On a Thursday

After the false start of the snow-covered "On a Thursday" night in January leading towards Dead Jerichos and Serotonin both cancelling on the day, and family events meaning that the night on the 21st January were never really ever going to take place, the third attempt at putting on a bands night for myself and Grundy went down an absolute treat.

Fedeterra, a group of 16-17 year-olds who mostly looked like a young Cure were a lot better and a lot more mature than any of us had ever thought. Upon sending them the email that they were being considered for this night I knew they had loads of potential, but when they turned up and opened the night with a series of Fall, Joy Division and other bands of that era covers they seriously impressed the growing crowd at what they were able to accomplish.

Occasionally it was a little out of tune, and one or two of the drums lost time a fraction, but overall it was an energetic and honest performance from a group of people who are of the age group whereby most people want to be in Arctic Monkeys copycat bands. Excellent start to the night.

The New Moon were nearly over before they began seeing as we had an issue with a missing cable during the soundcheck, but a fix was sorted out and when they began playing their subtle blend of semi-acoustic psychadelic rock, they managed to chill out and warm up, but never bore the room. Everyone was hanging off every note this group were playing and so they should. When we found out that On a Thursday were the only night they were getting their proper drummer due to a hefty commute from Canada, we knew they would go all out to make their set an excellent one, and they certainly didn't disappoint. Personally, I loved it. I found the whole thing very pleasing to listen to and feel particularly happy that this group of musicians were gracing the stage.

Then came Age of Misrule. A pretty new band by all accounts, but packing a punch from the get-go with a dirty heavy-rock set that never ever gave up on its audio assault. Frontwoman Caroline Sperko was on top form as she owned the stage (well, the bit just in front of the stage) throughout the remaining 40 minutes of the evening letting the now not-far-from-capacity crowd know exactly what AOM were all about. The whole thing, the whole evening just all seemed to click into place from the very beginning and nothing much seemed to go wrong.

Not only that, but we were only 20 people from a capacity crowd. It was a slow-burner but by the time Age of Misrule started their first note the room was packed and Grundy and I were grinning from ear to ear.

This is what made us dabble in the world of Music promotion. It's not about the money for us. We're in FLM and while we are playing the next event, it's not even about our band either. It's about every single person coming through that door and having a good time. I know it's a bit sloshy to say, but I'm glad that I was a part of something that so many people could enjoy, and for that reason alone, I went down to the main bar and booked another two nights in March and April, and between myself and Grundy we already have two acts almost confirmed (one for each night) .

Everyone walked away smiling, and that's the way I like it.