The Tenth Sid Worth Memorail Trust Fund Gig.

Lev 1 and 2 Esquires Bedford. 4th October 2008.

Tonight sees a gig that is dedicated to the life and memory of one of Bedford music's founding fathers, the late Sid Worth. Not only is this a chance for friends to reminisce, but objectively, all monies raised this evening go towards the Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund (SWMTF). This in turn goes to help aspiring young local musicians who may be in need of any kind eg equipment, studio help, advice, printing etc etc. The SWMTF is run solely by volunteers who give up their time and have Bedford's music scene truly at heart.

This is SWMTF gig number 10 and uses the concept of utilizing level 2 and Danny's Bar. Due to lighting commitments, I only get to see acoustic chanteuse Olivia Holter pre-gig. Hobbling around on crutches, she is bravely recuperating from a broken leg. Having seen her perform before, I am sure she would have received a good reception. Also appearing in the bar are that dependable and solid band VEGAS NERVE. Last seen at Esquires in September for Cravenfest, I witnessed their soundcheck which seemed to blow a few cobwebs away! Following are LOST FOR WORDS, and thanks to Karen taking on the lighting duties, I was able to see these chaps who include their venerable 'young at heart' drummer Mr Doug Tout. Their varied covers selection goes down well with the Saturday evening drinkers. They are, I believe, due to play on the Sunday sessions season shortly. A surefire date for the diary.

Upstairs on level 2, the evening kicks off with Flitwick's obscurely named DEUS EX MACHINA. For a debut it's impressive stuff, with folk-rock to the fore. I'm sure this band will return soon. Gig-hardened veteran youngsters THE ESCAPE literally raze the floor with a powerful mixture of well worn covers and their own exciting self-penned tunes. These lads enhanced their glowing reputation on the local scene and the young and not so young folks who are here to see it are thoroughly enraptured. Especially with the trio's astounding 'cream-slice'! Their support of all things local is noted with interest. Following, and certainly one for the mature folks, is the nostalgia tinged A-BAND. It was Sid's old band, but having seen the gents support Wilko Johnson earlier in the year, I leave my lighting duties to Karen and venture downstairs.

To complete this musical feast, it's yet again HORSEMAN SHAKES AND THE DRAYMEN. The blues-rock collective appear to a packed room and I return to see their jovial set. Its the perfect end to what appears to have been a successful, and above all enjoyable, evening. The lack of a big name band as has appeared in the previous two years did not seem to work against the gig. A huge well done to all the committee of SWMTF, and especially all the artists who made it such a memorable time.