THE SOUTHSEA OLD GUARD RETURN FOR THEIR NO MORE DURTY WATER FUNDRAISER
AT THE WINE VAULTS THIS SATURDAY
After six years of hosting The Southsea Old Guard First XI, and six years of moaning about having the brilliant problem of too many DJs to choose from, I decided it was about time to walk the walk like I’ve talked the talk for a while now. So, this year we’ve got enough DJs for a small army…….
29 (not 30, which is doing my OCD nut in) of the finest DJing talents to come from our fair old town. Last year’s Old Guard is here in force, less Rowan from Kassassin Street who’s too busy off being a pin-up to join us this year. Added to that already formidable line-up is another 18 (!) DJs joining us for my favourite day of the year! (Since the bill was announced, I’ve had 6 messages from people wanting to be involved in the future, if you want in, drop me a line.)
Shorter sets, and 2 floors, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Upstairs we’re lucky enough to have Nothing Ventured Vinyl putting on a record fair. Soundtracking that are a bunch of fine fellows. Opening up proceedings at half 12 are Tommy Peters and Roweboy, followed swiftly by Pimpernel Jones of Herma Puma. DJ Lemon up next, keen to announce an anything-goes set, stepping aside from the hugely popular It’s A Sin for the day and digging out some records from a bygone time. Then we have Los Cojones, made up of Foghorn and Fly Mic, who also make up two quarters of Monkey Love Stunt Team. Taking a day off (skiving off) from their Brighton radio show, I’m pleased to welcome three of Civilisation Of The Rough, Mark Persaud, Rosko Prior and Mick Hood. Closing the upstairs session are Billy Steere and Gary Samways of Funk Klub, seeing the afternoon off with a vintage mix that will definitely have some lesser-known gems. They’re all playing strictly vinyl sets until 6pm, bring your pocket money to buy some new wax, and listen to some choice cuts from the talent.
Downstairs we got 18 sets of bangers for you from noon til midnight. Kicking off is Tim Hobbs at noon, followed by Leon Windsor both known for a bit of disco, but expect the unexpected with latin-rock and jazz-inflected electronica threatened respectively. Watch this space for this year’s supersub success story!! Matt Seeney has dropped out so there’ll be a surprise guest in this slot on the day. Next up is Jackson, who’s had one previous appearance in 2012, he’s bringing the afro-beat. Austen ‘Danger’ McLean and inaugural man-of-the-match Big Jim follow Jackson they’ve both only ever missed one OG but never let the team down.
Returning from a sabbatical last year is The Weir bringing some soul bangers to keep the afternoon moving. Then it’s Luke Dharma, designer of the brilliant Roy Of The Rovers poster from last year and purveyor of the finest reggae, dancehall and ska. Ian Void is sure to break the day up with a head-shaking set of techno, and it’ll be down to NMDW patron George Spence to calm you back down again. Coming off the back of last year’s closing set is Uncle Al, coming back from Brighton again and we’re always glad about that. Jim Barber Party-Starter will have to settle for keeping the party going this time but will also be setting up for Ms Mono, making her third appearance this year.
First timer Mark James from Soul 45 in Southampton next, keen to be involved this year and an honourary Southsea soldier. If he shows up, it’s the Albino Monkey next, well known as part of Kry Wolf and the “brains” behind Sumo. Handsome Dave Rocker follows Darvs fresh from a busy year with Bestival and Common People and ready to smash you up. That just leaves me and Keef to mop things up and send you off on your way happy and knackered.
Happy to announce we also have a raffle with prizes donated by Bored of Southsea, Sopranos and the very place you’re reading these words, Strong Island. Star prize is an awesome 12″ record box, made and personalised especially for this event by Gary Samways of Funk Klub!! Hopefully we’ll have some more bits and bobs to announce before the day, there’ll be an Old Guard tee and a signed poster of the artwork too.
We’re selling the limited edition t-shirts on the day to commemorate the event, as well as some prints of the event artwork by Dave Millard. As usual, all profit goes to No More Durty Water, the charity started by our comrade Monkey Paul. It’s going to be an awesome day, I think I have grey hairs in my beard now from organizing it so come and buy me a pint.
Special thanks to Leon Windsor, Alex Cave, Tommy Peters, George Spence and Dave Morgan for supplying equipment on the day, Jay Dunstan for his help getting the t-shirts done, Dave Millard for the fantastic poster, Gary from Funk Klub, Gary at Bored, Trist at Strong Island and Tommy at Sopranos for raffle prizes and Oliver, Tim and the rest of the Wine Vaults for putting it on this year.
Before the special day, enjoy these two mixes I’ve made UPSTAIRS & DOWNSTAIRS, featuring a tune each from every DJ performing on the day, they definitely embody the anything-goes nature of the event. Bring an open mind and your dancing shoes. And a few quid for the charity bucket.
NO COMMENT