Lowton Civic Celebration Alldayer - Culcheth, Warringt

What a fitting way to celebrate The Lowton Anniversary at Culcheth. A full house and three busy rooms with quality music, throughout. We arrived mid afternoon and the place was already filling up and people continued to arrive into the early evening!!

So many quality spins in every room, all styles catered for, what's not to like? I'm sure we'll see a few playlists later, when everyone's recovered a bit.

 Hats off to Baz M for what must have been a logistical nightmare, three sound rigs and a whole host of DJs to organise. It all came together in fine style!!!

 

My contributions in the Rare(dark) Room 10pm-11pm bit of a mixed bag!!

First Faux Pas in the handover thanked Ian Wills instead of Ian Cunliffe lol I think I was disorientated !!

Lee Williams "it's everything about you"

Buddy Connor "when you're alone"

The Dramatics "your love was strange"

Geater Davis "my love is so strong"

Lattimore Brown "sweet desiree"

Betty Moorer "speed up"

Edwin Starr "my kind of woman"

Elbie Parker "please keep away"

Hollidays "I lost you"

The Vontells "ta hula hoop"

Melvin Davis "I must love you"

September Jones "I'm coming home"

The Gambrells "you better move"

The Dushons "you better think it over"

Choice of Colour "your love" Keamus Setna

Barbara Mason "you better stop it"

Cookie Scott "misled" meant to play the Flip Mike Roche

Beloyd "get into your life"

Skip Jackson "I'm onto you girl"

Andrea Henry "I need you like a baby"

The Sparkels "try love"

Dean Courtney "love you just can't walk away"

Long may it continue!!

Edited February 2Feb 2 by Micksmix

What a superb day that was!, personally we've not stayed at an event of any nature for that length of time, in a long time but, it was certainly well worth it....it's not an effort when the quality of music promised is delivered.

As Mick alluded to in his report, hopefully members of the line-up will post their playlists when seen fit.

Not a warm day out and about so, all rooms with heating on was appreciated making matters more comfortable, a constant throng of folk, milling back and forth between 3 rooms as the day wore into evening and each room filled up very nicely.

 

Dave Rimmer kicked off proceedings in the main room right on time and produced a 90 minute set of supreme quality, Stafford orientated in many respects but with a nod to other venues, including The Manor which carried the baton of intuitive musical selections..Dave certainly did this with aplomb.

And that's how the theme for the day was mapped out, Kev McCue dovetailed nicely after that for another extended set, a connoissuers collector for a long time and a champion of slower paced soulful tuneage.

Next: me...i chipped in with an hours worth from 4-5pm, after which a first parter from Wigan's very own Paul Shirley and it goes without saying, the bar is raised significantly with what's in his vinyl pandora's box, Calvin Lee Hughes followed on from Paul, this young man is certainly one who has applied himself to the love of the music, in both listening to it as an education and subsequently buying it, all that was left to do, was for Kev Murphy to tutor him in the djing art. He's passed with flying colours and purveyed a great range of tunes across his set, all genres included.

Mr.M's very own Ian Wills followed on and it's integral dancefloor action from this guy, very knowledgeable and experienced, announcements always exerted and reads the dancefloor to precision hence, plenty of folk up as he reeled off one killer track after another.

Les Harrison, another Lowton ever present, who always puts in a shift, chimed in from 8 til 9, a crowd pleaser and has that trademark knack like those on before him of knowing what record follows on from the last, that dosn't give folk the chance to sit down and have a breather...Les also gets out and about supporting other functions, and it's understandable why he gets dj invites as a result...proper hard worker and a top bloke!.

 Between 9-10, Ian and Paul offered up a reprise  to entice folk out onto the floor with more goodies....by which time i have to state: in a period of 9 hours only 2 records were spun twice?

10-11 was a first time introduction to a guest from o'er the border, Scotland's Alan Jenkins, from Falkirk, armed with a stash of vinyl winners, and a prime hour for some big hitters as by now the dancefloor was pretty much rammed. Alan follows on a great tradition of djs coming south who've built reputations for theirselves and you can see why he's getting his name on the billing at some big functions now.

11-12, it's over to Alan's partner, and a first visit here, let alone behind the decks for the days sole female representative and, a west midlander like myself, Natalie Nicholls. Nat's a co-promoter of Wolfie's, a venue just outside of Wolverhampton that shares the same philosophy of providing an alternative to run-of-the-mill soul nites and she's been putting together an attractive selection of records and has the nous to get behind the decks and put the message across firmly...she certainly left a mark.

