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The GigList August 2008
News and Views

Well, it's getting to be a habit, but welcome to August's GigList - yet another bumper 12-page issue featuring what I think is the longest gig listing I've ever produced. I'm not sure if that says more about my diligence and persistence in seeking out those elusive gig details than it does about the current state of the live music scene in Swansea, but it's encouraging.

Developments continue on the venue front. Whitez are building on the success of their Open Mic nights (or M.A.D. music jam, as they would have it) by launching a series of Saturday night gigs. There's a launch party on Saturday 2nd featuring local heroes No Obligation. Who knows, I might even find my way to that one myself … Sam at The Cricketers is also dipping a toe into the Saturday night water - only a couple of nights confirmed in August, but a full programme is scheduled for September. Unfortunately, live music at Bar Reef hasn't taken off as anticipated and gigs there are unlikely to continue after September, although existing bookings are being honoured. I have full listings for the Smith's Arms in the Hafod and the Mason's Arms in Rhydypandy this month, too, whilst another new venue to look out for in future months is the Old Barn Inn and Restaurant at Pontlassau.

The two major events this month are the Pontardawe Festival (Friday 15th - Sunday 17th) and the Uplands Music Festival (Friday 22nd - Monday 25th). The major attractions at Pontardawe this year are the multi-national Transglobal Underground, trailblazing Irish warriors Kila and Senegalese maestro Sekou Keita, together with Northern Irish songwriter Mary Kathleen Burke and iconic Welsh language band Ar Log. Amongst the supporting cast, Baggyrinkle, Jim Fox, Graham Larkbey, The Potboilers, No Obligation and Project 25, amongst others, will be familiar to local gig-goers.

The Uplands Festival has expanded from its Uplands Tavern base this year to encompass Whitez and Mozarts as well. As Festival Director Chris "Magpie" Woodman puts it: "The eighth Uplands Music Festival promises to be our best one yet, with over 75 acts booked at the time of going to press. Seven Roads Music are delighted to be co-hosting with M.A.D. Promotions this year, who will be taking care of the music and fun over at Whitez and Mozarts. We truly believe that the variety of acts will please all - from Rock, Metal, Indie, Alt to Folk, Jazz and Country, we can honestly say the festival's line-up is awesome, and it's all free .... well, except the stuff you have to pay for!" The GigList concurs - the line-up really does represent the cream of the crop so far as local song writing talent goes (pity there's no Andy Morse, though). Acts confirmed so far include The DoubleO Zeroes, Ursine Princes, Ripping Cones, Mook, Evan Burgess, Harpers Ferry, Malko, The Last Republic, Kiddo 360, Bigsby, Anne-Marie Helder, Steffan Tucker, The Mudskippers, Dufraine, Temp, Andy Jones, Dyljammor, Sera Rabbett, Jason Harris, Speakeasy Jazz Band, Frame 3-13, The Magpies, Rugfire, The Good Burghers, Karma Junkie, Superczar, The Death of Chapman Baxter, Kelly's Angels, The Caves, Skylark, Jon Morgan, Boatbar to Hamburg, Quahog, Andy Jones, Ian James, Rag Foundation, MudJack, King of Despair, Ringolevio, Evan Davies, Mick Kemp, Chris Woodman and Jon Coward, Felix Subway, The Chineapple Punks and Steve Flynn.

The GigList Swansea's Independent Live Music Guide July 2008

Friday 1st
Bar,Co MATT COOK ("the human iPod") 0.00 FREE
Bar Reef Live music TBC 21.00 FREE
Bay View Bar GARY PHILLIPS TRIO ("bluenote and jazz-funk fusion") 21.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw BLACK VELVET ("silky rock covers") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers THE MAGPIES ("purveyors of top notch original melodic rock") 21.07 FREE
Ivy Bush Hotel Valley Folk Club Open Night (singers, players, poets, listeners - all welcome) 20.30 FREE
MilkwoodJam HEADHUNTERS 20.00 £3.00
Monkey Café Mashed Up, feat. ZEJ, Dub Step + French Breaks ("DnB sensations") FREE b4 10
Pink Geranium THE SHAKES 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn SPARROW LANE (return of the uncrowned kings of Alt-Jangle™) 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar AGGI THOMAS & MATT JOYCE ("a night of original acoustica") 21.00 FREE
The Singleton THE NAVIGATORS 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms PURE FLOYD ("lime and limpid, green the sound") 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern CAKEHOLE PRESLEY ("acoustic, experimental folk/rock") 21.00 FREE

Saturday 2nd
Buck Inn, Pontlliw FINCHEY & FRIENDS (Blind Lemon's not up there, boys!) 21.00 FREE
MilkwoodJam BABAR LUCK, The Guffries, Office Down, Midriff + others ("slightly off kilter") 19.00 £4.00
Pink Geranium HOT DOGZ 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn TBC 21.00 FREE
Sin City ELLIOT MINOR + The Days ("strange hybrid of emo, pop-punk and indie") 19.30 £10 + BF
The Singleton BIG CAR LITTLE CAR 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar Summer Beach Ball (Acts TBC) 18.00 FREE
Smith's Arms THE DOPEYS 21.00 FREE
Southgate Club, Southgate JOE SCHMO ("music for the living") 21.00 £TBC
Speed Music The First Saturday Club: TBC 14.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern 21 AGAINST (highly-touted Llanelli rockers) 21.00 FREE
West End, Gorseinon PURE FLOYD ("remember a day before today") 21.00 FREE
Whitez NO OBLIGATION + White Dice (Garage launch party) 21.00 £TBC

