A reflection of Simon's 2008
Starting out the year working front of house at the Palace Theatre, London, it was really hard for me not being able to use the time usefully and efficiently. Whenever I had the opportunity to escape management and the punters, I snuck off to the cupboard under the stairs to work on my music.

The good news I had received at that time was that I had been nominated for an Indy award for Best Male Solo Act 2008. With the votes from family, friends and fans, I became a Finalist and was invited to the awards ceremony, hoping to be the winner. It was then up to a group of selected judges. I didn't win, but was in the final four, out of 120,000 artists. The Ceremony was televised and results announced on Rock World TV. www.indyawards.co.uk

'The Joy's' of working as an Usher/attendant came to an end when I was offered a dancing role with the English National Opera in 'The Merry Widow'. Anthony Van Laast, the choreographer, had just finished working on the new Mamma Mia movie. Whilst I was working for him he asked me if I would like to be in the new Harry Potter movie 'The Half Blood Prince'. This involved working in a heavy troll costume, and dancing during the credits and in the tapestries around Hogwarts. After many wardrobe fittings, the film company cut the scenes due to budget constraints.

After 'Harry', summer arrived and I joined Helen Parlor's dance company as the male lead in 'Forbidden', a site-specific piece in the grounds of Goodrich Castle, Hereford. We rehearsed and performed in the open and exposed to the elements. We went running most mornings and attended dance classes, so I was starting to get fit, when I hurt my back doing some of the aerial work. It was so frustrating being unable to perform some the aerial work that I had trained so hard for.

At the same time as rehearsing I was asked to write a folk song for the show with a real medieval feel named 'I'm Alive'. This was based on the love story which took place in the castle grounds during the battle of the Cavaliers and the Roundheads.

It was a great experience with an opportunity of working with some really lovely people, including my hero Barry Ganberg, a musician from the Ballet Rambert School where I trained as a dancer.

Following the shows I started pretty much straightaway with Natasha Gilmore's 'The Blank Album' see www.gilmoreproductions.co.uk This piece required me to play the guitar, sing, dance, and even do standup comedy! The Blank Album is an abstract insight of a rock and roll band and the trials and tribulations that they go through. It really is a unique production and is something to experience first hand. We've performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Latitude and Belladrum festivals, and toured all over the UK. We will be touring again in February 2009.

The Blank Album Tour 9th February, Garrison Theatre, Shetland, 01595 692 114, www.shetland.org 10th March, Arena, Wolverhampton, 01902 321321, www.wlv.ac.uk/arena 11th March, The Lowry, Salford, Nr. Manchester, 0870 787 5780, www.thelowry.com 12th March, The Brindley, Runcorn, Cheshire, 0151 907 8360, www.thebrindley.org.uk 17th March, Old Town hall, Hemel Hempstead, 01442 228091, www.dacorum.gov.uk/arts 19th March, Salisbury Arts Centre, 01722 321744, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 20th March, Swindon Dance, 01793 601700, www.swindondance.org.uk 21st March, The Vauxhall Tavern, Duckie, 020 7737 4043, www.duckie.co.uk 23rd March, Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, S. Wales, 01443 485934, www.theatre-wales.co.uk 17th April, MacRobert Arts Centre, Stirling, 01786 466 666, www.macrobert.stir.ac.uk 2nd May, Derby Dance and Arc Theatre, Trowbridge, 01332 370 911, www.derbydance.co.uk 6th May, The Place Theatre, Spring Loaded, London, 020 7121 1100, www.theplace.org.uk 7th May, Southill Park, Bracknell, 01344 484123, www.southhillpark.org.uk 14th May, The Ark Trowbridge, 0845 299 0476, www.arctheatre.org.uk 16th May, The Electric Palace, Bridport, 01308 428354, www.electricpalace.org.uk

In the pipe line for 2009:
'Fair Trade Records' are interested in releasing Simon Jaymes on a compilation album which will be distributed by Universal. Sharon Dean from 'Respect Music' is interested in publishing his music Deuce Management will be plugging Simon to radio Station's all over the UK including BBC FM Radio stations.

Current News:
Simon Jaymes is currently organising, co producing and recording his debut album, which will be released under his own Label. There will also be an animation to one of his songs. To find out more and to receive the launch dates for the animation/video, album release and launch Party, Go to www.simonjaymes.com If you have not already registered, then please join the mailing list at this site where he can keep you posted on all gigs and releases. Also you can help support Simon by forwarding this letter and becoming a friend/fan on www.myspace.com/simonjaymesmusic and www.facebook.com/pages/SimonJaymes/39274894951

Future Gigs this January 2009!

