Only recently I did a round up blog for Feb to June, mentioning I’ll be doing a couple of festival shows in July, and now it’s all over already! Wow!
I have enjoyed both Coleford and Monmouth Festivals very much. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Monmouth Festival particularly has been memorable for me.
You see, it has a special place in my heart. I played on the festival main stage back in 1998, nearly 20 years ago!
The family had newly arrived in the UK from Singapore December of 1997. The festival took place around July 1998. By January, if I recall correctly, I started rehearsing with a newly formed band, all from my new local area. The festival was held at Agincourt Square, Monmouth, and I performed as Joan Martin.
We found several old newspaper clippings and photo prints (no digital shots in those days of course) and the old merchandise festival Tshirt. Talk about nostalgia! My twins were little wee ones accompanying me at rehearsals, out of which my song “Angel on My Knee” was born.
My twins were just under two years old.This year, I returned to the Monmouth Festival as Phoenix J. The professional name I assumed from 2000 onwards. Somehow, apparently, we were advised Joan Martin just didn’t sound right this side of the pond… But that’s another story for another time.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed some photos from times gone by, and here’s a video from the most recent Monmouth Festival gig at the Three HorseShoes.
Enjoy, and if you like, please like and share!
Thank you and lots of love,
Phoenix J, aka Joan Martin
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