Mike

Friday January 10th and all roads lead to the Plinston Hall in Letchworth, Herts for 6hrs of across the board Rare Soul with The Usual Suspects and our special guest...Mr Ginger Taylor. With the added attraction of the R&B/RnS room (The Mojo Room) also open this looks set to be just as packed as our opening night. For those yet to experience a Mafia event then in brief the main hall holds 400, the Mojo Room 100+, open 8pm-2am, loads of free parking, cheap bar, fantastic atmosphere and HUGE posters on the wall that have always gone by the end of the night (Hmmm!) Entry is £6 OTD but be warned the event usually sells-out by 10pm on the night and tickets are selling very well for this one. Box Office number for advance tickets with a credit card is 01462-672003. (Letchworth is Jkt 9, A1(M), Jkt 13 M1 and 30 mins from Londons Kings Cross for those who cant open a map) We look forward to welcoming old faces back again and new faces into our family. The Modern Room will be open at the next event (Fri. March 7th) with our regular Guru SOUL SAM resident alongside Taffy and both the Mojo and the main hall open as well. So, come along and experience a great FUN night out with people who are not all there really! The full skinny can be obtained by calling Jane on 0162-731543 (tell her a friend of ours sent ya). Herts - Full of Soul!

Ok here we go with a look back at last nites xmas monkey. 8 o clock doors open, few early people already in, Not attempting much vinyl info, as still scrambled and as a lot of nite was spent darting about, was a case of missing a lot of vinyl going ons First up was Colin Wood one of promoters of the great Halifax Yorkshire Riders Club, got to say many thanks to Colin, fairly long story but end of day Colin put in a lot of effort to do this spot and know myself and Steve really appreciated this. And so it seemed did the early punters, numbers bit sluggish at first, so dancefloor bit underused. But Col dished out a great set, with many passing on appreciative comments . Nice one and many thanks again for the support Colin. Have to mention Shirley as always good bounce and just when thought had finally got rid of riders flyers.... Big things going on at bar by now, with the monkey 2 4 1 bar promotion going on to 9 30. Numbers were picking up, and also the Chameleon (second) Room with new format "all era soul" was into full swing. Sue with help from Janine at first then Julie had the door thing going well smooth, cash, free cd, xmas raffle, Dave F doing his bit as well Next up was Brian Ellis, resident just down the road at Broughton along with Soul Sam. This outing hitting a more 60s format, from bits what I saw/heard all really good stuff. And since have heard a fair few well good remarks. DMSC Regular Rob Thomas up and at them next, vinyl retention at alltime low at moment, even his first 45 which can remember saying no way will forget this has gone.Help! By now crowd wise numbers were up on last one and as had passed that oh so satisfying mark called "break even" it was a case of relax Main guest Dave Rimmer was up for next hour and did a great set, afterwards said how much he enjoyed it says lines of "had a feeling of being let loose". Vinyl managed to grab top 5.from nite. 1. Brooks Brothers - Looking For A Woman 2. Magnetics - I Have A Girl 3. Vondells - Hey Girl 4 The Caressors - I just cant stay a 5. Little Charles and Sidewinders -The Loner - Decca - think Dave said first time he played this - could be dodgy info Steve T on hearing Caressors did his now familar trick of letting it slip that has a copy of this at home somewhere, I did my now familar reaction of shaking my head and wondering if he was sent to torment me! And then was sure that he was, as said cost him 4 quid. Was going to reply stroking my chin, popular Rotherham spin possibly round 1980 but as didnt know that till 15 mins ago didnt Andy Rix returning from his travels was back on main stage and pushed out a great set, interesting one of nite was a "other" version of "Id think it over twice" which said recently aquired, of course straight away asked Andy details and then, yes straight away forgot them, some other interesting sides, hopefully Andy will fill in details (cop out yeah i know !) Crying Time, The Hurting Is Over, and more monkey were out and about. Great stuff top form. Finishing off nite was the 30 min "monkey till you drop" spot, bit of a change, in past guy doing local dj spot did it, but steve and meself do it now as felt was missing a bit of contunity. First had the xmas raffle to get outta way and first winner was Stuart from St Ives who won the ten 45s soul pack, the next up winner choose as prize the bottle of wine, then 30 secs later sent back by his wife to exchange it for one of those furry Monkeys The wine was later on claimed by Ann A Some current and popular north wales coast stuff got dished out.over the last 30 mins, "Monkey till you drop" meaning anything goes Crowd wise, was good to see numbers up compared to last one, especally as a fair few other events were on as well. A fair few travellers from all stops North West, Yorkshire, St Ives, Kent, Midlands Cambridge, and beyond To me seemed a well good buzz to the nite, all feedback that heard so far was/is highly positive Chameleon Room - The second room format changed (some may note the name ) , this time went for all-era soul format Chico, Mark S and Phil B had volunteered to supply sound kit for this and supply the main sounds, Along with guy whos name missed apoliges delivered a great mix of sounds Paul Baldwin was the guest dj and caught a fair bit with some quality year 2k+ stuff. From all heard the format worked really well, with a great mix of all-era stuff, the full range.Awaiting some plays from the djs and will push up all info as know theres some who are interested. Along with full report of going ons and views from this room. Big thanks to Chico for getting equipment and sorting out. Already had a lot of good feedback, big thanks to all djs and crowd ..........more soon. Namechecks - Gotta say just too many to mention, Regards to all Thanks - All Djs, as said all feedback on the nite given it a thumbs up, door crew - all things well smooth, members - one of the enjoyable things about the monkey is the support we get, like people just popping in briefly to show support, plus many helping us out in many ways. Promotion - As always doing this show flying on the seat of our arse, most of cash goes on making sure that we deliver the best in quality soul and djs, cause of this main promotion is just word of mouth and flyers. If can spread the word, be it on fanzines, telling muckers, internet email lists,and so on be a help. Future - Watch out for future event date, djs locations and more soon Endline - Thought attendance may have been dodgy with xmas, events on close by, similar events elsewhere, and all that. Turned out no worries, numbers were up on last one. Own feeling of it was a great nite, of course as co-promoter my view always just that bit different than others. Feel free to post up yours cheers mike

