Author: Sal and Simon
What To Do About The Jazz Festival? VOTE
Thursday, 3rd April, 2008 at 6:48 pm, Isle of Wight
There’s a week to go and here at VentnorBlog we’re in a real dilemma about the Jazz Festival running in Ventnor next weekend 11-13 April.
While we know that bringing visitors to town should be good for the economy, we’re more than a little concerned that many people who have dealt with the organisers in the past, are saying that they still haven’t been paid for their efforts.
We’ve decided that we should put it to you, dear readers, to decide if we should cover it. Whatever you decide will be enacted - we are at your command.
Before you decide, we’ve gathered together some of the issues that we’ve grappled with, that although long, should give you some background if you haven’t already made up your minds.
Loading …While some people like Maureen Cawley and the Winter Gardens Committee appear to support the event, apparently deciding to choose to ignore the businesses — Island-based and from the mainland — that claim to have yet to be paid from last years Jazz festival and more recently the Folk & Blues festival, there are others - obviously including the out-of-pocket businesses, as well as many others from around the Island the event, who feel very uncomfortable about it going ahead.
Who is owed what?
The Jazz office tell us that only two business have not been paid. However, other companies, beyond those two, claim to be owed money as well. Indeed those who are saying that they are out of pocket, claim that £55,000 still is outstanding.
We’ve heard that it’s not like the businesses haven’t tried to get their money back. For example, the folk group, The Hamsters, who played at the Folk & Blues event and say that they are owed £2,350 for their performance, have told us that they have taken the Jazzers to court and have obtained a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against the festival organisers.
Bailiffs have been dispatched to the Jazzer’s office twice, both times being told that the entity which they gained the CCJ against, the IW Folk and Blue Festival, did not have any assets, so left empty handed.
At the time of the event, the Jazz office said that their sponsor fell ill, unable to sign the cheque promised, although despite being requested, we understand that no medical certificate has ever been produced for this.
Where did the money go?
As many people have pointed out to us, some of the bands that played, did so to sell out audiences, eg Fairport Convention, selling a reported 400 tickets at £20 a head, which would bring in £8,000. After subtracting the expense of the hire of the Winter Gardens (£250), and the fee for Fairport Convention £5,875 (£5,000 + VAT), there’s still nearly £2,000 left available there. Fairport Convention is also one of the bands that say they haven’t been paid.
The Jazz Festival can be good for Ventnor
As we and others have said previously, the Jazz Festival can be good for Ventnor — look at the event two years ago — if the organisers end up not paying the individuals who help make it happen — marquee companies, security companies, and not least, the musical performers — it’s a bad thing for the town.
As we’ve been told, when trying to book acts for the Winter Gardens at other times of the year, it’s not infrequent to get the reaction, “we won’t play in Ventnor, as you don’t get paid when you play there.”
Paying people who are owed money
The focus around town currently appears very much to be, how can we make this years festival happen, so the town isn’t damaged. On the surface, that seems logical.
Confusingly no one appears to have asked how will the people who are owed money from past events be paid.
Wouldn’t it have made sense for Maureen Cawley and the Winter Gardens Committee to have gained assurances from the festival organisers (knowing they needed to hire the WG) — insisting this years festival’s monies be paid into an escrow account — with those who are owned money from previous years are paid before profits are taken?
If everyone’s paid what they’re owed, there’d be no reason for anyone to be unhappy would there?
Up to you
There’s probably bits that we didn’t cover, but frankly there so many different angles to this, many of them previously covered in the County Press, we don’t know how long it would take to write the piece.
So here it ends. Now it’s up to you to decide via a voting - let us know what you think.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
We all know the Jazz festival bunch are a bit ooer, but if the Jazz festival collapses, the people owed money will not thank us for separating them from any chance of full and fair payment. Despite our very reasonable reservations, if the Jazz Festival comes good it will be incredibly good for business and the arts in this town.
Although bands like bands like the Hampsters and Fairport got involved in good faith, the inconvenience to them is small beer compared the the possibility that we could have a major festival growing on our doorstep.
We NEED this to come good. The business practices of IsleofWightJazz so far are a disgrace. Have they no shame! Having said that, let’s give them the support we should provide to anybody in our community who has the fortitude to do something risky that promotes our town. You never know, one day we could be calling on them to sponsor a Ventnor arts centre.
