Our reporter this week is Harry (Woolleydog) Woolley
Photos to follow

The Newport open microphone night can be very quiet in May. We are usually competing with football on TV at this end of the football season. The football season is over ‘early doors’ and so it’s anyone’s guess for this Tuesdays attendance. Roadies this week are Andy Clark, Darcy Crawford and Cathy Butler. The roadies quickly assemble and connect stage equipment including guitar amplifiers. P A system, a full drum kit and lights. A swift sound check by rock band Ricochet and sound engineer Darcy and the stage is set and ready to rock.

The sound and lighting is now taken over by Ben Garrett who announces the first act and it’s that man again, roadie, sound man and all around good egg Darcy Crawford. Darcy launched in to a cracking half hour set of country/rock/folk with a tribute to the barman Jez. Darcy’s style is very hard to define or describe but if you can imagine the child of an impossible union between Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond you might get close. In true open magic, in the middle of his gritty set Darcy threw in a tune from left field ‘It’s all about you’ by McFly.

Next up was lead singer Sand Kumar from Telford band Ricochet with a solo set full of drive, enthusiasm and impact. Sand is the Ken Dodd of open music nights, he would play all night if he could, and everyone feels happier when he is on. After his sterling set Sand was joined on stage by the rest of his band Ricochet. Ricochet have played at the Navy for many years. They have a huge repertoire of songs at their fingertips from the Beatles to Greenday and Coldplay. This band is like a Stoke City football crowd, loud and proud, Rock on Ricochet!

With the performers list still a bit thin it was time for guitar hero Alan ‘Shady’ Lane with his guest singer for the night Megan Hodgkinson. Alan a long time supporter of live music in Newport is the lead guitar with a number of bands and accompanist of many fine vocalists. He rarely sings himself as a kindness to his audience.(his wife says) Megan is the daughter of regular vocalist Sharn. She gave a charming performance of folk based music with Alan just a pickin’ and a grinning’ as usual.

Still short of many of the regular contributors to the music night Darcy performed yet another gritty set of unusual songs in his own inimitable way. At this point a short but enjoyable evening appeared to be over as the performers list was now empty. A rapid series of phone calls seemed to indicate that many of the regular male performers were out trying to acquire evening dresses in the right size, and that most of the regular female performers were in the bathroom applying hair restorer to their chins, music is a trendy activity and following successful trends is essential.

Local Superstar to the rescue. Many years ago a doting dad brought his little girl to the open music night, she sang and played keyboard like an angel. Over the years Remynie has blossomed in to a very accomplished musician, she sings, she plays guitar, she plays drums and I bet she still plays keyboard. We have not seen as much of Remynie as we would like of late. She says she has lost a little confidence. No need to lack confidence Remynie, your set was excellent as usual.

Finally the master of ceremonies for the evening Ben Garrett gave us a great virtuoso saxophone solo to close the evening. A good night was had by all.

All fans of live music in the area don’t forget Newfest14 Newport’s biggest live music event is coming.
Saturday the 28^th of June at the Newport Rugby Club. With The Barflys, The Rivals, Touch Too Much, One Nation, Heidi Browne The Rooz, Zac Christie 

Until next week. Keeping It Live.