Special Blend Acapella

Back in harness

2011-07-05T19:18:00.000+01:00

After a couple of months off to concentrate on the Chorus National Competition with The Major Oak Chorus, we are hard at work doing gigs at the Wolds in West Bridgeford and private parties. We already have gigs booked for Christmas and are both expanding our repoirtoire and refreshing our existing material.

We are appearing at a couple of private parties over the next 2 months, and also at a retirement home in Mapperley, and Eastwood Church along with the Major Oak Chorus and Eastwood Male Voice Choir.

We have several crazy ideas which we've never attempted before, but,as always, the big enemy is time.

I had a brilliant time at Stockport recently watching the Great British Barbershop Boys and the incomparable Katy Carr, who gave me a couple of brainwaves regarding our future performances - thanks Katy.

Hello World

2011-02-25T18:39:00.002Z

Hello everybody
It seems like ages since I updated the site, so here goes.....

We decided to not compete in the national competition this year, but instead to concentrate on building up our repertoire, and spend some time on technique. As a result, we believe that we now have a much "tighter", more together sound.

We also spent a couple of very pleasant Sunday afternoons entertaining the diners at the Wolds pub in West Bridgford, and also sang at a 21st birthday party and Pete & Victoria's wedding reception at the Lakeside venue in Arnold.

Picture courtesy of Crash Taylor http://crashtaylor.com/

Later that evening, we were guests at Jess's 21st birthday party, in what was one of the coldest pubs we have ever sang in - apparently someone had stolen the gas meter - it wasn't a problenm though, because Mick has enough hot air to heat any venue!!

We were also busy singing in our Chorus, the Major Oak Chorus of Nottingham, at several Christmas parties, and a show.

Unfortunatly, because of the bad weather, a couple of gigs were cancelled, but hey - there's always next year.

2011 has gone off with a bang, with Shows and private function enquiries flooding in, so it looks like being one heck of a year for the Blenders

Eastwood Church - take 2

2010-09-20T23:57:00.000+01:00

Had a great time here together with all our mates from the Major Oak Chorus . The event was designed to raise money for the church roof appeal. Building on our appearance at Heanor WI last year, we sang 5 numbers to the audience of about 150.

The gig was a great success, and it was a real pleasure to see some familiar faces in the crowd, especially my mum.

Next Sunday (26th), we are at the Wolds pub, Loughborough Rd West Bridgford from 2.00pm to about 4.00, so if you are in the area, why not drop in and say hello. The staff will make you very welcome, and the food is superb.

Eastwood Parish Church

2010-08-31T14:56:00.000+01:00

Come and see us and our friends in the Major Oak Chorus at Eastwood Parish Church . Besides "good ol' barbershop, there will be a few surprises as well.

It's all for a good cause, and it's not expensive, so come along and say hello!

The Wolds, West Bridgford

2010-08-25T20:51:00.000+01:00

Had a great time singing at the new Hungry Horse pub, the Wolds on Loughborough Road West Bridgford (next to Asda)

The pub had only been open 1 day, so we regarded it as a special privilege to be allowed to sing here. We were there from 2.00pm to about 4 o'clock, then the managers treated us all to a slap up meal - nice! One special moment was when an Irish guy asked us to sing for him and his family, so we sang My Wild Irish Rose. His wife really enjoyed it , and he had tears in his eyes - ah, the power of 4 part harmony!

Many thanks to Andrew and Sharon (our hosts) for inviting us, and also booking us again for Sunday September 26th. If you want a good meal at a reasonable price, and a bit of 4 part Harmony thrown in for good measure, then come and say hello.

Geoff's Birthday Party (1st July)

2010-07-03T11:54:00.001+01:00

One of the really good things about singing in quartet is seeing the smiles on peoples faces, and one of the best smiles we have seen for a long time was this evening, when we walked in and suprised Geoff!

Geoff saw us perform at the Heanor show back in February, and said it was the best show he had ever seen, so his daughter Susan contacted us about his 80th birthday party. We thought it was a great idea and hid behind a fence before walking into his back garden singing (Only for 5 minutes - not from February!!!).

It was brilliant! Excellent audience, we sang both outside in the garden, then later in the house. Geoff was grinning from ear to ear throughout the evening.

A particularly touching moment was when we sang Heart Of My Heart to Geoff and his beautiful wife Mary. I explained that we always sing this song to the bride at weddings - but as we weren't around when they got married (1953), we'd do it for them now.

One of the most enjoyable evenings we've had for ages.

Many, many thanks to Susan for inviting us.

Singin' In The Rain

2010-07-03T11:38:00.001+01:00

After the University gig, we hot footed it into the suburbs for another performance. This one was a Diamond Wedding Anniversary at Brinsley.

The party was supposed to be outside on the lawn, but as it was raining cats and dogs, it had been moved into a plastic marquee on the patio. All well and good, except that the rain was VERY LOUD!! Still, we sang and sang, and everyone had a great time. We also had one lady get so emotionally involved in one of the ballads that she had tears running down her cheeks. Lovely!

It was a privilege to be allowed to share Margaret and Vics' special day, and many thanks to David and Karen for such a brilliant evening.

Special Blend go to University

2010-07-03T11:27:00.001+01:00

This was an extremely interesting gig that we shared with our friends Revised Edition. The occasion was a champagne reception for the graduates of Cripps Hall in Nottingham.

Both quartets sang a few songs individually and then we all joined together as an Octet for a few final songs, culminating in The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

The grads loved this, all joining in.

What made this gig so memorable was the way the Grads were dressed - chaps in Dj's and the ladies in the some of the most gorgeous outfits we've ever seen. Picture eight middle aged guys trying to sing with their eyes popping out of their heads and you've just about got it!!

