Happy New Year!

Well last day of the year and possibly the last blog posting for a week or so. How has it been for you? For many the memories of 2004 will be filled with the scenes of devastation from the Asian Tsunami but there were other events too and it's worth remembering those as well.

This year the local music scene has been through a string of changes but the one with perhaps the deepest influence may turn out to be the new licencing act. As a result of this, the old two in the bar rule goes and just about anywhere that has live music will need to tick the extra box on the licensing form. There are some exceptions for acoustic playing, religous services and the like, but the pub scene will be changed forever.

The good news is that the South West and South Somerset in particular, has a thriving live music scene with almost every possible style of music catered for. Over the nearly three years that we have been producing Suited and Booted, we have grown from a distribution of less than 3000 copies to something in excess of 4500. We now distribute the magazine to 122 locations from Lyme Regis in the South to Wincanton in the East and Ashill in the West.

The magazine itself has (we hope you agree!) grown in quality and in number of pages. This is thanks to you the readers and to our advertisers who pay the bills; without them there is no magazine. So we send out a BIG BIG thank you to those who have advertised and continue to advertise in Suited and Booted.

So what are you doing tonight? Want to know whats's on?

Events in South Somerset and West Dorset area

Fugly @ Half Moon, Stoke-s-Hamdon
Darren & Bob @ White Hart, Sherborne
Crawfish ~ Bottle Inn, Marshwood
Julie Dunn @ Gallery Restaurant, Chard



Julie Dunn playing at the Alex, Yeovil earlier in December

Pisces @ Labour Club, Yeovil
Storm (ticket only event) @ Alice Springs Café Bar, Yeovil
Mid Life Crisis @ Old Barn Club
Tom Toomey @ Lord Nelson, Norton-s-Hamdon

Events in Taunton and Bridwater area

Glenn @ Green Dragon, Wellington
Jam Factory @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Whole Hog @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Tim Bromfield @ Crown & Sceptre, Taunton

Events on the 1st January 2005 in South Somerset and West Dorset area

Scrotes @ Ropemakers, Bridport
Dablues @ Nags Head, Lyme Regis
Pineapple Thief @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil

Events on the 1st January 2005 in Taunton and Bridgwater area

Marc Darren @ Princess Royal, Taunton

However you spend your New Year have fun and will be back around 10th of January with the blog and on 1st February with the print edition of the magazine. (Provided everyone sends in their gig listings of course!)

Happy New Year!

The Editor

Cygnet Theatre Company

Those of you who live closer to Exeter than Yeovil may well be interested in the next Cygnet Company production to be staged at the New Theatre in Exeter.

Starting on Wednesday 5th January running nightly at 7.30pm till Saturday 8th is "The Comedy of Errors". (There is also a matinee performance on Staurday at 2.30pm.)

Tickets are £9 on the door or £8 in advance (concessions, we presume they mean children students and OAPs) are £7 and £5 respectively.

To book your tickets either call the New Theatre directly on 01392 277 189 or the credit card booking line; 01392 211 080.

The New Theatre is at Friars Gate, Exeter, EX2 4AZ.

The Editor

The calm before the storm?

New Year's eve is tomorrow and once again the Police have promised to 'crack down' on anti- social behaviour. With their new ability to issue on the spot fines of £80 for being a prat, some people (not you of course!) may find the 31st an expensive night out!

If you have been following the news of the earthquake and resulting tidal wave in Asia then please consider sending any amount of money to help. You can give at any Post Office, by phone on 0870 60 60 900 or online at http://www.dec.org.uk. Oh and if the lines are busy or the web site stalled, try again later.

The Phoenix Hotel in Chard has a busy January lined up (unlike many other venues).



A really crappy picture of the Phoenix Hotel in Chard

Sun 2nd Jan - The Sound of the Suburbs (Playing Madness,The Jam, Specials etc.)
Thurs 6th Jan - Karaoke
Thurs 13th Jan - Breeze (Popular Local Duo)
Thurs 20th Jan - Flatland Boogie Band
Fri 21st Jan - Diamond Dogz (70's Tribute Band)
Thurs 27th Jan - Brendon (Brian Adams/Bon Jovi Tribute)

Every Thursday in February they are running a Karaoke Competition. The 2 winners each week go through to the Pub Final on March 3rd. Each finalist will recieve a case of Grolsch plus the winner gets £100 prize money from the Phoenix and is automatically entered into the
"National Karaoke Competition 2005 - Pub Stars" with a chance to win £1000.

So what else is happening today?

In South Somerset and West Dorset area

Alexander @ Phoenix Hotel, Chard
BJ McCabe @ Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil
Nothing Yet @ Stars Lane Café Bar, Yeovil

In Taunton and Bridgwater area

Live Jazz @ The Cross Keys, Taunton

Blimey it's a bit quiet in Taunton! Perhaps you could try one of these alternatives that happen regularly on a Thursday night? Call ahead first though to make sure that it is going to happen!

Apple County Chorus rehearsals. Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, 7.30pm – 10.30pm 01823 442453

A Company of Voices (Community Choir). Holway School, Shakespeare Avenue, Taunton.7.30pm 01823 252349

Drumming Circle. Various venues around Deane. 7-9pm. Contact for more information: 01823 490533

Laredo Line Dancers. Village Hall, Norton Fitzwarren. 8pm 01823 663344

North Curry Village Choir rehearsals. Village Hall, North Curry. 8pm – 9.30pm 01823 443021

That ought to keep you busy!

