Guest thierry Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 (edited) back in the office after a great week end full of music, sun, beer (wine), dancing and a lot of socialising . thursday kicked off with two bar nights . One soul orientated at the Rotonde, my first stop after landing an hour before at the Perpignan airport after a safe journey from Brussels together with Malik and Lorette . It was time to meet up with a few local familiar faces Raphi, Charlotte, Greg "mister boogaloo", Alex (who had disapeared from the mod scene since more than 15 years), Arsene, etc etc and time to meet some new and more familiar faces ... Steve Catto and Simon from Brighton (and their ladies of course) . A small chat and it was already time to move on to La divine Comedie where it was R&B time at the monthly "Hoo doo Club" run by Paul Newman . Records where given a spin by Paul and myself . More familiar faces started to appear , Fred & Christine, Marie Sophie, .... By midnight all the people from La Rotonde had now moved to la Divine Comedie, where it was now time for more socialising with the rest of the english crew , Andy, Chris, Paul, etc etc ... a really good start off . As i made the trip with the little one , friday and saturday were spent on the beach and more kiddies activities orientated . I gave the friday night do a miss to be in top form for the allnighter . It was now time to discover the saturday night venue . The venue is situated on the 7th floor of "le palais des congres" (directly accessible by lift) , a wooden dancefloor (the size of a basket ball ground), a massive terras with a nice view . A slow starter, due to the fact it was la fete de la musique and all the local mod/indie bands (The Slot, Hush Puppies, Circles) where playing in town . So the first dj sets had to be played to an empty dancefloor . People strated to arrive slowly by midnight to see finally more than 250 soulies, mods, scooterists and local people . the first dancers started to finally float on the dancefloor around midnight . Great to see Christina and a lot of "the Boiler" crowd on the dancefloor during my second uptempo R&B set . All in all i had a smashing week end . Great to meet so many new people from the UK, Spain and Switzerland . A special thanx goes to : Roch "the mod" Vidal and Cecile for accomodation, Paul Newman for inviting me for the 3rd time at the "Hoo doo club", Raphi and Andy Bellwood for making this event happen . Hope you all had a sfe journey back home and to see you all around somewhere . stay hip and cool . Edited June 23, 2008 by thierry Link to comment
Guest Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 (edited) Just arrived back home a few hours ago. Due to the ASP°GIC 1000mg i almost recovered this weekend. I met a lot of very nice and friendly People from Perpignan, Bruxelles, UK or Spain. Saturdays venue was amazing. it was a bit a pity that the croud arrived that late (around midnight) Special thank to Raphael, for promoting all the weekend, and Valrie for being my host! Regards, Raffu Raph... do you know on which date the "perpignan soul weekender 2009" take place? Edited June 23, 2008 by raffu Link to comment
Guest thierry Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Raffu nice to meet you as well man . hope you are not too sad know that you gave some extra cash to the french governement in order to buy Sarkozy some new glasses Link to comment
Laurent Mtp Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Great music , great venue , great people !!! Excellent Weekender !!! Link to comment
Bearsoul Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Just arrived back home a few hours ago. Due to the ASP°GIC 1000mg i almost recovered this weekend. I met a lot of very nice and friendly People from Perpignan, Bruxelles, UK or Spain. Saturdays venue was amazing. it was a bit a pity that the croud arrived that late (around midnight) Special thank to Raphael, for promoting all the weekend, and Valrie for being my host! Regards, Raffu Raph... do you know on which date the "perpignan soul weekender 2009" take place? BRILLIANT TO MEET YOU RAFFU & THIERY & THE BOILER CLUB GANG ...SO MANY TOP PEOPLE..MORE LATER !! CHRIS Link to comment
Guest Simon Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Fantastic weekender, loved every minute of it! Met some great new mates from Soul Source & beyond, very very hot weather, great food & wine/beer & great music. Heard some very interesting & new to me tunes, especially a couple from Carl & Maria W, dynamite stuff!! Enjoyed the bits during the day meeting up & chatting to people as much as i did the dos, it was all great. The Saturday night do was incredible, wow what a venue, i had to pinch myself to make sure i wasn't dreaming. Well done to all for all the hardwork put in over the weekend for our enjoyment, tis much appreciated! Simon & Sam Link to comment