Hope all had a top xmas! Lots of news and all that All in place for a great nite at the Monkey tomorrow nite (Friday) Djs in main room Andy Rix, Rob Thomas, Guests Dave Rimmer Brian Ellis Colin Wood Second room goes all-era with guest Paul Baldwin bringing bit of revitalised upstairs at tonys to the springfiled along with some of North Wales finest all-era spinners Plus free cd (first 50) and lots of other xmas going ons Buzz about the forthcoming Feb 1st spectacular niter in London - CROSSFIRE being the name with what has to be one of the most strongest dj line ups ever seen, (see earlier post for list) this seems it is going to be one of the big ones in 2003. Likes of this and others such as Prestatyn Weekender and even more "real" quality northern events planned and going strong 2003 seems is going to be a top year! Niters coming up include Mick hs Nottingham one off , Bretby and Goldbourne, along with soul nites all over the place during next few days Still to come, review of Standing In The Shadows Of Motown Film, more plays from recent events, a look back at the year 2002 and more Laughable mainstream media article number 327 : Recent Sunday Observer featured more bullshit from the "fantasy world " of Northern Soul. Dale Winton ??....that about sums it all up

Dear all, A Merry Xmas and a stonking New Year to all of you at Soul Source and the Drunken Monkey from your friends at the 6Ts Mafia in North Herts. Long may your rather groovy site continue to bring us the news and views on the scene and the tongue in cheek coments that have become your trademark. We look forward to posting you all the skinny on the Plinston Hall events and the latest flyers and special flyers (Soul Sams will be landing with you by Jan 6th) as well as photos etc. We have confirmed the booking of Tony Warrot and Pete Hulutt for our May 9th event and hope to be able to post all the star DJs for next year very shortly. That said, have a great Christmas and bring on 2003!!!!!! TheBigO