Sunday 3rd
The Adelphi BIG CAR LITLE CAR (Racing Cars moonlighters) 16.00 FREE
Bar,Co THE ATOMS, Jovern, Tom van Hamer + Chris Stringer 20.00 £1.00
The Brunswick IAN JAMES (mellow pickings with your Sunday lunch) 13.00 FREE
The Brunswick STRING WHISTLE ("acoustic folk duo") 20.30 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw IAN JAMES TRIO (Swansea's favourite troubadour) 20.00 FREE
Coyote Bar THE SOMETHINGS ("melodic pop aficianados") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers Open Mic Night ("come all ye rolling minstrels") 20.00 FREE
Masons Arms THIS RIVER ("four-piece melodic rock band from the Swansea valley") TBC FREE
Monkey Café LEVIANTH, The Ruined, Red - The Resistance + Legacy of Brutality 18.00 £TBC
No Sign Bar AMBER AVENUE (female-fronted acoustic outfit) 20.30 FREE
Strand Bar GROUNDED 18.00 FREE
Strand Bar ANDY & GOSS 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern AL DAVEY JNR. ("returns for another stint in the Tav") 21.00 FREE

Monday 4th
Bar,Co Slim's Blues Jam, feat. HIDEAWAY 21.00 FREE
The New York Blues Jam/Open Mic Featuring house band the BLUES CRUISE 20.30 FREE
Sin City EVAN DANDO + Frank Turner (former Lemonheads main man) 19.30 £10.00

Tuesday 5th
The Brunswick TICH (all his ways are known to you) 21.00 FREE
The Salisbury THE JON AMOR BAND ("former Hoax front man") 20.00 £TBC

Wednesday 6th
Bar,Co Illegal Promotions Rock Night 20.00 £2.00
MilkwoodJam Milky Showcase (Host: Aggi Thomas) 20.00 FREE
Mozarts Open Mic Acoustic (Host: Ian James) (Easy-going, relaxed atmosphere) 20.00 FREE
The Office Open Mic Night (Host: Richard Copp) 20.00 FREE
Siro's Bar Open Mic Night 21.00 FREE
Swansea Jazzland RHYS OWEN'S SLEIGHT OF HAND ("tenor saxophonist from Cardiff") 20.30 £7.00

Thursday 7th
The Adelphi TBC 21.00 FREE
Aspers Casino THE AMIGOS ("Gypsy music played with virtuosity and passion") 22.00 FREE
Bar,Co MARKS SET GO + support 21.00 £TBC
The Brunswick LOWRI EVANS ("talented singer/songwriter with powerful, distinctive voice") 20.30 FREE
Mumbles Con. Club Swansea Jazz Society : MEMPHIS SEVEN 20.30 £5.00
Sin City KC!, Working Class Heroes, These Radio Days + Kid Keep Dancing 19.30 £5.00
Uplands Tavern TOMMY HARRIS QUARTET ("great music from this debut foursome") 21.00 FREE
Whitez M.A.D. Open Mic Night 20.30 FREE

Friday 8th
Bar,Co AGGI THOMAS & MATT JOYCE ("a night of rockin' acoustica") 21.30 FREE
Bar Reef THE V.I.P.'S (half of the Storys playing songs you all know) 21.00 FREE
Bay View Bar BACK TO THE BORDER ("classic acoustic blues and edgy folk") 21.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw CIVVIES ("rock in the Buck!") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers THE GOOD BURGHERS (local blues super group) 21.00 FREE
Masons Arms TED CROOK & THE BLUES HIGHWAY 21.00 FREE
The Mex PURE FLOYD ("bringing sounds of yesterday into my city room") 21.00 FREE
MilkwoodJam THE BARRIERS + guests 20.00 £TBC
Oceana KARL MORGAN & BAND 22.30 £TBC
Pink Geranium ANDY & BEN 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn AMBER AVENUE (female-fronted acoustic outfit) 21.00 FREE
The Singleton SWITCHY & CO. 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar MEG & MARK 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms FAST CAR WAITING 21.00 FREE

Saturday 9th
Bar,Co THE NAVIGATORS 20.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw BACK TO THE BORDER ("classic acoustic blues and edgy folk") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers CHANNEL HOPPERS 21.00 FREE
The Duke Inn, Morriston PURE FLOYD ("will you still let me join in with the game?") 21.00 FREE
The Gate House THE AVISI TBC FREE
MilkwoodJam AGGI THOMAS & MATT JOYCE ("a night of original acoustica") 21.00 £3.00
Pink Geranium WORST CASE SCENARIO 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn TBC 21.00 FREE
Queen's Hotel JIMMY QUICKSAND 21.00 FREE
The Singleton PEGGY RELOADS 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern THE NUMBERS RACKET ("superb rock'n'roll") 21.00 FREE
Whitez SCREAMIN' EAGLES + The Afterglow 21.00 £TBC

