Photo courtesy of Corinne Deakin
Sunday 26th May saw local band Aztec Doll put on a concert to raise funds for the charity The Willow Foundation.
The Willow Foundation organises special days for seriously ill people aged between 16 and 40 years old. Vocalist Roxanna Mitchell and her family having been raising money for the charity for four years since they helped her brother Scott McBride realise his dreams of spending a day with his favourite band Metallica. Every year she and her family hold a fund-raising pub quiz, but this year, given that Roxy is now known as a vocalist in one of Barnsley’s best up-and-coming bands, they have been given the unique platform to raise money through a special concert. With the generous help from friends, artists and performers, The Polish Club and of course everyone that turned up and donated, Aztec Doll raised an incredible £807. That coupled with their annual quiz night and a sponsored walk, they raised a grand total of £1367 for the Willow Foundation. Definitely something everyone can take pride in.
Please do visit The Willow Foundation so that you can check out the amazing work that they do.
Feel free to enjoy these photos taken by myself and local photographer Corinne Deakin.
The lovely Georgina Gilmartin opened the concert, playing her now well-known songs Johnny in the Clouds, Jimmy and even showcased a few new tracks. Considering she was the opening acts in a venue that was gradually filling, all eyes and hears to hooked throughout her entire set, which had probably the most polished vocal yet from Georgina.
Photo by Jason White
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgina-Gilmartin/116178705163231
Richard Kitson is Barnsley’s favourite local blues and folk player. He showcased a number of songs from his album Home and Dry such as crowd favourite Low Tide, played his new single Bicycle man and even played a track called Weeping Willow, especially for the Willow Foundation, which has a fantastic spiralling Nick Drake sound to it.
Photo by Jason White
https://www.facebook.com/richardkitsonmusic
Concert organisers Aztec Doll, have got very popular in a short space of time. And so despite the short set and early slot, the band absolutely kill it. Songs like Flower and Suddenly I’m Outside Myself remind me of Long Snake Moan by PJ Harvey and Voodoo Dolly by Siouxsie.
I can’t for those longer live sets, as these guys are worthy of headlining any gig.
Photo by Corinne Deakin > https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deakins-Hotshots/166976040121202
https://www.facebook.com/aztecdoll
This is only the second time I have seen McCarthy Vigil. Once again they mesmerise. Although I’m still unfamiliar with most of the songs, Chinese Candle is the probably the most laid back, but it mighty. With the rhythms of Yeasayer and Talking Head, mixed with the dark intensity of Radiohead, this band are one to watch and are not to be missed.
Photography by Corinne Deakin > https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deakins-Hotshots/166976040121202
https://www.facebook.com/mccarthyvigil
Mynas are what a pop band should be. Like the good old days.
Intelligent song writting, a big sound, short and instantly catchy songs, and one hell of a vocal from vocalist Sarah Evans.
Every band member plays their their strengths perfectly, throwing in folk violin, funk bass, hammond stabs, latin guitar and jazz laiden drums. With songs like Lesion, Tarragona and Bliss, you’ll not forget Mynas in a hurry.
Photo by Jason White
https://www.facebook.com/mynaspage
http://mynas.bandcamp.com/
I’m relatively new to The Exhibition, but after a brief hiatus and a new line-up, so are a number of people here today.
However, the band sound brilliant, especially their song Roma. They even surprise the crowd with a number of cover versions by Joy Division, The Smiths and a very impressive National Anthem by Radiohead.
I’m looking forward watching The Exhibition develop and I can’t wait to hear some new material.
Photo by Jason White
https://www.facebook.com/theexhibitionsounds
Imoko Set sound refreshed and have a different kind of energy since Susie joined ranks. It’s just a couple of months since she played her debut gig with Imoko at this very same venue to a capacity crowd.
Once again the venue is full and the crowd lap up Hazard of Motion, Into the Dark, Tender Heart and the brilliant new track Crying in the temple.
Accompanied by spikey pulses and beeps, Susie’s harmonies are dreamy and a perfect foil for Jamie Briggs and his understated and everyman brilliance. He is instantly likeable and throws about one hell of a lyric.
Imoko Set get better with every performance. The backbone of Dave and Andy hold up every song head and shoulders above most others. Elements of 60’s girl groups and early 90s Britpop seep into each song but never hang from any mod cliches. Imoko Set are in a league of their own.
Photo by Jason White.
https://www.facebook.com/ImokoSet
https://soundcloud.com/imoko-set
Alternative Barnsley 