Tuesday 16 April 2024.

Tuesday 16 April 2024. HOLLOW COVES live at The Forum. Aussie indie folk group built around the talents of singer and songwriters Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins, Hollow Coves employ a rich amalgam of reflective lyrics, dynamic harmonies and earthy melodies. ----------- The show is not sold out, but it is very full. GARRET KATO arrived on stage at 8pm for his 35 mins set. Born in Vancouver , Canada but now living in Byron Bay , Australia .( I was there for a few days around 20 years ago). Known for his reflective musings on love, life and vices, singer-songwriter and platinum-award winning producer Garrett Kato’s unique style of folk-pop is catching fire around the globe. A string of powerful releases, has seen him get over 100 million worldwide streams. His humour helped him go down well with the crowd. HOLLOW COVES arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 85 mins set. Their amps are hidden by the pa , rather than the rear. Four of them on stage, with two sharing the vocals. Lots of nice , dreamy head-nodding songs performed. The electric guitar came out near the end. Tracks like ' On The Way', 'Coastline' and 'Milk & Honey' were highlights in a good show. ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Monday 15 April 2024...7pm to 10.30pm... THE AUCTION at Christies, King Street, St James's, London SW1. Celebrating over 40 years of Terrence Higgins Trust (AIDS Charity) as they showcase world-class auction lots by various artists .You'll also have the opportunity to bid on some amazing holidays and celebrity experiences. Terrence Higgins was the first named person to die of AIDS in the UK in 1982. Terrence Higgins Trust is a British charity that campaigns about and provides services relating to HIV and sexual health. In particular, the charity aims to end the transmission of HIV in the UK; to support and empower people living with HIV, to eradicate stigma and discrimination around HIV, and to promote good sexual health (including safe sex). I have been to this very nice event several times over the past decade. Most of the 400 guests (90 % gay men) have paid £100 to be here. A couple of celebrity faces are here , including LEEE JOHN from 1980s band Imagination, MARK-FRANCIS VANDELLI (Made In Chelsea TV) who have both been here before . I asked Leee John about his upcoming gigs and he feels UK promoters don't promote Black British Acts as much as Black American Acts...a fair point. Celebrity snapper DAVE BENETT was also here , telling us stories of Cannes and Monaco. A female violinist was playing covers before and after the auction. Complimentary prosecco and canapes until 8.30pm then there was a Spanish buffet after the auction , which was 8.15pm to 9.15pm. Used to be champers and cocktails before COVID so sadly not as good as before , but still good.

Posted 16th April 2024