5 minute read
LIVE MUSIC RETURNS?!
Article by Gemma Baker
It’s a Saturday. Not just any Saturday. The first Saturday since lockdown began that live performances outside have become legal again, and Tired Bear Bookings wasted no time in organising Lincoln’s first live music event at one of Lincoln’s most long-standing independent pubs:
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THE JOLLY BREWER.
We’re in the spacious beer garden, it’s a warm July evening and the atmosphere is filled with equal amounts of excitement and apprehension. Groups sit at their tables a little rigidly, there’s a sense that we’re doing something wrong. It’s like drinking after prohibition. Is everyone sure we’re allowed to do this? Like, we really want to, but what if we do it wrong? Are we allowed to sing? Dance? Or do we sit, nodding rigidly whilst trying not to have too much fun then head home at a sensible time? Punters grasp ice cold pints with relief, and begin to slacken their spines a little as the alcohol and good company begin to soothe the many months of solitude and anxiety that most have endured. Some have already visited pubs since they reopened, whilst for others the event was a perfect opportunity to see friends and talk to other pub-goers again.
We all sit eagerly waiting for the music to begin. The organisers are making the final kit checks as local musician Ben Simmons takes a seat on the Brewer’s unique outdoor stage. Not only is the event a much-needed relief to the audience, it’s also a huge beacon of hope to a community of musicians who have spent the last four months gigging online via live streams, and in many cases, have not been gigging at all. The cost of lockdown, both financially and mentally has been enormous, and as Ben rings the first legal live note on stage there feels to be a collective exhale amongst the creative community and audiences alike. “It felt so good to witness the lighting of the musical flame once again! Music brings everyone together and Saturday evening was evident of that! I’m so thankful to be a part of that moment.” said Ben.
He kicks off the set with a cover of ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ in Ben’s distinct soul-filled soothing voice. It’s July, I’m in a beer garden with a cold pint, good friends, and live music. My soul is happy. Ben continues to soothe us with a couple of laid back covers, before treating us to his trademark song ‘Olivia’, a slightly faster song, with a catchy chorus that you can’t help but sing along to, whether you’re allowed to or not. Ben’s last song is his powerhouse cover of ‘It’s a Man’s World’. Considering how huge of a song this is, and how many times it's been covered, Ben makes it his own, and gets to really showcase the power of his voice and his soulful guitar playing.
Adam Perkins of Tired Bear Bookings makes sure that the changeover between performers is both smooth, and safe. Hand sanitiser is, well, on hand and performers bring their own microphones and guitar leads to avoid any danger of cross contamination, with microphone stands cleaned between performances. Free wristbands are given out to those that have booked ahead to ensure the audience doesn’t exceed the allocated fifty-person capacity. There is room between tables and social distancing is mainly upheld.
The speed and professionalism of the organising of this event is a huge credit to Tired Bear Bookings, though it wasn’t without anxiety “I felt a little stressed initially due to last minute organisation (of the event) and trying to remember how to set up the bloody PA! With the added social pressures of, oh, we’re all together in a pub again! This aside, the musicians were amazing. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun while respecting the guidelines set out by The Jolly Brewer. I’m very much looking forward to the next upcoming shows!” said Adam, reflecting on the event’s success.
Michael Logan takes the stage next. A well-known face in the local music community, as both a performer and organiser, with his notorious blend of high-energy covers, originals, and audience interaction. An improvised (and rather explicit) song about penguins helps to break down any residual anxiety in the crowd. It’s a pleasure to see so many people smiling and enjoying themselves. Michael included.
Next up we see Sarah Hughes, another regular face on the local scene both as a solo artist and band member. The crowd are a little louder after the previous performer’s shenanigans and her set seems to feel a little drowned out at first, but it’s soon remedied by Adam at the sound desk. Sarah follows suit with a mix of covers and originals, bringing along with it her unique sound and stage presence.
Sarah Hughes Live at The Jolly Brewer
Photo: Tired Bear Bookings & Promotions
George Shelley arrives on stage in his bright festival raincoat to see in the end of the night. A great decision by the organisers as he is an intuitive crowd-reader and knows how to bring energy and charm to the stage. George is probably one of the most prolific performers currently on the Lincoln scene, and has quickly become a well-known and well-liked member of the community (who can resist that cheeky smile!). He treats us to some Johnny Cash, Arctic Monkeys, Gnarles Barkley, and an original for good measure. The crowd cannot resist singing along, and there may, or may not, have been a smidge of dancing.
The night begins to blur into a heady warmth of music, laughter, and joy. For a little while we forget about the global pandemic, we forget why we are angry, or sad, or anxious, and we let go. That’s the power of music. I think it was that. Though it could have been the Jäger bombs.
The night is a success on all fronts. A much needed income for the pub. A much needed platform for the performers. And a much needed release for the audience. All while ensuring the safety of the performers and public. Proving that Lincoln’s music scene is both thriving and robust. As Ben Simmons said “Lincoln’s music scene may be smaller, but we are loud, supportive and we are passionate. I hope the scene in Lincoln continues to progress and evolve into something that puts the city on the map. It’s such a privilege to be a part of something that continues to grow and I’m so proud of everyone involved.
| The Jolly Brewer - @jollybrewerlincoln | Tired Bear Bookings and Promotion - @tiredbearpromo | Ben Simmons - @bensimmonsmusic | Sarah Hughes - @plinkyplonkyhughes | George Shelley - @G.L.Shelley020 |
