The Anacondas Skiffle Group story: some prehistoric events before the Third Ear Band (part 2/3).

(For reading the first part of the story click HERE)

Our story about the very first known band involved Glen Sweeney is now focused on the Croydon area, where the young Glen (born Gordon) moved his first steps in the music business. In the absence of direct witnesses, it's the local press to guide us in this account...

The period is first half 1957-beginning 1958, the band The Anacondas Skiffle Group - a non-professional six musicians band who's playing in the Croydon area and becoming soon a sort of local heroes. In their repertoire there are songs as "Frankie and Johnny", "Green Back Dollar" and the teenagers favourite "Puttin' on the Style".

Local news reports inform us that on April 12, 1957 the Anacondas play at the Park Lane Jazz Club of Coydon, located at the Park Lane Ballroom, with on the same bill the Dick Charlesworth Jazzband (Croydon "Times and County Mail", 12 April 1957).

Three days later, on Monday 15 April, for the Bank Holiday Monday they are at the same club playing with two other bands, Seth Marsh Jazzband and Saffron Valley Band.

 

On May 11, the Anacondas play at the Streatham Baths for the Communist Party (!). It is announced by "The News" (the Streatham local newspaper) the day before.

 

 

In June, the Croydon Jazz Club, sponsored by the local Croydon "Times and County Mail" newspaper, launches a competition for young skiffle bands called "The Amateur Skiffle Group Competition" in which eight bands participate. 

The event is featured by the "Times and County Mail" on the 14th in an article entitled "Winning skifflers will receive cup and cash":

 

It's June 22, 1957. That night at the Croydon Civic Hall, in front of about 800 young fans, it's really the Anacondas who win. 

It is reported in the Croydon "Times and County Mail" a week later on June 28 with an extensive report:

 

 

On the same page, an article goes into the facts of the evening:

 

The effect on press and public is immediate, and from then on they will be invited often to play in the surrounding area.

 

A rare photo of the band with Glen Sweeney sitting front center.

 

(to be continued)

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