Oct 2006
The Barn, Witton, Birmingham
28/10/06 06:27
Venue- The Barn, Witton, Birmingham.
Date- 21/10/06
Reporter- Ann Gregory
The day started off well with a call from the Manager of the 'Barn' asking if we wouldn't mind sharing our table ( thankfully not our meal) with 3 other couples. The show was a sell out and he needed to fit more people in. Sighing with relief that it wasn't anything more serious (like we hadn't got a seat) i gave him the okey.
With hubby in charge of the AA road map and me at the wheel we set off early, hoping we would arrive at the Venue with plenty of time to spare.
After the usual ' i thought you knew the way?' and 'i told you we should have brought the A-Z.' followed by' The multi map would have been better' ' this AA road map is rubbish'! we reluctantly had to stop a couple of times to ask for directions ( the girls and i would never have got lost!) finally driving straight past saying 'oh there it was'!
Arriving on the car park with five minutes to spare (aimed for 7pm) fortunately finding a spot to park.
People were already queuing when we got to the door, waiting for the doors to open( not allowed in untill 7pm.
On entering the Venue my first impression was it was very much like a working man's club, which in fact was what it turned out to be. The stage was in the middle with tables all around. I was rather disappointed with our seats (used to front row!) As everyone started to come in most of them were regulars to the club. I wasn't feeling too happy at this stage, but decided i was here to enjoy myself and see Dave, so wouldn't let the place put me off. Hubby was quite happy not to be sitting on top of the stage!
As we sat down, very friendly waitresses were soon handing out menu's and taking our orders for food, which was speedily placed in front of us. I have to say the food was really nice. We ate our meal and chatted with the others at our table, all interested in Dave, with tales of when they had seen him in the early days. lovely people who chatted with us as if we were regulars there too.
There was a big screen playing music video's while we were eating. My only criticism at this point being that we were in the 'No smoking' area, yet were seated in front of the smoking area, we ate our meal with smoke swirling about our heads, which wasn't nice. The words' I'm here to see Dave, don't let it get to you! ringing in my ears.
It was quite amusing to see several of the regulars coming in with their bags full of sandwiches. Ah bless!
They seem to have quite a few good acts on at the club, tonight being no exception! Ticket prices were low and food prices very reasonable. The seating however was on a first come first served basis. Hence the queue's to get in!
At last at 9.45 the show was getting started, We had noticed on the stage there was a glass of water and a glass head! No tin of paint this time!
Firstly came the warm up singer. Then at last! the lights dimmed and a voice said ' please welcome on stage Dave Berry and the Cruisers' The band entered the stage, started playing the introduction, while my eyes scaned the stage to see which side of the curtain Dave would appear from, then there it was the white glove appearing round the curtain, and as the music played Dave slowly made his way onto the stage, an arm a leg and finally Dave was out on the stage and rocking straight into Route 66.
There was quite a lot of background noise from people chatting at the back of the room, and people travelling to and from the bar. Dave , being the true professional he is was not put off by any of this, carrying on with Tulsa time, encouraging the audience to clap their hands and join in which most did, especially our table!
With his usual excellent rendition of Dusty Springfields ' Going Back' next, there was more of a hush in the place, although some people were unable to remain quiet for a few minutes, a shame because he does this song so well.
Undaunted he rocked through more songs with plenty of audience participation clapping and singing along. I wanted to stand up and rock along, but as no one else did, i reluctantly remained in my seat. Eventually getting up to rock when i could resist no longer.
Towards the end Dave introduced the band members individually to much appreciative applause. Thanking the audience he left the stage, returning to loud applause , he then carried on with the hugely popular Crying Game, then finishing all too soon with The Price of Love. rocking right to the end.
All too soon the show was over, back on for one last very well deserved loud burst of applause, and as he left the stage picked up the glass head ( i really must find out about this head !!)
Well done Dave, yet another professional performance.
The incident with John's beer was one of the highlights of the evening, but thats another story!!
