Dave

In spite of the disguise, I bet many of you will recognise our musical mate Dave, from the shots that I've taken of him at gigs that he has played at.

We saw him today and invited him round to our studio for a shoot, as he was after a photo or two for a poster that he needs for when he goes to France for the summer.

So he popped round in his genuine 1960's suit from Burton's and his favourite flowery shirt. The hat and goggles he got from our dressing up box.

Rockin' The Night Away

This is Tim Boynton, singer and ace guitarist with local band The Outriders.

He was playing solo tonight at the Lincolnshire Poacher pub on Mansfield Road.

Our main objective was to see our great friend and talented folk singer Dave Mitchell, who was doing a turn, so seeing Tim as well was a bonus.

Rock n Roll

The Navigation last night was buzzing with music.  These are the Outriders, a 1950s rock band, who were really very good. Eddie, on the right sounded an exceptional guitarist and really twanged those notes.

I can't say that I am particularly fond of 50s songs, but found my feet and hands tapping along to the tunes, some of which were familiar, but many were not. I found the film show of photos of 1950s Americana interesting, and sometimes amusing to see what appeared while the musicians played.

Gail and I went ostensibly to support Dave a neighbour of ours, who was playing with a mate, and had decided to call themselves The Tank Tops, after the same style jumper that they were both wearing.

They played a short set of well known covers by the likes of the Everley Brothers, Buddy Holly etc. After a couple of false starts, which Dave made a joke of, the duo got into their stride and entertained the audience for half an hour or so with their tunes.

Six Strings And A Pint Of Beer

My first gig shoot of the year, and also for the musician in question; Dave Mitchell. It was also my first visit to the Lincolnshire Poacher where Dave was playing.

Dave is a good friend, so not only did I go to take photos, but also to support him. There was also a number of neighbours there as well, as he used to live on the same street as us, before sadly having to leave.

Dave had obviously practiced quite hard as he was very good and the whole audience enjoyed his two sets. On some songs he was accompanied by a guitarist called Phil. He was very good too.

One of the songs that Dave covered was Stan Rogers' Lock Keeper's song. So I thought I would share the original song with you.

Beer Drinkers United

A photo assignment this morning for my folk musician friend Dave Mitchell, who was playing at the Robin Hood Beer Festival at Nottingham Castle, and he wanted me to record the event for posterity.

Dave played for about an hour in the bandstand, while I took some photos of him in action. I was surprised to learn that the sound equipment was being controlled by the engineer on an iPad. No more knobs and dials to fiddle with, just a movement of ones finger on the screen.

Dave enjoyed his gig, but was clearly relieved when it was over, so he could enjoy one or two beers that were available at the festival, from the half pint glass that had been given to him.

I was also given a glass by one of the organisers, and so I decided to christen it by trying the re-introduced Shipstones ale, that has started to be brewed again after some twenty years. I wrote about it earlier this year. Here is the LINK to the story.

Here's a shot of the hand pumps that were dishing out the amber nectar. Although I must admit it wasn't as tasty as I had hoped it would be, and probably won't be buying it again, as I prefer more darker beers.