BB BlackDog

   Yes celebrating their very own Wooden Jubilee,with five shows, four days all in Derbyshire and all in the company of dancer Demolitia Tribal . Who would believe just five short years ago the band ascended to the twin Steampunk throne's of Belper and Heringsdorf.    The celebrations get under way Saturday night at The Kings Head in Duffield, a mere one stop down on the train from Belper, a really nice little venue and the band playing as part of their four day beer festival, so that should get the weekend off to a top start.    The pub is situated on the main road just around the corner from the railway station and serviced by the TransPeak buses and more locally by the Trent Barton Sixes.    On Sunday a gathering of many of the great and good, from the counties music scene at Rockfest, part of Wirksworth's carnival weekend. Taking place against the spectacular backdrop of  The Rockface behind the Lime Kiln pub. Alongside BB Blackdog...

                       BB Blackcat showing support for her canine counterpart.    A weekend of frustrations for the band last weekend. But hey you know what they say "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Additional bands booked on Friday and the constraints of time added up to the band not taking to the stage until midnight and although a well received performance, it did make for an extremely late return home. Also alas, since the girls had to be at work early on the Saturday the much anticipated collaboration with Hell On High Heelz was also put on hold.    Saturday night saw another unforeseen occurrence, playing in Sheffield the band were asked to go on stage first so that local followers of Kartica would stay around at the venue. No problem, say our happy to oblige troubadours. The only problem was that the crowd dwindles, sinc unbeknown to most concerned, is that against all the odds and...

                     Picture taken at The Patriot weekender in Crumlin- courtesy of Sue Sharland    For the eagle eyed, you may notice that it was not John executing low bass duties at the show and whilst no firm arrangements are made regarding this being a full time replacement, one thing is certain. John will be taking his bow with the band on Friday. I know i speak for everyone who knows the band in saying a big thanks to Mr. Ferguson for bringing his own style and personality to the band and wish him well for the future. As for BB Blackdog's third member whoever takes the role i am sure it will be a case of "meet the new boss same as the old boss"    Two shows this weekend and if John's farewell performance wasn't making Friday's gig a bit special, proceedings will be livened up by the presence of Hell On High Heelz, augmenting Demolitia Tribal in the dance...

     Just the one show this week and part of an excellent event it promises to be. A long haul is in store to reach Woodland Valley Farm near Ladock, the venue for the inaugural Cornish Steampunk Festival.    The band and Demolitia will appear second on the bill to West Country Steampunk favorite, Professor Elemental, well known for delivering his performances of "chap hop". Whilst third on the bill KAIAK and the supporting cast of Kernuyk, Honey, Hanterhair and The Invisible Men are not exactly Steampunks themselves, they certainly offer an exciting mixture of styles to titillate your taste buds or indeed ears.     The entertainment is set to continue into the night, with dj sets from The Kernow Swing Collective, DJ Prolapse and from Steampunk Funk in Birmingham BugSwings.    Lots of daytime activities for all the family so all the best to everyone for the weekend.  

     Busy times for the Bank Holiday weekend. With festivals now with us and therefore camping, let's hope that if Spring isn't quite in the air yet, then neither is excessive amounts of moisture.    One last competition outing on Friday, with The Music First Promotions event at The Shed in Leicester, no more than a ten minute stroll from the railway station.    At least with only six bands attending, everyone will at least be allowed a reasonable stage time.       This is the Semi Final stage and the band went down really well in the heats, so let's hope for a good response this time.    On Saturday the band are playing on the second nights bill at Party In The Pub. This is one of two charity fundraising weekend festivals run at the Patriot Inn in Crumlin, Gwent. The pub is owned by The Patriots Motorcycle Club, all members being part of the armed forces, or ex services personnel. The weekend is free and so...