An Interview with Leila Slater (Mastermind behind Moonbeams Acoustic Nights in Driffield (2/2) By Steve Rudd

(1/2), (2/2).

How do you choose which acts to invite? If I've really enjoyed an act that I've seen at a Festival, Club or even sing-around, and I think the audience at Moonbeams would enjoy them too, I ask if they'd come along and play. Everyone always seems so keen. They just love playing and having an appreciative audience. I do try and vary the line up so everyone's happy. Did you always want to hold your Moonbeams evenings in Driffield? Yeah... Driffield is my hometown and I think The Bell Hotel is a lovely venue.

It is such a beautiful building, right in the centre of town, and sells real ales... which is very important to me and the majority of the Moonbeams audience. Also, the management is very supportive to me, and that has been very helpful! What do you find is the hardest thing about organising and promoting the gigs? Advertising! Putting posters up! The Internet is great... Myspace and all that... but to get people who don't know anything about Moonbeams to find out about it is the hardest thing! The most satisfying thing for me would be to introduce someone to this lovely music and for them to then go away interested in Acoustic/Folk music.

You're taking a break for summer but how many evenings have you got booked for autumn? We will be starting again in October... starting off with the wonderful Edwina Hayes who will be joined on stage by Pete Bolton. Edwina is from Driffield, and if you have not seen her before you must make it along to this one as she is amazing!!! I first saw Edwina sing on the Cropredy stage back in 2005. Since then she has released two albums and is gigging non-stop! Check out her Myspace!

I am just in the process of booking for next Autumn's Moonbeams, but I am so pleased to say we have Phil Beer (from Show of Hands) in February. Dates will be on Myspace as soon as possible, so do keep looking. How pleased have you so far been with the response that Moonbeams has received? Yes I have been pleased. I would love to see more new faces at Moonbeams. It's a lovely way to meet new people and make new friends.

How would you persuade somebody who hasn't as yet attended one of your nights to give Moonbeams a try? Come along... or I'll break your legs! How many acts are to feature at the next Moonbeams in May? May's Moonbeams is going to be a big one... we have Karl Sloan, Claire J Smith, Anna Shannon (amazing) and Brother Crow (who I actually haven't heard, but I have heard amazing reviews about... my dad booked them on my behalf). Quite a lot of acts for one night! But that is how I started off Moonbeams, with 5 or 6 acts a night. I will alternate the amount of acts I have depending on who is playing. Yes, May is a biggie... so don't miss it!

Finally, what are the best ways to keep informed of future Moonbeams events? Myspace... www.myspace.com/moonbeamsacoustic or I have a mailing list, so come along to the next Moonbeams and get your name down. Hope to see you there!

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