Many thanks to Katherine for such wonderful organisation.

Newark - The Quartet that was nearly a trio!

2010-07-03T11:13:00.002+01:00

I suppose it had to happen eventually. On the morning of our performance in Newark, Rob had a minor accident and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg. Frantic phoning round resulted in Steve, the bass from our brother quartet and very good friends Revised Edition hot -footing it from their rehearsal in Nottingham over to Newark to stand in for Rob - and a very good job he did too!!

We sang as a trio for about 30 minutes - which was interesting - and then Steve joined us for the rest of the afternoon.

As we were singing at a Barbershop, I took the opportunity to have a quick haircut, and can highly recommend their services. Besides cutting hair, they also provide a shave with a cut-throat razor, and a full face hot towel treatment. Sadly, there wasn't enough time for that, but I'm going to have one in the future!

Who says Barbershop is just for older people? Not Victoria, pictured here, who was transfixed watching us, and then badgered her mum to come back so she could listen again. Many thanks to Victoria, and also to her mum for allowing us to reproduce the picture here.

Many thanks to Marion and the girls for making us so welcome, and for really entering into the spirit of the occasion, and a huge thanks to Steve of Revised Edition for helping us out at such incredibly short notice.

Next Appearance - Look out Newark!

2010-05-10T16:59:00.000+01:00

A chance to see the quartet for free!

On Saturday 15th May, we will be performing in Newark Market Place, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a Barbershop!!

We will be there from 11.00 am to about 3:00 pm, then it's a mad dash back to Nottingham for a private party - that is of course if we have any voices left!!

Lincoln Music Festival

2010-03-15T17:48:00.000Z

We went, we entertained and we Won! - well, we won the quartet category anyway!

We remained true to ourselves and sang two comedy numbers and were shocked when the adjudicator announced that we had won the competition. He also said said some very complementary things about our singing, and he should know - Christopher Field MA, ARAM, LRAM, ARCM

Christopher Field was a Choral Exhibitioner at Trinity College, Cambridge and a scholar at the Royal Academy of Music.

Later, he won an Arts Council of Great Britain scholarship for postgraduate vocal studies with Frederick Husler in Switzerland. After becoming established as a baritone soloist, working with choral societies throughout Britain, he joined the music staff of Dulwich College where he stayed until 2000, retiring as Deputy Master.

Throughout that time, he continued to make music professionally, singing, conducting choirs, playing the double bass and composing, mainly, choral music and songs.

Several of his teaching works have appeared in the double bass and singing examination syllabuses of the Associated Board and of Trinity Guildhall.

He has wide experience as an adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals and is a diploma examiner for the Associated Board. In August 2008, he gave masterclasses on English Song and oratorio in Reykjavik He is conductor of the City of London Chamber Choir and, from 1985 to 2005, he was a member of the Council of the Royal School of Church Music. Christopher Field was appointed an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 1993.

To be selected by Christopher for first place is praise indeed!

Carlton Junior School

2010-03-09T20:34:00.002Z

One of the great things about what we do is the people and places we get to meet and go to. Carlton Junior School is not one of the places where we would have thought of singing, until their School Administrator, Anne saw us at the Albert Hall in Nottingham. An invitation followed, and then the performance itself, with the Major Oak Chorus and the School choir.

The kids were brilliant, and when we did our bit, were squealing with laughter as I hit Rob (twice) during Bye Bye Blues (Rob was just squealing!).

An absolutely fantastic evening, followed by an afterglow in the Bread & Bitter pub where - guess what - we sang some more.

Hopefully the chorus will get a few new members from the audience, and we will get a few more gigs!

Next Friday, the 12th, we are appearing at the Lincoln Music Festival, and once again we are singing comedy songs, so once again we expect to come last - but hey - we guarantee we will entertain!!

Hazel Grove Music Festival

2010-03-01T19:46:00.000Z

We went, we sang, we entertained, we came last!

For this festival, we decided that we were going to be true to ourselves and put on a performance of a couple of our comedy routines. The audience and the adjudicator laughed the whole way through the set, but (of course) we were marked down. As the top two quartets were local, it probably wouldn't have mattered if we had been the world champions - we still wouldn't have won, but hey - we are entertainers first and barbershop singers second.

As we left the hall, several people stopped us and said how much they had enjoyed our set, and that they had never seen stuff like that at the festival.

Objective achieved!!

Incidentally, we are doing the same thing at the Lincoln Music Festival on March 12th - we are the guys who put the barb into barbershop! Maybe we should change our name to Bad boys Blend!!

Heanor

2010-03-01T19:37:00.000Z

What an absolutely brilliant evening.

Sometimes, things just seem to flow, and this was one of those times.
The Major Oak Chorus was magificent, one of our frinds, Nigel, recited some poetry, we sang in Octet with 4 chorus members and had people laughing in all the right places during our spot.

Special thanks must go to the WI ladies who organised everything so well, and of course to the audience, who were very receptive and warm.

2010-02-07T13:12:00.000Z

I don't need it! - I could use it! - I WANT it! - My feet hurt!

Heanor - advanced notice

2010-02-05T08:39:00.001Z

Oops. Almost forgot this one!
We are performing at Heanor Methodist Church, Market Place Heanor on Saturday 6th February, along with the Major Oak Chorus.
This is a show put on by Heanor WI, and starts at 7:15. Tickets are £5 each.

For more information, please click here

Here we go again

2010-01-31T10:41:00.000Z

Good gig at John & Mary's Golden Wedding Anniversary last night. We were particularly pleased when John and a guest, Pete who are both members of the Major Oak Chorus got up and sang with us for a couple of songs.

