion www.blackrosecrafts.co.uk and delicate silverwork from Delia Clark www.thejewelleryroom.co.uk

Storey CIC, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster thesorey.co.uk

The Fair will be in its third and biggest year December 2012, so make sure you catch it!

At Totally Wired, Dukes Playhouse on Monday 5th, Richard Davis offered an exciting mix of film, stills, not-yet-released music and unearthed treasures to a packed room: The windswept grey vistas of Sunderland Point in fitting black-and-white, Hannah Farrell's evocative record of Morecambe's Variety artists (some of her stills pictured), weird and wonderful fifties folk ritual from Woodcraft and soundtrack by local band The Heartbreaks with songs taken from their debut album to be released spring 2012

Then on to a relaxed wind-down at John O' Gaunt with Jazz Unlimited, where the usual suspects from Thursday's French Connection are joined by trombone, guitar, singer and whoever else happens to wander in. Nearly time for cocoa! (as Ronnie Blamire has been known to say).

By Tuesday, I was flagging a bit, but needs must. Every first Tuesday, the Water Witch hosts a gem, brainchild of Mark Coyle, where anything goes and on 6^th December it did. Debuting as The Odd Couple, Bill Wilding and Hermione Blackwell led a charmed audience through the ups and downs of an old-style love affair, from “Baby, it's cold outside” to “When I miss Him most of all”. Following which, Nigella Ladylumps' seasonal advice on how best to dangle one's Plum Duff was an amusing piece of innuendo, well received by a receptive if surprised audience. The Jesse Darby Experience was a good one: Carmen Scott is a distinctive vocalist of no mean ability, complemented by Simon Rothwell and Jesse Darby both in pleasant melody, with Graham Simpson lively on keyboards, keeping us all happy till forced to stop by cruel fate (closing time).

Another mad night at The Stonewell Tavern as The Thursday Girls took to the boards in inimitable style: Absolutely Cabaret is back!

Music, mayhem, comedy and more...last Sunday saw them all. Tess the Tease has perfected her elegant duets with Wandering Hands Wilkie, though she completely lost the Ladies' Freestyle Tug of War (otherwise known as “All of Me”) to the aptly named Nigella Ladylumps. The Odd Couple charmed with their romantic storyline linking nostalgic songs: Bill Wilding has taken to his new vocal role with style. Simon Hilton provided a pleasant interlude of melody on the keyboards.

From the sublime to the downright vulgar, West End Wendy then brought her own brand of seaside inspired keep fit idiocy, bringing the show back down to earth with a bump. Bouncy castles will never be the same again.

Next Cabaret 1^st April (!) at 8pm: Comedy Evening to come: check www.sueseddon.co.uk for details

And now for something completely different: elegant excellence at Williamson Park (Ashton Memorial) with Lancaster Priory Chamber Choir, conducted by the ebullient Shaun Pirtijarvi and joined by Lancaster Baroque Soloists on the 14^th.

It isn't often that there is such a gleeful rapport between conductor, choir and small but powerful instrumental section, but this is a hallmark of Shaun's work so far.

The evening began sedately enough with known classics- Monteverdi, Vaughn Williams, Bach- and progressed to the swelling magnificence in “Of the Father's heart begotten” Newly formed Baroque Soloists,with guest Julian Davies on Viola, added instrumental depth to the soaring choir. So far, so good till the interval.

However, the second part was in a class of its own. Ian Pattinson's rippling harpsichord emerged with character, underpinning Sam Porteus' joyous soprano (Quelle est cette odeur agreable?). Concerto for two violins gave the Baroque Soloists the stage: a lovely interplay with laughing chords from Christopher Jotischky-Hull balancing Sarah Bristow's confident playing, backed by Henry Page's sombre cello.

The vibrant arrangements of Sir Christemas and the Carols then gave full range to a superb choir, excelling themselves, with joyful harmony. Of especial note were Lizee Weedy, strong, clear solo soprano (New Year Carol) and Daniel Barnett's distinct, well delivered tenor.

The climactic Hark the herald angels sing made the rafters of the acoustic paradise ring in time-honoured fashion: fitting tribute to both Ashton Memorial and musicians present.

More events from this remarkable choir and soloists: www.lancasterpriory.org

Well, it was Saturday, and needs must. Shopping (the bit after walking the dog and before the pub) had dragged me, unwilling, to town and the ministrations of an all-day music session at John O' Gaunt where the Sam Frank Band (Snake Eyes) proved celtic picking is at home on guitar and the manic Saturday afternoon crowd at the JOG will happily listen to accomplished acoustic with lyrics.

That's all for this year, folks.  Have a brilliant Christmas- I intend to!

Cheers,

Sue 

 www.sueseddon.co.uk

sueseddon@hotmail.co.uk