That's absolutely right! The Monsters have their first gig in Washington, and we'll be featured alongside a host of stars - premier our first attempts a HipHop (or possibly "hifolkop" suggestions welcome). Yes, the Monsters will be featured at the 'Bring the Noise' event on the 27th November (this friday) at Washington Arts Centre, Tyne and Wear NE38 8AB. A second event maybe held in the Star and Shadow the following day - we will confirm this. The idea is that a bunch of the local scenes best known folk acts such as Emily Portman and the Monsters will be taking inspiration from the Hip Hop cannon and performing the results in a live show. The Monsters will be working once again with our very own electronic producer the Touch. Tickets are ÃÂã7.50/ÃÂã5 conc the evening will kick off at 7.30pm and tickets are still available. Here's a link to the Washington Art Centre's site - http://www.artscentrewashington.co.uk/events/event3.html
Due to a last minute change in the London International Festival for Eploratory Music's line up (hosted at Londons prestigious Kings Place) the Monsters where asked to step up to the mark and deliver our London Premier! What a day it was we tore down the M1 at break neck speeds (actually a cautious 70mph) then crawled through London almost missing the venue by inches. We spoke to a bemused but jolly guard about parking, something awesome then unfolded - we where guided in to the building through a large set of double doors into what seemed like the worlds smallest car park. We then realized we where in a CAR LIFT! They day simply got cooler and cooler. We were guided through a labyrinthine series of corridors to a dressing room - more of a green room we found out as we where changing! Joe Truswell aka The Touch was in for the show laptop in hand. We also had to use the awesome fiddle skills of Mr Ross Couper as Carly couldn't make it. We played a storm - Kieran and Jon played back to back precariously balanced for some sets, Amy whipped out her new rock stance and the crowd went wild! We finished the set with our live remixed version of stomach steinway man. The crowd loved it so much that their stamping feet forced us back on for a second bow! Ross quickly explained the he "didn't know anymore sets" so we couldn't do an encore. Hee hee..
We also received a wonderful accolade in Time Outs 'Critic's Choice' for the event. We couldn't have been more honored - we're constantly surprised at the acheivements of a our little Ceilidh Band from the Toon ;)
Duration : 1 weekend, Location : Birmingham, conditions : awesome.
The second appearance at the sage for the Monsters was accompanied by a sprint to get to Birmingham for a lovely Party in Mosely. Accompanying this was another sprint up to newcastle the following morning (feeling rather groggy I must say - thanks go to the Szifris families huge stock of Frexinet). We had a great time playing at the Sage and I think we are all agreed that the Sage really does an excellent carrot cake mmmmmmmmmmmmm. Oh, and the gigs were fab!
Future plans involve working with the Touch on our new electronic set. The second set of which is near completion and a number of others are on their way. We will preview remixes on the site and then we are thinking of presenting a a fully remixed CD which will be available as a digital download.
Further news is that Newcastle Ceilidh which is run by the Monsters will be restarting this January (there have been murmurings of a chrimbo party but we'll see!). Nights that are being planned are the UV ceilidh 2, Monsters fancy dress Ceilidh, Sgt Pepper ceilidh and the premier of our Techno Ceilidh! 2010 promises to be a cracking year.
S'enough for now but don't worry we'll get back to you soon,
tra for now,
MCB xxx
