There were also some amazingly talented young musicians, including the eclectic Maia the Band on Saturday night, and a special young talent showcase on Sunday daytime.

Full gallery of photos can be found here

Hebden Bridge Folk Roots website

One of the biggest local events of the year for pet owners, there was much to do, with a popular Fun Dog Show. Over 20 classes to enter included best condition, best elderly dog, cutest puppy, waggiest tail and fancy dress. Among the other attractions on the day were displays by Springer’s Dog Club Agility & Flyball, Hot Dog Sausage Run and fun Dogstacle Course. Medical advice was on hand from the RSPCA, Ashfield Vets and the Animal Ambulance Service.

Find out more about the RSPCA working locally to help unwanted, neglected and ill-treated animals, and how you can help at http://www.rspca-halifax.org.uk/

The full gallery of my images from the event can be found at http://bluplanetphoto.co.uk/rspcak92011  A contribution will be made to Halifax RSPCA from any print sales from the event.

K9 Party in the Park VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Had a nice day today at this little annual village fete, which is a regular on our events calendar. In addition to taking photos at the event for the organisers as usual, we put on a small stall promoting our services this year. As well as promoting our services and offering a fairly juicy discount in the form of vouchers for people to take away, we had a selection of cards for sale.

Despite relatively poor weather, visitors braved the wind and rain to enjoy the various attractions, including a fun dog show, ferret racing, and lots of activities for the kids including bouncy castle, puppet show and face painting. The annual Blackshaw Fell Race also took place, with the winner being Bradley Traviss from Halifax Harriers.

There were representative stalls from several local businesses, local charities like the RSPCA and PAWS and display from the local Fire Brigade. The Arts and Crafts tent was full to capacity with local people and business presenting their wares, and for the first time Blu Planet Photography had a small stall. We were there presenting some of our work and the services we offer, as well as giving out gift vouchers to interested visitors.

Despite the rain and strong winds that set in for the day, a good time was had by everyone at the fete.

Full gallery of my photos from the event can be found here

Blackshaw Fete 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Organised by Rebecca Sedgewick of Anon Lingerie, and with participation and help of nearly 30 other local businesses in Calderdale, the event was a sell out success.

The highlight of the night were the fast paced and stylish catwalk shows, featuring mostly amateur models, and featuring clothes Anon Lingerie, Thrifty Frocks, Brown Sugar, Always & Forever, Flair, and Sage & Onion.

There were also energetic performances from the ladies of the Karen Binns Stage School and a short session of advice was provided by Image and Body coach Helen Williams.

The evening featured live music performances from several singers and was brought to a close with a disco in the luxurious surroundings of Bertie’s main hall, .

Organiser Becky Sedgewick of Anon Lingerie,  with staff of Overgate Hospice

Food and drink was prepared using peoples own contributed ingredients, in a display of what can be sustainably achieved by local people working together. The BFN promotes locally produced food, and promotes links between people in the community and local suppliers of all kinds of produce.

Too many people to mention, but special thanks to everyone who baked and also cooked food on the day, and to Bridestones Brewing Company for providing a special ale for the occasion.

The BFN can be found on the Blackshaw Parish website at http://blackshaw.net/

Photos from the event can be seen here

A celebration of the very best in Blues music began on Friday afternoon, with a showing of movies about the Blues at the Trades Club, including a special showing of Full Moon Lightnin, an emotional  documentary about the journeys of two Blues musicians.  The live music began later that evening, with headline act Jon Amor Blues Group packing out the Trades Club, to an enthusiastic crowd, ably supported by Poor Boy.  Highlight of the first night of the festival had to be the first of Paddy Maguire’s Midnight Jam Sessions.

For what was probably the first time at a Blues festival, Paddy and his band were joined by artists from the day, in an informal jam session. Jon Amor and other musicians were joined by the special guest appearance of Lance Lopez and his bass player Chris Gipson, who played and sung to delight of the crowd. It was an amazing start to what turned out to be a highly successful festival.

