Mill Hill Music Festival Preview -31st May - 7th June

Mill Hill Music Festival 2025 Programme 

It's that time of year again. The Mill Hill Music Festival is nearly upon us and tickets are selling fast!

As ever the Barnet Eye is supporting all of our local festivals and we are delighted to bring you details of this years programme. It is a massive task putting on such a festival, which is run on a not for profit basis by volunteers. The team all do it solely for the love of music. All we ask of the wonderful people of Mill Hill is that they turn up and have a good time! We have never sought, and do not receive any grants or support from Barnet Council, the Festival is entirely funded by ticket sales and generous donations from local people. It really helps the festival organisers if you can buy tickets early. We have all manner of up front expenses, which we need to cover, from leaflets to insurance. So if you are going, please get your tickect ASAP.

RECYCLED + SUPPORT
Saturday 31st May - Music from 8.00pm
The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

We’re kicking off the festival in style with a free event at the Adam & Eve Pub.This incredible six-piece pop band, led by guitarist and co-creator George Williams and bassist Bob Clark, delivers a fresh, energetic take on timeless hits.

More Info 

Free Entry

RAZZAMAJAZZ DIXIELAND BAND

Sunday 1st June - From 2pm to 4pm
The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL
An afternoon of Dixieland and Swing with a little Ragtime thrown in for good measure. Lively music from the 1920s through to the 1960s to make you smile.More Info
Free Entry

SUMMER EVENING OPERA GALA PRESENTED BY UNCOVERED OPERA

Tuesday 3rd June - 7.30pm - Cash Bar.
Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA
This evening, we invite you to immerse yourself in the grandeur and timeless allure of opera as we celebrate its rich tradition from around the world.More Info
Tickets: £18 Cash bar.

RECITAL ON THE RIDGEWAY WITH CELLOPHONICS

Wednesday 4th June - 7.30pm
St Paul’s Church, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1QU
Bringing together four of the UK’s most accomplished cellists, Cellophonics blends virtuosity with a deep passion for the instrument.More Info
Tickets: £15 with a glass of wine/soft drink included.

JAZZ DYNAMOS

Thursday 5th June - 7.30pm
Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA
Originally a side project during Ray Gelato collaborations, the band found its perfect voice in Lucy Randell a decade ago and hasn’t looked back since.

More Info
Tickets: £18. Cash bar.

PARTY NIGHT @ MILL HILL GOLF CLUB WITH THE SILENCERZ

Friday 6th June - Music from 8PM.
Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL
Music kicks off at 8PM. The always popular North London nine-piece band The Silencerz deliver their unique brand of reggae-ska-pop to an ever-growing and loyal fan base.More Info
Tickets: £15 (£18 on the door). Over 18s only. Food available. Licensed bar. BBQ weather permitting.

BRITISH FILM MUSIC GALA WITH THE BBC ELSTREE CONCERT BAND

Saturday 7th June - 7.30pm
Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA
Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience with the BBC Elstree Concert Band. Known for their vibrant and eclectic programmes, this concert is a true celebration of British composers and the magic of British film music.More Info
£16 - Cash bar.

For Full Details see the Festival Website -millhillmusicfest.co.uk/
Follow the festival on FACEBOOK and TWITTER

The Mill Hill Music Festival Diary - Day six

 The week has flown by. All of our events have exceeded our expectations and most were complete sell outs. The music at all has been amazing all week, as I hope the clips posted here have demonstrated.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. It was an early start to get the gear off the van from Friday night's gig at the Golf club. I took the van to the studios and got the boys to unload, whilst I manned the front desk, I'd done enough lifting. We left the stageing panels on the van as they were needed for the final night at Hartley Hall. I had much running around to do, not least as we hired a PA system to St Pauls School on the Ridgeway, for their Fete (which was most successful on a beautiful day). 

At 4.30, I dropped off the stageing and then nipped to St Pauls to collect the PA after the fete. Then back to Hartley Hall to complete final preparations. I don't have too much input as the only PA requirements is for an announcements mic, which uses the in house PA. There was however drinks etc to drop off, banners to be put up etc.

