content

The Mayor Of Worcester, Councillor Andy

I hope you enjoyed last week's live coverage from the Marr's Bar, officially opened by the Mayor Andy Roberts (who I was trying to get to play a power chord or two) and Worcester's own Mr Motivator Chris Jaeger.

Che

Kicking off the music in fine style were jazz-rockers Che.

Anna Rice

This was followed by Anna Rice's set of heartwarming numbers.

Mudball

There's a new look to power-rockers Mudball - now co-fronted up by songbird Becky Rose who I saw belting it out a couple of months ago with Fat Boys Are Harder To Kidnap at the Llama Lounge.

Becky Rose

Next, it was back to solo form for Becky for her carefully crafted ditties about wardrobes and motorways.

Sideways Glance

Sideways Glance then took to the stage. It's been a while since I've seen this lot and I'd forgotten how pricelessly cutting they are. Distinctive stuff from an unique local talent.

The Humdrum Express

More off-beat numbers to follow from Ian Passey aka The Humdrum Express (no riff-raff please!).

The Capital

The long-awaited (well for me anyway) reunion of The Capital came next - John and Rooney are now joined by Chris on drums, replacing Dan who's gone down-under. This was a cracking reminder of what great numbers this trio have like 'Song For The 30 Somethings' and 'Alive'. I liked the key-change on 'Put You Down' guys!

Nigel Clark

What better way to close off a great festival opening gig than with Mr Nigel 'Dodgy' Clark himself - who showed a pretty dry sense of humour between the sing-a-long numbers like 'Staying Out For The Summer' and 'Good Enough' - sweet!

Stuntdog

With the broadcast over, it was time to slip out behind Andrew's back and check out the other acts around town on the Friday night. I went over to the Blower for the last couple of psychedelic numbers from Stuntdog, featuring of course our own Craig Wood on bass.

Highway 5

Next up I enjoyed a short helping of bluesy rock from Highway 5.

Ragtime Ewan

I then went swiftly next door to The Cricketers, unbelievably staging live music for the first time in 40 years - and likely to do so again pretty soon as Ragtime Ewan had the crowd in the palm of his hand!

Skewwhiff

I went over to The Pheasant in New Street, next, for a taster or two from Skewwhiff.

Get The Pluck Up crowd

I closed off the opening night at Flo Rowland's Get The Pluck Up at The Firefly with Babajack, Tyler Massey and Craigus Barry. Two more days to come - woo-hoo!