In April we lauched with Johnny Whitehill's Real Deal in a double bill with The Annie Orwin Band. Over 100 enjoyed the night.

 

In July we had an unusual night, we had booked an Edinburgh trio The Blue Hyenas and a 4 piece called The Road Dogs but due to a mixup by 7.30 we only had half of The Road Dogs. Unfortunately the half that were not there had the PA for the night but through friends we scrabbled a PA and the night started a little late. Sandy the Hyenas guitarist gave an acoustic set with a pal of his who came along for the gig. This pal was Lyndon Anderson a local harmonica playing band leader. We next had a scratch set from 2 Hyenas and 2 Road dogs which when you consider these lads had never met before was tremendous. The Blue Hyenas closed the gig with a cracking set, over 150 enjoyed that night.

In September we had an excellent three act bill starting with a solo spot from Johnny Whitehill unusually hitting all the right keys of the electric organ as opposed to his normal electric guitar. Then came the smooth sounds of the cool and collected No TIme For Jive who enticed the first of the evening's dancers out onto the floor with their great tunes. Ending the night was the debut performance of the much anticipated Oil City Connection who tore up the venue with their blistering Dr Feelgood covers and energetic R n B. Attended by a capacity crowd the event proved a great introduction to many new music fans of the great mix of sounds and styles we hope to present at the Benton Blues Club nights.

 

In December what an excellent night it was on Friday 19th, in the face of arctic weather the Christmas Extravaganza was held at Four Lane Ends Social Club. As global warming was on the lips of world leaders, eight musicians, two sound men, three bar staff and ninety odd people made it to the venue. Freezing for the Blues eh ?

Adopted by the North decades ago, Australian traveller Gypsy Dave Smith showed us all how a bottleneck should be wielded. See him here in April for a much longer set. Johnny Whitehill brought his new trio out for a run, surely the greatest unsigned Blues guitarist in the country. Funky and smooth, we even got a taste of his newly found voice. Al Dickinson came up from Leeds ( sadly without his band due to other commitments ) and carried the audience through a set of mainly self penned songs. His gravel vocals and sensitive picking, made everyone happy that they’d made the effort to come out on such a night. Saltlick ripped their way through their set at such a blistering pace that it was over way too soon, another trio that never fails to please. I must re-book the boys next year, we loved them and were screaming for more at the end. The placed wound down by midnight and when the minibus arrived at 12.30 to take the hardy Ashington contingent home it was 6 below zero !!

 

In February We kicked off a chilly 2010 with a set from Maggie Ross and Phoenix Blues.

 

In March A jammed club witnessed three great bands in our first Rock night presentation. Victims of the Fury kicked off followed by the full throttle R&B of the Bandits and closing the event were the legendary Poor Boys. Surely one of the best line-ups in recent Newcastle music events.

 

In April We featured Paul Rose along with Blues Scene veteran Gypsy Dave Smith making his return to a thankfully snow free Tyneside!!.

 

In May We hosted two events. First up was a night of Bruce Springsteen music courtesy of the fantastic tribute East Street Band. The following week the suberb sounds of the Spikedrivers were heard with support from everyone's favourite Johnny Whitehill.

 

In June We featured another long time member of the local blues scen with the brilliant Dr Brown and the Groove Cats bringing his take on the Blues.With special guest, all the way from Dublin, Ireland’s premier harmonica player, Tony Poland of Irish Blues band Parchman Farm.

 

In July Saw the return of long lost local legends The Skywalkers who are back after a 17 year hiatus. Also featured were the well known Smokehouse Boys bringing some fantastic harp playing to the swamps of Longbenton.

 

In August We showcased the six string talents of Johnny Whitehill kicking off with a set from his new Trio line-up then solo on acoustic slide and keyboards before being joined by Bob Davidson of the Poor Boys for a fantastic run through of tunes.