By Bernie Bell
It’s spring, the sap is rising, and the Orkney Blues Festival Committee are stirring, starting to brew up the recipe for this year’s festival. https://en-gb.facebook.com/orkneybluesfest
An outstandingly groovy event such as the Orkney Blues Fest, might appear to just …happen…but, fact is – an awful lot of hard work behind the scenes goes into producing the ‘happening’ which is the Orkney Blues Fest.
And so, Festival Director Marcus Cordock would like to draw attention to the Blues AGM which will take place in the Function Room at the Royal Hotel, Stromness on Thursday 20th of February at 7:30pm. This will be a chance to discuss last year’s festival, put plans in place for 2020, and also welcome on board new committee members and volunteers.
The AGM isn’t just for current member of the Committee – all are welcome – the more, the merrier – and some of the subjects/ideas under discussion will be…..
- What were the successes of last year’s festival?
- What could be improved on?
- How can the Festival involve local people, especially younger people?
- Other than live music, are there any other events which could be hosted over the weekend?
- Promotion, on and off the island to grow the potential audience.
- A look at visiting artists for 2020.
- Attention to the Blues Festival constitution, balance sheet, and any committee reshuffling that may be required?
If you can’t make the meeting but would still like to be involved – that isn’t a problem – please just get in touch, on cordock.bass@gmail.com and also, spread the word, tell your friends – they will be welcome, too!
Mike and I were involved with the Blues Festival Committee for a time, and then life intervened, as it does. Various other folk have come and gone, through the Committee, which I believe to be a good thing for any organization. A few ‘stalwarts’ are needed, to give continuity and let the organization benefit from their experience, but for any organization to remain vibrant, ‘new blood’ is needed.
So, folks, how would you like to come along to the AGM – maybe get involved in either major of minor ways – though, people just being interested, all helps to spread the word, add to the vibe – and the overall enjoyment of the events which will be planned. And that planning, starts on Thursday 20th February , upstairs in the Royal Hotel, Stromness.
Put it in your dairy or on your calendar, or get a tattoo!
I have some great memories of previous Orkney Blues Festivals, and the characters who turn up, year after year to add to this most Northern of Grooves.
I remember our esteemed Director, Marcus, as a lad of 17/18? – playing with Bad Taste (the name of the band – not how they played!), who have now kind-of morphed into The Andy Taylor Group. https://www.andytaylorgroup.com/
And, who can forget Gerry Jablonski – aka Jah Blonski – My lord – blows your mind……..https://www.gerryjablonskiband.com/
The bands usually have C.D’s on offer – and here are a few, from past years……..
Your eyes don’t deceive you – Peter Green did play at the Orkney Blues Fest, more years ago than I care to remember.
But it all starts with the AGM, and getting organizized.
“Three cords and The Truth – Blues Music.”