Keele - the event Thought was a good one, large crowd in and well busy To me everything was on the ball Had a great time and know many other did. DJ line up was a pleasure to read, Mick Smith, Butch, Ady C, Bob Hinsley, Dave Welding, Dave Rimmer Keith Minshull Roger Banks were the billed line up From what I saw of the floor it was busy most of time and great reaction to all sounds. Great seeing stuff like Butchs Jean Carter cover up get such a floorfilling reaction Some great sets, know some thought a few "safe" ones but meself thought balance was achieved and defintely was no call to retire to cafe while so called big names bore us with overplayed crap Sounds still ringing in head had to be yet again Vanguards "good times bad times" and the wonderfull Eric Lomax cover up! (is it true that even mick s doesnt know the true details of this outrageously good tune. Good to hear Dave Rimmer first time for a while, and reckon his appearance at next monkey will do the buissness Crowd wise, seemed well busy when got in, espically at the bar, faces from all over Uk , including a fair few havent seen for a while. Was last day of me sell off spare vinyl thing campign, which was a relief as cant even keep a eye on me fags never mind a record box And laughs allround at my haggling wheeler/dealer skills Overall was a great nite to me, next one is on first weekend of April. And after this one got to say taking in all factors, crowd, venue, dj line up Even after just two niters its got to be already one of the best Northern Niters around and compared to the "old" keele a completely different event. Hats off to the promoters! News: SKM Latest SKM out on the streets and seems like as always its a must buy. Full of usual info, news, reviews and much more. Highly recommended Check out the Soulful Kinda Music website in links for more details along with online info etc etc Bury and Wrexham Travel plans and xmas made it a one event weekend.for me Heard from Kit and Caz that Viv Coulson did a great spot at Bury on Friday Dick j says Wrexham RAFA was a good one on Friday Notts Union Spoke to Mick h about his Notts Union Nites and all seems going very well. With quality dj line ups and sounds and crowd to match already being acclaimed as one of the top northern nites JazzFM Caught it for first time for ages, Ginger was guest as always a laugh, Shame the "how many times Prestwich is mentioned" pool isnt still going, though pretty impresive some of the connections Mr Searling uses as a excuse to mention it "its now coming up to a quarter to Prestwich." Enjoyable hour before got on the wrong side of the welsh mountains Crossfire 01 Feb Flyers were out for this new event - with a top grade line up with djs from some of the best and respected soul clubs/nites/niters in London. Causing a fair old bit of interest and anticipation this one already.

2003 - Word of a great new event on Feb 01 More details follows later, its a 3 room event and it promises to be one of "the" events of 2003 Taster - just check out the line up of just one of the rooms!!! CROSSFIRE 10pm - 6am @ The International Students House, 229 Gt. Portland St. Regents Park London Ouch! Room 1 the 600 capacity Soul room with the LONDON UTD DREAM TEAM djs (100 club) Ady Croasdell Butch Mick Smith (Scenesville) Andy Rix, Dawn Brown Nick Brown (Capitol Soul Club) Irish Greg Alan Handscombe (These Ole Shoes) Jo Wallace (Valatone) Soulful Chris PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS Ginger Taylor&Roger Banks more details soonest Lot of stuff to go up - time short so hopefully all awaiting stuff will be up soonest

You may have seen details out and about Second room what we call The Chameleon Room is "changing" format for this one Its going to be a case of All-Era soul Paul Baldwin is main guest in second room and took time to pass on his current plays: Paul bs top 5 The Groove Junkies - Inside my soul Big Moses - Trust yourself Anthony Flanagan - Its alright Michael Procter - Fall Down Jodie Watley - Photographs Team Factory featuring Kenny Bobien

