Wednesday 13th May 2008 - Have we been busy.

Just finished a week in Grimsby at The Auditorium doing the sound operation, design and hire for The Silhouette's production of the classic Broadway hit ANYTHING GOES, using a new maximum of Radio Mics in any one show to date.

Recorded in the studio Voice Overs and Sound Effects for Ian Dicken's new touring Play Production of DAISY PULLS IT OFF.

Completed the final mixes for SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED's debut album. 9 epic tracks in their rock folk style, included amongst their original songs a couple of reworked traditional British folk songs. The band are all ready to hit the folk festival circuit again this summer.

Last month (April) completed the Sound design, operation and hire for the very successful two week run of THE FULL MONTY by LAODS at The Theatre Royal, Lincoln. Sell out shows and very good reviews.

Also in April, sound design and operation for Lincoln College's production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Drill Hall, Lincoln.

DRIVE BY THEORY have just finished recording four new songs, with new bass player Will.

Monday 10th March 2008 - Busy period just gone with many small theatre one off shows and studio recording sessions. Most notable being the Lincoln College/Lincoln Academy stripped down production of Blood Brothers in the new (ex Tradex) Arts/Music and Theatre production building off Monks Road. Also we have back in the Studio SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED recording their debut album.

Monday 14th Jan 2008 - Just finished the two week OCO production of "Jack and The Beanstalk" at The Terry O'Toole Theatre, Hykeham. Again we were Sound Design and Sound Engineer for the production. That's our Panto season come to an end for this winter. Looking forward to the start of the next season in December.

Wednesday 2nd Jan 2008 - Happy New Year. Been very busy at The Lincoln Drill Hall for most of December, handling the sound for their Panto "Cinderella". A lot of fun with a good company.

Tuesday 4th Dec - Recently we have again been hard at work designing and operating the sound for shows at The Theatre Royal Lincoln, The Lincoln Drill Hall, and The Majestic Theatre in Retford. Performances of MY FAIR LADY by Lincoln County's Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, a night at The Musicals at The Drill Hall, and a youth theatre group's Panto SNOW WHITE at The Majestic Theatre, Retford. Coming up soon we are at HULL's NEW THEATRE again operating the sound for an orchestral Christmas extravaganza.

VIRILE, as reported recently on THE MIX program for BBC RADIO LINCOLNSHIRE, have been hard at work in the studio recording their debut album. A rough mix of the song CHANGE IS PREDICTABLE was played on THE MIX as an exclusive on Friday 16th November to a good response.

Sunday 14th Oct - Recently in the Studio we have welcomed back SOMETHING NASTY IN THE WOODSHED. Also recently we have mixed the 8 track 'live' recordings from the Bivouac shows of JOE ACTUALLY, THE NIGHT MOVES, LAST PROMISE; and AUGUST UNDERGROUND.

Wednesday 1st Aug - Finished mixing the 8 track 'live' recording of DEAD SENTINEL @ The Bivouac for the band.

Tuesday 31st July- All last week we were back in The Lincoln Drill Hall with DTC's Production of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. We were again involved as Sound Design, Sound Equipment Hire (inc. Radio Mics) and Operator for the show. Another well attended and excellent production by DTC, who previously had staged Les Miserables at the same venue. The young cast were professional as ever and the show received excellent reviews.

Saturday 10th June- Last week we sound operated and designed for the Lincoln Colleges 2nd Year Student's production of A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT at The Theatre Royal, Lincoln.

Monday 28th May -Last week we finished mixing the 'Live at The Bivouac' recordings of the recent LADY IRONY show, as well as MCD's Memorial Show.

16th May 2007 - The title track from the new MCD's 'All Is Lost' Album, and a new mix of VIRILE'S 'Something Influential', are now both posted on the www.myspace.com/friendsofthebivouac site.

10th May 2007 - All week in Grimsby at The Auditorium Theatre, operating, designing and installing a Radio Mic Sound System for The Silhouette's Production of My Fair Lady.

21st April 2007 -This week we have just finished a short 3 day run of GODSPELL at The Drill Hall, Lincoln. This production was put on by Lincoln College and their year one course Students. Three shows with good reactions all round. Again we supplied for their production Radio Mics, Operator, and various other related sound equipment.

