Posts Tagged ‘instruments’

Musical talent topping up at The Apple Tree

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

On Tuesday 2nd January singer songwriters fought their way to the Apple Tree in West Green, Crawley to show off their talents.

The brave and intrepid (and some possibly a bit insane) members of the Crawley’s music community turned out in artic conditions to perform at The Apple Tree’s singer songwriter night. The first to arrive was Danny Dangerously and Rory Flynn closely followed by the guys who collectively make up the rock band “Soma” Ryan Howlett, Tim Rowell and Luke Ogden. Crawley music veteran Ken Birch provided the P.A. system. Kenalso played for the crowd.

After a number of inspired performances, which were recorded by Jonathan Head. Carl is currently setting up a MySpace page where you will be able to see these great performances. 

It was decided to bring the night to an early conclusion in the face of deteriorating weather conditions, allowing people to get home safely.

It turns out the band named “Soma” featuring Ryan Howlett, Tim Rowell and Luke Ogden are in search of a new band name and are looking for inspiration from the people of Crawley. If you have any suggestions, please send them to editor@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk.

The next singer songwriter night is Tuesday 2nd February. If you missed this one, put a date in your diary.

We thank Carl Brooks for this article and the pictures.

Crawley Millenium Concert Band hits the high notes

Monday, October 19th, 2009

On Friday 9th October Crawley Happy Times were invited to The Hawth to go back stage with the Crawley Millenuim Concert Band.

Gemma Legrand (Front of House Duty Manager) & Roddy McDonald (Box Office Assistant)

Gemma Legrand (Front of House Duty Manager) & Roddy McDonald (Box Office Assistant)

Allison Pacey & Catherine Sharpe (Box Office Administrators)

Allison Pacey & Catherine Sharpe (Box Office Administrators)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The friendly and warm Bar Staff

The friendly and warm Bar Staff

Crawley Millennium Concert Band was formed in 1999 as part of the towns Millennium Celebrations and gave its first concert at the Hawth Theatre, Crawley in January 2000.

Conductor Sally Hartley & Shelley from CHT

Conductor Sally Hartley & Shelley from CHT

In the first ten years of its life, CMCB has toured abroad 5 times. In 2001 the band visited Crawley’s twin town Dorsten. This was followed by participation in the music and cultural festival in Gyula, Hungary to which the band has since returned. In 2004 the band toured the Ukraine taking part in the Independence celebrations and playing before an audience of 27,000 in the town of Ternopil. In 2008 they visited Rome performing at several venues, including the British Embassy.

CMCB in Hungary

CMCB in Hungary

Returning to The Hawth for 2009 CMCB belted out some fantastic music ranging from classical renditions to modern day melodies. CMCB play in their own style and not just note by note. Their style has made them a prominent band within the industry, worldwide.

Julie & Stuart McGlashan have been with the bad since the beginning

Julie & Stuart McGlashan have been with the bad since the beginning

The band support local charities and this event was no exception. Home Start offer support, friendship and practical help to families with children under five who are under stress in order to help prevent crisis and breakdown – to give children the best possible start in life. We had the privilege of meeting some of the ladies from Home Start at the entrance to the Hawth.

Jane Brown, Gill Wright, Sandra Leppard & Jan Bond from Home Start

Jane Brown, Gill Wright, Sandra Leppard & Jan Bond from Home Start

We would like to thank Mr John Fisher for inviting us down to see what the noise was all about.

Wow! Music to our ears.

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

On Saturday 5th September 2009 Crawley Happy Times had the privilege of attending Bar Med in the High Street Crawley to watch London Soul perform. And what a performance it was. Drawing in a huge crowd London Soul rocked the evening with some fantastic cover versions.

Lead singer London Soul

Lead singer Kevin Chipol of London Soul

London Soul, a multi-award winning dynamic 12-piece soul, rock and pop band have played every major venue and have been established at the top of their trade for many years.

