Drum and Monkey – Review

Posted by on Apr 24, 2015 in Blog | 0 comments

We’ve only played The Drum and Monkey in Swadlincote once before, and that went pretty well so we were kinda expecting a repeat performance.   This is a  lively live music venue overseen by the enthusiastic Di who seems to have an ear for some of the best acts in the area and puts on some great shows.  The Drum and Monkey has a lively and friendly atmosphere and they also put on a good selection of beers.

We all arrived in pretty close proximity to each other and had a little wait while arrangements to clear the playing area were made,  which was soon achieved thanks to the friendly and proactive barmaid ( sorry can’t remember your name) who seemed to have multitasking down to a fine art.

So after the  usual  discussion about where we would place ourselves, we got on and were soon set up and ready for a sound check.   I then had to dash home with Ruth as she wasn’t feeling too well and managed to get back in time for a sound check without attracting a speed ticket (I hope).

The playing area is a bit plentiful but a little odd as it faces a large pillar in between the bar and the left wall, almost totally cutting off most of the pubs seating area.   So people tended to fill the gaps and dance on the smallish area in front of the band, pretty much blocking off the view for most in the bar.  Power is provided by a single socket behind stage centre and a single socket on the large pillar, which required a long extension lead to get it to the playing area.

We cracked off,  thankful that we had our own sound back through our own equipment.  As we went on people got more and more animated and by the end were doing the old punch the air dance thing which we all love to see.  Again some familiar faces turned up, thanks Sue & Adrian and all  those who supported us so enthusiastically.  We had a great time and are looking forward to coming back in what is now October,   as Di had re-arranged the August date to accommodate a wedding party.

Thank you and see you all again soon.

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