I was expecting to be in Oxford tonight, but Juju's chest infection has not cleared up and Little Fish have had to postpone tonight's gig. Fortunately tonight is Rock and Roll Cabaret night at the Dublin Castle and some people I know are playing.I've known the Hyenas for quite a while; they do a good show and have developed a bit of a following (in Camden at least). Certainly they get a very good response from the crowd. The lights are the worst that I have seen at the Dublin Castle this year; just mild ineffectual flashing, well probably flickering is a more acturate description. I soon get bored with taking 4 shots in quick succession to get one that is not too dark or light, and turn to flash. In gritty Black and White I think it works well with the Hyenas gritty rock and roll.When Jarmean? play the flashing has at least decreased in frequency and increased in length, so there is some opportunity to avoid flash with Jarmean? .
Jarmean? are perhaps not quite my type of music, but they do a good live show and I definitely appreciate that. Their drummer Sara also plays in the Berettas which is how I know them.
The evening is finished off by a Britney Spears impressionist. As I am not hugely attracted by Britney Spears and her music I can’t really judge the accuracy of her impression. It’s late by everything finishes and even later by I have said goodbye to everyone. I am glad I have come in the car.

Gus's nights at the Paradise are on the 2nd Friday of the month. This is the first one I have managed to get to since December (I think he might not have had one in January though). He has (coincidentally?) booked one of the bands that I see quite often, the Hyenas. This makes my attendence more certain. I know Gus and Trepan invariably puts on a good night (and I recommend you visit one) but my schedule seems continually packed.
Apart from the Hyenas who I know, Gus has booked the Assholes (featuring Hugo fronm Carnival of Souls on Drums), Ten Bears (who have changed their name from.....and somehow have a feel of the Libertines), .......& the Icebergs who are a hearty rocky dance act. The evening is rounded off by Burlesque from Miss Vicky Butterfly.
One point I should make about Gus, the promoter, is that he actually promotes his shows. Sometimes it may feel a bit excessive, but by the time you have had several texts, myspace messages, facebook whatevers and myspace bulletins you can't say you didn't know the event was on. As a band I would much prefer a booking from someone who actually makes an effort to get an audience (and like tonight succeeds). I have also found that he books bands of a high standard. I have gone on to see some at other venues such as the Official Secrets Act.

The 12 Bar has a good atmosphere. The lights are a little bizarre (i thought bizarre was very 2007, but I think it may be coming back into vogue). They are powerful, but like normal room lights are directly overhead. As long as the band look upwards they give excellent photos; most bands don't. Jes, the drummer, stares at some point on the floor about 10 feet in front of him (as at all gigs).The best way to get good photos is to use a little flash. But anyway its a nice venue and I hang around after the band. And did I mention that Guiness is less than £3 per pint.

As the bands are running a little late, I have time for a quick pint before the Hyenas take to the stage. I've seen them in a lot of venues with marginal lights and it is nice to see them properly (and so much easier to photograph them.) I think their sound and overall performance are both particularly good tonight. I could be unduely influenced by the good lights, but others in the good sized crowd express the same view.