Sunday 10th
The Adelphi LONG WAY ROUND ("superb local rock band") 16.00 FREE
Bar,Co All New Volts Show Showcase 2008 21.00 FREE
The Brunswick ANDY MORSE (welcome return of the main man) 20.30 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw LOWRI EVANS & LEE MASON ("a voice to be wooed by") 20.00 FREE
Coyote Bar TBC 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers Open Mic Night (with your host MC Woodman) 20.00 FREE
Masons Arms SILVER ("melodic rock covers band") TBC FREE
The New York TOTAL CHAOS, The Medusa Theory, Sidekick, The Symptoms + In Flight Movie 19.30 £4.00
No Sign Bar THE SHAKES 20.30 FREE
Strand Bar THE LOST BOYS 18.00 FREE
Strand Bar BIG CAR LITTLE CAR (Simon & Morty from Racing Cars) 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern CAL NEWMAN ("smokey-voiced blues man") 21.00 FREE

Monday 11th
Bar,Co BUTTERFLIES WITH BEARDS, Dave Thomas + Cartoon Elvis 21.00 £1.00
Monkey Café SPECIAL ED & THE SHORTBUS ("bluegrass mayhem from Richmond VA") 19.00 £5.00
The New York The New York Blues Jam/Open Mic Featuring house band the BLUES CRUISE 20.30 FREE

Tuesday 12th
The Brunswick GYPSY JAZZ ("sophisticated café jazz") 21.00 FREE
The Salisbury J44 feat. Ayesha Jenkins 20.00 £TBC

Wednesday 13th
Bar,Co Squid Promotions Night 20.00 £TBC
MilkwoodJam Milky Showcase (Host: Aggi Thomas) 20.00 FREE
Mozarts Open Mic Acoustic (Host: Ian James) (Easy-going, relaxed atmosphere) 20.00 FREE
The Office Open Mic Night (Host: Richard Copp) 20.00 FREE
Samlet Club, Llansamlet Swansea Country Music Club: TRAVIS LOGAN (01792 297936/418002) 20.30 £4.00
Siro's Bar Open Mic Night 21.00 FREE
Swansea Jazzland JULIE EDWARDS & KEVIN DEARDEN + James Duggan 20.30 £8.00
Uplands Tavern New Bands Night: MORNING STAR 21.00 FREE

Thursday 14th
Aspers Casino A.J. 22.00 FREE
The Adelphi IDGE (solo set from This River front man) 21.00 FREE
Bar,Co HIGH VOLTAGE + supports (AC/DC tribute) 20.00 £3.00
The Brunswick MARIA OWEN (singer/songwriter with incredibly pure and powerful voice) 21.00 FREE
Mumbles Con. Club Swansea Jazz Society: SIMON BANKS & KEVIN GRENFELL 20.30 £5.00
Pontardawe Inn DAWN SANDELLS & THE TOMMY HARRIS QUARTET (jazz) 20.30 FREE
Uplands Tavern UP THE CREEK (covering the 'grass) 21.00 FREE
Whitez M.A.D. Open Mic Night 20.30 FREE

Friday 15th
Bar,Co ROB WESTALL ("acoustic classics") 20.00 FREE
Bar Reef Live music TBC 21.00 FREE
Bay View Bar THE LEWIS CLEMENT BAND 21.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw ITCHY FEET ("our most popular group") 21.00 FREE
The Colliers, Skewen PURE FLOYD ("something stares and something tries") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers THE SOMETHINGS ("melodic pop aficianados") 21.00 FREE
Masons Arms THE AMIGOS ("guitar wizardry with strains of calypso, jazz & musical genius") 21.00 FREE
MilkwoodJam ADAM AVIT, The Barriers + The Showt 19.30 £3.00
Pink Geranium THIS RIVER ("four-piece melodic rock band from the Swansea valley") 21.00 FREE
PONTARDAWE FESTIVAL See brochure for details
Pontardawe Inn THE BLUES BANDITS 21.00 FREE
The Singleton BIG CAR LITTLE CAR (Racing Cars moonlighters) 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms FUSION 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern RIDING HOOD ("female-fronted rock") 21.00 FREE

Saturday 16th
Bar,Co HUMAN BREED + support 21.00 £TBC
Buck Inn, Pontlliw FINCHEY & FRIENDS ("doing your favourite rock covers") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers TEMP 21.00 FREE
MilkwoodJam Hex Nights presents Dead of Night (wear black) 21.00 £3.00
The Mill House, Morriston PURE FLOYD ("racing around to come up behind you again") 21.00 FREE
Monkey Café SWISS FX ("local jam band") Free b4 10
Pink Geranium R & B 14.00 FREE
Pink Geranium BANJAXED 16.30 FREE
Pink Geranium BIG CAR LITTLE CAR (Racing Cars moonlighters) 19.00 FREE
Pink Geranium ORANGE FALL (still practising sanity) 21.30 FREE
PONTARDAWE FESTIVAL See brochure for details
Pontardawe Inn LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD 19.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn BREAKDOWN 21.00 FREE
Queen's Hotel MIKE JAPP 21.00 FREE
Sin City (main room) VOODOO GLOW SKULLS, JB Conspiracy + The Groundnuts ("punk/ska/hardcore") 19.30 £8 + BF
Sin City (upstairs) PARTYSHANK, Glamour 4 Better, Friends Electric + Dreamer 19.30 £TBC
The Singleton URSINE PRINCES ("10 out of every 2 people are dyslexic") 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar DUBWISE 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms HOT DOGZ 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern ORANGE FALL (heard it through the grape vine - great rock) 21.00 FREE
Whitez LETHARGY + support 21.00 FREE

