The 47th Southport Weekender was a landmark event. With the future of the much-loved Ainsdale venue in doubt, the promoters and their faithful following relocated to Minehead for an unforgettable party that left no doubt as to why the Southport Weekender is still the most important and relevant black music event in the country.

The extra tickets that were released in February were snapped up in a flash, leaving many disappointed as the new venue’s 6,500 capacity was reached. There was no better way to celebrate this new beginning than by introducing a line up that is unparalleled in the history of the event.

There was so much I was looking forward to checking out, but, as with every Weekender, my carefully timetabled plan went out of the window as soon as the Southport excitement kicked in! Some personal highlights were Snowboy’s Saturday night set – Lonnie Liston Smith sounded magnificent, and it was ace to see the resort staff getting into the spirit of things! Dixon, Theo and MCDE all held it down, and a special shout goes to Benji B for causing a riot with Peven Everett’s ‘Stuck‘ and Breach’s ‘Fatherless‘. Kenny Dope was also on fine form during his Sunday morning freestyle set; my legs were giving up and staying for ‘one more tune’ turned into an extra hour on the dance floor!

It was a dream gig to be asked to spin the opening sets in The Beat Bar, and a special thank you goes to those who came out early to check out the vibes.

Here are the live recordings of both sets, with shouts from Snowboy at the end!

Gavin Kendrick – Live In The Beat Bar – Friday Night
Track List
Mombassa – Massai
The Sweet Talks – Akampayne
Jimi Tenor – Mystery Spot
Azymuth – Ah Voce Nao Sabe
Kai Alcé – Sa K’Pase
Chico Hamilton – Mysterious Maiden
Gerardo Frisina – Intenso
José James – Desire (Moodymann Remix)
Bobby Hughes Combination – Kerma Elastica
Ed Kelly – Samba
Billy Wooten – Chicango (Chicago Land)
Madeline Bell – That’s What Friends Are For (Gavin’s Beat Bar Edit)

Download here.

Gavin Kendrick – Live In The Beat Bar – Saturday Night
Track List
Kindred Spirits Ensemble – Prince Of Peace
Gagle – Practice & Tactix (Soljazzmix)
India – I Can’t Get No Sleep (Kenny Dope Remix)
The Strange Fruit Project – All The Way
Fatima – Red Light
Andrés – Last Call For Alcohol
Vakula – You Can Do It
Rick Wilhite – Blame It On The Boogie
Theo Parrish feat. Monica Blaire – Second Chances
spymusic – Cloak
Jonny Miller – Blueprint
Herbie Hancock – Nobo (Jonny Miller Cut Up)

Download here.