As ever, it's a real pleasure to sing for an appreciative audience, and we received several enquiries to do further gigs from audience members, and also the manager of the golf club.

We were accompanied on this gig by two semi pro photographers who are compiling a photo portfolio of the quartet, so as soon as we get some pics from them, I'll put them on this site. Many thanks to Emma & Laura for doing this for us.

Many thanks also to John and Mary for allowing us to share their special evening.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T19:52:00.001Z

Happy New Year everyone. We're back, and practicing hard with an ambitious programme of new songs to be learned, and a bunch of surprises (some of them, even the rest of the quartet don't know about!!)

Fixed items for 2010 include performing at the Hazel Grove (Stockport) and the Lincoln Music Festivals both as Special Blend and also the Octet Special Edition - or is it Revised Blens - I can never remember. Anyway it's a collaboration with our brother quartet Revised Edition. This gives us the opportunity to sing 8 part harmonies, one of which will be Scarborough Fair - we can't wait!

Apart from the above, Chris and I are going to sing with a Spanish Chorus for a week in april, and we have the National Competition (Convention) held this year at Harrogate in May.

As far as new year's resolutions go, Mick has promised to keep his nasal hair under control. Chris has promised to stop impersonating Mr Pastry, Rob said he would buy a round of drinks sometime in 2010, and I'm going to try to curb my baritone sense of humour.

We are available for bookings, for both large and small events, if you have a look at the rest of the site you will see what we do, and also what people have said about our performances.

This year we would maybe like to do more for (registered) charites, so if you are involved in a charity and you feel a performance from a well rounded quartet would benefit your cause, just get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

Southwell Rotary Club

2009-12-18T20:58:00.000Z

Last night we performed at the Saracen's Head Southwell, for the annual Southwell Rotary Club Christmas Dinner. What a wonderful audience.

We sang around the tables as they had their meal, then after a short break, we did a more formal set, including all the idiocy and silliness that we are well known for. During this set, the Rotarians were "hijacked" by the Lions Santa Claus, who went around the tables collecting for charity, while we provided a festive backing by singing Jingle Bells.

I was especially pleased to see Santa, as it gave me an opportunity to give him my presents list and save a stamp.

We would like to say a big thank you to William for inviting us, and for the wonderful hospitality we were shown. Also a big thanks to the receptionist at the Saracen's Head who kindly opened a room for us to warm up in.

This was our last performance of 2009. We are all looking forward to a break over Christmas before we start learning new material for 2010.

Merry Christmas everybody

Busy busy busy.

2009-12-13T20:33:00.000Z

Thursday evening saw us entertaining a group of people at the Gotham (nr Nottingham) community centre at an event organised by the Womens Institute.

Mick had left his hat at the Cornmill pub, so we made him wear a Santa hat! We had a whale of a time, with the audience joining in with the Christmas songs at the end, and then the ladies gave us a salad dinner, some cakes and a pot plant each (!)

Sunday 13th we were at the Cornmill again, but this time we had ladies quartet Elixir guesting with us, in an absolutely packed pub. A highlight was when we sang Happy Birthday to a youg lady called Helen who was celebrating her eighteenth birthday - happy birthday Helen.

We performed our Christmas package, complete with Jingle Bells, which the kids reallly seemed to appreciate, and once again the staff were absolutely fantastic.

Elixer were really good, in fact considering this was their very first time singing in public, they were amazing.

Mandy, thir lead joined us in our final song, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, helping Mick out on the tenor part, which rounded off a really good afternoon.

Guests and Food!!

2009-12-02T15:59:00.000Z

I'm very pleased to announce that we have a special guest appearance at the Cornmill, Beeston on December 13th.

New ladies quartet Elixir will be joining us. Although all Elixir members are seasoned barbershoppers, this will be the very first time they have ever performed in public in this configuration.

Both quartets will be singing Christmas songs as well as their normal repoirtoires, so if you're in the area, drop in and say hello.

Now, besides the excellent food, good surroundings and Special Blend, there's yet another reason to visit the Cormill!

Our normal performance times are between 2.00pm and about 4.30.

The venue address is
Swiney Way,
Beeston,
Nottingham,
NG9 6GX

Lions Party Southwell

2009-11-30T09:49:00.000Z

An excellent afternoon spent entertaining the over 60's at the Lion organised party held in the Southwell Minster School.

On the bill were the Lions themselves, who sang some songs from the thirties and forties, and then the Palace Singers from Newark who got the audience singing and were really enjoyable, with one of the most active musical directors I have ever seen.

Besides doing our regular spot, complete with jumping off the stage and dancing with some audience members, we aired our Chrismas package for the first time this year, and then sang a selection of carols with the Lions. A highlight was when we told the audience it was Rob's birthday, and without any prompting, the audience sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

I have to say that we get much more enjoyment and fun singing for an appreciative audience like this then we ever get from singing in barbershop competitions or even to a barbershop audience. This is where we feel "at home", and where we get a genuine rapport with the audience. Additionally, we are very aware that because of mobility and health problems, this particular audience is limited in it's choice of live entertainment. We feel humbled and honoured that we were enable to spend an afternoon with them and give them a few smiles.

After the show, we adjurned to the excellent Saracens's Head, to check it out in readiness for our forthcoming appearance there at the Rotary Club annual dinner (actually, we just went there for a pint!!).

Our next performance is with the Major Oak Chorus at a Freemasons dinner at the Goldsmith Street Masonic Hall in Nottingham, and then it's a WI event at Gotham (near Nottingham) on the 10th December.

