Author Archives: John S

About John S

I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.

Alina Bzhezhinska and the HipHarp Collective at King’s Place, 25 September 2022

Posted on September 27, 2022 by John S

Alina Bzhezhinska is a harp player from Lviv in Ukraine. She studied in Poland, Germany and the US, before settling in the UK – for seven years she was a harp tutor at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, but eventually … Continue reading →

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Soccer Mommy at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, 22 September 2022

Posted on September 25, 2022 by John S

I went up to Kentish Town last Thursday to see Soccer Mommy for the second time this month, having seen them recently at End of the Road. They were good there, very dynamic; but I thought this would be a … Continue reading →

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End of the Road 2022

Posted on September 12, 2022 by John S

Back to End of the Road at last! My last EOTR was 2019. It was cancelled in 2020; and last year I was confined to the back garden self-isolating when the festival took place. So I was really looking forward … Continue reading →

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All Points East festival, Victoria Park, Hackney, 28 August 2022

Posted on August 30, 2022 by John S

The All Points East festival, featuring a series of one day concerts, has been taking place in Victoria Park in Hackney since 2018. At the time it began it usurped Field Day from Victoria Park, after a ten year run. … Continue reading →

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A Thames Journey: (9) From Hammersmith to Westminster

Posted on August 15, 2022 by John S

In the previous episode of this story, the story of the Thames’ journey from source to estuary, we ended at Hammersmith Bridge, just as it had re-opened to pedestrians and cyclists. I published that piece last September – where have … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (170) – Premier League predictions for 2022-23

Posted on August 2, 2022 by John S

Is this season starting earlier than ever? The first game, Crystal Palace v Arsenal, takes place this Friday, 5 August. I think that’s a week earlier than last season, and presumably has something to do with the intervention of the … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (169): England’s Euro 2022 victory

Posted on August 1, 2022 by John S

Four days to go to the start of the Premier League. Normally we can’t wait, after a few desultory summer weeks; but as I write, a day after the England Women won Euro 2022, beating Germany 2-1, do we care? … Continue reading →

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Latitude 2022

Posted on July 28, 2022 by John S

Time again for Latitude – my tenth. My first was in 2012; and notwithstanding the mud, I got the bug. I’ve been every year since then, with the exception, of course of lockdown year, 2020. Accompanied always by my friend … Continue reading →

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A golden trio of concerts: Greentea Peng, Sharon van Etten, Kacey Musgraves

Posted on June 24, 2022 by John S

A golden trio of concerts indeed! All in the space of a week. Three artists whose music I love; three of the best from recent years. And all playing at rather special venues. Greentea Peng at the Royal Festival Hall, … Continue reading →

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Wide Awake Festival, 28 May 2022

Posted on June 1, 2022 by John S

Not quite summer yet, but the festival season has begun. Wide Awake festival takes place in Brockwell Park, Brixton. Nearest station is Herne Hill. It made its debut in September 2021, delayed by the pandemic. In this, its second year, … Continue reading →

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