7daylover Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Wow, what a great weekend Thanks to Ralphi, Charlotte and all the organiser team, as Thierry said it started on Thursday, we did arrive that morning so had time to have a rest before going to La Rotonde, just round the corner from our Hotel, great music and a fantastic place to start meeting soulies from all over Europe and the UK as well as friends from last years Perpignan Soul Wekender. Friday was a day for shopping, my suitecase was and is still lost!!! and having a drink with some Soulies from around Europe, that nites venue was great, a large dance floor and great for dancing to great tunes played, even Odette enjoyed her dancing?? Mandy you were brill with her!!! On Sat we went for a walk along the narrow ancient streets of Perpignan, a record shop!!! and a drink at Cafe de la Republic on the square then the surprise of the weekender A Fantastic venue with a very large terrace in a middle of a park. Once again great music and lots of people to meet and chat to, Hola a la gran familia de Barcelona y Valencia, Ana te extra±amos!!! Having enjoyed the Paella and wine people went onto the dance floor and believe it or not packed it at times. 4.30 came to quickly and it was time to go and say good bye to everybody, still meeting new soulies from Spain and France. Ralphi, we are waiting for the next one, once again Mercy beaucoup pour tout ¡ tous Wellllllll Done!!! BRILLIANT TO MEET YOU RAFFU & THIERY & THE BOILER CLUB GANG ...SO MANY TOP PEOPLE..MORE LATER !! CHRIS Link to comment
Guest Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Raffu nice to meet you as well man . hope you are not too sad know that you gave some extra cash to the french governement in order to buy Sarkozy some new glasses Ray-Ban glasses Link to comment
carl willingham Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 CARL AND I HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS TO HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SEVERAL VENUES ABROAD, ALL HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT AND ENJOYABLE, THIS YEARS EVENT IN THE VERY BEAUTIFUL PERPIGNON HAS TO BE UP THERE WITH THE VERY BEST.TWO EXCELLENT VENUES ESPECIALLY ON SATURDAY NIGHT IT WAS TRULY SPECTACULAR. RALPI AND CHARLOTTE YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB FROM START TO FINISH AND IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BE INVOLVED. ALSO GREAT TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS FROM HOME AND ABROAD, GREAT TO SEE J.C. AGAIN SO SOON AFTER THE RECENT MADRID WEEKENDER AND LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO OUR HOME TOWN IN NOVEMBER. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK RALPHI, IT WAS BRILL!! TAKE CARE AND KEEP SAFE CARL AND MARIA Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 CARL AND I HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS TO HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SEVERAL VENUES ABROAD, ALL HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT AND ENJOYABLE, THIS YEARS EVENT IN THE VERY BEAUTIFUL PERPIGNON HAS TO BE UP THERE WITH THE VERY BEST.TWO EXCELLENT VENUES ESPECIALLY ON SATURDAY NIGHT IT WAS TRULY SPECTACULAR. RALPI AND CHARLOTTE YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB FROM START TO FINISH AND IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BE INVOLVED. ALSO GREAT TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS FROM HOME AND ABROAD, GREAT TO SEE J.C. AGAIN SO SOON AFTER THE RECENT MADRID WEEKENDER AND LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO OUR HOME TOWN IN NOVEMBER. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK RALPHI, IT WAS BRILL!! TAKE CARE AND KEEP SAFE CARL AND MARIA Just back in UK. . Wasn't carnival time in Perpignan wonderful.....once caught up with a bit of a sleep will post more and playlists - in meantime I can't think of a more spectacular venue than Saturday nite at Palais de Congress. Very special thanks to Raphi for hosting the weekender and his band of helpers -understated or what -'twas brill mate ! Carl n Maria , Paul Rockley, Bearsoul and Steve Cato for the awesomer tunes (play lists please ). Tremendous company throughout..... Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 (edited) back in the office after a great week end full of music, sun, beer (wine), dancing and a lot of socialising . thursday kicked off with two bar nights . One soul orientated at the Rotonde, my first stop after landing an hour before at the Perpignan airport after a safe journey from Brussels together with Malik and Lorette . It was time to meet up with a few local familiar faces Raphi, Charlotte, Greg "mister boogaloo", Alex (who had disapeared from the mod scene since more than 15 years), Arsene, etc etc and time to meet some new and more familiar faces ... Steve Catto and Simon from Brighton (and their ladies of course) . A small chat and it was already time to move on to La divine Comedie where it was R&B time at the monthly "Hoo doo Club" run by Paul Newman . Records where given a spin by Paul and myself . More familiar faces started to appear , Fred & Christine, Marie Sophie, .... By midnight all the people from La Rotonde had now moved to la Divine Comedie, where it was now time for more socialising with the rest of the english crew , Andy, Chris, Paul, etc etc ... a really good start off . As i made the trip with the little one , friday and saturday were spent on the beach and more kiddies activities orientated . I gave the friday night do a miss to be in top form for the allnighter . It was now time to discover the saturday night venue . The venue is situated on the 7th floor of "le palais des congres" (directly accessible by lift) , a wooden dancefloor (the size of a basket ball ground), a massive terras with a nice view . A slow starter, due to the fact it was la fete de la musique and all the local mod/indie bands (The Slot, Hush Puppies, Circles) where playing in town . So the first dj sets had to be played to an empty dancefloor . People strated to arrive slowly by midnight to see finally more than 250 soulies, mods, scooterists and local people . the first dancers started to finally float on the dancefloor around midnight . Great to see Christina and a lot of "the Boiler" crowd on the dancefloor during my second uptempo R&B set . All in all i had a smashing week end . Great to meet so many new people from the UK, Spain and Switzerland . A special thanx goes to : Roch "the mod" Vidal and Cecile for accomodation, Paul Newman for inviting me for the 3rd time at the "Hoo doo club", Raphi and Andy Bellwood for making this event happen . Hope you all had a sfe journey back home and to see you all around somewhere . stay hip and cool . good to meet you Thierry, shame we missed Thurs (to much beach , sun and wine) and you missed Friday nite at El Mediator, but you certainly made up for it on Satuday at the Palais - must be the ultimate soul venue . As to making the event happen , it was all down to Raphi and his helpers n hard work -didn't they do us all proud -as Carl n Maria said, it was spectacular and up there with the best of them up -its not surprising there's already one hell of a buzz about PERPIGNAN 2009 !!!! Edited June 25, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 (edited) Just back in UK. . Wasn't carnival time in Perpignan wonderful.....once caught up with a bit of a sleep will post more and playlists - in meantime I can't think of a more spectacular venue than Saturday nite at Palais de Congress. Very special thanks to Raphi for hosting the weekender and his band of helpers -understated or what -'twas brill mate ! Carl n Maria , Paul Rockley, Bearsoul and Steve Cato for the awesomer tunes (play lists please ). Tremendous company throughout..... Well having now recovered from being back in the UK, its time to reflect on 08 Perpignan soul weekender ...... 07 Perpignan Soul Weekender was very enjoyable -this one was magnificent . So what of Perpignan -laid back, smallish Mediterranean city full of culture , home of Catalan Dragons and the Catalan French capital - so easy to get to with Euro star , then direct TGV , or direct budget airline flights from UK .We did the train thing , great meals on Euro star -champagne n wine , then whizzing through the French countryside down to the south east at 180mph . Weather -clear blue skies with temp in mid 30s -nice n warm, little humidity so wonderful. Went down for a week so spent much of the time just to the south , on the coast at Argeles Plage, Port Argeles Marina and La Racou -hardest decision being to chose between which of the fantastic beaches, the Bordeux Chateaula Gane Grand Vin @ 1 euro 60 or the Herault rose at 1 euro 40.!!! Excesses of both caused us to miss the weekender opening on Thursday, firstly at the stylish La Rotonde caf with the local Canigo Soul Club DJs, the launch of the new Raph Dumas & the Primaveras 45 'Trip' (Enjoy) and finally RnB time at monthly "Hoo doo Club" run by Paul Newman who spun the vinyl along with guest DJ, Thierry Steuve (Brussels). Friday saw a top night of underground soul at the excellent El Mediator venue, again