The Editor

Back to work Wednesday?

Sadly for some of us, today is a back to work day (we know some of you never actually stopped!). So to sooth this undoubted blow to your sense of well being, what about some music?

In South Somerset and Dorset

David Miles Quartet @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
Groovetube & Cart L. @ White Horse, Wincanton
Tom Toomey @ The Central, Bournemouth



Tom Toomey ready to rock!

Ben Waters Big Band & Guests @ Bell Inn, Ash
Bon Giovi @ Chicago Rock Café, Yeovil

In Taunton and Bridgwater areas

Modern Jive @ Royal British Legion Club, Taunton

If you have more details about events in the Taunton area then let us know by email: mailto:suit_boot@yahoo.co.uk We find it hard to believe that this is all Taunton has to offer!

The Editor

Other things on a Tuesday

If you enjoy a bit of boogie woogie, good time piano playing then the Bell at Ash is the place to be tonight when Ben Waters and his big band will be helping you dance off the Christmas pudding! He will also be playing tomorrow night (29th December) at the same venue.



Ben Waters - Mr Boogie Woogie Piano Man

Live music in the South Somerset area

Ben Waters Big Band & Guests @ Bell Inn, Ash
Orca, April Dead, East of Delaware, Mummy Smack, Christa Pike, Funk Your Mum @ Flicks Bar, Yeovil

Live Music in the Taunton area
Acoustic Jam Night ~ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas, Near Chard

The Editor

Big Show tonight 28th December

A big show is being hosted by Flicks Bar in Yeovil tonight courtesy of Advance Promotions
This Christmas show has a midnight finish.

The bands playing are:

ORCA



Orca looking through a letter box

APRIL DEAD
EAST OF DELAWARE
MUMMY SMACK



Mummy Smack

CHRISTA PIKE
FUNK YOUR MUM
Tickets on the Door £5 No advance tickets on sale.
Doors open 7pm

Sounds like a great night, enjoy!

The Editor

I don't like Mondays

What's happening tonight? Very little as it happens! Most people seem to be happy enough today, trying to walk off the excess of Christmas at the seaside, it was a lovely day for it.

In the South Somerset area
Meatloaf Tribute ~ Phoenix Hotel, Chard

In Taunton
Open Mic Night ~ Westgate Inn, Taunton

The Editor

Is it Boxing Day?

Officially today is the 26th December with Boxing Day a holiday tomorrow but that doesn't seem quite right. Whatever it is, our hearts go out to the victims of the massive earthquake that has hit South East Asia. Full details can be seen on the BBC web site http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4126471.stm.

Live Music Tonight in South Somerset & Dorset area
Unforgiven Kingdom @ Three Compasses, Charminster

Live Music Tonight in the Taunton & Bridgwater area
Whole Hog @ Westgate Inn , Taunton
Hoppy & The Boys ~ The Pen & Quill, Taunton


The Editor

Happy Christmas

As far as we know, there are no live music events happening today. We did have one listed for the Nags Head in Crewkerne but that seems to have been a mistake.

So from us here at Suited and Booted we wish you a very happy Christmas day!

The Editor

Folk sounds for Christmas & New Year

Halsway Manor is Britain's only residential centre dedicated to folk music, dance and craft. The centre is in Crowcombe near Taunton and they have sent us a list of events for the coming month. Check out the details below.



If you would like to take a look at their web site the go to www.halswaymanor.co.uk.


From 30 Dec to Jan 2nd 2005 there is a 4 day NEW YEAR Houseparty at the Manor. Four days of food, drink and festive activities. Contact Coral Charles if interested 01483 577089.

5th Jan Halsway Folk Dance Group contact Alan Spiller for details. Start 8 pm -till 10.30 Admission £2.00. Caller plus live band as usual.

6th Jan West Somerset Morrismen meet for a practice every Thursday. Come and see or contact Malcolm Appleton 01643 706216.

NB. 7-9 Jan 05 Winter Traditions weekend - Cancelled.

8th Jan 2005 A New Year's Dance especially for all those with spare energy to burn and folk dancers who cannot get enough - all welcome to start the new year. MC Ron Rudd will choose an interesting programme of folk and contra material to entertain and provide a most enjoyable evening to the driving and exciting live music of "MELTDOWN" Band led by Alan Corkett. Tickets at the door £4.00 including a finger buffet. Lounge Bar also available. Free parking in the grounds.

9th Jan Sunday Folk Club meets in the Lounge Bar at Pam All performers invited, however hesitant, or you can of course just listen. A chance to join in the choruses or play that tune together with help from others. Bar closes 10.30pm. Led by Roger Phipps and Derrick Dean. (Entry Free)
Any Queries ring 01278 732202

12th Jan 05 Halsway Contra Club - for those who want to let off steam! MC/tutor Ron Rudd will take beginners and those who feel they know a bit, through the moves explaining what is involved as he goes. No wonder they all keep coming back for more. with live driving rhythmic music from 3 piece "MELTDOWN" band led by Alan Corkett. Admission - £2.00. Times -8.00 - 10.00 Held in the Long Room at the Manor. No need to bring a partner and dancers work the neighbours as well as partners. Intriguing stuff ! Come and try, it's really most enjoyable, be prepared to get hooked on dancing.

