Here's some of what I've been up ta' BLOGEDY BLOG STUFF
I play gigs all over really:- Dawlish, Paignton, Exeter, St Ives-cornwall, Sidmouth, Newton Abbot, Taunton, Minehead, Newton Poppleford, Torquay, Whimple, Exmouth, Kingsteignton, Seaton, Plympton, West wood Ho, South Molton, Topsham, Brixham, Exeter Cathedral, Exmouth,Sidmouth,Newton Abbot Music & Arts Festivals, Vw. Fest's...bla bla...
I’ve been to a few open mic nights at The Hook & Parrot in Seaton lately. It’s been really good to see other musicians play again and be inspired. I’ve been playing a few songs on my guitar and Tony’s been playing a couple for me too which is great because I can then focus on the vocals more instead of, ’oh no which chord comes next...’ :) Ahh it’s all good stuff.
Sat 21 June 2008 Birthday Pirate Party Gig at Somerset. A great eve all round.I got a random call from this guy who saw me play a gig a couple of years ago in Exeter. He said he’s having a big celebration party & marquee in a field in somerset and wants me to play. Well I jumped at the chance. I love outdoor gigs. There’s something so different about them. Matt & his partner Shawney sounded really nice too so I knew there would be a great party vibe. But when I got there, they really had it all going on! They had 2 marquees, a proper stage for us, lights, disco for later, swim pool ... an I could go on for ages...They had decorated everywhere all pirate, ship wrecky’ like & made such an effort. As we sound checked the generator ran out of fuel so the guys refilled it. I made a note to self to remember at half time to make sure someone checks the genni is full. I thought it’d be a nightmare if it ran out half way through a song.. And oh yea what happened? Yes I forgot to get someone to check it and yes it ran out of juice mid song. The P.A. sound just faded away to nothing and Me and Ed just looked at each other and thought gotta carry on. so we both sang and the crowd got a bit nearer and sang along a bit too and thank the lord it didn’t take them long to chuck some more fuel in...I was chuckling inwardly thinking oh no I just don’t believe it!! :) Me and Ed got them all up dancing and it was a wicked night. lots of photos on the pic’s page & myspace so check em’ out.
I’ve been playing loads more guitar lately and working on some new tunes. Tis becoming exciting times...:)
Sat 7th June 2008 was another really busy weekend. Katie & me were booked to play at Bradninch festival. I was then playing a party gig with Ed in the evening. Katie rang me the day before asking if I wanted to do a last minute gig in Belmont Park in Exeter before we go to Bradninch Festival I thought yea, we can do it.
7/6/08 We arrived at Belmont Park, Exeter and there were problems with the genni’ so we had no electric for a bit. I was conscious that time was wafting away as we didn‘t have long before we had to shoot off to the next gig. When we got going, after about 2 songs the heavens opened and it hailed...big time. This wasn’t any ordinary hail. It was huge, massive, humongus hail. I’ve never seen hail that big before in my life. I would compare the size to a jaffa cake but realistically they were more the size of smarties or M & M’s. honestly :) Everyone was running for cover before they got knocked out. :0 Most people ran in the open sided tent that we were playing in. It was quite a bizarre experience. Everyone was stood behind us. I thought I’d try and be funny and said, if your stood there that means you have to sing...but not many did. It was fun though. Never had that happen before. It was also the first time that my niece & nephew, Leah & Malikai, 6 and 2years old have ever seen me sing live. I was really honoured they were there and my dear Mum. I got all mushy...ahhhh!
We then skooted off to The Castle pub to play at Bradninch festival and just made it in time. We played in the garden out the back with great acoustics, a lovely little stage and buzzy atmosphere. It was really sunny there, so different from the hail storm from earlier. Special thanks to Sara and Jase for making it to watch me. Again it was the first time my sis’ had ever seen me ‘do my thang’ on stage so it was really special. Fanx guys. love ya :)
Our encore song was ‘The Woodlouse song’ and yes it was about Woodlouse. I started writing it with Paul a couple of years ago as a joke and then it got buried and forgotten about under a load more lyrics. When I was jamming with Katie I stumbled across the old lyrics again and we finished writing it in fits of laughter. When we played it, I was wondering if people would get it or not and thinking oh know, what if it flops, it’s our last song, but luckily they got it and loved it. After we finished our set I was walking through the pub & as I passed people, I could hear them singing the chorus line. Woodlouse, woodlouse, I wish I were a woodlouse...I couldn’t believe it. I had a guy come up to me and make me sing it again cause his mate didn’t hear it properly. As I was leaving and getting into my van ready to go to my third and final gig of the day, I had to stop and listen for a moment...There were some guys waiting for a bus across the road and they were singing it too. It was surreal and so so funny. Will get a copy on the site soon as poss! Well done and many, many thanks to Lady Katie for making it such a fab gig.
And lastly but not leastly' I then headed over to Sally’s for her Mad Hatters Party gig. Myself and Ed were playing, what was going to be a short set, that ended up going on twice as long. They didn’t want us to stop and I didn’t want to either. It was really mellow and I just couldn’t stop playing the guitar...(wow miracles do happen ehh!!!) Ed was doing some cool improvisation stuff on some of my tunes that he’d never heard before. I thought it sounded really wicked, like we both knew what we were doing (steady on, I know) :) but it really worked well. Thanks Ed for your confidence in just going with the songs cause I think you sounded Lush with all your bits and bobs you were doing. Our work was now done for the night so we half packed up the P.A. and I settled in to relaxing properly around a gorgeous little bonfire. You just can’t beat the atmosphere of good company, a roaring bonfire, good music and I think that’s about it, what more could you want boy!! :) oh, a beer...:)
Sun 25th May 2008 Katie & Me played at The Rose & Crown as part of the Sandford Festival. I really enjoyed the gig. Many thanks to Stone and Everyone for all their hard work in making it happen, It was a really great weekend with a fab vibe. The sound engineers did a spot on job. When I arrived I parked me old campa van up for the weekend near the V stage so that I could have a few beers later and enjoy the music. And that I did!!!! Thanks all :)
Sat 24th May 2008 was quite a busy day. Me and Lady Katie played at Exmouth festival. It was at an Arts exhibition so it was a chilled, intimate atmosphere. We then scrambled our things together and rushed over to Sandford festival, near Crediton for a set there before Katie had to rush off for another gig. Rock and Roll ehh!! :) Many thanks to Jase & Chloe & to Lady Lisa for taking some pics for us.
