Fife's Top Quality Singer

Saturday 30th July 2011 - Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath

This was a quieter night at Wee Jimmies - perhaps because a lot of people were away on holiday.  The usual wee space in the corner was empty when we arrived, and Al made sure to give me a bigger "footprint" than usual.

The night got busier and I was glad of the extra room as people squeezed themselves into the pub.  Many of the younger folk who came in made their way through to the karaoke bar, but a few stopped to have a listen. 

I must admit to being a bit self indulgent, and I went through all of my Adele songs, just to try them out them in a live setting. They seemed to go down well, so that was good. 

I was a bit tired towards the end, but then we had been preparing to go away on holiday - and you all know how much organisation that takes!  I'll be back in a couple of weeks refreshed and ready to rock!

Saturday 26th February 2011 - Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath

I am always amazed at this wee pub. Well I say wee pub, but there's a bar, a karaoke lounge and a function suite.  I'm always in the bar though, and it's always packed.  So packed I have sometimes had to go outside and round into another door to go to the loo! It's either that or a dozen "excuse me"s on the way.

This was a cracking gig, full of people my age or older (the karaoke bar was full of younger folk), so my kind of music was also their "cup o tea".  An easy night. The only problem we have at this venue is getting in and out, and the lack of dance floor.  Getting in means asking a loooong row of people to all shuffle up and move themselves, their tables and their drinks.  This is never easy at the best of times, and when people have been out for a while some are not best pleased.  Having said that, I worked in pubs and bars for a while, so I know how to approach people to ask. I'm by no means shy...

Our set up isn't huge, but it packs the wee performance area and leaves me no room to move about. We have to forgo our usual big lights and go with two smaller LED sets on the speaker stands. There is also a lack of dance floor space, so people dance very close to my mic stand and speakers.  Occasionally in that set up, you can get bashed into, so you have to be on guard.

That said, I had a great time, gave em a good mixture, tried out my new Adele track "Rolling in the Deep" (which I was asked to do again) and finished off the night with some old school rock - a bit of GnR and Bon Jovi.

The only thing that let the night down was a woman who was a bit worse for wear who careered into me while I was singing.  I was not the only victim of her apparent inability to stay standing, and I must give credit to the bar owner, who made sure she left without too much fuss.  That's the sign of a well run bar.  Thanks guys.

Saturday 26th February 2011- Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath

I am always amazed at this wee pub. Well I say wee pub, but there's a bar, a karaoke lounge and a function suite.  I'm always in the bar though, and it's always packed.  So packed I have sometimes had to go outside and round into another door to go to the loo! It's either that or a dozen "excuse me"s on the way.

This was a cracking gig, full of people my age or older (the karaoke bar was full of younger folk), so my kind of music was also their "cup o tea".  An easy night. The only problem we have at this venue is getting in and out, and the lack of dance floor.  Getting in means asking a loooong row of people to all shuffle up and move themselves, their tables and their drinks.  This is never easy at the best of times, and when people have been out for a while some are not best pleased.  Having said that, I worked in pubs and bars for a while, so I know how to approach people to ask. I'm by no means shy...

Our set up isn't huge, but it packs the wee performance area and leaves me no room to move about. We have to forgo our usual big lights and go with two smaller LED sets on the speaker stands. There is also a lack of dance floor space, so people dance very close to my mic stand and speakers.  Occasionally in that set up, you can get bashed into, so you have to be on guard.

That said, I had a great time, gave em a good mixture, tried out my new Adele track "Rolling in the Deep" (which I was asked to do again) and finished off the night with some old school rock - a bit of GnR and Bon Jovi.

The only thing that let the night down was a woman who was a bit worse for wear who careered into me while I was singing.  I was not the only victim of her apparent inability to stay standing, and I must give credit to the bar owner, who made sure she left without too much fuss.  That's the sign of a well run bar.  Thanks guys.

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Saturday 18th September 2010 - Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath

After fighting my way into the wee space where I had to set up, this was a storming night.  This wee pub is a wee gem, and anyone thinking of a night out in Cowdenbeath would do well to pay "Wee Jimmies" a visit.  The pub caters for every age, with its karaoke lounge and main bar, where yours truly entertained the over 20s!  My mix of modern and classic rock and pop went down a treat! The night flew by, and I even had dancers! There's not much room to move in this busy bar, so well done guys!

Saturday 12th June 2010 - Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath

Another excellent night at Wee Jimmies. I had previously wondered where everyone in Cowdenbeath went for a night out (when I played to just a few people in Partners a few times).  Now I know.  It obviously helped that some football thingy was on (The World Cup!) and the place had been busy from around lunchtime.

I was very happy to see an old friend of mine - John, who used to run The Central Bar in Lumphinnans.  He was very generous with the "fruit based fermented refreshment".

This place is always full to the brim with people, whether in the karaoke lounge or main bar area.  I had to go out the front door and in the side entrance just to get to the loo!

Anyhoo, my mix of material went down really well, and I had a ball...maybe I had a bit too much fun with my rock set, as I ended up with a sore throat for the next week..... 

Saturday 30th January 2010 - Wee Jimmies, Cowdenbeath

So this is where everyone in Cowdenbeath goes for a drink!  My goodness it's been a while since I saw a pub so full of people!  If you don't know anyone here at Wee Jimmies, you soon will after squeezing past them to get to the bar/toilet/lounge.  There was karaoke on in the big lounge, and a bar full of blokes and couples for me to entertain.  After negotiating a space at the window, Al worked hard to get the best sound possible, using our new (very heavy) speaker stands to raise the speakers up above the crowd.  We're still waiting for delivery of our angled tops for the stands, which will direct the sound downwards a bit. Watch this space..

I thought maybe the pub would get quieter as the night went on, but as people left their seats were quickly filled - you have to be fast in there!

The lounge area filled up very quickly too, and the lively sounds of Karaoke greeted me every time I went past.  This pub certainly has something for everyone!

The only thing lacking for most of the night was applause.  I saw the crowd smiling, singing along and tapping hands/feet and dancing about, but at the end of the songs - not a lot.  That's that Fife thing again.......

I hope to be asked back to Wee Jimmies, and look forward to meeting Gary and the rest of the staff again - they were very helpful and welcoming.  I'd recommend this pub to anyone looking for a lively, friendly atmosphere.

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