Bowing out

But as he clears his desk and heads north-east the excitement of his new role as higher education development officer, at the £75 million Music Centre, at Gateshead, is slightly tempered by regrets at leaving the Brewery: "I've really enjoyed my time here, and feel that, after three years, we are just beginning to develop work in a whole range of exciting areas.

"As the biggest new music-specific project in Europe, the Music Centre is just about the only thing that could tempt me to leave such a great place as the Brewery - but I'd be crazy not to take the opportunity.

"The Brewery is the best organisation I've ever worked in or for.

It's all down to the commitment, professionalism and sheer hard work of an exceptional team, by which I mean every single person in the building, including the magnificent volunteers.

"It's been a privilege to have worked with Anne Pierson, an arts leader without parallel in the UK, and without whose 23 years of determined service the Brewery would not be the centre of excellence it has become."

Stuart is a man whose enthusiasm for all things musical is infectious.

I'm personally grateful to him for rekindling my interest in World Music, particularly introducing me to the music and amazing voice of Sainkho Namtchylak and many other acts in the Contemporary Music Network (CMN) stable, such as Scanner.

And one of the lasting memories I have of Stuart, is of him whisking Robert 'Led Zeppelin' Plant up the back stage steps of the Brewery, into his car, and off to the Castle Green Hotel - pure rock and roll.

The way I see it, a major part of Stuart's success is due to his contacts.

He is a lovely guy and during 30 years in the business as a saxophone player he has touched base with many movers and shakers within the industry.

Space prevents me from waxing lyrical about all his Brewery successes.

However, I must mention the 'man in black' himself, jazz/rock guitarist Mike Stern, who Stuart lined-up at the Brewery not once, but twice.

Stuart adds: "Highlights are too numerous to mention in detail, but I've made so many good friends in Kendal in such a comparatively short space of time, and seen so many world-class artists visit the venue..."

So how does he see the future for the Kendal arts centre I ask? "Autumn 2001 will see new senior staff and new board at the Brewery; a time both of change and new opportunities.

I'm sure that these will be embraced wholeheartedly, and wish the Brewery continued success.

Never did an arts organisation deserve it more."