News / Blog - Gigs & Bands News

I popped over to Jersey to photograph the School of Popular Music Easter Elementary Gig at Chambers followed the next day by the students Busking in St Helier.

Whilst this was a new venture for the Jersey branch of SoPM it was soon clear to me that the ethos and ambitions are exactly like the longer established Guernsey School. The teaching is led by a talented and enthusiastic team who encourage the students to try hard and fulfill their ambitions.

There was the same excitement in the young performers and they all felt a great sense of achievement after performing on a 'real' stage and then out on the streets of St Helier.

I can highly recommend SoPM to all parents. You will see your children's confidence grow and it is a great way for them to make new friends and develop new skills.

This Gallery features some of the performances:
CLICK TO VIEW THE NEW SoPM JERSEY EASTER EVENTS

With a few minutes to spare I had the opportunity to pop in to the 2023 Thirst Music School Battle of the School Bands at Beau Sejour.

My time and access was limited and I only saw the second half of the show... but I was lucky to catch the winners!

Lots of young talent was on show!

I've added a few pics to this new Gallery. Just click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 BATTLE OF THE SCHOOL BANDS

The 2022 School of Popular Music Christmas Showcase was a busy night packed full of Live Music and young talent.

Once again SoPM treated their students to the opportunity to play at one of Guernsey's most famous live music venues on a stage that many music legends have stood. There have been a lot... but how about Elton John and Wilko Johnson for starters!

The SoPM team did an amazing job organising fourteen bands (I lost count of how many musicians!). That adds up to a LOT of change overs!

I was really impressed by the standard of talent on show. But also the 'professional' attitude that has been instilled into the youngsters. They were ready on time for the switches, they got straight on with the 'job', they worked through occasional issues with equipment and clearly loved their moment in the spotlight.

All together the resulting show was a great tribute to the work the tutors have done with their young proteges.

These Galleries showcase all the acts...
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM 2022 CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE

Christmas must be just around the corner again as the Guernsey School of Popular Music has just produced its annual Christmas Concert!

This event features some of the youngest students as they start their musical journeys. The 2022 concert was held in front of a packed audience of families and friends at Vale Church Hall.

There were smiles all around and the seasonal smell of Mince pies and mulled wine.

It usually takes a bit of an effort for me to get into the Christmas spirit (I know I'm a miserable old git) but seeing all the young beaming faces of the performers has started the magic working!

Enjoy this gallery which features some of the performances...
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM CHRISTMAS CONCERT

OK, a simple question, but one that would take a week to try and answer.... and I certainly don’t have the time to do that!

And the question is... ‘What makes a great photo?’

I said it was a simple question. Just five words!

Of course if you are thinking about trying to answer you will soon realize that there are endless variations/situations/subjects/intentions/preferences etc. etc. etc. that make capturing every photo different from the next.

So, did I say a ‘simple’ question? You now see that it is far from that.

But perhaps I should explain why I was faced with this quandary. Today it was reported that the legendary rock guitarist Wilko Johnson has died.

I have been fortunate to photograph Wilko on several occasions so I thought I would look through my pics of his performances to post a couple as a tribute. As I looked at the gallery I kept finding pics that I really liked. I began to pat myself on the back for doing such a great job... until it dawned on me why so many of the pics had a bit of extra ‘magic’ when compared to my other gig photography.

It was nothing to do with me. It was ALL to do with Wilko Johnson!

My part in taking the pics was simply to ‘record’ what was in front of me. It is proof that if a photographer is ‘assisted’ by having a distinctive and dynamic character as a subject the job is half done before it starts!

I have amazing memories of Wilko’s performances. He dominated the stage and entranced the audience to the extent that you didn’t want to blink in case you missed something!

What a legend. One of the true greats. RIP Wilko. Thanks for the memories.

If you fancy looking at some of the Wilko magic this is a link to a Gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF WILKO JOHNSON

Like many 'old school' photographers I started my career shooting on black & white film.

Now more than five decades later I find that my 'first love' has stayed with me throughout life. It seems that there always remains a place in our heart for the 'first one'.

So having completed the edit of the 46th Guernsey Chess Festival (in colour) I allowed myself to indulge in a little nostalgia by selecting a few of the images to develop into black & white.

I have to admit that I loved the exercise and I could so easily give up on colour for the clarity, focus and purity that a mono-tone image produces.

Seeing these images has re-awakened the young photographer in me... from fifty-three years ago. You can expect more B&W pics from me in the future...

Take a look at this small edit of Black & White Chess pics. I hope they grab your attention as much as they do for me:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACK & WHITE CHESS EDIT

This was the second night of live music organized to celebrate the life and musical talents that Andy Coleman had enjoyed and shared with so many. After the previous weekends Jazz for Andy gig this one was to feature the guitar and popular music bands.

St James was sold out with a waiting list of hundreds so many people were disappointed to miss out!

The evening was both emotional and a fun party. For me the most touching memory was when Andy's daughter, Clara, joined Sons of the Desert for a couple of songs.... wow, wonderful!