Cornmill Beeston

2009-11-25T09:43:00.000Z

Another great afternoon at this superb pub.

We sang for about 2 hours then we were fed a wonderful lunch by our hosts Andrew and Sharon. A lady came up to us and told us it was her husbands' birthday, so we trooped to his table and sang Happy Birthday, and then When I'm 64, which his family loved!!

One of the highlights (for us) was in the dining room when we sang The Lion Sleeps Tonght to a couple of tables with kids - always the hardest audience to please. It was great seeing their grinning faces.

We are back at the Cornmill in a couple of weeks on December 13th (2.00pm to about 4.30), and we hope to have as guests, a brilliant new ladies quartet who will be making their debue appearance. We are also planning to include a few Christmas songs, and may even persuade Mick to wear his Christmas hat (he looks like a proper Santa's little helper)!!

Nov-December appearances

2009-11-21T12:54:00.000Z

Hello everybody

We are at the Cornmill Beeston on Sunday 22nd November and again on Sunday December 13th, from 2.00 till about 4.00 on both dates. If you are in the area, drop in and say hello - the food is delicious and Andrew the landlord and his staff will make you really welcome.

On Sunday 29th, we are at Southwell Minster School at the Lions Christmas Party. This is a party for the local over 60's, and we are proud to be singing with a whole host of other groups, including (so I am imformed) the Southwell Rugby Club!! Can't wait to see what Mick makes of that!!

Other than these performances, we are singing for the WI, the Rotary Club (again in Southwell), and the Free Masons (with the Major Oak Chorus). All are Christmas events so there will be much Ho HO Ho'ing and hopefully Christmas Cheer.

Although we are now fully booked for November and December, we are available throughout most of 2010, so if you are interested in booking us for your event, please email me on ron@special-blend.co.uk and we'll happily discuss your requirements.

Quartet Championships 2009

2009-11-16T08:47:00.002Z

What an enjoyable day.

Although we didn't qualify for the next round (we are a performance quartet - not a specialist competition one), we increased our scoring by some 3% over last year, and were highly commended for our performance of the ballad "I'll Be Seeing You". The judges didn't like our interpretation of the uptune "Ain't Misbehavin", because we sang it in swing time - just like Fats Waller used to sing it.

Maybe it was a bit too advanced for them. Luckily, when we sing Ain't Misbehavin to everyone else, they love it.

Many many thanks to our supporters who travelled all the way from Nottingham to cheer us on, especially Mandy, Karen and Nigel, and the members of Revised Edition quartet. Guys, we really really appreciate your support.

Anyway onwards and upwards. Yet more invitations ot sing in and around Nottingham, and I'm delighted to confirm that we will be singing at th Cornmill Beeston again on Sunday November 22nd, and Also December 13th.
Both of these appearances start around 2.00pm, and we will be singing around the pub until about 4.00

The December one will be special, because we will be performing our Christmas package, and hopefully have another quartet giving a guest appearance.

If you are in the area, it would be great to see you. Andrew and his staff are really good, and the food is superb.

It's that time of year again

2009-11-11T22:12:00.000Z

Once more into the breach - it's time for the British Association National Competition again, this time to be held in Birmingham. Hopefully, this year we'll be able to compete without sore throats, coughs, sneezers etc. Our aim is to improve on our scores from last year, but the competition this year is enourmous - 45 quartets competing- all on 1 day!

At least we'll have a good day out and hear some fine singing, and for the first time in our history I'm not driving, so I can partake of what we hope will be a celebration drink later.

Our diary is now full for December, but we are happy to take enquiries for 2010 - why not contact us - we may not be as expensive as you think!!

Latest News

2009-11-04T19:37:00.002Z

Following our successful appearanceat the Corn Mill gastro pub in Beeston, I am delighted to report that we have been requested to perform there for two more dates. More news once the timings have been confirmed.

Things are Hotting Up!!

2009-10-25T11:40:00.005Z

Rob - our bass is still in Nashville Tennessee at the Sweet Adelines (Ladies Barbershop - some people get all the luck!!) World Championships, so at the moment the quartet is a trio, but he returns on November 1st, literally just in time for our performance with the Major Oak Chorus at the Albert Hall in Nottingham that evening - it will be interesting to see if he can stay awake!!

November 15th is the date for the British Quartet Championship Preliminary Competition (commonly known as Prelims) at the Birmingham Conservatoire, so everything is now on hold until we have performed there.

Following that, we have loads of appearances at weddings, Womens' institute parties and also a Rotary Club party. Sadly these are all private performances so the public cannot be admitted, but if you are interested in booking the quartet in 2010, please get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

We have also got permission from Nottingham City Council to give ad-hoc performances in and around the city centre, so who knows - you might see us singing on a street corner near you!!

The Corn Mill - Beeston

2009-10-14T09:40:00.005+01:00

We were pleased to have been chosen by Andy and his lovely wife Sharon, the pub managers, to entertain their customers at the relaunch of this fabulous gastro -pub.

We performed three 30 minute spots around the packed pub whilst the diners enjoyed their lunches, and were particularly appreciative when we were offered lunch "on the house", and delicious it was.

Everyone seemed to enjoy our singing, and we received several enquiries from diners about singing at their various events.

Along with the quartet, a group of lady Morris Dancers from Loughborough were dancing outside in the car park, and were really enthusiastic in the way they used their short staffs - I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of them!!

All in all, a really good afternoon and we look forward to a repeat performance in the coming months.

