Author Archives: John S

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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.

Indigo Sparke at the Louisiana, Bristol, 7 November 2022

Posted on November 10, 2022 by John S

On Monday I took a trip to Bristol to see one of my favourite artists at the moment, Indigo Sparke. She’s an Australian indie-folk singer, currently based in New York. She released a new album in October called Hysteria, which … Continue reading →

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Biig Piig at Hoxton Hall, 3 November 2022

Posted on November 5, 2022 by John S

Biig Piig is the stage name for Jessica Smyth. She was born in Ireland, lived in Spain for much of her childhood and moved to west London in her teens. Her music began as a jazzy hip hop fusion, but … Continue reading →

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Four great concerts: Ravi Coltrane, The Unthanks, VS Funk Soul Orchestra and Caroline

Posted on November 3, 2022 by John S

I’m wrapping these four shows up in one review as I have a busy November coming up, with 12 gigs at the last count – and the start of the World Cup! The concerts took place over the last three … Continue reading →

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Roxy Music at the O2 Arena, the Dome, 14 October 2022h

Posted on October 21, 2022 by John S

Last Friday Jon, Dave, Tony and I indulged our tendency to nostalgia and went to see Roxy Music at the O2 Arena in the Dome. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of Roxy’s self-titled debut album. Fifty years of Roxy … Continue reading →

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The Lounge Society, Butch Kassidy and Automotion at the Village Underground, 4 October 2022

Posted on October 11, 2022 by John S

Last Tuesday Jon and I, along with Louis and Gab and a few others, went to the Village Underground for a triple bill of indie guitar rock. Not the coolest genre these days perhaps, but we like it! We were … Continue reading →

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A poem for National Poetry Day

Posted on October 6, 2022 by John S

I was listening to BBC 6 Music this morning and Mary Anne Hobbs was talking about National Poetry Day – which is today! It’s also five years since I published my first book of poetry, called Growin’ Up – Snapshots/Fragments. … Continue reading →

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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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