The Specials' Lynval Golding was in town last week at his Coventry base 2-Tone Central as plans for their tour next year were announced, eager to thank Heart Of England for their £5,000 grant that will help the development of the museum and venue.
He also told the audience to expect some surprises from the Specials when they tour next year and including the Ricoh gig on 29th October 2011.
He also told the audience to expect some surprises from the Specials when they tour next year and including the Ricoh gig on 29th October 2011.
Tina Costello of The Heart Of England Community Foundation who handed the cheque over said, "We are delighted to be able to support the musical heritage of Coventry and aiding the sustainability of the new museum".
2-Tone Central Director Pete Chambers along with The Selecter's Neol Davies and Ray King who had just received his Honorary Degree from Coventry University held a Q and A session at the venue after the cheque presentation. Ray King, Lynval and Neol performed three impromptu songs to an audience that included the High Commissioner of St Vincent & The Grenadines Mr Cenio Lewis KCMG and his entourage.
Pete Chambers said, "We can't thank Tina Costello and The Heart Of England Community Foundation enough for this funding, it's helping to develop 2-Tone Central in a variety of ways, and help us celebrate this unique music that was created right here. I'm so glad Lynval,Neol and Ray could be here to see what we are doing with the place as they are three of our Honorary Patrons".
2-Tone Central is located at Coventry University Students' Union opposite the New Cathedral and is free entry and open Mon to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm, their is an exhibition dedicated to Ray King and his musical career there at the moment entitled "In The Beginning There Was Ray".
On the 18th December Coventry's present day ska legends Special Brew play the venue, tickets are £10 and available from Midnight Record Stall, Coventry Market, and 2-Tone Corner 45 Clay Lane, Coventry as well as from 2-Tone Central itself and via the website www.2tonecentral.co.uk
Photo copyright and courtesy of John Coles