Allerton Grangette Allstars play their school's Carboot Sale

First up, Phil carried all the pans we needed to their performance area, Secondly we came and played, bringing a coupla extra pans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly all the players took at least two pieces of equipment back, enough for them to get to understand what gigging is about, but not enough, I hope to put them off gigging for life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grangettes [Allstars? still waiting for the right name] were Kris, Finlay, Seb and Josie [with Sophie and Adam off being athletic somewhere - separately, on this the hottest day of the year!]. George and Claudia from the Sparrows played kit and bass as support, and Vicky S and I joined in as well.

 

We played Redemption Song, Monday Morning, Jamaica Farewell, Liza Jane, Oh When the Saints. And I bought some tomato plants and calendulas. And, as you see, Phil took some of the best photos of band in setting ever!

Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows and Allerton Allstars at Allerton Grange Showcase

And so, Debs onto one of the best concerts of my social calendar. Here I saw Glassbody first live and somewhat unexpected for the first time.

The Sparrows have reached a point where there are more Allerton Grange students in this band than from any other [high] school. And Sam M and I thought it would be entirely appropriate for them to guest at the Showcase.

So, we did. Then, because Allerton Grange is not quite on the beaten track, Sparrows were not so sure about getting there, and other complications, of coursework and the like. So I asked a few extra players jut in case, and lift favours from Bex and Vicky, Wendy brought Peter, no idea how Chloe got there but Bex took her and Millie C home.

Gigs next to stations, Debs, that's the way to do it!

It was hard, Debs, to take over from another teacher, at this school, and it has taken four years, but we  were blown away with our reception. Dohl players and rock guitarists came over and hi-fived us (well, verbally), and a lady from the audience just came to shake my hand. (I love it when people do that). The Sparrows supported the two Allerton Grange Allstar bands, and sight-read Redemption Song.

It was a lot of effort but, not only were we received well, and the overall standards and variety at this concert at this school always make it worth attending. Two many stand-out artists to mention! Would have given the Garforth Music for Youth competitors a run for their money.

[I'll insert the pics just as soon as Fehmina shows me how to unzip them.]

 

 

Foxwood Steel play Oakwood Farmers' Market at Oakwood Clock

Now then Debs

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a favourite gig:

As a NotSoSmall, I stood at Oakwood Clock most week days for five years and then took the 3 [which is now bizarrely called the 21]  and then either the 1 or the 56 [now still called the 1 and the 56] into town and out to Leeds Girls; after which, for two years I took whatever in the opposite direction to Allerton Grange.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So when Ian first asked would Foxwood like to pay Oakwood Farmers' Market history started tumbling about, and I thought we might.

 

We were treated like royalty, and now we play it every anniversary, and then I still remember myself in my stupid green uniform standing lonely there, but excited for my trek across town. Not feeling sad about this, but warm. Green had used to be my favourite colour. Sometimes met people "by the Clock", and hang out.

On Saturday 15 March 2014, out of 21 possible Foxwood players we were nine! You and Danielle are now in D and D. All four drummers are either at work or in Liverpool;  but hey, thank you Sparrows' drummers, Ash and George for stepping in. We were great. The whole idea that is Foxwood, Sparrows and East Steel yet again works as players step in to support the other bands.

We were me, Bex, Gig, Amy, Sarah, Charlotte, Daisy, Vicky, Sophie, plus drummers Ash and George [who also played pans and cahon]. Guesting with us were Sophie and Josie from the Allerton Grangettes, and a rather surprised lady from a steelband in Cumbria. Also Ianto on djembe, and Theo who had only bobbed in to buy some pan sticks so he could go off to Briggate busking.

 

 

It was a fight but we managed to establish Jar of Hearts and Under the Sea  as regular Foxsongs, with Bridge Over troubled Water as almost a perennial. Talking of which, bought some nice plants from the flower stall as well.