Comprising of a full brass section and female backing singers, London Soul play an excellent dancing repertoire guaranteed to keep you dancing all night. Featuring classic songs by The Commitments, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ricky Martin and Robbie Williams to name a small few. The huge crowd attending Bar Med to watch London Soul perform thoroughly enjoyed the music, dancing the night away.

Most of the band are originally from Crawley.  Kimberley, vocalist told us it was great performing in Crawley as they can have their friends and family come down to watch them. Some of the band are from London. 

The Door Staff Bar Med

The Door Staff Bar Med

Bar Med came alive with the sound London Soul. With stunning vocals and brass instruments combined, made a sound that is truly unique and extremely entertaining. Sam, Manager of Bar Med told us it was wonderful to have London Soul perform at the venue. Sam went on to tell us they are being proactive in drawing good talent to Bar Med in Crawley, for the entertainment of the community. For further performance details, please visit their website. Bar Med is a fantastic venue compromising of a dance floor, stage and two bars with friendly efficient staff. A great venue for any band to perform.

London Soul, Bandstand, Crawley town centre

London Soul, Bandstand, Crawley town centre

London Soul also performed during the day on the bandstand, in the town centre. Many shoppers stopped to listen and watch them in action. It’s great to see the bandstand being used on a weekly basis for the purpose of having such performances as London Soul. They were a great hit!

The technical team of London Soul

The technical team of London Soul

We look forward to keeping up-to-date with London Soul’s progress and would like to thank Kimberley and the rest of the band for inviting us down to experience such a great performance. We have no doubt this vibrant bunch of musicians and singers who make up London Soul will be very successful.

For all pictures please visit our facebook page here.

Video’s



Extreme talent is coming to Bar Med

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

London’s Hottest Band are coming to Crawley!

Award Winning 12-Piece Party Band London Soul will be bringing the house down at Bar Med, Crawley, with their classic mix of soul, rock, disco and funk.

Great looking Vocalists

Great looking Vocalists

With stunning vocalists and musicians from London’s West End, they are not to be missed!

If you cannot make the evening, but would love to see the band, they are also playing Crawley Band Stand on the 5th of September at 12PM to 2:30PM. Come along and support them!

Who, Where, When:  London Soul – Bar Med, Crawley (100 High St), Saturday 5th September, 7.30PM. Drinks only £1.75 until 11PM!

Event Details http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=99134319517

Official Websitewww.London-Soul.com

A repertoire guaranteed to keep your wedding and function guests on their feet all night, featuring classic songs by

Class comes with brass

From brass to class

The Commitments, Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ricky Martin and Robbie Williams to name but a few. Formed in 1997, London Soul are one of the most respected show bands having performed at major venues all across the globe, including international award ceremonies, major global corporation functions and media covered celebrity events and weddings.

Playing timeless songs from every era right up to modern-day classics, London Soul caters for every age group and popular music genre as the hits keep coming all night.

London Soul’s Official Website is www.London-Soul.com but they can also be found on Facebook if you want to become a fan and find out what London Soul are up to!

More into Big Band Music, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack? Looking to book a Function Band? London Soul also provide ‘London Swing’ (www.London-Swing.com). London Swing are inspired by the music from classic swing and jazz artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davies Jr., alongside more modern artists such as Michael Bublé: all artists who reflect on a magic era, but with a modern twist.

Always pulling in a huge crowd

Always pulling in a huge crowd

London Swing brings a touch of class to any event, while paying tribute to these timeless artists and songs. A truly unique band, playing unforgettable versions of all the classic songs, London Swing brings Las Vegas swing across the Atlantic and back through time to remember a golden age.

Rave reviews of performances include those published in ‘The Stage’: international entertainment newspaper;

“This 12-piece band blew a storm to start the second half. How rewarding to see so many talented young people playing real instruments. Superbly attired and exceptional visually, the four vocalists featured a great span of songs.. phenomenal stuff.”…

Interested in booking for your Wedding or Event? Contact Kimberley on bookings@london-soul.com/ bookings@london-swing.com for your personalised quote.