Sunday 17th
The Adelphi ROLLERCOASTER 16.00 FREE
Bar,Co AVISI, The Showt + Starsci 21.00 £1.00
The Brunswick PAUL ROGERS (more mellow pickings with your Sunday lunch) 13.00 FREE
The Brunswick TONY WEBB (the Mystic Man emerges from behind his Castle Wall) 20.30 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw UP THE CREEK ('grassing up the covers) 20.00 FREE
Coyote Bar THIS RIVER 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers Open Mic Night (with Chris Woodman and Ian James) 20.00 FREE
Masons Arms THE JOURNEYMEN ("great covers band with an amazing lead vocalist") 21.00 FREE
No Sign Bar GINGER NUTS 20.30 FREE
Pink Geranium PANIC STATION ("solid, gut-wrenching blues") 14.00 FREE
Pink Geranium HIDDEN AGENDA 16.30 FREE
Pink Geranium UP THE CREEK ('grassing up the covers) 19.00 FREE
Pink Geranium THE V.I.P.'S (half of the Storys playing songs you all know) 21.30 FREE
PONTARDAWE FESTIVAL See brochure for details
Pontardawe Inn TBC
Strand Bar GENE GAMBLER & THE SHUFFLERS (rockabilly) 18.00 FREE
Strand Bar PUNCHLINE 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern NEW DRUIDS (good looks and great music - what more do you want?) 21.00 FREE

Monday 18th
Bar,Co Slim's Blues Jam, feat. HIDEAWAY 21.00 FREE
The New York The New York Blues Jam/Open Mic Featuring house band the BLUES CRUISE 20.30 FREE
Uplands Tavern GARY PHILLIPS TRIO ("bluenote and jazz-funk fusion") 21.00 FREE

Tuesday 19th
Bar,Co DAVE THOMAS + Ceri James (Cyrenians' Cymru charity night) 20.00 £2.00
The Brunswick AL DAVEY (singer/guitarist with a nice line in Neil Young covers) 21.00 FREE
MilkwoodJam THE SHORTCUTS, The Abortions, Sinister Rouge + The City That Day 20.00 £3.00
The Salisbury THE WORRIED MEN ("so good they could be Welsh!") 20.00 £TBC

Wednesday 20th
Bar,Co Illegal Promotions Rock Night 20.00 £2.00
MilkwoodJam Milky Showcase (Host: Aggi Thomas) 20.00 FREE
Mozarts Open Mic Acoustic (Host: Ian James) (Easy-going, relaxed atmosphere) 20.00 FREE
The Office Open Mic Night (Host: Richard Copp) 20.00 FREE
Siro's Bar Open Mic Night 21.00 FREE
Swansea Jazzland DOMINIC NORCROSS QUARTET ("playing a range of exciting numbers") 20.30 £7.00
Uplands Tavern New Bands Night: THE HUSH 21.00 FREE

Thursday 21st
The Adelphi TBC 21.00 FREE
Aspers Casino THE AMIGOS ("Swansea's favourite gypsy jazz virtuosos") 22.00 FREE
Bar,Co LITTLE DEVIL (Cult tribute) 21.00 £TBC
The Brunswick ROOTS & GALOOTS (bluegrass played the old-time way) 21.00 FREE
Mumbles Con. Club Swansea Jazz Society : LIBERTY STREET JAZZ BAND 20.30 £5.00
No Sign Bar LONG WAY ROUND ("superb local rock band") 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern MARTIN ACE (TBC) ("top trumps stuff, ma-a-a-n") 21.00 FREE
Whitez M.A.D. Open Mic Night 20.30 FREE

Friday 22nd
Bar,Co MATT COOK ("the one and only") 20.00 FREE
Bar Reef Live music TBC 21.00 FREE
Bay View Bar THE GOOD BURGHERS ("unique and outstanding Blues covers") 21.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw SATURDAY KNIGHTS ("back again to rock you") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers PURE FLOYD ("remember when you were young") 21.00 FREE
Joiner's Arms DAI REES TBC FREE
Masons Arms LEWIS 21.00 FREE
Mozarts FELIX SUBWAY, Death of Chapman Baxter, Superczar, The Feever + Meg & Mark 21.00 FREE
Pink Geranium BULLITT ("exciting rock/blues band") 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn THE V.I.P.'S (half of the Storys playing songs you all know) 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar HALFLIGHT (may be only Sarah and Rich; no matter - just go!) 21.00 FREE
The Singleton SILVER ("melodic rock covers band") 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms THE SOMETHINGS ("melodic pop afficianados") 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern DOUBLE O ZEROES, Ursine Princes, Ripping Cones, Skylark + Evan Burgess 18.30 FREE
Whitez THE CAVES, The Last Republic + Sera & The Elements 20.00 FREE

