The Sesh Column - DJ Mak's Festive Rant (1/4)

(1/4), (2/4), (3/4), (4/4).

Time to reflect. 2005 has to go down as a great year in my book. I've thoroughly enjoyed my work at various events across the city. Everyone has seemed up for it. Positivity has reigned supreme. Talent has emerged from all quarters. The creative folk of the city have been stimulated and encouraged, and the good people of Hull have got together and finally made things happen.

The local music scene has flourished; it's been given oxygen by the interest in it. There have always been talented souls out there, but in the last twelve months they've all been given the chance to shine. Original Live Music is where it's at! Everyone, it seems, has raised their game which just brings out the best in all of us.

The Sesh nights, now into its third year, at the Linnet on Prinny Ave each Tuesday and Sunday have left me feeling fulfilled about my purpose on this planet! I think things really took off over the festive period last year and fortunately, due to some brilliant performances from all and sundry, we've been able to maintain healthy crowds throughout the last 12 months. But it's not just at The Sesh where it's been happening.

All over the city, promoters and venues have been helping put the talent in the spotlight and at the same time, that talent has delivered.

Websites such as www.thisisUll.com and the street mags such as Sandman and Twag have played a major part in bringing everyone together and the support of Raw Talent has to be recognised as a major force on the scene. With their help, we had seven of our favourite bands play at the Leeds Festival this summer to an audience of thousands.

Then, of course, you have the Club nights such as The Grapevine, Sweet'n'Sour, Yo-Yo and Jelly which have all provided some great nights out.

Personally, I have loved every minute of The Grapevine. With myself and Steve from Satisfaction mixing The Rakes and James Brown with AC/DC and The Strokes downstairs in the main room, and John Peters from FunkyWormHole battling it out with the likes of Eek - a - mouse and De La Soul upstairs, The Grapevine has given me some very happy memories in 2005.

Now I've been DJing 20 years and I can honestly say Steve and John have been a dream to work with. Their enthusiasm for quality music is unsurpassed. I'm glad to announce we've been joined by Patrick Tobin from the Last People On Earth, who has promised to deliver some electrifying sets upstairs at The Grapevine during the absence of Mr Peters.

We've truly found a great home at the Attic. Chris Tyas and his staff have been exceptional. They've supported us to the max, what with them laying on the free transport from The Sesh down to The Grapevine each week, and consistently maintaining a really good ambience at their club, with it's layout, decor, drinks and sound system.

Continued.... Next Page (2/4).

Music Reviews - The Chase, GST Cardinals and The Blackouts at the Under The Influence Xmas Show at The Adelphi - Sat 17th Dec 05 By Michelle Dee The Chase gallery by Michelle Honess
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Music Reviews - Thursday 15th December 05 - Band Wars at The Polar Bear By Martin Parnell
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	December 1st 2005, in my mind, has gone down in history as an unforgettable day. It was the day I met my biggest hero. And whoever said that to meet your hero is usually a disappointing affair was wrong in this instance, and since meeting Bob Geldof (twice in one night!), I'm filled with even more respect for the man ... the god. I never ever thought I'd get the chance to meet Read more...

Music Reviews - 3rd November - Mystery Jets at The Adelphi By Emily
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Music Reviews - 13th October 05 - thisisUll.com Keeping It Peel at The Silhouette By Joe Hakim Photographs by Darren Rogers and Mo
	Whenever a musical icon dies, there always follows a period where their name and image is turned into a commodity. The best current example would be John Lennon. The celebration of what would have been his sixty-fifth birthday and the impending twentieth anniversary of his death has sent the record companies and the various conglomerates that Read more...

Music Reviews - Scarborough Beached Festival 2005 Sunday By Michelle Dee Photos by Roland Standaert and Michelle Dee
	Sand beneath my feet, sounds of activity on the stage, blue skies overhead, sun blazing: a strange but rather pleasant surrounding for a gig. Amaya Huntly and Jon Neeves had the unenviable task to open the show on Sunday. An acoustician and Keyboard duo; the highlight of their set was the Credence Clearwater Revival cover where they proved with a strong number they can do a Read more...