Happy New Gear

From all of us in the Cranberry Flick Team. We wish you a very Happy New Year. Yes Happy New Gear as well ,as I am sure Santa has bought us all something musical to add to our collections ( I mean, how many is to many basses ?)

Last year was an awful year for live performances....however our Christmas Extravaganza at the Duchess, was an unqualified success and added that extra bit of Chrimbo cheer , to an awful year. Gigs are gradually coming in for 2022 and our first is in a few weeks time. Some great photos of the band were taken by **"***"*** at the Theatre and have added to our portfolio of memories. All of us in the Band, have made the same new year resolutions.....to bring you exciting vibrant music and an amazing show.

Stay safe and keep on liking us as we love you all. 

Resurrection

It's taken a long long time....but we are gradually getting back to some sort of normality.

Live music is always a roller coaster ride. One week you are playing for over 500 people at a beer fest...the next a small pub for a lunchtime concert. But we as the Cranberrian family...treat all gigs with the same professionalism. Tonight in rehearsal....the CF ....stood for Christmas Festivities, as we embraced 🎅.

This year has been difficult for everyone, especially financially. So for Xmas I have got my child....an empty box.. the tag says ' Action Man Deserter' 

No shortcuts on our Xmas Concert at the Duchess Theatre at the Duchess Theatre Long Eaton on the 20th December......this will be a Christmas to remember...we promise you.

Real Ale. Real Music. Back to Reality.

We have waited so long to get back on the music road.

Officially, this is our first gig in 18 months. Wow and what a start.....

This Friday we are playing at the Nottingham Beer and Cider festival at Trent Bridge. 90 minutes of live ,enjoyable , nostalgic music , while you sample real ale delights. 

Details below 

http://www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org/Entertainment/Index.html

Obituary

Sadly , we have just heard of the passing of a talented and music loving man. He followed all the local bands and stood at the back, appreciating every second. He was a sound engineer , recording studio expert . Video producer and his talents in those fields was simply amazing. He gave up many of his hours for free , because he loved and lived the music and his passion was unquestionable. He would put any musician at ease and strove for perfection for the band's. He recorded and videoed our album 'As long as I'm moving' and spent countless hours recording editing and producing a cd we are all immensely proud of. He also recorded many of the big band in the Midlands and his heart and life was filled with music and love. On a personal note, he recorded my solo album ( with you in mind) and although full of anxiety had the patience and calmness to put me at ease. He was an absolutely lovely man....and will be sadly missed by us all.

Rest in peace Terry Bracey.x

#letthemusicplay

Day 102, in the lockdown house ( best read in a Geordie accent!)

Apparently , we can't start performing yet, as the blast of air from the trumpet and trombone, will infect a radius of 15 square miles, if we had the virus? On a serious note (B#) a couple of the band are convinced we had Covid in December. We were so poorly. As none of us have contracted it since, hope is high. This Saturday , we should have been playing an outside concert at a pub in sawley? We have lost so many functions..but for us, this is a hobby. Please give thought to those, that have entertainment as a career. We can't wait to get back and play for you all. But for the moment, we are all stuck at home, playing with ourselves. I will be glad when the opticians open as well ! 

Playing with one's self!

No my dear cranberrians, not a rude post , but something the magnificent 7 are having to get used to. None of us know how long we will be on lockdown. After 7 days with the wife , I suddenly realised she is quite interesting. 3 of us in the band have made videos to try and keep you entertained...obviously alone and more than 10 miles apart. Be it brass ,strings ,reed, vocals, keyboard  or percussion, we all have to practice every day to keep lips, fingers ,tonsils in pristine condition...ready...ready ...for the day this is all over and we can finally entertain you all again. We only have one message , stay safe...keep calm and look after your loved ones ( ok 3 messages) with love from team Cranberry x

Green

The word is spreading about the fantastic show given by Cranberry Flick. We are now travelling around the country. Usually in individual cars and Ted on his push bike ( he has a little basket on the front where he carries his trumpet and sombrero) It was hard work for him when we travelled to the depths of Lincolnshire, with storm Dennis making travelling a tad risky. However, the warm welcome we got at the Valentine's Steampunk dance was overwhelming...plus we got fed steak pie and mushy peas!!! Not a good combination for a brass player. Our lovely vocalist Angie Jean dug deep and the show went on ,despite her having a throat lurgy. A couple of days rest...( I say rest ,as most of our musicians play in different bands) and we found ourselves in a very cold tent for the Derby winter Beer festival at the roundhouse. We did the soundcheck in coats hats and thermal long John's....until someone turned the heating on. With over 400 different ales to sample, the band did an outstanding job ,of testing all, hic. Back on the road soon to chesterfield and beyond. 

