Passing the Open Mic UK audition

I'm pleased to say that, yesterday afternoon, accompanied by my wonderful percussionist, Marie, I passed the audition for Open Mic UK with flying colours.

After the audition when we were taken to one side and told that the Birmingham heats were the toughest of all to pass, as the standards are so high, I was half expecting to have failed -lol! Not so: we were then told we had wowed the judges with 'pure talent' ..

The next stage is to compete in the regional finals at the NEC on October the 4th. It would be great to see some friendly faces there so, if anyone wants to come along and support me and Marie, I'd really appreciate it, as the audience also gets a vote in who wins.

Tickets for the event where we compete in front of a judging panel of press and media representatives, record company A&R and music biz professionals, and an audience of hundreds, are £8 apparently. (Just message me if you want to reserve one – non of the money goes to me, I hasten to add -lol!)

Thanks to everyone who's already promised to come along and support us! :)
 x

Meeting to save Dudley Hippodrome, followed by a visit to the Candela Folk Club

 

It was great to catch up with Garry 'Blackcountrygaz' Sawers and Rovi Osinborn recently (23rd July) at the Station Hotel. We attended a meeting, along with other supporters the esteemed Dudley Hippodrome building, to try and save it from destruction.

 

Garry and Rovi are truly passionate about saving Dudley Hippodrome and turning it into a fantastic venue for live music and theatre. Marie (my percussionist) and I were only too happy to lend our support to such a great cause. Well done guys, if anyone can save the Hippo it's you!

Many famous stars played there over the years, and though, sadly, it has fallen in to disuse over the years, there are a growing number of good folks who would like to see the Hippo restored to it's former glory.

 

During most of the 90s I worked in a guitar shop (Modern Music), just over the road from the building, so I've grown rather fond of the place over the years and would hate to see it pulled down. Let's hope this fine historical and still relevant building can be saved. Thanks Garry and Rovi for keeping me up-to-date with all the latest developments – we'll certainly be lending our support to the cause – and for your thought-provoking comments:

 

Garry: 'Your a good man Brett, people like you help me and others to stand up for our heritage. We are all links in a Black Country chain that's getting longer and stronger. I'm glad you're a link mate! God bless ya.'

 

Rovi: 'Thanks for the support Brett & Marie, always good to see you both, it was a good meeting that surely opened the eyes to the opportunity we have going to waste if we're not allowed to take it forward. Thanks again.'

 

***

 

Later on that night, there was just time for me to pop out to a local folk club and perform a few songs solo. It was a good opportunity to catch up with John and Linda Collier, and everyone at their Candela Folk Club – always a great, friendly venue. Best of all, in-between performing, I won a Toblerone on the raffle! :)

 

Linda: 'Great night Brett as always, a wonderful relaxed evening and some really great songs, Pity we have to head for home at 11.30 ish! Lovely to see you and best wishes to Marie xx'