Southport Weekender Page 2

It has pained me to write this review knowing that it is my last ever Southport Weekender. The fusion of soul, house music, jazz, funk and great vocals, truly gave the event something different, something special and timeless. All about soul, diversity and good vibrations, Southport Weekender was a community of friends who liked to dance and listen to quality, cutting edge tunes. 

Thus, it was nice to see familiar faces at Southport Weekender 52. Like always, the Southport family were up for a party, a slice of soul and good times, despite knowing this was the last ever show. Previous years had always sold out in record time - astonishing, really, considering how long this event has been going - but now was the time to call it a day. Of course, this wasn't going to dampen anyone's spirits. With many great live acts and DJs returning for the last one, as well as up and coming acts, it was always going to live up to that premier aspect of what makes soul music, and what gave Southport Weekender is reputation. The sound-systems were on point, the Powerhouse looking the best ever, the Suncebeat Dome on heat as usual, Inn On The Green firing, the Funkbase always booming, the Beat Bar banging and Connoisseurs Corner all delivering great memories once again with some fantastic live performances. Tortured Soul and Lala Hathaway hit Friday night in stylish fashion, with legends Kerri Chandler, John Morales, Nightmares On Wax, to mention a few, also performing. In force, the brilliant Southport Weekender residents cranked up some classic tracks as usual; they will be truly missed.

So many treats such as Kings Of House: Tony Humphries, Louie Vega and David Morales featuring live pa Michael Watford, to enjoy in the Powerhouse, as well as Masters At Work playing Sunday afternoon, it was hard to find anything to complain about. Great acts throughout the weekend such as Jarrod Lawson, Shaun Escoffery, worked perfect with the Southport crowd and The Rebirth had a superb gig on Saturday afternoon. 

Continue reading: Southport Weekender - May 8-10 2015 - Butlins, Minehead Live Review

As 2014 approaches the end of what has been a truly dramatic and tumultuous year we can look back with fond memories of some great events. However there's still another quality event in the diary with Southport Weekender's amazing return back to Pontins in the town of Southport! Indeed Southport Weekender have contributed to some great events this year such as the amazing 50th celebration at Minehead, a sizzling Suncebeat 5 and a great start to Camelot, however many never could have imagined the possibility of another party at Pontins, reminiscing where there has truly been some amazing parties in the past. There's no doubt there's an appetite for a final fling of 2014 and Southport Heritage Weekender could be the perfect place. 

Many of the acts performing have played at Pontins before and it's clear to see that the artists really want to play this one. The venue at Pontins has always been an excellent environment to create epic parties and who wouldn't want to be there if you've experienced it before. It's fortunate to see that there are still tickets available so the opportunity to attend might attract some Southport virgins to the party that could add a welcomed new energy to the mix. Whatever happens I'm truly curious to return to see how the old venue still fairs. Personally I missed the flow of moving from room to room when SPW switched from Pontins to Butlins in the Minehead, so I'm going to have another look. 

Certainly the line would bring any discerning music lover to Southport Heritage Weekender this year. With such an amazing array of soul live acts that span from legend to classic and DJ's that have defined modern music it's clear the quality of the music will be exceptional. Byron Stingley kicking off Friday in the Powerhouse doesn't get any more positive, with the amazing Sounds of Blackness Saturday afternoon, Adeva Saturday night and The Fatback Band to finish off on Sunday afternoon. Other live acts such as Angela Johnson, Keni Burke, Leroy Hutson, Kindred and the Soul Family, Rachelle Ferrel and not forgetting the Dreem Team live will create a lot of memories for sure. To watch these quality acts in the great rooms to dance at Southport Weekender; The Connoisseurs Corner, The Funkbase, The Beat Bar and a Brand New H20 Zone Bar, is something I'm certainly looking forward to. 

Continue reading: Southport Heritage Weekender - Pontins Holiday Camp, Southport, Oct 17th, 18th, 19th 2014 Preview

The brilliant Southport Weekender release Volume 10 and anyone who's been to a Weekender or have heard the previous mixes will be truly thrilled! Indeed, with a history of great DJ/producers such as Kerri Chandler, DJ Spinna, Mr Scruff, Jazzanova, King Brit and Ashley Beadle who have all contributed to the Volume series, it makes taking the mantle of a mix on this brand as an honour as well as a challenge! Californian Miguel Stewart, aka Miguel Migs, returns back having already featured on the 2003 release, alongside one of the UK's brightest stars of the dance community, Atjazz. The spirit of Southport Weekender is all about black soul music and all the progressions created from this source, as well as one love unity. Previous Southport Weekender Volumes have always delivered quality and brought a flavour reminiscent of being at the event itself. 