Sat 17th May 2008 Wedding gig at Barnstaple. This was a lovely day. It was held at Bloom hill hotel and sculpture gardens. Very intimate and a really nice crowd. I thought they were joking when they asked us to play the song Rainbow connection by Kermit the frog from the Muppets but they were serious. When learning the song, I totally understood why though. It has got really meaningful and lovely lyrics. As a joke, I did want to start singing the song in a true Kermit sounding fashion and then sing the rest of it properly, just for a laugh but they wanted me & Ed to play it as they walked in down the isle for the ceremony. So I had to sing it properly. I did chuckle inwardly though.
Sun 11th May 2008 played at The Tigar Bar Restaurant, Exeter with Katie. I don’t think a gig has ever gone by so quickly. I really enjoyed it.
Thu 8th May2008 I’ve started jamming and recording with a funky band called ‘Jabbrock’ their music sounds a bit similar to Leftfield & Faithless. Its got a really dance’y / Reggae stylee going on with a unique twist. I love singing with them. It’s very exciting. we’re planning to bombard the festivals etc. next year so watch this space folks. who knows what could happen!! :)
Sat 8th Mar 2008. The Snooky trust Charity gig @ The Atmospheric, Starcross. Big thanks to Stone & Caz for asking me to play at this event. It was a fantastic evening with some great talent. Ed played guitar with me. He did a great job, played really well and just got right into it. So much energy. Cheers Ed! :) Check out the videos on the website & myspace. I enjoyed it So much & met some really lovely people. Thanks to Rosey & Roger and Ann & her friends for coming to yet another gig and supporting me. love ya! The Snooky trust raised about £200 so it was a good productive evening and worth all their hard work in organising. Cloudy opened the evening with a great set & a good choice of songs. The only down side was that she played 3 of the same songs that we had in our set list. How dare she :) ha,ha! - must have good taste!! :) I’m told Cloudy is 15yrs of age. I just can’t believe she plays guitar that well and delivers such amazing vocals at 15 years old....I was really impressed and inspired by her. thanks gal! Apparently Cloudy & her mum were at Sidmouth folk festival and remembered me & Ben playing in the Anchor, all those years ago. They loved my version of Zombie and after that, Cloudy started playing guitar & singing, and Zombie was the first song she ever learnt...Wow, I’m welling up! :)Jan - Mar 2008 Busking. Totness, Exeter, Dartington. I’ve been out busking with Lady Katie a few times. It has been much fun but very cold. We nearly got blown over in Exeter. It’s a hard knock life working out in the elements! :) I had to force myself to choose a shop for us to play outside of, then go in and ask them if I could give a donation to their charity box in return for using their electric for Katie’s busking P.a. It was so embarrassing. They were reluctant but thankfully after a minute of persuading, they said yes. Once we’d finished our busking episode, they asked us if we would come back as they really enjoyed it! That’s what I like to hear!! We had a crowd of boys asking if they could play and sing, It’s not karayucky ya know, I said!! :) They left and came past again later and chucked us some pennies (I thought) but they were actually 3 little marbles. I have a lovely green souvenir of my first busking with Lady Katie. Aww!! :) People were busily going about their business and we had a few peop’s stop and listen for a bit before going on their way. I felt miles away deeply engulfed in singing ‘K.T. Tunstall’s Hold on’ and when I looked up at the end, I couldn’t believe there were loads of people all stopped on the street both sides & up the hill listening to us...It was a bit of a shock but great - obviously. They all clapped, I went red and then they sort of thinned out. It was so unexpected because when busking, people don’t generally stop and clap, it’s more of a passing audience so it was strange but good yar!! :) We had a car stop in the road in front of us for a moment. They were ‘boy racers’ in a smashing :) sooped up nova or something. ( ooh how I wish I had one...he,he!) They turned up their stereo full blast, looked over and chuckled and then speedily drove off...It was quite funny really. If I’d a reacted a bit quicker, I could have chucked some money in their window....ha,ha !
Sat 8th Jan 2008. Ed’s Birthday Party, Exeter.Ed and Ann put on some great food for their guests as we played a couple of acoustic sets. It was fun but quite intense with everybody sat so quietly, intently listening. They were a lovely bunch of people so we soon settled into it. A really lovely evening, Thanks for inviting me.
Jan 2008. A farewell to Paul We have been working together for nearly two years. We have created some amazing music and had some awesome times. Paul is also with the 'Reoffenders' (a lively & fun punk rock band). With both bands becoming so busy, something just had to give... We decided that amongst our best efforts to clone Paul, It just wasn't possible to extract his D n' A and although he is a talented soul, he just couldn't split himself to be in two places at the same time...He will be dearly missed...
I am working with new musicians so that I can still sing my little,big heart out...!!