Saturday saw the first of our ‘Marquee in the Park’ events, including  performances from Pie, The Blues Jukes, Marcus Lazarus & Dogs life , Sam Hare and the headline act of the day, the irrepressible  Larry Miller. Larry in particular brought the audience to their feet with his exuberant show, and he topped off a day of fine performances in the park. In addition to the music, festival goers could also view the amazing art of Steve ‘Pablo’ Jones, and visit the stand of Blues Matters magazine, one of the leading publications about Blues in the UK. A great selection of food and drink was available from in the Marquee, including Veggies from Nottingham, and I-Spice. The marquee  performances  were officially opened by new Mayor of Calderdale Nader Fekri, a fan of the Blues himself.

The performances did not stop when the sun went down, with action moving to both the Trades Club and the atmospheric surroundings of the Hebden Bridge Picture House. Headline act of the festival at the Picture House was Lance Lopez, Texas Blues superstar from the USA, supported by the incomparable Bex Marshall and emerging new talent Krissy Matthews. The Trades Club hosted performances from the foot stomping Tony Dowlers Hellhounds, ably assisted by Cry Baby and the Hoochie Coochie Boys and Dan Hudson. As on Friday night, the witching hour saw the next Midnight Jam Session with various musicians from the day giving their all for a large and appreciative crowd.

Sunday saw more electrifying performances in the Park, including recent competition winners 24 Pesos, Gerry Jablonski and the Electric Band, Afterhours Blues Band, Sharon Colgan Band, The Revelator Band and the young up and coming band The Mentulls. The Picture House again played host to one of our headline performances ‘Women of Blues’, with Chantel Mcgregor, Hooson and Clare Free playing to a sell-out audience. We were also lucky enough to announce guest appearances by new star Cherry Lee Mewis throughout the day.  Mayor of Hebdenroyd Scott Trickett attended the ‘Women of Blues’ concert, and really enjoyed the show.

The Audience at  the Trades Club were thrilled by the performance of the amazing duo of Paddy Milner and Marcus Bonfanti, supported by Johnnie White and the Speakeasy Blues Band, and Crosscut Saw. A remarkable Midnight Jam Session followed featuring, many of the artists from the day.

After several amazing days, all good things have to come to an end, and they ended with a bang with performances during Monday from WT Feaster and Mitch Laddie, the Blues Jukes and      P-A-U-L from Detroit, USA. The festival ended on an electrifying note, with the last of the Jam Sessions.

Throughout the festival, the entertainment also spread across the town, with free events hosted by Barplace, the Hole in t Wall, Marshalls Bar and Nelsons Wine Bar. Quality acts performing included Will Tang, Chris Martin, Tom Attah, MT Arms, the Stuart James Band, and the Tommy Allen Band.  The Hope Baptist Church played host to a day-long Open Mic stage sponsored by Guitarzone in Halifax.

The inaugural Hebden Bridge Blues Festival was considered by everyone concerned to be a great success. Many music lovers, regulars at other festivals, said they were blown away by both the quality of the music at Hebden Blues, and also the friendly welcome they received in Hebden Bridge. So it is with great pleasure I say, here’s to the next one in 2012!. Follow the latest news at the website at  www.hebdenblues.co.uk

Full gallery with high quality images can be found at www.bluplanetphoto.co.uk

May is a busy month for any music fan, with established events competing for festival go-ers attention. So what’s so different about Hebden Blues?

Hebden Blues is concentrating on bringing forward the younger players in the scene, and artists creating new material, instead of the old names touring with established songs and classics. It’s a brave decision, but Hebden Blues is very much the new sound of the Blues, with a good dose of the traditional thrown in for good measure.

As well as big names like Lance Lopez (who has played for among others, BB King), there is the amazing young talent of Chantel McGregor and Krissy Matthews, both described as child prodigys. There are new stars of the scene 24 Pesos (winner of the recent New Brunswick Battle of the Bands)  there is a touch of the traditional. Acts like the Blue Jukes , Will Tang and Chris Martin will be bringing their own take on what most people consider to be the Blues.

Acts like Tony Dowler’s Hellhounds and Larry Miller will also be showing us how the Blues has also moved on, demonstrating their own personal Rock n’ Roll Blues style. These are just some of the acts appearing at the first Hebden Blues Festival. There are too many to describe here, but suffice it to say it is going to be the biggest music spectacle that Hebden Bridge and surrounding area has ever seen.