21-23 Jan Scottish Dance weekend and Burns Night Supper - apply to the manor 01984 618274 Tickets available for the Sat evening only if you cannot spare the time to dance all weekend. Tutor - Sheila Barnes. Music Moira Reekie. Piper, Haggis, "Neeps and Tatties" and all the trimmings. an event to remember.

27th Jan Playford Club - Meet 8pm contact Gerry Stowell for details.

28-30 Jan Folk Camps Winter Warmer w/e. Annual event of entertainment and dancing, playing and singing led by Chris Turner MC and music by Hilary Hudson and Alan Corkett as "Folk Two". Ceilidh Saturday evening. 8pm. further Details from Roger Conway 01823 270754

The Editor

Christmas eve is here!

Shopped out? Yep me too. The credit cards of the nation have taken a pounding and tomorrow morning some of you will be wondering what the heck it was all for. For some joy and happiness obviously!

Music, it is said can calm the savage beast, so if your feeling in need of some fun then why not start here with the live music for today?

Yeovil, South Somerset & West Dorset

Border Gold @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
Loose Connections @ Fleur de Lis, Stoke-s-Hamdon
Perfect Weekend @ The Plucknett, Yeovil
Martha's Vineyard @ Half Moon, Stoke-s-Hamdon
Sidekicks @ Ropemakers, Bridport
Dr Stomp & Professor Oz @ Greyhound, Corfe Castle
Storm (2-7pm) @ Quicksilver Mail
Studio 37 @ The Squirrel, Winsham, Nr Chard



Studio 37 looking mean and moody :-)

Senators @ Labour Club, Yeovil
Skinful @ Plume of Feathers, Sherborne
Pzazz @ White Hart, Sherborne

Taunton & Bridgwater area

B’stardos ~ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Snakes ~ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Glenn ~ Green Dragon, Wellington
Tim Bromfield ~ Crown & Sceptre, Taunton

Quick joke time:

What do you call someone afraid of Christmas?


Claus-strophobic!!!

You can all groan together now....

Happy Christmas
The Editor

Prog Rock Singer needed

Whilst out and about we noticed a flyer asking for a prog rock singer for a new band. We understand that the kind of bands that might influence this new group would be Pink Floyd, early Genesis (Peter Gabriel vocal), King Crimson and the like.

If you are interested, get in touch directly with Chris King on telephone 01935 872470 or email him at: chris@chriskingmusic.com.

The Editor

funky fursday

In the Comedy Awards last night, "Little Britain" took the top honour, well deserved in our humble opinion. "The Office" still managed to gain yet another award for best writing, Ricky Gervaise's mantlepiece must have needed some serious reinforcement for all those awards!

It must rank as one one of Britain's biggest heists; the theft of £22.5Million from a bank in Northern Ireland. The trouble is, at least half of the haul is in Northern Irish banknotes, not well known for being accepted anywhere except in that province!

If a dodgy looking geezer with an Irish accent and a wodge of Northern Irish banknotes tries to do a deal with you in the pub tonight, be very careful!

So you want to know what's happening tonight? Check out the listings below!

Yeovil and South Somerset

Red Tail (solo) @ Westminster, Yeovil
Border Jam @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
The Bowie Experience @ Phoenix Hotel, Chard
Dodgy Jammers @ Stars Lane Café Bar, Yeovil



Taunton & Bridgwater area

Worried Men @ Cross Rifles, Bridgwater
Daisy Cutters @ Quantock Gateway, Bridgewater
Camera, support from burn, burn, burn..., Bucket @ The Palace Theatre, Bridgwater,

The Editor

January gig list for South Somerset downloadable

With January rapidly approaching we have now loaded the South Somerset area gig list onto the web site in PDF form. Click on the link above and it will take you straight to the page. The listing now includes all the Advance Promotions gigs at Flicks Bar in Yeovil (and there are plenty to choose from!)

The Editor

What's happening on Wednesday?

Are you like David Blunkett and his staff at the Home Office all suffering from collective amnesia about recent events? No problem! We are here to remind you what's happening tonight.

In the South Somerset area

Jim Blomfield @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
Hypnosis (party band) @ Chicago Rock Café, Yeovil

In the Taunton and Bridgwater area

Revived @ Cross Rifles, Bridgwater
Hoppy Horton & The Saggy Bottom Boys @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Modern Jive @ Royal British Legion Club, Taunton

What's happening for you you today? Drop us an email and let us know.

The Editor

Bands are you looking for a gig?

Advance Promotions are looking for bands to support a couple of gigs. Interested? Send an email to will@advanceuk.biz and let him know.

The two dates are:

Dec 26th = Weymouth, Verdis (Punk Or Ska Needed)

Dec 28th = Yeovil, Flicks (Any type of band needed) must reply asap though

Send an email to Will to book yor slot. will@advanceuk.biz

The Editor

Advance to Flicks on 28th

The last gig organised by Advance Promotions for 2004 happens on Tuesday 28th at Flicks bar in Yeovil.

There is a late finish on this one thanks to the Council so you can drink and play till midnight.

The bands will be:
ORCA
APRIL DEAD (first show in months)
EAST OF DELAWARE
MUMMY SMACK
CHRISTA PIKE
FUNK YOUR MUM

Door £5 Doors 7pm till 12 midnight
www.advanceuk.biz/forums

Enjoy!!!

The Editor

Tuesday night ID cards not required

Well it seems that Parliament is determined to take away our freedoms by making us carry ID cards (for those who think this might be a good thing might want to check the some of the arguments at www.no2id.net); just one small step from here to microchips under the skin and a full on Police state. Absolutely nothing to worry about though....