The final night was the BBC Elstree Concert Band. As my missus plays clarinet with them, we have a family connection. They are wonderful players. Everyone knows I'm a musician, but Clare is far the better player, having reached Grade 8 on the clarinet and having played with the band for over 30 years, she has a huge experience of gigging in some of the most wonderful venues in London and abroad.

Bang on 7.30 the band kicked off with a rousing version of the theme tune to Thunderbirds.

It’s a wrap, we finished with an amazing sell out concert from @BBCECB - see you all in two years pic.twitter.com/D4ls8bQh3J

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 25, 2023

It was a wonderful selection, with music from Bond films, the Avengers and a tribute to Bert Bacharach, amongst the highlights. The show finished at 9.45. We broke down the stage, packed the chairs, washed the glasses and were having a pint in the Services club at 10.15. 

This morning, I dropped the van and the staging back and that is me done for another year, apart from writing this blog!

Thanks to Paul and Mary at Kitchens with Elegance for the van, Mill Hill Wines for the box office, Hartley Hall, Frith Manor School, St Pauls Church, The Adam and Eve Pub and  Finchley Nurseries for hosting the festival, thanks to all of our committee and helpers for there efforts as well as the staff at Mill Hill Music Complex, who also put themselves out no end to ensure the festival is a success. 

The Mill Hill Music Festival Diary 2023 - Day 2 - The Mikado with the Charles Court Opera

 Our festival team has a very diverse skill set and an equally eclectic programme of events. This means that each of us has a different work level at each event. Our opening night was all about my forte, live contemporary music, with a PA system, lights and stage management required. This meant I ran the event and the team were there for moral support and to dish out leaflets, with some lugging at the beginning and end. We didn't provide a bar as it was at the pub and was free entry with the pub paying the band, so no need for  a door crew.

Last night, the second event, was The Charles Court Opera at the Hartley Hall. They have their own stage crew, no requirements for a PA system, a bar was required as well as door management. My role was to pick up and drop off the refreshments and offer a bit of moral support. We always buy our wine from Mill Hill Wines, who support the festival by providing wine glasses and running our box office. The beer and soft drinks we get elsewhere. As my shop does a weekly cash and carry run, we simply added the festival order and picked it up. I was able to drop it straight to the festival and then pick up the wine and glasses with Dan, another festival organiser. 

After that, I was done with the event. I had some last minute logistics to sort out with other events, so I was at the studio doing PA checks and sending emails. I also had a couple of calls with the cancer clinic at UCLH, which were about sorting out appointments. Once that was done, I had more paperwork for the charity I am the chair of to read and a meeting to chair at 7pm. All was good there, so by 8pm I was able to come along and watch the performance. If I am honest, Opera is not really my thing, but I always thoroughly enjoy the shows at the festival. The companies we use are extremely professional and I've learned a lot over the years about good production by observing their methods. The shows we've had are also the fun end of opera and assuming we do a festival in two years, I'd recommend it. 

Once the event finished, it was all hands on deck to put away the chairs. Our team of helpers had 200 glasses to wash up. Our treasurer had to reconcile the cash and Dan had to stay late to ensure the hall was left spick and span. I snuck away for a crafty beer at around 10.15 with friends, a job well done and everything under control. 

Tonight we are off to St Pauls on the Ridgeway for the classical music recital.

The Saturday List #409 - My top ten moments from the last 14 Mill Hill Music Festivals

 I've been involved in organising the Mill Hill Music Festival for over 20 years. The Festival is a biannual event (although we got out of sync during covid, so we are having a 2023 festival following the 2022 festival, which should have been the 2021 festival, if you get my drift).

Today, the festival starts, so I thought I'd do a recap of some of the best moments.

2009

SUNDAY 21 JUNE from 8.00pm
'LATER' AT THE ADAM & EVE
GARDEN PARTY WITH THE GOOD OLD BOYS
The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

 The band featured Alan Barratt (ex Jo-Jo Gunne, Cliff Bennett); Nick Simper (ex Deep Purple); Pete Parks (Rick Wakeman, BB King); Simon Bishop (ex Renaissance, The Monks) and Richard Hudson of The Strawbs. It was a brilliant night, with a stellar line up. Sadly, due to complaints from neighbours, we can no longer do live music in the pub garden.