If you want to visit this pub, then click here for more information

2009-09-29T16:37:00.005+01:00

The Major Oak Chorus opened the days entertainment at The Big Wheels Big Day Out at Nottingham Castle on Saturday 26th September, 2009. Special Blend is pictured performing in front of the chorus and were given a rapturous reception by the onlooking throng. With a bit of pomp and ceremony, the Lady Mayoress duly arrived, by rickshaw, and joined us on stage to make the official opening speech which was followed by a rousing performance of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. As we were singing a cameraman from Central News took some footage and we had our 10 seconds of fame on the local TV network !!

Special Blend and some of the guys from the chorus headed up towards the arena and gave an impromtu performance which went down so well one of the organisers asked us to sing in the main arena...result !! (Well the clowns had just finished and the organisers asked us to fill in) the crowds loved it !!

And then there was four. Special Blend continued to sing for a couple of hours more at various sites around the castle grounds. We decided to go the the main entrance and sing to the people entering the castle which was amazing. A huge crowd of people stopped to listen and we thought we were in trouble when a policeman came walking up to us, but he smiled, winked and walked on.......what a day to remember !!

And finally, the weather was sunny all day and the organisers were very impressed, last year 14000 people, this year 21000. Big thanks to all our mates in the chorus, espescially the guys who came and sang with us in the arena. Just a wonderful day singing and fantastic crowds !!

Subscribe or follow.......

2009-09-13T08:38:00.002+01:00

Did you know you can subscribe to this site for free?

All you have to do is scroll down about half way, and fill in the form on the right hand side. If you're really keen, you can become a follower of the blog - details are in the same place.

Your details are kept secure by Google so you are assured you won't get lots of spam emails (don't you hate that?) but you will get notifications whenever we post something new.

Try it- what's the worst that can happen?

The Big Wheel’s Big Day Out

2009-09-02T18:27:00.004+01:00

Our next public appearance is at the Big Wheel's Day Out at Nottingham Castle, along with the Major Oak Chorus.

We are appearing at the opening ceremony, at about 11.00 am and performing in front of the Lord Mayor Of Nottingham, Councillor Jeannie Packer.

The festivities start at about 11am. Come and check us out - it's free!
The quartet will be performing a couple of songs about 11.15, then I'm sure there will be some "ad hoc" singing after that.

Joules Clothing Store Opening at Stamford

2009-08-28T08:51:00.007+01:00

Stamford has been Blended!!

Three of us arrived in Stamford on time, but Chris was stuck in traffic and appeared about 10 minutes late, running across the road with his shirt hanging out!

The quartet was asked to sing outside the shop, as it was incredibly busy inside, so we stood on the pavement and entertained the passers-by, atracting attention and ushering people into the shop.

As a stage, the pavement was only about 2 meters wide, but as Mick said,it was very long!!

Acrosss the road, there were several offices, who opened their windows and leaned out to have a listen!

Just down from the shop were some traffic lights, so we also entertained the motorists, most of whom wound down their windows and listened until the lights changed. It was incredible, how many smiled, and even clapped before they drove away. A true Barbershop Drive-Through!!

Dominay (hope I've spelt that right) and her staff were really nice, and although they were rushed off their feet, still found time to keep us supplied with drinks and pop out every now and then to have a listen. Love especially to birthday girl Sarah, and to the lady I was dancing with on the streets of Stamford - strange things happen at a Special Blend appearance.

Thanks also to Karen, who acted as our "roadie" and photographer.

An extremely successful evening for both the Blenders and Joules. Once again, many thanks to all their staff.

Next Appearance

2009-08-15T22:47:00.003+01:00

We are proud and pleased to have been selected to provide the entertainment at the opening of the latest Joules clothing shop in Stamford, Lincs. Website http://www.joulesclothing.com/

If you wish to attend, the address is 9A St Mary's Hill, Stamford PE9 2DP, and we are appearing from 6pm to 8pm

As it's a clothes shop, we'll have to make sure we are very well presented, and Mick has promised to trim his moustache and nasal hair especially.

Available for Hire

2009-06-04T08:42:00.006+01:00

We have several spaces in our performance diary available, so if you think you would like a Barbershop Quartet to perform at your special event (party, BBQ, Corporate event or show) just get in touch.

We can perform either and/or comedy, love songs, background music (weddings/ christenings), a full blown show package, or a mixture of all the styles.

We have performed in such diverse venues as a seaside pier, a Polish Cafe, in Churches, at Stately Homes, shops and showrooms. small family parties, BBQ's, Pubs, formal theatres etc. etc.

Please just get in touch to discusss your requirements.
We just love to perform!!

Beer n Barbershop in ass.with Macmillan Cancer Support

2009-05-21T18:11:00.003+01:00

Beer n Barbershop was a great success, both for the Major Oak Chorus and ourselves, and the audience seemed to like the new routine, "I Only Have Eyes For You". Now it's off to Llandudno for the British Association Convention and National Championships.

Good luck to everyone, but especially the Major Oak Chorus and our brother quartet, 4 Blokes Singin', who are performing with a stand-in Tenor, Mr Dale Kyneston from Telford, who has more gold medals than you can shake a stick at!

Beer n Barbershop in ass.with Macmillan Cancer Support

2009-05-20T18:54:00.002+01:00

Well we did it!!

The new song was "I Only Have Eyes For You", and we performed the full choreography. The audience were laughing their hearts out, so it was very well received. Because of illness, our brother quartet 4 Blokes Singin' were unable to appear (get well soon Chris), so we got to sing more songs than originally planned.

I know several of our friends were there taking pics and videos so I hope someone will be kind enough to send them to me so I can post them here.

The Major Oak Chorus were absolutely fantastic, and I'm sure it will do well at the National Competitions in Llandudno this weekend.

