More Seaside Memories - PAUL KIRNER playing a "Quickstep Medley"
in the ROYAL HALL at the VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN
on his HAMMOND C3 with two PR40's and two LESLIE 122 cabinets.
The first two weeks of the season were spent at the PORT SODERICK HOTEL
presenting a cabaret style show with HAZEL ADAMS and magician UNCLE MAC,
while new seating was fitted at the Villa Marina.
My full season lasted nearly four months, early June to late September 1974,
and for the main summer months I was joined by The PAUL GOLD SET
who played both the Bandstand in the afternoons and Royal Hall for evening shows and dancing.
We had an interesting "outing" to the PALACE BALLROOM, just down the promenade,
for the annual international OLD TIME DANCE FESTIVAL for two weeks!
For this fortnight I was joined by drummer HORACE JEFFRIES who was always engaged
by the promotors of the festival to play with the resident organist for the dance spots.
Never a dull moment! PAUL KIRNER is available for Concert Dates anywhere in the UK.
HAZEL had many and various supporting spots in the Variety Shows at the Villa
with acts KEN DODD, HYLDA BAKER, RONNIE COLLIS and many others.
Enjoyed many a cup of coffee and a chat with TV wrestling star GIANT HAYSTACKS,
a true "Gentle Giant" and a real gentleman.
My main work consisted of playing my Hammond C3 in the mornings on the Bandstand,
Villa Gardens and evenings playing the band breaks in the Royal Hall,
or solo organ for dancing in the then new Garden Room.
Organists in earlier years included Southend's BILLY DUNCAN and KEITH HURFORD.
Interestingly, the Villa had provision for a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ installation
which never happened. An ideal hall for a Wurlitzer Theatre Organ!
Available to entertain the holiday makers daily!
Chambers were provided to the left of the stage
and a pit for the console lift in the centre of the stage as at Blackpool Tower!
But the Hammond came along and was the "New Kid on the Block!"
What the hell the installation of a Wurlitzer in an arcade is leaves me speechless!
The Quickstep Titles are:- "A'INT THAT A GRAND AND GLORIOUS FELLING" -
"CLAP HANDS! HERE COMES CHARLEY" - "HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN".
Recording from the ComptonLodgeStudios Archive Collection.
For more of the same see "PAUL KIRNER at the SUNCASTLE, SKEGNESS"
on ComptonLodgeStudios channel.
Video uploaded by ComptonLodgeStudios, Compton Lodge, Sapcote, Leicester, UK.

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