Too Hot To Handle.

Temperatures always above Freezing at Newport Open Mic – words Jude Paton, pictures Laurence Gale

The Stones are headlining Glastonbury this summer and if you want a ticket and a hotel for the weekend for the festival and the chance to hear Mick Jagger a month before his 70^th birthday then don’t expect to see change out of £6,000.

The same amount of money would buy you entry to Newport Open Mic every Tuesday at the Royal Naval Association in Bellmans Yard Newport Shropshire for the next 120 years with the certainty of top quality music and the chance to win chocolate or a bottle of wine. No mud, no wellies, your choice.

This week on main stage and opening the night was our resident photographer Laurence Gale kicking off with the Beatles classic Let It Be before giving a delightful rendition of American singer songwriter Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in the Cradle. Tragically Harry was killed at the age of 39 when his car was hit by a truck on the way to a benefit concert in New York but Laurence has been one of his fans for all the years that I have known him....and that’s quite a few.

Ollie Flavell belies his teenage years and sings with the maturity and confidence of a seasoned performer. This week he delighted the audience with a truly soulful version of Stevie Wonder’s Sunshine of my Life followed by his excellent interpretation of the Zuton’s song Valerie.

On a flying visit from his home town of Cork it was great to see one time regular supporter and performer Dan (the Shamrock) Corcoran back at the Navy Club albeit for one song but nonetheless a classic by Mississippi John Hurt, Stagger Lee.

Rich Evans was seen briefly on the dance floor with mop and bucket before taking to the stage with a classic Bob Seger number Night Moves, followed by Honky Tonk Woman and ending by way of complete contrast on guitar and bass drum with the famous sea shanty What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor which had the crowd singing from the crow’s nest.

Boughey Gardens tennis coach Darcy, now a regular at Open Mic never fails to delight music lovers with his ability to put across heartfelt emotion in his choice of songs, this week by Kings of Leon, The Calling and finally cleverly using his loop pedal and finishing  with Ed Sheeran’s Wayfaring Stranger.

Remynie Kiah first came to Newport Open Mic on her 13^th birthday, as a shy, nervous teenager nearly 3 years ago. Over the years we have had the privilege of seeing her develop her amazing musical talent and wonderful voice. As a drummer, keyboard player, guitarist and singer she has won over the admiration and respect of seasoned musicians at many of the local venues and this week she surprised us all using just her hands, voice, a table and a can of vimto performing the Cup Song – You’re Gonna Miss Me. The crowd of nearly 60 were stunned into silence. Well done Rem – what a delight.

It’s been a while since Luke Drew has performed at the Navy Club and although he is well known for writing his own material, this week he performed some lesser known songs by Bright Eyes and the Ramones. Good to see you back Luke.

Three quarters of the way through the evening and up till that point all top class solo acoustic sets. 5 piece band Vinyl Tap were next up however to make full use of the equipment which is purchased, replaced or updated from the £1entry fee you pay at the door. Regular lead guitarist Brad Taylor was replaced this week by Rich Evans whose arm was twisted to stand in at short notice with a set which included Chasing Cars which built up from a melodic start to a strong rhythmic sound and excellent vocals from Alex Ash, Remynie on drums, Jude on bass and Cath Butler demonstrating her skills on keyboards. Creep, The Model and Walking in Memphis completed a rousing performance.

The evening was drawing to a close but not before Martin Templeton sang Paul Weller’s classic Pebbles on a Beach, This is the Life by Amy McDonald and Ben E King’s Stand By Me. A lovely choice of contrasting songs from Martin followed by an encore from Darcy Crawford with Paolo Nutini’s Candy – a great song and great lyrics “just give me some candy after my hug”. Well done to Ollie for bringing another great evening of music to a close, thanks to Adam Brown on the sound desk, those of you who put everything away at the end and of course to all of you who support LIVE MUSIC in Newport. See you same time same place.

St George’s Day Concert

RICH EVANS, who frequently entertains us at the Navy Club, is one of the star guests at the St. George’s Day Concert, to be held in the Cosy Hall, Water Lane on Saturday 20^th April at 7.45pm. Also appearing will be Cuckoo Oak, Will Morgan and the Unicorn Folk Band. Tickets £5 from Jude at Hey Jude’s and Alison at the Book Nook. Bar and raffle.