Tonight the music continues with no ID cards required (unless you look 16 and are trying to buy a Bacardi Breezer).

In the South Somerset & West Dorset areas
Dr Stomp & Professor Oz @ No. 10, Bridport
Storm @ Foresters Arms, Holywell, EastCoker



Happy chaps Storm (above)


In Taunton

We have nothing listed, frankly I don't believe it! If any knows of events happening in Taunton tonight then please post them as a comment to this blog. The comment link is below.

The Editor

Midnight Mango Xmas special

Midnight Mango are letting the World know about their Christmas special happening this Thursday 23rd.Three great bands, three tiny quid, cheap drink, first band on at 7pm, finishes at 10, free access to club after bands finish.

HAPPY XMAS...


Camera




Plus support from
burn, burn, burn...
Bucket
At The Palace Theatre, Bridgwater, Somerset
Venue Contact 01278 434507

Thursday December 23rd
*****Doors Open 6, Bands till 10, club till 2am*****
£3 in advance, £4 on the Door.
Credit Card Hotline: 01278 434507
West Quay Records, Bridgwater
Martian Records, Taunton

...the Midnight Mango gig series at the Palace... continues...
Drinks Promotions: Boddingtons, Castlemaine and VK £1.50

/////////////////////////////////BAND DETAILS\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Camera (My Kung Fu) http://www.cameratheband.com
Genre: Indie, Rock
Single: “Hurt”( My Kung Fu) Released 29.11.2004
Press release: Emerging from North Wales with an unshakeable confidence and an overabundance of razor-sharp melodies, Camera’s debut single on My Kung Fu is here to win your heart. Echoing the sheltered valleys and towering hills of their rugged homeland, Camera are by turns smooth and serrated. Choppy, slashing guitars give way to a haunted tunefulness that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention. “Hurt” is a blissfully rambunctious single on My Kung Fu, the cool new independent label which already boasts releases from Soft Hearted Scientists, Mountain Men Anonymous and Culprit One. Hurt begins a run of single releases from Camera as a prelude to their debut album which will arrive in summer ‘05

burn, burn, burn (gimp) http://www.burnburnburn.com
Genre: Punk-Rock
Press Release: burn, burn, burn are a three-piece punk-rock band well known for their frenetic live shows. They have supported the Libertines, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, D4, the Dandy Warhols and the Icarus Line.
Press Review: “sexy, dumb and dangerous” The Fly
“Seaside rock doesn’t come any better” Evening Standard

Bucket www.bucketgroove.com
Genre: Punk-Ska-Dub-Rockabilly (Local Band)
Press Release: Bucket’s blend has been ramming dance floors and raising roofs throughout the West and beyond. The band delivers a tight, meaty wall of sound with D.I.Y. sensibility and a flourish of showmanship.

The Editor

Xteller playing in Bristol tomorrow (Tuesday)

Tomorrow, (Tuesday 21st) X-Teller play at The Louisiana in Bristol. As this is a short notice gig, they don't have any official flyers however they have sent us the hastily edited poster below.




The Editor

Quiet Monday night

It's pretty quiet on the music scene tonight; is Monday more accurately titled weekend hangover recovery day?

In South Somerset
Julie Dunn @ Anne Day Gallery, Beaminster

In Taunton
Open Mic Night @ Westgate Inn

There we told you it was quiet!

The Editor

Advance Information

Suited and Booted will be taking a short holiday break from the 31st December till the 9th January 2005. There will be no blog site updates during that week.




So a quick reminder to all you advertisers, bands, venue and any one else who has something to say, send us your information (on email preferably) by 17th January to ensure that you are in the February 2005 edition.


The Editor

Us and Them at Flicks

Those of you who got to Flicks in Yeovil on Sunday night, will have no doubt greatly enjoyed the Pink Floyd tribute show put on by 'Us and Them'.







Us and Them playing at Flicks in Yeovil on 19 December

Flicks was relatively quiet as Jason and the guys started, but the bar filled with people as the evening progressed. They ran through the whole 'Wall' album and once an early lighting glitch had been sorted, the light show was very impressive. The backdrop had projections of the Wall film showing at key moments and some great lighting effects throughtout.

In the second half there were tracks from 'Wish you were here' and 'Dark side of the moon' although our favourite was 'Once of these days I'm gonna cut you into little pieces'; which we think is from Ummagumma, but someone will correct us if that's wrong! These were followed by a couple of atracks from the later albums and an encore. A good show, well presented. Nice one!

The Editor

'Us and Them' Pink Floyd experience tonight!

If you are a Pink Floyd fan then get yourself to Flicks Bar in Yeovil tonight. (The bar is just off South Street almost opposite Globetrotters.)

Us and Them are renowned for putting on the complete Pink Floyd event, not just the music but all the lighting as well.



The gig starts at 7.45 pm, doors open around 7pm. Not sure about the ticket price but no doubt it will be excellent value.

The Editor

Sunday Snow!

11.45 and only just getting the blog updated!! Did you see the snow this morning? (It was pretty early) Could we be in for a white Christmas?

So what's happening today?

Live music in the South Somerset & Dorset areas

Lyme Regis Town Band - Christmas Concert @ Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
Dr Stomp & Professor Oz @ Three Compasses, Charminster
Live Music TBA (3pm) @ Royal Marine, Yeovil
Us and Them (Pink Floyd tribute) @ Flicks Bar, Yeovil

Live music in the Taunton area

Daisy Cutter @ Old Market, Bridgwater

There must be more in Taunton but that's all we have for now!

