From Monday 12 January 2026

Looking Back, Looking Forward

For our next Lockdown Theme, we’re doing something a little reflective.

Paul Madporra took all our previous Music Evening themes, put them on a spinny wheel, narrowed them down to 30… and then spun another wheel with everyone’s names.
Fate (and questionable wheel physics) paired each of us with a theme from our past.

What this means

  • You’ll play a song from the theme you’ve been assigned

  • You must adhere to the original rules of that theme

  • If your assigned theme was a Music Evening theme (not a Daily Lockdown theme), lucky you — you can choose any option from that theme

  • Important rule for this round:
    👉 You may NOT choose any song that was already played during that theme
    (Same theme, new song)

We’re looking back at where we’ve been…
…but also looking forward with fresh choices.

The Pairings

Have fun revisiting the theme you’ve been handed, surprise us with a song we didn’t hear last time.

Richard

Fiddlers Green – Lady in Black

The Celts saw little value in having a one day celebration in December. They opted for a 12 day festival starting on the 22nd calling it Yuletide. The Celts in Ireland took it one step further and changed the word “days” to “months”.
Here is Fiddlers Green showing us how its done.

Zosia

Xavier Rudd – Follow the Sun

I assume I can use any ” word” for my theme

The word is ” dream” . Cherish your dreams, look ahead to all things bright and beautiful and ” Follow the Sun”

Wilfred

Beyoncé – Halo

At first, there was the group — harmony, movement, shared spotlight. Then something shifted. One voice began to rise above the blend, not louder, just clearer. The sound grew more spacious, more intimate, like the lights dimmed so a single figure could step forward. No choreography. No safety net. Just emotion, control, and absolute certainty.

When the moment finally arrived, the spotlight didn’t need to search. It landed exactly where it belonged.
“Halo” — Beyoncé

Karen

Michael Jackson – Black or White / You Are Not Alone

My theme was Double exposure. I thought last time we did this theme that missing out Michael Jackson was an oversight.

Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” is a genre-blending hit, primarily classified as Pop Rock, but it heavily incorporates elements of Dance, Hip Hop, and Hard Rock, featuring electric guitar riffs and a rap verse, creating a powerful anthem for racial harmony.

Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” is primarily a Pop and R&B ballad, characterized by its smooth melodies, heartfelt lyrics about love and isolation, and lush production, fitting within contemporary R&B and Adult Contemporary styles. It’s known for being a deeply emotional and sentimental track, making it a successful pop hit.

Deborah

Jolene – Dolly Parton / White Stripes

My theme is “Same Song, Different Vibe” – so two songs from me this evening.

I have chosen Jolene – Dolly Parton vs The White Stripes.

Dolly wrote the song and first recorded her sweet, vulnerable version in 1974 (apparently based on a true story, but Dolly is known for spinning a good tale) vs The White Stripes’ gritty rock version with Jack White’s passionate, slightly unhinged vocals.

Errol

GENTRI – Danny Boy

This song has a particular significance in my life as it was my fathers favourite song. It therefore became part of my music ‘vocabulary’ at a very early age, and it still brings a tear to my eye . Please watch to the end.

My theme is Traditional, and this is a song with deep Irish roots.
The band is Gentri.

Geraldine

Jessie J – Living My Best Life

Life has been very generous with relationships — near, far and everywhere in between.
To all you musos out there, even from a distance, you add so much joy to my world.
I’m living my best life… hope you’re dancing through yours too! 💃🎵

Paul P

Diana Krall feat. Bryan Adams – Feels Like Home

My theme was “Life’s Journey and Things Found”.
Well, goodness, if you don;t know what I found, then ……

I think you all know what I found. Then I found an exquisite song to go along with it.
That song includes one of Maestro’s ladies and most of the ladys’ guy …..
Pointy-toe shoe stuff ❤️😍

Paul L

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama

My theme….turn it up could only have resulted in Lynnard skynnard. Sweet home Alabama. Classic country rock played as loud as possible

Liezel

Post Malone – Sunset Drive

My chosen theme is: Sunrise, Sunset
Any song about a sunrise or sunset. The word Sunrise or Sunset must appear in the lyrics or title, not the artist’s name.
I have Jayden to thank for my introduction to Post Malone. Talk about the younger generation influencing your musical tastes.
Enjoy a nice chilled Sunset drive with me on this Wednesday evening! Feel free to grab a sundowner (alcoholic or otherwise) to enjoy our amazing African sky.

Arno

Tori Amos – Winter

A light in the cold

Brass monkeys
Any song in which the lyrics (not the artists) describe cold weather, typically winter, regardless of where in the world.

Sue

Kate Winslet – What If

To finish this round I was asked to find a song by an actor.
I found “What If” by Kate Winslet, from the animated movie “Christmas Carol”
It is 24 years since its release and despite subsequent record offers she has declined them. Kate insisted that all the royalties went to charity. It was only a hit in Europe and especially the UK where it reached No 6. Apparently she cringes whenever it is mentioned in an interview as she is an actress not a singer.
It is a pity as she has a beautiful voice.
Enjoy her excellent articulation, pure vocals and sensitive delivery of a song I love.