Simmertones to build on last year's success
Rich said: "2009 was a good year for The Simmertones because we recorded and released our debut CD entitled Introducing the Simmertones — Volume One.
"In addition we gigged regularly throughout the South West.
"In fact 2010 promises to be even better. Engagements are already scheduled through this year at a number of the band's established haunts, as well as some new venues. We'll also be recording a promotional video as well as tying-in with a record label for the promotion and distribution of our CD.
"Our first appearance of the year is tomorrow at the Lavender House Hotel, Ashburton, previously known to Devon gig-goers as The Lanterns. Support on the night will be in the form of a full DJ set from Simmertones lead singer Glyn Wilcox.
"In recent times, Glyn has built up a big following for his Ska Au-Go-Go sound system residency at the Totnes Barrel House. He spins everything from 60s classics through 1980s Two Tone, plus more modern ska and reggae hits.
"The Simmertones will be welcoming Totnes-based jazz sax player Neil Maya to their ranks for the Ashburton gig and, along with regulars Sam Smith on trombone, Keith Waller on sax and me on cornet, fans can expect a big, big sound on the night.
"Admission to the Lavender House is £5 per person and fans can expect a special night of entertainment as the band kick off the year in their own distinctive style."
IT DOESN'T seem a whole year since I was previewing the third Ryanstock Weekend at Ryan's Bar in Torquay.
However, it must be one year ago, because I've heard from Dee, the Ryan's Bar licensee, who has been in touch with details of this year's event.
Dee said: "Ryanstock IV starts tomorrow and runs through to and including Sunday evening.
"The event is being held in aid of Rowcroft Hopsice and donations will be taken on the door. The fancy dress theme this year is The Jungle.
"As for the music, Friday features the bluegrass outfit The Diggurs, plus the skiffle band Three Legged Dawgs, and the acoustic blues duo KT Blue.
"Saturday's programme includes the reggae band Stokey, plus punksters Oiz 2 Men and rock outfit Sky Skratchers. Sunday's all-metal Ryanstock line-up includes Enemy Within, plus Destruction Preventer and Vanadium.
"Once Ryanstock IV is finished on Sunday night, it's back to normal with the Ryan's Bar weekday programme. On Tuesday it's acoustic night and on Wednesday evening, it's blues night."
SOUTH West Blues spokesman Julian Piper called me earlier this week with news of a concert he's staging at the Globe Hotel in Topsham on Saturday evening at 8pm.
Julian said: "Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three are all the way from St Louis in Missouri, USA, via Edinburgh's prestigious Celtic Connections.
"Pokey and the boys rip out a contagious mix of rambunctious swamp riverboat blues 'n' country, all tinged with humour and the kind of down home attitude which just don't come around that often.
"Tickets for the event are £8 each and all telephone inquiries are being handled on 01392 873407."
SOUTH Devon's jazz fans have a treat in store over the next few days thanks to the first Roysters Jazz Weekend of 2010.
The event is being held at the Bancourt Hotel on Avenue Road in Torquay and it starts at 8.15pm tonight with a visit to the venue by the Judy Eames Kaminsky Connection.
The programme for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday features afternoon sessions from 1pm and evening sessions from 8.15pm on all three days. The bands taking part are the Tony Oesko Quartet, plus Steve Graham's Classic Jazz; JB's Jazz and Blues Band; Reeds United, featuring John Maddox and George Huxley; John Shillito's Select Six and George Huxley's All Stars.
Admission will be £8 per person to the afternoon sessions and £10 per person to the evening events.
All telephone inquiries are being handled on 01803 311291. See the LoweDown Gig Guide below for more details.
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