The Editor

Yetties Christmas Sing along

If you are in Sherborne tonight and fancy a Christmas sing along, get yourself to the Digby Hall for around 8pm. The Yetties and special guest Mary Hurst will be putting on a show for you!

Tickets are £6.50 for adults and £5.50 for chidren and senior citizens from The Abbey Pharmacy, Cheap Street, Sherborne. You can also ring 01935 814611. Cheques payable to 'The Yetties' please. Tickets are also available for purchase via their web site shop, go to www.theyetties.co.uk.


The Editor

What's happening on Saturday

Those of you struggling to beat a hangover will no doubt be delighted to learn that you can do it all over again tonight! The weather forecast is shitty though, solid rain pretty much all night...not good.

Who's playing tonight?

Live music in South Somerset & Dorset areas

Edward Thin @ Half Moon, Stoke-s-Hamdon
James Gibson @ The Plucknett, Yeovil
Live Music TBA @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
X-Teller @ Swan Inn, Sherborne
Icarus ~ Labour Club, Yeovil
Abba Gold @ Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis



Go on, you know you want to go and hear those great tunes from Abba again!

Damon @ Old Barn Club, Yeovil
Bryan Adams Tribute Eve. @ West End Hall, Sherborne
Tom Toomey @ White Hart, Castle Cary
Alias @ Alice Springs Café Bar, Yeovil
Crying Out Loud @ Ropemakers, Bridport
Stress @ Bakers Arms, Martock

In the Taunton area

Biker Bash/Scream Blue Murder@ Black Horse, Taunton
Whole Hog @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Rusty Razor @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Rize @ Vintage, Wellington
Blackfoot Brothers @ Cross Rifles, Bridgwater
Arthur Shaw @ Old Market, Bridgwater
Hans On Experience @ Lethbridge Arms, Taunton
Alison Jayne @ Princess Royal, Taunton
Christmas Concert @ Tacchi-Morris, Taunton
Les Martin @ Green Dragon, Wellington

Enjoy!

The Editor

Christmas Day a week today!!

Can you believe it? Christmas day is just a week away! The news programs seem to have themselves worked into a frenzy about you shoppers making the poor retailers wait for their money...all together now ahhh. Isn't strange how the prices can drop by 50% and yet they still make money, do you think they might have loaded the prices first?

Dave Allen (no not the Irish whiskey drinking comic) sent us a demo CD by Dablues which is the electric incarnation of the Dr Stomp Trio, well known to many.

Dablues play stripped down, lean 'n' mean, gritty blues on the opening track titled Boogie Town. Ironicly track two, Lovin' Baby is a lot more boogie woogie in style. Anyway it's a good little demo and something of a taster for an event happening on the 5th February.

On February 5th at the Bell Inn, Ash the Dr Stomp Trio will play an eclectic mix of blues and American folk performed on, vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, harmonica, five string banjo, fiddle, lapsteel, bass guitar, mandolin, drum kit and flatfoot dancing. (Well you can't say you aren't getting your money's worth!)



Then, we presume half way through the evening, they tranform into their alter ego of Dablues to do an electric set. They will performing material from their new CD "Did you ever?" which has had good reviews from The Dorset Echo and Blues in Britain magazine.

Tickets are £7 on the door but only £5 in advance from the Bell or by phoning 01308 488387. The gig will start around 8.30pm.

The Editor

Black Friday?

Apparently the local health authorities have tagged today as black Friday. Today they are expecting the mass of the population to get blind drunk, start fights, fall over etc etc. Well we recommend having a few drinks (but stay in control) and wedging yourself into the crowd at your favourite live music venue. This will help you avoid the £80 fine that the Police can hand out for various anti-social activities like being sick in the street. (Actually being sick in the street is pretty grim anyway!)



Do not upset this man!

It's the alternative 'Stars in Their Eyes' event tonight at Flicks Bar in Yeovil; check out our posting from a few days ago below.

Other live music in the South Somerset & Dorset areas

Chris Griffin as Elvis @ Mermaid Inn, Sherborne
Skatoons @ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas
Border Experience @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
Flatland Boogie Band @ Fleur de Lis, Stoke-s-Hamdon
Dave King @ The Plucknett, Yeovil
Skinful @ Red Lion, Beaminster
Tom Toomey @ White Hart, Somerton
Splinter @ Plume of Feathers, Sherborne

In the Taunton area

3 Daft Monkeys @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Tremeloes @ Royal British Legion Club, Taunton
Rude Mood @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Best Kept Secret @ Crown & Sceptre, Taunton
Taunton Jazz Concert @ Tacchi-Morris, Taunton

The Editor

fursday night fun!

It's Thursday, it's raining and there are only 9 more days to get all your Christmas shopping organised. (Those of you who have already sorted their Christmas shopping can go and stand in the "aren't I smug" corner!)

But never mind, there's live music and theatre to entertain you tonight; just check the list of events below.