As well as presenting  new and ‘up and coming artists’, Hebden Blues also is also breaking new ground with the ‘Paddy Maguire Midnight Jam Sessions’. Free for any ticket holder from the day, this is a chance to see artists from the day performing again, informally with their fellow musicians. This is music history in the making.

Above all, the first Hebden Blues Festival is taking music into the next decade. Full information can be found at the website  www.hebdenblues.co.uk and the Ticket Line on 01422 84 55 22.

Published on www.hebdenbridge.co.uk and various media outlets as part of my role as Press Officer for Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2011.

Women have always been a part of the Blues scene, long before it was even given the name. Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey may really have been the ‘Mother of the Blues, after hearing a song about love lost, and incorporating it into her stage act in around 1902. When asked what kind of music it was, in a moment of inspiration she replied “It’s the Blues”.

In 1920, Marnie Smith recorded Crazy Blues for Okeh Records, which sold over a million copies in less than a year, and over two million by 1922. It was a breakthrough for women in the music industry, not least because the singer was black. Most record companies already sold what were known as ‘race records’, to the thousands of black American economic migrants flooding into the northern USA. Marnie Smith’s success led to other record labels looking for African-American singers of their own. It opened doors to people of colour that would never again be closed. Blues laid the roots for most popular music we know today and female artists have been right there in that story.

Our first ‘Woman of Blues’ lists at least two female legends as the inspiration behind her own powerful and gutsy performances. Jenna Hooson, singer and self confessed ‘front man’ of the four piece Hooson, was blown away by the performances of Aretha Franklin. “She demanded the attention of her audience, just by standing on the stage. Her voice was captivating.  She became an art form”.  Janis Joplin is among Jenna’s other major influences. “Neither of them were what you would call typical beauties, but they paved the way for talent to overpower the image”. Above all, Jenna just loves what she does, music and performing for people. “The Blues circuit is opening up to new talent, and going through something of a revival at the moment”.

The second of our ‘Women of Blues’, Clare Free, would have to agree. “I’d like to see Blues become less stuck in a rut, and it certainly seems to be happening. There are some powerful and interesting writers on the Blues scene right now”.  Clare’s influences include Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Luther Allison and Albert Collins, who was the first blues artist to really get under her skin. In particular she likes the humour of his lyrics, and his brand of ‘funky blues’. He is also the artist she would most like to have ‘jammed’ with. Clare released the critically acclaimed album “Be Who You Are” in 2010, and with a second album on its way, she is living her dream. “As long as I give my music 100%, I will be fulfilling my dream”.

The third of our artists, and the headline act of the evening, is positive proof that Blues is not just for old men. Chantel McGregor first picked up a guitar at the age of three, and is currently working on her first album, at the still tender age of 21. She has progressed from those early beginnings, now owning around 43 guitars, and completing a first class honours degree in music from the prestigious Leeds College of Music in 2009.  “There are obstacles for women in the music industry, certainly. There are stereotypes in how a woman should look and whether a woman should play lead in a band”. She is also confused by some people attitudes to what the Blues is. “What is the Blues, really?  The Blues to me is all about emotion, how it makes you feel, a positive feeling”.

Chantel’s influences vary from Fleetwood Mac to Lady Ga Ga, though her favourite musician- and one she would most like to perform with – is Ritchie Kotzen.  But she is herself among the young musicians of her generation now defining the new sound of the Blues.  “I’m really honoured to be playing at the festival. I’m also still a bit surprised by it all. As a local girl, I love Hebden Bridge, and am really excited about being a part of it all.“

All our ladies agree on one thing. Is it tough making your way in the music industry?. Absolutely. But doors are opening, and women have always played a major part in the music industry, particularly the Blues. Real talent shines through. And real talent is something all of these ladies have.

Our ‘Women of Blues’ will be performing at the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival on 29^th May 2011, in the historical grandeur of the Picture House, first opened in 1929. By all accounts it will be a sell-out, and not to be missed.

Published on www.hebdenbridge.co.uk and around the internet as part of my role as Press Officer for Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2011.

