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Great music, great venue, and a decent donation to a local worthwhile charity.what could be better ?

Based upon an original idea from joint promoter Monochrome Museum Internet Radio, this was a storming Christmas night of live music showcasing the region`s musical talents. And if the response of this sell-out audience was anything to go by, then next show can`t come quickly enough.

The historic Bonded Warehouse, resting next to the canal (or the `Cut` as it is known in the local Black Country dialect), provided the ideal setting for three hours of musical festivity. There were great sets from JACK`S LEGACY, DAN HAYNES, CAROLINE 7, THE UNDERAGE and CHORALE MINISTRIES GOSPEL CHOIR with a range of music from Indie and Acoustic through to Rock and Gospel.

All of this was wonderfully compered by the inimitable John Mono and Moll The Bat from MONOCHROME MUSEUM internet radio, with the help of the unique SQUASHED COB and the sound engineering skills of the `Mule`, from BLUE GIRAFFE.Thanks for additional help on the night must also go to Dale and Peej from the Stourbridge ACOUSTIC SOCIETY , Colin from the BONDED WAREHOUSE, and of course to all the team at GEORGE TORTOISE.

Whilst the artists were obviously the stars of the evening, the `winners` were undoubtedly the audience who were entertained so superbly, and The HOPE CHARITY, who were presented with a cheque for £528.55 in support of their work in the local area on behalf of underpriveledged young people.

PLEASE SEE LINKS PAGE FOR ALL ARTISTS FEATURED IN THIS REPORT.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8TH, 2007
`CHRISTMAS BY THE CUT 2 "
@ Stourbridge Town Hall, Stourbridge, West Midlands.

A George Tortoise promotion in association with Monochrome Museum
The decision to move this event from The Bonded Warehouse to the much larger Town Hall proved to be a good one. A large crowd turned out to witness an incredible night of music in the historic surroundings of the re-furbished Stourbridge Town Hall, scene of former shows from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pop Will Eat Itself and The Wonderstuff.
Opened and compered throughout by John Mono and Moll The Bat from the wonderful Monochrome Museum, the show got of to a magnificent start with a storming set from Andrew Long`s London-based Blue Casbah. The talented songsmith presented a full-on performance of his recent material, supported by a tight international three-piece , receiving a tremendous response and doubtless many new fans from the enthusiastic audience. This young man is destined for great things, that`s for sure.
Dan Haynes, Stourbridge singer-songwriter, provided a thoughtful and beautifully crafted follow-on set, enchanting his listeners with his honeyed vocals and exquisite guitar playing. Dan is a quality performer, and this was no exception. There were a good number in the audience who knew of his work, and they left him in no doubt as to just how good they thought he was.
The night was headlined by Ian Parker and his band. If there is such a thing as Stourbridge `Rock-Royalty` then he is it. His 90 minute stormer showed just why he is acclaimed across the UK and Europe as one of the best blues and roots performers in the business. With the voice of an emotive Joe Cocker, and the guitar playing of an eager E C, he alternately seduced and then energised the big crowd with a combination of sensitive roots-driven songs and driving blues. Every ending brought tumultuous applause, interspersed with shouted requests for numbers from his recent album `Where I Belong`. Parker did not disappoint, and even threw in an atmospheric acoustic solo rendition of `With Or Without You`, as part of his encore. This was a triumphant homecoming for the Stourbridge-based musician, one he most thoroughly deserves. Those leaving the show knew that this had been one of those special nights; a modest, self-effacing yet hugely talented musician, playing to his hometown fans. What could be better?
END NOTE: The show raised £2,100.25 for Cancer Research UK; a tremendous result. In addition, we would like to thank the incredible team of people who made this evening such a success, and especially John and Moll @ Monochrome Museum. We were also greatly indebted to Dale, Sam and Little Sam @ Acoustic Brew, the Monochrome Museum Global Village , and of course mostly to all of the musicians for their tremendous performances.