A fantastic evening.

Beer n Barbershop in ass.with Macmillan Cancer Support

2009-05-19T16:52:00.002+01:00

Beer 'n Barbershop event at the Bread and Bitter pub in Mapperley Nottingham tonight, where we will be performing, without a safety net, our new comedy song with the most complicated choreography we have ever attempted , for the very first time (gulp).

Hopefully it will all be OK.

This weekend we are in Llandudno with the Major Oak Chorus for the national championships. Friday evening our brother quartet 4 Blokes Singin' are competing in the national semi finals, and we wish them the very best.

I suppose we will have to sing and drink beer all weekend.

How we suffer for our art!!

Special Blend on Facebook

2009-05-03T19:08:00.002+01:00

Being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, we are now on Facebook.
Click here to see our page, and join the Special Blend group!!

Beer n Barbershop

2009-05-03T18:44:00.005+01:00

We are all hard at work rehearsing our new package for the Beer 'n Barbershop show at the Bread and Bitter, Mapperley.

Our latest song is a closely guarded secret at the moment, but our choreographer thinks it's easily the funniest thing we have done, so we can't wait to perform it to an audience.

This show is doubling as the dress rehearsal for the Major Oak Chorus, and our fellow quartet, 4 Blokes Singin'.

Just think, barbershop in a pub that serves real ale - it just doesn't get any better than that!!

For more details of this event, click here

Some of the Audience at Le Printemps

2009-03-30T22:55:00.001+01:00

Le Printemps - Derby

2009-03-29T23:07:00.008+01:00

Wow. What an excellent evening. This event was for the EDUCATION FOR ALL charity and organised by Lily and Mike. The place was full of musicians, and students and what a reception we got!

Several people came up to us and said they had never heard Barbershop before, and how much they enjoyed our performances. I suppose our musical style makes a change from groups, and amplified music.

We were clowning about as usual, and once again had the audience laughing with our versions of Bye Bye Blues, When I'm 64, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah and of course Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Mick spent a lot of time taking photos of the audience (don't ask), and we were honoured to have a couple of highly experienced musicians complement us.

We sincerely hope that Mike and Lily raised a good sum of money for their charity, but, hey, we had loads and load of fun.

The final comment must come from organiser Mike who said.......

"You have put a lot of love into peoples' hearts tonight".

Lincoln Music Festival

2009-03-29T10:04:00.003+01:00

A very enjoyable evening, with 6 quartets entering the contest, including Storm - one of the top two ladies quartets in Europe, so the winners were never in doubt.

We were placed third, but by an adjudicator who by her comments knew nothing about the Barbershop style of singing, so the whole thing was a bit of a lottery really. Anyway we had a good evening out and the crowd (who were far more knowledgeable about our style than the judge) seemed to really enjoy our two songs. This was very heartening as for the first time in this competition, we sang two "straight songs" (non comedy). Then it was back home, via the pub, to get ready for an all day coaching session with the Major Oak Chorus.

A singers work is never done............!!

2009-03-10T18:22:00.001Z

Latest News

2009-03-10T18:15:00.004Z

After a long layover, we're back!

On Friday 13th March (lucky for me - it's my birthday!!) we are competing at the Lincoln Music Festival in the Barbershop Quartet competition. We understand that there are six quartets competing, including our great friends KLEA Vision and also Storm who are contenders for the British, and possible the World Sweet Adelines Championship, so it will be no disgrace to come second to them, although we are much prettier :-)

On Sunday March 29th, we are taking part in "La Printemps" in aid of Education For All , a very worthwhile cause. If you want to come and see us, entry is free and it's at Bar One, 1 Newlands Street Derby DE1 1JD (near Friargate) , from 4.00pm till late.

Appearances

2009-01-08T08:38:00.002Z

So far, we have been booked for the following appearances in 2009.

March 13th, we at the Lincoln Music & Drama Festival which is a favourite annual event of ours. There is all the fun of the festival itself, followed by a good party - who could want for more????

At the beginning of April we are singing for the Bramcote Wine Making Circle with the Major Oak Chorus and 4 Blokes Singing, and in June, at a date to be arranged at the site Moorgreen Show in the open air amphitheatre.

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T23:54:00.003Z

Back again after all the excesses of Christmas.
We now have an intensive programme of learning new songs ready for the Lincoln Music and Drama Festival in March.

Hopefully I'll remember to post the application form in time this year and so avoid a last minute dash to the organisers office to get it in on time.

This year, we are planning two new songs for the competition together with a surprise item for the afterglow. Can't say too much about it, but I can say it will be unique if we can pull it off!!

We are now taking bookings for 2009, so if you want a fun quartet and quality singing, contact us (see the contact details on the RHS of this page).

Billy's House

2008-12-14T09:42:00.004Z

Our final appearance this year was at Bottesford Village Hall near Grantham, together with KLEA Vision ladies quartet at a fund raising show for the Billy's House charity.

Billy's House aims to provide a house in Nottingham where parents can stay when their children are in hospital. Special Blend are very proud and privileged to have been able to support this very worthwhile cause.

KLEA Vision were exceptionally good and we created our usual mayhem, with people crying with laughter at Mick's antics with a lion puppet during "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

A fitting end to an exceptionally busy and really fun 2008 season.

Retirement Home

2008-12-06T17:23:00.003Z

This afternoon we did a short spot for the residents and staff at a retirement home in Nottingham.
As Mick, out tenor was in London for a family committment, our good friend Paul Jeffrey stood in for him and did a sterling job. Many thanks Paul.

