Geno Washington returns to Spalding

Almost 60 years after he headlined Barbeque 67, American R&B singer Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band will perform at the South Holland Centre on Thursday 12^th November 2026 at 7.30pm.

The event launches the BBQ 67 Oral History Project, led by Past Present Possible CIC, ahead of the 60th-anniversary celebrations in May 2027.

Barbeque 67 was held in the tulip auction hall in Spalding (on or around the site where Halfords now stands) and is believed by many to have been the world’s first music festival – predating the festivals that would go on to define the era. It brought together Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Cream and local band Sounds Force Five and while those on the stage went on to become music legends, the audience was no less remarkable. Among those reported to have been at BBQ 67 were author and feminist Germaine Greer, newsreader Alastair Stewart and, rumour has it, Rod Stewart.

Originally from Evansville, Indiana, Geno Washington came to England in the 1960s with the US Air Force. His love of Blues and Soul soon led to him jamming with local bands around Ipswich before he moved to London, where he performed with leading R&B acts including Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band at the legendary Flamingo Club in Soho.

Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band quickly became one of Britain’s most exciting live acts. Their incendiary performances were immortalised on the bestselling albums Hand Clappin’ Foot Stompin’ Funky-Butt…Live! and Hipsters, Flipsters and Finger-Poppin’ Daddies. His reputation was cemented for a new generation in the 1980s when Dexys Midnight Runners paid homage to him with their worldwide No.1 hit Geno.  More than half a century later, Geno continues to tour and perform to audiences around the world.

Geno Washington says: “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that people in Spalding still remember that night. I’ve played all over the world during my career, but those early days in Britain were incredibly special. I’m looking forward to coming back to Spalding, seeing the people again and hearing their memories of a night that happened almost 60 years ago. And, of course, we’ll make some new memories too!”

Even the smallest memory could help tell the story of one of Spalding’s most extraordinary nights. If you were there please contact Past Present Possible CIC, by email paspresentpossible@outlook.com or via their website www.pastpresentpossible.org.uk/

Tickets are on sale now, available from the South Holland Centre: www.southhollandcentre.co.uk 01775 764777