2020 vision

Hi cranberrians. A quick update of the day to day life of the flickers. We were so busy before Xmas with different gigs. Most of the band went down with a truly nasty virus , but dug deep and fulfilled all engagements ,including a great concert at the House of Darwin and day time Xmas concert at Billy Bootleggers...of which we had to fight for parking spaces along with the last minute Xmas shoppers. Our Xmas concert at the duchess theatre was almost a sell out. We tested our new smoke machine on stage ,but most of it obliterated the bass player ( some say, that it was an advantage). So here we are in the new year and the word is spreading as we are getting so busy. Travelling the length and breadth of this fine country, we are hitting the road to bring you our fantastic and unique shows....be excited ...be very excited.

22

So, let's have a bit of a catch up from Cranberry Land. The guys and gal of cranberry have been a tad busy over the last few months. Very pleased to say, that the Cd is selling really well and has been played on local radio and playing at various vintage cafes and shops in the Midlands. We have just finished a sell out concert at the Ashby Venture Theatre, which was more akin to the O2 arena, judging by the reaction of the enthusiastic audience, ranging from people in their early 20s to a very youthful 91? Next project, a video shoot, to accompany the CD. (watch this space) From the Directors chair to a wonderful bistro called The House of Darwin. This is a fantastic restaurant /pub with outstanding decor, top chefs and magical ambience, on Nov 30th you can come and enjoy our music for free. From there we move into the land of the Hood.. Down town Nottingham Lace Market on 21st Dec and a brand new venue called Billy Bootleggers... And unusually, an afternoon gig. Then the big one. The only one that Santa takes a detour to visit and say hello. Dec 23rd at the Duchess theatre. Music and Mince pies in abundance. All details can be found on our Web site or Face Tube. We look forward to seeing you all and invite you to experience a truly memorable show. 

Light the blues touch paper

Only one day to go.....months of hard work....instruments being polished. Snares being tightened. G strings finely tuned..Dresses and make up and hair being curled (and that's just our trumpet player!!) Radio programs doing interviews. Flyers being dropped off at all 4 corners of Alvaston. Yes folks. 8 at 8 with 7 of the finest musicians in middle England will be at the Royal Oak Ockbrook ( Saturday 8th June) and in the finest traditions of Thunderbirds...it 5..4.. 3.. 2...1...Cranberry Flick is Gooooooo. Album launch is FAB. 15 tracks of pure entertainment.. a distinctive artwork cover...which will be a collector's item in the future. All this for only £5. Live music , great ale, bar snacks and a CD. We all look forward to greeting you at the best little public house in town. Guaranteed you will go home feeling happy ( or any other of the 7 dwarves)

Moving Along

I know we have been very quiet in cranberrians land for a few weeks. But we have been working so hard , producing our new album. To say we are excited , is an understatement. Personally , I haven't been so excited since the mother in law told me ,that she would jump up and down on my grave when I'm gone. Which is brilliant as I am being buried at sea !!
The cd has now been mastered. The artwork and album sleeve has been designed and we are ready to go to print. We are also in the process of organising a launch gig , where the entrance fee includes a copy of the CD aptly titled ' As long as I'm moving' Special mention to Terry of Major Oaks Recordings for his patience and professionalism throughout this project. Also to our lovely vocalist Angie who has spent hours designing the artwork for sleeve and burning the midnight oil, to get it completed . It really is something to be proud of and I know you will enjoy it.  Watch this space for launch dates .

Tulips from Hamster Jam.

