The "Northern Soul L.A. British Invasion 2004" event

The "Northern Soul L.A. British Invasion 2004" event, which took place in downtown LA the week starting Thursday March 11th and lasted through to Wednesday March 17th was organized by Gabby (LA resident) and Kev Roberts (UK resident) and was unique in that most of the hundreds of attendees were mostly flown in from England with the purpose of seeing dozens of soul performers in person.

The biggest nights, which I attended with my girlfriend Syd, were on Saturday and Sunday with a record convention sandwiched in between on Sunday afternoon. The biggest thrill for me was seeing and meeting so many soul artists whose work I love and admire, followed closely by getting the chance to see so many friends and acquaintances whom I'd not seen in a long time (10 years in Rolly's case!). It was also cool meeting other soul fans for the first time, for example the two fellas from Minnesota and the two, who must be the furthest traveled, from Berlin, Germany. (Hi Joerg, if you're reading this!)

The music in the main room was mostly what is considered "oldies", which I was warned about, but some crossover, seventies and modern tracks did occasionally surface as well. In the second smaller room I was treated to cool and interesting tracks by DJs like Gene Meredith, Allison and John Nightingale. John's seventies records were simply wonderful and awe-inspiring. Sean Chapman did the business in the large room, as did other DJs. I'm flubbing with names because there were so many people, so many soul artists, that it quickly became overwhelming and my brain couldn't hold all the information. I did bring a notebook and pen but I guess I'm just not in touch with my "Inner Trainspotter". I missed seeing Garland Green's impromptu performance which many said was the finest singing of the weekend. But I did get to sit next to him all day at the record fair and I heard him sing just three feet away from me and shared my pistachios with him.

My friend, Larry, who's never been to England or to a soul-fanatic-type event, came to the record show, looked around at the guys looking through soul records, then looked at me and said in a hushed voice, "it's so cool to be around other people who are as into soul as I am", which echoed my thoughts exactly. I missed seeing Patrice Holloway, she of the heavenly voice. And I really wanted to meet Miles Grayson and HB Barnum but they escaped my clutches this time. This was an amazing event to happen in Los Angeles. The months of planning and effort, the blood sweat and tears of the organizers paid off. If ever there is another one, I'd make every effort to attend it.

Comments:

John	apr 12 2004 7:06PM

Col i don't know about Carl being beautiful but he sure can dance ;o) How the hell does he do that mid air split thing and still manages to walk for the rest of the night is beyond me ;o) John

John	apr 12 2004 7:03PM

Nice write up Nancy, thanks for your kind comments on the records we played in the empty room ;o)) A brilliant week in LA all round and we simply cannot wait for the East Coast do in 2006. Ciao John

Col	mar 20 2004 6:25AM

That Carl is truly beautiful. I love her.

Col	mar 20 2004 6:25AM

That Dave is truly beautiful. I love her.

Col	mar 20 2004 6:24AM

That Rob is truly beautiful. I love her.

Col	mar 20 2004 6:23AM

That Quinn is truly beautiful. I love her.

Col	mar 20 2004 6:22AM

That Gabby is truly beautiful. I love her.

Damon Levine	mar 19 2004 3:26PM

Hey Grover! Long time, no see. Hope all is well. Give my best to Chris and all the other Midwest soul fans. Looks like this night was a blast. Damon (Philadelphia)

Jonathan, Uppers	mar 19 2004 11:36AM

Thank you, Nancy! I needed some kind of peek in at this weekend (you don't want to know about what kept me from attending). I'm glad it was such a success there is now talk of New York in 2006. I won't miss that one.

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The "Northern Soul L.A. British Invasion 2004" event

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