Saturday 23rd
Bar,Co MATT COOK ("acoustic covers") 20.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw PURE FLOYD ("get out of the road if you want to grow old") 21.00 FREE
Joiner's Arms JOE SCHMO ("music for the living") 20.00 FREE
Nat. Waterfront Museum 10th Anniversary MAS Carnival, feat. HARARE DREAD From 14.00 FREE
Mozarts KELLY'S ANGELS, Lazarus & the Lambs, Aggi Thomas + Robyn Griffiths 21.00 FREE
The New York ORANGE FALL 21.00 £TBC
Pink Geranium THE BARROW BOYS (veteran rockers) 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn FAST CAR WAITING 21.00 FREE
Queen's Hotel OFF THE RECORD ("great local rock duo") 21.00 FREE
The Singleton THE JOURNEYMEN ("great covers band with an amazing lead vocalist") 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar NIKI STITCH 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms SWITCHY & CO. 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern (Inside) HARPERS FERRY, Bigsby, Anne-Marie Helder, Steffan Tucker + others From 14.30 FREE
Uplands Tavern (Outside) ANDY JONES, Dyljammor, Sera, Jason Harris + Speakeasy Jazz Band From 13.00 FREE
Whitez TBC 20.00 FREE
Worms Head Hotel, Rhossili THE AMIGOS ("Swansea's favourite gypsy jazz virtuosos") 15.00 FREE

Sunday 24th
The Adelphi THE BLUES BROTHER 16.00 FREE
The Brunswick BUTTONSVILLE ("superb musicianship and rewarding choice of songs") 20.30 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw CAL NEWMAN ("blues, ragtime, slide and originals") 20.00 FREE
Coyote Bar SUNSHINE CAB COMPANY 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers Open Mic Night (with Chris "how many Roads must a man walk down" Woodman) 20.00 FREE
Joiner's Arms LEWIS CLEMENT TBC FREE
Nat. Waterfront Museum City Streets - Summer Beats, feat. SAMBA TAWE + guests From 13.00 FREE
No Sign Bar THIS RIVER ("four-piece melodic rock band from the Swansea valley") 20.30 FREE
Pontardawe Inn THE JACK VELVET BAND (Gwachel regulars might recognise the banjo player!) 20.30 FREE
Ship Inn, St. Thomas PURE FLOYD ("your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying") 21.00 FREE
Strand Bar ITCHY FEET 18.00 FREE
Strand Bar BIG CAR LITTLE CAR (Racing Cars moonlighters) 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern (Inside) FRAME 3-13, The Magpies, Rugfire, The Good Burghers, Karma Junkie + others 14.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern (Outside) MEG & MARK, Jon Morgan, Boatbar to Hamburg, Quahog + Ian James From 13.00 FREE
Whitez KIDDO 360, Felix Subway, The Barriers + Edessa From 18.00 FREE

Monday 25th
The Adelphi CALYPSO 16.00 FREE
Bar,Co AVISI, Tom van Hamer, Sonny Day + Cartoon Elvis 21.00 £1.00
Joiner's Arms THE AMIGOS ("guitar wizardry with strains of calypso, jazz & musical genius") 15.30 FREE
The New York The New York Blues Jam/Open Mic Featuring house band the BLUES CRUISE 20.30 FREE
The Old Barn Inn LONG WAY ROUND, The Lost Boys, Big Car Little Car + The Somethings From 11.30 FREE
Strand Bar THE SOMETHINGS ("melodic pop afficianados") 18.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern (Inside) RAG FOUNDATION, Mudjack, King of Despair, Ringolevio, Prisoners Cinema + 14.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern (Outside) KIERAN DANIELS, Jonnie Owen, Cheese Bap, Mick Kemp + Steve Flynn From 13.00 FREE
Whitez MOOK, The Committed + Chineapple Punks 18.00 FREE

Tuesday 26th
Bar,Co Love Music, Hate Racism 20.00 £TBC
The Brunswick GUTBUCKET BAND (earthy blues / rock) 21.00 FREE
Grand Theatre CHAS & DAVE (they've got more rabbit than Sainsbury's, apparently…) 19.30 £17.50

Wednesday 27th
Bar,Co EL UFO 20.00 £TBC
MilkwoodJam Milky Showcase (Host: Aggi Thomas) 20.00 FREE
Mozarts Open Mic Acoustic (Host: Ian James) (Easy-going, relaxed atmosphere) 20.00 FREE
The Office Open Mic Night (Host: Richard Copp) 20.00 FREE
Samlet Club, Llansamlet Swansea Country Music Club: RICHARD PALMER (01792 297936/418002) 20.30 £4.00
Sin City HEAVY ON THE RIDE, M.M.S.F. + Kasino 19.30 £TBC
Siro's Bar Open Mic Night 21.00 FREE
Swansea Jazzland BERRY RAY'S GUEST NIGHT ("the man from the door takes centre stage!") 20.30 £8.00
Uplands Tavern The Original SLIM's BLUES JAM, feat. HIDEAWAY 21.00 FREE