A hearty spring welcome to all our cranberian fans out there. Boy ,have we been busy ( girl, have we been busy...just in case) After a sell out Xmas concert at the duchess theatre , we have already booked the room for this Christmas's extravaganza. It was a truly magical evening, with mince pies, sing a long and a suprise visit from the big man himself...no not Donald Trump...Santa !!! After a very short break, we went straight into the recording studios to work on our new album. Three weekends of microphones shoved up our instrument ends ( ooooh matron) and nowhere to hide from split notes or missed repeats. Very exhausting , but I guarantee, very exciting CD on its way to you. Last night we played for the Long Eaton rotary club. We got on stage slightly later than anticipated, but still managed to play our full repertoire as planned. Once the weather warms, we will be scheduling more free outside concerts outside Fugue music.....right next door to a fantastic micro pub. .with the most friendliest landlord I know ( worth it for a free drink ...;-)) We will be gigging throughout the year as Brexit will not affect Ted's wallet , so all is good. Keep your eye on Facebook and our website site for all the gossip.

On the Xmas Road

It's been extremely hectic in cranberry world just lately. We had a very pleasant wedding to play at in Bury St Edmunds (our resident undertaker asked why he didn't want cremation!!!) It was a 6 hour round trip which involved lots of road works and 40mph speed limits. But the venue and lovely wedding guests made it all worth while. They danced from the first number until the last. We also introduced some French guests to the delights of the okey cokey... Well after all... That's what it's all about.On  Saturday we have a fairly local gig with a war type theme. I was a war baby... Well mum and dad started fighting when they first  saw me. There will be numbers from our Vera and other 1940s tunes. This all leads in nicely to our Xmas extravaganza at the duchess theatre on 21st December. Still some tickets left and we guarantee you will leave with a festive smile after your free mince pie and hug from Santa.... As long as you have all been good boys and girls? After the xmas break, we are all going into the recording studio to bring you a brand new cd. So it only remains from us, the 7 dwarves (Angie, Ken, Glenn, Mike, Leon, Ted and Mike) to wish you a very merry Xmas and Happy New Year from Cranberry Flick.

Olives

Now here's a thing. We have had such a lovely warm summer, almost reminiscent of 1976...I hasten to add... (That only a few of Cranberry musicians can remember that year .... Well Ted our trumpet player) So we have decided to gamble on a free, absolutely zilch entrance or exit fee, outside concert... On Saturday 29th September from 12pm. Location, the fabulous Fugue Music shop in Long Eaton. OK, we are dependent  on an Indian Summer arriving , despite being on the tail end of USA  hurricanes... and  Xmas stock, being put out all around us. But we are a brave band of musos and want to share our passion of vintage music. Lots of incentives with a micro pub only twenty wobbly yards away (you have to try their nibbles.. Especially the exotic scotch eggs) plus browse the musical emporium of Fugue Music for those early festering season presents. We want to make the world a happier place... Well at least middle England.... with our cocktail of wonderful music... Shaken not stirred. Please spread the word. Come and see us and meet the Band. We are all experts in different fields.... I have a small one just behind British Home Bargains. One lucky person will win a free ticket  to our Christmas dance... If you come over to the trombone player... Put your right hand on his left shoulder and whisper in his ear the winning word 'Moist'... Then the prize is yours. Look forward to seeing you all.

Happy Shopper

Now here's a thing. We have had such a lovely warm summer, almost reminiscent of 1976...I hasten to add... (That only a few of Cranberry musicians can remember that year .... Well Ted our trumpet player) So we have decided to gamble on a free, absolutely zilch entrance or exit fee, outside concert... On Saturday 29th September from 12pm. Location, the fabulous Fugue Music shop in Long Eaton. OK, we are dependent  on an Indian Summer arriving , despite being on the tail end of USA  hurricanes... and  Xmas stock, being put out all around us. But we are a brave band of musos and want to share our passion of vintage music. Lots of incentives with a micro pub only twenty wobbly yards away (you have to try their nibbles.. Especially the exotic scotch eggs) plus browse the musical emporium of Fugue Music for those early festering season presents. We want to make the world a happier place... Well at least middle England.... with our cocktail of wonderful music... Shaken not stirred. Please spread the word. Come and see us and meet the Band. We are all experts in different fields.... I have a small one just behind British Home Bargains. One lucky person will win a free ticket  to our Christmas dance... If you come over to the trombone player... Put your right hand on his left shoulder and whisper in his ear the winning word 'Moist'... Then the prize is yours. Look forward to seeing you all.

