Our Tenth Anniversary

On Friday, 21st April, 2006, we celebrated ten years of the Music House on Friday nights. Below are some pictures donated very kindly by Peter Roe. I think they show the kind of atmosphere that was there and the great buzz that everyone felt during the night.

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Jack and Romy

Badly Worn Boys

Badly Worn Boys again

The wonderful Mr Gerry Lucioli.

Gerry again.

Gerry doing his thing.

Pan's person.

Me.

Me again.

The lovely Lazybones.

Catfish.

Klunk.

Steve Nunn and Gerry.

For Ten years the Music House has been invaded by all sorts of musicians. On Friday nights during term time, the cellar would be full of talented people and those who wished to spend an evening listening to relaxing music.

Below are some messages and anecdotes from the past. To view the pictures, click on the thumbnail and when you have finished viewing, click 'Back' on your browser.

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I’m just one of many people who owe a big debt here, as it’s thanks to Simon and the Music House that I’ve been able to go back to making my living from music, which I’m now finding very fulfilling – even if not (yet) particularly lucrative. I started attending Simon and Gerry’s Music House sessions just over six years ago, having not touched any of my instruments for many years, and within a few weeks I found myself standing trembling in front of a remarkably kind and tolerant audience with a guitar against my belly, fingers fumbling on the strings and voice parched with nerves. Soon I was writing songs again and was very grateful to have the chance to try them out at the Music House. Simon introduced me to so many other lovely and inspirational people, and it was thanks to him and to them that I survived a very challenging period of my life. It was at the Music House that I met ex-Blue Horizon session guitarist Rick Hayward, forming our acoustic-style duo “a Little Uneasy…” soon afterwards. We are now fairly well established, averaging paid gigs about once a month and having just released our second CD. Simon also took me several times to the Cambridge festival, where I had the chance to play to a bigger audience – and see Simon show us all how that should be done, too!

Simon taught me so much about how music – and especially technology – had changed since I had last played, and gave me the confidence and the opportunity to try my hand. I’d previously been mainly a bassist, and before long I had my bass out again and was playing with anyone who would put up with me. This led to two years with The Kriptones, before forming Bright Spark, a professional harmony rock’n’roll trio. My only regret now is that, as we are playing so many Fridays, I don’t get to attend the Music House very often!

To read another tribute to Simon’s contribution to the music scene, please see http://www.travellingrecords.co.uk/simon.html

Wishing you all the very best for the continuing success of the Music House. Many thanks.

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Congratulations to Simon and Gerry on your tenth anniversary.

I first met Simon about ten years ago when he came down to a music night I was running at Heath House. He told me about Friday Nights and I’ve been a regular ever since. I enjoyed Friday’s so much that I thought I might as well move in with the organiser. Gerry was busy that night so I chose Simon.

People are often surprised that Simon gets no money for the work he does at Jurnet's.

It’s a gruelling schedule. He gets home from work at about 5.30pm after a hard week as Assistant Head teacher at Sidestrand School; then within the hour he’s packing up the equipment for another night at Wensum Lodge, not returning until midnight. That’s apart from the hours of organisation he does during the week, bookings, phone calls, promoting etc.

It’s real labour of love. He takes a genuine interest in everyone that plays down there; from the nervous first-timers to the more experienced semi-professionals. He sees no divisions. Everyone is part of the musical community. I know that it’s a bit yucky, me being his girlfriend and all, but I really do think that Simon has done a fantastically amazing job. Well done you.

Mai Palmer

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The Music House has been the centre of the Norwich acoustic music scene for 10 years. It's been doing a fantastic job of promoting established artists in the city and giving new acts a stage to shine. The venue and audience contribute to an appreciative atmosphere where artists of all shapes and sizes can impress, try things out and give it their all. Of a Friday evening you might see a sizzling blues trio, a Mariah Carey sing-a-like, a young man hunched over his painted guitar, a feast of folk, a mesmerising classical guitarist or some of the top songwriters from the region. It's a real mix and I love it!

