Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show

Nowt like listening to Craig Charles Funk and Soul show on BBC Radio 6Music before going to see it live (and any time really). Arriving at 8pm to find the main man doesn't take to the stage until midnight, we line the sides of the huge Unity Hall. Its like a school disco in here, a few start dancing but it's not until nearly an  hour later everyone is merry enough to dance in the middle! DJ Jarvis is playing funk classics like 'Heard It Through The Gravevine' and 'Your love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher'.

After his set The Lumbering Giant takes over to mix proper 7 inch records. There's a few songs I recognize that were brought to the masses as samples by DJ Shadow many moons ago (Like 'Hey Joyce!') and more funk classics. More people are dancing now; the atmosphere is building…

The one live band of the night are Leeds' The Soul Circle Gang. Made up of a number of members this tight band play funk, reggae, jazz and soul originals with a few covers thrown in too. They mix bittersweet melodies with spot on improvisation and the crowd are hooked. Singer Lara Rose has an amazing voice to bring it all together too.

The Lumbering Giant gets to play a longer set now to a more intrigued (or be it drunk) crowd, and gets the dancing he deserves. It will soon be midnight… there is a bunch of people of all ages here, and I wonder if it is solely for the music, or whether the elderly ladies are here for Corrie, the younger ones for Red Dwarf… no matter as the crowd jell really well, there's not trouble and everyone is very friendly to everyone else. The vibe all night makes me proud to be in Wakefield on the main trip for once (Wakey has it's reputation!).

Craig Charles is straight on at midnight, no messing. We secured a spot right at the front and danced away to classics and newer tunes remixed like 'Staying Alive', 'Sexual Feeling'. A funky remix of 'In Constant Sorry' from the film 'O' Brother Where Art Though' was a favourite of mine (I believe it's from Skeewiff as it was played on Craig's 6music show). 

Craig's a joy to watch on stage… his enthusiasm for this style of music and his collection of songs ensure a great party. He even nips down from the deck to hug the crowd at the barrier, then returns to mix more tunes to make your whole body move.

'It Began In Afrika' from the Chemical Brothers makes an appearance too. 'Rock With You' from Michael Jackson is played by a few folk tonight. Craig finishes with 'Uptown Funk' remixed with two song… James Brown's 'Living In America' and The White Stripes in 'Seven Nation Funk'.

My only gripes are that the cloakroom was full halfway through the night (make it bigger!) and 3 ladies toilets are not enough. Friendly bar staff and security though. I went out hoping for a dance and I certainly danced, as did everyone there. Can't wait for the next show!