Date- 21/10/06
Reporter- Ann Gregory
The day started off well with a call from the Manager of the 'Barn' asking if we wouldn't mind sharing our table ( thankfully not our meal) with 3 other couples. The show was a sell out and he needed to fit more people in. Sighing with relief that it wasn't anything more serious (like we hadn't got a seat) i gave him the okey.
With hubby in charge of the AA road map and me at the wheel we set off early, hoping we would arrive at the Venue with plenty of time to spare.
After the usual ' i thought you knew the way?' and 'i told you we should have brought the A-Z.' followed by' The multi map would have been better' ' this AA road map is rubbish'! we reluctantly had to stop a couple of times to ask for directions ( the girls and i would never have got lost!) finally driving straight past saying 'oh there it was'!
Arriving on the car park with five minutes to spare (aimed for 7pm) fortunately finding a spot to park.
People were already queuing when we got to the door, waiting for the doors to open( not allowed in untill 7pm.
On entering the Venue my first impression was it was very much like a working man's club, which in fact was what it turned out to be. The stage was in the middle with tables all around. I was rather disappointed with our seats (used to front row!) As everyone started to come in most of them were regulars to the club. I wasn't feeling too happy at this stage, but decided i was here to enjoy myself and see Dave, so wouldn't let the place put me off. Hubby was quite happy not to be sitting on top of the stage!
As we sat down, very friendly waitresses were soon handing out menu's and taking our orders for food, which was speedily placed in front of us. I have to say the food was really nice. We ate our meal and chatted with the others at our table, all interested in Dave, with tales of when they had seen him in the early days. lovely people who chatted with us as if we were regulars there too.
There was a big screen playing music video's while we were eating. My only criticism at this point being that we were in the 'No smoking' area, yet were seated in front of the smoking area, we ate our meal with smoke swirling about our heads, which wasn't nice. The words' I'm here to see Dave, don't let it get to you! ringing in my ears.
It was quite amusing to see several of the regulars coming in with their bags full of sandwiches. Ah bless!
They seem to have quite a few good acts on at the club, tonight being no exception! Ticket prices were low and food prices very reasonable. The seating however was on a first come first served basis. Hence the queue's to get in!
At last at 9.45 the show was getting started, We had noticed on the stage there was a glass of water and a glass head! No tin of paint this time!
Firstly came the warm up singer. Then at last! the lights dimmed and a voice said ' please welcome on stage Dave Berry and the Cruisers' The band entered the stage, started playing the introduction, while my eyes scaned the stage to see which side of the curtain Dave would appear from, then there it was the white glove appearing round the curtain, and as the music played Dave slowly made his way onto the stage, an arm a leg and finally Dave was out on the stage and rocking straight into Route 66.
There was quite a lot of background noise from people chatting at the back of the room, and people travelling to and from the bar. Dave , being the true professional he is was not put off by any of this, carrying on with Tulsa time, encouraging the audience to clap their hands and join in which most did, especially our table!
With his usual excellent rendition of Dusty Springfields ' Going Back' next, there was more of a hush in the place, although some people were unable to remain quiet for a few minutes, a shame because he does this song so well.
Undaunted he rocked through more songs with plenty of audience participation clapping and singing along. I wanted to stand up and rock along, but as no one else did, i reluctantly remained in my seat. Eventually getting up to rock when i could resist no longer.
Towards the end Dave introduced the band members individually to much appreciative applause. Thanking the audience he left the stage, returning to loud applause , he then carried on with the hugely popular Crying Game, then finishing all too soon with The Price of Love. rocking right to the end.
All too soon the show was over, back on for one last very well deserved loud burst of applause, and as he left the stage picked up the glass head ( i really must find out about this head !!)
Well done Dave, yet another professional performance.
The incident with John's beer was one of the highlights of the evening, but thats another story!!
Venue:Oakengates Telford
04/10/06 08:42
Reporting:
Ann Gregory
Date: 23rd September 2006.