2011

SATURDAY 25TH JUNE - FROM 7.30pm

SOUND OF THE SUBURBS PARTY

Connie A with The False Dots, The Ron Lewis Partnership, Angels with Enemies + Special Guests

Mill Hill Sports Club, Grahame Park Way, NW7 2AL

This was an amazing night. Connie A, who was singing with the False Dots was a force of nature. She performed at Barack Obama's inauguration with Emmanual Jal, which gives some idea of how good she was. We finished with a mega Jam. which is one of the best moments I've had on a stage.

We made a little video to commemorate it

2013

SATURDAY 22ND JUNE
The Polecats plus Loaded Dice
Allianz Park, Greenlands Lane, NW4 1RL

 Rockabilly band, The Polecats started life in Mill Hill in the late 70s. In the early 80s the band began carving out a name for themselves to become an integral part of the British rockabilly revival scene. Fronted by Tim Polecat and Boz Boorer (who has toured with Morrissey and has played with Adam Ant and Edwin Collins) the Polecats  played many of their hits such as Rockabilly Guy, Big Green Car, Marie Celeste, John I’m Only Dancing (Bowie cover), Jeepster (T-Rex Cover), as well as a smattering of rock ’n’ roll covers. Boz, Tim and Phil Polecat, were all born and raised in Mill Hill. The band have toured the world having hits on nearly every continent but after 35 years together they wanted to mark the occasion with a homecoming gig.

It was great to see my mates all back where they started!

2015.

Saturday 20 June

 

Party Night with Joe Angel & the Pamodzi Band

The Three Hammers Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 4EA [Map]

This year our party night was at the Three Hammers for an evening of great rocking reggae with Joe Angel & The Pamodzi Band. The band built a big following on the London reggae scene with their big roots reggae sound. It was great to hear such music in Mill Hill.  Joe’s soulful lead vocals and self penned lyrics, two backing vocalists, three guitars, and double keyboards gave us another night or great music. With support from Misdemeanour (featuring False Dots drummer Gray Ramsey) playing hits of the 60s and 70s, our final night was an great party. The busiest night ever in the history of the Three Hammers. 

Saturday 13 Jun 

Film Music Gala - BBC Elstree Concert Band

2015 saw the first performance at the Festival of the The BBC Elstree Concert Band, who have become regulars. They treated us to a feast of movie favourites from the silver screen such as John Williams’s thrilling Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark themes. With the band’s grass roots originating from the world-famous Elstree Studios, film scores are a regular feature of all their performances, including music from movies that were actually made at Elstree. Formed in 1984, the 40+ piece band has a repertoire of light classics, show music and contemporary wind band arrangements. Their performances have been broadcast both nationally and internationally through the BBC World Service. They have given concerts in aid of The Voice of the Listener Trust, North London Hospice and several other charitable organisations and further afield in France and Germany. They are playing again this year, this thrilling concert is not one to be missed.

http://bbcecb.weebly.com/

2017

Friday June 23 -  

The Silencerz + Recollection

 

Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL
Our evening began with 5-piece cover-band, Recollection playing favourites from the 60’s to present day. Then we danced the night away to the rockingest, rock-steady beat of the The Silencerz. One of country’s top ska bands, bringing the house down with a fun and energetic night, featuring ska classics, along with a selection of originals. 

 The band were joined by special guest Lee Thompson, renowned Madness saxophonist. 

2019

Friday June 21st -  

The Foundations 

Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL

Our party night featured 60's soul legends, The Foundations, best know for no 1 hits such as Build Me Up Buttercup and Baby, Now That I found you at The Mill Hill Golf Club. This was an amazing night, and it was an honour to host my old mate Alan Warner (Foundations guitarist) doing what he does best

2022 

THE ALAN WARNER BAND + THe FALSE DOTS

Saturday 11th June - from 8.30pm

The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

This wasa great night. Aforementioned guitarist Alan Warner of 1960s band - brought his own band to Mill Hill, with a brilliant mix of rock, blues and pop covers plus original songs. For me though, it was also the first gig of the new line upp of The False Dots as a three piece. It was also the first gig in my 44 year music career on lead vocals. I was very nervous, but it was a blast. Here is one of the highlights for me

.