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Yes, please cover the festival and celebrate the fact that some major event of growing national and international significance is happening in our town - and it is good for the town overall. I know all the counter arguments. The Town Council could easilly have sunk the festival by not allowing the premier events to be held at the Winter Gardens, but how would that have helped the unfortunate folk who are owed money? To support the festival can only help the promoters settle any outstanding matters. Swing with it, this is an imperfect world, and jazz can make it a bit sweeter.
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
‘# Brian Lucas Says:
To support the festival can only help the promoters settle any outstanding matters. ‘
so long as they pay them then I say support it otherwise why help them make more money they can run off with
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
why would those involved in the wimtr garens not insist on it being sorted for thee people owed money. sounds like theyre ok getting money for themselves.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:25 am
The Ventnor Blog, the Town and perhaps the other parts of the Island should and need to support this event. You can argue about how it has been run and criticise the organisers, but you have to face up to all the bad financial news that is being voiced through all the media. They are talking us into recession. It is going to be difficult, apparently, for all of us.
The only way you can pay creditors is if you have an income! Stop one & you stop the other. Simple fact!
In the last recession we were trading in the town and had this ‘ere fiver, it had a blue ink stain on it. Well, we banked it at least four or five times, we spent it in La Cloche, The Rose & Crown, Spyglass and a couple of other places until finally we spent it in Gateway, never to see it again!
The thing we learned was that money goes around & around in a very small area, and it gets smaller as things get tougher. We do not want to experience that again, and you won’t either, so please think deeply about this proposal to support or not to support this event. We do need people from the outside world to come here and enjoy our hospitality and events.
This Festival is going ahead anyway as it is too late to stop it. But if the Town or the wider community do not support it then the damage will be very serious to the whole Island, not just to Ventnor. It will take many years to repair our reputation!
From where we sit, a small family Island retail business, if the Hoteliers, Restraunters & Publicans etc., have a good season, we have a good Christmas! This is one way to extend the summer season. We are then able to spend money here on the Island in the New Year when trading is slow & difficult, because we know the future is going to be alright.
It is also not for any supplier, i.e. The Winter Gardens, to impose conditions as to whether they will deal with the Jazz Office or not. They are entitled to choose to supply or not, but they cannot force anyone to pay previous creditors as a condition. If they did of course there may be nothing left to pay for the hire of the hall! So, no venue, no event, no future.
Please if you respond to this don’t just advertise your own event or point out a successful protégé from the states, it is not appropriate here. Or suggest that Ventnor businesses are doing so well out of it that they should be paying the outstanding debts; they are likely to be struggling as well! Be constructive & help make the Jazz Festival an event people will want to come back to, as performers and/or audience, or even shoppers!
April 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
it depends if you are the ones owed money or not , i am surprised anyone would come to play if they knew about the oweing to other performers , as most would think it disloyal , the company should pay the debts first before starting again really, maybe they think they will raise enough this year to cover it all , but thats not sound reasoning , the jazz festival is great but oweing money is not!
April 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am
NO - THE CURRENT ORGANISERS HAVE MADE THE NAME OF VENTNOR MUD FOR THE MAJORITY OF PERFORMERS WHO WILL SHUN IT IN FUTURE. THE TOWN SHOULD DISTANCE ITSELF FROM ANY ORGANISATION WITH SUCH A LAMENTABLE TRADING RECORD.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Yes we should support it. It is potentially the most prestigious event the town hosts but it needs good ticket sales to ensure it succeeds financially. It is being actively supported by first class musicians, who are in demand in the top venues, despite the known financial problems; surely the town should do the same. I have heard two of the performers plugging how great the island and the festival are at their mainland gigs; I am sure no traders are going to turn away any extra customers it brings in.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:01 am
The Ventnor Blog, people in the town and across the Island should support the Jazz Festival. If it collapses, those owed money will have little chance of getting paid. And all our shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels will miss out the opportunity to earn income from visitors attending the event. Judging by the stories on the Blog, comments on the Forum and the number of businesses up for sale in Ventnor, no one here can afford for visitor levels to diminish because the town will diminish too.