Thursday 28th
The Adelphi TBC 21.00 FREE
Aspers Casino MIKE GREGORY 22.00 FREE
Bar,Co DEAD AGAINST THE REST 21.00 FREE
The Brunswick IAN JAMES BAND (Swansea's favourite troubadours) 21.00 FREE
Monkey Café BUZZ Live Music Night TBC £TBC
Mumbles Con. Club Swansea Jazz Society : SPEAKEASY JAZZ BAND 20.30 £5.00
Whitez M.A.D. Open Mic Night 20.30 FREE

Friday 29th
Bar,Co ROB WESTALL ("acoustic classics") 20.00 FREE
Bar Reef THE GOOD BURGHERS ("unique and outstanding Blues covers") 21.00 FREE
Bay View Bar THE BEAR 21.00 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw OFF THE RECORD ("great local rock duo") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers FELIX SUBWAY 21.00 FREE
Grand Theatre JIVE TALKING: The Bee Gees Story ("just a photograph of someone that I knew") 19.30 £16.50
Masons Arms LEWIS 21.00 FREE
Monkey Café Mashed Up, feat. ANALOG ("live Drum'n'Bass/Jungle") Free b4 10
Pink Geranium BIG CAR LITTLE CAR (Racing Cars moonlighters) 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn THIS RIVER ("four-piece melodic rock band from the Swansea valley") 21.00 FREE
Siro's Bar RACHEL BOWEN ("a stranger to herself?" - oddly appropriate, methinks) 21.00 FREE
The Singleton VEGAS 21.00 FREE
Smith's Arms HERE & NOW 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern THE ENORMOUS SIZES (Rob Lear, ex, erm … Lear) 21.00 FREE
Woodfield Club, Morriston PURE FLOYD ("got to get on with the show") 21.00 FREE

Saturday 30th
Buck Inn, Pontlliw LIKE A LION ("Gary and Taff play their stuff") 21.00 FREE
The Cricketers HEAD HUNTERS 21.00 FREE
The Ivorites, Plas Marl PURE FLOYD ("everything under the sun is in tune, but …") 21.00 FREE
MilkwoodJam MUDJACK + guests 20.00 FREE
Pink Geranium TILT 21.00 FREE
Pontardawe Inn DUFF (acoustic-based rock band) 21.00 FREE
Queen's Hotel CALYPSO 21.00 FREE
The Singleton BIG CAR LITLE CAR (Racing Cars moonlighters) 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern THE GOOD BURGHERS ("funky blues") 21.00 FREE
Whitez DAVE THOMAS (ex-A.o.V.) 21.00 £TBC

Sunday 31st
The Adelphi PUNCHLINE 16.00 FREE
Bar,Co BUTTERFLIES WITH BEARDS, Avan Rijs + Rob Lomax 21.00 FREE
The Brunswick MARIA OWEN (singer/songwriter with incredibly pure and powerful voice) 20.30 FREE
Buck Inn, Pontlliw IAN JAMES TRIO (Swansea's favourite troubadour playing folk and covers) 20.00 FREE
The Cricketers Open Mic Night (with Chris "how many Roads must a man walk down" Woodman) 20.00 FREE
Masons Arms R & B TBC FREE
No Sign Bar THE AMIGOS (more guitar wizardry) 20.30 FREE
Strand Bar BASKING IGUANAS (a different set of Racing Cars moonlighters) 18.00 FREE
Strand Bar THIS RIVER ("four-piece melodic rock band from the Swansea valley") 21.00 FREE
Uplands Tavern KATE BINNINGSLEY ("acoustic folk/jazz") 21.00 FREE

Press Date for September issue - Friday 15th August

Because I'm on holiday for the last week of August, the press date for September's GigList will be earlier than usual, on Friday 15th August. Will all venues, bands and advertisers please note that, contrary to my usual practice, it will not be possible to guarantee publication if listings, etc. have not been received by that date.

Caught Live

Halflight at Bar Inc, Bridgend, Thursday 3rd July

Halflight can be a perverse lot. As their Myspace blog says, they can "write emotionally charged acoustic pop songs about small towns and big cities, lost love and enduring friendship", but they're also still prone to play second-fiddle at half-arsed club gigs to headlining acts who aren't fit to polish their shoes. This was a classic case in point - in fact, at this remove I can't even remember who the headlining act was, but second-on-the-bill Halflight fizzed and glowed with a short, 45-minute set of virtually brand-new material. More perversity, or simply a charmingly unpretentious demonstration of the fecundity of Sarah Howells' song writing talent? If there's one thing this band does not do, it's pander to audience expectations - of tonight's eight song set, not one was "previously released" in the traditional sense, whilst even devotees of the band's Myspace page had to be content with two songs only ("Lifelight" and "Sing It") out of those currently featured there. Gone too is the mildly endearing eccentricity of the band's early bass and drummer-less line-up and whilst some might mourn the absence of Emma Bryden's cello from the current incarnation, it must be said that all of a sudden this "proper" four-piece Halflight has the wherewithal to demand the attention that the songs' delicate structure and content always deserved. This is a band with definite possibilities. Even so, it's immediately obvious just whose band it is - from her commanding position centre stage to a quip at guitarist Rich Llewellyn's expense when asking for the monitor levels to be adjusted ("much less of him!"), Halflight is unquestionably Sarah Howells' vehicle. For a slight girl, she sure packs a lot of stage presence. And yet on another level, Halflight is a partnership in the classic Smiths and Sundays mould - not only do Sarah and Rich share song writing credits these days, but it's impossible to imagine the Halflight sound without Rich's immaculate guitar work. One of the most unassuming and talented musicians I know, he's the perfect foil not only for Sarah's fragile lyricism but also her undeniable tendency to claim the limelight. And lest that sound overcritical, I'm not suggesting for one minute that she doesn't deserve to be in it. And that applies to the rest of the band, as well. Some of us have known for years just how good they are. It's been our secret, but it's high time the rest of the world caught up.

