Guest review: Stone Music Festival

Here’s a lovely review of Stone Music Festival by volunteer steward Andy Macdonald. You might have seen Andy on stage with The Formula on Sunday evening! You can submit your own reviews to A Little Bit of Stone – restaurants, pubs, live music, whatever! Just send your review, with pictures if possible, to reviews@alittlebitofstone.com 

What an incredible weekend, a veritable pot pourri of popular music performers (that’s adequate alliteration!). Literally something for everyone, young and old alike.

After being dropped off in Stone following my rehearsal with the Formula’s Dave Williams, I was able to enjoy the Swan’s Buzz Factor karaoke finalists on Saturday from the contest held last November. Landlord Barrie took a big gamble introducing karaoke to the normally rock-oriented Swan, but it certainly paid off, and livened up many a wet and miserable Monday autumnal evening, bringing some exceptional talent to the fore.

Barrie is not averse to belting out a tune or two himself, his favourites being Divine Comedy’s National Express (“It’s hard to get by when your arse is the size of a small country!” Wish I could pen stuff like that!) and Spandau Ballet’s Gold. Young Sasha was a worthy winner, flawlessly executing her number with a CD quality voice.

It was impossible for me to catch all the acts in their entirety, but as a volunteer steward I thoroughly enjoyed the abundance of talent Stone has to offer.

Affable young singer/songwriter Ben Owen introduced several acts in his Young Musicians’ Showcase, including some impressive collaborations.

There were some excellent buskers too and The Taskers, a replacement for No Hiding Place who were scheduled but unable to appear, accompanied by a guy on harmonica performed Mustang Sally and Johnny B Goode brilliantly.

Christchurch Academy took to the stage with their selection, featuring all time classics such as Imagine and Bridge Over Troubled Water, delivered with such polish, talent and verve from the youngsters. I was so moved by their poignant interpretations, they pulled these tricky tracks off with aplomb.

Unfortunately, following a gorgeous bright and sunny morning (yay!) the heavens decided to open (boo!) but this did little to dampen (obvious gag alert!) the enthusiasm of the amassed throngs who simply got their brollies out or sheltered where they could and continued to enjoy the exquisite entertainment. Renowned compere Colin Taylor, who earlier in the week chaired the Swan’s music quiz with questions covering a wide range of musical genres to test the most knowledgeable of music buffs, did a sterling job throughout the weekend, introducing the acts and keeping the crowds entertained and informed in between.

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I was surprised at the logistics of the whole operation – the meticulous planning that goes into the mammoth task of preparation – first aid, refreshments etc. and take my hat off to everyone involved behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to orchestrate events. There’s a great community spirit here in Stone, we’re so lucky to have the festival and other events and venues to encourage and support live music.

Ben returned with his friend Robbie to perform a selection of his own material backed by Robbie on his fiddle. Check out Ben’s terrific new single Do You Want To Be Famous. I’m biased, but it’s fantastic. His music appeals to all ages, right across the board, even a couple of cute dancing toddlers enjoyed his set, much to the delight of the audience! Bless!

Moving onto Sunday, I wasn’t down in time to catch the Supersets, but have seen them play regularly at the Swan, and while I’m familiar with their set list, never get bored of their energetic performances. Dom has that distinctive growl in his voice that really suits their repertoire, and what a showman. Harmonies spot on, cool, precise and tight, and how gorgeous is Lauren!

More rock courtesy of the Vanz, another fab act who do exactly what it says on the tin, and know how to par-tay!

Following hot on their heels, the Formula proved a great warm up for the finale act. The front of the stage area was rammed by this time, everyone throwing some shapes and boogieing on down! I defy anyone, even the most miserable wallflower, not to at least get their foot tapping along to their classic party tunes.

They were joined by some guy in a flamboyant sparkly waistcoat and New Romantic stylee frilly shirt who ruined their set with a dodgy cover of Cockney Rebel’s Come Up And See Me, Make Me Smile! Seriously, I’m indebted to Dave and the guys for the opportunity, following on from the Buzz Factor (I was “one of the most improved singers in the contest”, apparently – that’s debatable!). It was somewhat of a baptism of fire though, as we’d only rehearsed acoustically and there wasn’t the opportunity for a full band rehearsal prior to my guest spot so I was, er, extremely nervous to put it politely!

Authentic Take That tribute Retake That brought an awesome weekend to its climactic close. Their spectacular show had all the hits we know and love, including a solo spot from “Robbie”. The routines and mannerisms were down to a tee, complete with Manc accents and the guys performing in character throughout. It was hilarious when a number of ladies were plucked from the audience to take part in a sequence. Gran couldn’t stop smiling!

All too soon it was over, and the stewards had the daunting task of dismantling and clearing up. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, plenty of refreshments available from the de rigeur burgers, hot dogs and ice creams to George’s delicious pies, no aggro, (I didn’t witness any, anyway!) just everyone in high spirits and up for a good time. Bring on next year’s, which is already in the planning stages with top 80s act The Christians headlining.