Worcester Music Forum

Plans for the 2009 festival are going well. Already have alot of support from local venues, promoters and bands. We are still looking for volunteers to help out with admin, promotion and the charity side of things so if you want to help out in anyway, please get in touch.

I had the chance to get down to the Marrs Bar a couple of times recently.  Checked out a great local rock band called Hard Shoulder. A well tight five piece with influences ranging from GnR to the Foo Fighters. A great singer (even with a cold) and a couple of amazing guitarists, complete with some terrific harmonies, tight delivery and some great songs. Unfortunately I had to leave before The Cobweb Dillemas took to the stage, a band that I have seen a few times before and never fail to impress. they played a blinding set at The Worcester Music festival back in August and they just seem to get better and better. Shame I missed them this time.

Paid a visit to Flo Rowlands monthly Get The Pluck Up acoustic gig at the Firefly where I caught a rare acoustic outing for Highway Five, and also an amazing local singer songwriter by the name of Becky Rose. Becky has an amazing voice, is a talented piano player and she had the crowd spell bound throughout her short set. I suggest you look out for her. Flos gigs are becoming the staple diet of the majority of the acoustic performers.

I'm really looking forward to Boozestock this year. this annual event, that I am proud to say that I founded with goof friend Will Munn of Rhythm and Booze (rhythm-and-booze.co.uk has developed into a bit of a monster, Now in its 8th year (I think) the previous helmsman Pete Adams has passed the reigns over to Haydn and Siani or Blue Drive Promotions who promise an amazing two days of local and regional bands, including the Donns, Tastyhead, How To Dress For Cricket, Evil Witch (featuring Pete Adams .. meaning he has now played every Boozestock since day one) an acoustic stage hosted by James Perry of 1147am, DJs and games. I can think of no better way to pass the time bewteen christmas and new year. More info can be found on my website Not Just Sauce (www.NotJustSauce.co.uk) which has had a bit of a revamp recently. it is not just a gig guide for the Worcester area but also has regular news updates on what is happening on the scene. There are live and CD reviews, interviews, links to hundreds of bands, promoters, venue and various other websites and also hosts the Worcester Music Forum. Pop along and check it out at www.notjustsauce.co.uk

So, now that Christmas is over we are looking toward the new year, and we have an unusual amount of live music to see you into 2009. Drummonds is playing host to The Magoos who promoise to end the year on a high, The Old Rectifying House has The Notorious Brothers playing, At The Marrs Bar you can see the year out with a Who tribute show from My Generation. The Gun Tavern has Hot Wyred playing some great 60s and 70s covers or if you are into your soul and Motown, get over to The Bossa Nova Bar for some great live music.

Happy new year to everyone. See you in 09