September 2001 - Nine Below Zero
Two
years on and for Nine Below's third gig the worry was how we were going to
fit everybody in. Jed Thomas, a long term NBZ fan, again provided support
and put out a superb acoustic set before shooting off to his regular Saturday
night gig at the Blues Bar, Harrogate.
Mark Feltham, NBZ's original harmonica player was appearing with the band for the first time at Ripley. This gave an additional dimension to the band and another fantastic night was had by the capacity audience. With Nine Below their last appearance always seems to be their best which is testimony to the consistency of this great live act.
We all hope they will be back next year!
June 2001 Aynsley Lister Band
Another good turnout for Aynsley's return, we knew he had a new drummer but only found out just before the gig that he also had a new bass player. There were reports that a recent gig at York had been disappointing so we did not know what to expect.
We need not have worried, Aynsley responded to the good atmosphere in the hall with some magic guitar playing. He was also kind enough to invite 15 year old guitar prodigy Chantelle McGregor on stage for a very entertaining number. The King Ivory duo again provided excellent support.
March 2001 - Parker's Alibi
We saw this band at Colne in January and immediately decided we had to get them to Ripley. Most of our audience did not know the band but they were soon converted - one regular said he was "overcome" by Ian Parker's singing and guitar playing. I know what he meant..
Ian was very enthusiastic about Ripley as a venue and complimentary about the new PA firm we had employed, JSS Audio from York. The support act, John and Chris of the King Ivory Band, were also well received and at the end of the night it was congratulations all round - a nice feeling.