COVENTRY Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
Happy Big Birthday Fargo- A Swiss Army-Knife of an attraction
When Fargo opened a decade ago it established itself as an all round Swiss army knife of an attraction in the city.
Crafts, music, culture, shopping, entertainment it’s become a place that you often wonder what we did without it.
Special places to me are; The Phil Silvers Archival Museum (bring back Sergeant Bilko to our TV’s) and record store come venue Just Dropped In, both rock my world.
No doubt you will have your favourites too, so ten years on and it’s time to celebrate with a weekend of exciting entertainment.
Beginning on Friday, September 27, with Drft Rave and continuing on Saturday, September 28, and delighting us music lovers with Batsch, Project Overload, Duck Thieves, Special Brew, The Bellows, Bobbie Dazzle and a rare appearance of the legendary Primitives.
There are arts and craft, stilt walkers of course, food and drink and lots more. Come Sunday 29th Sept, welcome Amit Dattani, Willow Taiwo, Clemency, The Swaps and Cov’s very own Poet Laureate John Bernard and Band with the mighty Dirt Road Band at the Box at 9pm.
There is lots more so be sure to check out their social media.
The Selecter a homecoming
Music lovers will have to make their choice on 28th September which female fronted legendary Cov band they want to see as not only are the Primitives playing at Fargo (see above), but The Selecter will be owning the stage at The HMV Empire on the same night. I love both bands of course, but can only see one.
This will be a poignant gig as it will be their first in their hometown since the loss of vocalist Gapps, the band have continued touring since their loss, but this gig will prove to be a very emotional one for this superb set of musicians that includes original members Pauline Black OBE and original drummer Charley ‘Aitch’ Bembridge.
Known the world over for hits including “Three Minute Hero,” “Missing Words”, “Too Much Pressure” and “On My Radio”, The Selecter continue to tour and release new music proving that 2-Tone is still as relevant and important as it was 45 years ago.
