East Barnet Festival 2014

Sunday 6/7/2014

I don't have much to report from the 2014 East Barnet Festival - not because it wasn't any good but largely because I missed most of it. I didn't make it on the Saturday due to being out in Camden very late on Friday night and having a load of 'real life' stuff to get done after getting up late - a shame as the music bill looked quite strong. On the Sunday nothing on the bill really looked like being my sort of thing until after two in the afternoon - so I walked to the park in time to see the promising looking Band Of King. I was expecting a full on rock band, but instead we got this.

Apparently there was some problem with the band's drummer not being able to make it, so instead we got the singer as a solo acoustic act. I think this was Andrew King and he was actually very good. It was quite a lively set that included a Jimi Hendrix cover - something I'd never seen anyone attempt with an acoustic guitar before. Ironically, there was a Fender Stratocaster (Jimi's usual weapon of choice) with reach but it remained unused! After seeing this performance I'd really like to see the full electric band. Maybe next year?

Next up was local rock covers band Rockit Science turning out a sharp set including some songs rarely played by pub bands.

Next act was the rather over-exposed McGoozer who seems to be all over this festival, so it was time to hit the beer tent and mingle for a while.

Popular local pub covers band Schweet Azz were on next - their many friends always make sure their set of rock standards goes down well.

There follows yet another familiar face at this festival - Sandra Grant. Unfortunately for the second year running the talented 'Saxophone Lady' didn't bring a band with her like she did on her first appearance here, but her lively and engaging performance still manages to hold the attention playing a mixture of covers (including 'Baker Street') and her own original jazz/blues/soul material.

There are still another couple of acts to follow at the festival but neither really appealed to me, so I headed off to the Builders Arms where there was another event taking place. The Silver Manatees were playing.

I'd seen this young Beatles tribute band at the East Barnet Festival last year and been very impressed with how good they were. They were also playing at the festival on the Saturday this year and have been getting rather popular locally with their lively performances and their authentic look and sound - they have obviously put a lot of work into their act.

The headline act at this outdoor event at the back of the Builders Arms was the Lee Thompson Band. The sax player from Madness lives locally and his gigs are always packed.

Lee's friends and family plus his fame as a member of Madness ensure that every time his band play locally there is a big crowd, but although they are excellent musicians it's a bit too much like a 'showband' for my tastes - so I head for home.