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House provides stage for struggling musicians
Royal Albert Hall, the Apollo, Hacienda ... or Graham Patterson's conservatory?
As live gig venues go, a detached house in Brindle may not instantly spring to mind.
But the 49-year-old music fan has turned his home into an impromptu stage for struggling artists.
Graham pays musicians to play at his Smithy Close home – with the 35 punters who regularly turn up donating cash to help him bankroll his little corner of music heaven.
Graham said: "My partner Janet was a bit wary of a load of rock 'n' rollers turning up on her doorstep! But she loves it like me – she does the food too.
"It's been nothing but great people and really genuine artists who are just grateful for somewhere to play and get paid."
Last Saturday, Graham held his 13th 'Brindle House Gig' having already had the likes of renowned cult artists Ben Arthur and Adam Masterson.
It all started three years ago when he saw an advert on MySpace from Liverpool singer Ian McNabb willing to play at someone's house just to get heard.
He said: "All I think they wanted was a room full of people that wanted to listen to his songs, it was frustrating from his point of view of venues not willing to pay for good quality live music.
"I got some friends together who helped cover his fee and it was a great night.
"Friends told other friends and it has just snowballed from there."
And Graham, who works for B&Q, says the artists love it.
"We had one guy called Ian Britt whose last seven gigs had not earned him a penny, that's how difficult it is for them right now.
"The feedback so far has been fantastic, it's been quite humbling.
"They are not used to playing so close to an audience and some get quite nervous.
"We have an overflow room and I open up the garage for the smokers. I am lucky that I have great neighbours.
"I invite them and they have been really supportive."
Another music fan from Much Hoole was at his gig on Saturday in the hope of setting up a similar venture. Asked who his dream booking would be, Graham said: "Van Morrison, but there's no chance of that – and I think I may need to build an extension!"
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Weather for Preston
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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