Rugfire at the Uplands Tavern, Friday 18th July

There are not too many bands that would have the balls (or the ability) to put out a 21 song set of all original material (10 of which were absolutely new) on what was billed as only their second formal gig (although I'm sure there was a third one that's escaped Willis's memory), even at a venue like the Uplands Tavern, and get away with it, but then the individual members of Rugfire are not exactly novices at this game. The core trio of Willis (ex-Peski), Steve McElroy (ex-Bigelow, Boys from the Hill and sometime member of King of Despair) and Jamie (who's rapidly assuming Huw Rees's discarded mantle of being in every band of worth in Swansea simultaneously) were joined tonight by second guitarist Pete Hutchins, who played on the Blamvania Sessions album (reviewed in June's GigList) and whose evident familiarity with the material enabled the four-piece line-up to replicate to an impressive degree the sound of the album, all eleven songs from which were given an airing, kicking off with the clarion call of "All Around Me". Short of live gig experience they might be, but under-rehearsed they certainly were not. Despite Willis's self-professed lack of stagecraft, a nice touch was his explanation of the subject matter of some of the songs, which cast Malcolm Jones's inscrutable lyrics in a completely new light, for one listener at least (although I still don't understand precisely why Russian submariners et al. should be in particularly urgent need of "four chunky strings and a long guitar" … still, it's a great song, so who cares?) Like all the best bands, Rugfire are neither two-dimensional nor one-paced. Moody, atmospheric numbers like "Road Safety", "Bass Player" and "Matches" alternate with energetic rockers like "All Around Me", "My Dad" and "Ionosphere/Christine", while the new songs, although obviously unfamiliar, maintain the flow of quality material. With this one performance Rugfire not only laid out their credentials, but also staked their claim to be considered one of the very best all-original bands on the local circuit. A special word of praise too for sound man Chris Meek, who conjured the most crystal clear sound I have ever heard out of the Tavern's sometimes temperamental PA. The doubters amongst you can catch Rugfire at the Tavern again on Saturday night of the Uplands Festival, where I reckon The Magpies and Frame 3-13 are going to have to pull out all the stops to follow them. That promises to be some bill!
Live reviews by Nigel Wassell

