Thursday Music Nights @ CTC Robertson

Regular readers will know that I make a point of going to the CTC on Thursday nights for the Music Night, from 6:00 pm. The timing is a bit variable, I would have to say, but the event itself is a definite fixture. Anthony (Bone) Bonito is our host and MC, but he has revised the format in recent weeks.

The Music Night starts with an informal "jam session" to warm things up. Greg (at left) was back in form last night, with "Wonderful World", which is always popular. It is good to see some other local musicians bringing their instruments along for the first time. Tim and a young Exchange Student, Christian, as well as Ian all made a contribution last night, which is great to see.

About 8:00 pm we order in Pizzas, from "Pizzas in the Mist", of course. Then, we dim the lights and a slightly more formalised musical presentation kicks in, featuring individual artists (or groups).

Steve and Celeste have featured largely in this part of the routine, with some of Steve's original songs, as well as his tear-jerkingly beautiful presentation of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" (which had people all around the room swaying gently to the rhythm, and singing along quietly with Steve). Bone, James (seen at left) and Dave (see photo below) have usually combined for a few popular numbers. Last night Chris and Dan sang a few numbers before doing a sterling rendition of Bob Dylan's "The mighty Quinn" (Quinn the Eskimo), a sure-fire crowd pleaser.

Last night there was a bigger than usual crowd in, which was great to see. It is always a happy bunch of people, and we all get to sing along with crowd favourites. Last night we gave a sterling rendition of "Those were the days (my friend)" which Mary Hopkin made famous in 1968 (led last night by James and Dave).

We also knocked over another favourite, Bob Dylan's "The Weight".
"Take a load off Annie, take a load for free;
Take a load off Annie, And (and) (and) .....
you can put the load right on me."

It is good to see a bit more Rock 'n Roll as well as the more traditional "Blues" which have been the main stay of the Music Nights in the past. I think this has to do with the new format which Bone (seen on the right in this photo, with Dave) has introduced, and the microphones and amps, which help the players to boost the sound level.

Great stuff, folks. Keep it up!