ADAM Masterson

Gold Bug Clubs had it’s first year anniversary while I was in the states this Feb, and April 14th was the twelth one I’ve done. A great night, and thanks to everyone who came along and all the musicians who played. If you haven’t been down to Gold Bug at The Boogaloo yet, something quite special is starting to happen and the last three I’ve played (Nov, Jan, Apr) Have all been belters!

It started in a bit of a panic! Dark Moon our headline band who I was really excited about after their show at The Queen Of Hoxton pulled out in sound check because of noise limiter issues at The Boogaloo. I was gutted, but as drum kits were being dismantled floods of people were streaming in at the door, and I soon relaxed at the bar with a pint and got ready for the show.

Night started early at 8.30 with a set from James McCirvin and there was already a full house and a buzz in the room, James’ high soaring vocals got the night off to great start. Next up was a young duo called Sweeney, who had a bit of an acoustic Joydivision feel and went down well at the bar.

My good mate George Vjestica who’s played guitar with everyone from John Squire to Groove Armada stepped up and played a crackin set, we used to run a night together at The Mother Black Cap in Notting Hill and since then George has clearly been writting some great new songs

Grace Banks is someone who’s played the Gold Bug several times now and she always goes down a storm! This performance was no different, great stuff, the audience wanted more and she gave ‘em more. If you haven’t come accross Grace you should check out her myspace or facebook and follow where she’s playing next…

Another of our favourites is Robert James Selby, he’s got poetry in his nature and it comes out in his music and performances. He’s always got a big following with him and he’s a Gold Bug regular so come down and check him out.

We were delighted to have Kamila Thompson from the legendary Thompson clan perform for us. She played an electric guitar driven set with rich deep voice. It was now getting on to 10 the room was toasty and I was getting ready for my set.

Before I did we got the room to hush and I introduced a special part of the night- poet Nadia Khomami. Nadia’s had her own night at The Boogaloo- Golden Voices, and has a big dedicated following of devotees who all edged forward. The Gold Bug fell silent and her two spoken word pieces raised the roof! Thank you Nadia

My set started up a bit funny, my guitar cut out half way through ‘Downtown’ in excactly the same place it had the first time I’d played it here at The Boogaloo in Jan (Strange!) but there were so many friendly faces in the room and everyone had turned out that it didn’t really matter. Larry our new resident Gold Bug sound man who did an excellent job all night quickly sorted a mic in front of the sound hole pick up and the rest of the gig was a lot of fun. Played ‘The Wind’ and ‘Love’ for the first time at The Gold Bug and got some good feedback.

I then made way for the nights finale The Beau Bow Belles, an ensemble that has everything from Violins and flutes to Keytars and Stylophones, they were bloody brilliant! and it was the first time I’d seen them live. All the songs have a real skip to them and quirky fun four part harmonies throughout- we all loved it. I could picture Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy coming in to the Boogaloo and doing a dance with them 1930’s saloon style. They’re playing The 12 Bar tomorrow night Thurs 28th April at 9.30- if you’re free go!

It’s taken a lot of work to get here and it will continue to take a lot of work but The Gold Bug Club is now up and rollin. Next one is May 12th, already booked on the bill is Mark Nevin from Fairground Attraction doing a rare set and a few more very special guest to be announced. Save the date, keep it free, come down and we’ll rock your socks off!