Roaring White Lyon

It was an afternoon to remember.

It was the day Guidford made its presence known to the world.The day 8 bands and musicians came together united in one cause - To help save the lives of children who live with the threat of the AIDS/HIV virus.

From midday until 7pm, the white Lyon rocked good and hard, bursting to capacity. Old blue Moses, the blues rock stompers set the pace and from then on the world listened, it had no choice. The farnham based band who organized the event had gathered together their contemporaries to capture the sprit of music making a difference from the grass roots. And so it was to be, Old Blue belted out some real blues rockers with a message, along with the inevitable humor that has become the bands trademark.Its little wonder that they are becoming one of the South of England's best known bands of the genre.Next up were Indie acoustic duo, The Whisky Go-Go's.Who would ever have expected the glam rock strains of the darkness to be adapted into soaring and perfect harmonies. The audience loved it, the perfect entree to a feast of music.

The event organizer, Martin Hayles, Lead singer from Old Blue Moses, forcefully made the point of why the audience were there "First -to have fun, second -to make a difference for the worlds children and thirdly, to capture the energy of live music by promoting bands of the future...that is what it is all about".

Indeed his point was well made when Dilemma took to the stage.The mic stands were lowered to half height, something stirred behind the drums, The lights came up to present the country's youngest rock band. At 9, 10 and 11 years old they hit the air with some of the punchiest rock numbers ever leaving the audience gasping. "More More More" they shouted and more they got, after Mark Roach , OWB's UK events manager thanked the bands and the audience for making history. " Dilemma ", he said are the sprit of One World Beat. "Children helping children"

A hard act to follow they may have been, but Matt Arthur and REiGN, were in no mood to let that put them off. His band of 14, 15 and 16 year olds had been doing the rounds for a few years. And they tore both into a set of acoustic re arrangements and well as some blinding, innovative versions of classic rock songs and refreshing original numbers."They started supporting us", Martin said."Now its the other way around- we will be paying to see them soon at the Wembley Arena"

The roller coaster of rock wasn't going to stop there. Kristian Bediiako's aptly named World Fusion literally bounced onto the stage to wild applause. Kristian is not only a Ghanaian drum master but Hendrix influenced guitarist with a passion for showmanship and fluorescent purple suits - yes I know, but it has to be seen to be believed. Had he had the room he would have been playing his solo's in the car park!

The event was now running well over time , but the audience cared little, this was music making a difference.They were in for the duration. Just as well, Strolla were next in line and up for a good time. They may only be a duo, but they had the place bopping up and down and prepared the ground for some back to basic blues from the Retaliation Blues Band,driving riffs and soaring guitars leaving the audience shaking for more.

Auctions took place through the afternoon, thanks to some excellent donations from local Surrey businesses raising over a £1000 towards Keep A Child Alive. " Modest it maybe", said Martin, but a pound would have made a difference. A thousand changes the lives of many."

A special guest appearance from Craig Blundell, flushed with success,having just been voted one of the worlds top five drummers lifted the rafters when he was joined by Old Blue Moses to tackle their fast paced re arranged version of House Of The Rising Sun. "Unbelievable" said one astonished music lover as Craig delivered a 10 minute solo of speed , dexterity and artistic skill.

Los Cohanos joined in the fun with some excellent, polished Delta Blues Surrey style. This newly formed outfit know how to connect with music lovers, and so indeed to the hugely enjoyable fREAK-1-c, who having to cut their set due to time constraints got their own back with one of the best medleys Ive heard in a while.Consisting , at least of two dozens well knitted numbers.

Sidewinder, running an hour later than scheduled, pulled the rabbit from the hat, as usual with their fast paced Soul and R&B and kept the audience hooked to the last. Martin and Old Blue Moses, tired but not defeated, took to the closing stage.
"I told you I wouldn't let you go until the Hoochie Coochie Man said so" at which point they launched into the bands closing signature with their friends joining in on the way.

A sensational day, a successful day. Thanks must go to all concerned for this engaging event.

Keep Music Live....Keep A Child Alive.

 



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