It's really nice to be able to do something like this, the staff and especially the residents appreciate it so much and the reception we got really reflected this. The staff plied us with Tea, Coffee and cakes, and Chris got three offers of marriage (from residents)!!!!

Cancer Research Event - Nottingham

2008-12-06T10:47:00.005Z

Still recovering from last night's Cancer Research fund raising dinner at the Council House in Nottingham City Centre.

Because of the Friday evening traffic, only Mick and Ron and Mandy from KLEA vision were there on time, so we entertained the guests as they arrived with a selection of Christmas Carols, then breathed a huge sigh of relief when Chris and Rob walked through the doors about 30minutes later!!

The evening went extremely well, with our friend Nigel dressed up as Santa, and the aforementioned Mandy joining us in a couple of songs as well as acting as our official photographer.

The highlight would have to be the 12 days of Christmas, with the guests jumping up and miming all the actions - six geese a-laying doesn't bear thinking about!!!!

We were priviliged to be able to use the Lord Mayor's parlour as a changing/warm-up room and were treated by the organisers to as much food and drink as we wanted - perhaps it's a good thing we were all driving.

All in all a very good evening and a certain satisfaction in knowing that we were able to support this very worthwhile cause.

Sound Celebration Show with the Major Oak Chorus

2008-11-30T09:16:00.006Z

Copies of the above photos can be purchased from the photographer's website
Here as both members of the Major Oak Chorus and as Special Blend, we had a very busy evening, but what a wonderful evening it was.

Sometimes, everything just seems to click into place, and this was one of those times. The Chorus was magnificent, 4 Blokes Singin' and Blush were superb and wow -what a reception we got from the audience! We performed our new Christmas set for the first time as well as our regular songs to a huge round of applause. Mick's antics with his Christmas hat had to been seen to believed. There was a professional photographer at the show, so as soon as I get some photo's, I'll upload them.

Now it's back to the grind rehearsing for the Cancer Reseach Charity show on Friday 5th December at the Council House in Nottingham.

Gedling Homes at the Lakeside

2008-11-22T08:03:00.005Z

We had a great time at the stunning Lakeside in Arnold on Friday Evening, the staff were really helpful and allowed us to use one of the rooms in the sports centre side as a dressing/warmup room.

The performance itself went well, and we had great fun when a couple of the guests - who were also singers - got up and "helped" us sing "Under The Boardwalk" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". We also suprised one lady sat a table when we left the stage area and sang "Sweet And Lovely" to her. We were in a playful mood!

Although we were contracted for a 30 minute performance, we actually sang for about an hour to fit in with the Gedling Homes evening schedule.

This afternoon it's back to the grindstone polishing up our Christmas package ready for the Major Oak Show on the 29th.

Forthcoming appearances 2008

2008-11-19T09:16:00.006Z

On Friday the 21st November we are singing at the Lakeside Conference Centre Arnold, for the newly formed Gedling Homes.

Friday the 29th we are performing at the Sound Celebration show in Carlton (see poster elsewhere on this page) with The Major Oak Chorus, and a host of other singers.

Friday 5th December we are at the Council House Nottingham for a Cancer Research charity Christmas event.

Saturday 6th we are singing in a suprise performance at a senior citizen's rest home "somewhere in Nottingham"!!!

On December 12th we are singing at a private party in Mansfield.

13th of December we are appearing in another Charity Show at Bottesford, near Grantham with our good friends, ladies quartet KLEA Vision.

2008-11-10T21:47:00.001Z

Rob and Mick proudly wearing their hats, and Chris on the left who's mind was apparently closed at the time !!

2008-11-10T21:27:00.006Z

The Blenders singing for Janina and her mother Yanina and guests at the Ania Polish Restaurant in Nottingham.

I must say the food looked fantastic, and it was very difficult to resist the temptation to snaffle some as the waiter carried it by us.

We were very well received and picked up another booking from one of the guests.

Incidentally, the hats are optional!!!!

Birthday Parties and Workshops

2008-11-07T15:07:00.003Z

Another busy weekend for the Blenders.
Saturday Rob and I are participating in the Northern Barbershop Alliance workshop day in Sheffield along with members of most of the Barbershop Choruses in the area, to be followed by an afterglow (an evening of ad-hoc singing, eating and drinking ) at a social club in Sheffield.

On Sunday we are rehearsing our Christmas package plus singing at a birthday party in a Polish restaurant in Nottingham. Back to work on Monday and a Chorus rehearsal on Tuesday - if any of us have a voice left!!!

2008-10-24T21:57:00.000+01:00

Sound Celebration Show

2008-10-24T15:11:00.007+01:00

November 29th Sees us at the "Sound Celebration " show, which celebrates the first 5 years of the Major Oak Chorus.

Along with the Chorus itself, there are three quartets appearing. Special Blend, 4 Blokes Singin' and a ladies quartet from Nottingham, Blush.

The show is free but there is limited seating for 200 people.

A chance for people to enjoy quality singing for nowt.

Wedding Anniversaries

2008-10-19T12:05:00.002+01:00

A wonderful evening at the Emerald Wedding Anniversary, surrounded by Dukes and Duchess's, Cruella De-ville (complete with baby dressed as puppy), Austin Powers, and Buddy Holly et al. (It was fancy dress). The quartet went as James Bond, A monk with a dirty habit, A confederate army officer (occifer later on!) and a gangster.

Colds mostly gone now (except mine), but we were helped by using the groups' microphones and amplifiers so we didn't have to project the sound quite as much as usual.

We also led a bit of community sea shanty singing (it was that kind of evening) so it was heave-ho me hearties and Maggie May down Lime Street - a bit of a departure for us, but highly enjoyable nonetheless!

