I made my fully fledged DJing debut last Friday, and what better way to start by being thrown into the deepest of deep ends, playing at Indie Rock n Roll at Central Station. Neal, who usually mans the decks on a weekly basis, was playing a wedding (congratulations Ali and Mack!) and turned to me with full faith to take care of his much respected night. I was a bit nervous to say the least – I was about to steer into some uncharted territory on the map of Davis.

I turned up 2 hours early to fathom out the equipment (well, that’s what I told them – truthfully I thought the doors opened at 10pm, but in fact it was 11pm). It’s harder than I presumed; you’ve got to think at least 2 songs ahead of what you are playing and even that isn’t concrete, especially when someone asks for something by the Stone Roses (which I duly did) and then comes back to tell me that he demands another one – the liberty. He didn’t get one; he got a fistful of Northern Soul.

Did I enjoy it though….Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back?

Wrexham’s own community radio station Calon FM have launched a new programme, ‘Calon Uncut‘. The show, presented by Steve Dwight, hopes to become a regular platform for local bands to showcase their talents and material. Last Sunday they had their first guest band, Heal the Last Stand.

‘Calon Uncut’ is broadcast every Sunday from 8pm – 10pm on Calon FM (105 FM).

Any artists/bands who would like to promote themselves and have their music played live on the show can get in touch with them at info@calonfm.com.

Those not aware of Calon FM – it’s a community radio station for Wrexham and launched in March 2008 and its broadcast from (newly renamed) Glyndwr University on Mold Road.

Tomorrow night at Central Station, REDI Nights return with what seems somewhat of a familiar line-up: The Roseville Band, JKLMNO, Gasana and Katy Snail. Its £5 entry on the door, opens at 9pm and after the bands you will be serenaded by Indie Rock n Roll DJ Neal Thompson until the early hours.

At Telfords Warehouse in Chester tomorrow night they have Cantaloop playing. Cantaloop’s mission is to provide “iFunk” to the masses and is fronted by the hip-hop/funk attack of Dannie Dee with the pioneers of “iFunk” 100c on guitar, Paulo De’ Wooton on bass, and Beef on drums, padded out with additional players either (sax or trumpet) and special guests.

They will be releasing their third album ‘I.C.H.I.L.E.’ in late 2008, which they are currently finishing with Gavin Monaghan (who has produced The Editors and Nizlopi). The band recently circulated a few white label remixes featuring their track “Real Thing” remixed by The Fun Lovin’ Criminals to DJs around the UK.

Regulars on the festival circuit, Cantaloop have played at Glastonbury Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival and Moods (Germany). Its free entry before 9pm and £4 thereafter.

On Sunday the House/Techno clubbing scene in Wrexham will be foaming and drooling out of their mouths as the legendary DJ Jon Carter will be making his merry way to the Freak! Bank Holiday Special at the Four Bar. It’s also being cleverly billed as a Creamfields after party, as the mother of all dance festivals comes to a close at 11pm on the Sunday – those itching for more mayhem can carry on for just £6 (if you display you Creamfields ticket stub) otherwise it’s £8. On Saturday afternoon the Freak DJs will be setting up a monster PA rig in HMV Wrexham to promote the night – you can get your tickets (with no booking fee) all afternoon in store. Doors are 10pm until 4am and other DJs on the bill include Freaks very own Mark Barnes and in the dub-step/drum n bass room there will be Colak. Visit www.freakonline.co.uk for the full lowdown.

Also on Sunday, Central Station in Wrexham are having a Bank Holiday Special. Upstairs there will be live bands and the Saturday DJs and downstairs there will be Indie Rock n Roll. It opens at 10pm and entry is £5.

Email me at ben@wrexhammusic.co.uk with any morsels of news. Have a good Bank Holiday weekend, you’ve earned it. Take Care.