Lighthouse Poole
Once again it’s that time of year where we recognise the talents of our local music scene and all it has to offer. The votes have been cast, the winners decided – just the small matter of bringing the winners up on stage to garner the applause. In its third year now the event has grown from its early DIY roots at The Allendale Centre into its (hopefully) forever home in the esteemed surroundings of Poole Lighthouse – or to the purists Poole Arts Centre! It has been a while since I set foot in the building and I have to say it has definitely moved with the times.
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The main hall evoked some wonderful memories for me from 1989 onwards, but it was also good to see every table full for the event. However, prior to the event was the meet ‘n greet in the bar area and the Red Carpet photo opportunities to which many indulged. At 7pm sharp Matt (Black) calls us to order and we take our seats.
Matt then gives us a flavour of what is to come, followed by a brief summary of the history of the event – ably assisted by his “Brother from another Mother”, the Tony Wilson of Dorset Mr. Dave (Chinners) Chinery. The way these two bounce off each other is like a double-act, their unbridled enthusiasm just hooks you in.
Before the prize giving proceedings begin, Chinners gives a passionate and heartfelt tribute to Danny Meazza of rock band Sirpico who sadly passed away – a man in the prime of his life who departed us way too soon. The band have decided to carry on in his absence and recruited a new guitarist, however he will always be in their thoughts.
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The first award given tonight is for “Best Accessibility and Inclusivity”: Nominees are Echotown Studio, St. Bartholomews Church and The Brewery Tap; and our winners are St. Bartholomews Church.
Next up is the “Best Open to All”: Nominees are Acoustic Connection, Belvedere Sunday Jam and Si Genaro: winners are Acoustic Connection.
The “Best Under 18 category”: Nominees are Phoebe Rose, Charlotte Geary and Shay Ray-Deane: tonight’s winner is Phoebe Rose.
“Best breakthrough Artist” is next: Nominees are ELI (formerly Eli Greeneyes), Velour and The Ben Poore Project. Tonight’s winner is ELI.
“Best Tech Support Backstage Crew” Nominees are Lighthouse, RMV Sounds and The Old Fire Station. With Steve (RMV) taking the honours two years running, could he possibly make it a hat-trick? Talking to him in the foyer, his money was on Lighthouse! However, he once again reigns supreme and takes the award. Knowing Steve as I do he puts in the hard yards alongside his day job, so probably deserves the plaudits.
“Best Songwriter Award” Nominees are The Ben Poore Project, Carley Varley and Nia Nicholls. The winner is Nia Nicholls.
“Best Promoter Award”: now here’s a thing. As someone who like many of you frequents the live music scene on a weekly basis, we all have an idea who our main man or woman is in this arena and two of our nominees I know very well. Best Promoter Nominees are Bear (aka Ryan Mills), Kev of Fuelled By Cider and Sully (Dan Sullivan). The winner is Sully. For those who don’t know Sully, he runs three well known small venues in the town – The Four Horsemen, The Anvil and Zephyr. All cater for different genre’s in the market so I guess this is a well earned award.
It’s at this point that our hosts announce an interval and a chance to stock up on refreshments. A thirty minute break flies by and we are back to the awards before we know it!
“The Best Original Music Venue” award comes next. Nominees are The Tap and Grape, Bears Bar and Venue and The Owls Nest. And the winner is Bears Bar and Venue. For those not in the know, Bear took on a new venue two years ago; previous incarnations included Club Extreme, a popular Saturday night Indie haunt and venue that had lain dormant for many years – now renamed to reflect its new owner Bear Cave. He took a giant step and turned it into a thriving venue in the Rock Quarter of town and continues to grow its success offering two stages, competitive drinks prices in a well-stocked bar and a laid back vibe that fosters a scene. Long may that continue.
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“Best Music Festival” comes next. Nominees are Rustic Stomp, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, and Alice’s Wicked Tea Party. I have to confess I didn’t attend any of the three so luckily I’m not on the judging panel! Purbeck Valley win the award, and from the feedback I received from friends who went – this is a justified decision.
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“The Best Recorded Work” (EP Single) Nominees are as follows: Millie Watson, Yaaard and Velour. Yaaard I have to admit are new to me, I did however have the pleasure of seeing the other two nominees in the previous 12 months – both worthy nominees. Millie Watson gets the nod and gives a great recognition speech. She is one of our rising local stars so keep an eye out for this talented lady.
