A very enjoyable few hours in Soho courtesy of two invitations. Namely, the annual lunch arranged by magazine publishers Future at the Sanctum, followed by Ian Shaw’s album launch at Gerry’s Bar.
Tag: Events
Vince Dunn Orchestra
A classic afternoon at The Bedford in Balham as the Vince Dunn Orchestra performed an array of standards and festive hits led by a quarter of vocalists including the multi-talented John Park and rising star Zara McClellan.
PPL drinks
I caught the train back from Manchester this morning, in good time to make the legendary annual drinks party hosted by PPL. This year the event found a new home in Park Row, Brewer Street, Soho.
Junkyard golf
A fun evening in Manchester playing indoor junkyard golf with MU colleagues from across the UK. We played the Bozo course and I completed the gently challenging nine holes in a respectable 23 shots.
Mo Foster tribute
Mo Foster was a respected session bass player, author and a true gentleman. He was extremely popular with his peers and this was reflected in the huge turnout for a tribute concert to him at the 229 Club in central London tonight.
Nigel Price
A delight this evening to find superb jazz guitarist Nigel Price playing locally at Spike’s Place, Club Langley, Beckenham, in the excellent company of French guitarist Alban Claret, drummer Laura Klein and bassist John Williamson.
Martin McAloon
I joined my nephew Steve Ames and drummer/vocalist John Park at Bush Hall this evening for a night of music by Prefab Sprout presented by band member Martin McAloon, brother of the group’s leading light Paddy.
MP4 in the House
My thanks to parliamentary rock band MP4, UK Music and sponsors Allwyn for the invitation this evening to a reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of the pop/rock foursome in the State Rooms, Speaker’s House, at the House of Commons.
Remembrance Day
Proud to witness Ben as an army cadet carrying a standard at the Remembrance Day event in New Addington this morning.
Lord Mayor’s Show
A pleasant morning in the winter sunshine in Fleet Street for the Lord Mayor’s Show. Our son Ben was marching alongside colleagues from his cadet detail and was entrusted once more with a banner for the length of the route. Well done son!
Lancaster House
During the Labour Party Conference I was asked to assist with arranging a CSF Evening Reception at Lancaster House FCDO, Stable Yard, London SW1 and tonight I was delighted to attend the event itself in the very salubrious surroundings of St James’s.
Joanna Wallfisch live
I drove over to King’s Road, Chelsea, this evening to attend a performance by singer/songwriter Joanna Wallfisch and pianist Tom Hewson at The Pheasantry, an established venue in the Pizza Express Live network.
Labour success
I have been managing the MU stand at the Labour Party Conference for the last four days and, in partnership with my colleagues, discussed the work of the Union with ministers, MPs and delegates.
Conference set up
Following my trips to this wonderful city for the TUC Congress and Drum Show, I am now spending a week at the Labour Party Conference and managing the MU’s annual stand at this landmark event.
Player of the Season
Beckenham Cricket Club held the Junior Awards tonight in Foxgrove Road for the Under 9s through to the Under 17s. Neil Coulson, Junior Chair, introduced the event by celebrating the players’ achievements both in Junior league cricket and in District and County teams.
Classical Awards
I attended the Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2023 this evening, where I hosted a table on behalf of the MU. This is the first time the Union has sponsored an award at the event and the night was a great tribute to the genre.
TUC, Liverpool
An intriguing 24 hours in Liverpool, where I had been invited to attend the TUC General Council dinner at the Hilton Hotel.
Ashridge GC
An excellent day at Ashridge Golf Club in Hertfordshire, courtesy of Peter Leathem and all our colleagues at PPL. The forecast had been for hot weather of above 30 degrees C and so it proved.
Mitch Dalton
Legendary session guitarist Mitch Dalton played the Pizza Express basement club in Dean Street this evening with his top class band, which included piano and keyboard player David Arch (of Strictly fame).
Greg & Jennie
Julie, Ben and I enjoyed a wonderful day in the stunning grounds of Swarling Manor, Canterbury, for the wedding of Greg Fitzgerald and Jennie Griffiths.
MMF Summer Party
My thanks to the Music Managers’ Forum for the invitation to their Summer event this evening at Two Tribes Brewery, Campfire Taproom, Tileyard Road, N7. Great to catch up with Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, Paul Scaife, Stephen Budd, plus MMF’s leadership, Annabella Coldrick and Anneliese Harmon.
