January. Infamous for being the dullest and most depressing month of the year. The start of 2010 was a slow burner, as Cheltenham slept under a cold white blanket and almost ground to a halt. What the town needed was a breath of fresh life to re-oil the engines and kick start that good old embracing spirit to resonate through the new decade.
The Cheltenham Underground came to the rescue on Friday 29th January with its unique blend of fresh local talent, including Jim Blair, Joe Summers and Mark Hole.
The first act to battle the elements was Jim Blair; the Swindon based performer who managed to melt the snow with his acoustic blues. But much more work was needed in order to brighten people’s January.
Further melancholic acoustic pluckery ensued, through the soul drenched ballads of Cheltenham singer-song writer Joe Summers, who tried his best to unite the audience in a New Year celebration, but lacked the energy. This left the night’s headliner Mark Hole to really get the party started.
Throughout his set, Mark Hole pulled out all the stops and encouraged the crowd in every way possible to join in the joviality, thanks largely to his achingly catchy melodies and clever lyrics. In many ways the evening was a success, and did not disappoint in delivering immensely talented underground acts to new ears, an aspect in which the club night never falters. But what the Slak collective needed that night was a spark; an intense passion that could sweep away the snowy whites and the January blues, and guide the weary town into a brighter future. And, with further Cheltenham Underground nights already in the pipeline, the future is indeed bright……….
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