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“Best Recorded Work” – Album: Nominees are Helena Mace with Waterfalls, Savage Underdogs with Oak and Stone, and Traffic Cone Wizard with “We : Are”. The winners are Traffic Cone Wizard, judging by their acceptance speech they truly are the most humble band in Dorset. While putting one’s own bias to one side I know this collection of songs were a long time in the making. However, having had the pleasure of reviewing this album I would say it is arguably the best release by any band from Dorset in a very long time. I guess the adage here is take your time and let the fruits of your labour just grow, however long that takes. I shall also make it my business to seek out the work of the other two artists.
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“Best Recorded Work” – Video comes next. Nominees are Nick Capaldi with Lovely People, Roxanne Phillips with Peaceful Night, and Sereniform with Catch Me. And the winner is Nick Capaldi.
Tonight sees many special awards, the first “The Thom Belk Community Fund Award” going to Dixie Dix for her sterling work promoting the local scene. Two years ago she created Originality Live, a promotion company with the sole intention of giving artists an opportunity to showcase their talents. Not just a local promotion venture, it aims to expand its enterprise outside of Dorset through 2025 and beyond.
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Another Special Award sees “The Alex JT Award” going to Rainbow Lion Alex.
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A Special Award for “Services to Charity” goes to Joe Musker This drumming legend was once a member of Dead or Alive, and up until recently worked for Bournemouth Youth Services. More recently he is known for his drum kit renovation!
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Another Special Award goes to Mark Baynes for “Services To Music”. For anyone who has been living under a rock and is not aware of this local music legend, Mark is none other than lead vocalist and mainstay in Lady Winwoods Maggot. He and Chinners greet each other on stage like long lost brothers, such is their mutual respect for one another.
A Special Award for “Contribution to Dorset Dance Music” goes to DJ Pencil.
A Special Award for “Strength of Character” goes to none other than Macko Grimmer. Macko first came under my radar as the dancer at Brothers Grimmer shows in the area. He has now progressed to writing and playing music and has released “Are We Free” in 2023 with more releases promised…
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The Special Award for being an “Inspirational Person” goes to Calvin-Billington Glen. Calvin has overcome many obstacles to forge a musical career as a songwriter and performer.
The Special Award for “Spreading The Love” goes to none other than Mischa Weston-Green. This philanthropic manages to somehow find time to make music with his band (The Merry Men) despite large amounts of his time taken up though his fundraising efforts. A true all-rounder…
The Special Award for “Contribution To The Local Music Scene” needs no introduction. PJ Harvey is known worldwide, but her roots are in Dorset. Her achievements are many but it’s her inspiration to local music that is at the heart of this award. Although she couldn’t be at the event she did send a video message of thanks.
Tonight’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” goes to none other than Christchurch Prog/Rockers Galahad. A near forty year career hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm as they continue to write and perform today. If memory serves me right they were playing “The Regent Centre” in Christchurch when I was a volunteer there in the mid-80’s – although Prog wasn’t my thing I was pleased we had a local band making a bit of a name for themselves!
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The “Best Solo Artist” Nominees are: Archie Ray, Shannon White and Kirstie Lawrence. Tonight’s winner is Shannon White.
The “Best Live Act” Nominees are: Mischa and His Merry Men, The Bomo Swing and The Surfin’ Birds. The winners are Mischa and His Merry Men.
The “Best Small Band” Nominees are: Grizzly and The Grasshoppers, Nory-J and Velour. The winners are Velour. This Dark Wave/Electro duo take to the stage and give a truly humble acceptance speech and were clearly not expecting this.
The “Best Band” Nominees are: Sinful Maggie, Wave Chase and Mikey Ball and The Company. The winners are Mikey Ball And The Company.
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Tonight’s event is now in its third year and continues to grow, year on year. Without the timeless efforts of Messrs Black, Chinery, and Berkhauer and the wonderful setting of Poole Lighthouse then there would be no event. Inspired by the Salisbury Music Awards we now have a Dorset music event we can all be proud of, recognising the talents of our often unsung musical community. For years as a county we haven’t shouted loud enough to make ourselves known to a wider public at large. Maybe with events like these, things will change for the better? Thanks also to the Lighthouse staff, the catering, lighting, sponsors and all the volunteers who help to put this event on. I think we can safely say it was a resounding success.
Links
https://www.facebook.com/OriginalMusicAwards
https://hangoverhill.co.uk/original-music-awards-dorset
If you wish to sponsor any of the awards in 2025 please get in touch with the team here.
Review by Ross A. Ferrone.
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