All those who knew Andy know he would have loved everything about the evening as music and friendship are meant to be enjoyed in the company of those you love.

I hope these galleries help to illustrate and remember the atmosphere of the night.....
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE GIG FOR ANDY

Local musicians gathered at St James to celebrate the life, the music and the friendships they shared with Andy Coleman in a night titled 'Jazz for Andy'.

Many good memories were shared by the musicians as they took to the stage. Some chose to tell us what was so special in their friendship with Andy. They often repeated how he would always offer support and encouragement. Also his natural talent playing such varied genre's of music impressed many.

I think that what touched me on the night was the fact that Andy had almost always played a 'supporting' role in the bands he was in. He wasn't a 'frontman' or 'pushy' to take the spotlight but his wonderful personality shone through and he clearly made a lasting impression on all those around him... without even trying!

It's such a loss that he is gone - but what a way to celebrate such a lovely persons life. Rest at peace in our memories Andy. xx

I've added a gallery of pics featuring some of the performances:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE JAZZ FOR ANDY NIGHT AT ST JAMES

This was a new event organized by the School of Popular Music in 2022.

SoPM have already established a tradition of offering aspirational musicians and singers the chance to perform on the 'bigger stage' but the 'Music for Everyone' somehow re-invented what has gone before.

The venue was the theater stage at Beau Sejour which offers professional sound and lighting. New talent performed with the full support of SoPM tutors allowing them to enjoy the big stage. I have to say that I thought the concept was fantastic.

But there was more to the show. After each artist finished their act they were invited down in front of the stage for a short interview. This was both a way of allowing time for the change between acts but was much more than that as we were able to enjoy the personality behind the performance and what inspired it.

This was a really great format. Well done to all the SoPM tutors and the support they gave to their students.

This is a massive gallery of pics.... you can tell that I was impressed!!
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM MUSIC FOR EVERYONE SHOW

The Corporate Bands went into battle on the expansive stage at Beau Sejour on Saturday night. Competition was tough but the fight was fair and no blood was spilt!

This was the third School of Popular Music Corporate Battle of the Bands and like previous years the standard of performances was high and song choices varied.

The company bands taking to the stage were AFM, Guernsey Electricity, First Central, Guernsey Post and Butterfield. They were joined by Agilisys, last years winners, who opened the event and the SoPM Tutors Band who played a couple of songs to allow time for the judges to agree on the winners.

I recognized quite a few band members as 'regulars' in local bands. However their usual experience on pub stages is playing in cramped dark corners so it was special even for those active musicians to play on a big stage with great sound and lighting to match. They even had dressing rooms!

The band that picked up the trophy was Guernsey Post. They were undoubtedly the most popular amongst the audience and the judging panel of four agreed. They were my choice too as they had put together the 'complete performance package'. Well done guys.

The whole event was brilliantly organized and every performer that I talked to was buzzing with excitement and achievement. So there is only a year before we can all do it again....

Follow this link to view all my pics of the battle:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The 2022 School of Popular Music's Under 18's Battle of the Bands at Beau Sejour was very competitive with all five competing bands arriving on stage well rehearsed and ready to perform.

The audience got behind every act and as the judges commented after each performance it was clear that it would be a close run thing to find the winners.

After the judges totaled their scores covering every aspect of the bands live performance the winners were announced.

Cross Road picked up this years trophy. Well done guys!

I've added a Gallery featuring all the U18's bands.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 U18's BATTLE OF THE BANDS

I guess it is one of those unspoken rules of photography that when a photographer attends a Mega-sized (interesting) event he will be left with a Mega-sized edit to work through when he returns to the studio!

At least that seems to be how it works for me!

I've already posted a Blog commenting on how fantastic the 2022 Vale Earth Fair was for the sell-out crowd who flocked to Vale Castle.

Well I managed to take around 600 pics of the festival during the twelve hours I was there! This is quite impressive I think as I also found time to drink MANY pints of ale too!

The easy part was actually taking all those pics as the atmosphere was amazing... and who wouldn't feel lucky to be able to call standing in front of a live band on stage whilst drinking and taking pics their actual 'day job'!! That's me. Yes I know I'm pretty lucky.

However the actual edit can be a drag, but once I get into a rhythm I seem to be able to fly through the pics. The tip is to only use the tools that Lightroom offers and not to get too 'fancy' with the edit.

Even then a 600 pic edit takes hours and I'm pleased to say all VEF pics are now online, yeay!

I hope you like them.... they can be purchased online - hint, hint!

This is a link to all VEF 2022 Galleries:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 VALE EARTH FAIR GALLERIES

The 2022 Vale Earth Fair was back at its best after the restrictions of recent years.

The Vale Earth Fair Collective had done an amazing job keeping this little treasure of a festival ticking along whilst facing the huge challenge of the Covid years. Guernsey residents had appreciated and supported their endeavors.

But free of restrictions the 2022 VEF showcased what this festival does best. Once again we had a great lineup of visiting bands together with the best from Guernsey. This attracted a sell-out crowd.

