Us Angels were treated to an earthly midweek special live performance at the Pitcher and Piano.

It was co-ordinated by the venue’s manager, Adam Wright, who brought outside promoter Mr Jack Blind Pig to bring us the talents of the

Apocraphalites to liven up the variety of the pub’s night life.

We arrived early to avoid disappointment as suggested – and we weren’t disappointed, as the night unfolded into a reggae and ska feast.

I drew up a seat near the edge of the dance floor, just in front of the band, sipped on my drink and chatted away to Mark. He’s made a special trip to the venue just to catch the show and he told me about his impressive UB40 collection that he had been putting together since he was a nine-year-old.

DJ Jack and crew pumped out classics such as Red Red Wine and a variety of blues tunes as the crowd excitedly chatted and the Apocraphalites readied themselves for the stage.

The band intro’d with a ska rendition of the Hawaii Five-O theme music and Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean.

Ivo and Charlotte attracted everyone’s attention with their boundless dancing energy the whole night.

Kevin and work colleagues were also in high spirits on the dance floor as they enjoyed his leaving do.

During the break I had a quick chat with Stuart, who plays second trumpet in the band and he revealed there are a total of nine members in the group and the frequency of gigs depends on the availability of them all.

The keyboard player was absent

on that night but we Angels agreed it was still a heavenly sounding performance from the group.

Ivo has been following the Apocraphilites on Myspace for a year and grabbed his first chance to see them play live.

He also puts on ska and punk gigs and if you enjoy more of the same music, he will be presenting a gig on Saturday at the Face Club from 8pm and again on Sunday, May 18 at Café Iguana’s Headcase night, from 8pm. Admission to the latter gig is free.

* For details, log on to his myspace page: www.myspace.com/ivosgigs

Coming next week...

Freestyle@ The Jazz Club
Thursday, April 24,
Caversham Road, Reading

Crystalformz presents its latest Freestyle night next Thursday.

The free fortnightly gig promises the best in drum and bass, bassline 4X4, old skool and jungle.

The DJs’ tunes will be thrust on to the dancefloor thanks to a 5k Opus sound system and laser show, supplied by Bespoke Entertainment to add to your enjoyment.

For more information, log on to www.thearchesclub.com or www.crystalformz.co.uk. There’s also a Facebook group, search for crystalformz to get the latest information on the set.

1st birthday party@ Dogma
Thursday, April 24,
Castle Street, Reading

Next Thursday, Dogma Reading is promising to celebrate its first birthday with a spectular party.

To ensure the night goes off with a bang, Dogma’s special guests will be the Streetlife DJs.

Described by DJ Magazine as ‘the UK’s very own 2ManyDjs’ they will undoubtedly rock the club as it celebrates its first milestone.

The team are famous for their remix of Michael Jackson’s Wanna Be Starting Something (see www.myspace.com/sldjs) and they are signed to top French label Kisune.

The party kicks off at 9pm, goes on until 3am and admission is free.

The Beat@ Plug ‘n’ Play
Saturday, May 3,
Milford Road, Reading

Legendary 80s Ska heroes The Beat are coming to Reading in time for the May bank holiday weekend.

The Ska group, famous for their hit Mirror in the Bathroom, will be landing at Plug ‘n’ Play as part of their UK tour, and will be supported by some of the best Ska bands and DJs in the area including Reading’s The Skangsters, and the Trombosis DJs.

The music starts at 8pm and tickets cost £16.50 in advance from  www.wegottickets.com and www.seetickets.com.