2 weeks Ago
A COLCHESTER music group which puts on mystery concerts in intimate settings has returned after a four-year hiatus and its boss says the gig “exceeded expectations”. Sofar Sounds Colchester held its first gig since 2020 at Best Days Vintage, in Eld Lane, last Friday night. It was a “sold-out” show which featured music from Sansha, Flores Blue, and Mersea two-piece folk group, Wilswood Buoys.
Each performance was introduced by Sofar Sounds host Tasha Robertson, of Wivenhoe, and the performances lasted around 20-minutes with a 15-minute interval between each set. Secret venue - Best Days Vintage (Image: Newsquest) All Sofar Sounds sets are stripped down for their intimate settings. Indie-electronic artist Sansha, of London, has played dozens of Sofar Sounds shows around the UK and one even in Denmark.
She was the opening act of the night and put on an enthralling live show with comedic tales about her love life in-between the songs. It was her first time in the city, and she thought it seemed very “quaint”, the songwriter also spoke to The Gazette about her performance. Opening act - artist Sansha (Image: Newsquest) She said: “It has been a really nice gig, everyone was listening so attentively, it felt like people were really tuning into the stories and the songs.
” Jez Dixon, 44, co-owner of Best Days Vintage, was delighted to host the first Sofar Sounds show back, the store has already hosted four in the past. He said: “It has been a lovely evening, I’ve had a thoroughly good time, there was some brilliant music, lovely people, and a superb atmosphere. “There was a really respectful audience which is what you always get at a Sofar Sounds – that is my favourite thing about it – people actually listen to the music.
Second act - Flores Blue being introduced (Image: Newsquest) “I recommend it to anyone, human or otherwise”. Stephen Dekker, 34, of Colchester, started Sofar Sounds Colchester back in 2017 after attending a lecture from the company’s founder, Rafe Offer at Westminster University. After Colchester’s first show in 2017 in the basement of Three Wise Monkeys, the group has hosted shows with Sam Ryder, Superglu, Sam Eagle, China Bears, Polly Haynes, and many more.
Stephen said: “It has exceeded my expectations really, it sold out, and everyone had a great night, it went pretty smoothly, everyone wants to come back again, so you can’t really ask more than that. Shop owners - Steve Hurdle and Jez Dixon of Best Days Vintage (Image: Newsquest) Team members - Sofar Sounds Colchester boss Stephen Dekker and host Tasha Robertson (Image: Newsquest) “We have a few acts pencilled in, we haven’t got a venue yet, everyone should come out as it is a great way to discover new, quality music, and you get to meet like-minded people.” The next Sofar Sounds Colchester show is scheduled for January 31.
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