Well once again another great success at the CLAN Christmas Ball 2010, this year with a Carribean theme, although the Ball this year did present an array of challenges to overcome, most of which were down to the absolutely atrocious weather.
To put it bluntly – SNOW – and plenty of it. Blizzards and temperatures of -20 degrees leading up to the gig, uncertainty whether it would be cancelled or not for the duration of the whole week beforehand and all of the organisation, contingency planning, lots of worry and anxiety and a good dollop of praying and hoping for the best. Both from the organisers (who did an amazing job as usual) and from us, who had a 300 mile round trip in Arctic conditions, 8 foot drifts on the road, freezing fog, black ice and a scary journey to Aberdeen from Glasgow leaving hours earlier than we would normally (7 hours) just in case anything bad happened we would have time to get out of it.
For the most part, on the day, we were lucky in that we only encountered fresh snowfall in one part of our journey which was hazardous enough, but we got there in one piece, much to our great relief and also the relief of the organiser who we had been on the phone with early in the morning trying to alleviate her worry.
We had a gig on Saturday too, but the oil company hosting this event decided to pull the plug 2 days beforehand due to “health and safety” issues. I think there must have been a lot of events in Aberdeen which had befallen the same fate as this one.
So to the gig. Everyone worked so hard this year under extenuating circumstances and, apart from the AV company who made our already long and stressful day even longer, stressful and more difficult by digging their heels in that the band had to move instruments and equipment after we had set up because “it spoiled the look” of a twirly light shining on the stage backdrop. I ask you! So in order not to stress out the organiser any more than she’d already been subjected to all week, we moved our gear. So we’re probably the only band in the UK who get to a venue at 2.30pm, set up, then dismantle and have to set up again half an hour before the gig starts at 10 o’clock at night – because of a light! So much for set up and then relax before the gig. I do like a wee nap, but the 5.5 hour journey and the 5.5 hours in the venue setting up and sorting this out put paid to that. I’m afraid that particular AV company is well crossed off my Christmas card list by being completely unreasonable and unprofessional.
I spoke to various guests at the event and it was great to see so many familiar faces who we had met previously at other events. Thank you all for the lovely compliments about the band and glad you all enjoyed yourselves once again.
Atlantic Soul - CLAN Ball Feedback
We went all out once again to try and tie in with the theme of this event. The CLAN Ball is our absolute favourite gig of the year. And this year’s theme – Carribean – was actually funny once you were in the safety and warmth of the venue. The girls in the band donned grass skirts and leys and the guys had some wonderful bright Carribean-style shirts, shades and hats. And always willing to tie our music in with the theme too, we played an array of reggae tunes (including some Bob Marley and Boney M) as well as the other party and Christmas stuff we play to get everyone on the floor. Great fun! Great to see so many guests getting into the Carribean spirit as well wearing grass skirts and leys – and the Rasta Man looked amazing!
We were into it that much we actually got into our costumes about an hour before we were due to. We had a great laugh walking round the hotel and outside with minus 20 outside and 6 feet of snow on the ground wearing grass skirts. Only in Scotland eh?! Great laugh. Here’s the band in the dressing room before we went onstage.
Atlantic Soul (or should that be Atlantic Reggae haha!)
The Atlantic Soul Girls - our Three Little Birds
Big shout out too to Banchory Academy Steel Band who we had the privilege of seeing go through a song before the crowds were allowed in. Very very impressed by these youngsters and hope they go on to achieve much success (a little birdie told me they’ve been asked to compete with the best of the steel bands in London! Great stuff!). If you’re our friend on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AtlanticSoulShowband) you’ll be able to watch a video recording of the song I saw them perform.
Unfortunately due to the weather, there were a few no shows on the night, which is understandable, but the total raised is absolutely worthy of all the effort by all. Well done all who helped raise this fantastic sum.
Thanks once again for asking Atlantic Soul to be part of this wonderful and worthy event. We hope to see you in Aberdeen again soon (hopefully next time with no snow!).
Merry Christmas everybody!
Love ATLANTIC SOUL SHOWBAND xx
www.atlanticsoul.co.uk – website
Tel: 0844 884 9578
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