Ok Girls! Dry run done a couple of days before to find out exact location of Venue. Dave Berry 'Singles' cd in player, best togs on Off the three ladies go to 'The Place' ready to rock!Must say the Venue was excellent, good parking,loads of facilities for those with wheelchairs.Early as usual, so it's three glasses of wine while we impatiently wait for Dave to arrive.After purchasing our 'Recorded live presumed missing' cd (nice cd) we enter the Oakengate's show hall, its lights sparkling like the night sky, excitedly taking our seats on the front row!
We scan the stage as rays of multi-coloured lights illuminate the guitars and drums, awaiting the band members to bring them all to life once more.
Passing time chatting we become a little confused by the tin of paint and pint glass on the stage, perhaps even a little worried!
Ten to eight, smoke,(dry ice) starts to rise from the stage, making excited fans and their families fall silent in high anticipation. There is a loud bang and an agonising groan! Then a brilliant white glove, followed by the immaculately dressed Dave Berry (he still gets the heart racing) appears from behind the curtain. With his tailored dark grey suit and usual black sexy shirt, accessorised by fine white gold bracelets, we are clearly aware that these things only enhance the kind and thoughtful gentleman we know beneath.
Just into the show he says he is happy to be with us all, then adds that at his age he is happy to be anywhere, 'Ah Bless'!
With a selection of songs, each rendered in his usual professional manner, from Baby its you, Route66, Moma, Crying Game and getting us all rocking with the 'Price of Love.' There was a hushed silence fron the audience as he sang his beautiful rendition of Dusty Springfield's 'I think i'm going back' leaving most of us with a lump in our throats.
By the end we were all up dancing, clapping and shouting for more, and getting more! I think Dave was enjoying it as much as we were.
Sadly there was no more time left for him to sing (where did it all go?) and he thanked everyone for coming, 'Our Pleasure'. Finaly leaving the stage he stopped to pick up the can of paint and said 'Oh well back to the day job!' We can only imagine him still singing with paint brush in hand. A true artist.
Wow what a show, the best yet. Every song flowed into the next. Thank you Dave, can't wait until the next show.
Date: 23rd September 2006.
Ok Girls! Dry run done a couple of days before to find out exact location of Venue. Dave Berry 'Singles' cd in player, best togs on Off the three ladies go to 'The Place' ready to rock!Must say the Venue was excellent, good parking,loads of facilities for those with wheelchairs.Early as usual, so it's three glasses of wine while we impatiently wait for Dave to arrive.After purchasing our 'Recorded live presumed missing' cd (nice cd) we enter the Oakengate's show hall, its lights sparkling like the night sky, excitedly taking our seats on the front row!
We scan the stage as rays of multi-coloured lights illuminate the guitars and drums, awaiting the band members to bring them all to life once more.
Passing time chatting we become a little confused by the tin of paint and pint glass on the stage, perhaps even a little worried!
Ten to eight, smoke,(dry ice) starts to rise from the stage, making excited fans and their families fall silent in high anticipation. There is a loud bang and an agonising groan! Then a brilliant white glove, followed by the immaculately dressed Dave Berry (he still gets the heart racing) appears from behind the curtain. With his tailored dark grey suit and usual black sexy shirt, accessorised by fine white gold bracelets, we are clearly aware that these things only enhance the kind and thoughtful gentleman we know beneath.
Just into the show he says he is happy to be with us all, then adds that at his age he is happy to be anywhere, 'Ah Bless'!
With a selection of songs, each rendered in his usual professional manner, from Baby its you, Route66, Moma, Crying Game and getting us all rocking with the 'Price of Love.' There was a hushed silence fron the audience as he sang his beautiful rendition of Dusty Springfield's 'I think i'm going back' leaving most of us with a lump in our throats.
By the end we were all up dancing, clapping and shouting for more, and getting more! I think Dave was enjoying it as much as we were.
Sadly there was no more time left for him to sing (where did it all go?) and he thanked everyone for coming, 'Our Pleasure'. Finaly leaving the stage he stopped to pick up the can of paint and said 'Oh well back to the day job!' We can only imagine him still singing with paint brush in hand. A true artist.
Wow what a show, the best yet. Every song flowed into the next. Thank you Dave, can't wait until the next show.