A friend at work just told me about this... DA pennebaker and Chris Hegedus go in search of the great soul performers who were left behind by disco. On their journey they find and record legendary soul stars that have never stopped singing: Wilson Pickett, Sam Moore (of Sam&Dave), Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), Isaac Hayes, Jerry "Only the Strong Survive" Butler and the ChiLites. Combining new recordings with archival footage is a permanent film document of classic rhythm and blues stars - some 25 years after the hits stopped coming. "A dream movie soundtrack... its fascinating to watch a group of artists who still get an enormous buzz from performing." Judith Prescott, The Hollywood Reporter. USA 2001, Directors Chris Hegedus, DA Pennebaker. Showing at the National Film Theatre (NFT1 11:45 Sat 25th January Cheers Johnny T

"AND WONT IT BE FINE" ADY, MICK, CRISTINA&HORACE PLAYING THE BEST NORTHERN AND 60S SOUL OF THE PAST 40 YEARS (INC IM GOING XMAS SHOPPING!) £8 ON THE DOOR, MSHIPS NOT NEEDED BRING YOUR LIVER

Still getting word back on the last one, seems defintely hit the spot No apoligies for below, just passing it on as made our day! Quote had last nite on the November one was "Can honestly say that since early 70s have never had such a nite of hearing so many quality and fresh soul sounds in just one place in one nite!!" (Avoid embarrasment have left guys name out, any cynics just email us and will send email of the person) Well gotta say full credit to all the last event djs Rob Thomas, Carl Willingham, Andy Dyson, Mick H (Notts) Mark Speakman and credit to all members as well whos "up for it" attitude helped make it a most memorable nite. Know myself was in a state of sore mouth by the amount of drop jaw sounds dished out. Pure enjoyment... ! Hear buzz about the Friday 27 Dec one building, all things in place for a xmas rare soul cracker, quality rare soul sounds dished out by exciting passionate djs, top venue, punter friendly all the way, is whats on offer. Check DMSC bit for full info on line up and all rest plus photos from last one up Plus new second room format

Funny, dont know if Yorkshire was in some sort of time warp but heard a few thought Halifax and Sheridans was on this weekend, while regular followers of soul source event guide will know score on Halifax at least. Both on next week Very big buzz on Keele niter next week, seems word is that this revitalised venue is a must get to. Know went to the last one before it closed and the first one after it re-opened and the difference was massive - a complete different event to me. Was a 3 hour period that first nite that rivals any other event in last year for atmosphere and all that to me. With yet another strong line up inc likes of Ady Croasdale, Butch, Mick Smith, Dave Rimmer, Bob Hinsley, Roger Banks, Dave Welding, Keith Minshull It seems that this Decembers niter could be an all out blast, looking forward to it Albrighton Real life and travel probs meant had to dip out on this one, reports say was a top one, quality 60/70s sounds, quality passionate djs, great crowd. Well sounds like venue is back, and with its revised format, ( Paul C said to me format was "Quality 60/70s and punter friendly") sounds like its another "must go to" event for the northern soul fan Dome CSC Xmas bash Heard not so busy numbers wise but very busy enjoyment wise. Plays will undoubtely be on CSC site soonest (Paul O asked me to pass on how much enjoyed the Dec 7 event - so passed on)

Bury - Speaking to Neil Jones on weekend and he was good enough to take time to pass on his top 5, (always appreciated) its up in the Llandudno niter look back post below. Passed on news of next Bury town hall North Manchester Soul Club nite featuring a strong girls DJ line up on the 20 Dec with likes of Viv Coulson, Lynn and Donna Davies, Gill Dawber, Lizz Foster, Sandra G, Wendy Korol and loads more. 8pm - 1am being the times, 2 rooms, website and more info at http://geocities.com/northmanchestersoulclub Know a few of us making rough plans to get there to catch Viv C, (nowadays with all goings on and such dont know what doing tomorrow never mind 4 days ahead! but hopefully will come off)