4th April 2007 - This week GREAT BRITISH SMILE are back in the studio to record and mix two new songs.

26th March 2007 - Friday's show with Jesse James wasn't the only show we did that night. A Sold Out show next door at The Drill Hall was undertaken with CURTAIN UP PRODUCTIONS. Their "A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS" was a roaring success. As previously undertaken at The Terry O'Toole Theatre earlier in the month, Steve Hawkins designed, fitted up, and operated the sound for the show. This allowed Shaun and Virle's Paul to babysit the sound at The Bivouac next door. They did a good job handling the music and sound for the two support bands, until Steve could get back in time to 'live' mix Jesse James. Busy as ever!

19th March 2007 - More and more local bands are taking advantage of the £30.00 'Live' Recording facility available from The Bivouac nights at The Duke of Wellington. These 'live in front of an audience' recordings are made on a Tascam DA78 8 Track recorder, and later mixed down to CD in the studio a week later. As an analysis tool for the bands in question, they are invaluable.

19th March 2007 - GREAT BRITISH SMILE have been back in the Studio today to re-record 'These Thoughts'. Taking advantage of the new equipment, mics and Spectrum Analyser which has been recently bought.

19th March 2007 - To mix this week are the 8 track live Bivouac recordings of The Idlers, Pennyless Ben, and Joy Riding Range.

16th March 2007 -This last week we have been over to Grantham to mix several songs by Celtic Edge at their own Grantham studios.

16th March 2007 - Now finished mixing is the TRY MY SHOWS 'Live @ The Bivouac' recording of their last gig there.

4th March 2007 -Yesterday we fitted up, operated and sound designed, at The Terry O'Toole Theatre in North Hykeham, Lincoln, the sound rig for the debut show by a new young theatre production company based in Lincoln. A Night at The Musicals was produced by CURTAIN UP PRODUCTIONS to a sold out audience. The next performance of this show will be on Friday 23rd March at The Drill Hall, Lincoln. Latest reports from the box office is that this night will also sell out.

22nd Feb 2007 -DRIVE BY THEORY have just completed two days in the Studio recording 4 songs. Mixing these tracks will take place this weekend.

VIRILE have started recording with Steve Hawkins in the studio. Their debut material should be ready within the month.

22nd Feb 2007 - PENNYLESS BEN have just had their 8 track 'live' recording CD mixed. Recorded the other week when the band supported ANEMIC.

14th Feb 2007 - THE CARNIVAL GHOSTS have had their recent live performance at The Bivouac mixed down to CD from an 8 Track recording. A useful tool for the band as they embark on their first UK tour dates with a drafted in new Bass Player.

12th Feb 2007 -Just finished a week in The Theatre Royal, Lincoln, installing and operating a Radio Mic Sound Rig for A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. Excellent show, excellent reviews.

1st Jan 2007 -The Studio now has a Real Time Spectrum Analyser. Life has become even more interesting.

Toxic Graffiti has had their recent live performance at The Bivouac mixed and, despite the singer's claims of laryngitis on the night in question, came out quite well. A useful tool.

15th Nov 2006 -New Desk, new mics and a bunch of other new stuff installed. Live mix downs for Virile, Street 45th, The Small Print, TV Kicks, Voice of Treason and The Blue Route to be finished this week. All Live recordings requested and to be paid for by the bands in question of their recent appearances at The Bivouac.

30th Oct 2006 -Just finished Les Miserables at The Drill Hall, where we were involved in the sound design and operation. The shows were all sold out, with the exception of the added Friday Matinee. This show too almost did with only one weeks notice. The positive and motivated young cast, Lincoln's DTC Productions, and the full production team involved were fantastic. The level of professionalism shown by all involved truely surprised the bulk of the audience. This was, after all, a young person's company on stage, performing a complicated operatic musical with aplomb. Also, this was the first time The Drill Hall had staged such an ambitious show. It's tremendous success should pave the way for more high quality popular musicals in the future. A special thanks to all The Drill Hall Production and Backstage team, who went out of their way to make this work so smoothly.

