This year it happened that the 10k Jane Tomlinson's Nottingham charity run was on the  same day.  So in the morning I ran my 10k (PB 1h 2m - will aim for under an hour next year), hurried home for a quick shower and some food before I made my way back to the city centre for my gig going. 

I wasn't going to miss the festival - even though my knee was acting up on me. I arrived down town at about 1:45pm. Made my way to pick up my wristband and my gig guide. Of all the gigs that were on offer I decided to head to the Rescue Rooms and check out Neon Waltz.
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I'm glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised. The venue was pretty crowded with the audience being of all ages. Mostly though in my age range 30s to 40s. 

Neon Waltz seems like a new band but has a great sound. As you'd expect they would be categorized as an alternative/indie rock band. I enjoyed all their songs and did check them out when I returned home. I hope you do the same! 

Here are some of their songs:

Next in the same venue was Miya Folick. One guy from the crowd asked me if I had seen her before and I said no. He then enthusiastically said you will be surprised on how good she is! I stayed through her rehearsals and her vocal range is stunning! 

The venue started filling up. She had a good bunch. She started singing before her time, about 5 minutes before and ended about 5/10 minutes after. So of all the gigs this one must have been the longest - to our sheer delight!!

She not only is a great vocalist, but she is also a good songwriter and performer. All her songs had good lyrics (I know - personal opinion here) and a great catchy rhythm. 

On stage, she introduced herself and discussed how gigging is very different in the UK compared in the US. 'The US has too many regulations' here everything is simpler. 

By far Miya Folick was the highlight of the festival for me. I didn't get to see many acts - you will find out in a bit- but I am happy I decided to go to her gig. Absolutely awesome! I will be in the look out for any UK tours. Here are some of her songs:

I was getting hungry so I thought  I should grab something to eat. Next after all was my long anticipated Sondre Lerche. I always remember his beautiful work on the movie 'Dan in real life'. Such a sweet movie and a great soundtrack. 

Naively I was expecting a similar sound. Little did I know! I should have gotten the clue when I entered the venue ' Stealth'. Doesn't sound like a venue that would play sweet indie folk, right? I should have gotten the clue! 

'Be prepared to be surprised, better be prepared to be surprised. Baby be prepared to be surprised, it's all I know'

I should have been prepared to be surprised! I was soooo disappointed!!! Never been to this venue before, not very big but it did fill up. Audience of all ages. A couple of drunk girls swaying in the front like no one is watching (they seemed to thoroughly enjoy the gig!)

I was appalled. The music to me sound like African tribal wannabe electro remix! After the second beat of the drum I wanted to leave! 

I made the best effort to stick around a little longer so I held on for a second song. I don't even remember it! I just remember trying to think where I should go next! I decided to go to the Bodega. Before I go on, here are some songs of Sondre Lerche in case it's your cup of tea:

 
On my way to the Bodega my knee was becoming a liability. I was walking slower than a turtle! It took me some time to get there. So, I arrive, and was about to head upstairs when I was asked to show my ID! Has been a while since I was asked for my ID. I told the lad, firstly I don't drink and secondly I am 31 years old but I can show you my ID if you want me to!!!!! Poor guy was like 'Oh oh, it's ok'. 

So, I made my way upstairs only to find out ​that Overcoats had canceled their gig. That was a bummer.  The time now was 5:10pm and my knee would no longer keep me standing. So with a heavy heart I decided not to continue to another venue but head home instead.  The one gig I wish I saw was Pixx. I had seen her as the support act at a Daughter's concert and had decided she needed her own entry in my gig blog. I was delighted to see that she was the closing act for Stealth but I couldn't wait five hours for her gig. 

Other gigs I wanted to see but didn't were The Shrives and Gothic Tropic. So here are videos of gigs I didn't get to see. 

Dot-to-dot 2016 I attended for 5pm onwards, Dot-to-dot 2017 from 2pm til 5pm. Let's hope I get to attend the whole of Dot-to-dot 2018. I've already purchased my ticket!

Make sure you purchase yours too!!
Dot-to-dot 2018 early bird