Miguel Migs starts off by bringing house music and the energy of The Powerhouse into your stereo! This DJ is renowned for his remixes and has three brand new remixes first on the playlist by Kyodai feat. Gabriela Smith; a brilliant Migs Deep Deluxe Dub mix of Tortured Soul's 'Can't Keep Rhythm' and Zoo Look feat. Amy Lyon 'Over Me'. There are some great tracks from the man himself like 'Create A Mood' and 'Heartbeat' featuring Lisa Shaw as well as bangers from Husky 'So Crazy' and deep house from Hot Toddy 'Mutha Sucka'. There's no denying there's some flawless mixing going on and great tempo with original cuts that take you on a soulful journey. For me it was great to hear such a quality mix that I absolutely appreciated. 

Martin 'Atjazz' Iveson truly is a sought after man, whether as a DJ, producer or for remixes. This mix brings the depth of sound Southport Weekender promotes straight from the Connoisseurs Corner or Beat Bar. Starting off with artist Leon Ware blending to the classic sounds of 4Hero 'Naima', as well as Incognito later on in the mix and highlighting broken beat, deep house and progressive soul to precision,  proving the hype surrounding Atjazz. Amazing tracks from Elsie with 'Poseidon', The Layabouts feat. Shea Soul on 'Perfectly' and, my favourite of the whole album, Dozie 'Sensuality' (Aybee's Midnite Creep)! It was great to hear such musicality throughout this mix and Kerri Chandler 'Rain' (Atjazz Remix) brought a touch of continuity from Vol. 9. An excellent mix no doubt!

Continue reading: Southport Weekender - Vol.10 (Mixed By Miguel Migs & Atjazz) Album Review

Southport Weekender 49 came and went in a flash and it was quite simply MAGNIFICENT!! Three years in the bag at Butlins and Southport Weekender is officially settled at its location in Minehead. Dealing with a new venue and trying to maintain the same atmosphere, standard and quality cannot have been an easy task for the Southport promoters and team. The Southport family can happily pat themselves on the back and say WELL DONE! Now we can reflect on SPW49, that absolutely delivered, and prepare as the countdown begins for the BIG 50!

There's no doubt the vibe this year was really reminiscent of many epic weekenders of the past. The environment at Butlins is far more luxurious than Southport's previous home and with the compliance of a stricter music policy on site ensures punters can actually get some sleep throughout the weekend if they want to. It was great to see so many Southport 'virgins' this year of all ages, as well as, of course, the veterans in force who still can't get enough of the unique magic you receive at a weekender. It was pretty obvious that the SunceBeat dome was probably one of the best places to be throughout SPW49 with great performances from Kerri Chandler, Exist (AtJazz & Karizma) and many others who really transported the sound of the beautiful Dalmatian coast to the UK. Of course, one can't always be there and there were an obvious few missing this year; particularly Gerry Calderhead, whose contribution to the weekender received a special mention in the brochure. The spirit of Southport Weekdender lives on and the anticipation this year has been unprecedented and  Southport Weekender 49 sold out in record time!

Due to Southport Weekender having upgraded to a better venue it certainly creates a more relaxed feel. The promoters certainly improved the experience by focusing on reducing queuing issues and introducing the MixCloud Dome. Also the lighting, sound and aesthetics were certainly back on par with how Southport has always rolled, QUALITY! There's no doubt the last three years have been a great test of getting everything right for allowing the promise of SPW 50! There was no Skyline gig this year but there's no doubt something will be lined up special for that space next year. New artists on the bill at SPW49 certainly brought a refreshing element to the mix; for example, Black Coffee warming up the Powerhouse on Friday night, whose contribution this year was very much appreciated. Other notable debut performances were from Sadar Bahar, The Mighty Zaf, Move D and Andres, who provided some great gigs over the weekend and it's fair to say there were others who may have found it difficult to capture the spirit of SPW with their sets on this occasion. Most notably Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def surprisingly didn't win the Funkbase crowd, although I have heard from a few other punters that they did enjoy the gig. However, bringing Arrested Development to SPW49 was a great move and absolutely captured the one love, unity spirit that is the heart of the weekender.