 

 

 

Here, sitting in his pram is yet another steelband orphan, Daniel, Sarah's Small. There's a red shirt and some minipans waiting for when he can provide us with proper cute factor. Is that child-exploitation?

Foxwood Steel, Allerton Grange Allstars, Baby Steel, Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows, East Steel rock Tropical World Saturday

Day Two,

First up we have Josie and Sophie representing Allerton G Allstars, supported by Foxwood. I found them at the end of the massive queue waiting to see them [-selves]. We play Brown Girl in the Ring, One More River, then a few Christmas tunes, taking us up to Rosa representing Baby Steel, then they support her with Jingle Bells in C and African Noel. 

 
 
 


Next up it's East Steel. This is Wanda, Kirsty, Anne, Lynn, Trisha, me, Vicky and Bex. We play some Christmas stuff plus our latest piece de resistance: The Flood, with Bex soloing on the tune. Superb.

Plus, Trish has brought in her version of Holy Night. Superb.













After East Steel it's Sparrows Mark 2. This time it is Bella, Chloe, Millie S and Claudia.  Mostly seasonal, then we put in Clocks. There's no F sharp or C sharp on these double basses, so the single second-players are ready poised to step in.

The cockroach is giving us a wide berth this evening. But the Sparrows are happy to play on with Foxwood for a more tunes, so by the time you and Sophie appear we quite a big outfit.





Then as the evening draws to a close, up pops Adam from Allerton Grange, with his mum. Inevitably I ask him guest; he agrees and Foxwood and co back him on Monday Morning. Absolutely made my evening, as did the other Allerton Grangers earlier on.

Allerton Allstars at Allerton Grange Winter Show

A whole week now passes without a gig. Ah, bliss.

Then next up it's Thursday and it's Allerton Grange winter show. As ever this show is packed full of acts and of talent. My two groups get one song each. We will make them count.

First up is Year 7. They are Kris, Adam, Seb, Phoebe and Finlay, and guest Jonah, supported by Polly and     . They play Monday Morning. They have been playing for four months. I count in; they don't need me; I stand to one side in pride.







Next up is the Year 8 and 9s. They are Polly, Isobel, Rowena, Sophie and Josie. I he3lp out with the tune.They tackle I'm a Believer. This is tricky; they are amazing. George plays kit for both bands. Thanks, George.

Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows, SILC Unleashed, Allerton All Stars, Leeds Steel United play Wharfedale Festival May 2013

Allerton All Stars

Well, I arranged for us all to meet at Leeds Station in plenty of time for us to be desperately early for the King's Hall. Just as well.

I brought the first half over on the 4.32 and Natalie and Tim brought up the rear on the 5.02. Vicky had already met Rick with the van, and most pans were on the stage. And, let's face it, it was easier setting up with half the players than with all.

SILC Unleashed

Xanthe appeared with her wonderful SILC Unleashed at about the same time.

Allerton All Stars didn't like their name, but that's it till they come up with a better one [they didn't like Grangettes either]. They played One More River, Sledging and El Condor Pasa. They were Polly, Claudia, Sophie, Josie, Ciara, Eva, Rameice. I played the melody with Josie. I was rubbish. Sorry, Josie. [Have since found out that Ciara knew the melody. That makes me double rubbish].

SILC Unleashed [now that is a good name] played Unnatural Selection by Muse. They were Xanthe, Jake and Dan. And they brought their fan club! Yo!



Sparrows

Sparrows played their Festival 2013 set. Which they have called,  Dreamed a Bridge Over Always Hearts. Actually sometimes it's I Dreamed a Bridge over Loving Jars.




Leeds Steel United

Then all of us together as Leeds Steel United played Next to Me. Ace.

We had chips [they had fish and . . ] and then caught the 8.21 back to Leeds. To say that Lawnswood and Allerton Grange bonded even more would be an understatement! What a racket!
{thanks as ever to Vicky for loading and pics beyond the call of duty.]