Rock Chick Goddess

Went to see the another concert this week as part of the Chester Music Festival in the company of Rock Chick Goddess, Nanny Pie. She was under strict instructions not to throw any knickers onstage as this was no Tom Jones performance and she behaved admirably.

The concert was at St Marys Centre, near Chester Castle and what a lovely venue. The group we went to see was Aquarelle, a guitar quartet and they were excellent. Technically mesmering the sound they produced was captivating. A mixture of classical with dance flavoured tunes from around the world with samba, rumba, salsa, flamenco affected rhythms and styles.

Penguin Cafe

Last night Mr & Mrs Pieman headed for the Town Hall in Chester to see The Penguin Cafe. Who are for tonight anyway are a ten piece group led by Arthur Jeffes, son of original Penguin Cafe Orchestra leader and creator Simon Jeffes.

Extremely difficult to describe as they encompass many styles, genres and rhythms to produce a beautiful, beguiling, bopping and absolutely brilliant sound. Often starting slowly with a particular instrument to the fore the rest of the ensemble join an ever growing cacophony of sound to get your feet tapping, lifting the spirit and putting a smile on your face. The only disappointment is the end!

The group starts as pianist, Percussionist/Drummer, Viola, Violin x2, Cellist, Double bass, Cuatro, Ukulele, Guitar but quickly this evolves throughout the performance with a roundabout of movement on stage between songs. A wide variety of instruments are taken up by the group during the performance including a harmonium  for a rendition of "Music for Found Harmonium". They are clearly accomplished musicians and their obvious enjoyment on stage is infectious. 

The venue was ok (very Hot) although the acoustics were not brilliant. I can't recommend the group highly enough, I won't pass up the opportunity to see them again.

Halfords Tour Series

With the Tour De France starting today (3rd July - Rotterdam) an excellent opportunity arose to see some high speed cycling as the Halfords Tour Series came to Chester. With 8/9 teams racing for team honours over a short (Criterium ) course around the city centre the racing was fast and furious with intermediate sprints along the way.

The race lasts an hour and five laps with three sprints along the way. Breakaways, tactics, sweat, very loud music, speed, an open pie shop and an enthuastic crowd made for a good evening only slightly marred by the two large crashes on the last corner of the last lap!

Winner for the evening was Kiwi, Jack Bauer from the Endura racing team. Overall team Series leaders remained Motorpoint Marshall Pasta team.

Pie Day

Big thanks to the Pie Tribe girls who made Fathers day that bit special. Pie for breakfast and Pie for tea! The day started well with Pork Pie for breakfast, a basket of edible goodies and a limited edition shirt from the team that matter.

Taking advantage of the wonderful weather we headed into sunny Wales and the Ceirog valley. From Llanarmon DC we went on a circular walk of nearly five miles without meeting a soul. Apart from the lady who subsequently was to serve us Pie at the excellent West Arms Hotel back in Llanarmon DC, not that we knew  that then.

Tha walk was excellent and the Steak, Mushroom and Herb Pie was an excellent way to end the day, along with a pint of very cold cider!