AN EVENING WITH JOE STILGOE

Thursday 16th June

Frith Manor Primary School, Lullington Garth, N12 7BN

Older readers will remember Joe's Dad Richard from BBC classic series that's Life. Joe has all the talent and sense of fun, with a huge dollop of contemporary Jazz sensibilities. He gave us a wonderful night and was a massive highlight of the festivals three decades. 

PARTY NIGHT @ MILL HILL GOLF CLUB

WITH THE BRIT FUNK ASSOCIATION

 Friday 17th June 

 Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL

A great evening of Brit-Funk, with this Supergroup  made up of legends from the world of Brit funk, featuring members of Hi-Tension, Light of the world, Beggar and Co and Central Line. The whole of Mill Hill Golf club had a boogie. Another absolutely brilliant festival night

The Friday Musical Joke and a few musings on the Mill Hill Music Festival

 It's Friday, the sun is shining, the Mill Hill Music Festival starts tomorrow and all is well with the workd.

As is a long standing tradition on the blogs of Barnet, started over a decade ago by former Citizen of this Parish, Vicki Morris, we start the weekend with a Friday Joke, and fittingly it has a musical theme. I am endebted to Robert Wilkinson for a cracker!

pic.twitter.com/CWwtqPIMoh

— Robert Wilkinson (@robertwlk) June 15, 2023

As the festival starts tomorrow, we are on the final preparations,  big worry is the weather for Sundays lunchtime open air gig at Finchley Nurseries. The forecast is heavy rain and thunder storms. If this does not change, then unfortunately, we'll have to postpone this, which would be a real shame. Please pray for sunshine or do a sun dance for us around the garden!

I am very excited. My old mate Johnny Shillibeer, an amazing singer songwriter, with a real George Michael voice hs come over from his home in New Zealand to appear at the Adam and Eve on Saturday. Johnny is the younger brother of one of my best and oldest mates. He grew up hanging around at our gigs and rehearsals and developed into a great musician, he moved to NZ a decade ago and I've nit seen him since, so it will be a treat. Hopefully a few old mates will also show up.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. 

The Full Mill Hill Music Festival Programme

 

FESTIVAL KICK OFF WITH WHELLIGAN + THE JOHN SHILLIBEER EXPERIENCE +SUBVERSE

 Saturday 17th June - Music from 8.00pm

 The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

We kick off the Festival with a free event at the Adam & Eve Pub with music from Whelligan. This great 7-piece pop band is fronted by James Whelligan with comparisons to XTC, the Rutles, Syd Barrett, Peter Gabriel and Genesis. Whelligan will be supported by the John Shillibeer Experience, John is a New Zealand based singer/songwriter formerly of this parish. Subverse are a local acoustic duo featuring Maddy Collins on Vox and Al Pascal on guitar

More Info 

Free Entry

FATHER’S DAY @ FINCHLEY NURSERIES WITH THE RAZZAMAJAZZ DIXIELAND BAND

 Sunday 18th June - From 2pm to 4pm

 Burton Hole Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 1AS

An afternoon of Dixieland and Swing with a little Ragtime thrown in for good measure. Lively music from the 1920s through to the 1960s to make you smile.

More Info 

Free Entry

GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S - THE MIKADO PRESENTED BY CHARLES COURT OPERA

 Tuesday 20th June - 7.30pm - Cash Bar.

 Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA

Charles Court Opera present their stylish, highly successful 5-star London production of the most loved of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic masterpieces, The Mikado.

More Info 

Tickets: £20 Cash bar.

RECITAL ON THE RIDGEWAY WITH THE REGENCY STRING QUARTET

 Wednesday 21st June - 7.30pm

 St Paul’s Church, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1QU

We are very pleased to welcome this superb group for an enchanting evening of chamber music. The programme will include favourites by Haydn and Schubert performed by talented students from the Royal Academy of Music.

More Info 

Tickets: £14 with a glass of wine/soft drink included.

EMMA KERSHAW PRESENTS THE KAREN CARPENTER SONGBOOK

 Thursday 22nd June - 7.30pm

 Frith Manor Primary School, Lullington Garth, N12 7BN

Following sell-out shows at the Crazy Coqs venue in London, concert artist and West End performer Emma Kershaw will be honouring ‘the voice of a generation’, Karen Carpenter, marking the 40th anniversary of her passing.