Venue Details
Adam & Eve, 207 High Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 646529 Live music every Saturday @ 17.30 and 21.00
The Adelphi, 18 Wind Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 641430 Cabaret/solo artists Thursdays, bands Sundays
Aspers Casino, Wind Street, Swansea. Tel. 0845 450 7779 Jazz and cabaret entertainment Thursdays to Saturdays
Bar,Co, 8/9 Wind Street, Swansea. Tel. 07793 318017 Live music most nights - see listings for details
Bar Reef, Walter Road, Swansea. Live music on Friday night - see News and Views
Bar Sigma, 2-4 The Kingsway, Swansea. Website: www.barsigma.co.uk Student bar, most (all?) events geared towards students
Bay View Bar, 400 Oystermouth Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 652610 Website: www.bayviewbar.co.uk Jazz, Blues, Soul Fridays
The Brunswick, 3 Duke Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 465676 Website: http://thebrunswick.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk
"The home of Swansea acoustica" on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Buck Inn, Swansea Road, Pontlliw. Tel. 01792 892294 Live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
The Chattery, 59 Uplands Crescent. Tel. 01792 473276 Email: thechattery@hotmail.com
Website: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/thechattery Noted "Americana" venue - see listings for details
Coyote Bar, Green Dragon Lane, Swansea. Tel. 07929 494780 Live bands Sunday nights
The Cricketers, 83 King Edward Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 422160 Live bands Fridays/Saturdays, Open Mic Sundays
Gower Heritage Centre, The Mill, Parkmill. Tel. 01792 371206 Folk, Rock and Bluegrass festivals, June, July and September
The Gate House, 360 Carmarthen Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 476662 Live bands Saturdays or Sundays
Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 475715 Website: www.swanseagrand.co.uk See listings for events
Ivy Bush Hotel, Pontardawe. Hosts Valley Folk Club monthly (phone 01558 823736 for details)
Joiner's Arms, 50 Bishopston Road, Bishopston, Swansea. Tel. 01792 232658 Beer festival and music at Bank Holiday weekends
Masons Arms, Rhydypandy, Morriston. Tel. 01792 842535 Live bands most Sundays
MilkwoodJam, 50 Plymouth Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 477577 Website: www..milkwoodjam.com See listings
Monkey Café, 13-14 Castle Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 480822 Website: www.monkeycafe.co.uk
A mixture of live bands and Club nights - live music events only listed here, see website/posters for other events
Mozart's, 76b Walter Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 655351 Acoustic Open Mic nights every Wednesday
Mumbles Conservative Club, 672 Mumbles Road, Southend. Tel. 01792 366026 Hosts Swansea Jazz Society every Thursday
National Waterfront Museum, Maritime Quarter. Tel. 01792 638950 Occasional live music events as advertised
The New York, 6 Princess Way, Swansea. Tel. 01792 475587 Blues Jam on Mondays + other gigs as advertised
No Sign Bar, 56 Wind Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 465300 Fax: 01792 463350 Live music, Sundays
The Office, Castle Square, Swansea. Tel. 01792 645063 Open Mic Wednesdays, gigs Fridays & Saturdays
The Old Barn Inn, Cefn Felindre Farm, Pontlassau, Morriston. Tel. 01792 774411 See listings for details NEW VENUE
Pink Geranium, 31 Herbert Street, Pontardawe. Tel. 01792 862255 Live bands, Friday / Saturday nights
Plough & Harrow, Murton, Swansea. Tel. 01792 234459 Occasional gigs as advertised
Pontardawe Arts Centre, Herbert Street, Pontardawe. Tel. 01792 863722 Website: www.npt.gov.uk/theatres See listings for events
Pontardawe Inn, Pontardawe. Tel. 01792 830791 Hosts Pontardawe Acoustic Music Club and bands Fridays/Saturdays
Queen's Hotel, Gloucester Place, Swansea. Tel. 01792 521531 Live music most Saturdays
The Salisbury Club, Walter Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 540669 Hosts the Blues & Rock Club most Tuesdays
Sin City, Dillwyn Street, Swansea. Tel. 07976 136194 Website: www.myspace.com/sincityclub See listings for events
Siro's Bar & Bistro, 136a St. Helen's Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 410903 Open Mic Wednesdays, gigs Fridays & Saturdays
The Singleton Hotel, 1-2 Dillwyn St., Swansea. Tel. 01792 472122 Live music Fridays and Saturdays
Smith's Arms, Neath Road, Hafod, Swansea. Tel. 01792 652154 Live music Fridays and Saturdays
The Strand Bar, 8 The Strand, Swansea. Tel. 01792 463638 Two bands every Sunday, at 18.00 and 21.00
Swansea Jazzland, St James' Club, St. James Crescent, Swansea. Tel. 01792 466535 Every Wednesday, 20.30-23.00
Taliesin Arts Centre, University Campus, Swansea. Tel. 01792 602060 Website: www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk See listings
Uplands Tavern, 42 Uplands Crescent, Swansea. Tel. 01792 458242 Website: www.uplandstavern.co.uk Live music most evenings
Whitez, 47 Uplands Crescent, Swansea. Tel. 01792 475147 Open Mic Night every Thursday, gigs Saturdays
Zac's Place, George Street, Swansea. Exousia Trust church - Gigs as advertised

Other stockists, promoters, retailers and sites of interest
Derricks Music, 221 Oxford Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 654226 (Mail Order & Tickets) Website: www.derricksmusic.co.uk
More Music: www.moremusic.co.uk Second-hand record retailer (mail-order only)
The Music Station, Phoenix Way, Swansea Enterprise Park. Tel. 01792 775751 Website: www.music-station.co.uk
Rowlands Music, 31 St. Helens Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 522020/600269 Website: www.rowlandsmusic.co.uk Instruments, PA
Speed Music, Lion Way, Swansea Enterprise Park. Tel. 01792 772299 Website: www.speedmusic.co.uk Instruments, PA, etc.
Splinter's Studio, 207 Oxford Street, Swansea. Tel: 07811 371 267 Email: splintersstudio@aol.com Rehearsal and tuition space
Sullivan's Record Centre, 59 High Street, Gorseinon. Tel. 01792 893602 Website: www.sullivansrecordcentre.co.uk
The Viper Room, Dillwyn Street, Swansea. Tel. 01792 301999 Website: www.myspace.com/theviperroomswansea
The Volts Show: www.thevoltsshow.com Internet radio show on Radio Freeway/Celtica Radio, feat. unsigned music twice a week
Welsh Gig Forum: www.welshgigs.com Comprehensive forum and resource site for bands gigging in Wales

All details subject to change. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of going to press, and is given in good faith, but no responsibility can be accepted for errors in published material or changes made after publication. Please check with venues for the latest information (contact details given above, or for "one-off" gigs within the listings), particularly if intending to travel any distance. The GigList is completely independent and has no official connection with any of the bands or venues listed. Comments in italics are intended to be informative or tongue-in-cheek, should not be taken too seriously by bands and are my personal opinion, unless they're in quotes, in which case they're from other sources. For inclusion in future editions email nigelw@notheolgwili.fsnet.co.uk, phone or text 07866 781026, or press bits of paper into my hand at gigs and I'll try not to lose them. Press date for next issue - Friday 15th August.

Published by Nigel Wassell, 7 Richmond Mews, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0QU
Phone 07866 781026 or Email: nigelw@notheolgwili.fsnet.co.uk
Printed by Brynymor Digital Press, 14 Brynymor Road, Swansea. Tel. 01792 456661, Fax 01792 456777. www.digipress.co.uk