Sat 29th Dec 2007. Was our first time playing at The Bell Inn, Bovey Tracey. This was mine and Paul's last gig this year. It was special because we had a star guest, Lady Katie and her congas. With both Paul and Katie's musical abilities, they clicked together to provide the perfect backing needed to accompany my vocals. The pub was cosey and there was a great crowd.Katie really made us sound soooo much betterer'. She has many talents, (no time to go into them all :)..............) but one of them being able to bash away for hours creating fantastic rhythms that just complimented our music so well. She's a natural. Thanks lady :) and everyone that turned up to make it such a grand night.
Sat 15th Dec 2007. Paul & I went back to The Balfour Arms, Sidmouth. The place wasn't heaving but those that were there really enjoyed it and we got them up dancing near the end. They were attentive and seemed to get our jokes. They must be strange as well :)..ha..ha...The pub has a new landlord/lady and they have brought with them a great atmosphere and welcoming feeling to the place. I haven't had so much fun at a gig in ages. Me and Paul were totally on form and buzzing off each other, and the crowd, and I loved it. I thought this gig was going to be such hard work as I felt kinda' rough with this cold'y thing and I'd been helping my mate move house all day too ( do get the violins out, it's appropiate) so I was shattered, but I soon forgot how tired I was and just got into it with it being such an enjoyable gig. So big Thank yous to Paul and all.x
Sat 8th Dec We traveled to The Tiverton Inn in South Molton.
Fri 30 Nov 2007 Exeter Memorial Museum asked Paul & I back to play for their closing down party. This time they wanted a lively unbeat set, so we gave it to them. It was an early gig, we were finished by 8pm. luckily because Paul had to rush off to a Reoffenders gig in Tiverton, (.2 gigs in 5 hours-Rock and Roll) so I chilled out at the Museum afterwards, slowly packing away and tried not to let my head get too big with such great feedback from everyone. When we were playing, it didn't seem like they were really enjoying it that much but then, they were there for the Art. But afterwards I was really suprised at how many people came up and said they really enjoyed it...See, looks can be deceiving. I kept my feet on the ground and just managed to get my head out the door! :) All is well!
Thu 29 Nov 2007 I played my first ever gig with new guitarist, Ed at The Marine Tavern, Dawlish. Paul my number one man, is also committed with the Reoffenders (a fun, lively punk /rock band) and with both bands being so busy, Paul just could not do both full time, (unless we clone him...We're still working on that..:) So I have had to find a replacement dep' to do my gigs with me when Paul is otherwise engaged. One of them being 'Ed', a very talented gentleman who did so very well at the Marine Tav' gig. His playing was really good and he had a real on stage energy. The crowd loved how he'd be away somewhere in his head, right into what he was playing one minute and the next he was jumping up and down, and still playing chords right...how can he do that? I find it hard enough to stand perfectly still while playing guitar and try and get the chords right :) ..mmm...Ed had big boots to fill from Paul and he did so very well. Thanks to all his hard, hard work....There wasn't a big crowd there but they sure did enjoy it. They sang along and wouldn't let us go home until we'd played at least 4 more encore songs and then wanted us to repeat some of what we'd already played. Hardcore. I was buzzing and didn't want to stop but with early mornings for work, we just had to!
Thu 22 Nov 2007 We played for the opening night for their new room at The Anchor, Cockwood. Nr Dawlish. They had the most amazing buffet I've ever seen. We then went on stage and kept the locals entertained. It was a fun evening with a great atmosphere. The old village hall conversion is now the massive extention to Terry and Alison's pub and has a ground and first floor for a restaurant and a stage that can be viewed by all. The room is like being inside a ship. They have really done it out well and I was proud to be asked to be the first to play there and open their new venue. Thanks guys. It was great.
Friday 16th November 2007
CHARITY CONCERT AT EXETER CATHEDRAL FOR CHILDREN IN NEED. We were lucky enough to be asked by 'Kiss This' to take part in the first EVER Rock concert at Exeter Cathedral for this great cause. We started off the evening with a 45 minute set of originals and covers. And wow, Exeter Cathedral has to be the most fantastic place I have ever played in so far. It was an experience I will never ever forget. The sound-man made us sound so brill. I couldn't believe it when I first started singing, the sound echoed around the whole cathedral. It sounded unbelievable. And to look up and around me and be in such a magnificent place. We were really honoured to be part of it. The lighting man brought the cathedral to life with his clever lighting, lighting up all the arches etc. It was beautiful. One of the highlights for me was when we got the whole audience singing back to us in 'play that funky music white boy' With a bit more encouragement they roared back at me and their magnified sound threw itself around the cathedral arches. wow, wow, wow!!! Wuthering Heights sounded almost haunting in there too.....Then 'The Dean' blasted his way on stage with 'wild thing' and sang his heart out with an unforgettable performance. You couldn't help but have a big smile on your face the whole way through. He had such an energy about him. Then, lastly, 'Kiss This' (www.lemonrock.com/kissthis ) came on to perform a great selection of covers. Tanya's vocals were awesome. She has got a fantastic range and the backing, by the guys sounded full and exciting and really good. Tanya has a natural onstage presence. She flows away with the music. Very inspiring to watch. They got everybody up dancing in the isles and down the front. It was really surreal to think that we were in this holy place and pounding out great tunes and everyone dancing. It was such a fun night.
The event raised over £2000 for children in need and I honestly cannot thank everyone enough for all their hard work in making this happen. There is always so much 'behind the scenes' work involved and they made it happen. Thanks guys!! I have wanted to help raise money for children in need for years and just not quite got organised in time to prepare an event. You guys made it possible and I fulfilled one of my dreams. Both myself and Paul are very lucky!!! Thank ya!!
Sun 11th Nov 2007.