The Bedford Balham, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9HD, Cost: FREE ENTRY! Simon Jaymes and Adam Drake Live! Nearest Tube: Balham. THURSDAY - 15 Jan 2009 - 8:00pm

The Regal Room, The Distillers, 64 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9PH Cost: Free! Simon Jaymes and Adam Drake Live! Nearest tube: Hammersmith. FRIDAY - 23 Jan 2009 - 8:30pm

Simon is now finally recording his debut album in Richard Bundy’s ‘Chicken shed’ and at the ‘Monkey Puzzle House’ in January 2009.

Simon Jaymes is through to the finals of the ‘INDY AWARDS 2008’ thanks to YOU! Because of your support and votes Simon has made it to the finals as ‘BEST MALE SOLO ACT’ for the INDY AWARDS 2008! Your work as the public is done and all we can do now is cross our fingers and hope that the industry panel gives Simon careful consideration for Best Male Solo Act of 2008! Simon is in the finals with artists Dave Arcari, Vince Freeman and Gene Linford so if you are interested in seeing Simon Jaymes and the other considered artists for ‘Best Male Solo Act’ then go to: www.indyawards.co.uk/2008/artist_finalists.php?category=Male%20Solo The response has been tremendous with over 600 venues, festivals and promoters participating by nominating over 700 of the very best artists out of an estimated 120,000 that played on their stages last year. Even to be a nominated artist in the first place means we are in the top 0.5% of emerging talent in the UK! Again thank you all and remember that the reason Simon is currently a finalist is because your votes got him there! Watch this space! And join Simon’s mailing list at: www.itsallaboutsimon.com

THE INDY AWARD VOTING DEADLINE IS 31ST MARCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INDY AWARD NOMINEE SIMON JAYMES NEEDS YOUR VOTE CONFIRMED! PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO CONFIRM YOUR VOTE FROM YOUR EMAIL BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T THEN SIMON GETS NO VOTE! He has been nominated for ‘The Indy Music Awards 2008’ for best solo act and needs you and all the people you know to vote for him for him to stand a chance of being short listed and appearing at the award ceremony which will be televised. Please forward this message to your whole emailing system to try and get the votes up. It’s a big ask but this is the biggest opportunity that has happened for Simon Jaymes to date. How to Vote: This is a very easy process all you have to do is go to this link/Address: www.indyawards.co.uk/2008/artist_voting.php?artists=S and click ‘vote’ under Simon Jaymes and submit your email address, you will then shortly receive a confirmation email, click to confirm and you’re done! The INDY Music Awards identify the top 0.5% of artists currently on the live music circuit. To be nominated for an award is a major achievement in itself and they invest a considerable amount of time and resource in highlighting the awards, participating promoters and venues and the nominated, short listed and winning artists to the public at large and the music industry in general. The credibility and sustainability of the awards are directly related to the quality and future success of the artists they help identify, reward and promote. Your support is not only appreciated but also crucial to further all Simon’s aspirations. Simon thanks you for all your support at this time. Remember to vote please go to: www.indyawards.co.uk AND DON’T FORGET TO CONFIRM THE VOTE FROM YOUR EMAIL!

Simon Jaymes really needs your help! He has been nominated for ‘The Indy Music Awards 2008’ for best solo act and needs you and all the people you know to vote for him for him to stand a chance of being short listed and appearing at the award ceremony which will be televised. Please forward this message to your whole emailing system to try and get the votes up. It’s a big ask but this is the biggest opportunity that has happened for Simon Jaymes to date. Please also note that the spelling of the name has changed from Simon James to Simon Jaymes, to create a search advantage on Google and other search engines. How to Vote: This is a very easy process all you have to do is go to this link/Address: www.indyawards.co.uk/2008/artist_voting.php?artists=S and click ‘vote’ under Simon Jaymes and submit your email address, you will then shortly receive a confirmation email, click to confirm and you’re done! The INDY Music Awards are NOT a competition; they don't offer prizes and don't exploit the artists fan base by charging for voting! Last year 218 artists were nominated out of an estimated 40,000 who played at participating venues. We believe strongly as does the industry, in the importance of 'live' performance. The INDY Music Awards identify the top 0.5% of artists currently on the live music circuit. To be nominated for an award is a major achievement in itself and they invest a considerable amount of time and resource in highlighting the awards, participating promoters and venues and the nominated, short listed and winning artists to the public at large and the music industry in general. The credibility and sustainability of the awards are directly related to the quality and future success of the artists they help identify, reward and promote. Your support is not only appreciated but also crucial to further all Simon’s aspirations. Simon thanks you for all your support at this time. Remember to vote please go to: www.indyawards.co.uk