Report Jude Paton and Photographs Laurence Gale

Newport Open Mic organisers held a Christmas Party Night at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard on Tuesday by way of a thank to all those supporters of Open Mic over the past 12 months, the last Newport Open Mic live music event of 2014 and the highlight of the year. To entertain us was one of Newport’s outstanding new bands One Nation, all experienced musicians in their own right, having played with bands including The Jumps, Driftwood and Don’t Lick Larry. The sound they have now is unique and superb having taken elements from their previous bands to create a fusion of rock, pop, reggae, blues funk and soul and of course the ever popular Christmas songs…in short, something for everyone.

Walking into the Navy Club was like walking into Santa’s Grotto – a mass of sparkling tinsel and lights as well as the presence of Mr and Mrs Claus and an elfin helper. Well done Mark, Gail and Remynie for getting into the Christmas spirit! Navy Club member Mark Rowley catered for about 70 party goers with delicious homemade chicken korma and naan breads which was available throughout the evening. I spotted young Jay Harris having at least three helpings.....does your mum not feed you Jay?

A collection for the Severn Hospice raised £110, a charity very close to Newport Open Mic hearts, remembering Robbie Woolrich, Roy Hodges, Carol Murphy, Paul Nicholas and especially John Allan with the anniversary of his death being on this very day, 16^th December.

Thanks to you all for your support in 2014, the musicians, singers, members of the audience, the Royal Naval Association and helpers in any way but special mention to Adam Brown and Jonathan Newton with their help on the sound desk, Laurence Gale and Matt Thomas for photography and of course out own Dave Whiteman for EVERYTHING. A fantastic evening of live music bringing another brilliant year to a close.

Newport Open Mic will be back at the Navy Club on Tuesday 20^th January 2015 so until then be safe, be happy and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and of course KEEP MUSIC LIVE and our music venues ALIVE! 

 

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. SEE YOU ALL IN 2015.