Well,  Kidderminsters first contemporary music festival is over, after a years planning.

The event was a great success right through from the soul/hip hop of Cantaloop,on Thursday night at the Tap  House to King Rich and friends acoustic set on Monday night at Kidderminster Library. The alternative/indie rock on Friday night at the Town Hall gave us a total mix from the death metal of Weak 13 to the indie rock of the Lines from Wolverhampton, it was a shame it was not better attended. Saturday night at the Town Hall was a powerful, eclectic mix, everybody shone. Carlisle Egypt gave a wonderful bleak soundscape about the legendary jazz singer Billie Holliday. Debbie Bonham impressed with her powerful vocals and special guests, brother Jason on drums and vocals! And Robbie Blunt on guitar. Ian Parker was awesome with his emotional take on the blues. Mike Sanchez was brilliant as usual, he had a six piece  outfit with two outstanding saxists : Martin Winning on tenor ( plays regularly with Van Morrison) and Nick Lunt on baritone (plays regularly with Jools Holland). Sunday afternoon at Stourport Boat Club featured classic r’n’b with Ricky Cool and the Hoola Boola Boys and blues piano and vocals with Sam Payne. All in all a good start, next year will be even better and don’t forget Volume 2 of ‘Get Your Kicks on the A456 should be ready for September 2009.

Dont forget, a reprint of the 'Get Your Kicks on the A456' is now available and volume 2 is due in September 2009. To buy a copy please visit kidderocks.com

In Aid of....

Spinal Reasearch Spinal Research are a group of top medical scientists from around the world who are working with stem cells that can reactivate damaged nerves. John Combe co-promoter of the Kidderminster Music Festival has been paralysed for over five years, but lives in hope  that Spinal Research will help him to walk again. » Visit web site

The Proton Effect Established informally in 2006 as The Jackie Jennings Appeal to provide financial assistance to cancer sufferers in the Wyre Forest area, the fund is now an official charity known as The Proton Effect Charity, the name taken from the Proton Beam Therapy that Jackie needed. Since her treatment in the USA, partly funded by events organised by her friends and family, including concerts by Robert Plant and The Return of The Honeydrippers and Mike Sanchez and the Portions, Jackie now has a new job, is planning her next holiday and, most importantly, is happy and healthy. » Visit web site