Birthday surprise at the Navy!    Words: Dave Whiteman,     Pictures: Matthew Thomas

It does seem incredible now, that in these days of lightning quick internet, tablets, laptops and mobile phones, that  in years gone by families would gather round the telly and watch a ‘variety’ programme together. One of the most popular was ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’ which ran from 1955 right up to present day, with comperes including Bruce Forsyth and Jimmy Tarbuck  and more recently, Bradley Walsh, Alexander Armstrong and even Jimmy Carr. Television companies today can only dream of the viewing figures that this show used to generate, as shown when The Beatles made their debut in October 1963. Performing live onstage in front of an estimated 15 million viewers, the fab four  perform just four songs…..and Beatlemania was born.

A bit less than that at the Newport Open Mic this week, at the Royal Naval Association in Bellman’s Yard, well 14,999,950 less to exact, but the crowd certainly gave the impression that they enjoyed it just as much!

Jay Harris has been away for a while and I know he has had a great deal of success busking on the streets of Shrewsbury. He doesn’t fritter away his hard earned cash though, saving whatever he gets towards new musical instruments…….now that’s what I call sensible recycling. Jay took us back to the 90’s….before he was born…and the rivalry between two top bands, Blur and Oasis, the latter probably winning that particular duel. Sensibly though, Jay let us make our own minds up with a song from each.

We had a full portion of local band Vinyl Tap last time out but this week just a taster……vocalist Alex Ash. Alex is happy to take a chance and sing a song he has never done before, and as long as he can recruit a backing guitarist, this week yours truly, he is content. He had the audience in the palm of his hand with soulful renditions of ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Your Song’ before getting them involved in a brilliant Oasis singalong, ‘Wonderwall’. Not finished, Alex then invited the crowd  to join him in wishing club regular and great supporter of Open Mic, Cath Butler a happy birthday, before singing the traditional song.  Too many candles to fit on the cake, but it was, nevertheless devoured by the grateful audience!

Richard Thomas has been coming to the Open Mic for many years, and he is still very difficult to pigeon hole. Just when you think he is about to deliver a snarling punk/thrash number he comes out with his own version of ‘Gloria’….a Laura Branigan song from the early eighties. He also likes a crowd pleaser however, and had the audience joining in with his Monty Python mickey take, ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’

Robbie’s in Rehab played a great gig at Blists Hill last month and enjoyed it so much they are playing the Halloween Party at the Navy on Friday 30^th October; entrance just £3 on the door. With new drummer Richard Standley holding a great beat, the band obviously enjoyed their set, fusing Bryan Adams, Steve Miller and The Stones into an energetic performance. Get there early at the end of the month, these guys are popular.

I haven’t seen next up Graham Weir in absolutely ages, since the demise of the Lion Open Mic in fact, and he admitted to a few nerves before he went on stage. The occasional tremors in his opening number were soon overcome especially after a warm welcome from this generous Navy crowd. His next number was simply outstanding. ‘Simple Twist of Fate’ was from Bob Dylan’s album, ‘Blood on the Tracks’ released forty years ago and I think Graham put more emotion into that song than the author did into the entire album. Been too long away mate!

Just time to get Andy Chapman, drummer with Jan & the Noizy Boyz, onstage and form a Scratch House Band with guitarist Roger Clark and bass man Alan Middleton to play us out and send the crowd home happy. 

Open Mics come and go, but the Newport Open Mic has been around for many years now. It goes without saying that it couldn’t happen without all the help and support from regular volunteers, who lift the equipment down from the attic and put it away at the end of the evening. No good without an audience though and enthusiastic support from a regular audience ensures that the energy remains high. If you would like to help, sing, play or indeed get involved in any way, come and introduce yourself….you will be made very welcome. 

Till next time, keep it live!