Continue reading: Southport Weekender 49 - May 10th-12th 2013, Butlins Holiday Resort, Minehead Live Review

Would you believe it! Here we are again about to go to Southport Weekender!! Time is zooming past these days and with the crazy weather, changing world and pressures of society there's one thing we can rely on to be good and that is Southport Weekender! SPW 49 truly shows that the spirit and desire for the continuation of this fantastic event is as strong as ever. Selling out in record time again despite the sirens of austerity and uncertainty that we constantly hear, the Southport crowd are still hungry to party and I'm sure everyone can agree with me right now that it's time PLAY!! Thank goodness! 

What's guaranteed at Southport Weekender is QUALITY and TRUE professionalism. Every time I've attended the event I've always learnt something, gained inspiration and have the opportunity to let go of life's pressures. The whole vibe is set to get you dancing to the best music in the world delivered by the most prolific and popular DJ's/artists in the world. Expect a brilliant venue, great sound systems, excellent lighting and of the course the people.

Once again Southport Weekender has created a premier line up and are showcasing some fantastic upcoming and well established musicians to bring the party to us.  Butlins, Minehead is now firmly established as the home to Southport Weekender and after the transition from the previous home in the town of Southport a couple of years ago, I noticed the considerable adjustments made to maintain the superior trademark quality SPW is known for last year. 

Continue reading: Southport Weekender 49 - Butlins, Minehead, 10th, 11th, 12th May 2013 - Preview

Some might say it's a miracle to be writing this review, as Southport Weekender continues on into its 24th year as a sold out event, even in a new venue and even despite the economic and changing times. Indeed it is a remarkable achievement and since the humble beginnings at Berwick in 1987 Southport Weekender has endured to become a worldwide leading event and that for many is a 'must be at' event, not only for the supporters, but also for the artists as well. It was great for me to see David Morales at this one who wasn't on the line up this year but came anyway just to be part of the party! It shows how important the event is to many of the pioneers of this scene as there's nowhere quite like Southport Weekender in the entire world!

Continue reading: Southport Weekender, 6th/7th/8th May 2011, Butlins Resort, Minehead Live Review

What a phenomenal year we're having! So far it's a year full of change, illustrating a theme of beginnings and endings and certainly the potential for a new time. It's only fitting that the fabulous and positive energy of Southport Weekender would also be affected by this climate and therefore SP47 will be held at Butlins Holiday Resort, Minehead, for the first time in its colourful history.

Continue reading: Southport Weekender 47, 6th -8th May 2011 Preview

We're back again at Pontins for the amazing Southport Weekender and I don't think anyone can quite believe how quickly time has gone! Although many Southport stalwarts liked putting on the woolly hat and raving during the winter chill to the same excellent music always provided at Southport Weekender we all know that Weekender 45 was the last winter event and upset a few loyal followers of Southport, however with all good things that come to an end, creation allows the birth of new things to arrive that set the precedent of new horizons. The fantastic crowd that visit Pontins can't get enough and always return resulting in SP46 selling out in only three weeks! Three years on from the outstanding 40th anniversary, through a period of recession and difficulty, the fans are still around to support and there is a reason for that. With the looming fear that Pontins may one day go and all the talk of investment on the site we are reassured that Southport Weekender 47 is booked and ready for May next year. Thank the lord for that.

Continue reading: Southport Weekender, Number 46, May 7th, 8th, 9th 2010 Live Review

Review of Southport Weekender #45

Continue reading: Southport Weekender, Nov 6/7/8th Nov 2009 Live Review

Review of Southport Weekender #44 which took place 8, 9 & 10 May 09

Continue reading: Southport Weekender, 44 May 8,9 & 10 2009 Live Review

Review of Southport Weekender Volume 8 compilation featuring King Britt & Ashley Beedle.

Continue reading: Southport Weekender, Volume 8 feat. King Britt & Ashley Beedle Album Review

South Port Weekender (number 43) live review that took place on November 7th, 8th and 9th 2008.

Continue reading: Southport Weekender 43, November 7/8/9th 2008 Live Review

Southport Weekender Vol. 7 - Mixed by Jazzanova & Mr Scruff - Album Review

Continue reading: Southport Weekender Vol. 7, Mixed by Jazzanova & Mr Scruff Album Review

Southport Weekender 6
Album Review

Continue reading: Southport Weekender 6 Album Review

Southport Weekender
40th anniversary
11th - 13th May 2007

Continue reading: Southport Weekender 40th anniversary, 11th to 13th May 2007