Maryport Blues and Autism
I have just spent a very pleasant weekend at the Maryport Blues Festival with my wife and my son, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. My daughter elected to go to Glastonbury instead. And a good time was had by all of us. There was even an autistic angle to our trip. Jools Holland, who was headlining the Sunday night concert in the main marquee at Maryport, has previously allowed the National Autistic Society to fundraise at his concerts and had compered a charity event for the Autism Research Centre: Autism, Art and Music in 2006. The DVD of this event was on sale alongside other marketing opportunities at the Sunday night concert. I decided to google it when I got home and opted instead for CDs by the excellent support band, The Sherman Robertson Band and Jules’ guest singer, Ruby Turner.
I am very happy with my choices, (correction; our choices, Sherman Robertson was my son’s purchase). But on returning home I was dismayed to find that the only link to the Autism, Art and Music DVD was broken. If any gentle reader knows where I can puchase this item I shall be forever grateful.
Meanwhile, back to the festival. It was fantastic. I was ready to be disappointed by Chuck Berry on the Friday night. At 81 years of age he ought to be well past his prime. Believe me, he is still prime. The guy was amazing. He finished his set by inviting members of the audience on stage to dance. His daughter Ingrid, who performed on stage with him made a special point of embracing a young dancer on walking sticks.
On Saturday we over-indulged, joining the Town Trail of lesser artistes performing in pubs and clubs around Maryport Harbour on a very hot afternoon before retiring to the main marquee for the evening concert. We may have been too tired to do Jimmie Vaughan justice, but he gave us his best from the main stage, ably abetted by Lou Ann Barton
And regarding those lesser artistes, on any normal weekend I would have felt privileged to be in their presence. I still feel privileged. But they were opals and pearls in the company of emeralds and diamonds. Ignoring my own preference for Guy Tortora and Sam Kelly we went in search of pastures new and discovered Starvin’ Sid from my home time of Grimsby and Little Stevie and the Business.
For some reason I cannot upload the video I took at the festival. When I work it out i will do my best to share it with you. Meanwhile you will just have to take my word for it that the musically diverse are just as rewarding as the neurodiverse.
Comment by Casdok | July 29th, 2008
Lovely to hear that you all had such a good time. Chuck Berry still performing at 81 - is amazing!
Thank you for the link to the Art exhibition, i think i will go and see that!