Best ever Chillinight?

Was this the best ever Chillinight? As I swept the floor of the Audlem Scout and Guide Hall in the relative quiet of Sunday morning, I contemplated the comments I heard the previous night.

It had certainly started well, the Duffey Boys gently waking the evening up with Embrace / Coldplay's 'Gravity' and finishing their brief set with Costello's 'Watching the detectives' (OK, I'm slightly biased – but did it really set the scene for the evening?), the now growing audience in the hall creating a friendly, warm atmosphere as the first band up prepared themselves.

MaturityThen Igloo Invasion really showed their maturity for a young band, first seen in Audlem in 2009, they have become a really tight 5-piece band, especially given the space on the 'stage'. One of the best Arctic covers along with Muse's 'Supermassive black hole', really showed their prowess.

A change of style as Same Old Noise, side project Same Old Boys, took the stage – superb vocals accompanied by the subtle drumming on the Cahon, and the softness of a nylon strung guitar. No holding back on the tempo though, and the introduction of the bass for the last number adding a further dimension to the Marshall's band.

HelloThis really set the stage for what was to follow, the introduction setting an expectation, and armed with a ukulele Hello Big World said hello. At the mere mention of fairies the youngsters all sat down and a relative hush descended the audience, and Hello Big World, Aimee & Elly, a duo from Congleton, said "Hello" to Audlem.

Described by themselves as 'Pop Punk Folk Vegetarian Band' they captured the audience with self penned numbers. Had I heard a reception for an artist like this before at a Chillinight? "No" would be the fairest answer, and there have been some good ones.

How would the Milkman of Venice follow this? As only two masters of their craft could is the answer, the lyrical master that is Brian supported by intricate guitar playing that is Jann Naef. Adding yet another musical direction to the evening, Brian's vocals and lyrics echoed the hall as he told poignant stories and observations of the world in his songs.

David Nettleton & Kelly Brammer then launched in to their set, adding to the quality of the artists' performing this night, with a mix of vocal qualities and array of stringed instruments delivering some memorable covers, the audience now also taking to the floor.

MemorableThis evening, I reflected, had indeed been memorable, and just as some of the younger audience members had to leave, the Carol Smith Collective, a Foxy Wellingtons side project, took to the stage and rocked the evening away with a mix of covers and self penned work, keeping the dancers up and then chilling the evening with a Reads influenced number. Local lads, brought up on the local music scene, now adding to the local music scene.

All the helpers, donators of chillies, and supporters of live music, that's who also make this a special event, and the night's audience had certainly played their part and added that certain something to the evening.

So, after all this reflection, was it the best ever chilli night? Maybe. It was good.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.