The Happy Cats, that fine trio of musicians who can be found playing somewhere in the north east on most weekends, know how to put on a show that will send a crowd home feeling very pleased with themselves for having been there. In 2004 they have packed a wide range of venues from the Tyne Theatre, the falcons Rugby Club and a number of Tyne cruises to a host of the many flourishing pubs that are venues for good live music. The gig at the Teac Fiddlers must rate as the strangest, and one of the best. If anyone was to bet where the North-East’s first no smoking pub would be the old Alnwick Castle in North Shields would not be among the favourites. Set in a street where the shops all have steel shutters in a traditional working class area is not where one would imagine that a smoke free pub would be a viable proposition. However, it has been refurbished, renamed the Teac Fiddlers (House of Fiddlers) and reborn and the first signs are that it is the start of a trend. A number of those who came to see the Happy Cats on Thursday said that they do not normally frequent pubs now as the smoky atmosphere is off-putting. There were of course some who would prefer to have maintained the status quo and, upon returning from the street after a smoke, made loud remarks about “filthy smokers” but those who stayed for the evening were grateful to get home not reeking of nicotine. The trio was augmented by two local musicians - Michael Bailey on bass and, appropriately, Rachel Rhoades on fiddle. The two had played a gig earlier with their usual band, the Steve Daggett Trio. As they had played on most of the tracks on the Happy Cats album “Follow The Moon” it was not difficult for them to slot seamlessly into place. Actually it was probably quite difficult but this couple are so talented they can make it look easy. So to the inaugural gig in the area’s latest live music venue. This was truly a triumph for the band who make a living out of winning an audience over. Towards the end of the evening the landlord was heard to ask a regular punter what he thought and the reply was a succinct, “Fantastic!” Brian Duffy on keyboards and accordion, Les Dodds on guitar and Marty Craggs on just about everything gave a show that had something for everyone. This was just as well as the audience age range was from barely old enough to be in a pub to the “my first pint was one and tuppence” brigade. Particularly popular on the evening were Tyneside crowd pleasers such as Cushy Butterfield, Blaydon Races and When the Boat Comes In. These found the audience in good voice and high spirits on an evening of unadulterated magic. Fairytale of New York gave the choir another chance to sing at the top of their voices and also encouraged the dancers to get on their feet. They did not need much encouragement and for most of the night singing and dancing in a real party setting was the order of the day. The band’s own material went down well especially the apposite It Doesn’t Come Any Better Than This. At one point Marty asked the audience what they were doing on New Year’s Eve and added that they should cancel it because after this it would seem dull. He had a point. This was real party time and when everyone was on their feet for a rousing rendition of Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl the Teac Fiddlers was rocking. The evening came to a close with Follow The Moon written by Marty and Les and as good a song as you will ever hear. The group is gaining a large following in the area with many regular visitors from further afield who appreciate the party atmosphere and the musicianship of this remarkable band of entertainers. The Teac Fiddlers is a lovely, friendly music venue and the inestimable advantage of it being a smoke free zone should see it flourish. One long term smoker said that it was a great idea and had no problem with going outside “for a tab”. Everyone who was at the first gig will be delighted to return and it is to be hoped that the new owners maintain the courage of their convictions and keep a venue that gives non-smokers a choice.