I remember the days when “Ukulele” was a battle cry for this place, when you’d only get a handful of acts and when you could easily navigate the room for your next pint. It’s funny how things change and take-off over time, even if it is for the better. But prepared for a read, this one has about eleven people taking to the Sunset stage, it looks like the Cannon is definitely the place to hit in Newport Pagnell on a Thursday night for all your live acoustic music (and possibly alcohol-based) needs.
Back once again at the old Cannon down in Newport Pagnell. It’s the Sunset Lounge, but not quite as you know it being the fact that it’s the next Sunset Lounge Showcase (and the third, if I remember correctly). The lounge is as cosy as ever, though it’s a little quiet for now so I start the way I usually do, go chat to Garry, Jeff and Nath while the soundman puts on some Hayseed Dixie and various other southern rock tunes. Thankfully it’s not overly long before the place starts to pack out and the real night begins…
Back at the Cannon once more on another Thursday night, those which seem to be getting colder and colder and making the bar and room look even more hospitable than they already are. Once again the usual faces turn up with Jeff, Garry, Nath and local beatbox legend, “Big G” Gareth, though I spot a couple of new faces around too, plus some excellent new lighting that adds a whole new life to the reddish hue of the stage. But less talk about the lighting and onto the actual night, methinks…
I know I say this every time, but it really has been so long since I last paid a visit to the Sunset Lounge. Gigs may be gigs but sometimes all you need is a bar, some drinks, speakers and a guitar. The atmosphere is warm as ever, low level red lighting, sarongs, bean bags and joss sticks litter the place like a psychedelic den. The reception is likewise as I see all the usual faces around, Jeff, Nath, Garry, Mike and so on. The question is will I play tonight…
