When you attend a multi venue festival it is customary to check the programme for who is playing where and select your favourites and work out your own timetable to try and catch the bands you think want to see. In theory.
The practice in my experience is entirely different and is why festivals can be such exciting places to be. There are always artists performing whom you have never heard of and some of the best acts at an event of this kind are often caught by accident rather than by design. Andrew Allen fell squarely into that category recently when he performed at Bollington's Mind, Body and Boogie festival.
Andrew hails from British Colombia in Canada and had made a speculative enquiry with the festival organizers about a possible spot on the bill before he left for the UK for a jaunt to try and promote his newly finished self produced album 'The Living Room Sessions'.
Why not ? thought the organizers.
Andrew opened the proceedings on the main marquee stage on the Saturday afternoon. A bit of a rotten spot really. Most of the punters were still in the pub and the marquee was populated by musicians, stewards, sound and light guys, organizers et al, all going about their business preparing the afternoons proceedings. Undaunted, Andrew did a quick sound check and kicked off.
It took about a dozen bars to realize we had diamond in the room. Most of the activity ground to a halt as all eyes and ears focused on Andrew.
He is a very talented young man indeed. Great songwriter, very accomplished guitarist and a fine singer. What sets him apart from others of the same ilk is that he is a fantastic entertainer. He thrives on an audience and they thrive right back at him. His performances are a totally enjoyable experience. We weren't going to waste this guy on one spot, so it was hastily arranged for him to play another three across two of the festival venues. He is still around in the UK and last Sunday he paid a visit to The Hollins on Black Rd, Macc where he provided the entertainment for Chris the landlord's birthday celebrations. It was great night, all the better for Andrew entertaining us. Almost everywhere he visits for the first time re-books him immediately. This was no exception, Chris re-booked him for the 11th October. Put it in your diary. Aside of that he will play Toast bar in Dukes Court on Sunday evening Oct 5th, yes everyone wants a piece of this guy. Catch him (more than once) before he goes home.
Next Wednesday (8th) at Bluefunk at the WMC is a benefit night featuring many of the fine players who have graced the place of the past few years, eg Jim Kirkpatrick, Dave Richmond, Virginmarys, Barry Barnes (Sinnerboy), Cactus Moon and many others. Could be the jam session of the century!
Support live music (it's good for the soul)

Garry the Hat