Sat 3rd November 2007 Paul and I played at The Bridge Inn @ Topsham with the very talented multi-tasking Miss Katie of 'Loreli' (who is also the famous lady drummer from the Reoffenders) This was our 2nd performance at The Bridge (We supported Chris TT. last year) and it was every bit as good as the last. We started off the night with a set of original material. It was a bit nerve-racking to start with because they were such an attentive audience, everyone was so quietly, intently listening to every word, you could hear a pin drop, and any mistakes...It was a great gig. After we had done our 'thang' we sat and enjoyed Loreli perform their Original collection of really fab material, also sampling the well looked after special beers that the Bridge is so well known for...This was a very inspiring evening, I spent most of it hooked into Katie's great lyrics and feeling the raw emotions that shone through in every song.
Tue 30th October 2007 Halloween gig at The Lansdowne, Dawlish. The night started with a halloween themed 5 course nosh up, where we started by playing a selection of chilled out music. Once they had finished their meals we up'ed the tempo with a lively set. I was dressed accordingly with my witches outfit, forgetting the broom stick this time..I couldn't get lift off with all the music gear!
Thu 4th October 2007 we played at The Dartmouth Inn, Newton Abbot. There were only about 5 people in the pub while we were setting up. I thought oh no, tis’ going to be a quiet one. But as the evening went on and once we started, it got really busy. Lots of Paul’s work mates came down to have a listen so that must have doubled the bar takings...ha ha ha :) Thanks guys for supporting us. Ye all really made it a great night.
Fri 28th Sept 2007 finds us back at The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot. It was a horribly wet and windy eve’ so we played inside. There were a few customers that braved the weather but generally mainly only the dedicated locals and some of Paul’s local mates. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to come out because it ended up to be a really buzzy night with just the few of us. Paul was on form with his witty comments and we had a right laugh. Cheers everyone! we were back at The Marine Tavern, Dawlish. I love this venue. It is cosy, with a fantastic atmosphere, with a really friendly landlord/landlady. Those that were there really listened and enjoyed the music. It’s one of those venues where people are quiet and respectful and appreciate the music. Great / scary, cause it’s then obvious when I mess up...never mind ehh, you just gotta laugh it off :) I do it on purpose really, just to show that no-ones perfect...ha ha ha yeah right! :)We were at Brazz, Taunton. Quite a smart venue. We played a long set. Chilled out music while people were noshing down their food, then more upbeat later, trying to get them dancing round with all that food inside them :) Cheers Dave for helping us unload the gear in the rain. :) Me & Paul played at The Spinning Wheel, Paignton. It was a good night, not that busy, although we nearly had all of the band members of the Reoffenders there. Very nice of them to come & support us.
Thu 13th Sept’ 2007 we were back at The Marine Tavern, Dawlish. I love this venue. It is cosy, with a fantastic atmosphere, with a really friendly landlord/landlady. Those that were there really listened and enjoyed the music. It’s one of those venues where people are quiet and respectful and appreciate the music. Great / scary, cause it’s then obvious when I mess up...never mind ehh, you just gotta laugh it off :) I do it on purpose really, just to show that no-ones perfect...ha ha ha yeah right! :)
Sun 9th Sept 2007 finds us back at The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot. It was a horribly wet and windy eve’ so we played inside. There were a few customers that braved the weather but generally mainly only the dedicated locals and some of Paul’s local mates. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to come out because it ended up to be a really buzzy night with just the few of us. Paul was on form with his witty comments and we had a right laugh. Cheers everyone!
Sun 2 Sept 2007 After a week long Tour with the Reoffenders, Paul and I played another blinding gig at The Golden Lion. St Ives. What more can I say from before. They are a really buzzy crowd who love live music and they give us great feedback singing, clapping and dancing along. It was slightly more chilled than the crazy hopping last Friday night that the Reoffenders played there. (while on Tour) That night my duties consisted of being a non shaky photo person and most importantly beer Rodey. For our Marnie gig, Heather and I swapped roles and, I say, she did a sterling job...:) Many thanks to all and the Golden Lion for a gaurenteed great night!!! x xSat 25th Aug 2007
Sun 19 Aug 2007 Charity gig for the V.W. van Festival on Paignton Seafront. We played half an hour set to a moving crowd. It was much fun with clowns and so much going on around us. The van and car show was awesome. I want one, I thought, as I tried to hide my old rusted ranault van behind the stage....:)
Sat 18th Aug 2007 we are back at The Jolly Porter, Exeter. I like this venue but it is hard work because there are 3 levels to the pub and everyone is scattered all over and although people are listening on the next level from where we are set up, I can’t really see them, so it’s hard to make a connection with them, but hey I got reports that they enjoyed it so it’s a good job done!!!
Fri 17 Aug 2007 We were called back to play at the V.W. van Festival at Sheldon. Again it was a fab night with bonfire and beer and a great crowd of people. We were lucky that we just finished playing our last encore song and it started raining. The timing couldn't have been better really...Well almost. We all rushed around to get the music electrical equipment packed away before we were electricuted. We're still here so all was well. Praise the lord!! :)
Thu 16 Aug 2007 For the 2nd year we were asked to play at The Paignton Regatta. This time it wasn't 'Marnie' the Acoustic duo, no, It was our first ever Electric Marnie gig. With Paul on Electric guitar, Dave on Drums and Nigel on Bass. It was so amazingly great to have that large backing sound behind me which gave me the confidence to really go for it vocally and sing more challenging songs..Sadly this was our one and only live performance, (Apart from playing at my bonfire party the week before)....Again, sadly the timing and mix seemed to be all wrong. But do watch this space because in the future there will be a Marnie's mob electric band formed that will blow your socks off...Everything has to be at the right time and annoyingly I just need to learn patience.....Argh!! :)
Sat 11th Aug 2007 I had a big bonfire party at the Ranch. We played our first public airing with the ‘Electric Marnie’ band. I’ve been so excited about this project. We’ve been rehearsing since April with me, myself and I on Vocals, Paul on elec’ Guitar, Dave on Drums & Nigel on Bass. We have our first gig at Paignton Regatta next Saturday with Radar so this was a good trial run. It was wicked, very loud, I couldn’t hear myself properly (which makes a change ha ha :) ) but all went well. After that I could relax and enjoy the rest of the night with friends and a wicked bonfire...I love bonfires, they are brill!!! :)
Fri 3rd + sat 4th Aug 2007 we played two new venues at The Havana’s on the Quay, Exeter. It was a big open venue with a good vibe and in a local for the locals kind of pub The Royal Oak, in Heavitree, Exeter It was an enjoyable gig, It has a nice atmosphere. I was quite nervous throughout though because it’s a pub that is totally against swearing. I sing a couple of songs with the odd swear word in and I was thinking all the way through, change it, don’t swear, don’t swear...I was lucky that nothing slipped out. Paul decided to ping a string in the middle of Fleetwood mac‘s Dreams so we had to stop and go to the van and get another guitar...That was a bit of a nightmare but we saw the funny side of it and carried on. Well I did, poor Paul was a bit peeved. :) We got the crowd singing along to the sing alongs and all ended up well in the end.We played in the garden at The Exeter Inn, Newton Poppleford. It was a bank holiday and, what a scorcher of a day. I thought the P.a. was going to melt along with us. Corr it so was hot. They were a crazy buzzing crowd probably with sun stroke and we went down really well. I had fun but was so glad to finish and get packed down as it was just tooooo hot for the likes of that! But the worst thing was that they had my favourite beer, Yellow Hammer, Yellow Hammer and I couldn’t even sample it because I was the designated driver...Oh well never mind, such is life sometimes!!
Thu 19 July 07 The Dartmouth Inn, Newton Abbot. It's a really cosey venue with a nice vibe. It was very quiet at the beginning of the night and when people gradually trickled in, it suddenly turned into a really great night. They were singing along and seemed to be really enjoying it. Paul's work mates came down as well and there was a really nice crowd. Sold some Cd's, I like them :) mmm
Sun 15th July 2007 Yippee, we’re back at The Firestone, Taunton. We always go down well here and have a right good laugh. It’s one of Paul’s favourite venues to play and he always seems to be on top form here with gags just rolling off the tongue even though exhausted after a full week of hard grafting and a million gigs with two bands. It’s always a guaranteed enjoyable night for me! :)
Fri 13th Jul 2007 found us back at The Post Office Inn, Plympton. It was slightly more roudy than the last time we played there but fun none the less. It was very busy and mainly male orientated...How terrible for the girls! :)
Thu 12 Jul 2007 We were back at The Marine Tavern, Dawlish. Lovely venue with a good attentive crowd. Andy paid us more than we had previously agreed, he said it was worth it...yeah baby we’re worth it, just like the adverts he he he!! :) so that was a nice bonus. If only that could happen more often :)
Mon 16 July 2007 We played at Woody's night club, Torquay. I was wondering how well we would go down, being a night club an all. We were in the first downstairs bar area. We played a good upbeat set and it ended up being a grand auld' night.
Sun 8 th July 2007 For my birthday weekend, me and Paul went to Cornwall for a chill out mini holiday and finished the weekend with a gig at The Golden Lion In St Ives. Myself and Paul were on top form. They are a great crowd and made it a really fun night. Thanks guys x
Thu 28th June 2007 We tried out a new venue at The Master Thatcher, Taunton. It was a big long venue with a feel like being at a weatherspoons. We got a few of them up dancing and singing along. Cheers guys!
Sat 23 June 2007 gig at The Hairy Dog,Minehead. It was a massive venue similar to a Weatherspoons. There was a mixture of people, some out for the music, who really enjoyed it and some out for a saturday night pub crawl with Hen & Stag parties etc. It was fun but varied with the crowd response depending on people coming and going. Overall a good night though :)
Fri 22 June 2007 We had fun at The Exeter Inn @ Newton Poppleford. It was a loud and lively bunch of people out for a good night. They were a really buzzy audience which excited me and I gave it my all. We had another long encore at the end as they didn't want us to go home.
Sun 17th June 2007 We were invited to play at The Manor Hotel, Exmouth for the Exmouth festival organisers after party and fundraiser. I really enjoyed Lara Conley's set. She has a fantastic voice & I love her lyrics. Chris stucky's band was very entertaining and there was a guy who had a beat box that he was stomping on. He played amazing guitar and harmonica too. I forget his name cause I'm rubbish but never forgot his music. Really blew me away!!
Sat 16th June 2007
Sun 10th June 2007
Sat 9 June 2007 40th Birthday party at West Hill. It was a glorious scorcher of a day. We played in the garden to a great bunch of people who danced away and seemed to really enjoy it. We sure did. I just love these outdoor events.
