Last Saturday wasn’t only about the Tour de Yorkshire, but also the Fossgate Festival. Taking advantage of the road closures, Fossgate became a centre for live music, stalls, food and much more. We headed down there to catch some of the local talent.
A main “stage” was set in front of MacDonalds furniture store, just out on the street. There was something extra special about having just a microphone and speakers on the pavement for the performances. It meant the crowd could be up close and personal.
First up here was Craig ‘Vinnie’ Whitehead, frontman from local hip hop and blues band Vinnie & The Stars. Although extremely talented both vocally and on guitar, Vinnie had the slight misfortune of an early morning performance and not many were out on the street. Most people were still buzzing over the novelty of finding a spot for the Tour de Yorkshire. However, Vinnie didn’t seem fazed and remained charismatic with a self-deprecating humour. He did a few originals and covers, including Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours and The Housemartins.
Then came Americana and country singer Boss Caine. He had an intense, gravelly voice which felt like the musical equivalent of the “southern gothic” genre of literature.
After the live music came a set from York University’s Swing Dance Society. The group was full of energy as they wowed the crowd with their old school dance moves, which included styles such as the Charleston and the “mess around”. They did a few lessons, hoping to get the audience up as well. Despite their enthusiasm, only a few in the crowd were willing to join.
As well as the music on the street, Mor Music had its own performances from Harrison Rimmer, Mulholland and Leather’o.
Dancing in the street – photo by Andy Argyle
Mulholland – photo by Chris Mackins
Leather’o – photo by Chris Mackins
Back outside, another interesting performance came from Billy Hickling with his Trash Bang fun. To onlookers, it was just a bunch of people going crazy, banging drumsticks against buckets. However, Billy was subtly teaching the crowd a few techniques, including banging to the word ‘lem-on-ade’ to create the rhythm for Queen’s We Will Rock You. This one was for all ages, but the kids probably appreciated it most, especially the inclusion of Frozen’s Let It Go. It wouldn’t be a surprise if some people left believing themselves drumming experts!
When it came time for Jelly Roll Jive, York’s jive and swing group, a large crowd had gathered. The band had an amazing presence and did some interesting covers of Jungle Book’s I Wan’na Be Like You, Roy Orbison’s Pretty Womanand Dion’s The Wanderer. Then Pure Lindy, another dance group, joined to show off some 50s style moves.
Jelly Roll Jive – photo by Andy Argyle
Jelly Roll Jive – photo by Andy Argyle
There were a lot of other diverse acts throughout the day: magic from Adrian the Magician, poetry about love and politics from York Spoken Word, artwork on display at the gallery Rogues Atelier and Sam Moore, an incredible concert recitalist and composer. The only issue of the day was making sure to fit everything in.
The festival was a great way to show everything York stands for and lucky for those who missed it, there will be one now held on the first Sunday of each month.
Fossgate Festival took place on Saturday 2 May 2015