in the centre of Perpignan. Nice dance floor and two sets each from Carl n Maria Willingham , Paul Rockley, and myself . Brillient sound system and great crowd boosted by the local stylish mods who parked up some concours Lambrettas outside and a wonderful hospitality backstage area for the DJs ....chance to meet up with Paul from Brentford (now resident in Collioure ) Craig ((Toulouse), our wonderful host Raphi, Charlotte, Carlos, Steve n Lydia, Simon n Sam, Mandy, Raffu (Bienne) and Valerie. A wonderful evening finishing at 1.30 am which nicely set us up for the main event on Saturday . Will post more later ,,,,, Edited June 26, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Little-stevie Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 Just back from a nice summer break in Perpignan and Barcelona.. Thanks to Raph for putting the weekend together.. The Saturday night venue was one of the best venues in the last 25 years that i have seen, just fantastic... So nice to spend time with friends from all over Europe.. So good to see the Barcelona crowd for the Saturday night and thanks for the lift too.. Glad that Simon and Sam had a good time... I have that photo Simon to post up very soon , carry on camping indeed .. Good friends.. Good food.. Sunshine... Beach... Wine.. Cold beer... And soul steve xxx Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 FRIDAY NITE PLAYLIST @EL MEDIATOR SHIRLEY & JESSIE 'IVORY TOWER' MARVELS 'HEARTACHE' AMANDA LOVE 'YOU KEEP CALLING ME BY HER NAME ' BIG MAYBELLE '96 TEARS' NAT HALL 'WHY (IWANT TO KNOW)' INEZ & CHARLIE FOX 'NO STRANGER TO LOVE' BENNY LATIMORE 'GIRL I'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU' CARTER BROS 'SO GLAD SHE'S MINE' JOHNSON SISTERS 'I FOUND MY PLACE' DELLA REECE 'BLOW OUT THE SUN' WILLIE PARKER 'YOU GOT A FINGER IN MY EYE' IKE TURNER & KINGS OF RHYMN' NEW BREED' FAYE SIMMONS 'PLEASE TELL ME I'M YOURS' SONNY KNIGHT 'IF YOU WANT THIS LOVE' DOUG BANKS 'I JUST KEPT ON DANCING ' ETTA JAMES 'SECURITY' CODY BLACK 'I'M SLOWLY MOLDING' RUBY WINTERS 'JUST LIKE A YO YO' THE ASTORS 'IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE' LITTLE MILTON 'SOMETIMELY JOHNNY SAYLES 'MY LOVE IS A MONSTER ' NARBAY 'BELIEVE IT OR NOT' STEVE MANCHA 'DID MY BABY CALL' LITTLE ROSE LITTLE 'YOU'VE GOT THE LOVE' SPELLBINDERS 'WER'E ACTING LIKE LOVERS' BARBARA LYNN 'THIS IS THE THANKS I GET' INCREDIABLES' CRYING HEART' BESSIE BANKS 'BABY YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO GET ME' ANGEL 'SOOTH YOU' KIM ENGLISH 'SIMPLY GRATEFUL' MELVIN MOORE 'ALL OF A SUDDEN' BOBBY THURSTON 'JUST ASK ME ' YOUNG HOLT UNLIMITED 'CALIFORNIA MONTAGE' COMMANDS 'HEY IT'S LOVE' GUITAR RAY 'YOUR GONNA WRECK MY LIFE' CHANDLERS' YOUR LOVE MAKES ME LONELY' HOUSTON OUTLAWS 'AIN'T NO TELLING' COLLINS & COLLINS 'TOP OF THE STAIRS' JOHNNY MOORE 'LONELY HEART IN THE CITY ' RUBIES 'A SPANISH BOY' Link to comment
Guest Simon Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 Glad that Simon and Sam had a good time... I have that photo Simon to post up very soon , carry on camping indeed .. Ha ha i remember the photo, i look camper than the lovechild of Julian Clary & Larry Grayson! Simon Link to comment
Bearsoul Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 HEY ALL YOU HIPSTERS & GROOVERS......DONE ME HOMEWORK AT LAST..A BIT OF A REVIEW KINDATHANG IN MY BLOG & WEBSITE www.bearsoul.moonfruit.com BEARSOUL Link to comment
Guest Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Only just found my username after all this time. Wow what a weekend, great to have such great music on the doorstep. Was possibly the best weekend I've had since I got here, Was nice to put faces to names, like Andy, Stevie (and the ladies of course) etc. Met some great people from all over Europe. Am really pleased you all enjoyed our beautiful area, and looking forward to you coming back in August Andy. Congratulations on a well organised weekend Raph and Charlotte. Oh and Simon, am taking bribes not to put up your Jasper Carrott impression photos More to follow but two for now And I know it's not the best filming ever but who cares? Link to comment
Little-stevie Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Only just found my username after all this time. Wow what a weekend, great to have such great music on the doorstep. Was possibly the best weekend I've had since I got here, Was nice to put faces to names, like Andy, Stevie (and the ladies of course) etc. Met some great people from all over Europe. Am really pleased you all enjoyed our beautiful area, and looking forward to you coming back in August Andy. Congratulations on a well organised weekend Raph and Charlotte. Oh and Simon, am taking bribes not to put up your Jasper Carrott impression photos More to follow but two for now And I know it's not the best filming ever but who cares? So nice to meet you tooooooooooo... Back home and its about 17 and raining .. Hope to see you again sometime mate... Nice short film.. The floor and venue looks great.... take care steve x Link to comment
