Darlington Rhythm 'n' Brews Festival 2011

Well, the Northern Gods had their work cut out yesterday, holding the weather at bay. On the whole I think they managed, with just a couple of heavy showers breaking through for a short while.

So, what do you do with 16 bands in 9 venues? Cherry pick the best, stumble into a few by accident and apologies to those you didn’t make it to.

Little Stevie & The Business got things of to a rousing, honking start in the Market Place with some good time R’n'B with the odd Stones cover. Next up, The Producers, and a good call by Jimmyo, pure class, that’s all I can say, and a band who’s back-catalogue I’ll be raiding soon. 60’s legends Swinging Blues Jeans - these guys still “swing” though I don’t know how many are original. That said, they laid down some great R’n'B and Rock and Roll to close things down in the Market Place.

Caught young friend Tom Atkinson and Victims Of The Fury at Quakerhouse. Always a good 70s funk vibe going with Durham’s “Kossoff”, or "Cousin It with a Strat". This band has changed a bit since I last saw them, they're now a 4 piece with girl vocalist/keyboards freeing Tom up for more great guitar. Next were ZepFreeCream; they do exactly what they say on the tin, but better than anyone else, for miles.

At the Dolphin Centre, unfortunately I missed Steve Williams Blues Deluxe, but caught a couple of sizzlers from Minnie & The Victors’ early evening session. The Sugar B’s played a hot sounding set from The Joseph Pease and caught a couple of good sounding Cream covers from DVD at The Hole In The Wall. In other corners, good sounds were coming from Casual Sax at Hogarths’ and The Boneshakers in The Boot and Shoe.

With The Quakerhouse, I think the venue with the hottest bands of the day was The Pennyweight. Dave Arcari must be the scariest looking guy on the circuit and he’s scarily good with it. Have to admit, his style doesn’t quite work for me, but he damn nearly made a convert. Think "Scottish Seasick Steve" but wouldn't look out of place on "Sons Of Anarchy". Unfortunately by the time Taylor Dixon came round, your reviewer was about “bluesed “ out, so had to miss. My apologies also go out to Early Mac Band, The Whole Hog, and Maggie Ross Band.

In these uncertain times, especially at Darlington, all credit and kudos go to Darlington Town Council, Darlington Arts R’n’B Club and Mike Prendergast at Gasto Promotions for their hard work and dedication for making this happen. It sounds like a cliché, but think, 16 bands, for free! In a time of cut backs when we don’t know if the Arts Centre will continue next year or whether or where the R’n’B Club will have a permantent home. A nod also to the 8 bars and clubs who opened their doors and rooms for the bands to play. A great day out, and fingers crossed, looking forward already to next year, once my feet recover.

Mike