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The Rainy City Bluegrass Band at Rainford
14th Nov. 1996

By Christine and Irene

I wouldn’t say we got lost but we did pass the Mersey Tunnel entrance twice, en route from Rawtenstall to Rainford! We were very thankful the race meeting was over when we arrived at Haydock and were amazed to find that Wigan Pier actually exists!

But we eventually found The Junction where, with tongues hanging out and legs crossed, we were able to satisfy our bodily needs.

The melodious tones of The Rainy City at full throttle were drifting downstairs. Jack Griffiths, the organiser, made us feel welcome and we got nods, winks or waves from some of the other familiar faces, so we settled down for a good evening. The Rainy City excelled itself with a well-balanced, strongly traditional, set. The material was well chosen and varied, combining some nice instrumental work (which included one of Tom’s originals, The Road To Dent), good harmonies and a touch of comedy here and there.

They performed in their usual professional style, which continued unabashed even when Roisin’s fiddle rest collapsed mid-stroke - she just didn’t know her own strength! The band played a comedy version of Duelling Banjos which included a rendering of In The Blue Ridge Mountains Of Virginia. The agility of Tom and Bill in their dance routine as they parodied Laurel & Hardy was something to behold. Better watch out, Mind The Step!

Rainy City members Bill, Roisin and
Tom serving time for impersonating
ballet dancers and fiddle flinging.

A thoroughly appreciative audience gave the band well-deserved, rousing applause at the conclusion of their performance. The rest of the evening continued with a picking session for anyone who wished to join in playing or singing. Although we didn’t play or sing, it was a very interesting experience to listen to, and to observe, some of the talented musicians who did. Overall we had a very enjoyable evening - hopefully there will be more in the future! Many thanks to Jack and all concerned.

The RCBB, which hosts the regular Prestwich Picking Session, consists of Tom Degney (lead and harmony vocals, banjo, fiddle, mandolin), brother Bill (harmony vocals, lead guitar), Brian Waterhouse (lead and harmony vocals, rhythm guitar), Roisin Browne (fiddle) and Trevor Jones (electric bass, lead & harmony vocals).

Christine Mannion & Irene Atkin (of The Valley Pickers)


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Updated 23rd Jan 1999