WOLVESTOCK 14 2008

THE weather for this year’s festival was brilliant for both days. This is the countries largest FREE festival with music to suit all. There is the main stage, then the Up Country stage for the dancers and the Wolverhampton stage for alternative acts—a fantastic weekend, music and weather wise.

The arena stage was packed both days and the dancers had their own coral to strut their stuff. Midnight Pilgrims are a band I had not seen before and supplied a good set. Local band Rebel Creek played good old stone country music, as it used to be—look out for them they deserve to a few gigs.

The dancers enjoyed strutting there stuff to Rob Fowler who showed them a few steps.The Wanderers, who do mainly ‘50s rock `n` roll and rockabilly with some modern country as well. They also had a good crowd when they appeared on Wolverhampton stage. Dave Sheriff gave a good entertaining set and he was also on the dance stage. Rootin’ Tootin’, a hillbilly rockabilly trio with the lovely Mandy on slap bass supplied a brilliant set.They also played Wolverhampton stage. Pete Boddice, who has been around for many years gave us an acoustic Cajun set that was very enjoyable and went down well with the crowds.

Rachael Mainstone & Christine Le Doux, from USA, featured a good folksy set. Atlanta, from down Brighton way, had a set of original penned numbers. The Diabol's, from the North East, were well appreciated. John McCane & Last Of The Breed gave the usual great foot tapping set—a good end to the day.

When we arrived Sunday morning it was find a space if you can. Jim Duncan looking splendid as always in his cowboy hat and a lovely three-quarter length coat. For those of you who do not know congratulations to Jim and Debbie who tied the knot earlier in the year. For the Godfather of Midlands country Mac Bailey & Desperado,is was classic country all the way, but a “Rockabilly Funeral” encore. Alive `n` Kickin’, fronted by Roger Humphries, supplied a smashing set. They also backed the lovely Florida lady Cheyne Pride who has a great style and energising set—the feed back I had was all would like to see her again.

Next we had Marissa D'Amarto from Malta who was a big hit hear last year and once again supplied a brilliant set with nice vocals. Henry Smith’s (above) Country Dreams were superb as always. Paul Bailey gave his fans what they wanted. Rob Fowler did his set of line dance instruction. Swing Commanders provided a rousing set and the crowd loved em. Magill closed the festival—good end to a brilliant weekendthat closed with “TheTrilogy” as usual.

To mention all areas is near impossible but the line dancing dogs (I kid you not) were good.The UK Dance Stage was packed with some great artists and the Wolverhampton Stage for alternative country was brilliant. Thanks to Jim Duncan, Debbie, Wolverhampton City Council for all the hard work that goes into putting on this FREE EVENT and all involved.Look out for Wolvestock 15 2009.

By MARILYN ARMSTRONG