Live music in the Yeovil and South Somerset area

Border Jam @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
Barracoodas @ Stars Lane Café Bar, Yeovil
X-Teller @ White Horse, Wincanton
Live Music TBA @ Phoenix Hotel, Chard

In the Taunton and Bridgewater area

Daisy Cutter @ Remedies, Bridgwater
Country Ken @ Beam Bridge Hotel
Excellos @ Quantock Gateway
Denver Spur @ Tacchi-Morris, Taunton

Theatre
Something’s Afoot @ Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton (-Jan15th)
Alladin @ Octagon Theatre, Yeovil (-Jan 8th)

Party Time at the Swan Theatre



Tonight is the Swan Theatre (Yeovil) Christmas party and all members and patrons are welcome to attend! Bring a plate of food and a party game or two. The Swan will be having a happy hour in the bar that runs from 8pm till 9pm; it's buy one drink, get one free!

The Swan's next production is Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell; it runs from 17th till 22nd January 2005.

Tomorrow (17th Dec)

Teasing the Cat @ The Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster

The Editor

Wednesday night gigs

What's happening tonight??

Check it out here!

South Somerset area
World In A Jug @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
On The Nod @ Chicago Rock Café, Yeovil



Taunton area
The Stingrays @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Modern Jive @ Royal British Legion Club, Taunton

Other exciting places
X-Teller ~ Fleece & Firkin, Bristol

The Editor

X-teller of a year!

Here at Suited and Booted we have watching (and listening too) the progress of X-teller for quite some time. (They featured as our cover band way back in July 2003!)And how they have progressed!

X-teller kick off their Christmas run of gigs at The Fleece & Firkin, Bristol on the 15th (doors open at 8:30pm), should be quite lively there what with 4 bands on.



Following that they'll be playing locally at the White Horse, Wincanton on the 16th and at the Swan, Sherborne on the 18th. Last gig of the year will be at The Louisiana, Bristol on the 21st to round things off. You can check their web site gig guide by going to:www.x-teller.co.uk/gigs.html

X-teller also tell us that their recent recording session was very productive not to mention exhausting! They recorded a brand new song, Victim, and finished off the 6 other tracks to complete the album. The tracks are currently being mixed and should be with us soon... We'll keep you posted.

Finally, they are promising to have some very exciting news as we head into the New Year... Watch this space!

The Editor

Monday morning blues

Got them Monday morning blues? Just got to work and discovered that the fridge has been turned off and the milk is now just rancid yohgurt? Ah well...

Some advance news of this Friday's (17th Dec) gig at Flicks Bar in Yeovil.



It will be the STARS IN THEIR EYES 3 event with bands emulating:

LOST PROPHETS
BLINK 182
PJ AND DUNCAN
FRANZ FERDINAND
GREENDAY
SUBLIME
FEEDER
TBA

The crowd get to decide the winner!

Tickets £5 - Door £6
tickets on sale now @ Acorn Reocrds + Limitless Skate
Doors 7pm


Now the bad news; as far as we know there are no live music events happening in the Yeovil, South Somerset or West Dorset areas tonight. Disaster! Or perhaps take the opportunity to just chill out for the evening.

In the Taunton area
Open Mic Night @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
NuXplorations VI @ Tacchi-Morris, Taunton

Have a great Monday!

The Editor

Pure Volume web site

We came across a website a couple of days ago that allows bands to host their songs and users to listen to them for free! The site is called purevolume.com and it has music from all around the world.

You can sort the bands by name, genre or location and then having selected what you like go to their web entry. It's all very neat and has an audio player built in so it doesn't even need to pop up your Windows media player. Broadband connection is probably a must have though.



There are some great bands on the site as well, both signed and unsigned. Recommended for a visit!

The Editor

Relax it's Sunday....

How was your Saturday? Were you one of the throng geting Christmas presents by the barrow load? Was that Dr Stomp and Professor Oz with Brother Matthew we heard playing amongst the shoppers in Dorchester yesterday? Sunday should be a little more relaxed; how about some music?

South Somerset & Dorset area
Tom Toomey @ Kings Arms, Stockland
Barry Paull as Elvis @ Lord Nelson, Norton-s-Hamdon
Storm (3-7pm) @ Porter Black's, Yeovil
Jamming with Mutter & Gareth (3.30pm) @ Ropemakers, Bridport
Into the Bleach (Blondie Tribute) @ Square & Compass, Windmill Hill, Ashill


Tobacco Road (3pm) @ Royal Marine, Yeovil
Jay @ Labour Club, Yeovil

Or if you are looking for the Taunton area music
Man From Funkle @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Excellos @ Old Market, Bridgwater

Have fun!

The Editor

Saturday Night's all right (sung as by Elton John)

It's official we are not spending enough on Christmas presents, the retailers are scared the economy is in terminal decline so it's moan, moan, moan.

Well stuff all that! Let's celebrate the fact that many Publicans put on free live music and then allow anyone to just wander in off the street to listen! How fantastic is that?

Live music tonight in South Somerset & Dorset area

Nicky Mascall & Griff Daniels @ The Plucknett, Yeovil
Julie Dunn & Andy Christie @ Gallery Restaurant, Chard
Turnette Doone @ Labour Club, Yeovil
Mas Y Mas @ Town Hall, Glastonbury (ticket gig)
Tom Toomey @ The Barge, Honey Street
Driver @ Ropemakers, Bridport
The Huckleberries @ David Hall Arts Centre, S.Petherton (ticket gig)
The Eddie Martin Band @ Bell Inn, Ash (ticket gig)



Off The Rails @ Plume of Feathers, Sherborne
Mid Life Crisis @ Half Moon, Stoke-s-Hamdon
Christian Brewer Quartet @ Plume of Feathers, Sherborne
The Bowie Experience @ Old Barn Club
Bedrock @ Swan Inn, Sherborne
Steve's Bike Shop @ Westminster

Around the Taunton area

Snakes @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Stuff Stan Likes @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Dream-maker @ Cross Rifles, Bridgwater
Midnight Mango @ Bridgwater Arts Centre
Alice Sharland @ Vintage, Wellington
K-Zee/Zydeco Band @ Crowcombe Village Hall
Arthur Shaw @ Princess Royal, Taunton
Relocate @ Old Market, Bridgwater
Chris Rainbow @ Green Dragon, Wellington
Acoustic Night @ West India House, Bridgwater
Class Of 58 @ W.S.M. Football Club

Great that's got the music sorted...now what about those pre-Christmas sales?!

