Last Wednesday’s concert by the St Paul’s Girls’ Centenary Choir was a great success and added another £135.00 to the appeal fund. A packed hall was entertained to a varied programme ably compered by Rosie Friel, with solo performances by Rachael Porter and Helen Earp. Rachael and Helen are now taking, respectively, their Grade 8 Classical Singing and Grade 8 Music Theatre exams, we wish them every success.
It is a treat to go and hear live music in this electronic-disk-down-load-iPod-blu-ray age. I see in the press that, if the nimbys get their way, there will be precious little in the way of live music in the traditional Brummie music venues, the city centre pubs (see ‘Landlord slams closure threat’ B’ham Evening Mail 26.03.09). If you’re old enough you will remember the Golden Eagle in Hill Street hosting leading Birmingham bands of the 1960s. The Rum Runner in Broad Street where local stars such as Jimmy Holden and Geoff Turton had residencies. I remember Bob Barton’s magical piano playing at the City Tavern in Bishopgate Street in the 70/80s. And going to see King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys early on in the band’s careeer in the upper room at the Ivy Bush in Edgbaston.
Let’s hope that that the the two Digbeth venues don’t go the same way as the Fiddle and Bone in Sherborne Street - closed up and silent. Perhaps there should be a Live Music Tsar, or Tsarina, on the City Council? How about it Councillor Whitby?
