CountryDance UK

Friday 4th July 2008

On Thursday 19th June had just started a 2 week holiday in Tenerife and decided to visit Central Park in Playa de Las Americas to see Steven J Towers who I last saw at the Hyde Park Corner a couple of years earlier. There was at the time a Euro 2008 Football Match on so there was a crowd at a lower part of the Bar with only about 8 or so visitors near the stage area. By 8:30, Steven had set up his equipment and by 8:40 had dismantled it all again at which point he left - no Steven J Towers performance. We think the lack of Audience was the cause but without any word or apology from Steven prior to leaving, we were left very disappointed and disillusioned. We finished our drinks and travelled a couple of hundred yards up the road where Ray and Debbie Stone were performing Country at the old haunt of the Acapulco Bar.
I am sending Steven a link to this page and would welcome and publish his comments should he wish to do so.

Wine Women and Song
An evening with Suzy Boggus, Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg at the Leeds City Varieties was an awsome experience of Gorgeous Ladies dishing out humour and stunning music.
The evening was built around conversation about life, youth and growing up and most songs written by the trio.On the evening, I became a fan of Matraca Berg, not a name that rolls easily off the tongue, but her voice, music and stunning looks presented an artist who in the past I have sadly overlooked.
Through the evening, all three played Guitar impeccably and filled the auditorium with a Country sound that came alive with thier American accents. The three all had Red Wine which they took great delight in sipping in front of an audience that packed out the City Varieties.Would I go again - just try and stop me, I'm looking forward to a return if one ever comes.

I must also mention the opening act on the evening - Madviolet - A Canadian Duo of Brenley MacEachern and Lisa Maclsaac who gently lifted the evening and set the mood for an exceptional experience.

Wednesday 2nd May 2007

On holiday for a week in Portugal, not known for Country Music and Line Dance but did manage to stretch the legs a little in our Hotel when Ilze from Holland not only looked good, but sang well.
Managed a few dances to some Shania amongst others and also had a dance with Ilze at the end of the night.

Ilze has a web page at :www.ilzealgarve.com

Went to the opening of the newest Country Music Club in the UK, The Clear Cut CMC, hosted by Don & Daz of Clear Cut and as you might expect, for the first night, Clear Cut did a couple of sets with Chris Raddings splitting the Duo with his solo set.
The music was superb with a mixture of Old / New Country and lots to Line Dance to, however this is billed as a Listening Club and was not really catered for as a Line Dance Venue.
We did manage to find a carpeted area to dance on but not really a good alternative to a dance floor.
.........Perhaps next time when Wrangler are the Guest artist........
Visit the Clear Cut CMC Website