Monday, May 20, 2019

Acoustic Sessions @ The Dolphin / JunkStar-Baby

Portsmouth still has, despite the best efforts of the Luftwaffe and keen property developers, a large number of public houses for a city its size, offering refreshing alcoholic beverages and, in some cases live music, to a discerning clientèle. The oldest of Pompey's many hostelries is located in the city's old quarter, just a short distance from the historic Square Tower, opposite the Cathedral, and has been serving ales to legions of eager punters since 1716 (or thereabouts). 

Whilst The Dolphin certainly boasts longevity, and successfully managed to survive the Blitz better than some of its neighbours, there have been periods of late when its future has been in question; changes of management alienated some of its regulars, as did refurbishment and a move toward a more food orientated business plan, all of which led inexorably to an abrupt closure. Thankfully, after a lick of paint and another change of management, the pub reopened and appears to be going from strength to strength.

Long known for hosting live comedy The Dolphin has been hosting a limited season of live music each Friday evenings, with these Acoustic Sessions set to run through to mid-June. Following sets from Si Hitchenson and Andy Muscat the next act to perform are, according to the blurb on their Facebook page, "born out of bands long gone, both forged in an age when Play-Doh smelled good enough to eat". They are, of course, JunkStar-Baby.



The awesome twosome of Steve Arnott (no, not that one) and Maria Ede-Weaving are no strangers to the Portsmouth music scene, with both separately performing in various local bands over the years (including The Chosen, whose debut single can still be procured on ebay) before joining forces to become the most mellifluous JunkStar-Baby

Steve & Maria will be performing original songs, a choice cover or three and, if gently persuaded, some of The Chosen's back catalogue, this coming Friday, 24th May. The duo are playing two sets, the first starting at 2015 and, after a short break, the second starting at 2130. Entry is free and, if you are so inclined, the pub is also hosting a beer festival this weekend. Well, it is a Bank Holiday after all.


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