Constantly getting asked what happens at the SMART meet with odd questions like.. will I have to stand up and talk, I only talk about the 60’s so will I fit in, I’m not from Hastings so am I allowed to come, I got thrown out of a band they were in 40 years ago so not sure they will still talk to me etc, etc. IF YOU LOVE MUSIC YOUR WELCOME.
Here’s Mick O’Dowd report on SMART 9 to explain more….
With the broadcasting by the BBC of “The End Of The Pier Show” about Hastings Pier there appears to be a resurgent interest in all things musical in Hastings. This is highlighted by a surge of interest in our group and website and was very evident in the new faces turning up at the “meet” at The White Rock Hotel on Friday. For those not in the know this is a monthly meeting of anybody interested in music and musical memories broadly associated with the local area from the 1960’s to the present time. Completely informal and no forward topics to be discussed, we meet over a coffee/beer and talk to each and anyone we like at about anything Some people bring posters/handbills/tickets of past gigs that they have been to and some just bring themselves to share memories of past happenings and report on new enterprises as did Andy Gunton with his new magazine called “The Stinger” which appears to have hit the right blend of gigs and interviews. It’s also FREE which makes it all the more appealing! Look out for it. Anyone new to the group is always welcomed by Alan Esdaile and introduced to all present and then it’s find the chat that takes your fancy No one is left sitting in the corner! One of the strange items that did the rounds this week was a weird sheet apparently circulated some years back by a band called Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias. Very strange! Tony Qunta turned up with 2 guitars over his shoulder this month on his way to a gig. This is also time to put faces to names and here, among others, was Mick Mepham, Sarah Harvey, Pete Prescott, Phil & Ann Gill,Andre Palfrey-Martin, Conan Howard, Allen Watts, Chris Stovold, Geoff Peckham, Ray & Anita Medhurst, Chris Sambrook, Philip John, Peter Millington, Jon McCallion & Yvonne Cleland. All very amiable and interesting people to chat to. There was a nice relaxed feel to the afternoon and pleasantly accompanied by the delicious coffee served up by The White Rock Hotel in the Terrace Bar. We look forward to seeing any new faces next time but for a taster check out the website or facebook page(SMART). by Mick O’Dowd