Thu 7th June 2007
Wed 30 th May 2007
Bank holiday weekend. 26th May 2007
26th May 2007 We were the Headline act at Exmouth Festival It was a fantastic to be asked back to Exmouth festival and to play the headline slot felt an honour. For that day, mine and Paul's acoustic duo changed into a Trio band for this special day, with Dave on the congas. It was a great day, although I was quite nervous, it all just fell into place when we got on stage and I loved every minute of it. It was great to be able to have more time to fit in more of our original songs and chuck in a couple of classy sing-along covers too. I'll never forget the sound of the crowd singing back to us...It really made it for me and made me feel like i've really made it!! ha, ha! :)
We had 3 gigs in 2days. We then played the Jolly Porter, Exeter on sat. eve’ . Many thanks to Sally for coming out to see us, and me bro, James and his mates for coming all the way from Dorset to take pics of us. It was a great gig and a very late night celebrating with a few bevy’s - rock and roll stylee!!
we had another gig on the Sunday 27th May 2007 at The Ferryboat Inn, Shaldon. We were exhausted after such a busy weekend but dragged ourselves along, set up and once we started, we just buzzed off the buzzy people and buzzy vibe of the Ferryboat. It’s one of my favourite venues to play. There’s always loads of people there and they really ‘get us’ and love our choices of music. They have a good sing along and it’s always a great gig. Thank you so much Ferryboat people!! :)
24 May 2007 Our first proper Radio Interview for Bay Fm (Exmouth) with Radar. We were promoting the festival and chatted about music and stuff. We sang 3 original songs and had to sing Sweet child of Mine by Guns & Roses for Radar..(It's his favourite and one of mine too) It was weard to be in a small room chatting but also knowing it was going out live to maybe hundreds of people...Radar was very professional and made us feel really relaxed and at ease. Cheers mate.
Fri 18th May 2007
Sunday 13th May 2007
12 May 2007 We played at Exeter Memorial Museum for their opening night exhibition. It was a very different gig. A great venue with great art work and acoustics.
Sun 18 Mar @ The Spinning Wheel, Paignton
Sun 11 Mar 2007 It's always a pleasure playing at The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot. It's Paul's local and has a great vibe. There was a good crowd in and we had a good night.
Wed 28 Feb 2007 We had our first ever Electric Marnie band practise...I want to have an Electric Marnie's mob running along side the Acoustic Duo so we can play some acoustic gigs and then for the bigger venues or weddings, parties or anything really, have the electric band. This is really exciting and will take time but watch this space!!
Sunday 18 Feb 2007 Gig at The Ferry Boat Inn, Sheldon. This is one of our favourite venues. It's a cosey pub with a great atmosphere and the people really love their music so they were singing along to lots of songs. They liked our original material too. I love it when we are appreciated for what we do...It's hard work up there on stage when your giving your all and to get such great response, it's what it's all about. We love you Ferry Boat People x
Sat 17 Feb 2007 Our first gig at THe Crawford Hotel, Exeter. It was a quiet night with a small crowd. but they really enjoyed it and didn't want us to stop. After an encore of about 5 songs, I had to be 'meany marnie' and say we have to stop now...It was a really enjoyable evening for us. They sang along and all got up dancing at the end.
Sat 10 Feb 2007 Rosey's 60th birthday party. We were requested to started the night with a short acoustic set and then I kinda turned into Dj Marnie and played selected tunes for them to have a good old dance to. I loved the strawberries and the chocolate fountain...mmm... I'd like to request that they have one at every venue we play at...ha ha.. :)
Sunday 21 January 2007 We played a blinding gig in the Firestone, Taunton. The crowd were 'up for it' and we had a right laugh. Paul was totally on form with his whitty comments and much fun was had by all. Cheers Taunton.
Jan, Feb, March & April
Fri 29th Dec 2006
Nov & Dec 2006
Thu 26th October 2006 Water Aid charity gig @ The City Gate, Exeter
October 2006
Sat 14th October 2006 Bmad party @ The Parkers Farm Holiday Park.
Sat 7th October 2006 THe queens hall,
31 st Dec 2006 New Years eve gig @ The Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteignton. This was our first new years eve gig so far and we went down a storm. We got everyone up dancing and singing along and had a really good night. We performed a stupidly high number of songs to keep them entertained with our longest set yet and it all went so well. I managed to get the whole 12 o' clock count down perfect - shocking :) really enjoyed it. Roll on next year!!!
2006 We played at The Queens Hall, Minehead. It was an old Theatre so we were a bit suprised to see such a massive venue when we arrived, with just us little two on stage.We got over it and It was a good gig.
August 2006 - Sept We have been busy little bees...We have played quite a few new venues...The Jolly Porter, The Black Horse, The Pheonix, The Bolton, The Lime Tree, Paignton, The Golden Lion, to name a few and returned to our first venue (The North Bridge Inn) and all have been jolly good fun.
August 2006 We played The Paignton Regatta. The stage was facing the waterfront and it was just a magical picture. Radar created a really great sound for us. There was a good crowd and it was a really fun day. We then got offered to play at The V.W. van Festival at Sheldon. We played as the sun went down and the moon came up. We set up the P.A. next to the big bonfire and they all sang along all night long. It was a magical experience. You just can't beat singing around a bonfire.
The website is up and running, thanks Heather...Tis great! We have written a new original, which seems to stick in people’s heads...
Last weekend saw us visit St Ives where we had the most amazing time and some fine, fine beer in the Golden Lion, Huge thanks to Derek for putting us up and making us so welcome there. We look forward to seeing you guys again soon...what an amazing crowd and a superb venue.
This week we play at the Prospect Inn in Exeter and the Ferryboat Inn in Shaldon, must say I am looking forward to it...lets hope we are in with the Inn crowd...ha ha ha...sometimes I crack myself up!!! :)
See ya there if you’re square with hair yeah!? :)
Mon 7th Aug 2006
Air Fusion- Newton Abbot Festival. we had a small time slot, enough to play 3 songs. The festival had a nice vibe and it was a glorious day with a big crowd. Palm Fm showed interest and said they wanted to play one of our songs on the radio...ooh-er-exciting!