A big thank you to all that ventured out to see CAODS' production of Jekyll and Hyde at The Theatre Royal this Oct. A show still trying to find it's audience, was nonetheless superbly done by the whole company. Those folk who did witness this current production, were rewarded with one of the best CAOD shows ever. The reviews were glowing and thankfully the audience did pick up for the second week of the run. If you missed this, you missed out big time.

8th Sept 2006 - The Studio's new electronic Drum Kit has found further favour from Great British Smile. Everybody who's tried it out so far considers the kit to be a definite asset in improving technique and timing. Rehearsing just became a lot easier.

6th Sept 2006 - The Studio has recently acquired a new (full spec'd) electronic drum kit for silent/headphoned Drummer practice sessions with the click. First Drummer to take excellent advantage of this new facility was Chris from THE SMALL PRINT. Quickly followed by Dave (Lurch) ex The Elusive Mr Hunt, and Sam from The Three Piece Suite. The Kit's a Hit!

25th Aug 2006 - THE BLUE ROUTE have had three songs mixed, and are taking copies to the Reading/Leeds festival for select distribution. The Band seem very happy with these initial mixes. The band feel that some extra studio time will be arranged for re-recording some of the lead vocals.

19th Aug 2006 - GREAT BRITISH SMILE have been in the Studio this week. They have been recording another new song. The Band have discovered the benefits of regular recording sessions. The time taken to record high quality takes has shortened considerably. They have the confidence, knowledge and critical ear to make highly efficient use of their time in the studio. The results will speak for themselves.

16th Aug 2006 - THE BLUE ROUTE have been in the Studio this week, recording four songs.

Last week we were back in Grimsby at The Auditorium Theatre. Designing, rigging and operating sound for their production of Oklahoma. A youth cast of 100, and Radio Mics a plenty.

15th June 2006 - DRIVE BY THEORY's mixes finished, and the band seem very pleased indeed. Four songs recorded and mixed, 'Adrenaline', 'Fist Fights in the Front Room', 'Paris' and the epic surprise of 'Just Maybe'.

9th June 2006 -Very busy this week. We have had back in the studio, recording 4 songs, THE SMALL PRINT. They were in, over the weekend just gone, recording the basic tracks for their new songs. Mixing will commence this coming week.

Secondly, after completing various 'voice only' recording sessions in the early part of the week, we welcomed to the Studio for the first time DRIVE BY THEORY. Over two days, the guys laid down the basic tracks and parts for four of their better known songs. First time in a recording studio, they certainly seemed to enjoy themselves. Getting to grip with the click track, and all the fun of hearing your songs played back to you for the first time. A lot was achieved in a very short time.

12th May 2006 - We have been at Grimsby's Auditorium all this week, handling the Sound Design, Installation and Engineering for The Silhouettes production of The Wizard of Oz. 16 Radio Mics, a cast of 50, and a host of sound effects, has kept us very busy all week. We decided to put in a complete Front of House system, together with extra speaker coverage for the Balconies and front row of the Orchestra Pit. Connecting our system into the Auditorium's existing flown speakers (with their delays built in) worked very well. The local Grimsby Telegraph gave the show an excellent review, and even gave an unexpected thumbs up to the show's sound.

25th April 2006 -GREAT BRITISH SMILE have been back in the Studio recently with a brand new song, written and recorded in record time. CATAPULT also working on new material. DUMPVALVE's recent live show at The Bivouac was also recorded on multitrack, and is to be mixed down in the studio for a new live CD featuring the new slim down 4 piece.

25th April 2006 - THE SMALL PRINT are due back in the Studio at the end of the month to record three new songs.

25th April 2006 - Theatre Sound productions taken on this April were WEST SIDE STORY, SLEEPING BEAUTY, and SOUTH PACIFIC. Recently completed a three week stint at The Theatre Royal this month. Installing, designing and operating a radio mic sound system for the LAODS's musical production of WEST SIDE STORY. Sound equipment was then hired by the Theatre Royal for their Easter Spring Panto SLEEPING BEAUTY for another week. Our sound effects used in a previous production of SOUTH PACIFIC were again hired out for another production of the same show somewhere else in the country.

