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Here's the scoop . . .
Northumbrian Music Nights, a local community organisation which promotes quality entertainment with popular appeal in and around various venues in Allendale, was delighted this week to receive a significant grant from the European Regional Development Fund, under the LEADER II programme.
"This grant means that we can attract the best quality musicians to the area, " said Andy Morgan, popular area fiddler, compère and NMN chair. He went on, "And thanks to our volunteers, we can develop these evenings for the benefit of local residents and tourists alike."
The group has grown from a base in traditional, home-made music upstairs at the King's Head, to the promotion of country swing, Celtic folk, California blues, with featured jazz superb pop and eclectic world music performers expected in the autumn. "Different people like different music," said friendly volunteer barstaff Lynda MacGregor, "So we hope most popular tastes will find something to cheer about over the year."
Treasurer Sue Harley stressed that the input of European funds does not mean free music, but rather a sensible expansion of the music programme based on the elimination of risk. "It's quite an undertaking, booking expensive entertainers, and since the risk falls on volunteers, we've had to be very canny to cover all our costs in our experimental programme this season. But one mistake could have wiped us out."
Ray Johnson, Vice-Chair, noted that the opportunity of a venue for quality entertainment could help to develop local talent. "Anyone can stand up with a karaoke machine, but you can only really learn how to entertain when you have a critical, appreciative, and paying audience." Carrie Winger and Liz Hughan, acclaimed duo and NMN regulars, agreed: "Sure we may never be professionals, but it's the fun that counts."
Now that the group is on a sound financial footing, area workshops in instruments, voice, and dance are planned, as well as some of the best live acts in the folk, blues, jazz, country and rock idioms. Larry Winger, Promotions Coordinator, hoped that Tynedale's B&Bs, holiday cottages, hotels and newsagents would like to receive copies of regular newsletters, so their guests could check out what was going on in Allendale and environs. The organisation can be contacted at (01434) 685047. Otherwise look out for the distinctive ad on the back page of the Hexham Courant.
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