Nov 2007
October
08/11/07 16:02
Saturday
September 29th. Seacroft Holiday Camp,
Hemsby
It’s about three years since we were here and the venue is the large ballroom. The accommodation is absolutely superb with what looks like a completely refurbed apartment with all the mod cons. Around 6.30 we head off to the staff room for a welcome evening meal, although in my confused state I end up eating fish and potatoes with gravy on it, ugh! Back in the venue a boy and girl duo are getting the large crowd into a good party mood. At approx. 10.oopm we hit the stage running as we rock out on our opening number “I’m Ready”. >From here on , we get down to our usual mix of Dave’s 60’s tracks and classic and comtemporary rock’n’roll, all of which seems to be a crowd pleaser. Afterwards we bid a fond farewell to Johnny and Jason who head off through the night back home due to other commitments. In the meantime Dave, Brian, Tony (Johnny’s Dad and our radiofonics man for the evening) enjoy a relaxing pint or two before we head off back to our apartment to dream of another day.
Tuesday October 2nd. Pontins Holiday Camp, Pakefield
A quick (very) return down to Norfolk for the annual 60’s Pontins bash. Due to various other commitments, our band line-up tonight is Brian on bass, myself on drums, my son Chris on guitar and John Blackstock on keyboards, dubbed the Dave Berry Modern Jazz Quartet! Actually we’ll be playing our usual set but with possibly a different sound. Tonight we’re opening for the great Marty Wilde who it’s always great to see and work with. To save some messing about some of Marty’s band The Wildcats will be using some of our gear so we get that organized before we do our sound check. The good people of Pontins always allow some hospitality as we make our way to the large dining hall for a hearty evening meal. Later, backstage Marty’s tour-manager bring in two of his prized poccessions in the shape of two magnificent Gibson J200 guitars and as they were pulled out of their cases we just gazed at them longingly. Just before we’re due onstage Marty himself arrives and it’s great to be up close to a real rock’n’roll legend. Showtime and we’re out onstage ready to give the audience what for. Into our usual rockin’ mode as the audience crowd the front of the stage. The band sound great and it’s a personal thrill for me to see and hear Chris playing the classic licks in Crying Game., etc. After our usual hour-plus set we acknowledge the audience’s response before we potter off backstage to dry out a little. Suitable relaxed we all convene to the bar to watch Marty’s show. Of course it’s great, although we wondered about the inclusion of Rawhide. Maybe Dave ought to include Robin Hood in our set?! As always Marty puts on a fabulous show and the 800-plus crowd show their appreciation accordingly. We’re staying over tonight so another relaxing finish back in our chalet with a hot cup of Ovaltine and some Mills & Boone (eh?)
Friday 12th. October, The Sands, Gainsborough
Only about thirty minutes drive from home for this, another show with the Marmalade boys. The venue is actually the old Gainsborough Town Hall and has now being transformed into a superb live music venue. Basically, a jazz venue, looking at some of the names who have played here and are going to play here, although tonight the music is of course of the 60’s beat variety. After sound-check we go up to the superb VIP lounge where we’re treated to a delicious evening meal, followed by coffee and a look at some of the many books on some of the great jazz/swing legends that are scattered about the room. Tonight’s showtime is a little later than it usually is on the 60’s Night Out shows and we go on at 9.30. The elite crowd certainly seem to enjoy what we have to offer as they rock along with the music. Afterwards Dave and I set up the merchandise stand where we’re surrounded by a friendly bunch of people who relate stories of when they saw Dave in that area during the 60’s.
Whilst The Marms do a bit of Oo-bla-di, we’re packing up and ready for the off and take advantage of the location and get home at a reasonable hour.
Saturday 13th. October, Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock Another familiar venue with our third appearance there. Due to a few problems sound-check is running late, so we nip down the road to meet up with those two girls about town Toni and Jenny. Back at the theatre it’s anothewr early start of 7.30 so we hastily put our band tunics on and get ready for another parade of the pops. The audience, as on previous occasions, are most receptive and give us another good night. Out in the foyer in the intermission we’re doing the biz with the CD’s, photos, etc as more fans come up to have their photos taken with Dave and take home some of his music via the CD’s. Afterwards we’re joined by Sue (Sneddon), Toni and Jenny for a relaxing drink before we set off homeward.