I agree with the previous comments that the Jazz Festival organisers should be ashamed of the way they handled their business last year. It has tainted the event and left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. But if we support them now and give them a chance to redeem themselves (and their debts), we are also giving the Jazz Festival a chance to grow into something much bigger that will help support the long-term prosperity of the town.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Yes, please support the festival. Ventnor is a perfect venue for jazz and it is an excellent event. A lot of people, including myself, put in years of totally unpaid hard work to get this festival off the ground. We visit many festivals around the UK and Ventnor is among the best. Since |Phil and Jerry took on event their natural optimism has caused them to make the mistake of trying to grow the event too quickly and not being able to pay everyone is a disaster for all concerned, but stopping the festival now will only compound that fact. I understand that they have sold their house and intend to use their own capital to meet commitments. Jazz audiences are very loyal and having enjoyed a run of truly superb events in a beautiful resort they will return year after year, spreading the word among their jazz loving friends. Jazz festivals are not huge extravaganzas like pop festivals, but this one can grow steadily into a major, high class event given time and support from Islanders. It will be a shame if it founders now.
April 4th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
“Anne Cleave Says: I understand that they have sold their house and intend to use their own capital to meet commitments.”
If that is the case then why haven’t they paid off the people they owe yet?
I agree the festival itself is good and should continue, but why at the cost of so many people? Everyone keeps saying if it doesn’t go ahead then how can those who are owed get back - what guarantee is there that they ever will or that this year’s act and businesses involved will either?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I agree that unless some risks are taken these type of high calibre events will never get off the ground and every support should be given to ensure this grows and grows as the rock festival has. Many of the musicians that are playing are world class, and should come away finding Ventor as fantastic and positive as we all do. If they pick up on negativity no-one will gain from it.
Also, this year there are many single ticketed events to allow people to “give it a go” with out commiting to a weekend ticket.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Well I think you should support the jazz festival, and I’ll tell you why:
I’ve worked with Phil and Geri over the last 4 years or so - ever since (by common consent of the trustees) they took over the management of the festival in 2004. In all my time working with them, I have been impressed both by their entrepreneurial courage and their logistical grasp of managing what for Ventnor is a major event. I know they’ve had some financial difficulties over the last year, but they’ve been organising the funding and investing their own time and money too - with not a great deal of support from the local or Island councils. In other words, they’ve put themselves on the line for the community of jazz fans and music lovers on the IOW. They are honest, mega hard workers in this emerging economic sector of social-entrepreneurs. Without them Ventnor would still be in the kind of socio-cultural depression it was in at the end of the last century. They’re only guilty of having the balls and the inspiration to build upon the fabulous potential of Ventnor as a music venue, and they deserve our whole-hearted support.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Last year brought a lot of bad press for Ventnor because of the poor financial practices but this is their last chance to repair the damage. I think we should all support them in the hope that they will settle their debts and build a good and reliable Jazz Festival for the future.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
What a load of twaddle Bob Cotton. What about the workers - the musicians duped into performing, the hoteliers duped into providing accomodation, the security people duped into providing services! It’s a total disgrace the way they were treated!! The organisers have brought shame to Ventnor.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Oldie say’s “ What about the Workers…” Well I’ve seen both Phil and Geri in their office/shop working all hours, when I have passed through town on my way home. They are also workers in my opinion.
But put that aside for the moment VentnorBlog ; You have had your answer, perhaps not the one you were expecting, but it is now time for you to accept it, accentuate the positive & for now eliminate the negative.
We have made a clear decision on the Blog that we want the Jazz Festival to be supported, which does mean, however, that we here on the Island have to buy tickets as well. After all it is not just for the visitors.
In the end it is only the ticket sales that will pay the bills, past & present.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Dear Ventnor Blog,
Having worked in many countries as a talent agent and manager to different types of music the buisness aspect of bands to play in any venue is firstly the responsibility of the manager of the group to ensure that a band is paid before doing the show, if not at least half before and the other half afterwards. Apart, from this the manager should be responsible for supplying an organized fashion of collecting money for either door entry and or tickets sold before or at the venue. This cuts out of course unecessary payment needed to be made by 3rd party members who will most often for different reasons try to weezle artists out of thier due pay. The only payment that can be expected by a 3rd party is supplying a place where the band can play. If this cannot be offered there is no point in a band even playing for a venue.
