Rhythms Of The World 2010

[Flibster]

Forgot to post about this in advance, but last weekend was the 18th *I think* RoTW event in Hitchin.

http://www.rotw.org.uk/

Used to be the largest free music festival in Europe, but it had to change 3 years ago as it outgrew the town. Now it's quite a bit smaller but just as much fun.

I volunteered to be a steward this year and spent about 15 hours over the 2 days with a radio and a high vis guarding such important things and cheerleaders and backstage areas.

There were some superb acts over the 2 days, but to be fair the headliners on both days paled next to some of the earlier acts. For me, the two that completely stole the whole weekend were Spandex Ballet and The Dodge Brothers.

Completely different ends of the spectrum - but both packed their respective stages with people.

The Dodge Brothers are a skiffle band most well known for having the good Dr Kermode on the double bass and harmonica. But they are fastastic for a festival - such good fun and seem to have a lot of fun when they are on stage. Plus, went backstage afterwards *haha! more use for the stewards passes* and they are great. Had a little chat with the band and got a CD signed. Also found out about their next little video on Kermode Uncut - keeping it quiet though.

Spandex Ballet on the other hand... Just offensive and funny. They issued a warning before they started, it was along the lines of: We do say the word fornicate quite a lot. So if you are of a sensitive nature, religious, or have young children... then fornicate off! I haven't laughed so much for quite a while. With stuff like a rap explaining how James Blunt's You're Beautiful is about rape or another about Heather Mills... Their album 'Seriously, Don't Release This' is named after a single line email they got from a lawyer when they asked if they should release the album.

If you have a chance - come next year - it's the 2nd weekend in July. This year it was £7 a day which is an utter bargain for a festival! Even better, volunteer. You do a minimum of 4 hours work, and for that you get free entry for that day, food, drink, a t-shirt and a party later in the year. They're now booking the acts for 2011 - it's always an eclectic mix and you will find something you'll like. I was up at the DJ stage first thing saturday morning before the gates opened and they DJ was playing Funky Gibbon, Kung Fu Fighting, Tiger Feet... Street cred reducing stuff.

Anyway - some links and videos of my favourite acts this year.

The Dodge Brothers - Dreamland - Oh Death - You can't walk like a man (When you're too drunk to stand)

Toque Tambor - Here Comes The Sun - Video 2

Sarah Savoy & The Francadians - Grand Bosco - Bon Gumbo

CC Smugglers - Hit The Road Jack - On The Road Again

Freak 4

Bare Bones Boogie Band - Since I Fell For You - Video 2

Close to the Bone

Spandex Ballet - NSFW! - Their Stage Intro - My Boombastic Definition Of A Sex Attack - I'm Not Sure *these aren't as tasteless as they get*