11th Anniversary Gathering
Sunday 18th May 2025
Well overall a very enjoyable, blessed in sunshine event at the Muse Brecon.
As we know live events can change and problems arise and so it was on Sunday, when the Connor Jillions Trio pulled out late on in the day.
To fill the spot Paul Keddle stepped in with an acoustic guitar of some blues and self-penned numbers for a 45-minute spot.
He was followed by Becky the Bullet, who despite having injured her hand the previous day, appeared with it bandaged up and stoically performed a very well received set of mainly original numbers.
Up from Cardiff came Bella Collins who was accompanied on snare and brushes by Shane Dixon. Bella did a solid set of bluesy jazzy numbers with great vocals, a cheeky smile and lovely guitar. You could see the interaction between the two musicians right through the set.
Next up were Fran McGillivary and Mike Burke. These two played a more traditional folky sort of blues, with a few standards done their own way and a few of their own renditions.
Following on came Southern Fried Groove Queens with a set very much based on the boogie groove, and I could hear the influence of R L Burnside and J L Hooker in the set. The guitar played by Lee Hall very much slide and rhythmic and very impressive drums by Lucy Piper, putting their own slant on some standards and some original material too.
Finishing off the night we had the very loud and seasoned Henry’s Funeral Shoe, with Aled Clifford on guitar and vocals and his energetic brother Brennig on drums.
They were like a heavy metal band brought together as a duo. Their timing and tightness showed their talent, leaving many people happy and sporting ear plugs.
We had great pizzas, which I can vouch for, supplied Mr Chainey & Dawn Penny of Tantrwm fame. Coffee and alcoholic beverages by Ruth Gibbs and her bar staff of course The Muse is the home of MWR&BC without which it’s hard to see how we could have got this far, long many that connection continue.
Ian Keddle on sound did his usual great work with diligence and patience and the odd cider, aided and abetted by his mate Charlesy.
We had photographers aplenty with Barry Hill & Billy Strangward clicking away throughout the day.
Stu Webb / Brian Clifford and Angus Kings image taken by Graham Strangward.
Great thanks to Rob Skinner on the door, as it’s a long day from 2pm until gone 11 pm for the whole team, including Paul Keddle who acted as M C for the day.
Angus Kings with front of house main man Robin Skinner image by Graham Strangward.
The event of course would not have happened without the immense amount of work put in by Angus Kings to arrange the bands and promote and sell tickets for this very successful event.
Huge thanks to Brecon Tap / Brecon Wool / Bulwark House / Found Gallery & Tantrwm for your sponsorship & general support across the board means a lot to the club.
And finally massive thanks to all those who turned out and made it so here is to the next anniversary event in 2026…
Written by Paul Keddle and Angus Kings with images by Barry Hill & Graham Strangward.
