My favorite venue turned 20!!! It has now entered its adulthood and the best is yet to come!! Happy birthday Bodega! Thank you for making life vivid, beautiful, atmospheric, melodious and sometimes loud! The bodega to me is the sound on Nottingham.
​Venues like the  Bodega is what makes Nottingham so great! 
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I didn't know it was the Bodega's birthday until two days before the celebration. I stumbled upon the announcement on Facebook. I was worried that it would have been sold out but I checked and thankfully tickets were still available. I guess being held on a Sunday night was not that convenient for many people...but it was for me! I booked the ticket but had to opt for a printed version. 
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I didn't arrive into Nottingham before 7 o'clock so I missed Black Mustard. I don't think they have a great following yet as once I arrived the venue wasn't that full. I managed to stand at my usual spot, albeit a bit further back. This however turned to be in my favour as I was planted right next to the gig's schedule, which was posted on the wall (hence the lovely picture on the left!).


Kagoule was the lead band of the evening supported by Black Mustard, Nactus Kunan and Sancho Panza (Not the Don Quixote one!). 

I arrived right on time for Nactus Kunan. That is a weird name for a band and they know it! They joked about how they chose such a difficult band name that they don't expect anybody to remember it or know how to spell it! The lead singer said that 'Nactus, like Cactus but with an N'. To fair, it works ! I remember them that way! To remind myself of their band name, I always say Cactus Conan. I works!

They sang a few songs, but to be honest, I wasn't really impressed. They sounded a bit outdated and too mellow for me. I think that is it, it was too mellow. Also, all their songs sounded the same to me. There was no distinction between them. Nonetheless, they are skilful musicians and the lead singer does have a soothing soft voice. Perhaps the group is still in its infancy. It will be interesting to see how they grow. 

Talking about growing. The lead singer wished the Bodega a happy 20th and said he remembered his too...and that it was a while ago even though he still looks 16! (Truth be told, he did look very young!)

 
Sancho Panza was next, and I found them more interesting.  They were cool and had a 'swag'. (Is that how you use this word? Had a swag or were swag? My slang fails me!)

They're song list was quite limited so it will be interesting to see what more they create in the future. Based on their early songs, I expect them to start creating and producing great stuff. This band will stay on my radar in the next couple of years. 

By the time Kagoule was on stage, the venue was packed. I'll be honest with you, I didn't appreciate Kagoule that much. It was also Sunday and I had an early wake up the next morning so I didn't stay for too long. As I saw it, I paid my respect to the Bodega, celebrated the birthday event and it was time for me to go. Maybe I didn't give Kagoule a fair shot. Kagoule, I'll meet you next time, it may not have been your day!
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