In my other role as a performer I arrived at the recent Molotov Cocktail event in a flurry of hoops, straight from performing at another gig. Once I’d found the door (didn’t know there was more than one way into OPEN, so cue slightly panicked back-and-forthing as the time ticked closer to when I was supposed to be on) I headed down the stairs and into the heat and the music.
There was very ‘festival’ atmosphere; organisers Festival Asylum had kitted out the venue with their trademark sweeps of curtain, lights and chandeliers (with added tinsel) and everyone was having a wonderful time.
Copyright Jerry Tye
Compere Paul Preston Mills cleared the space and got the audience to turn round to the new ‘stage.’ OPEN isn’t the easiest venue for hooping as the ceilings are rather low, but I’m quite adept by now at working in small spaces and it went very well!
Copyright Jerry Tye
There were two support acts, and comedy duo Ellis & Rose, sadly I arrived too late to see them perform this time. But headliners Molotov Jukebox were on after me.
Copyright Jerry Tye
The atmosphere was great in the audience, though having rushed about all evening performing I always feel a bit removed from the festivities, which I suppose is an occupational hazard! Molotov Jukebox’s set was fantastic; they interacted with the audience and each other, and the long build-ups in their songs had the audience jumping up and down.
This was only a flying visit for Vintage Norwich so I didn’t stay long after their set, but there are more fantastic events lined up at OPEN with Festival Asylum in early 2013. Including an appearance from the Correspondents in March.
Visit the Festival Asylum website to find out more about future events, or visit the Festival Asylum Facebook page.
