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Signetts' swansong at the Mem
THE RAFTERS of the Memorial Hall rocked once more on Saturday night as a keynote event of the Maiden City Festival saw many of those who graced the dance floor in the 1960's return once more.
Headlining the gig, in aid of funds for the Fountain Primary School, where the Signetts, comprised of the same local musicians who provided the music all those years ago.
And the years disappeared on Saturday night as a thronged Mem and heaving dancefloor testified to.
Singer-songwriter Roy Arbuckle reprised his musical origins with the Signetts for the event and said: "It was a fabulous night, you couldn't have asked for better. It was a full house and everyone was happy.
"I think for me the thing was the Mem hasn't changed from the early days. The maple dance floors, the same as the Guildhall, and so on, was great to see. I left that scene behind a long time ago and moved into the folk scene in the 70's so it was definitely a challenge to be part of a band again to get people up and dancing."
Signetts drummer, Jack Molloy, still plying his trade as a jazz drummer said it was "brilliant altogether" to bring the 60's back, even if it was just for one night. Although, further reunions have not been ruled out.
"It was just great climbing those big stairs at the Mem and turning right and seeing that big hall and stage. It brought me right back to when I was 20 years-old," said Jack.
The Signetts members contended those that criticise wedding bands these days do not realise that it was in the showbands that most musicians of that era learned their trade.
Playing not only the current pop tunes but a mixture of waltzes, tangos and even rumbas
Roy Arbuckle said that Saturday night's gig was "not just about nostalgia".
"The Maiden City Festival is about shared history and inclusivity and that was definitely there on Saturday night," he said.
The Maiden City Festival and the Foyle Ulster Scots Festival are currently running in Londonderry and will culminate in the 319th Annual Relief of Derry Parade by the Apprentice Boys on Saturday, August 9.
Many more events are scheduled for the week and something for everyone is an absolute gurantee. See www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk for updates.
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Weather for Londonderry
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
