We were approached by a neighbour who was putting on a fundraiser concert (for local refugees) at our local church to ask if we’d be prepared to play a set. Of course we said yes but we did then find that a big family do had been planned for that afternoon so we arranged to go on at the start of the event so we could get away. It’s not something we like doing, playing our set then leaving immediately, as it feels rude to the other musicians performing, but sometimes you can’t avoid it.
Locals and church goers had clubbed together to create a feast for all attending the concert, of drinks and nibbles. We had thought we would be background music while people were wandering around chatting and eating, but almost everybody grabbed a pew and sat and listened to our whole half hour set. We played our quieter songs including Littlefield, and had applause but, being in a church, it was all quiet and subdued, with smiles and gentle nodding. Pleasant but not the kind of feedback we usually get during a performance, but we had lots of handshakes and effusive goodbyes as we made our way out as the brass band were setting up. We had taken our PA which we set up at the top step in front of the choir stalls. The organisers weren’t sure if the guest speaker would need to use the microphone so we left it set up, just moved it out of the way. There were probably about 50 in the church which is a really good turnout for a small village church concert, although they had hoped for more – and had catered for more. Mum made enough sushi rolls for 80! They did raise a decent sum though.
We went back the following morning to collect the PA which was hidden behind the ornate wooden screen. Arlington Church is a lovely place to play music in and the committee and local friends group are trying to update the electric and heating and eventually re-arrange the seating to make it more flexible for events to be held in the church. The screen would be moved which is sad for us as we have photos of our wedding taking place by that screen.
Charlie cat has now adopted our cables bag – black gig bags are like magnets to cats, probably to do with the padding and heat absorbency of the fabric.