July 2006 We played at Rowcroft Day Care Centre, Exeter & Torquay too. I really enjoy the Hospice gigs we do. People really appreciate the live music. It really makes me think how lucky I am and want to appreciate life and live it to the full.
24 May 2006 Exmouth festival liked what they saw and asked us to come back and play outside the Harbour view cafe the very next day. Wow, what an amazing setting. Paul and I were a bit hung over and slightly regretting saying yes to play on the sunday morning, that is, until we started playing. There was something special about the gig. Our backdrop was the beach and sea and sky behind us. It was a really relaxed atmosphere with people chilling out and enjoying the music sound wafting around, drawing people off the street. I truly love these outdoor gigs. We played our set with a great sound mixed by Jen & Martin and then spent the rest of the day buzzing. I didn't want to go home
23May 2006 We played at Exmouth Festival @ The strawberry Jam. We had our 15 minutes on stage and spent the rest of the day being mesmerised and inspired by a varied selection of fantastic local musicians. They were great and it was a brill day with the sun shining an all' and a park full of people!
Mar, April, May, June 2006 We been to Dukes, Sidmouth, The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot, The Day care Hospice at Exeter, The Lime Tree-Paignton, The York, Exmouth, and a couple of gigs at The Malthouse, Exeter and The Thirsty Farmer @ Whimple,
Feb 2006 was the first proper gig myself and Paul played together.
19, 20 & 21st Dec 2005
15th Oct 2005.
We began choosing songs and rehearsing and quickly became good friends.
I got some gigs at Hospice care centres in Taunton, Exeter, Torquay & Cullompton disability home, singing on my own with backing tracks and played a few songs on guitar while still searching for someone.
Thu 27th October 2005
Oct 2005
Fri 16th Sept 2005
Fri 2nd Sept 2005
1st Aug-5th Aug. 2005 we played at Sidmouth Folk Festival. Marnie, Ben & Andy started with busking on the seafront...Ben & I got asked to join a bonfire party on the beach and play...We played on the open mic stage at Dukes...We were asked to play in the pub garden at The Anchor, Then they asked us to play on the big stage in the pub garden with P.a...We then played a full gig in the Anchor Pub on the last night of the festival. It was a really great week full of different music and fun. This was my first ever proper gig at the Anchor with Ben. Aurora. We earned £204 while busking and playing at Sid fest. arrived on tues, left on Saturday
June 2005
Ben and I played on the ‘other stage’ (which is the 2nd biggest stage at Glastonbury fest) It was massive and amazing to be up there. I felt right at home. The crowd went wild...all two of them.. I do have to now admit that it was on the Monday after most people had left the festival & there were no security guys around, just people clearing up. We climbed up on stage and played a song. It was wicked. Thanks to Ethan for taking the pic‘s. Monday was our last night there so we made a bonfire and jammed. A couple of random people stopped while passing and said hi. I didn’t want to leave on Tuesday, There was such a special vibe there, and I didn’t want it to be over. I had to almost drag myself away. We drove around the site before we left, it was massive, miles and miles of tents and rubbish.
From May to Oct 2005
We played some support slots for bands to gain confidence & experience.
Jan 2005.
In March 2004
We jammed and played at open mic nights. The North bridge Inn, Honiton Carlton, Sandford, Ottery St. Mary, cullompton, Angel...
Dec 2004
2003
2001
...........................................It's a long story from the beginning...........................................
I first started singing again for fun in public at ‘Karayucky’ and entered some competitions. I’d always sung as a child but as I got older I got more embarrassed, so never sang in front of anyone cause I thought I was rubbish. I started practising whenever I could and gradually got better. After entering a few Talent comp's I actually won one and it gave me the confidence to pursue music and look for a band and start gigging.First ever gig at The hospice care centre at Taunton through Sue Cocheraine. Nerve wracking but fun and I knew I had to do more!!I started going to open mic nights and sang harmonies with people. Dec 2003 was the first time I ever picked up a guitar and started practising. I met Ben with his band ‘Merlyn’ at the Three fat fish, Exeter after the open mic night where I‘d just played & I asked if there were any guitarists out there to work with me. Nobody came over so I thought, Oh well not meant to be again this week then. As I left, I was just walking across the car park at the end of the night when Ben approached me and asked if I fancied joining his band. We had a jam there and then in the car park. There were about 9 of us in a circle singing away when this guy stopped to listen. He must have been on his way home from a pub or something. He stayed for a bit then said cheers guys, great music. As he walked off across the car park, I said, thank you very much, hang on, I’ll get the hat (for a tip)...I was only messing about, being mouthy in a jokey kind of way, and this guy then turned around and said come here...He was fumbling around in his pockets as I walked towards him...I thought that’ll teach me, I was really embarrassed saying, I was only joking mate. He said no, no I really enjoyed it. He passed me a note and walked off. I embarrassingly walked back to the circle of guys I’d just met earlier. I thought the guy must have just given me his shopping list or something to be funny, but when I looked, I couldn’t believe it was a £20 pound note. I did feel a bit bad. I said to the guys, oh no, I was only messing around. We all laughed about it and thought what a nice man...or drunken nutter.. I split the dosh between us as we were all kind of singing, I thought it was only fare. We stayed in the car park chatting and singing for a couple of hours and got frozen. Someone piped up, cor I could do with a cup of tea. I said, do you want one? I’ve got my campa van over there with cooker & Tea and coffee etc. So we all piled into Betsey-Ronald, my old Renault Traffic campa van and I started making a brew. It was a bit of a squeeze but we managed it. I finally got home about 2 am. It was a long but good night and I made nearly £3 through