The Sheffield Scenester

I entered the venue a few minutes before Pink Sharabang were due to perform and there were so many people there, that some of us could hardly get through the door. Not that it was a problem though, because the music was so good, being squashed like sardines was in fact fun. I did manage to get to the front though, and stood on the steps to watch the band.

Pink Sharabang took to the stage with a very interesting setup. There were soft toy flowers wrapped around the equipment and Amy’s keyboard was draped in fairy lights which looked really pretty. Also, cupcakes were being handed out, which is now a regular thing at Pink Sharabang gigs and I have to say the cupcake I had was delicious. The first track of their set was “City Hall,” which was very catchy indeed. I found myself dancing and singing along with some people who I’d only just met. The atmosphere was really friendly in the Frog and Parrott tonight and I loved every second of it. When the band got further into their set, it was easy to see that everybody was enjoying themselves. “Freshmans,” a song written about the vintage clothes shop on Carver Street , and “The 57” about the bus that goes from Sheffield to Stocksbridge, were definite highlights of the set. I know practically all the words to those songs so I was singing along and I enjoyed it loads. This was my first time at a Pink Sharabang gig and I’m sure I will be seeing them more in the future.

The next act on tonight was Mike Hughes, who I last reviewed at his gig a few months back at Sheffield ’s library theatre. I enjoyed the set so much that I just had to go and see him again and tonight he definitely didn’t disappoint. The thing that strikes me most about him is his beautiful voice. I bet he could sing anything and make it sound brilliant. “ Temple Blues ” sounded soulful and calm, which gave a more tranquil feel to the night after all the energy of the bands that were on before. The carefully penned lyrics of “Girl in the Clocktower” were stunning with the clearly thought through melodies and soulful sounding vocals. The audience were having a good time and tapping their feet to the beat. I certainly was enjoying his performance and his breathtaking vocals were just amazing. Mike Hughes could do no wrong tonight and I didn’t want his set to end because he was getting better and better as the set went on. I would definitely recommend this guy and you will probably see me at more of his gigs sometime soon.

Words by Shirley Bell