When I first came to Norwich five years ago, it was the first venue I visited. I played that very night! The kind of acts that were around were Mike the Mike, Emma Williamson, Twizzle, Celeste Lovick, Andy Kirkham and plenty more. I always had a small ambition to organise and host a night at The Music House which finally happened in 2005. It was worth the wait...we had some great acts and people around my feet, it was so packed.

So thank you Simon for single-handedly providing Norwich with an acoustic music scene over the last ten years...and happy birthday. And thank you Gerry for being so Gerry and for always finding a new way to introduce the next act. Cheers!

James Frost.

A poster for the wonderful night that James Frost organised.

James Frost himself.

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HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY TO THE MUSIC HOUSE! SIMON AND GERRY MUST BE VERY PROUD PARENTS!!

I first came across the Friday Acoustic Night in the EDP Event Guide in the year 2000 and was intrigued by the number of performers. I'd played music for many years with bands/duos etc but really inside there was a Singer/Songwriter trying to get out! So I came along to one session and fell in love with the place. I knew then it was the right time and place to do it. I spoke to Simon at the end and he encouraged me and booked me for October 2000. It was a bit scary playing to other musicians/writers but at last here was an audience willing to listen - interested in what you had to say. Gerry put me at ease straight away-relaxing everyone as he does with his inimitable "build ups" and jokes!! I've now played there over 40 times - mainly solo but also with friends - most recently with Mikie and Ali (TRINITY) and soon just Ali and me (KINDRED SPIRITS) -all of whom have loved the experience. Each time I've been to the Music House is like coming home - welcoming faces and support there when you need it. I wish there had been a Music House Acoustic Night when I was younger - what a place to try out your songs! I'm glad it's here now and that I've been part of it. Thanks to Gerry for starting the ball rolling and to Simon for all the organisation/technical help and to both of them for the commitment and dedication week after week to give so many singers/songwriters/musicians the chance to get up there and do their stuff. May the Music House continue for many years to come allowing performers of all different styles (and ages!!) to come together to share the music and learn from each other. LONG MAY YOU RUN ! Mike Hone Caister-on-Sea.

Picture supplied by Mike Hone. We all look unusually well scrubbed up because it was Gerry and Margaret's wedding.

Trinity - Mike Hone's wonderful trio.

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Congratulations Simon. Many thanks to you... and Gerry...for providing such a great venue for performers to entertain and get experience of performing. Here's to the next 10 years !!!
Peter, Alan, and Rachel aka "Herding Cats"

We like to try and perform a range of music to entertain and sometimes surprise the audience. The surprise, puzzlement and then warm reaction we got from the audience when we performed our medley - comprising "Shakin' All Over", a blues solo, and then "Get It On" by T.Rex - having introduced it as a collection of old English folk melodies, was a great memory. There are not many venues where you could get away with that! - which sums up the great Music House "vibe".
Peter, Alan, and Rachel aka "Herding Cats"

The Herding Cats.

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Many happy returns to Simon, Gerry and everyone else involved at the Music House. You've done an amazing job providing such a great place to play for local artists. There's a really warm atmosphere down there on a Friday night and a really good mix of great music every week. The first time I played Wensum Lodge was the first time I'd sung my songs in public and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have got up to sing for the first time at any other venue, so I owe you guys a huge thank you. Norwich really needs the Music House. Long may you run.

Richard Skelton

Richard Skelton

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I've had a great time playing at the Music House over the past two years with my band. As well as gaining experience playing live in front of a warm and appreciative audience we have also enjoyed discovering new music from the local area and afar. This venue plays an essential part in the local music scene offering new emerging artists the chance to play along side established musicians, something very rare these days

Thanks Simon and Gerry for your excellent work at the Music House - long may it continue!

Peter (from acoustic rock band Appleyard

Appleyard at The Corn Exchange in Cambridge.

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