Well firstly an apology. It has been a while since I sent out any correspondence to you lovely people – no excuses just life getting in the way and interfering with my Leeds Blues Club duties.
I haven’t been idle though. I am currently trying to put together the 2026 programme and I have also been going to a few gigs as well as the less exciting stuff of working for a living.
Since my last missive we have seen some fabulous gigs at the Cross Keys including a meeting with one of my absolute heroes, Steve Walwyn from Dirt Road Band who put on an absolute stellar show which one satisfied punter described to me as ‘premier league’ and I have to agree. What a show that was.
We also had some terrific stuff from Neil Sadler who is coming back to Leeds to play for us at The Podger so if you missed Neil and the band first time round they try and get over to Garforth on 5th July. You won’t be disappointed.
Dirty Ruby were the last band out at the Cross Keys who also put on a great show and showed some incredible musicality.
Coming up tomorrow is the very welcome return of the record breaking Milk Men. Record breaking because we managed to sell out the Cross Keys a month ago for this gig. I’m not really surprised as they are an amazing band who put on a terrific show for us last year which also sold out. It’s going to be a warm one tomorrow in our little club but thankfully there should be plenty of cold beer available to keep you all cool – if you are lucky enough to have a ticket that is.
Can I just say thank you to all those members who ordered their tickets early and they have been rewarded by being able to come tomorrow. I know some of you have been disappointed that it sold out so hopefully if there are any future gigs that you have got your eye on then make sure that you email me well in advance to order your tickets. If you order the tickets and then find you can’t make it for whatever reason then you can just let me know and it doesn’t cost you anything. One of the perks of membership!
Next up after the Milk Men we have the rising star of the UK Blues scene Thomas Heppell. If you haven’t already reserved your ticket then let me know asap. Ticket sales have been going well for this and I don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to see him.
Later this month I am hoping to be able to make a special announcement about an exciting band from the U.S who are hopefully coming to play for us on December 5th. The promoter told me to hold off until the end of June before we say anything so watch this space.
In the meantime thank you to everyone who has offered to get involved in helping out with the club. I will be taking up your kind offers as I genuinely want the club to be sustainable and that requires support and assistance from lots of enthusiasts like you. I want you all to feel part of a club and form genuine friendships and kinship with people who have a common love of live grassroots blues music.