Words by Ed King
On Friday 5th August, the Hare & Hounds presents Bazaar – ‘an evening on live music, comedy & more’.
A stacked smorgasbord of entertainment, from bands to burlesque, Bazaar’s Friday 5th lineup includes Masai Blues, Tom Walker Trio, Ben Drummond, Chris Tye, Jonathan Sandilands, (4.O.M) & Friends, Andy White, Karen Bayley, Freddie Farrell, Jon Pearson, Adam Regan + Canvas Live Art.
Doors open at 8pm with tickets priced at £8 (adv) and £10 (otd). For direct gig info & online ticket sales, click here.
“We’re too music focused…” is the monthly battle cry at Birmingham Review’s online editorial meetings. So when a jam packed cornucopia of fun lands in our box, it would be rude not to. Dust off the dentures people we’re going in.
Programmed by the Hare & Hounds head honcho, Adam Regan (who’s also playing at the event), Bazaar is an uber sexy line up of awesomeness. At the top of the tree we have Masai Blues – a fantastic blues/jazz/R&B quartet fronted by the sultry velvet vocalist, Judy Blue.
Next up is the tried-and tested-revered-and-respected Tom Walker Trio, bringing their blues/rock & funk to the bill. Local six string luminaries Ben Drummond and Chris Tye pad out the rest of the live line up, with a phat chunk of comedy to wash it all down with – from Andy White, Karen Bayley, Freddie Farrell and Jon Pearson. Plus load more artists waiting in the wings to do everything from live art to burlesque. Blimey… I believe that’s what they call CHOCKED FULL O’FUN. Not bad for a tenner.
There is a serious side to this event though, as Bazaar has been organised as a fundraising event for Emma Cutler – a local promoter and parent who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Emma has been involved in comedy and music events for many years in Birmingham, and the pool of goodwill behind Bazaar not only reflects her career but hopes to raise some cash for her and her family. It’s a thoroughly heartbreaking situation – one so absurdly sad the only thing to do is throw a great big fat party and spread as much love as you can.
Adam Regan says “If you’ve been around the Birmingham music scene during the last decade, there’s a good chance that you will have met Emma May Cutler at some gig, club-night or random after-party in Moseley. Earlier this year Emma was diagnosed with colon cancer. Soon after, she discovered it had spread to her liver and was terminal. Many would have crumbled under the stress and sadness of it all but Emma has been a pillar of strength and positivity. She has two beautiful young children and has recently married her long-time partner Steve Chamberlain, and is determined to enjoy every moment she has left with her family and friends.
We’ve decided to throw a massive party that represents everything Emma has done during her career. There will be live music, burlesque dancers, magicians, comedians and loads more to keep you entertained, and every single penny we raise will go to Emma and her family (everyone involved has kindly offered their services for free). If you can come along, bring a friend, share the event and help us get the place packed and jumping.”
Plus it’s a damn fine line up – one that’s well worth every shekel. But a big hug/gold star to the Hare & Hounds and everyone who has thrown their hat in the ring for this excellent event Xx
Masai Blues @ Shenstone Blues Club
N.B. There is also a Just Giving page set up for Emma and her family, which will be live until 9th September – for more info or to donate, visit www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/emmaandsteve
For more on Bazaar, including online tickets sales, click here.
For more from the Hare & Hounds, visit www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk
