Blues At The Bridge Inn Topsham, Devon - Open mic: Blues and roots

26/03/2022

Hi Blues Chums - it's been quite a while since I've posted anything but the world is beginning to open up and things need to move on.

What I need to find out is how many people would be interested in, and committed to, a revived monthly, acoustic Blues session? If I'm to present a case for restarting this event then I need to demonstrate that there's a decent number of players and audience who would regularly attend. It was always a small, niche affair and over the past two years we've also lost several key, club stalwarts.

I can fully understand that the session may have run its course and should be gracefully laid to rest. Also I know that other club regulars have found other outlets for their interests. Equally, the venue may no longer be available.

So, let me know your thoughts/ intentions and if there's enough interest then I'll approach the venue. If there's not then we'll call it a day and live off the memories, of which there are many. I look forward to hearing from you all.
Best wishes. Alan

26/03/2022

Hi Blues Chums - it's been quite a while since I've posted anything but the world is beginning to open up and things need to move on.

What I need to find out is how many people would be interested in, and committed to, a revived monthly, acoustic Blues session? If I'm to present a case for restarting this event then I need to demonstrate that there's a decent number of players and audience who would regularly attend.

It was always a small, niche affair and over the past two years we've also lost several key, club stalwarts. I can fully understand that the session may have run its course and should be gracefully laid to rest. Also I know that other club regulars have found other outlets for their interests. Equally, the venue may no longer be available. So, let me know your thoughts/ intentions and if there's enough interest then I'll approach the venue. If there's not then we'll call it a day and live off the memories, of which there are many. I look forward to hearing from you all.
Best wishes. Alan

05/11/2021

Hi Chums - first posting for a long, long time. Don't have any progress to report on re-starting monthly acoustic blues sessions at the Bridge Inn. However, 'BBT2' - Brixham Acoustic Blues Club is re-starting in a new home at the Brixham Birdcage on the second TUESDAY, 8pm. Location - opposite the Town Hall, very near the car park.

The first BBT2 - Brixham Blues Second Tuesday - will be at 8pm next Tuesday 9 November. Should be fun. I'm sure that Stuart and Andy would be delighted to see you as either prospective floor performers or enthusiastic blues fans. Please spread the word! A lot of former players and audience regulars seem to have 'dropped off the radar'. Time to re-engage with live, acoustic blues. Have fun. Cheers. Alan Hooper

01/09/2020

Hi Blues Chums - it's been a while since I've posted anything from this site. With most venues and activities in 'lockdown' there's not been much to report.

However, I do have some sad news to depart which is that Clive Sheard died unexpectedly and swiftly last Tuesday. This must be truly devastating for Helen and his family.

His death is also a very sad loss for the local Acoustic Blues scene. Clive hosted the Teignmouth Acoustic Blues Club for many years, mostly at the wonderful Oystercatcher Cafe. He was always welcoming and encouraging to performers. He was also a regular supporter of the Blues at the Bridge and the Brixham Blues monthly sessions.

Clive was an impeccable guitarist and performer - he set the bar very high. I shall miss seeing him play and also his warm and generous nature. Enjoy life and the people around you while you can. I hope that not too far away that we can resume our sessions at the Bridge and share a few memories of Clive. Best wishes to everyone. Alan

30/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums - Veronica Sbergia & Max De Bernardi are going to be live streaming a show via the App 'Bands in Town' Fri, May 01, 06:00 PM CEST (so I think it means a 5pm start for UK). Watch and enjoy this great duo on Friday or seek out their performance videos on YouTube. App readily available from Google Play Store or Apple equivalent. Enjoy with an early glass of wine/ Peroni/ mug of tea. BW Alan

28/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums- hope you are managing to keep up your daily dose of acoustic blues. There's a wealth of material on Facebook and YouTube. One site that I tried this morning and watching as I type this is Rory Block, 'Home Concert Series', doing a request show of acoustic blues on Facebook. Go to her page and click on the Videos button. She's a very passionate and accomplished performer whose CV goes way, way back. Actually saw her perform in Seaton (St Clares?) many years ago. Went with Julian Piper and Steve Ewart. Well worth watching. Enjoy and let me know if you come across any watchable blues performances. Stay well. Alan

13/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums - you can never have too much of a good thing... So here again this afternoon is a link for a live streamed performance from Max and Veronica. (You may need to paste it into yur search engine. )Watch and enjoy. Treat yourself and look forward to a time when you will be able to see them live. Happy Easter. Alan

From 17:30 (4:30pm for UK) , here where to find it:

https://m.facebook.com/maxandveronica/

Roots, blues, ragtime, gospel with an italian flavour and often quite humorous!

03/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums- watched a great live streamed show by Max and Veronica from Milan tonight 5-6pm. About 200 viewers across Europe and some from USA. All done in Italian (which sounded fun) but sung in English. Watched another Blues duo this afternoon - Piedmont Bluz - live from America. Good sound and picture quality for both.
I'll post information about these events as I find out. Will move to another sofa at 7pm to watch another live streamed event from the Edgelarks, a great folk duo from Exmouth. I'll be worn out at this rate.
Bye for now. Stay. Alan.

03/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums - now been advised by Dave Bullett (thanks Dave) that Italy time is one hour in advance of UK BST. So the Max and Veronica, live streamed concert advertised for tonight at 1800 hours should be viewable from 17.00 in UK. Sorry such late notification but make a mug of tea or sit down with a bottle of Italian wine, put your feet up and enjoy. Concert can be viewed on Facebook.com/NidabaMilano. Cheers. Alan

“Qui si vive un’esperienza unica: si ascolta ottima musica, si incontrano belle persone e ci si diverte insieme, ogni concerto è un pezzo della nostra storia. Dal 1996, il Nidaba è una grande famiglia di artisti, il vero tempio della musica live di Milano

02/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums - Max and Veronica, a fabulous Italian blues/ roots duo are doing a live streamed concert on Friday night at 1800 hours. This can be viewed on Facebook.com/NidabaMilano. Just need to check if the Italians are behind/ in front of us by an hour. Cheers. Alan

“Qui si vive un’esperienza unica: si ascolta ottima musica, si incontrano belle persone e ci si diverte insieme, ogni concerto è un pezzo della nostra storia. Dal 1996, il Nidaba è una grande famiglia di artisti, il vero tempio della musica live di Milano

02/04/2020

Hi Blues Chums - these are trying times for lovers of live music. Here's something that I've stumbled across that might tide you over.
Last Friday I watched an excellent live stream concert by Phil Henry (ace slide guitar and harmonica player) from his home in Exmouth.

Watched it using an App called 'Bands in Town'. Not as good as a real live show, but a pretty close second. In these 'lockdown' times it's the only way we're going to experience live performances. More importantly it's also a way that performers can generate some income. There's usually some form of 'tip jar' and details on how to contribute.

Tonight I watched a 45 minute performance by Rev Robert. A talented performer of blues and roots music played on a variety of National Steel guitars. He was playing somewhere in America and being watched by people across the USA and Europe. This performance was hosted by Cotswold Brewery and delivered via their page. Next Thursday at 8.30pm they are hosting the fabulous Max and Veronica. An Italian blues (and more) duo. Cotswold Brewery have also got some other stunning performers lined up, e.g. Alvin Youngblood Hart. Visit the Cotswold Brewery page, look at their Events and explore their videos. Enjoy.
Stay well. Alan