Festival Diary
The events and gigs of the BBC Electric Proms hour by hour.
Friday 27 October 2006
12.00
Friday's events kick off with the film 'The US vs John Lennon'. The story of Lennon's anti-war politics and the US government's attempts to silence him.
14.00
BBC New Music Shorts showcases five films specially commissioned for the Electric Proms.
15.00
The film Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man is shown. Set around a tribute concert in Sydney, Cohen and famous musicians talk about his music.
18.30
Donovan was back at the FREEDM studio to discuss his song writing with Radio 2's Pete Mitchell. He ran through a selection of his back catalogue and entertained the audience with anecdotes about Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and The Beatles.
19.45
The Zutons bring their catchy indie rock to the Main Space and provide a thoroughly entertaining set. Highlights include a chilled out 'Not A Lot To Do' accompanied by a string quartet and a rockin' version of David Bowie's 'Sufragette City' which left the crowd desperate for more.
20.15
Scott Matthews takes to the stage at a Radio 1 night at The Barfly. He overcomes a broken string to perform a wonderful set but it's his voice that bewitches the crowd - easily justifying comparisons to Jeff Buckley
. Highlight of the set comes when he's joined on stage by a flautist.
21.00
James Brown's band appears on stage in the Main Space and whips the crowd into a frenzy. Twenty minutes later the Godfather of Soul finally appears and delivers an incredible set that features some seriously funky music. He's accompanied by a huge supporting cast that include brass section, full choir, dancing girls and special guest The Sugababes. The audience have never seen anything quite like it...
21.15
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly performs a stunning set at The Barfly. Accompanied by a full band that includes saxophone, trumpet, drums and a DJ. There's also some fantastic beatboxing from the world renowned Killa Kela. The crowd, who include Patsy Kensit, love every minute.
22.00
Fat Boy Slim plays one of his most intimate gigs in years as he performs an outstanding set at the Lock Tavern in Camden. The lucky 100 people, who won tickets by listening to Radio 1, have an absolutely brilliant night.
22.30
Nitin Sawhney hosts a two-hour event featuring a very special line-up of guest musicians and vocalists. Nasha DJs Ges-e and Osmani Soundz open the night, while Nitin and his band perform alongside the vocal talents of Laura Izibor, Fink, Natacha Atlas, Reena Bhardwaj, Tina Grace, and Will Young.
23.20
James Brown finally comes off stage - 50 minutes later than planned.
