Ever been curious as to what it would be like to travel back in time? Well, now you can stop wondering and go for a trip with the Smith Street Soul Train instead.
That’s what I did last Tuesday night, as the 12 piece soul-funk band took me and 200-odd other groovy fans to a time of care free, wild dancing and exuberated amounts of laughter.
It was as though we had lunged right back into the ’70s, (or what I would imagine the ’70s to have been like – I’m only 21).
The Grace Darling Hotel was power packed full to its brim, as an overwhelming amount of people surrounded themselves around the small stage in an attempt to immerse themselves in all of the fun.
As I squeezed my way through the flailing arms, and twirling dancers, I got a glimpse of 12 energetic band members all squished on to one tiny stage, having the time of their lives.
All smiles, and belting out unbelievably powerful sky-hitting notes, the band had the room shaking. Maybe that was also because of the non-stop syncronised dancing from everyone in the room too, but the stage was literally moving. It was both exiciting and terrifying.
It didn’t take long for me to want to immerse myself in all of the excitement either, as I began to move along to the effervescent trumpets, saxophones and funky guitar riffs.
Being the bands last gig for 2013 and special Christmas extravaganza, particular friends and guests from the audience were selected to get up and have a sing, which resulted in a very busy stage for the final song of the night as the 20 odd members crowded upon the stage to give us one final send off.
With tunes ranging from Rick James classics’, to Amy Winehouse, Marvin Gaye, Saskwatch, Tina Turner, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and many, many more, it was impossible not to love every minute of it.
I couldn’t have had a more amazing and joy filled time.
The band has taken a break for the remainder of 2013, but will be back again in the beginning of 2014 for more soul-shaking fun!
Definitely a bunch of amazing musicians worth checking out!
Chelsea Olle 