2nd April 2006 - PELE's debut album is now finally recorded and mixed. This 11 track affair has had a few airings through the Bivouac's PA on recent gig nights, with excellent audience responses. The band seem delighted, and are testing out the mixes on various invited people and their respective hifi systems. Next stage will be to analyze the responses, tweak the odd mix, and go for mastering. PELE have announced a band name change to THE GREAT BRITISH SMILE. They will be playing next at the Bivouac on Friday 7th April.

28th Feb 2006 - Busy time in the studio recently. THE SMALL PRINT have just been in and finished over three days their 4 track EP.

CATAPULT have popped in and out, writing and recording more songs.

Also various band's 8 track recordings recently recorded at The Bivouac have been mixed. Sets by AFRAID TO SHOOT STRANGERS, TV KICKS, THE BLUE ROUTE, and most recently MCD and PLUNGER.

7th Feb 2006 - Just finished mixing Pele, Catapult and Colorpool's 'live at the Bivouac' shows. The recordings were made of Friday 3rd February's show.

Also Catapult have been back in the last two days to record 'Thank God For Words'. This song had been completely rewritten and was first played 'live' last Friday.

1st Feb 2006 - Over the last few weeks we have had in the Studio The Torn, Catapult and Pele. Catapult have been working on new material and had some excellent feedback.

22nd Dec 2005 - Over the holiday period, we are working on a new package of studio time bookings. Details to be announced early in the new year. Also, first band to be booked into the studio in January will be The Torn.

22nd Dec 2005 - Something Nasty In The Woodshed are also expected to return to the studio in January to record more tracks for their debut album. Their last two tracks were recently slightly remixed and remastered after excellent feedback from various third parties.

11th Dec 2005 - Afraid To Shoot Strangers, who played on Friday, had their whole set recorded on 8 track, to be mixed this week.

9th Dec 2005 - Something Nasty In The Woodshed have finished recording and mixing two more tracks for their potential debut album. Feedback from Band and other third parties is more than promising.

5th Dec 2005 - Drive By Theory's Friday 2nd December set, at the Bivouac, was recorded on to 8 track and mixed over the weekend. It's now ready for their collection.

4th Dec 2005 - Just finished mixing Half Eleven's 'Live at the Bivouac' 8 track multitrack recording. The band, previously known as Bloodshot, played on the 25th November.

3rd Dec 2005 - Finished recording, but not yet mixed, two more songs by Something Nasty In The Woodshed. These two tracks will be added to their previous two tracks, which have already created quite a stir amongst the folk agents of the UK.

25th Nov 2005 - Just finished mixing the two live multi track recordings, made at the Bivouac, of local bands The Small Print and The Blue Route. Both bands had their recent 8 Days A Week appearance recorded on 8 track before being mixed down in the studio at a later date. Live recordings can be multi tracked at the Bivouac. Advance notice is needed. No touring or guest bands are ever recorded without express permission granted, in advance, by the band or their management first.

17th Nov 2005 - Depol are expected to record three songs shortly after their headline on Monday 7th November at this year's 8 Days A Week Festival. The band are still a three piece, though they are considering getting a second guitar player. We look forward to the upcoming sessions.

17th Nov 2005 - Flatlands are currently on tour in the UK promoting their new 12" Vinyl recording. This release is made up of the tracks recorded here at The I.C.E. Group Studios earlier in the year. We wish them all the best with the release and tour. Arguably the best Lincoln Band of the Year, after their stunning performance headlining the Thursday night (10th Nov) of this year's 8 Days A Week Festival. Their performance was breath taking! I kid you not.

17th Nov 2005 - Stabbed in Autumn are to have a track/tracks available in the USA next year. It seems that they have been asked to include a track or two (recorded at ICE Group Studios) on an American Label's compilation CD. The band will release more details shortly.

17th Nov 2005 - Barry Steel, ex member of Celtic Edge, who recorded various songs last year in the studio, has returned with a new line up and new band name. The two tracks so far recorded and mixed have apparently gone down a storm. The new line up are expected to return to the studio very soon to record another 5 songs.