music. wow!! :) I was up in Swindon for a meeting and I thought that it was far enough away to go busking on my own and it didn’t matter if I made an idiot of myself because I was so far from home that no-one would know me. After spending literally ages walking around and gaining the courage, I finally found a spot and started singing away. It was the week after that horrendous tsunami and there were people on nearly every corner with buckets raising funds for them, so it wasn’t really a good choice of day and place for me. But hey I was there for 3 hours and earned about £24 pounds and a tube of super glue. It’s strange what people throw into your guitar case. Maybe he was out of change...After 3 hours I was freezing, I went for a coffee to warm up and as I thawed out I felt my thumb throbbing. I had a massive blister on it. I now know why people use plectrums...:)I formed my 1st acoustic duo band with Ben, called Aurora. I went to GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL We arrived there on Tuesday and left on the following Tuesday morn. I worked with Ben on a Mexican food stall. It was really hard, hot work for 6hours a day, but boy when the shift was over, I made the most of it. It was the year of a heat wave and the massive storm that morning. I never knew there could be so many different types of mud. It was such hard work walking through it all as it dried, going from wet and slushy to slide'y and then sticky and vacum’ous, so every footstep was a battle between the mud claiming the wellies and trying to keep them on my feet. This is dangerous to be attempted after a night of sampling that lovely Glastonbury cider. was Aurora’s second gig at The Anchor, Sidmouth. with Ben. A few friends came down so we had a bit of banter going on with them. We had a really good time. Thanks Mum, Linda, Kiwi Bex, Ade & Bens mum & dad who made special effort to come down. We had our first gig at The North Bridge Inn shared with David Lion, Beth & Simon Barron. I was still very nervous but the more we played, the more I got into it and then I didn’t want to stop. Ben went off to study music tec’ at Doncaster uni’ ,so the search was now on for a new guitarist.gig at The Langstone Hotel, Dawlish. for a friend of a friends birthday party. I first went to watch the Reoffenders play at the old barrel, Exmouth with a mate. This is where I met Paul. I asked him (the same as I’d been asking just about everyone I met recently) if he knew of any guitarists that might want to join my acoustic band. Paul said that he was interested in another project and wanted to play more acoustic guitar and was excited about the fact of us writing original material. Paul wrote, ‘‘Over the years I have played in many bands on the local scene but it wasn’t until I had the good fortune to meet Marnie that I made that artistic connection. When a voice makes the hairs stand up, you can’t fail to be inspired, and I can’t explain the buzz of working with someone who complements your song writing style.’’ Aww shucks!!!I played 3 gigs at Exeter Rowcroft Hospice centre for their Christmas celebrations. They invited me early so I could share their christmas dinner with them. How nice is that.last nights gig on Paignton sea front was awesome, many thanks to everyone involved, particularly Radar. The atmosphere was superb and the sound was fantastic, even the sun was out! I was buzzing me little socks off. Palm Fm Radio 105.5 took a copy of our cd and plan to play Lost and Found on the radio.....how cool is that? October takes us to: The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot, The Ferryboat Inn, shaldon and and, and....Thanks to Radar for inviting us to play. The sound was great and the people created a really great vibe. We have been to The Royal British Legion, Kingsteignton, brings busy times. First time at The Globe, Great Torrington, The Old Wellhouse, Paignton, The North Bridge Inn, Exeter, The Balfour Arms, Sidmouth, The Spinning Wheel, Paignton, We went all the way to The Globe @ Great Torrington. It was a long and winding road but we got there in the end. When we finally got there I was told, ‘’if a fight breaks out, don’t worry, just move out of the way‘’...I laughed but she was serious. So all night I was waiting for something to kick off but it didn’t. We had a lively, well behaved crowd that had a good sing along. So I think we all left happy!we have had a busy few months. We’ve been to The Cricketers, Taunton, The Smugglers bar-Hook & Parrot, Seaton, The Spinning Wheel, Paignton, The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot, The Thirsty Farmer, Whimple, The Bolton, Brixham and finally back to The Cricketers, Taunton again for gig number two! The Jolly Porter, Exeter, and The Penn & Quill, Taunton. We’ve been busy learning some new songs to keep things fresh!back at Paul’s favourite venue, The Firestone, Taunton for more of the same. Great crowd, fun and some good music....hopefully! :)we played at The Radway Inn, Sidmouth. There were a few people out but it seemed to be more of a chatty pub, with people going out to socialise more so than getting right into the music. They were enjoying it but the main focus was catching up with mates... My goodness, who’d a thought it in a pub, corr I don’t know... ha ha :) ... It’s a good job I sing, because I don’t think I’d ever make it as a comedian ehh!! :)This was a busy one for us. was a good gig at The Spinning wheel, Paignton. I was buzzing, my cat came back...no it’s not a song. He ran away when I moved house with him and had been gone for 6 months and I’d got a call from the vets just as I was on my way out to the gig. He was skinny but well and I couldn’t wait to get back to see him.we thought we’d try our luck at a new venue The Marine Tavern, Dawlish. I’m always a bit nervous to begin with at a new venue, wondering how we’ll go down. But they were lovely to us and really seemed to like what we did so we’re going back...mmm....I’ll be back ! he he he!!! :)we were back at Paul’s local (playing, not drinking this time) The Jolly Farmer, Newton Abbot. It had been a hot day so we were able to play outside. You just can’t beat gigging outdoors. We had a good garden crowd and moseyed through the set with some new songs written and covered and got them singing along. Thanks to Rosey & Roger for coming to yet another one of our gigs!! xwe played at The Black Horse, Sidmouth. It was quite busy and they didn’t want us to stop until we popped! :)