The Riverfront, Newport
Sat 29 Apr
Before rave, before hipsterism, before club culture… there was Northern Soul. The scene blew up in the late 60s through the next decade, spreading from Manchester, Stoke and nearby towns in the north of England. It was hot with new dance moves, sharp clothes, revolutionary DJ styles, rare vinyl fetishism and stimulant-fuelled all-nighters – long before Pete Tong and his ilk discovered Ibiza and acid house. Interestingly though, for the most part, it wasn’t about brand new tracks, but largely centred on the sound of the soul records released on Tamla Motown in the 60s.
Now, those records much older, but the scene is still going strong. This new night is a spinoff from Penarth Soul Club, which has been flying the flag with gusto since it was launched by Shelley Norton and Liam Curtin in 2014, after they bonded over their love of the sound. The pair run a regular show every Saturday morning on Radio Cardiff where you can sample the sound.
The PCS events take place every month or two, normally blessing the wooden dancefloor at Penarth Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club, so this is a treat for the often musically deprived city of Newport. Expect a mix of Motown, Northern Soul, 60s/70s soul and more, all from vinyl. Alongside Shelley and Liam will be Matthew Morgan and Steve Kaged. Vespas not compulsory, but probably encouraged.
Tickets: £3. Info: 01633 656757