Guest Posted June 29, 2008 Share Posted June 29, 2008 Cheers Steve, here's a small clip from Friday night. Was early when most were still out enjoying the warm evening. Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 (edited) Well having now recovered from being back in the UK, its time to reflect on 08 Perpignan soul weekender ...... 07 Perpignan Soul Weekender was very enjoyable -this one was magnificent . So what of Perpignan -laid back, smallish Mediterranean city full of culture , home of Catalan Dragons and the Catalan French capital - so easy to get to with Euro star , then direct TGV , or direct budget airline flights from UK .We did the train thing , great meals on Euro star -champagne n wine , then whizzing through the French countryside down to the south east at 180mph . Weather -clear blue skies with temp in mid 30s -nice n warm, little humidity so wonderful. Went down for a week so spent much of the time just to the south , on the coast at Argeles Plage, Port Argeles Marina and La Racou -hardest decision being to chose between which of the fantastic beaches, the Bordeux Chateaula Gane Grand Vin @ 1 euro 60 or the Herault rose at 1 euro 40.!!! Excesses of both caused us to miss the weekender opening on Thursday, firstly at the stylish La Rotonde caf with the local Canigo Soul Club DJs, the launch of the new Raph Dumas & the Primaveras 45 'Trip' (Enjoy) and finally RnB time at monthly "Hoo doo Club" run by Paul Newman who spun the vinyl along with guest DJ, Thierry Steuve (Brussels). Friday saw a top night of underground soul at the excellent El Mediator venue, again in the centre of Perpignan. Nice dance floor and two sets each from Carl n Maria Willingham , Paul Rockley, and myself . Brillient sound system and great crowd boosted by the local stylish mods who parked up some concours Lambrettas outside and a wonderful hospitality backstage area for the DJs ....chance to meet up with Paul from Brentford (now resident in Collioure ) Craig ((Toulouse), our wonderful host Raphi, Charlotte, Carlos, Steve n Lydia, Simon n Sam, Mandy, Raffu (Bienne) and Valerie. A wonderful evening finishing at 1.30 am which nicely set us up for the main event on Saturday . Will post more later ,,,,, the Bearsoul blog says it all (and more) .....here it is The Grooviest Thing This Side Of Heaven THE GROOVIEST THING THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN...AKA...' PERPIGNAN SOUL WEEKENDER 2008 ' FIRST OFF ......HATS OFF !!!!!!!! TO RALPHI & CHARLOTTE & THE CANIGO SOUL CASINO TEAM & EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS THREE DAY EVENT SO VERY SPECIAL !!! THE ORGANISATION WAS SECOND TO NONE THE GROOVERS WERE OUTA-SIGHT ...THE DJs WERE TOP ...THE VENUES 'MAGNIFIQUE' !!!! ENJOYED THE CHILL-OUT / WARM-UP AT THE ROTONDE ON THURSDAY LOTSA GROOVEY TUNES & PEOPLE ..PAUL FROM POMPEY ( TOP MAN !) PAUL & MANDY ROCKEY..STEVE & LYDIA etc ALL THE SCOOTERISTS ..TOP GEAR INDEED!! THEN AFTER WE WRAPPED UP THERE ........ THE PIED-PIPER OF PERPIGNAN 'MONSIEUR RALPHI SCORCHER' ...SUPREMO OF 'LAVA RECORDS' (SOUNDS GOOD DUNNIT MATE !!!) LED US IN A CATALAN DRAGON-FORMATION TO A HOT LITTLE JUMPIN-JIVE BACKSTREET CLUB WHERE THIERY & PAUL NEWMAN WERE PUMPING OUT SOME HOT R&B ON A VERY SULTRY EVENING..WHERE WE WERE SURROUNDED BY HIPSTERS & GROOVESTERS AND CARLOS GOT HIS USUAL GROUPIES WHO THINK HE'S SEAN CONNERY ( WHOEVER HE IS ? ) WELL SHAKEN AND JUST MORE THAN A LITTLE STIRRED AND THE SPEECH SLURRED WE STAGGERED BACK TO OUR HOTEL AND HAD A FEW MORE BEERS THEN LAY IN A DARK ROOM UNTILL IT GOT SO HOT WE VENTURED OUT INTO THE BRILLIANT SUNSHINE .....FOR LOTSA COFEE & PANNINIS WITH THE WILLINGHAMS ( ME & CARL PIGGING OUT ON APPLE DOUGHNUTS .. IT'S THE LAW DON'T Y'ALL KNOW !!!! ) FRIDAY NIGHT ACE LITTLE CLUB 'EL MEDIATOR' MORE LIKE BLEEDIN RADIATOR IT WAS SO HOT INSIDE,,,BUT I HAD A BLAST DANCING MY LEGS OFF ....THERE WERE SOME VERY INTERESTING CHARACTERS THERE ..STAR OF THE SHOW HAD TO BE 'ODETTE' WHO EASILY WON THE FLOOR SECTION OF THE UNOFFICIAL DANCE COMPETITION ...SHE SPENT A LOT OF TIME SAT CROSS-LEGGED IN THE CENTRE OF THE FLOOR......JUST WHAT PLANET SHE'D ARRIVED FROM ONLY THE GOOD LORD KNOWS...LAST SEEN SHE WAS WAITING FOR HER SHIP TO BEAM HER ABOARD OUTSIDE....LOVED THE NIGHT.GREAT SETS FROM ALL THE DJs ...TOP ! TOP ! TOP ! NIGHT !!! TALKING OF SHIPS .....BLIMEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE SATURDAY NIGHT VENUE HAD BEEN TALKED ABOUT IN ALMOST HUSHED REVERENTIAL TONES SINCE BEFORE WE ALL ARRIVED...SORTA LIKE 'WAIT TILL YOU SEE THIS PLACE'........WELL IT SURPASSED ALL THE PRE-EVENT HYPERBOLE...... PERCHED ON TOP OF A THE 'PALAIS DES CONGRES' (A SUPER-MODERNE BUSINESS/ARTS CENTRE) THIS VENUE WAS SPECTACULAR...IT WAS LIKE WALKING ONTO AN OCEAN -LINER ( ET DEMI ...AS IT WAS LIKE HALF THE TOP DECK OF A PALATIAL OCEAN-GOING LEVIATHON FROM THE LUXURY DAYS OF STEM-DRIVEN SEA-TRAVEL...OK I'M GOING ON A BIT) IT WAS BREATH-TAKING......ONE HALF OPEN-AIR DECKING WITH STEEL TABLES AND CHAIRS ( ANYONE FOR DECK-QUOITS ??) ..SPLIT DOWN THE CENTRE BY SLIDING GLASS DOORS WHICH LED ONTO A HUGE DANCEFLOOR ........STAGE AND DECKS ONE END..LONG SLEEK BAR THE OTHER END OF A VERY LONG DANCE-FLOOR... IN BETWEEN ...I THINK WE ALL THOUGHT THE SAME THING...HOW ON EARTH ARE WE GONNA FILL THIS.............BUT GUESS WHAT .....YEP A STEADY FLOW ALL-NIGHT AND RAMMED MORE THAN ONCE (POST 11 O'CLOCK AS LOADS ON IN PERPIGNAN AMD FOLKS GO OUT A LOT LATER..BUT WHEN THEY ARRIVED THEY WERE ALL ON A MISSION TO GROOVE) ... THE SOUND SYSTEM WAS ASTOUNDING ....BOY OH BOY I HOPE YA GET THIS VENUE FOR NEXT YEAR.........STUNNING !!!! ACE TO MEET ALL THE SPANISH CREW ..ESPECIALLY THE BOILER CLUB MASSIVE ..CRISTINA . JORDI . ALBERTO . JUAN-CARLOS . EDU..POLLY (BERLIN) ................I'LL GET SLATED IF I START A LONG LIST AND MISS SOMEONE BUT...BIG UP FOR CARL & MARIA . ANDY BELLWOOD & THE FAB DENISE...........EVERYONE WAS FAB !!!..STEVE & LYDIA..PAUL & MANDY ....ACE TO MEET SIMON & SAM !!!! ..RAFFU (TOP MAN ! ) THIERRY !!!!!! KRYSTIAN . PAUL (Official Photographer and all_round top geezer !!) THE WHOLE WEEKEND WAS WAVE AFTER WAVE OF PLEASURE ! MASSIVE THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO MADE US SO WELCOME AND SHOOK YER GROOVETHANG BIG STYLEE !!!!! OH YEAH !!!!! NEARLY FORGOT..THE MUSIC WAS SUBLIME AND NEARLY FORGOT 'ALEXANDRA...WHAT A GENT...AND WHAT A MAD MOTORIST....HE TORE PAST OUR CAB AFTER THE SATURDAY NIGHT AND MADE OUR DRIVER BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES ...THOUGHT WE WERE IN A REMAKE OF THE FRENCH CONNECTION..CHEERS MATE ..TOP STUFF ...AND A FITTING MAD-CAP ENDING TO THE GROOVIEST THING THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN ,,,,' PERPIGNAN SOUL WEEKENDER ' TAKE A BOW EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CY'ALL NEXT YEAR !!!!!!!!! CPTN M & GRANDMASTER V AKA Bearsoul & Sean Connery (lookey_likey). ............PLAYLISTS TO FOLLOW !!!!!!!! Edited June 30, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 (edited) FRIDAY NITE PLAYLIST @EL MEDIATOR SHIRLEY & JESSIE 'IVORY TOWER' MARVELS 'HEARTACHE' AMANDA LOVE 'YOU KEEP CALLING ME BY HER NAME ' BIG MAYBELLE '96 TEARS' NAT HALL 'WHY (IWANT TO KNOW)' INEZ & CHARLIE FOX 'NO STRANGER TO LOVE' BENNY LATIMORE 'GIRL I'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU' CARTER BROS 'SO GLAD SHE'S MINE' JOHNSON SISTERS 'I FOUND MY PLACE' DELLA REECE 'BLOW OUT THE SUN' WILLIE PARKER 'YOU GOT A FINGER IN MY EYE' IKE TURNER & KINGS OF RHYMN' NEW BREED' FAYE SIMMONS 'PLEASE TELL ME I'M YOURS' SONNY KNIGHT 'IF YOU WANT THIS LOVE' DOUG BANKS 'I JUST KEPT ON DANCING ' ETTA JAMES 'SECURITY' CODY BLACK 'I'M SLOWLY MOLDING' RUBY WINTERS 'JUST LIKE A YO YO' THE ASTORS 'IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE' LITTLE MILTON 'SOMETIMELY JOHNNY SAYLES 'MY LOVE IS A MONSTER ' NARBAY 'BELIEVE IT OR NOT' STEVE MANCHA 'DID MY BABY CALL' LITTLE ROSE LITTLE 'YOU'VE GOT THE LOVE' SPELLBINDERS 'WER'E ACTING LIKE LOVERS' BARBARA LYNN 'THIS IS THE THANKS I GET' INCREDIABLES' CRYING HEART' BESSIE BANKS 'BABY YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO GET ME' ANGEL 'SOOTH YOU' KIM ENGLISH 'SIMPLY GRATEFUL' MELVIN MOORE 'ALL OF A SUDDEN' BOBBY THURSTON 'JUST ASK ME ' YOUNG HOLT UNLIMITED 'CALIFORNIA MONTAGE' COMMANDS 'HEY IT'S LOVE' GUITAR RAY 'YOUR GONNA WRECK MY LIFE' CHANDLERS' YOUR LOVE MAKES ME LONELY' HOUSTON OUTLAWS 'AIN'T NO TELLING' COLLINS & COLLINS 'TOP OF THE STAIRS' JOHNNY MOORE 'LONELY HEART IN THE CITY ' RUBIES 'A SPANISH BOY' PLAY LIST SAT NITE @ PALAIS DE CONGRESS George Benson 'My woman's good to me' Billy Stewart 'Look back and smile' The Webs 'Tomorrow' Vontastics I will always love you' Al Williams 'Try them' Willie Tee 'Teasing you again' Jessie Boone & the Astros 'No particular one' The Hesitations 'Go away' Otis Brown 'Will you wait' Earl Lewis & The Channels 'She blew my mind' Sunday 'Ain't got no problems' Marvels 'Keep on searching' Milton Bennett 'Whats one more lie' Mark Lloyd 'When I 'm gonna find her' The Kittens Three 'I 'm coming away at the seams' Herman Harper 11 'Headed for the streets' Grover Mitchell 'What hurts' Gigi & the Charmaines 'I don't want to lose him' Paris 'Sleepless nights' M & M and the Peanuts 'Can't say no' Jimmy Burns' I really love you' Dena Barnes 'If you ever walk out of my life ' Frankie Saunders 'Take another look' Edited July 17, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Guest Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Cheers for the big up bearsoul! Lovely description of the weekend. So long as the nutty driver wasn't in a scenic with uk plates and a Brentford sticker on the back! A couple more photos for now, most are up on me facebook thingy if anyone is interested. Link to comment