A couple of the girls from Klea Vision ladies quartet were there so they joined us for the ever popular "Lion Sleeps Tonight" that we finished our set off with.

Our next appearance is a joint venture with our fellow quartet 4 Blokes Singin' at a WI meeting in Nottinghamshire, then it's noses to the grindstone to get our Christmas package up to performance standards. We are really excited by this package as it contains a couple of hauntingly beautiful arrangements - pity they can only be sung for a limited time each year, but hey ho - or should that be Ho Ho Ho (groan).

On Stage in Coventry, October 2008

2008-10-15T20:09:00.000+01:00

The day after the day

2008-10-13T22:11:00.007+01:00

After a heart stopping moment when we nearly withdrew from the competition when three of us could hardly talk because of our colds, we decided that the show must go on and we competed as planned. Ironically, even though we were all singing at reduced levels and Rob our bass had virtually no voice at all, we finished midway in the rankings with a much improved sound score.

Unfortunately our colds cost us several places in the ranks and lots of marks, but given the circumstances we were reasonably happy with the result, and called at a pub for a de-brief.

On the way back home we were stopped by the police for a "routine check", but when they couldn't smell alcohol on my breath (as the des. driver, all I had drunk was diet coke) we were allowed home.

We've now got the rest of the week to recover before our next gig which is an emerald Wedding Anniversary, on Saturday next.

We've all told our wives that we need lots of TLC, and that man flu is the worst disease in the world, but for some reason they all laughed - funny, that!!

The day before the day

2008-10-11T18:14:00.004+01:00

Not only do I have a cold, but Chris and Rob are also suffering! This practice was more like an episode of Holby City than a rehearsal. Still we are sounding pretty good even if I say it myself, and if we can hold it together for 6 minutes on stage without coughing, sneezing or snuffling we should be in with a good chance of qualifying for the semi- finals at Llandudno next year.

Our thanks go again to our beautiful Blendette Mandy who let us use her flat for this final rehearsal, and also to the wonderful members of the Major Oak Chorus who have supported us throughout. Big thanks also to 4 Blokes Singin', KLEA Vision Ladies Quartet, Rob Barber & Ellie Mills for their help, support and encouragement.

It's early to bed for me, so we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Nightmare

2008-10-09T21:49:00.003+01:00

Arrrgghh!
What a time to catch Man Flu! Two days before the competition, and I'm coughing, sneezing and spluttering.

Another fortune spent on Day Nurse, Night Nurse, Hacks, Tunes, Brandy (that's the only good bit) and I'm hoping I'll be able to sing on Sunday at the competition.

Apart from my cold, I think we've done everything we can to prepare, so here's hoping!

2008-10-01T19:24:00.003+01:00

The singout enquiries are rolling in. Unfortunately, because of existing commitments we have to disappoint some people, but where we can sing, we will.

Maybe we ought to be called the Martini quartet..................

Anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

We are currently very excited about competing in the National Quartet Competition at Coventry in a couple of weeks. Traditionally we are a show quartet rather than a competition one, so we'll have to see how it turns out, but we hope all the extra hours of rehearsal and the excellent coaching we are receiving will help us through to the semi-final.

Yet More Coaching

2008-10-01T19:22:00.001+01:00

Another Session with Rob Barber, and wow! The difference this guy is making to our sound is just amazing. Can't wait for next week, when we are hoping to rehearse with Rob, and the potential next Ladies World Champions Storm, who's next competition is in Hawaii - ours is in Coventry :-(

Coaching (2)

2008-09-07T10:04:00.005+01:00

Many thanks to Ellie Mills for a very enjoyable and instructive coaching session in an industrial unit "somewhere in Nottingham".

The brilliant thing about rehearsing there is that we have a full stage environment, and of course, as it is a large space, a totally different sound. Ellie had us practising our stage craft and helped us immensely with several other aspects of our visual performance techniques.

Many many thanks Ellie, and of course good luck with your transatlantic quartet Luminous.

Coaching

2008-08-27T07:20:00.002+01:00

We're still reeling from our first coaching session with Rob Barber, one of the finest (and most entertaining) coaches the association has.

After a very enjoyable session, we went down to the local pub and sang a couple of songs - the response was absolutely overwhelming, with comments like " The best you have ever sung", and "expanded sound", and "it's your round!"

We can't wait for more of the same.

Newark Wedding

2008-08-24T20:28:00.003+01:00

Just got back from another wedding - two weddings in two days - Pheww!!

This one was at Claypole near Newark.

We sang in the Church at this one, while the bride and groom signed the register. A lovely service, then on to the reception at Norton Disney where we entertained the guests until it was time for the wedding breakfast.

Once again, as is fast becoming a tradition for the quartet, we sang "The Story Of The Rose" to the bride(Kim) on behalf of her new husband (John).

Kim and John had the photographer take pictures of us so I suppose we'll be enshrined in their wedding album for all time - fame at last.

As we were leaving, several of the guests took the time to come over and compliment us on our performances, which is always nice.

We love singing at weddings!

Foxton Wedding

2008-08-24T08:08:00.003+01:00

A superb day at David and Georgina's wedding reception, held in a marquee and surrounding field about a mile from Gartree prison. Luckily the weather was very kind and we entertained the guests, an eclectic party of 250 people, whilst they enjoyed champagne and sack racing (never seen that before at a wedding)!

A special mention must go to the party of French guests who just couldn't get enough of us, and the lovely lady who gave the whole quartet the traditional French kisses!!

When the wedding party were finally seated, we sang the beautiful "Story Of The Rose" to the equally beautiful bride, which was a fitting end to a marvellous day.