Skegness Weekender 2015 Lookback via Winston

Forgive typos please, using my phone rather than a computer tongue emoticon

Skegness weekender and where to start? I could begin with a gushing wordy review of the music, venue, promoters, value for money, DJS, committed PROPER soul fans.... but I've done that many times in the past, and somethings are a given, and ever consistent. This is Skeg, the dancers dance, that's what they've come here for, novel idea that hopefully will catch on at nighters across the country. Wierdly, they smile and appear to be enjoying themselves, almost certainly part of that feeling of belonging which prevails, but then what would you expect from an event, where the promoters Donna Dean, Micheal D Cooper and David Raistrick meet you as you go in. Through the night they'll ask whether you're enjoying yourself, maybe a few other events might follow this template but that's asking a lot of northern's stand perfectly still evolvement, with the notable exception of Cleethorpes!! The most refreshing thing? There is a lack of Billy Bigbolloxity politics, Skeg clashed with another event, there was no wringing of hands, or snide digs, just acceptance that this occurs, and a willingness to try and avoid similar happening in the future. So much for not being wordy lol.

Musically, Soul Sam, Arthur Fenn, Bob Snow, Dick Krop, Steve Guarnori,Andy Powell, amongst many others, create the "Behave, all in the same venue, at the same time" wonderment, and this really is testament to their quality that I need say nothing more on that topic.

So to the thing I really want to get off my chest. In the era of "The fast buck, and fuck the punters", a venue that actively keeps piss heads out, and shows true ethical nous. Numbers were down, couldn't be missed really, an opportunity to swell the crowd with 40 local topers would have been gleefully accepted at lesser venues, NOT HERE!!! They were turned away, we were put first, and that is the definition of ethics in my book, and one of the things that will keep me returning. This one act was so appreciated, and I can say hand on heart, that whilst we as punters chatted about the numbers, not a single person said that they DIDN'T enjoy the weekender. A lot is written about the state of the soul scene, but looking at it objectively, mostly by people with an agenda. Their own venue, their own egos are clearly in play, and IMO they are only paying lip service to the northern scene. A lot like to "be seen" at whatever flavour venue is fashionable, it's incredibly shallow, The Grand Central, Skegness is an oasis, on the arid tundra, FFS quench your thirst properly!!

Oh, I danced a lot