Sunday 7th May 06 - Best Original Band Semi Finals at The Springhead

The following bands are through to the Semi Finals each on the following Sundays at The Springhead. First band on at 8.30pm. May 7th: Meg Williams Band, Mantra, Khi May 14th: Soulflame, Dumpvalve, Elf May 21st: The Bonnitts, Oracle, Tonik Forty five bands applied for places and thirty six went into twelve heats of three bands each. Three judges voted in each heat, and the audience voted for man/woman-of-the-match.

Four bands will play on Bank Holiday Sunday 28th May in the final, which will kick off with a light show. All four finalists will win prize money, and the first will get £1000. The quality of the bands we have seen has been quite exceptional. The website www.bestoriginalband2006.co.uk has heat write-ups and a picture gallery. Here are some quotes from the heats :

'Sartorial elegance prize has to go to Nic Hales from Soulflame for his delightful ethnic top, 'fantastic hairdo' (said one fan) and his underpants, which Blako described in graphic detail to the whole audience..' 'Judges included 'uber producer' Colin Richardson (need I say more ? Check out his long list of accolades on the back of album sleeves).' 'Whichever band you came to watch you couldn't miss the we're going to blow 'em out of the stadium attitude of The Shine.'

'Great to hear from a very young band from Grimsby called Overdive featuring Karl Joensen on lead guitar, vocals and harmonica, who is a wiz on the effects. Backed up by 'Arnie Swartzenegger' on bass.' 'Second round included Steve who can no longer spell his own name - it has been mis-spelt so many times he has adopted Fulsham!' 'The third round included the amazing Meg Williams Band.. Meg also sings, plays keyboards, violin and guitar!'

'The last time I worked with The Bonnitts I had just finished plugging in the last cable when a DJ from Viking announced them on - not even a line check, but they are professionals'.

'Ollie from Mantra, as Captain Ahab, was mesmerizing on guitar.' 'Dumpvalve's Steve was brave for interfering with man-of-the-match Silk's wah-wah. Brave of him when Silk wears pink striped tights, black tight-fitting frock, hair down to waist and a beard too'. 'The Gig Shop team flew in hot from a sound engineering course in Liverpool run by none other than 'Big Mick' Hughes who has done a massive 1340 gigs for Metallica.'

'Dressed for Stealing with lead singer Check Kilpatrick sporting a smart full-western-jacket and tie and looking like the sheriff just rode into town'.

'For stage presentation - Elf wins hands down. Just look at the spaghetti on the floor at David's feet. He has a full PA system on the stage (as well as ours) and a computer system that would have run NASA.'. 'We have known the Tonik boys since they were in short trousers (be embarrassed!!!) and even at the tender age of about 15 Sean Williams was mesmerising on bass.' 'Outfit of the night goes to 'M.C'. Blako as Mr. Slick with his leopard-skin trimmed California 50s repro shirt.'

The Best Original Band 2006 is a professionally organised competition run first in 2004 by Lynn Blakeston, who has over 35 years experience in the music business, and sound engineer Anita Blakeston from The Gig Shop. The total prize money is £2000. You can contact Anita on 079161 42828 or 01652 636003.

Coming Up- Tuesday 8th May 06 - Breaks Co-op at Lamp
	Having just released their debut British album The Sound Inside to a fair amount of critical acclaim, Breaks Co-op featuring Andy Love Groove, Zane Lowe and Hamish Clarke are on a 17 date UK tour which includes Hull. Tickets on sale now from The Lamp, Hull 01482 326137 or www.seetickets.com. Read The Sound Inside album review: Read more...

Coming Up- Sunday 7th May - GBH Club Night at Boom Bar, Prospect Street
	First Sunday of every month - a night of sexy pumping underground house with resident DJ's Roughneck Duo. Open 7.00pm until 12.30am. Door tax - £2 before 8.30pm £3 after. Further Info - email enquiries@roughneckduo.com. Website (info,photos,mixes) - www.roughneckduo.com Read more...

Coming Up - Saturday 6th May 06 - The Elvis Experience! at Legends Bar, Hull Indoor Sports Club, Harpings Road, National Avenue.
	This Saturday, a charity night in aid of Hull Churches Home from Hospital Service is being held at the Hull Indoor Sports Club. The fun includes a free prize draw, raffle, free buffet, auction and tombola. The dress code is sports theme and the best dressed person on the night will receive a prize! The Elvis Experience Charity Night Saturday 6th May 7.30- Read more...

Coming Band Gigs - Dressed For Stealing Gig Dates May - July 06
	Latest gig dates for Dressed For Stealing: Wednesday 10th May - The Piper Club with The Holy Orders and Above It All Thursday 18th May - The Polar Bear Tuesday 4th July - The Sesh at the Linnet and Lark with The Holy Orders and Freaks Union Read more...

Coming Up- Sunday May 7th - Stonehardy at The Lamp
	Stonehardy are playing The Lamp this coming Sunday, the 7th May. Support will be from Claire J Smith with DJ B Freeman on the decks. Starts 8pm. Entry is free. This gig is supported by the City Arts Live Music Fund. Read more...