Guest Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 (edited) A couple more, it seems you can only put a couple up at a time? Charlotte and Elise, after a long day lounging on Collioure Beach, can't take the pace. These youngsters eh? After finiishing his second drink a customer ponders whether or not he can drive home. (Maybe this was who cut bearsoul up after two drinks?) Edited June 30, 2008 by Fareham_Bee Link to comment
Guest thierry Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Just spoke to Raphi on the phone , approx 330 people attented the saturday nighter. Even if the venue looks big and there is the big balcony outside the maximum authorised capacity is 340 ... well done , a nearly sold out venue Link to comment
Marc Forrest Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Cheers Steve, here's a small clip from Friday night. Was early when most were still out enjoying the warm evening. some friends of mine who travelled (for the saturday) said it was sadly the whole night like this as most tended to enjoy the balcony instead of the dance floor. They should of better have danced their a** off to this nice music Marc Link to comment
Guest Simon Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 some friends of mine who travelled (for the saturday) said it was sadly the whole night like this as most tended to enjoy the balcony instead of the dance floor. They should of better have danced their a** off to this nice music Marc Seems to be a going trend since the smoking ban, i did a do the other Saturday, had over 200 in but never more than about 140 inside the venue at any time, really took something away from the atmosphere imho. Most dos i go to nowadays seem to have the same problem. Simon Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 (edited) Just spoke to Raphi on the phone , approx 330 people attented the saturday nighter. Even if the venue looks big and there is the big balcony outside the maximum authorised capacity is 340 ... well done , a nearly sold out venue words already out that this a really good european soul weekender and so easy to get to ......already lots looking forward to next year and wanting to book -dates ? Edited July 3, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Dave Moore Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 words already out that this is the best european soul weekender ......and already lots looking forward to next year and wanting to book -dates ? Until September that is..... Anyone crossing the border and heading South? If so...bring your dancin' shoes. We don't have a balcony, but we have a dancefloor on the BEACH! Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Until September that is..... Anyone crossing the border and heading South? If so...bring your dancin' shoes. We don't have a balcony, but we have a dancefloor on the BEACH! sounds good Dave , theres' already a few from UK goin ' to this one . Like the dance on the beach floor idea.... Link to comment
Dave Moore Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 If we don't see you in September we'll see you in Perpignan at the next one. Link to comment
Marc Forrest Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 (edited) words already out that this is the best european soul weekender ...... Not so sure about that mate, or have you been to every continental weekender already ? Edited July 1, 2008 by Marc Forrest Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 (edited) Only just found my username after all this time. Wow what a weekend, great to have such great music on the doorstep. Was possibly the best weekend I've had since I got here, Was nice to put faces to names, like Andy, Stevie (and the ladies of course) etc. Met some great people from all over Europe. Am really pleased you all enjoyed our beautiful area, and looking forward to you coming back in August Andy. Congratulations on a well organised weekend Raph and Charlotte. Oh and Simon, am taking bribes not to put up your Jasper Carrott impression photos More to follow but two for now And I know it's not the best filming ever but who cares? keep the photos comin' Paul Edited July 1, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Bearsoul Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 just realised not posted playlists..do it tommorrow folks Link to comment