Kev Murphy: well, the words have been said many times before, the original instigator/catalyst for great nights out at Lowton civic and everywhere in between, the venue his ancestoral home in effect. The music he plays speaks for itself midnight til 1, Kev always brings the end of a night to a climactic crescendo, certainly no empty rooms or deserted dancefloors when he's about, show stopping tunes from start to finish.

But...that's just the main room, and there will, i'm sure, be team members posting up about how the day  panned out in the modern and connoissuers rooms, in due course, i put my head in both on a fair few occasions and they were both rockin'

Overall, a well organized tribute to a beloved venue in the North West and the skills and attributes of Baz Maleedy to get it, and indeed soul nites at Culcheth Village Club, off the ground and running, the staff at the club who worked tirelessly providing drinks, sustainance and glass collecting for twelve hours, and most of all huge thanks and appreciation to everyone who attended....so much in the calendar to distract these days, but you all did the Spirit of Lowton proud on this, the 29th Anniversary...thankyou All!.

I'll include my playlist here for anyone who's interested.

Cynthia & The Imaginations - Hey Boy ( I Love You )

Na Allen - Thanks For Nothing

Major Harris - Call Me Tomorrow

Gwen Davis - My Man Don't Think I Know

The Stoppers - Come Back Baby

The Marvellows - Your Little Sister

Sherli Allen - Think It Over

Gary Edwards - You've Got To Be Strong

Wade Flemons - That Other Place

The Trends - Not Too Old To Cry

Barbara Banks - Ain't I Worth A Dime

Dee Dee Warwick - Worth Every Tear I Cry

Johnny Clyde Copeland - Coming To See About You

Bernard Williams - Focused On You

Carol And Gerri - On You Heartache Looks Good

The Allan Sisters - I'm In With The Downtown Crowd

Laverne Baker - I'm The One To Do it

Gladys Tyler - A Little Bitty Girl ( With A Great Big Mountain Of Pride )

Kell Osborne - Small Things

The Silhouettes - Not Me Baby

The Brothers Of Soul - I'd Be Grateful

The Barons Of Soul - You Need Love

The Orlons - Envy

Gladys Patrick - Can't Get You Out Of My Mind

The Dells - Make Sure ( You Have Someone Who Loves You )

 

Edited February 2Feb 2 by Agentsmith

A fantastic night - as already stated by Mick & Rob well deserved for Baz and all his efforts in promotion with all the unseen trials and tribulations in setting all this up for our enjoyment, brilliant to see so many in attendance.

I spent most of the night in the Rare & Underplayed room but ventured into both the main room and Modern rooms many times to sample the atmosphere in both which by early evening was really growing and starting to bounce!

A huge thanks as always from me to all the DJs and of course the crowd who without them all this would be pointless 

Here's my selections from the last hour - I promised myself to try and keep it in the ethos of the Kenwood Suite and the Rare & Underplayed side of things 

Cleveland Robinson - Boy (1006)

Keith & Billie - Tastes Sour Don't It

Richard Stoute - What Bag I'm In

Johnny Rodgers - Make A Change

The Informers - A Hard Way To Go

Henry Moore - You Really Grab Me

Cash McCall - More Power To You

Solomon Burke - Save It

Hayes Cotton - I'll Be Waiting (Claire)

P.P. Arnold - Speak To Me

Bo Fowler - The Upper Hand (Associated Recording Studios)

The Clovers - For Days

The Vontastics - Let Me Down Easy

The O'Jays - That's Alright

The Clovers - Try My Lovin' On You

Gene Faith - My Baby's Missing

The Fabulous Apollos - What's So Good To You

Ron Kenoly - Moving On

The Vibrations - Love In Them There Hills

Cody Black - It's Our Time To Fall In Love

Carl Hall - Is Your Love Going Or Growing

Don & Debbi - I Can Be Happy

Darrow Fletcher - I Think I'm Gonna Write A Song

Edited February 2Feb 2 by Eddiefoster

I just want to say massive thankyou to Tsop Manchester and everyone involved with yesterday's Lowton anniversary special ... It was a fabulous day/night.... 3 rooms, 21 djs and all genres of soul ... Something for everyone 😊 absolute quality all the way through ...

I had never been to this venue before and I walked in and the atmosphere was electric .... 3 rooms to choose from with tasty tunes being played by each and every DJ , the rare room, modern room and the big main room.. didn't matter which one you went everything was just quality, Me and Alan had a fantastic day so thankyou to everyone who made this happen, and thankyou for letting us be apart of it...