Coming Up - Music Exchange Listings April - May 06 at The Dorchester Hotel
	The new Hull Music Exchange continues in fine style throughout April and May, with two top acts booked and hosted as usual by the fabulous HarriWatts Band. On Thursday 27th April, acclaimed artist Martin Simpson will be appearing at the venue. Martin is a virtuoso of fingerstyle acoustic guitar. Tickets are £10.00 including food. Thursday 25th May sees local Read more...

Coming Up, - Tuesday June 21st - Bon Jovi at The KC Stadium By Steve Rudd
	BON JOVI ARE COMING! Yep, that's right folks - as difficult as it might be to believe! Ah yes, the Bon Jovi boys are heading to East Yorkshire as part of their huge world tour in promotion of their latest album, Have A Nice Day. The New Jersey lads announced a bundle of UK tour dates some months ago now, but the gig confirmation at Hull's mighty Read more...

Coming Up - Saturday 3rd June 06 - UK Unsigned Talent Quest - Cleethorpes By Tony McLernon
	Would you like to take part in the Lincolnshire regional heat of a National Unsigned Talent Competition? It's op to ALL age groups. Saturday 3rd June at The Winter Gardens, Cleethorpes. Doors open from 6.30pm till 11pm. Showcase starts at 7pm. Tickets £5 in advance, £7 on on the door. Singers, Bands, Dance, MCs, Poets Singer/Songwriters - please visit Read more...

Coming Up Saturday 13th May 2006 - 22nd Annual Windmill Way Walk
	The 22nd Annual Windmill Way Walk - 12.5 miles or 25 miles. Both walks are circular, starting and finishing at Skidby Playing Fields. Both walks start at 9 am. Either walk takes in wonderful scenery, via Rowley, South Cave, Little Weighton, Skidby, Brantingham and other scenic villages. Refreshments are provided along the way. Cost £8.50 on the day Read more...

Coming Up - April Horoscopes 2006 By Kay
	Taurus (Apr. 21- may 21) This would be a good time to reflect upon your needs and goals in life, the end of the month ends on an up note with a new moon in your own sign. All new moons bring opportunities to start fresh. Emotions that you may have buried or creative ideas that you've neglected might now bubble up. April 27th is the date to watch. Read more...

Coming Up - New Yoga Class
	A new Yoga class will be starting at the Unitarian Church, Park Street (off Spring Bank) every Wednesday from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm. It will be a small class with relaxation and breathing exercises, and basic postures to build up a practice. For details contact Bryan on Hull 341137 or 07764 683838.

Coming Band Gigs - MCD Gig Dates February - May 06
	Latest gig dates for MCD: Saturday 25th February - The Annexe, Spalding. 7pm Sunday 26th February - The Bivouac, Lincoln. 8pm Tuesday 28th February - Ringside, Hull. 8pm Saturday 18th March - The Attik, Leicester. 8pm Saturday 8th April - The Packhorse, Leeds. 8pm Saturday 6th May - The Imp, Scunthorpe. 9pm For more information ... Read more...

Coming Band Gigs - Revolver Gig Dates February - June 06
	Revolver are playing the following dates and venues: Wednesday 22nd February - The Goose and Granite, George Street, Hull with The Bubble Gum Radar Monday 25th February - The Rose and Crown, Beverley Saturday 22nd April - The Ringside, Beverley Road, Hull Saturday 17th June - The Ringside, Beverley Road, Hull Read more...

Coming Band Gigs - Thief Gig Dates January - May 06
	Latest gig dates for Thief: Wednesday 1st February - The Piper - Newland Avenue, Hull. Doors 8pm, £3 Tuesday 7th February - The Sesh at The Linnet and Lark, Princess Ave, Hull. Doors 8pm Friday 24th March - The Royal Park Cellars, Hyde Park, Leeds. Doors 8pm, £3 Friday 10th March - The Ringside, Beverley Road, Hull. Doors 8pm, £3 Read more...

Listings - Yo-Yo Indie Clubs Live Listings - Hull and Lincoln - May 2006
	Check the Full Listing..Loaded Indie night with DJ Priya Every Friday Night At The Piper Club, Newland Avenue, Hull (01482) 498931 Yo-Yo Indie Club every Saturday night with DJ Andrew Doors 10pm - 2.30am (bar) At The Quayside Club, Braford Wharf, Lincoln (01522) 787588 £4 NUS / £5 Other Yo-Yo Indie Club every Saturday night with DJ Priya Read more...

Listings - Rock Revolution - What's On April and May 2006
	Check the Full Listing.. Hull's original and best classic rock night - as seen in Classic Rock magazine Friday 7th April Rock Revolution at Silhouette Warrant - 80's Hair Metal Band CD launch with giveaways Wednesday 12th April Rock Revolution at The Adelphi Robin Black - Canada's hottest rock act playing Hull for the first time. Expect punked up glam trash Read more...

NightClub Listings - Jelly at The Welly
	Check the listing...Playing Bloc Party, The Clash, The Bravery, Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, Gorrilaz, The Futureheads, Black Wire, Weezer, The Paddingtons, Hot Hot Heat, LCD Soundsystem, The Libertines, Stevie Wonder, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers, the Departure, The Zutons, The Ordinary Boys, Interpol, !!!, The Cribs, Read more...