Back to the indoors.....

Almost eighteen months to the day since my last one, last Sunday night I went to an indoor gig. I went to a couple of "outdoor" gigs in the summer, both at the Kitchen Garden Cafe in Birmingham, and last Sunday night's gig was also at the same venue. It has become my favourite venue to see live music. I may be getting old before my time but there are several aspects of this place that I very much like. A chair to sit on, a table to put a drink on, and a  venue intimate enough that you get a great view wherever you are sat, to name just three. I have attended a variety of different gigs here and the sound quality is always absolutely spot on, whatever the style of music. Obviously I have to go to the locations where my favourite artists are performing but I would always favour this venue if I had the choice.

I took my seat roughly ten minutes before the gig was due to start and I can admit to feeling a little bit apprehensive. Despite the impression that many people seem to give, I know that the pandemic is not yet over. I'm still working on balancing returning to a normal life but also still being sensible and not taking unnecessary risks. I'm fully aware that my actions can have an impact on family, friends and work colleagues.
 
However by about half way through the first song by the Sara Petite Band, I felt completely at ease. Sara's joyful and traditional style, ably assisted by the talents of guitarist Joe Coombs and upright bass player Scott Warman, provided a wonderful evening of music on what was the final night of the tour. The band performed several from Sara's latest album "Rare Bird" and also a few from her back catalogue including a new favourite of mine, "Lead the Parade", from the album of the same name.

Despite a 1am deadline for travel to a Heathrow hotel ahead of a flight back across the Atlantic, Sara was happy to sign CDs and chat to people after the gig. Another of the great things about the Kitchen Garden gig experience is the connection formed between performer and audience. In comparison, large arena concerts can seem very impersonal at times.

I'd also at this point like to give a shout out to the Tour manager Peter. Every gig that I have attended where Peter has been involved have always been top notch. I can only imagine the logistical challenges involved in staging a UK tour for an American artist during the circumstances in which we currently find ourselves. It's not something I will take for granted ever again.