It’s about three years since we were here and the venue is the large ballroom. The accommodation is absolutely superb with what looks like a completely refurbed apartment with all the mod cons. Around 6.30 we head off to the staff room for a welcome evening meal, although in my confused state I end up eating fish and potatoes with gravy on it, ugh! Back in the venue a boy and girl duo are getting the large crowd into a good party mood. At approx. 10.oopm we hit the stage running as we rock out on our opening number “I’m Ready”. >From here on , we get down to our usual mix of Dave’s 60’s tracks and classic and comtemporary rock’n’roll, all of which seems to be a crowd pleaser. Afterwards we bid a fond farewell to Johnny and Jason who head off through the night back home due to other commitments. In the meantime Dave, Brian, Tony (Johnny’s Dad and our radiofonics man for the evening) enjoy a relaxing pint or two before we head off back to our apartment to dream of another day.
Tuesday October 2nd. Pontins Holiday Camp, Pakefield
A quick (very) return down to Norfolk for the annual 60’s Pontins bash. Due to various other commitments, our band line-up tonight is Brian on bass, myself on drums, my son Chris on guitar and John Blackstock on keyboards, dubbed the Dave Berry Modern Jazz Quartet! Actually we’ll be playing our usual set but with possibly a different sound. Tonight we’re opening for the great Marty Wilde who it’s always great to see and work with. To save some messing about some of Marty’s band The Wildcats will be using some of our gear so we get that organized before we do our sound check. The good people of Pontins always allow some hospitality as we make our way to the large dining hall for a hearty evening meal. Later, backstage Marty’s tour-manager bring in two of his prized poccessions in the shape of two magnificent Gibson J200 guitars and as they were pulled out of their cases we just gazed at them longingly. Just before we’re due onstage Marty himself arrives and it’s great to be up close to a real rock’n’roll legend. Showtime and we’re out onstage ready to give the audience what for. Into our usual rockin’ mode as the audience crowd the front of the stage. The band sound great and it’s a personal thrill for me to see and hear Chris playing the classic licks in Crying Game., etc. After our usual hour-plus set we acknowledge the audience’s response before we potter off backstage to dry out a little. Suitable relaxed we all convene to the bar to watch Marty’s show. Of course it’s great, although we wondered about the inclusion of Rawhide. Maybe Dave ought to include Robin Hood in our set?! As always Marty puts on a fabulous show and the 800-plus crowd show their appreciation accordingly. We’re staying over tonight so another relaxing finish back in our chalet with a hot cup of Ovaltine and some Mills & Boone (eh?)
Friday 12th. October, The Sands, Gainsborough
Only about thirty minutes drive from home for this, another show with the Marmalade boys. The venue is actually the old Gainsborough Town Hall and has now being transformed into a superb live music venue. Basically, a jazz venue, looking at some of the names who have played here and are going to play here, although tonight the music is of course of the 60’s beat variety. After sound-check we go up to the superb VIP lounge where we’re treated to a delicious evening meal, followed by coffee and a look at some of the many books on some of the great jazz/swing legends that are scattered about the room. Tonight’s showtime is a little later than it usually is on the 60’s Night Out shows and we go on at 9.30. The elite crowd certainly seem to enjoy what we have to offer as they rock along with the music. Afterwards Dave and I set up the merchandise stand where we’re surrounded by a friendly bunch of people who relate stories of when they saw Dave in that area during the 60’s.
Whilst The Marms do a bit of Oo-bla-di, we’re packing up and ready for the off and take advantage of the location and get home at a reasonable hour.
Saturday 13th. October, Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock Another familiar venue with our third appearance there. Due to a few problems sound-check is running late, so we nip down the road to meet up with those two girls about town Toni and Jenny. Back at the theatre it’s anothewr early start of 7.30 so we hastily put our band tunics on and get ready for another parade of the pops. The audience, as on previous occasions, are most receptive and give us another good night. Out in the foyer in the intermission we’re doing the biz with the CD’s, photos, etc as more fans come up to have their photos taken with Dave and take home some of his music via the CD’s. Afterwards we’re joined by Sue (Sneddon), Toni and Jenny for a relaxing drink before we set off homeward.