Thankyou for asking me to come a play I really appreciate it seeing as it was my first visit to the venue I thoroughly enjoyed it... 

Here's my playlist from the main room 11pm-12 

The Ivorys - Please stay - Despenza

Betty Lloyd - I'm Catching on - BSC

Clara Hardy - I dream of you - Tuna 

Dena Barnes - If you ever walked out of my life - Inferno (demo) 

The Tempests - Someday - LP 

The Chevrons - Love I love you - Independence 

The Cliffhangers - Since you've been away - A K-cea production 

Jimmie and the entertainers - New girl - Toddlin town 

The Fiestas - Think smart - Old town (demo) 

Jimmy Robins - I can't please you - Jerhart

The Delcos - Arabia - Showcase

The Ikettes - What'cha gonna do - Phi-dan

Mickie Champion - What good am I - Musette 

Bobby bland - Shoes - Duke 

Fred Hughes - Don't bring me down - Vee jay 

Bobby Bland - Yum Yum Tree - Duke 

Sam Dee's - Lonely for you baby - SSS 

Sam Fletcher - I'd think it over - Tollie 

The Falcons - Love you like you never been loved - Big Wheel 

Dena Barnes - Who am I - Inferno (demo) 

Sea shells - Quiet Home - Villige 

David Thomas - I'll always need you - Prime 

The Isley Brothers - My love is your love - LP 

 

Thankyou once again 😊 hopefully see you all soon xx

The Lowton Anniversary celebration certainly lived up to its billing. A marathon All Dayer, with exceptional soul music by some of the scenes finest DJ’s, played across three rooms. My head is spinning, and my legs are killing, testament to a fabulous day.

I apologise in advance if I have failed to mention any DJs or attributed a particular song to the wrong DJ. I made a conscious effort and made copious voice notes, but it seems, as the evening wore on my voice notes became less coherent and more erratic.

The main room was billed as the Northern Soul room. But that really does under sell it. We heard some of the finest Northern soul records to have ever been played, mixed with underplayed rarities and real soul gems.

We arrived around 2pm and setup base camp in the main room. Though the number of attendees was still low at this point, I knew it was going to be a good day. Dave Rimmer was on the decks playing some exceptional tunes: rare crossover tracks ‘Bob and Fred’ and the Caressors. Then picking up the pace with Cody Black ‘Slowly Moulding’ and Jess Johnson.

Kev McCue took over, playing Maxine Browne ‘Let me Give You My lovin’, Robert Parker and the Puzzles. And a track that takes me back to time and a place, Lindia Elliot ‘Fell in Love with You Baby’. Calvin Hughes started his varied and enjoyable set with The Exits and included the ever popular Jesse Fisher and The Moments.

The venue filled nicely towards the end of afternoon, with a busy dancefloor, a vibrant atmosphere and Incredible music, whether it was Paul Shirley playing the Del Larks or Eddie Parker.  Ian Wills spinning John Bowie or  Cecil Washington. Or Les Harrison playing the Spiedells and Crown Four ‘Birth of a Playboy’.

Ian and Paul double decked later in the evening, with dancefloor favourites Silky Hargreaves and Little Johnny Hamilton. And a track that would be equally at home in any of the three rooms Collins and Will Power ‘Anything I Can Do’. Alan Jenkins opened his box of rare magic that included the Salvadors and another Holy Grail: Lester Tipton (on La Beat). Natalle Nicholls graced us with a brace of tunes from Bobby Blue Bland. Her newly acquired Ivory’s got an airing. And the Pied Piper of dance floors, Jimmy Robins ‘ I Can’t Please You’.

I spent quite a bit of time in the Connoisseurs room, an intimate space that allowed the DJs to express themselves and play some lesser-known tracks. I caught much of Charlie Smith’s spot, quite a few that were new to my ears, but all of them excellent. And as expected as rare as hens’ teeth. tracks included Freedom: ‘High on You’, Smoke inc ‘Waitin’ For Love’ and The Notations ‘Now I know How it Feels’. His later spot in the evening included Papa Bear and His Cubs and Corey Blake.

Soul Sams set was outstanding, and a shame the venue had yet to fill, so it was missed by many. Monster rarities; Joseph Webster, Willie Dale and Patrinell Staten. Beverly Young ‘Strung Out Over You’ (new to me). And for all those that have loved and lost, Garry Garnett ‘Have You Heard the News’.

