Friday 4th November 2005, was a night waited upon with much excited anticipation in the village of Dyffryn Cellwen with the first  "Live" Rock Band appearing at "The Dyffryn" for some time. Anyway, with a huge response to ticket sales the night was finally upon us and despite a home rugby match being played down the road at Banwen Rugby Club the vanue began to suddenly fill up for the scheduled Pink Floyd/70's/80's Tribute Night featuring the 3 piece band "Manti" who travelled all the way from Hampshire in England to perform this special show, with lighting provided by "Blackout Lighting" from Hayling island, Hampshire.

"Manti" filled the stage at The Dyffryn with an impressive array of instruments and equipment. It was immediately evident that the band were determined to put a real show on tonight - something they definately did - from the very first track to the never ending medly of quality classic rock tracks at the end.

Anyway, with the lights down and the mood set, "Manti" took to the stage for their first set - "The Pink Floyd Tribute". Opening with "In The Flesh" - the tone was set and the ice was broken - bring on the the rest of the Floyd tribute.

"Manti's" second set consisted of a load of brilliant 70's/80's Classic Rock covers and a few of their own self-penned tracks.

Tracks like "Wishing Well" by Free, their own superb version of Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild", Queen's "I Wanna Break Free" soon had the Banwen audience up and dancing - and so the music went on - "Vertigo" by U2, the brilliant "Sweet Dreams" by The Eurythmics, followed by "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" by Darkness,  Aerosmiths "Walk This Way", Stereophonics "Wouldn't Believe" (they had to really being in Wales!) the list goes on. Wales was rocking to the amazing repertoire of this awesome 3 piece band. Solid powerful melodic vocals are provided by Dave and Rupert whilst Donna keeps it all together with her superbly imaginative drumming. It must be said that Dave's guitar playing ceases to amaze me - he is brilliant. AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" was banging and had just about everyone rocking. In between the cover tracks "Manti" performed some of their own self written music as well - it was so good that it could that you didn't notice they were their own tracks - which just goes to show that this band can adapt to any audience - any age group and most tastes. The second set was brought to an end with a faultless perfomance of "Freebird" by Lynnard Skynnard with Dave Black joining in the fun. By now we had a party on our hands at The Dyffryn - everyone was up on their feet dancing, shaking and moshing. "Freebird" was going to be the last track but with "More! More! More! being shouted by the audience - on the show went with some classic rock numbers like Quo's "Rockin All Over The World", an unexpected but brilliant version of The Monkees' track "I'm A Believer" and the sensational Dire Straits - "Sultans Of Banwen" - aptly renamed for the night - kept everyone on their feet well into the early hours. The band's imagination in the music they play together their abilty to read the event and give the audience the type of show they want made the show a huge success. It was an awesome performance by "Manti" who were complimented by the services of Blackout Lighting who provided the light showfor the evening.The "Manti" Show will definately take some beating - it was great that we raised nigh on £400 for our local schools too.

Brilliant night - excellent band - exceptional lighting - superb music - if you get the chance to go to a " Manti" show then don't miss it - you have a fantastic night.

THANK YOU
MANTI AND BLACKOUT LIGHTING
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING YOU BACK IN BANWEN SOON

Dai







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