The Mill Hill Music Festival Day 3 - Rog's festival diary

So we left this yesterday as we prepared for The BBC Elstree Concert Band at Hartley Hall. I was off to deliver and set up the stage and to return a PA system. The joys and glamour of working in the music business. This was duly done and the bulk of the day was spent preparing the hall, setting up staging, making sure the bar is stocked etc. The boring details that you need a team to put together. I handle equipment and logistics with my old friend Gerry (we were at both primary and secondary school together). The committee all work hard and the BBC Elstree concert is one of our keynote nights. Just about everyone was out in force. As we run a bar, we also have part of our army of helpers. In all, there are around 25 people who help in some way during the festival, and most were there last night. The effort was well worth it. Here is a little snippet of what you missed if you didn't make it.

If you couldn’t make the wonderful BBC Elstree Concert Band last night, this is what you missed. They are playing Allum Hall in Elstree on Wednesday. The Festival continue with tickets available for most events https://t.co/va6LrJCQyp pic.twitter.com/OkYRsRLwCE

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 16, 2019

Despite a packed, sell out audience, we were out of the hall and I was in the Mill Hill Tandoori for some much needed refuelling by 10pm. After a delicious onion bhaji, a Salmon Tandoori, some Chana and a Naan (washed down with a pint of Kingfisher), we returned home, took the doggies for a stroll, and I was fast asleep, tucked up in bed by 11.30pm.

We didn't set the alarm clock, so we awoke at 9.10am. A quick breakfast, then down to the studio, to collect a PA system, and staging, then up to the Adam and Eve. By 11.15am, the stage and PA were rigged and we awaited the arrival of the Ron Russell Jazz band. Ron is one of the nicest men in Jazz. A talented double bass player and a natural diplomat. We were honoured to be sharing his 84th birthday. He'd put together an amazing line up featuring some of the UK's greatest players. The pub also rather liked what they saw. It was Fathers day and every table was sold and a healthy crowd turned up. Some had travellled as far as Manchester and Brighton, and they loved it!

And it is happening again! @millhillfest ! Pop in. pic.twitter.com/0N6mS6oGjx

— Adam and Eve (@AdamAndEveNW7) June 16, 2019

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The Ron Russell Band live at The Adam Nd Eve - PA by us

A post shared by Mill Hill Music Complex (@millhillmusic) on Jun 16, 2019 at 7:15am PDT

The band loved it so much, that they played a third set, Ron's son taking over the bass duties and Ron getting onb down and having a boogie. He was thrilled to be offered a lift home, and was swamped with drinks from admirers. It was a pleasure to share his birthday with him.

It meant  I was late back with the PA, but no matter, fun was had by all.

And how did I finish my week? Once the PA and staging was safely back home, I went down to Powerleague for an hour's five a side football. I feel very honoured to live in Mill Hill. There really is a lot to do, you just have to make the effort!