More Info 

Tickets: £18. Cash bar.

PARTY NIGHT @ MILL HILL GOLF CLUB WITH THE POGUE TRADER

 Friday 23rd June - Music from 8PM.

 Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL

The Pogue Traders have become established as the UK’s leading Pogues tribute band - celebrating 40 years of The Pogues. The band play to sell-out major-venue audiences in London, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Don't miss this one.

More Info 

Tickets: £15 (£18 on the door). Over 18s only. Food available. BBQ weather permitting. Cash bar.

LICENCE TO THRILL WITH THE BBC ELSTREE CONCERT BAND

 Saturday 24th June - 7.30pm

 Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA

Join Festival favourites, the BBC Elstree Concert Band, as they bring you a thrilling evening of music from the world of espionage. Not only will you be able to explore the unmistakably bold, jazzy and exciting realm of Bond music – including Diamonds are Forever and Skyfall but you will also be exposed to the exceptional theme tunes of other spies, sleuths and detectives such as The Avengers and Thunderbirds.

More Info 

£16 - Cash bar.

Going to gigs is nothing to do with listening to music!

The Mill Hill Music Festival starts this Saturday, so for the next two weeks, this blog will be dedicated to the subject of music (have a look at the website and buy a few tickets, if you see anything that tickles your fancy!). Between now and the end of the festival, not only will I be previewing and reviewing various festival gigs, but you'll get the Big Barnet Music Quiz, where you can test your knowledge of the music history of the Borough of Barnet and bringing you some amazing clips of some of the best local gigs.

But we will start with by answering a question I was asked last week when I was giving out festival programmes in Mill Hill Broadway. One of my neighbours, not noted for his happy demeanour, refused a leaflet and said "why would I want to go to that when I can stay at home and listen to decent music on the telly?". Now I was tempted to say "Well you are a miserable sod and clearly in need of some fun in your life", but felt it would be a bit rude, so I just asked "Don't you enjoy a good night out?".

On reflection though, I realised that this was a very poor answer. Not least because going to gigs has little to do with "listening to music". In fact, he's 100% right. If all you want to do is listen to music, the best thing to do is spend a years wages on a super, duper hi fi set up and get yourself an album collection (see below for what I'd suggest to start it off). Then you can sit at home and enjoy the music with no distractions and get totally immersed in the sounds of genius musicians going about their business.

Watching live music is simply not like that. Attending a gig is being at a unique event, seeing people do something amazing, that has never and will never be done again. It is not a solitary activity like listening at home on the hi fi, it is a communal moment. For me, there are certain rituals, different for every artist, every venue. When I started regularly going to gigs, I was fourteen years old. I was into Punk Rock at Finchley Catholic High School. I was lucky enough to have a big sister who loved the same music and was four years older. Initially, I'd tag along with her and her mates. We'd meet at her flat, maybe have a drink. Everyone would get ready. For the girls, this meant transforming themselves into punk rock Goddesses. For the blokes, it just meant getting your brain into the right place. 

Usually, we'd then stroll around to Mill Hill Broadway, get a 140 or 52 bus to Burnt Oak and take the Northern Line to the West End or Camden. Often, we'd meet up with other friends on the way. There were no telephones, so it this was co-ordinated days or weeks in advance. If it was The Marquee, we'd meet for a pint in the Ship. If it was The Roundhouse, we'd often get fish and chips or a Marine Ice over the road. Then we'd go in. The first thing to do was to get a beer. If there was a merch stall (not that common at small gigs, usually only at big gigs for tours, such as The Ramones), we'd have a look. During the punk era, we'd always watch the support bands. Often they would be on TOTP within months and you'd have the feather in the cap of being the first kid on the block to see them. 

Between each band, you'd fight to get to the bar to top up. At those gigs, generally the quality of sound was pretty poor, but it didn't matter. What you were there for was to soak up the vibe. I was there when The Ramones recorded and filmed "It's Alive" at The Rainbow in 1977. There was much talk that this was going to be the best album ever. The Ramones live were sublime. By far the best band you will ever see. But if you listen to the album and watch the film, it gives no real idea of just how buzzing the venue was. 

