March 26th
Another triumph for the Most Entertaining boys in the Wine Bar last night. It really is quite staggering the way they go from strength to strength, and what they can do with a group of absolute beginners in a mere five weeks. Well done.
There was one low point in the evening though, and it came when Finlay of the Lovely Eyes, one of the Most Entertaining team, asked if anyone would like to join in with the next number. Anticipating an old school FA Cup Final communal singalong, your humble correspondent immediately volunteered, only to find himself dragged kicking and screaming onto the stage and into the limelight (see accompanying pic, courtesy of stuarty@me.com for all your photographic needs, weddings, funerals and barmitzvahs our speciality).
Being of a shy and retiring disposition, at this the butterflies immediately began a shock and awe bombardment of my stomach, but Most Entertaining being a welcoming bunch of bods this soon passed and I quite enjoyed the experience. So much so that I have now signed up for the next Most Entertaining course, a guitar workshop that will transform me from musical tyro to rock god. Maybe. Now, how does it go again........'bought my first real six-string, got it at the five and dime, played it till my fingers bled, was the summer of '69.....'.
I'll let you know, readers, I'll let you know.
March 20th
Golly gosh people, that's us sprung into Spring, with the vernal equinox upon us. Great news for all you lovers of fresh, local, seasonal produce - and let's face it that's what Henderson's is all about - as more and more of it becomes available. Great news too for Head Chef Barry Baker and his highly trained team who can now really start to spread their wings. Chefs smiling, lambs gambolling, bunnies bouncing and all nature shouting out with joy - bliss is it in this dawn to be alive!
Mind you, looking out the window at this 'Spring' weather I don't think they should be taking the winter warmers off the menu just yet.
March 7th
Older readers amongst you may remember way back when (well, last year actually) The Henderson Gallery invited leading street artist Elph to perform some live painting on the wall outside the Gallery. The result was a fantastic afternoon, a bumper crowd and almost certainly the most photographed wall in town.
Well, yesterday they tried to repeat that success with Charlie Anderson, whose vibrant and thrilling show 'Bliss' is currently delighting the populace no end. Could they pull it off though on a grey, chill afternoon in a freezing Edinburgh still shivering in the grip of the worst winter this decade/century/millenium (delete as applicable)? You betcha by golly wow they could. Live painting, live DJs, live wires living it up.............if you missed it, more fool you, but you can check it out here on YouTube.
March 6th
There was only one word for it: wow! (Actually, I'm not sure that 'wow' is technically a word, more of a noise really, but we'll let that pass for the moment). Last night at St John's was one to refresh and rejuvenate the most jaded of palates. If, like me, you have turned into one of those sad old characters who think all modern music is rubbish and who fly into a blind panic every time the latest top ten 'hit' comes on the 'jukebox' because they think the fire alarm has gone off - well, you should have been there. The reason - a stunning performance from The Bicycle Thieves, a band named after either a district in Dundee (I'm naming no names, as even after all these years some thoughts still lie too deep for tears, but oh! my beloved Chopper long ago) or possibly the classic Italian neo-realist movie. Given the number of gilded young things gliding about the place in sharp suits, shades and hand-crafted leather loafers I'd incline towards the latter but they may have just been pals of 'Young Savage' Barrie Henderson, who always dresses like that.
But I digress. The point is, the place was packed, the band were awesome, the crowd were jumping and if you missed it this time - well, try not to make that mistake again. Next gig from the Thieves is on April 30th at St John's - for further details keep checking your favourite website.
No, no, I mean this one.
