Saturday 31st May 2008
Venue: The Manor Arms, Burton, Christchurch.

It was the Bands 3rd gig with new lead vocalist Rob C. A bit of an shacky one for us, still getting use to Rob's vocals, but a positive response from the audience enjoying the new set list. As for The Manor! Dean and Mel and a few friends have worked there nuts off redecorating the now music bar, I still maintain that this is one of the best places to see live bands, the place needs your support so get yer bums off yer seats and get along there.

Visit The Manors gig guide The Manor Arms

Saturday 10th May 2008
Venue: The Wheel Inn, Pennington.

Its been a while since we last played at The Wheel Inn, but what a bloody good night, its a great little old pub and the food looked good as well. Only the bands second gig with our new lead vocalist Rob C, he was out-standing, great vocals and blowing a storm on the harp. Now he wont like me saying this, but Iain the bands lead guitarist, well, he was simply superb, I have never heard him play so well. Richie the bass just as solid as ever, as for Rob he struggled with a damaged left arm, poor old gitt, but the old pro he is he still went on and played. Hope to see you all on Saturday 31st May @ The newly redecorated Manor Arms, Burton, Christchurch.

Tuesday 5th February 2008
Venue: The Land marc Bourne mouth.

What a great night. A New Orleans blues style Mardi Gras night with loads of Jugglers, Stilt Walkers plus others attractions to entertain the 200 plus strong crowed, pancakes galore as it was of course pancake day. The Landmarc as a venue is indeed superb, a great place to see and hear bands, we would love to go back there, you never know?

The band sounded great, John the sound engineer did a great job in miking the band up through the house PA, vocals, drums and guitars all at a levels they should be, as for the music? I am told was just right for the event. The blues played right from the heart and the feeling that the blues should be played with

We have to say thanks to the organizers Flo and kaitlin plus all the other people that helped make the event a great success., and of course The Arts Institute at Bournemouth.

Saturday 7th July 2007
Venue:The King Charles, Themes Str, Poole

I know its been a while! The King Charles never seems to let us down, every time we play the old KC we have one hell of a night and this was no exception. Right from the start the audience, small but select (a stag night) along with a good few music lovers!. A few good friends of the band came in, Stevie from Stone Cold Sober with his good lady Helen, Graham with the Lord mayor of Poole, then a hen night, it just went on from there. the place was packed, a great night, once again the back line of the band Richie on bass Rob on drums solid and as tight as a ducks bum, superb rhythm guitar and lead vocals from the main man Batrz and some inspired lead guitar from Iain who had just arrived back from seeing the Australian Pink Floyd. If you missed this gig then you missed a real gooden, hope to see you next time at the old KC....

Saturday 5th May. 2007
Venue: The Lord Nelson, North Sub Hamdon, Nr Yoevil.

You can't call it a world tour of Somerset. But that's just what is was! a bit of a mystery tour to find the pub. Once having found The Lord Nelson, what a great pub and the landlord & land lady (Richard & Elaine) made us feel very welcome. The audience where probably wondering what they were in for? as the gear came into the lounge bar. But what a night it tuned into, the response from the audience, amazing. For a little old pub in a little old village you wonder where people come from? We are looking forward to going back to The Lord Nelson in the near future. Many thanks to Richard & Elaine and there punters for a great night.

he KC. A great place to play and we will be back in July, watch the bands gig guide for dates

Thursday 22nd March 2007
Venue: The Thomas Tripp Late'n'Live

Supporting Ben Waters Band plus guests

This place is fast building its-self a reputation as one of the best live music venues in Dorset, the drive and enthusiasm that Simon, Paul and the rest of the crew have to succeed is great. We really did enjoy ourselves playing the TT to a small but select audience who appreciated everything we played. A big thanks to all those who turned up. As for Ben Waters well what a great band, they played some stonkin stuff, it was a pleasure to support Ben as well as to watch and listen to them.

In July 2005, Rob answered an advert, blues band looking for drummer, a phone call made to the local newspaper, “dame it’s an answering machine” so a message was left. About 3 hours later the phone rang at Rob’s home, it was Rich from the band, an audition arranged, so Rob set off to Southampton, the out come, Rob has joined Shoestring Blues.

April 2008 and things haven't gone to well for Shoestring, we've unfortunately had to cancel a few gigs. .
The band has lost its lead vocalist 'Ian' who did a great job in fronting the band, he has decided to go back to his roots in folk music, we we wish him well and all the very best.

I can tell you that the band is changing, we shall be playing texas style blues with its more up tempo footstoppin beat, this is due to the bands new front man, an old friend of our who has stepped into the breach. Rob C vocalist/harp player who has played with various bands in and around Bath/Poole (such as Bucket of blues, Stone cold Sober, Rude awaking and more) keep watching Shoestring's gig guide for upcoming gigs

If you have been on our gig guide you will see that The Wheel at Pennington has started live music on Saturday nights they will also be having Sunday lunch time music. I was some what surprised to see who it was behind the bar, if you can remember the band Plain Jane, Pete there lighting engineer that was, is now the landlord along with his good lady Mari. We wish them all the very best in there new venture, hope to see you there on Saturday 12th July.

Guitarist and bandleader Jeff Healey dies in Toronto hospital

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJh3KaIKDAw

Jeff Healey, guitarist, was born on March 25, 1966. He died of cancer on March 2, 2008, aged 41

Following a lengthy struggle with cancer, Healey passes away on the eve of the
release of a new blues rock album.
Jeff Healey, arguably one of the most distinctive guitar players of our time, died today (Sunday March 2) in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto. He was 41, and leaves his wife, Cristie, daughter Rachel (13) and son Derek (three), as well as his father and step-mother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda.

having just learned of Jeff Healys death A legend has been lost. Our thoughts go to his family and his music will remain with us forever.

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