Summer in the Square - St. Thomas Square, Newport 12/08/2000

Gary Cramp

Shining Brightly

photos and words by Vic King

The fourth annual 'Summer In The Square' event took palce in blazing sunshine. Brought forward by two weeks from its previous Bank Holiday weekend spot in order to form part of the four day Newport Festival. The usual eclectic mix of music and children's entertainment was again available.

Following a jangling peal of bells from the Newport Parish Church, acoustic guitarist Gary Cramp got the music off to an impressive start with some restful and relaxing material including 'Cavatina.'

The Tin Lids followed, and provide one of the days musical highlights with a very bright set, mainly comprising of Irish folk. Phil Chase took the lead vocal on most of the material, including a rousing version of 'The Galway Girl' from Steve Earles new 'Transcendental Blues' album. John Newman sang lead on 'Shamrock City' and Becky Haydock excelled on fiddle with 'The Star of the County Down' and the Waterboys 'Fisherman's Blues' being particularly impressive.

The Tin Lids

Mark Sanderson - Claire Powell and Isabell Norwood

Ryde's Mark Sanderson had originally been booked as half of the 'No Diddley' duo, but with his partner unavailable, Mark performed a series of cover versions, beginning with 'Pinball Wizard'. The next duo also had problems with a late withdrawal. Claire Powell (trumpet) and Rachel Thomas (trombone) from the Isle of Wight Youth Orchestra were due to play as a duo but Rachel was unable to appear due to ill health. The Youth Orchestra's double bassist Isabel Norwood gallantly fitted in at the last minute, but a hastely arranged set including Beatles covers of 'Yellow Submarine' and 'When I'm Sixty Four' was difficult for them, especially having to compete with the the noise of a Southern Water Authority pneumatic drill in nearby Pyle Street. Thanks for seeing it through girls.

Paul Armfield and JC Grimshaw - Derek

Next, JC Grimshaw teamed up with Paul Armfield (on his lunch hour from Ottakers book shop on double bass). JC contributed three songs from his impressive new 'Footprints and Dreams' CD on which of course Paul is also featured. These were the the title track, which opened their set, 'Riding On A Smile' and 'Jenny Do You Remember' which closed it.

JC's good friend Derek then stepped in following the delayed arrival of 'Fossil Man' Martin Simpson, to do a short spot which included 'Mr Tambourine Man,' 'Crazy Man Michael' and 'I Shall Be Released'.

Martinez, SG, Paul Athey, Mick Cuffe, Dave Pontin (above)
and The Pegasus School of Dancing

It was then time for the perenial 'Summer in the Square' favourites Martinez to deliver a slick and summery performance with their usual aplomb to the appreciation of what was now a very good sized crowd. As usual great support from Mike Cuffe on bass and Dave Pontin on percussion in a set that included 'My Way'.

A demonstration of various types of dancing, including Salsa, by the Pegasus School of Dancing also suited the high temperature as they followed Martinez.

Next up were brothers Duncan and Roland Jones (left, the old Rose and Crown on the corner behind them . . .) from the Wayward Sons. Their set included Fred Neils, 'Dolphins', David Grays 'Babylon' and 'Lullaby of Birdland'. Also featured was Duncan's original 'With The Sea' which he announced was about Gurnard.

A good days music rounded off by Last Orders with some smoothly delivered Irish and Cape Breton tunes.

Away from the music, Martin Simpson (below left with dinosaur teeth . . .) from Blackgang Chines Fossil Shop was also on hand to give an informative talk.

A workshop by the South Wight Youth Circus formed an integral part of a wide range of children's entertainment. This was co-ordinated by Zara Smith, who because she 'had a bee in her bonnet' as she described it, was a prime mover in starting 'Summer in the Square' three years ago.

This year's children's entertainment included three puppet shows (two amplified through the PA), and storyteller Maria (above right).

Pegasus School of Dancing - Street performer

All of this led to a bohemian ambience in the Square, and Vaguely Sunny Promotions are grateful to the Isle of Wight Council and Newport Area Forum for their generous support of this years event which formed part of the wider Newport Festival. When I left Newport at 7.30pm that evening there was still live entertainment being provided in both Squares. Things are improving.

Vic King

BinArt: If Satchi catches a gander at this it could be worth a fortune.
More practical than that ice cream cone outside St. Mary's Hospital,
you can throw your rubbish in this one . . . Mike P . . .