The Last Soul Night At The Frobisher Suite - Wakefield
Saturday 31st March - Chicago Soul Survey
The Mill House Group, which owns The Frobisher Suite, part of the Ferry Boat complex at Stanley Ferry, Wakefield, has finalised a decision to convert the building to a Wacky Warehouse for kids. This means the end of the very successful Soul Nights, which have had their home there for almost twelve years.
This decision to close came out of the blue to the promoters - Dave&Val Box, and Fred&Jacque Ward. After discussions with the local staff at the Frobisher, many of whom were still in shock themselves, not knowing their futures, it was decided to make the next scheduled Soul Night, Saturday 31st March - The Chicago Soul Survey - the very last Soul Night to be held at the venue.
The promotion team is very saddened by this decision, and can only apologise for any inconvenience caused to the many loyal soul fans who have attended the venue over the years.
The venue has been something special. It has earned its reputation as one of the longest running, forward thinking venues in Yorkshire. Started in 1995, over the years it has helped to move the scene on by its music policy and willingness to try something new. We have booked most of the top DJ's from all over the country, and introduced lesser known jocks/collectors, who have made their reputations at the venue. We have had some great nights with live acts and many special celebration nights. The music policy changed over the years as it must, but has always been superb - something for everybody with an eagerness to introduce something new, a policy now widely used by many new venues trying to gain a slice of the action and stay in business. We take this as a compliment to our efforts over the years.
We are still suffering from the shock of this decision at the moment, but must now put our efforts into making sure the very last event is really something to remember. So, let's go out on a high note. If you've been a regular, don't miss the last one, and if you haven't been before, this is your very last chance. For those of you who haven't already seen details of this very special last event, read on:
The Final Curtain: Saturday, 31st March 2007
March again and 12 months since Dave celebrated his 60th birthday with special live appearances of Jackie Ross&Syl Johnson - well, no live artists this time but 6 hours of soul music associated with the Windy City, yes a full Chicago Soul Survey. Such a night will include some very rare disks, but will also feature classic sounds very well known to all soul music fans. In the golden years, Chicago had more independent record labels operating than in Detroit and you will be surprised how many classic sounds have their roots in Chicago. DJ's tonight feature three stalwart Chicago collectors, firstly Mark Bicknell&Shane Cox. Both these guys are not only respected DJ's but have over the years been responsible for documenting Chicago related articles in many soul publications. Dave Box has always had his main interest in all things Chicago after his first visit stateside in 1970 and has more recently been one of the main forces behind the Chicago Soul Series CD's released by Grapevine Music - copies will be available on the night. Co-promoter Fred Ward will also be spinning some well-known Chicago classics from his box.
Let's have a great night; get yourself down to the Frobisher and you never know, you might just hear or learn something new about the wonderful soul sounds of CHICAGO.
We intend to document the history of the soul nights over the years, detailing DJs play lists, reviews, photos, live acts, punters' celebrations, after the last event, and hope you will add your memories/comments.
If you would like to pass on your memories/comments on the Events Forum
here is the link:
www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=44411
Thanks to everyone for your support over the years, especially the Frobisher staff; the DJs; SUN fanzine; and the many record dealers who have run our ads in their mailings.
Dave&Fred, Val&Jacque
For information: 01924 894555/891332 or www.frobisher.smallframe.co.uk