BazM played the incredible Impressions ‘Sometimes I wonder’, TSU Toronados and a different version to Candi Staton ‘Now You’ve Got the Upper Hand’, I believe it was Bo fowler, the person who penned the song. Mick Howard played an exceptional set: September Jones, Andrea Henry and standout tune, the flip to Cookie Scott ‘Mislead’, simply stunning. Simon Ingham took the last hour of the evening with a typically well thought out and enjoyable selection. Ron Kenoly, Johnny Rogers and a final tune that would also grace any modern room, the versatile Darrow fletcher ‘I think I’m Gonna Write a Song’.

 

The modern room was busy for the whole period, and had a different vibe to it, most of the modern soul fans setup permanent residence. I ventured into the modern room to catch Steve Plumb, always educational and enjoyable. His set included Luther, Randy Brown, the superb Carl Hall ‘What About You’. And the dance floor filler Eunice Collins. I caught the last 20 minutes of Soul Sams set, it was a party atmosphere, Sams shoulders bopping up and down with a packed dance floor: Gloria Scott, Jack Radics ‘No Matter. And the Phily All Stars version of ‘Bad Luck’. Dave Lucas took over from Sam, paying homage to events gone by, kicking off with the silky Phil Perry ‘Heart of Heart’ and Patrick Green ‘ I need Your Love’. I later caught Nick McKinnon keeping the party going with Thelma Huston ‘Saturday night Sunday Morning’, The Innersection and Beloyd.

An incredible event for Soul fans, we left the main room with smiling faces, just after 1am to Kev Murphy playing The Serviceman ‘I’ll Stop Loving You.

 

 

 

Edited February 4Feb 4 by Mickyfinn

Well what a fantastic alldayer that was a big thanks to Baz for a sterling job well done.

Here’s my play list from 8pm till 9pm 

Spidels                       Dream girl

Johnny Bartel            If this isn’t love 

The Matadors.           Say yes baby

Charles Spurling        She cried just a minute 

Gambrels                    Jive talk

Crown Four                  Birth of a playboy

Exsaveyons                  I don’t love you no more

The Parliaments          Don’t be sore at me 

Curly Moore                You don’t mean 

Johnny Sayles             I can’t get enough

Lonnie Lester              You can’t go 

Billy Hambric               She said goodbye

Clarence Murray         Let’s get on with it 

Cliff Nobles                 My love is getting stronger

Sam Dees                    Lonely for you baby 

Frank Beverly              If that’s what you wanted

Delegates Of Soul      I’ll come running back 

Ellusions                      You didn’t have to leave 

Danny Wagner            I lost a true love 

Rudy Love                   Suffering wrath

Falcons                        Good good feeling

The Hytones               Good news

James Fountain          Seven day lover 

 

 

Was great to be part of this as Lowton meant a great deal to me and my mates.

Big thanks to Mr Maleedy not only for the amazing job that he did but for inviting me to play a few tunes.

Just a pity that I had to leave early ( due to grandparent duties !! )

Anyway my playlist after taking over from the amazing Dave Rimmer

Ann Heywood - Crook His Little Finger

Barbara Mercer – Call On Me

Bonnie Herman – Hush Don’t Cry

Billy Keen – Wishing and Hoping

Linda Lloyd – Breakaway

California Rock Choir – Whoever You Are

Irene and the Scotts - Stuck On My Baby

Gloria Lynne – You Don’t Have To Be A Tower Of Strength

Elliott Small – Stay In My Heart

Honey and the Bees – Why Do You Hurt The One Who Loves You

The Constellations - I Didn’t Know How To

Cold Blood – I’m A Good Woman

Maxine Brown – Let Me Give My Lovin’

Ernestine Eady – The Change

Linda Elliot – Fell In Love With You Baby

The Esquires – How Could It Be

The Inspirations – Touch Me, Hold Me, Kiss Me

Lorraine Rudolph – Keep Coming Back For More

Margie Joseph – One More Chance

Chris Campbell - You Gotta Pay Dues

Philharmonics – I Need, I Need Your Love

Robert Parker – Caught You In A Lie

Sunday – Ain’t Got No Problems

The Puzzles – My Sweet Baby

Sergio Mendes – Love Music

Lorraine Chandler – I Can’t Hold On

Darrow Fletcher – The Pain Gets A Little Deeper

Liz Verdi – Think It Over ( And Be Sure )

The Stratoliners – What Do You Want With My Love

King Ernest – You Gonna Miss Me

The Paramount Four – You Don’t Know ( Till It Happens To You )

Mr President – The Best Is Yet To Come

Fran Jeffries – Gone Now

Anne Sexton – You’ve Been Gone Too Long

 

Edited February 7Feb 7 by Kevmc63