Only hard core Ramones fans would most likely play it. Their first three studio albums are masterpieces and these are probably far better for the front room. The gig was amazing, but without the sights, sounds, smells, alcohol, haze of smoke, blokes treading on your toes, punkettes smiling at you seductively at the bar and 28 minutes of frantic pogoing, it was just four blokes making a pleasant noise on the stage. There is no rewind to see the best bits again. If you go to the loo when they do your favourite number, that is it. If you are pogoing and Johnny Ramone throws you his plectrum, or Eddie Edwards from the Vibrators throws you his drumstick, that is something only you will ever have. 

But best of all is the communal sharing. The being in a moment. The nod to the person next to you as you see something amazing. The snatched conversation in the queue for the urinal, where you share insights into the relative merits of the support band. 

Then there was my ritual for going home. I'd always try and nick the band's poster off the wall and had about a 99% success rate. If there were T-shirt sellers outside, I'd make a cheeky offer, knowning that the stock would be dead after the night. This works especially well on the last night of the tour. 

Then we'd pile on the Northern Line home. As the train approached Burnt Oak, it would thin out. By the time we were on the bus, usually it was just our little gang again. You wouldn't feel like bed, the adrenalin would be pumping, so you'd nip back, usually for a cup of tea. You'd compare notes, swap stories and by the time you went to bed, often at 2am, you'd feel right with the world.

Nowadays, my routine is different, as you'd expect from a 60 year old. I still prefer travelling by public transport. An advantage of living in Mill Hill is that there are great public transport links. If we are meeting friends, we would meet at a pub, cafe or restaurant first. As I tend to go with my wife, I don't  go there to chat up anyone as I did as a teenager, but we often bump into friends. If the gig finishes early, we may grab a drink atfer, but usually the night ends by walking the dogs when we get home.

Back in 2009, I made a list of my top ten best gigs. I'm pleased to announce that since then there are at least four that may well make the list, or maybe a top twenty is needed. These include Eli 'Paperboy' Reed at The 100 club, The Family Stone at The Jazz Cafe, The Specials/Toots and The Maytells at Hatfield Uni and The Silencerz at the Mill Hill Music Festival to name a few. Last week, I saw Ben Sidran at Ronnie Scotts and Madness at Cannock Forest. I can't think of two more different gigs. I had great time at both, I'm not sure I'd bother watching either on Youtube. I certainly wouldn't be bopping in my front room to Madness, or have the appreciation of the electric atmosphere Ben Sidran generated.

Both are, in my opinion, far batter live than on records (or youtube clips). On Sunday, I was invited by Fr Eugene at The Sacred Heart church to plug the Mill Hill Music Festival at one of the masses. I said a few words and ended with the words "The festival is run by local unpaid volunteers. It is run on a not for profit basis and the only reason we do it is to put a smile on your face, and what could be better than that". A spontanious round of applause broke out and when I got home, found we'd sold 20 more tickets.

Which brings me back to my grumpy neighhbour's question. What I should have said is "Because you will leave with a smile on your face, and who wouldn't want that?". At the start of this blog, I promised a list of albums that you really should get to start your collection. CLICK HERE to see my suggestions. This will give you a taster of what albums shaped what is in our charts. I wrote this in 2020. In hindsight, it should be a top 12. There really should be a Jazz album in there, what I do not know, as I am not a Jazz buff and don't know what album shaped Jazz. It should also have a RAP/Hip Hop album in there. I'd probably choose Raising Hell by Run DMC, but again it's not waters I've done more than dip my toe in.

I suppose I should sign off by mentioning my band, The False Dots, We've done a countless gigs over the years. I met my wife at one 38 years ago and we are still happy. I love playing as much as I love attending gigs. If you've seen the band recently, you'll know why. When we do a good gig, I am buzzing for a week. I'd not swap the feeling for the world.

