KATE SHAW

I have to admit I was feeling a little tired and lacklustre when I popped into Oscar’s on the Square – the new venue for the St Leonards Social. But I’ve been to these nights before and they’re always so funky, friendly and, well, vibey! My weariness deserted me the moment Plunk picked up their instruments and transformed this grassroots venue into a jumping juke joint!

Kate Butts

Their sound is pure dance floor funk. Bass player James Davison told me they’ll play “anything that gets people off their chairs and onto the dance floor”, and they certainly rocked it on that front. Think Maceo Parker meets Parliament, invite Kool and the Gang along, and you’ve got some idea of what they deliver.

James went on to explain that it’s not necessarily about faithfully representing these numbers note for note, but more about understanding why they have that feel-good factor and make people want to move their bodies and feel more alive. So, while they convey the funk and vitality of the bands they cover, they do so with skilled improvisation, bringing a newness and originality to the sound. 

Atmosphere is an important part of the Social. Organiser Mike Willis emphasises that it’s a unique opportunity for the community to get together in a relaxed setting, have a drink and a boogie and most importantly an opportunity to connect. I can really feel that here as I get my groove on with the best of St Leonards’ funksters. Looking around, I see smiles between strangers, the bobbing of heads and a mood which is uplifted and, to be frank, pretty joyous.

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Plunk are: 

  • James Davison-bass
  • Andy Vickery-guitar
  • Jimmy Gulliver-drums
  • Robbie Robson-trumpet
  • George Simmons-trombone
  • Bjorn McAteer Dahlberg-tenor saxophone
  • Josephine Davies tenor saxophone

Next St Leonards Social with Plunk: 30 May at Oscar’s on the Square, Lower Promenade, Warrior Square, St Leonards


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ARTSPlunk-1024x638.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ARTSPlunk-150x150.jpgHIPArtsMusicSpotlightKATE SHAW,Mike Willis,St Leonards SocialKATE SHAW I have to admit I was feeling a little tired and lacklustre when I popped into Oscar’s on the Square - the new venue for the St Leonards Social. But I’ve been to these nights before and they’re always so funky, friendly and, well, vibey! My weariness deserted...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper