Thursday 20th September - Poetry And Music - ThisisUll At Babylon Bar, Cleethorpes (1/2) By Michelle Dee

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

Photograph Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Gallery 3,   Gallery 4.

Having missed so many of Joe Hakim's recent out of town dates (Harrogate, Camden, Southend) I was sure as hell not going to miss this one over the river in Cleethorpes. He was joined by Mike Watts who has recently been accompanying Joe on his excursions and flying the spoken word banner himself somewhat. Also supporting Joe on this rare thisisUll.com outing were Cilla (one of the most dedicated women I have ever met) the hugely talented Jane Foster and me, the workhorse Michelle Dee.

On arrival it came apparent that there would be time for both Jane and I to get up and keep our hand in the performance poetry stakes. Knowing I was on the bill for the Adelphi Club 26th September at Off The Road No 2, I was glad of the chance to beat down some of the nerves with an out of town gig in front of an impartial crowd. Arthur ,organiser of this fledgling night at Babylon Bar, with attractive décor situated away from the town centre, is trying to create a unique night in Cleethorpes.

A night of acoustic bands and singer/songwriters, spoken word and alternative acts. He has a knowledgeable DJ too who easily played Reverend and The Maker alongside the U.S. import version (purple vinyl) of Up The Junction a favourite for all of our group, as well as The Fratellis and more. Good to see a DJ actually playing vinyl, these days it's all CDs, this is never the same. The main act of the night was Broadsword a three piece acoustic act with mandolin guitar and percussion. They played Irish folk and a scattering of popular tunes by folk rock artistes and some lively original material.

Mike Watts, brave soul that he is, opened the night with his heavily barbed Does Crime Pay? Often sounding like those guys that shout and bluster in bars about societies' shortcomings, and how all the kids should be strung up, Mike offers his own views on the state of the countries youth.

I Confess is a clever little piece that raises eyebrows leading to a comedic final line resulting in outbreaks of laughter. It was very apparent, from their faces and reactions, that the regulars in the Babylon Bar had never read such poetry, yet alone seen it delivered with so much forthright energy. Off the wall, off beat, yet honest, direct and oddly emotive. Mike Watts has come into his own since I first saw him, just three months ago in Umber Gob Part 1 at Olde Black Boy. He's got things to say and with growing performing skills, timing and judgement, Joe may have to start fighting a rear guard action sooner than he thinks.

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Photograph Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,   Gallery 3,   Gallery 4.

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