17th Nov 2005 - Dumpvalve are really pleased with their 'Live @ the Bivouac' recording. They recently headlined the Bivouac again (9th Nov), and reported back that the recordings had had a great response. Dumpvalve should be returning to the Bivouac early next year.

24th Oct 2005 - CATAPULT, back in the studio this week to record 3 more tracks for their debut Album.

11th Oct 2005 - CATAPULT, back in the studio this week to record further tracks for their debut Album.

3rd Oct 2005 - For the next two weeks, we are back in The Theatre Royal in Lincoln setting up and operating the sound for the musical SUMMER HOLIDAY. PA, FOH sound gear, monitor rig and Radio Mics all used for this CAODS presented 'all singing, all dancing' romp. This popular, now nostalgic show helped make Cliff Richard a huge star back in the sixties. Gaz Mackie from MCD is currently working the show as one of the operators along with Steve Hawkins.

15th Sept 2005 - This coming week has PELE back in the studio.

5th Sept 2005 -CATAPULT back in the Studio this week. DUMPVALVE's 'Live at The Bivouac' mix finished and the band are to pick up their copies Tuesday of this week.

5th Aug 2005 -16 HOURS and PUNK'D 32 picked up their respective mixed 'Live @ The Bivouac' CDs, recorded at The Duke recently.

4th Aug 2005 -New Mixes from CATAPULT, COLORPOOL and PELE finished and to be unveiled at the venue Friday 5th August.

19th July 2005 - For No Reason pick up their mixed 'Live @ The Bivouac' CD, recorded recently at The Duke.

14th July 2005 - In-between a series of short recording and mixing sessions undertaken during July for various members of the public, we managed to continue working on material with our own regular artists. A new mixed track each from Catapult, Pele, and Colorpool was aired for the first time @ the Bivouac.

4th July 2005 - I am pleased to announce that HEATHER DUFFY has joined the team. After she showed great interest in sound engineering as a career, I have decided to show her the ropes. Throughout the summer she will be having 'hands on' experience of Studio and Live engineering. By the autumn, she will be better able to decide her next move. Welcome on board.

29th June 2005 - PELE back in the studio recording more tracks for their debut album. Some re-recording of earlier tracks has also taken place this week. The band have progressed substantially with their studio technique. The results mix themselves.

Currently recording and mixing tracks for three debut albums by COLORPOOL, PELE and CATAPULT.

29th June 2005 - FLATLANDS have confirmed they have had an excellent response so far from their recent four song mixes across the board.

26th June 2005 - HIGH SOCIETY picked up on CD 10 of their 11 tracks, recorded and mixed over the last year. Track 11 will be ready by the next day. Good work in progress, which will allow them to introduce their new guitarist to the material so far. A pleasure to see them finally hear their potential debut album. No doubt they will mull over their work to date with the same critical ear they have developed so successfully over the past 12 months.

17th June 2005 - First airing of a new CATAPULT song at the Bivouac on Friday night. This first potential mix went down well, but needs a little tweak that only can come from such public 'no pressure' spins. Also played at the Bivouac venue on this Friday were tracks by FLATLANDS and ALL BELOW HAVE MANUALS. Good response all round. These Mixes held their own against commercially released hits of their respective genres.

15th June 2005 - Finished the FLATLANDS mixes today. Band to pick them up tomorrow. Catapult back in the studio over the last two days recording three brand new songs.

13th June 2005 - 'All Below Have Manual's' mixes finished. Band seem delighted. A fantastic achievement for a band who have only played 5 shows together and completed their first ever studio recording experience. A lot of fun had by all.

11th June 2005 - Colorpool back in the studio, fresh from the success of their live Radio performance on BBC Radio Humberside, York, Leeds and Sheffield's Raw Talent program. The sound quality of the recorded performances is truly excellent. Fantastic job done by the Radio Studio Engineer.

6th June 2005 - Catapult back in the Studio over this last weekend to record another four songs.

2nd June 2005 - First Mixes checked out by All Below Have Manuals. Positive Results.