Lance was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1977, but has been all Texan since he moved with his mother to Dallas when he was 12.  “My first and greatest influence has to be Elvis. My father showed me films of him when I was very young. He knew Elvis when they were both in the US Army in the 50’s, stationed in Germany. Elvis had a great influence on me”. Lance began playing himself at the age of 8, after his father gave him his first acoustic guitar, and he quickly moved on to electric. “I started playing in bands at school, performing at local parties in the Dallas area, and learned a lot about playing and performing live”. After seeing performances by Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King at the Benson and Hedges Blues Festival in Dallas, he knew from that moment what kind of music he wanted to play.  “I wanted to play the Blues more than anything else in the world. I started from the beginning again, went out and got records by Robert Johnson, Son House, and Muddy Waters, among others”.

Moving with his father to New Orleans, and later Florida, he was exposed to different musical styles and experiences, and was playing professionally from the age of 14. He was hired by the soul legend Johnnie Taylor at the tender age of 17, all the while gaining much deserved experience and recognition. After touring with the Lucky Peterson Organization in North America and Europe for three years, he embarked on his solo career in 1999. Much touring and more recognition followed, including one of the highlights of his career, opening for BB King. “We were playing at this big Army base, Fort Hood I think, and we were supposed to have a 45 minute set. The crowd gave us standing ovation after ovation. BB stage manager and then BB himself came onstage and told us to keep”. One of Lance’s favourite quotes comes from BB King himself, who once said, “You don’t have to live hard times to play the blues. But it sure helps”. “That was one of the most profound things I ever heard. And that takes time. It takes life experiences. You get the basics down, then when life starts happening, that’s when it starts becoming reality”. Although Lance has very much lived the ‘rock and roll lifestyle’, he would describe himself as clean now. “I would have to say that in the past I couldn’t really do just one or two. But for 3 years there has been no whisky, no cigarettes, no drugs whatsoever. And I feel better for it”.

Lance’s other great musical influences include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck and ZZ Top front man Billy Gibbons, with whom he is good friends, and in regular contact. “I’ve known Billy since I was 16. He’s a fellow Texan and strong supporter of the Texas Blues sound. We used to spend a lot of time in Deep Ellum”. ‘Deep Ellum’ is a corruption of Deep Elm Street, and the name of a famous arts and entertainment area in East Dallas. Lances favourite ZZ Top album?. “Called simply ZZ Tops First Album, that has to be my favourite”. Lance himself currently has five albums under his belt, with the latest, Salvation from Sundown released in 2010, returning to the Texan Blues style.

You can tell a lot about a musician from what you find on his music player. “What’s on my iPod?. It changes, but currently ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, K.I.S.S. and Jonny Winter, among others”. Lance has learned a lot from his experiences and other artists over the years, with Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck in particular offering advice and support over the years.  In terms of equipment, Lance uses a range of different makes. “I use whatever feels good, but have always tried different gear, including Fender’s, Gibson and Musicman. I use Ernie Ball strings, and my own signature fuzz pedal called an OxFuzz. The best amplifiers are from Marshall in the UK, without a doubt.”

Playing with Lance on his first UK concerts will be the members of his new line up, both fellow Texans from Fort Worth. Lance favours keeping it simple, and currently tours with a three piece ‘power line up’. “Chris Gipson plays bass and help out with vocals, taking a lot of pressure off me. He has been playing since he was very young like me, and toured with Charlie Musselwhite among others”. Jimmy Dereta plays drums, and until recently played with Dallas outfit SEVEN STORY DROP.

The trip to Britain will be Lance’s first visit to the UK and, amazingly, playing at the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival will be his first performance in the country. Lance’s ancestors originally came from England and Wales, and so it very much feels like he is returning to his roots. He also holds British artists in high regard, particularly Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck and Matt Schofield. “British music has shaped American music, we grew up on it”.

“Coming to the UK is a big deal for me. I’ve toured all over Europe, but never made it to Britain before”. Lance Lopez will be headlining the Hebden Blues Festival, playing at the Picture House on 28^th May. The festival runs from 27^th to 30^th May. Full details can be found at www.hebdenblues.co.uk

Published in Blues in Britain, May 2011  as part of my role as Press Officer for the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival 2011.