'Boxstock' has been on the go for 3 years now, and has grown both in terms of attendance and quality year on year. I think those witnessed Ben Prestage will agree it was the best CBG gig this country has ever seen. Period. So where do we go from here?
When we formed the HGMC, it was decided very early on that we should not restrict ourselves solely to cigar box guitar music. Our members interests are widespread. Just look at the last Boxstock event - Andy Bole and the Khalgani Dancers, Smojos circuit bent toy demonstration, Yellowbelly Flatt playing his cigar box fiddle at the open mic... Its clear that if its a little bit different, its all good with you people!
So for 2012, for the first time, we have artists from outside the cigar box world. More of that later though...
We are also moving venue and moving cities. 'ThePublic' have been good to us and we couldnt have hoped for a better space to host the last two events, but now it is time to spread our wings and reach out to a whole new audience.
This has lead us to the door of one of the most famous live music venues in the North...
'Band On The Wall', in Manchester. It is a superb historic venue, now refurb'd to a high standard, and they are very much our kind of people. Check out their website at http://bandonthewall.org/
The dates for your diary are
Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September 2012.
Again it will be a 2 day event, with an open mic and a FREE gig on the Friday, followed by the usual workshops, displays, trade stands, showcases and tomfoolery on Saturday daytime. Saturday evening will be given over to main gig as usual, and what a gig that will be!
It gives me great pleasure in announcing that the following artists are confirmed for Boxstock 2012.
Blackriver Bluesman & Bad Mood Hudson (Finland)
Dave Arcari (Uk)
"Dave plays like he got his skin turned inside out and pretty soon my skin was inside out too listening and it was all good. That boy bleeds for you - he a real down deep player and a soul man..." SEASICK STEVE
Mike Snowden (Usa)
JUST ANNOUNCED: The legendary HOLLOWBELLY will be playing an up close and personal gig on the Friday night, following the open mic session. Hell yeah! He'll also be teaching you to 'Play The Hollowbelly Way' on the Saturday, so make sure you pack your Converse and a baseball cap!
As part of the publicity drive, Blackriver Bluesman & Bad Mood Hudson, Mike Snowden, Hollowbelly and Chickenbone John will also all be featured on the fantastic 'Roots and Fusion' show on Pure FM presented by Rick Stuart. We will post dates and details when we have them, or tune in to 107.8Fm on Wednesday nights from 10pm for 2 hours of the good stuff!
And did we mention there is still more to come?! All will be revealed shortly...