I have met such organizers as Claude Nobs of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and they have two sections to the Jazz Fesitval. One that is held in a proper music hall where tickets are pre-sold in which case the organizer and music hall organizers are both responsible for paying the musicians and putting them up in a hotel before they even arrive. Contracts are signed and insurances for not showing or failures on either side are taken care of. This is buisness. One does not do buisness with those who do not have a track record. Whoever was responsible for paying the musicians will not be organizing again, because their track record will be recorded not just amongst artists but also amongst managers and buisness venues alike. Buisness is half trust which is earned over a period of steady productivity. The other half is the money game.
Ventnor Blog should make a website dedicated to the music venues on the island. If you need any help you know my contact details…
http://www.montreuxjazz.com
April 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I would draw peoples attention to this post on the forum over a year ago:
PostPosted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 4:48 pm Post subject: Jazz Shop Bestival Ticket Ripoff
So the Bestival Earlybird Tickets went on sale on Friday for one day only at various outlets on the island. Brilliant!!! a saving of ten pounds per ticket, except at the jazz shop in Ventnor where they greedily clawed back an extra fiver per ticket for booking fees, a tidy sum when it all adds up! It transpires however that the Ventnor jazz shop was the only outlet on the whole Island to charge a booking fee. When we realised that the people of Ventnor were the only ones to be ripped off in this way, we phoned the jazz shop for justification and a smug voice told me it was his prerogative to charge a fee as they were only a small outlet, the Pilot Boat Inn at Bembridge and Generation in Newport are also small outlets and neither charged any extra, I wonder why the jazz shop feels they have the right to undermine this concession at the expense of Ventnor residents.
This was later put down to an “error”.
Of course, it could be an “error” just like Fairport Convention, The Hamsters, Melbourne Ardenlea Hotel’s Jan Oxley,(both of whom have secured CCJ’s), BSK Security, Panther Security, Digby Fairweather and Julian Stringle not being paid. And Wightlink and IW Council to withdraw
Most of the comments of support on here define the moral and ethical bankrupt society in which we now live.
Any chance that a dozen of us could come over for the weekend without paying our ferry fares on Red Funnel, our hotel bills and have free drinks and meals in the pubs?
What do you mean, NO?
April 7th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Your right Colin, the vote is in and that is why we stated that we WILL be supporting the festival so I’m not quite sure what you’re getting at with your comment
“But put that aside for the moment VentnorBlog ; You have had your answer, perhaps not the one you were expecting, but it is now time for you to accept it, accentuate the positive & for now eliminate the negative.”
Perhaps you didn’t read this post, which mentions that we’d be supporting the festival by putting pieces out every day in the run up and during the festival?
Which is also followed by another straight afterwards which gives more detail about the festival line-up and tickets?.
Name us another publication on the Wight, or possibly countrywide, that has ever asked it’s readers for direction on editorial decisions. We’ve stated we’re concerned about those who are owed money, but would put that aside and support the festival.
You can’t get much more open than that, making your comment unnecessary as you’ll see from our coverage this week.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Why do these people insist on staging the festivals on such an inappropriate site? Its the edge of a cliff for goodness sake! And whilst we all appreciate that local businesses can benefit, the town will certainly not benefit from being associated with people who owe so much money to various bodies. Let them use the park, its much more suitable - I feel sorry for the people who live opposite.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Thanks Ventnor blog - my extended family nee Boyce have lived and holidayed on the East Cliff for over eighty years - but your blog has been the only source to a grockle for reliable background on some pretty dodgy stuff.
From dim memories of the steam line closing through suspicious fires and cliff collapses I have recently seen your town finally start to put it’s mark back on the map - the jazz festival is a part of that process of regeneration. However it seems to me that ccj’s are not granted lightly and if the organisers are still trading in the same name then bailiffs could easily turn up with very awkward and out of tune timing - but that’s Jazz! Good luck to Ventnor and to the festival, Ken, Jeff and border collie sky (tied up outside the winter gardens now the tent’s have gone).
April 9th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Significant amounts of money are still owed to both musicians and businesses. All the evidence from those who have taken court action to try and recover outstanding debts is that Snellen and Ward first try to delay any action by claiming that the service/music was not of the required standard. When this action fails (as it always has) it is then found that the company ( Isle of Wight Live Music Trust, IOW Jazz Festival, IOW Folk and Blues Festival etc., etc.) has no assets.
