IT’S party time at a Barnard Castle community centre early next month with four acts lined up for the day-long music festival.
After a similar event last summer went down well with bands and gig-goers, promoter Dave Palmer has teamed up with staff and volunteers at the TCR Hub to present the Summer Party on Saturday, August 6.
Topping the bill are last year’s headliners Eddie and the Hotrods, while also performing will be Barkin Billy and the Scrapyard Dogs, duo Bob Surgeoner and Bruce Rollo and Romaldkirk singer-songwriter Sam Nix.
Mr Palmer said the line-up promised a good mix of music for the event, which will run from 3pm to 10pm.
“Sam Nix released his new EP earlier this year. It was recorded and The Hub and what we said was that while he is essentially a solo act playing acoustically, we would try to get the musicians who played on the recording sessions to play with him at the gig.”
Bob Surgeoner’s appearance came about after Mr Palmer bought a new set of speakers for his home music system from him.
Mr Surgeoner founded Neat Acoustics, which produces handcrafted speakers from the company’s Teesdale base, which are considered among the best in the business.
“He is also an accomplished musician, so with Bruce on the big double base, we’re in for some jazz, blues and rockabilly. I know it will be good because he is such a perfectionist,” said Mr Palmer
Barkin Billy and the Scrapyard Dogs will travel down to Barney from Wearside.
“They have a great reputation over that area as an entertaining live band,” added Mr Palmer.
Eddie and the Hotrods not only continue to tour since the death of lead singer Barrie Masters two years ago, but the band is preparing to release a new album.
The line-up now features former bassist Ian Dean on vocals and Mic Stoner on bass along with Simon Bowley on drums and Richard Holgarth on guitar.
Mr Palmer said: “They had a long debate after Barrie passed away about whether to continue, but they decided to carry on and are about to launch an album called Guardians of the Legacy. The single of the same name recently got to number two on Mike Read’s Heritage Chart.”
In addition to the music, the Summer Party will have street food on offer and a full bar.
Tickets are £8 available online at tcrhub.co.uk/whatson. Admission for U16s is free.
