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Item No: 032

Posted: 19/12/05

Item: Tim's Weekend in Hemsby

Hemsby Pontins Soul Weekender October 2005

Review by crew member; Tim Curry

Thursday 13th October 05

After a 6 ½ hour journey we eventually arrived at the Pontins Complex and went to find our accommodation. Once quickly settled in, it was on to the restaurant area for a "meet and greet" session at the Reception Party organised for Artists, Organisers, DJ's and others assorted guests.

There I was introduced to Frances Nero, Brenda Holloway and Kim Weston and was somewhat speechless at being in the company of such Motown Legends! All thanks to my good friends Mike Critchley and Romeo Wynter who had kindly invited me to the event.

We partied till around 2am - till we could drink no more.

Friday 14 October 05

Up and at it for an interesting breakfast with Ms Nero and her manager Jeanne as the complex began to fill with the arriving hordes of excited soul fans. By 4.30pm the complex was looking very busy. It housed 3 main areas Grooves, Hitsville Hemsby and Broadside - "The Queen Victoria Pub", which had DJ's playing an eclectic mix of soul music from 2pm till 6 in the morning.

The Invitations were performing at 11pm in the Grooves Arena which was eagerly awaited by all. They did an excellent set including; "What's Wrong" and "Skiing in the Snow" etc. which was very well received by the crowd.

Saturday 15th October 05

This was the big one. Ms Nero, Ms Holloway and Ms Weston Live on Stage at 11pm.

I had the privilege of attending the rehearsals early doors, so I got an insight into what tunes they would be performing that night. The band were very professional (The Midnight Hour Soul Band) and quickly licked the songs into shape with the direction of the artists themselves. Before I knew it the time upon us to go and watch the Gig.

The crowd were absolutely buzzin' when Kim Weston hit thestage, kicking the show off with "I Got What You Need" followed by a personal favourite "You're Just The Kind Of Guy", along with "Helpless", "Take Me In Your Arms Rock Me For A Little While" and "It Takes Two" where Kim was joined by Ritchie Pitts who had performed with the Invitations the previous evening. It was an excellent rendition of the song, with Pitts amply filling the late Marvin Gaye's place.

Next on stage was Frances Nero who performed her hit "Footsteps Followin' Me" with a very jazzy rendition of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and her big Northern track "Keep on Loving Me". A rapturous reception was given by the crowd.

Next up, Brenda Holloway who kicked off with "Just Look What You've Done" followed by "Starting The Hurt All Over Again", and "When I'm Gone", and I certainly was by this point I can tell you !!

Brenda was also treating the Soul lovers to such discoveries from the vaults; "Reconsider, "Lonely Boy" and the classic "Every Little Bit Hurts" and for the finale, all three ladies came back on stage to do a rousing version of "Dancin' In The Streets" led by Frances and alternating turns on the verses. The place was jumpin'!

In all my years of attending soul gigs this one must rank high on the best ever concerts I have seen. A truly unforgettable night!!

Tim Curry; Roving Reporter SSC

See Tim's Weekender pictures at the Gallery

To all our supporters, the Crew at Seaside Soul wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Last Updated: Monday 19 December, 2005 22:00