Sunday 28 June 2009

Skipton Castle - June 27th 2009




















Its a bright Saturday afternoon, Gill is meeting up with me, and we are gonna drive out to visit Skipton Castle, well why not. Not the most amazing place to go to, but it's a day out and considering what the weather will do later in the day, it;s a good job we did.

The castle itself is ok, it's still standing after many years of changes and use. We are given a photocopied guide of how you are supposed to meander around the rooms, but we throw caution to the wind, and find our own way around. As most rooms link up with other rooms, and some areas are off limit to the the public, we soon find ourselves back at the beginning looking down at the cadets who have been 'marching up and down the square', having their photo taken.

Tea, coffee and ice cream follow, Gill attempts humour at my expense, she is looking at the precious things as while the collection of potted plants take mine (my distraction is the source of her attempt). In a secluded area of the castle ther are performances of Shakespear's Merchant Of Venice, which looks interesting, but you have to pay extra for this, and being without picnic we decide to wander off.

It's off along the canal and woods we go, for the next hour or so, the sun is out best make the most of it, for back in Blackburn, the skies have opened and torrents of rain are decending. So the method in our madness has paid off, we are dry and in the open, ha.










Of course I have my camera with me, yet I nearly didn't bring it, it was a last minute decision, prompted by Gill, yes Gill, she of camera picture shyness. Not so many pics taken today, but enough to mark the day. Anyway, it was home later for curry and drinks.

click here for more pictures

Thursday 18 June 2009

Zappa Plays Zappa - 17th June 2009

Here we are at Manchester Bridgewater Hall, that is myself and Kieran, to see how one son continues the memory and legacy of his father. The son being Dweezil, the father Frank. This is the second time I have seen this tribute to Frank Zappa, the first was accompanied by 2 ex members of Frank Zappa's band those being Napoleon Murphy Brock, and Steve Vai, but this time there would be no such performers. That does not mean that the performance will be lacking in any shape or form, to the contrary, the musicians that make up this band bring their own individuality and interpretation to each song without altering the whole, something that Zappa always wanted from his musicians.

The atmosphere is quite friendly, Dweezil jokes about the last time he played in Manchester, with his equipment failing to perform correctly, but tonight all goes without any hiccup, even inviting people from the audience to join them on stage.

It is so good to see Zappa's music still being played live, so a new audience can be a part of such a musical legacy. The setlist is quite eclectic, but covers most bases, and bass solos lead the way through the night of many more solo's. Unfortunately I did not take my camera, so only a couple of mobile pics are taken. A most splendid night, thanks to all who performed, turned up and enjoyed.

Set List.

APOSTROPHE
PURPLE LAGOON
MAGIC FINGERS
CAROLINA HARDCORE
LUMPY GRAVY
MONTANA
VILLAGE OF THE SUN
ECHIDNA'S ARF
DONT YOU EVER WASH THAT THING?
DIRTY LOVE
GAS STATION
INCA ROADS
OUTSIDE NOW
BAMBOOZLED BY LOVE
POUND FOR A BROWN
ZOMBY WOOF

---

PEACHES EN REGALIA
COSMIK DEBRIS
YELLOW SNOW
WILLIE THE PIMP