You probably remember him as Lister, but we came to see Craig Charles for the sort of tune selection we’ve come to know from his Funk Soul Show on BBC Radio 6.

Starting off the night was DJ Format. Renowned for the broad variety of his mixes, the local DJ brought out a solid a selection of funk, soul and hip hop which set the mood just right.

Following him on stage was a hugely impressive set by 10-piece band, The Impellers. With their first full album ‘Robot Legs’ released in 2009, they have since been very busy touring. Singer ‘Lady’ Claire Witcher fronts the band with stunning vocals, while a very enthusiastic and active brass section, alongside Glen Fallows’s competent riffing, rounds off the deep funk soul sound. The act have polished their live performances with confidence and the crowd are very much drawn in.

Then came Craig Charles. Bursting onto the stage, it’s clear he has a huge passion for music and loves to perform to a crowd. Throughout his two hour DJ set he bangs out the classics, the rarities and the singalongs that everyone knows. He feeds off the crowd and his enthusiasm is utterly contagious. Whether he’s dancing behind the decks, pulling faces or chatting to the crowd – he clearly enjoys what he does.

Finishing off the night is a set by local reggae/dub/ska DJ Prince Fatty, whose upbeat and positive vibes leave people making their way home with the warmth of funk soul staying with them into the night.

Concorde2, Saturday 15th June 2013
Words and photos by Mike Tudor @ Studio85UK