There is no evidence to support the belief that, if Snellen and Ward’s properties are sold, payment will be made to those who are owed money. They sold part of the garden of their house in Ventnor, with planning permission for a detached house, for just over £100,000 on the 7th of February, 2008. None of this money appears to have been used to settle debts.
Given the way they have acted over the past twelve months, it seems highly unlikely that these outstanding debts will be paid, even though the 2008 festival will run. Similarly, given past experience, it seems likely that some musicians at the 2008 festival will also not be paid: at least 20 of the groups who played at the Folk and Blues Festival last September have still not been paid. The Musicians Union has already put the organisers on their “Ask us first” list - in effect a black listing. All of which adds to the blackening of Ventnor’s name in the jazz, folk and blues community.
Of course, having successful, properly run jazz/folk/blues festivals is good for Ventnor and the island, and is something everyone would and should support. The present organisers show no evidence of being able to do this - as some of the previous bloggers have said, all they have done is get bad press and bring shame on Ventnor. To suggest that they are ‘honest’,'mega hardworking’ (except possibly in their own interests)with ‘entrepreneurial interests is at best naive; at worst suggests the author has lost touch with reality.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:21 am
The attitude of this town is terrible, We would love to have a jazz festival in Yarmouth! This so-called community is a shambles, regardless of what might of happened with payments i think it’s a disgrace the way that some of you have taken it upon yourselves to poke your noses in to private matters. Open your minds and let Ventnor thrive like it should!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Sal, Sal, Sal, Yes I did read your article before commenting, I did see the piece & welcomed your Poll, but I was dismayed to note in paragraph 4 your negativity.
We all know by now the shortcomings of the earlier events, the point was to be positive now.
Glad to see your posting for Saturday night, keep it up.
I will now shut up & hold back any further response/comments at least until after the weekend, if I can!
April 10th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Has anyone worked out the anagram of poster No.23?
The closest I’ve got is The Snellens Rodeo, or Theodore Snellens, but I’m sure thats not it. Any ideas?
I particularly like the line:
“regardless of what might of happened with payments”
I can just see JG saying to Sting, “sorry mate, no money”
April 10th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Hello the company that i own and run (indian marquee) was booked along with big top mania to provide the infa structure for the jazz festival. We were given asurances that it was confirmed etc. We carried out a site visit coming from Reading and devon. We booked accomadation and paid for the accomadation. Both companies turned down other work. We were then told the event was cancelled with less than a month to go. We were told this was due to no permission had been given to use the site (is this not one of the first things that should be arranged)We do not believe this is true. Since then we have been promised compensation to act as a deposit for next years event which would pay for the site visit and accomadation. This has NOT happened. Not only are both companies out of pocket but have lost other work and have not been delt with honestly This is very bad and does reflect badly on ventnor
April 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Colin, Colin, Colin - how can the stating facts ever be view as negative?
… unless you’ve got a personal interest in trying to have the facts disregarded?
April 10th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Dorlens Neethlose Says:
“… poke your noses in to private matters.”
All we’ve done is report the facts ‘Dorlens’. Sorry if some people don’t like hearing the truth.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
andi 26, although I sympathise with your predicament and that of the Oxleys, Fairport, Hamsters et al, try to look on the bright side. In the words of Ventnor Town Councillor, Brian Lucas:
“Swing with it, this is an imperfect world, and jazz can make it a bit sweeter.”
April 10th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Fascinating to see the latest comments and the divergent views expressed. Andi’s note lends further weight to the view that the organizers are somewhat less than forthright when dealing with financial matters.
Colin urges us to …..eliminate the negative - forget about the previous debts? Being positive now smacks of re-arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic; he seems to match Swift’s comment that,”The most positive men are the most credulous”.
I think that for anyone who is appearing at the festival or providing services for it, it is not a matter of of carpe diem but rather of caveat emptor
April 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am
You got me there Philip. Welsh was never my strong subject, but I am sure you & Swifty have a lot to teach us. If only I could understand….Ah well.
May you live all the days of your life, happily.
By the way I should also think that they have the saying Caveat venditor “let the seller beware” as anyone in business will tell you some suppliers of goods & services don’t always protect themselves by taking deposits etc., so when things are rejected, rightly or wrongly, it is they who suffer.
Let’s just use the language everyone can understand, & if people read it properly, which you don’t seem to have, they will understand the point you are making & form an opinion based on reasoned argument.
I have never advocated ignoring, therefore writing off, the previous debts. I was just hoping for the sensible positive promotion of this years’ festival to maximise the chances of making it a success. By the way I originally said “accentuate the positive & for now eliminate the negative”. No mention of writing off debts, where did you get that from?
I am off to The Winter Gardens now, see you there?
April 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Hey, Philip, I am going down the Winter Gardens now. Expect you will be there to offer your support to the jazz. Can’t wait.
You made my legs go all weak, you naughty man . I bet you got O levels. I just love an intellectual man who can talk Spanish and quote Hancock. Reminds me of those many happy nights at club 18 – 20, Ibiza, 1980 something or other.
I will be waiting for you at the bar. It’s quite early so I will still be standing. You will know me because I will be all in pink. Bring your friend Swifty if you like ‘cos my mate Racey Stacey from upper Ventnor will be down later. She likes a clever Dick too.
So, see you later alligator (B. Haley).
April 11th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Well Simon and/or Sal, you have inferred that I have a personal interest in disregarding the facts! Do you mean financial?
I assure you that is not the case, which is why I am responding before the event, although I said I would try not to.
My interest is in the Jazz Festival and what it can do for the town. I have not hidden the fact that I am listed as a Patron, though again the inference is that I have. I am sure any ten year old could have worked that one out; after all I put my full name on the first post you published! But I am sure you have your reasons for highlighting the link, it’s just a mystery to me.
We have made a DONATION & that is all, NO financial or other reward was expected & NONE will be taken!
We were in a position where we could buy our tickets & pay some more, so we did. If this helps it is worth it to us to support our Town and the Event. That is our total expectation when it comes to seeing a return! (Blogger Jazz Fan “Put their money where their mouth is…).
Our personal interest will be well served if this is a successful event that can be repeated in the future, we like Jazz! We like Blues, Pop, Classical, in fact most music. We want Ventnor and The Winter Gardens to thrive by being involved in things like this, if only so we continue to have things to go to. But we do understand that we have to pay a fair price to get a high calibre, unfortunately we seem to be in a world where we expect discount, discount, discount! How can you discount, make concessions & pay the going rate to the performers/suppliers?
From the customers point of view it is an event in the Town that is extremely enjoyable and successful. Remember it is Ventnor that will suffer the most if this is killed off.
If income is enough for Phil & Geri to pay a significant amount off the debts, then we will continue to support them, if they fail to do the honourable thing then we will be shouting louder than you, believe me, to put a stop to it.
Off to the Winter Gardens now, care to join us for a drink? Ask Graham to point us out.
April 11th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Colin - We simply wanted to make it clear that your opinions were expressed from the point of view of someone who had a connection to the Jazz Festival - not something that would have been clear to all Blog readers. We had no idea as to the extent, just that you were listed as a patron on the Jazzer’s site. Thanks for clearing it up.
As far as the future of Ventnor and the WG - it sounds like we’ve all got the same desires and intentions for it.
Drink at the WG is tempting, especially as the sun is blazing today - perhaps over the weekend, as we’ve got plans for today.
Have fun with it.
April 11th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Colin,
I think you took my comment about writing off the debts a bit too literally - it was merely an extension of your plea to eliminate the negative.
If the organizers were to pay all that is owed after the 2008 festival then ok, but I find it very difficult to believe that they will, given their past behaviour.
They have already put off a number of jazz and folk musicians from playing at Ventnor, which is hardly a good way to ensure future success.
Bandy Mandy (!!?) how did you find out about my ‘O’ level? It is a closely guarded secret.
While I am flattered by your offer to meet in the bar, I don’t think your pink would really go with my pin stripes. Maybe I’ll wait until you are horizontal…..
April 14th, 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 5:05 pm
Who would of thought 10 years ago that the one and only Maceo Parker would be playing in Ventnor? I couldn’t believe it! Top quality music and long may the festival live!
April 14th, 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 5:24 pm
Yes … we were lucky enough to see Maceo on Friday - he rocked!
May 8th, 2008 (5 days ago) at 6:19 pm
[…] Given it’s the consumer affairs programme, it will be investigating the problems of the previous years, where some of those involved have spoken of non-payment, you know what we’re talking about. […]