By Darren Grayer.
The Sofa City Bands Collective held their first picnic in the lovely grounds of Rownhams House in June 2016, and although the event was repeated the following year and again in 2019, Covid then took its toll, along with an upturn in hosting wedding receptions. That meant organising the event again became difficult, so it took a back burner until last Sunday (7th).
Owners of Rownhams House, Helen and Nigel always insisted they would welcome back the event and so it came to be after a seven-year break and saw 200 people (sold out) attend to take in an afternoon of relaxation, involving food, drink and music. There was also an art exhibition inside and the weather was, fortunately, a slight improvement on the day before and although it was hardly t-shirt conditions, at least it remained dry.
The music was provided by members of the Sofa City Bands Collective, which was set up by long time Southampton music scene stalwart Pete Harvey, in 2011 to help artists in the area expand their audience and support one another. Since forming, the Collective have created countless events; festivals, all day and multi-band nights, live -streams and theatrical performances (with the Sofa City Players).
First up were Pegasuses, who are husband and wife duo Dave Miatt and Laura Lamb. They performed songs from their newly released, and quite wonderful album, Sea Of Joy, which is full of sweet harmonies and slightly twisted story telling. Michael Davies joined them on guitar, for the first of three performances, showcasing his versatility.
Jim Chorley has been part of the local music scene for quite some time, mainly as a solo folk artist with a skill for making intimate and warm music. His new band, the Heartstone Stories, provided a pleasant set of newly written folk, folk/rock tunes, that went down well with the crowd.
As leader of the splendidly named Halibu Jackson, Chris Townsend peppered the audience with his impressive historical knowledge, with explanations of the story behind each of the mainly instrumental pieces that had a jovial and up-tempo eastern folk feel about them. The seven-piece band included a guest appearance from Pete Harvey on guitar, who also sang a couple of his own compositions with their support.
Dan O’Farrell needs very little introduction – a part of the Southampton music scene for many years, with his band Accrington Stanley, and more recently the Difference Engine. Still riding high on the release of the latest brilliant album, The Fish That Learned To Drown, Dan and his guitar treated us to a range from his vast catalogue, including a wry smile-inducing number about the city, before ex-Stanley bandmate Baz Barrett joined him on keyboard to finish things off.
The sun really did try to make an appearance at this stage, which would have been highly appropriate given the lovely country- tinged melodies that came with Palookaville’s set (pictured top). Laid back harmonies and that man Michael Davies treating us to some pedal steel providing the settings and audience with something very befitting.
Davies then swapped roles, fronting his own four-piece band, Watching The Buzzards. Armed with guitar and pedal board, the afternoon was brought to a close with some more authentic, but still melody laden alternative rock, just in case anyone was snoozing!
Credit to Pete Harvey and his team of volunteers for organising a highly successful and relaxing afternoon. Here’s hoping it can become a yearly event again, complete with a bit of sun!
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