The Editor

Jazz Club hosts Christian Brewer

You are being invited by Sherborne Jazz club to join them for a free mince pie at their last gig of 2004 at The Plume of Feathers in Sherborne this Saturday (8:00pm on December 11th).

You can hear one of the country's most exciting young alto players: Christian Brewer and his highly-praised London-based band.



Some time ago Christian sent the club his debut album to check over and they were mightily impressed.

So was Ian Carr, evidently, because this is what he wrote:
"This is a truly superlative debut, the standard of playing is phenomenal. Brewer is a virtuoso alto saxophonist with a glowing, lyrical sound and is also an excellent composer. His musicians are the "Young Lions" of the London jazz scene.... There's a great variety of music, with interesting structure and hair-raising solos."

That was a couple of years ago and since then it has been difficult to pin Christian down as he has been so much in demand at Ronnie Scott's and all over Europe.

It should be an evening of great music! The line-up is:

Christian Brewer on alto sax
Leon Greening on piano
Phill Donkin or Mick Coady on double bass
Tristan Mailliot on drums.

Do check out their website at http://www.sherbornejazz.org.uk where you'll see they have an exciting programme of events in 2005: more first-rate jazz performances; jam sessions and a weekend workshop for players in March.

Friday Night just got paid?

Friday, last working day of the week for many of you and possibly the first day of the weekend. (Those who maintain that Thursday is the new Friday have obviously got partying down to a fine art!)

So what are you going to do tonight? Here are some suggestions:

Live Music in the South Somerset & Dorset area.

Cross Wired @ Fleur de Lis, Stoke-s-Hamdon
Low Numbers @ Green Dragon, Combe St Nicholas
Live Music TBA @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil
Matthew Rock @ The Plucknett
Zion Train & Blackbud @ Town Hall, Glastonbury
Bleeding Hartz @ Red Lion, Beaminster
Lost Boys @ Ropemakers, Bridport
Dr Stomp & Professor Oz with Brother Matthew @ Fox & Hounds, Nr Cattistock



Unforgiven Kingdom @ Plume of Feathers, Sherborne
Neville van Dyke with Jackie @ Mermaid Inn, Sherborne

You might also like to try out the Yeovil College Party being held at Flicks and The Lounge in Yeovil. For full details scroll down through the previous posts below.

If you are in the Taunton area...

House Of Kane @ Cross Rifles, Bridgwater
Groove-a-licious @ The Pen & Quill, Taunton
Blazing Stump Folk Club ~ Royal Oak, Lux.
Chris Stuckey @ Crown & Sceptre, Taunton
Barracoodas @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
To The Limit @ Beam Bridge Hotel, Taunton
London Calling @ Rockers Live, Taunton

There ought to be enough live music here to start any Friday night with a bang!

The Editor

Thursday night fun

Live music to fill your Thursday night comes from:

Real World @ Phoenix Hotel, Chard
Freak Circus @ White Horse, Wincanton
Flatland Boogie Band @ Stars Lane Café Bar, Yeovil
Border Jam @ Woods Wine Bar, Yeovil

For the Taunton area check out:

Abba Tribute @ Remedies, Bridgwater
Jazz River Jam Session @ Westgate Inn, Taunton
Dick Gaughan @ Bridgwater Arts Centre
The Real Deal @ Quantock Gateway, Taunton
Somerset Life On Film @ Milverton Vic. Rooms

There should be something there for everyone!

The Editor

Yeovil College Christmas party

Advance Promotions have been on to tell us about their events for this week. On Friday December 10th @ Flicks Bar (Yeovil) then @ the Lounge (Yeovil) (YEOVIL COLLEGE CHRISTMAS PARTY)

Live music from:

NO COMPLY
FREAKS UNION
MERCURY LEAGUE
APRIL DEAD

COLLEGE PARTY @ LOUNGE 10pm Till 2am
Entry £6 Gig Only
Entry £6 College Party Only
Entry £6.50 to Both Tickets @ Yeovil College Student Union "EVERYONE WELCOME"
Available Now also From @ Acorn Records Doors (Flicks) 7pm - 11pmDoors Lounge 10pm - 2am.

Advance hold events each week both in Yeovil (on a Friday) and at other locations including Briport.

The Editor

Web site updated

The Suited and Booted web site was updated last night with gig information for the Taunton area (both December and January). Click on the message heading above and follow the links to download the gig diary in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

There are just two gigs in the Yeovil area tonight (at least as far as we know). At Woods Wine Bar in Yeovil you can enjoy the Jazz sounds of the Ruth Hammond Trio. Literally just around the corner at Chicago Rock cafe, Makerfield will be covering three decades of hits with everything from Kylie through Shania and lots more besides.

