Well, the best laid plans can go wrong, unfortunately Sherrie was taken ill on the journey up to Harrogate to meet up with me. So I found myself alone in a strange town, nowhere to stay arranged, not having a clue where the concert venue was, and obviously worried about a good mate being taken ill.

Anyway, things improved from the very low point. I found the Yorkshire folks very friendly and helpful. I was soon directed to the Tourist Information Centre, who arranged a great B & B just five minutes walk away from the venue.

I set out with great excitement, and a little comprehension, to the concert hall. I need not have worried, I was seated in the front row and was soon joined by a friendly family with two teenage daughters, who were very keen to hear Nigel perform for the first time. They were not disappointed!

The Kennedy Collective came out on stage to a warm reception. Although the hall unfortunately was only filled to half capacity, Nigel and his fellow musicians went on to give a great performance. To begin with Nigel was very unhappy with the quality of the sound balance and lighting arrangements. So he leapt off the stage and left his musicians to carry on playing, while he sorted things out to his satisfaction before launching properly into "Third Stone from the Sun", followed by "Little Wing"' which is my personal favourite. The bond between Nigel and the rest of the collective is something special to observe. They sound as if they are just having a good time together, smiling and bankering in between each piece. Nigel joked with the audience about a reporter from the Yorkshire Post, referring to the fact he'd probably got bored by now and left the hall (although he didn't quite phrase it like that!!). The most electrifying moment came in the closing part of the concert, when he began to play the "Star Spangled Banner", just like Jimi would have in his concerts, this was incredible played on the violin. All too soon it was all over. I could have sat through it all again, it was as always, in a Kennedy concert time meant nothing. Everyone was enthralled. We were treated to a piece of gypsy music, Monti, Czardos, which I first heard him play last year at Glastonbury as an encore.

When everyone had left the hall I made my way to the foyer to see if I could get to speak Nigel. There were a few other people waiting to get autographson their posters, CDs, etc. and after a short wait he came down to see the fans who waited patiently. I took my turn along with everyone else and got my chance to spend a few minutes talking with Nigel, who was as charming and friendly as ever.

What a brilliant experience. I just wish other members of Another String could have been there to share it with.