The Mill Hill Music Festival 2022 - Rog's Festival Diary Day 1 - Saturday 11th June

 Ever wondered what it's like to organise a music festival. We are now in the middle of the Mill Hill Music Festival. Saturday saw the opening night at the Adam and Eve pub in Mill Hill. I always share my studio diary with my friends who read the blog. I find it useful to record the events, so that when we organise the next one, I have a reference and a checklist. We've spent a year planning the festival. The first meeting was about a year ago. The first meeting is a fairly informal "Shall we do it and what would we like to put on". We then have another meeting in September to firm up our ideas, work out when, which venues we want and which artists we want to use. This is firmed up. As we moved into 2022, the meetings move from strategic to logistic. It seems strange to think that we were planning the festival with the spectre of the pandemic hanging over us. It really was touch and go as to whether we proceeded, especially when news of the Omicron wave hit. Our logic was along the lines that if we didn't do it this year, we may never. At Easter, we published the line up and printed the brochures. Almost immediately disaster struck. We had booked Joe Angel for the opening night. Joe is an amazing Reggae artist and is loved by the festival fans. Sadly he had to withdraw. I am lucky that being in the music industry, I have a stack of mates who can step up and do me a favour and we were lucky to get Alan Warner of the Foundations to take the slot. Alan is an old mate and it was a pleasure. Alan suggested that I got my band, The False Dots to support them, which I hadn't thought of, but we share lots of mutual friends so it worked very well. 

Saturday started with me picking up a van that was kindly lent to us by Mill Hill's most amazing Kitchen Design Company, Kitchens with Elegance. The festival only manages to run because wonderful folk like Paul and Mary from KWE kindly do this, meaning our costs are minimal. I had an early start at the studios as we had Rockschool Exams. This is an important part of our business, so I have to be around when they are setting up. Once they were in, we visited our storage garage and retrieved swinging signs that we use to advertise the festival. Once these were in place, I went home, walked the dogs, had lunch and got a haircut (need to look my best for a show!). I then tried to have an hour's downtime, but the phone went. At 5pm, I drove to the studios and collected the stage, the PA system, the lights and the backline. It was a quick schlepp up the hill to The Adam and Eve and then build the stage, set up the PA, lights and backline and wait for the bands. 

We had a bit of a hiccup. My band were meant to help me set up, but our bassplayer Fil had a recording and Graham had issues at his flat to sort out. They both arrived at 8pm, we were meant to start at 8.30pm.

Bang on the dot, we kicked off. We had wondered how many people would turn up, but by the time we started playing, the pub was pretty busy and the crowd enjoyed our set. We played for 40 minutes and then cleared the stage for the Alan Warner Band. It was a first for me. I've never been the lead singer in the band before, always doing guitar and backing vocals. I quite enjoyed it!

I was doing the sound for them. By the end of their first set, the whole pub was boogie'ing. There were probably 150-200 people there which was an excellent crowd for the first night. We were lucky that it was a beautiful day and the garden was packed as well. 

At then end, there was a real community effort to help us get the gear out ASAP. As well as Dan, Stephen and Gerry from the Festival, a special thanks to Lizzie, Brian, Paul L, Ian McGreevy and Umary, who helped us load. Thanks also to the staff at the Adam and Eve who were wonderful and ensured we had everything we needed. 

It was a marvellouys first night. I got home, had a sandwich, walked the dogs and was tucked up in bed by 1pm. I was absolutely shattered yesterday though. I'm really out of practice doing this!

Here is a song from my band. A rather bluesy number, I hope you like it. 

See UK Jazz Legend Joe Stilgoe live at Frith Manor School Thursday 16th June - 7.30pm

 

AN EVENING WITH JOE STILGOE

 Thursday 16th June - 7.30pm

 Frith Manor Primary School, Lullington Garth, N12 7BN

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter. He has created a fresh sound for jazz in the 21st century.

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter. He has created a fresh sound for jazz in the 21st century. He is known for writing songs that feel like they have been around for years, and adapting classics that sound as though they were just written. Joe has released eight albums, five of which have topped the UK Jazz chart. He has appeared everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s to Birdland Jazz Club with every festival and jazz club in between. He oozes wit, style and panache. He is always searching for a new way of bringing not only his own songs but those he loves from the past to a new audience. He is an enticing mix of his heroes, such as Danny Kaye, Nat King Cole and Dudley Moore. Some of his influences come from Harry Connick Jr, Peter Skellern, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Irving Berlin to name but a few! Joe is excited to bring his talents to Mill Hill Music Festival, showcasing levels of musicianship that sees him at the top of his game. His brand new album, ‘Theatre’ was released in April. Don’t miss this chance to see him. As an added bonus he will be playing the treasured grand piano that once belonged to Jamie Cullum.