So it turned out to be another vintage year. I think the most notable thing was the mix of people in the crowd, which is always diverse, but this year included many more of what I can only describe as 'full-on festival goers'.

Maybe they have now discovered our little secret?

I've been working on my edit of the pics of VEF and there is a growing Gallery that can now be viewed here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2022 VALE EARTH FAIR

Kiya Ashton & the Folkadelics are a new band on the Guernsey scene and they have quickly developed their own sound. They've already attracted a following during the summer of 2022 and are certainly 'one to watch'.

Their most recent gig was supporting The Pips at St James where they looked at home on the big stage.

You can view the pics of Kiya & the Folkadelics at St James by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW KIYA ASHTON & THE FOLKADELICS PLAYING AT ST JAMES

The Pips packed the place!

The crowd at St James was treated to one last performance from The Pips before the band head off to the mainland to try their luck on the bigger scene.

I've enjoyed watching how their performance and style has quickly evolved and I imagine that we will see even greater things from them next time they play locally.

I was amongst a gaggle of photographers capturing this gig and my pics are now online here if you are interested:
CLICK TO VIEW THE PIPS AT ST JAMES

The 2022 edition of the SoPM Summer School Gig was as busy as always.

The stage was set at the Fermain Tavern and ten young bands were lined up to perform in front of family and friends. This is an ambitious challenge for the SoPM tutors but they are now 'old hands' at this!

Their reward comes from seeing the students happy faces and their sense of achievement after performing in a band... often for the first time. The seeds are sown and the future promises lots of live music. Good news!

Ten bands to photograph during the gig has its own challenge for a photographer. I'm very aware that the families and friends don't want me standing in front of their videos and cameras. So my viewpoints are restricted.

Also as there are so many changes of line-ups the stage often has 'unused' mike stands and instruments getting in the shots making it a challenge to get 'clean' images.

Topping off that problem was the bigger one of the lighting. As expected the stage was lit by LED units and (again as expected) they were set to cycle between full green - red - blue solid colour.

There was no additional white fill or back-lighting. Any of you who have worked in this environment will know how hard it is to capture the great results you would like. A lengthy edit correcting colours in Lightroom is inevitable.

But I have to say that all the difficulties are out-weighed by the pleasure of seeing the young performers enjoy their moment on stage. This is one of my favorite gigs.

My pics are now online if you want to take a look:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM SUMMER SCHOOL GIG

Today was a sad occasion. My good mate Andy Coleman was laid to rest after passing away much too young.

Andy was an incredibly talented musician - but far more than that.

He adored his family above all else but he had room in his heart for a huge group of friends too.

Andy affected and charmed all those who got to know him. He was generous and caring by nature and such great fun.

It can be said that some people never fulfill their potential in life. That certainly can't be said of Andy. He faced up to the challenges before him and always maintained his sense of humour.

Now his family have amazing (and happy) memories to help them through these hard times.

I will always remember how much fun Andy was be be with. He always had a story to tell but was also there for anyone who needed a friend.

Rest in peace Andy with Tracey. I hope you can handle arranging the music score for the harps!!

Supported by Guernsey Arts the long established and experienced Elysium played as Pink Floyd to two full houses at Beau Sejour, 27th and 28th May 2022.

The gig was notable for being 'the complete package'. All aspects of a large scale gig were covered with a high quality live performance by Elysium complemented by great sound, lighting and graphics designed by local students.

The result was certainly a memorable highlight of the Guernsey music scene.

This gallery features my pics of the second night....
CLICK TO VIEW ELYSIUM as PINK FLOYD

The Vault in St Peter Port has become the mainstay of live music in town largely due to the tireless support and organization by Mark Guillou.

Mark's involvement in the local scene goes back so far it would be rude to start quoting figures. But I'm going to guess you would need all the digits on one hand to count the decades he has been playing in bands!

Recent years has seen him settle in The Vault organizing Open Mic nights and busy weekends of live music.

I'm aware that I don't give the coverage this live venue deserves. After all, as I've already said, this is where you can be sure to get your gig fix and photographing bands is what I do!

Sadly the popularity of the Vault is what makes it a difficult place to take pics. The area around the stage is very tight to work in. Also the lighting is a real challenge. Of course both those aspects make little impact on the audience as the packed nights prove. It's just us precious photographers who complain!!!

I do however make occasional visits and I've uploaded pics from a few weeks ago when Coastal Fire Dept. and Clameur De Haro made an appearance.

Click on these links to view my pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF COASTAL FIRE DEPT
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF CLAMEUR DE HARO

Whilst sorting out a couple of old folders I've found a few pics that never made the edit. They are now safe and as the days get shorter I seem to have found a job to keep me occupied during the long evenings!

How about this new Gallery for starters. It features Third Time Lucky when they played The Fermain Tavern in 2019... Times where a lot different then!

Follow this link to view the pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THIRD TIME LUCKY PLAYING AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN