Fife's Top Quality Singer

Saturday 21st February 2009- The Auld Shank, Ballingry

The Auld Shank has changed hands since the last time I visited. It's now run by a lovely couple called Edward and Christine.  They were very kind in letting be hook into their speakers (they are the same as mine).There's not a lot of room to set up in there, so every inch counts. 

After a tough first set, the crowd began to warm to me - possibly being a little more 'relaxed' themselves.  I was struggling with a chest cold, and relied on Vocalzones and water to get me through.  My last couple of songs were quite taxing, given that I had coughed and spluttered through the last set, but the audience seemed to be over the moon.

Saturday 23rd June 200?- Auld Shank, Ballingry

New venues can be a bit nerve racking, especially when you've been a bit low, through dodgy gigs and bad feeling...

I find it hard to put into words how uplifting a venue like this can be.  Visit this lovely wee pub and see what I mean. When I arrived I was made to feel welcome from the moment I stepped through the door. I was promised a good crowd and they were all ready to take over from me at midnight with karaoke and to have their `Open the Box` draw during my break.

Jock and Shelley, the gaffers, (sorry if I spelled anything wrong, guys!) were heading off to Benidorm, starting their travels at 3 in the morning, so they and a few friends who were going along, were in high spirits to start with.  I was, however, unprepared for having a packed room of revelers who were out for a good night. The banter was flowing, an ideal night for me because I love the chance to be me, and be cheeky.

I have to say hello to Ann, who won a couple of drinks in the prize draw, and chose number one for her lucky box, which netted her £115! Quote of the night had to be one guy who shouted out "no one ever picks number one.... it's never that!"... just as the computer generated key turned in the lock - and opened!

The `Open the Box` game is just a fraction of the entertainment they can provide, as they have a computer hard drive machine full of quizzes, karaoke and games.

I enjoy pubs with management who go that bit further to get a crowd who are out for a good night, and I hope that if you are in the area you will visit them and say hello.

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