In Taunton you can indulge in some modern jive at the Royal British Legion or listen to Hoppy Horton and crew at the Pen and Quill. Enjoy!!!

The Editor

Tell us what's happening for you!

It's pretty quiet out there today! If you have something going on that you would like others to know about then send an email to suit_boot@yahoo.co.uk and we can spread the message.

It's open house for music, the arts, theatre or even just what you are playing on your MP3 player at the moment! Tell us all about it!

The Editor

Live music on a Tuesday night

I know that Tuesday can often seem the dullest night of the week but there is at least one great gig on tonight and it's happening at the Wyndham Arms in Kingsbury Episcopi (near Martock). If you are into Cajun, blues or just plain good music then book your ticket to hear Geraint Watkins and Charlie Hart playing at 9pm tonight. Between them these guys have played alongside: Dire Straits, Bill Wyman, Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Ian Dury...well you get the idea!

Tickets are £6 if pre-booked (a good idea since these gigs often sell out) or may be a little more on the door.

The Editor

PETHERTON PICTURE SHOW CELEBRATES AWARD OF £3,600

Some good news for those of you who enjoy seeing films locally in South Petherton. Petherton Picture Show - which presents films on alternate Fridays at South Petherton's David Hall - has been awarded £3,600 from the Lottery-funded UK Film Council. The money has been used to purchase new projection equipment, which has already been installed."We are thrilled to have received this donation, which allows us to provide an even more professional presentation for members of Petherton Picture Show," said Iain Wilkinson, who is on the Board of the Petherton Arts Trust as well as being one of the Picture Show organisers.

Petherton Picture Show (PPS) has become one of The David Hall's most popular regular events. "Our aim is to continue the provision of a cinema in the village - something which began at the start of the last century," said Mr Wilkinson. As PPS is a registered film society membership is required, but is free of charge and offered at all film showings. The last film of 2004 - "A Mighty Wind", by the Director of "This is Spinal Tap" and "Best in Show" - is on Friday 17th December and the new season of films begins on Friday 7th January. The programme for January-April 2005 will be available from mid-December. For details, call 01460 240 340 or e-mail info@thedavidhall.org.uk.

The Editor

Live Music in Seaton

We've just had a reminder from St Clare's in Seaton (Devon) that on Saturday 11th December they are hosting the Arizona Smoke Review who are a mixed USA/English ethnic country rock band. They should appeal to all those of you who enjoy folk and roots music. Tickets are £8.

Also at St Clare's in January on Saturday 22nd will be Martin Carthy a giant of the British folk music scene. Tickets again are just £8.

Call 01297 20679 to book those tickets, gigs start around 8.30pm with the doors opening at 8pm.

The Editor

Creative Arts at the Octagon

As many of you may be aware from January 2005 the Arts Centre on South Street in Yeovil will close. The good news is that the Yeovil Community Arts Association (YCAA), the charity that ran the arts centre is organising exhibitions in the Gallery Bar area of the Octagon Theatre under the heading of "Creative Arts at the Octagon".

NEW HORIZONS
From the 17th January till the 19th February
New Horizons is the first of a series of exhibitions being held in the Octagon throughout 2005. This show brings together twenty of the most talented artists now working in Somerset and Dorset, producing artworks that are diverse in style, technique and subject matter.

The exibition is open from Monday to Saturday from 12 noon until the end of each evening's performance or until 5pm if there is no evening show.

The Editor

Julie Dunn opens at the Alex

Last night we managed to get to Julie Dunn's opening jazz night at the Alex in Yeovil. Julie was using the occasion to launch her new CD (as featured in this months Suited and Booted). It turned out to be a busy evening, with staffers from both Ivel FM and the Western Gazette also there and mixing it with the jazz fans.

Although prior to performing Julie seemed more than a little nervous, the performance was fantastic. She and the band played both tracks from the new album and some that had not made it on. Every one who was there seemed to enjoying the music, it was a great result for an opening night.

The Alex has had something of a makeover recently and now sports some wood panelled walls giving it a warmer look. (The acoustics seem to work out fine as well.)

We managed to grab a couple of pictures whilst there and yes Julie really is playing whilst sat under the stairs!





The Editor

Send us your news

If you have something to say about the local scene
then send an email to suit_boot@yahoo.co.uk The Editor

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Suited & Booted (Yeovil)
No 1 Entertainment and Leisure Guide for Yeovil, Sherborne, South Somerset and surrounding areas.

Fax or Email us details of your future events, we publish listings for free!
Telephone: 01935 477 596 Fax: 01935 477 597
Take a look at the web site! www.suit-boot.co.uk for Taunton & Yeovil areas!
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The Good News - Listings are FREE!

Hi Guys

It seems that even after almost three years of producing the South Somerset/Dorset edition of Suited and Booted some people (Landlords you know who you are!) still have not realised that listing are free!

Guys there is no excuse, if you want to fill your venue full of punters then all you have to do is email/fax/call us with the information. Even when the print edition has hit the streets the web site is still updated with new information. Gig news from band members is most welcome as well.

Speaking of which we had a phone call yesterday from a gentleman in Bournemouth to let us know that the web site was now selling chainsaws and accessories! The good news is; the web site is fine, not a chainsaw in sight!

Both the Arts diary and Gig diary in PDF format are now available for download at the web site. We will hold putting January up there just yet to give people time to get their information to us. Have a great day.

The Editor