Happy Shopper

Now here's a thing. We have had such a lovely warm summer, almost reminiscent of 1976...I hasten to add... (That only a few of Cranberry musicians can remember that year .... Well Ted our trumpet player) So we have decided to gamble on a free, absolutely zilch entrance or exit fee, outside concert... On Saturday 29th September from 12pm. Location, the fabulous Fugue Music shop in Long Eaton. OK, we are dependent  on an Indian Summer arriving , despite being on the tail end of USA 🇺🇸 hurricanes... and  Xmas stock, being put out all around us. But we are a brave band of musos and want to share our passion of vintage music. Lots of incentives with a micro pub only twenty wobbly yards away (you have to try their nibbles.. Especially the exotic scotch eggs) plus browse the musical emporium of Fugue Music for those early festering season presents. We want to make the world a happier place... Well at least middle England.... with our cocktail of wonderful music... Shaken not stirred. Please spread the word. Come and see us and meet the Band. We are all experts in different fields.... I have a small one just behind British Home Bargains. One lucky person will win a free ticket 🎫 to our Christmas dance... If you come over to the trombone player... Put your right hand on his left shoulder and whisper in his ear the winning word 'Moist'... Then the prize is yours. Look forward to seeing you all.

Fangs for the music

If there were any bats in the belfry, cranberry flick sent them packing, with two hours of top entertainment, raising a fair sum of money for Beeston Methodist Church as well. A very appreciative audience sang along to Minnie the Moocher. Was lulled by the sweet tones of Angie singing Don't know Why. Our version of the chuckle brothers made a show of bringing Angie's stool out ( we didn't find out until later, that one had passed away!) and the infamous two cocks made an appearance over the pews!!! Confused? Well come to our next show , soon to be announced. Talking of bats. Two bats sat in cave, one with blood round his mouth. One said ,' where did you get that ' the other said ' See that tree over there?' Yes replied the other.
'Well I didn't'

A# Demented

Monday , was our last rehearsal before our concert at the Beeston Methodist Church on August 4th. It was the first time in weeks, that we managed to get almost all the band together. All music, starts with a key. Be it sharps, naturals or flats, none have stumped us. But tonight, one did. All rehearsals start with a visit to the micro brewery next door for 7 glasses of tonic water!!!! As I was last back into the practice room, the front door slammed behind me, followed by a small tinkle ( no, not our trumpet player took short) this was the key snapping off in the lock!!@ The next 45 minutes was spent with small screwdrivers, hammers, magnets and pincers trying to remove the Yale key that had snapped flush with the lock. With patience and lots of ideas from the band, the key was retrieved. Mathematics then decreed we get 2 hours of music into 45 minutes. We did it. We are ready. We have a fantastic show for you , so please come along Saturday.....but if anyone asks what key we are in........!!!!

Around the town in 18 days

Massively busy few weeks for the musos of Cranberry Flick. We played outside fugue music for a mini beer festival, entertaining shoppers and drinkers who stopped to join in the fun. From there we did an outside concert on a beautifully hot bank holiday Monday at the James Wyatt in Alvaston. It was then  prepare for take off ,as we  landed  at the Radisson blu hotel at East Midlands airport for a charity dinner dance. With hardly time to pack our instruments away, we found ourselves in the beautiful Peak District playing at the might Eroica Festival, featuring with some top acts from around the country. Cranberry is going from strength to strength with their high impact cabaret show. Stop press. We are now booked to play at the Formula Vintage Festival at Donnigton park on Sunday 24th June. Come along and see the vintage cars, stalls and our show, which is second to none.

Asda

Cry God for Harry England and St George. Once more into the breach my friends, once more. Well we are not in the breach, but in the bar of ye olde Risley Park Tavern. We can't promise you dragons ( my mother in law can't make it. She is on a mountain climbing expedition in Holland) Nor can I promise you a battle. Unless you all fight over the excellent raffle prizes provided by the band. We asked the chef if he would provide Hot Cross buns filled with chilli sauce....so you could all breathe fire...but he had no sense of humour. On April 23rd we can promise you warmth, laughs and great music. Forsooth and all for free. CF have been busy in the rehearsal room, working on new tunes for your listening and dancing delight. Did I mention all for free. The good face the band from 8pm.