DRUMBEAT: City band progresses to final
THE Sons of Kai Flute 2010 Battle of the Bands in Rathcoole is proving to be one of the most successful ever, with the fourth heat last Friday attracting yet another large crowd.
Three bands took part on the night, with west, north and east Belfast all represented.
Upper Falls Protestant Boys Flute from Suffolk Estate were first to perform, and a set composed primarily of older traditional tunes went down well.
A bass drum skin bursting during the second tune didn't affect their set, and after a quick change they completed a tight and steady overall performance.
Next, it was the turn of Fairhill Flute from the Shore Road, and despite a flute corps of only eight, they proved to be very strong.
A highlight was a flute solo half way through the set, with the general unity of the entire band noticeable.
Third and final band of the evening were last year's winners, Gertrude Star Flute from East Belfast.
The largest band of the night, they were both crisp and clear throughout, with some excellent drum settings, rewarding them with progress through to the final.
Elsewhere on the night, Randalstown Orange Hall was the venue for the annual concert of Staffordstown Accordion.
Compere was popular local singer Kenny Archer, who kept the evening flowing well, and the event raised much needed funds for the hosts.
On Saturday night, yet another concert was held in the most popular indoor venue for bands in the country, the Bentley Nightclub in Knockloughrim.
Hosts were Dunamoney Flute Magherafelt, who had invited three of Ulster's most well-known bands to play.
Clogher Protestant Boys Flute County Down took the floor first, with strong bass drum and the tunes Wolverhampton Town and Penny Arcade proving popular with the crowd.
Banbridge's Downshire Guiding Star Flute were second, with another excellent tune selection which went down well.
Final band of the night was Castlederg Young Loyalists, whose own particular brand of Blood and Thunder and Melody style and tunes were watched intently by the packed venue.
Tonight, a large scale concert will take place in the Market Place Theatre in Armagh. Organised by the Armagh Bands Forum, the itinerary will feature a selection of bands from across the district with all styles and genres featured.
Flute on the night will be represented by Cormeen Rising Sons of William, Derryoghill and Allistragh, while Tullyvallen will be there for the Silver band genre.
The familiar strains of pipe will come from Benburb and Armaghbreague bands, with accordion on show from John Hunter and Aghavilly.
An incredibly busy weekend has band oriented events taking place all over the Province. Tomorrow night, the Eastway Social Club in Rathcoole will host the fifth and final heat of the Sons of Kai Battle of the Bands, whilst in Monkstown, the Monkstown Young Citizen Volunteers Flute host the first night of their 2010 competition.
In Banbridge Orange Hall Skeogh Flute have organised a night of cultural music beginning at 7.30pm.
In the Valley Hotel Fivemiletown on Saturday, the Northern Ireland Band Association Brass band section holds its annual Entertainments concert and competition.
Beginning at 10am, 14 bands have entered in grades one to four.
Also on Saturday, the Bentley Nightclub will host a concert for Pride of the Derg, whilst Tobermore Football Club is holding concert for Cookstown Sons of William, and the Manor Hotel in Ballymoney will host a concert for Drumderg Loyalists Flute.
Ballee High School will be the venue for an Ulster Scots Concert, while Scott Bar in Coleraine hosts a ladies’ night fundraiser for the Pride of the Bann Flute.
Steeple Defenders Flute are the organisers of a concert in Loanends Orange Hall in memory of popular local pool player Willie Lucas who died recently.
The first Lisburn Blues Club is holding a Blood and Thunder night fundraiser for the Lisburn Young Defenders Flute, with seven bands scheduled to appear.
If you would like to publicise fundraising, competition, cultural or indeed any events related to the large Ulster Marching Band Fraternity, Drum Beat will endeavour to use all information supplied where possible.
Drum Beat needs your contributions to continue to promote what is easily Northern Ireland’s largest voluntary arts grouping, and one of the most unique musical movements in the world. You can contact Drum Beat by ringing or texting 07835624221 or emailing admin@ulsterbandsforum.net, with all contributions, opinions and news from the country’s thriving band movement very welcome.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
