THE KIDS ARE SOLID GOLD……. No not something King Midas might say to his missus but a promotions company from Middlesbrough. The nicest man in music; Andy Carr and his esteemed side-kick; Phil Carey, are the men behind some of the most happening gigs that the north-east has seen in years. This year alone they have given us Mumford & Sons, King Creosote, I am Kloot, Wake the President, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Whispertown 2000, Stornoway, Fanfarlo and the Young Republic, as well as introducing dozens of young local talent like Young Rebel Set, Said the Gramaphone and Grandmas House. They hail out of Southfield Road in the middle of town. They began at the Knights club but have since moved further down the road to the Westgarth Social Club. (opposite the Star and the Dickens) The gigs themselves are not just a chance to see some great new talent but also a great night out. The entrance fee is always value for money and the drinks are almost as cheap as weatherspoons. (Thanks to Mr Callaghan, the trusty propieter of the Westgarth) The crowds are friendly and knowledgeable without the pretentions of some venues. All in all the gigs are something special. My favourites this year have been Mumford & Sons, Wake the President and Fanfarlo. (whose album Reservoir is my favourite of the year) I know they have some great plans for the new year but before that they have one last gig in 2009. Their Christmas special is a feast of fun. Roddy Woomble (lead singer of Idlewild), Kris Frever and John McCusker with special guests Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine all set to play on Friday the 11th of December. But be quick. Tickets are almost sold out. Go to www.myspace.com/thekidsaresolidgold

By peter on November 24, 2009