“Dapper, handsome, quick witted…and gifted with dazzling digits”
THE TIMES

“A songwriter of uncommon originality“
***** THE OBSERVER

Tickets: £18. Cash bar.

Quantity: 

 View All Events

The fourteenth Mill Hill Music Festival - Tickets available now!

 Do you like great music? Would you love to see some top musicians playing on your doorstep? If the answer to both of these questions is "Yes", then please checkout the programme for the fourteenth Mill Hill Music Festival - millhillmusicfest.co.uk/progboxoffice. The festival normally happens every two years, but we did not hold it last year because of the pandemic. This year we are back with a bang!

Here is a short summary of the events.

THE ALAN WARNER BAND

 Saturday 11th June - from 8.30pm

 The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

Locally based guitarist Alan Warner of 1960s band - The Foundations, best known for huge hits such as Build me up, Butter cup and Baby, now that I found you, brings his own band to Mill Hill, with an exciting mix of rock, blues and pop covers plus original songs. It promises to be a great night out for anyone who wants to see and hear a genuinely live set.

More Info 

Food available. Free entry.

EXPRESS G&S

PRESENTED BY CHARLES COURT OPERA

 Tuesday 14th June - 7.30pm

 Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA

ALL YOUR FAVOURITE GILBERT & SULIVAN IN ONE PLACE.

All aboard for a murderous musical mystery tour! The “masters of G&S in small spaces” present this brand new, side-splitting spoof of the classic railway mystery...

More Info 

Tickets: £18*. Cash bar.

Quick Buy:

Quantity 

RECITAL ON THE RIDGEWAY

WITH THE REGENCY STRING QUARTET

 Wednesday 15th June - 7.30pm

 St Paul’s Church, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1QU

An enchanting evening of chamber music performed by the Regency String Quartet will feature a programme including favourites by Beethoven and Dvorak.

More Info 

Tickets: £14 with a glass of wine/soft drink inc.

Quick Buy:

Quantity 

AN EVENING WITH JOE STILGOE

 Thursday 16th June - 7.30pm

 Frith Manor Primary School, Lullington Garth, N12 7BN

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter. He has created a fresh sound for jazz in the 21st century. Older readers will remember Joe's Dad Richard from BBC classic series that's Life. Joe has all the talent and sense of fun, with a huge dollop of contemporary Jazz sensibilities.

More Info 

Tickets: £18. Cash bar.

Quick Buy:

Quantity 

PARTY NIGHT @ MILL HILL GOLF CLUB

WITH THE BRIT FUNK ASSOCIATION

 Friday 17th June - from 7pm

 Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL

Come celebrate at our party night at Mill Hill Golf Club with a great evening of Brit-Funk, with real Supergroup  made up of legends from the world of Brit funk, featuring members of Hi-Tension, Light of the world, Beggar and Co and Central Line, in the amazing setting of Mill Hill Golf ClubBook in advance and save £3

More Info 

Tickets: £17 (£20 on the door). Over 18s only. Food available. BBQ weather permitting. Cash bar.

Quick Buy:

Quantity 

THE ROARING TWENTIES

with THE BBC ELSTREE CONCERT BAND

 Saturday 18th June - 7.30pm

 Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA

Nothing else comes close to the aura of quality and success in the film world. This amazing 45 piece band presents a night of music from the roaring 20s.

More Info 

Tickets: £16. Cash bar.

Quick Buy:

Quantity 

FATHER’S DAY @ FINCHLEY NURSERIES

RAZZAMAJAZZ DIXIELAND BAND

 Sunday 19th June - 2pm-4pm

 Burton Hole Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 1AS

The lovely Finchley Nurseries provides us with a lovely setting for an afternoon of jazz with lively music from the 1920s through to the 1960s to make you smile.