18th - 20th May 2005 - Firstly STABBED IN AUTUMN have their most recent four songs mixed. We await their feedback.

21st - 22nd May 2005 - Last weekend, FLATLANDS (ex THRONE) recorded 4 songs. All the guys in the band had a great time, and the results sound promising. Classic slow (Swans like) tempos, a very big sound, with songs about the peculiarities of Lincolnshire, 'Humber Bridge' (allegedly "waste of money") and 'Scunthorpe' (marshes and other bleak elements abound). Excellent county absorbed Grindcore!

23rd - 24th May 2005 - CATAPULT back in the studio recording two new songs. This time as a three piece, and they get better and better.

25th - 26th May 2005 - Finally ALL BELOW HAVE MANUALS enjoy their first visit. 4 songs recorded, mixing next week. Very productive and intense recording session. A steep learning curve for some, but the results are much better than they may have possibly expected. A result!

13th May 2005 - We can finally officially announce that the Bivouac Trade Mark has now been fully registered and has taken effect from 23rd September 2004. A very big thanks to our Trade Mark Specialist Lawyers Loven & Co.

12th May 2005 - The Studio Control Room will shortly be having another upgrade, courtesy of the fine work to be undertaken by PAUL HAWKINS and his own company PK WINDOWS LTD. Steve Hawkins has co-designed with his brother a new hardwood Window Installation for the Studio's Control Room. The design dramatically improves the acoustic and insulation qualities of the room, while at the same time, through the use of top quality materials throughout, aesthetically and physically improves on the structure of that part of the building. The new Window Installation will maintain the already excellent source of natural daylight, improve dramatically the soundproofing, and facilitate greater access possibilities and air flow through the creation of enhanced options by design.

9th May 2005 - Stabbed in Autumn have just completed two days in the Studio, putting down 4 songs with their new guitarist Harry from Eustacia Vye. Good results so far.

4th May 2005 - Pele are back in the Studio this week. Rides The Bus have started recording another three tracks for their debut album over the last weekend.

10th April 2005 - Recent recording sessions with PELE have been going particularly well.

9th April 2005 - New sessions have been booked by Pele, Colorpool, Catapult, and Rides The Bus amongst others. Soon to confirmed are sessions with STABBED IN AUTUMN, FIRIN BLANX, and ex Throne FLATLANDS.

6th March 2005- Over the next two weeks, The I.C.E. Group will be hiring, as usual, their Radio Mics and other Sound PA Equipment to the LAODS' Production of 'Sweet Charity' at The Theatre Royal, Lincoln. Steve Hawkins will be Sound Designer and Operator for the entire run of the show. Ably assisted by Sam Clarke. This will be Sam's second theatrical production, having operated some of last October's production of 'Kiss Me Kate' by CAODS. 'Sweet Charity' runs from March 8th to 19th inclusive.

11th Feb 2005- First Public Plays of MCD's new recorded tracks will be on Friday 11th Feb at The Bivouac. We'll mix them in during the night, in-between the band sets by The Misled Youth, Colorpool and Pele. Come over to the desk and let us know your opinions.

8th Feb 2005- Lincoln's MCD (Mad Crowd Disease) have finished their recording and mixing process.

16th Jan 2005- Lincoln's Pele to arrange studio time and start recording their debut. Pele have just signed a 'key man' management deal with Steve Hawkins of the I.C.E. Group. After the singers bout of flu subsides, the band will be straight in the studio to record 4 recently written songs. This will be the bands first foray into recording, although various members have recorded in studios before, while in other bands or undertaking previous projects.

This local band have spent their time well, preparing and rehearsing the material before entering the studio. Their next gig at The Bivouac will be Friday 21st January 2005 supporting NO COMPLY.

Coming soon - we expect to have STABBED IN AUTUMN back in the Studio in January 2005.

Dec 2004 - Lincoln's MCD start recording their next EP with Steve Hawkins at The I.C.E. Group Studios. This classic three piece have achieved more in the last year than their detractors would like to admit.

It seems the band have chosen to shorten their name from Mad Crowd Disease to MCD. They may only be 16 years old, but with nearly 100 gigs under their belt, they sure have veteran heads on their young bodies