Guest Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 Just a couple more for now again. Some of the Friday night crowd that braved the heat indoors. Sorry but it only let me upload one photo this time. Link to comment
Tykarim Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 Not so sure about that mate, or have you been to every continental weekender already ? Well, it could be...if people actually get their arses up from the chairs in the balcony and dance! I know the effort that involves doing a weekend like this (congrats to Raphi & Co for making it possible), and, realy it's got to be said, the venue was simply superb! But, having been there last year too, i think that (even being a bit "squeezed" ) the party atmosphere was much better in The Republic Cafe (was it the name..?)...I simply don't get the fact the crowd this year preferred to have a chat or a cigarrette outside than to dance on a superb wooden dancefloor! Btw, nice to see some of the "old faces" from Perpignan there, wonder where they were last year...? Raphi, PM your e-mail address, got something for you Edu Link to comment
suedehead1970 Posted July 2, 2008 Share Posted July 2, 2008 First of all, a very big thank you to everybody! Thank you Andy and Denise for helping us promoting the weekender, thank you Carl and Maria, Chris (and Mister Sean Connery!), Paul and Mandy, Thierry, Steve and Lydia, thanks to all the people who helped us, and thanks to all the people who came over from spain, france, belgium, switzerland, germany, UK... I had a very good time, less stressed than last year!!! Took some time to come back to soul-source because of my job, and it took time to recover from the WE! Link to comment
Little-stevie Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 words already out that this a really good european soul weekender and so easy to get to ......already lots looking forward to next year and wanting to book -dates ? .. Lets get a date sorted asap.. Its gonna be a busy time next year with the wedding stuff... Thanks for all your hard work Andy... Link to comment
Guest Posted July 3, 2008 Share Posted July 3, 2008 .. Lets get a date sorted asap.. Its gonna be a busy time next year with the wedding stuff... Thanks for all your hard work Andy... Plus the Terriers maybe in a play off final eh Steve? Link to comment
Little-stevie Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 Plus the Terriers maybe in a play off final eh Steve? Fingers crossed we make the 1st two but wembley would be nice.. Speak soon mate and good luck with the job search... .. Keep the hanky on that bald head that sunshine... Can we get any more footage sent to us mate???? you did film for quite a while on the Saturday... Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 (edited) First of all, a very big thank you to everybody! Thank you Andy and Denise for helping us promoting the weekender, thank you Carl and Maria, Chris (and Mister Sean Connery!), Paul and Mandy, Thierry, Steve and Lydia, thanks to all the people who helped us, and thanks to all the people who came over from spain, france, belgium, switzerland, germany, UK... I had a very good time, less stressed than last year!!! Took some time to come back to soul-source because of my job, and it took time to recover from the WE! in all the feedback , no one mentioned 'Wattstax' part of the Perpignan Soul weekender programme -'shown at Cine Rive Gauche 19th /20th -the film of the concert given in August '72 at the Watts Stadium , Los Angeles in memory of the riots in '65 .Concert featured Isaac Hayes , Bar-Kays, Little Milton, Rufas Thomas ...... also ...the excellent Catalana Paella and red wine served at 11pm on the Terrace at Palais de Congres venue nice one Raph Edited July 4, 2008 by andybellwood Link to comment
Guest Posted July 4, 2008 Share Posted July 4, 2008 Well, it could be...if people actually get their arses up from the chairs in the balcony and dance! Just for the next time. Put as less chairs and tables as possible on the balcony! raph Link to comment
Andybellwood Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 Just a couple more for now again. Some of the Friday night crowd that braved the heat indoors. Sorry but it only let me upload one photo this time. Hi ya Paul, any more photos ? Link to comment
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