31st July
7:30PM - 11:00PM
Poetry Cafe
22 Betterton St.
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9BX
Tel: 020 7420 9887
Shangwe showcases and promotes fresh emerging artists in a supportive atmosphere. Hosted by Nicole Moore, a published poet and creative writing tutor. Plus open mic.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bristol: HARBOURSIDE FESTIVAL
2nd and 3rd AUGUST
@ Cascades Stage
Cascades Steps
Bristol City Centre & Harbourside
There will be music and poetry both days from 12pm to 7pm. Big Mouth's very own Rosemary Dun will be performing 10 mins of her poetry on Sunday 3rd at 1.25pm. Be great to see any of you there!!!
@ Cascades Stage
Cascades Steps
Bristol City Centre & Harbourside
There will be music and poetry both days from 12pm to 7pm. Big Mouth's very own Rosemary Dun will be performing 10 mins of her poetry on Sunday 3rd at 1.25pm. Be great to see any of you there!!!
Sussex: THE FIRE POET
August 5th 2008
at 8pm
Emerson College
Sussex RH18 5JX
The Fire Poet performs TREASURES FROM THE SEA OF FIRE (including lyrical improvisations).
at 8pm
Emerson College
Sussex RH18 5JX
The Fire Poet performs TREASURES FROM THE SEA OF FIRE (including lyrical improvisations).
Sunday, July 27, 2008
GLASGOW: Last Monday at Rio
July 28th, 2008, 8pm, FREE
The Rio Cafe,
27 Hyndland Street,
Glasgow,
G11
Children of the chill, please make an orderly burst for this month's hot and happening Last Monday At Rio. Do we have delights for you? Yes we do.
Headline act is Mark Thomson, professional poet, author of The Bard Of The Building Site. With this Thomson you get more Dundee than you do with DC! Also featuring is Alan McGillivray, winner of the McCash prize for poetry. Taking the "Dive In" soapbox spot will be Alex Frew, treating us to his take on working in - a call centre!
First hour of the evening is open mic. Five minute spots are available. If you want to read, speak, perform, dress up as Goldilocks, sing Dixie or imitate an onion please contact robin.cairns@btconnect.com
The Rio Cafe,
27 Hyndland Street,
Glasgow,
G11
Children of the chill, please make an orderly burst for this month's hot and happening Last Monday At Rio. Do we have delights for you? Yes we do.
Headline act is Mark Thomson, professional poet, author of The Bard Of The Building Site. With this Thomson you get more Dundee than you do with DC! Also featuring is Alan McGillivray, winner of the McCash prize for poetry. Taking the "Dive In" soapbox spot will be Alex Frew, treating us to his take on working in - a call centre!
First hour of the evening is open mic. Five minute spots are available. If you want to read, speak, perform, dress up as Goldilocks, sing Dixie or imitate an onion please contact robin.cairns@btconnect.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
ROCHDALE: Write Out Loud
Sunday, July 27th, 2008, 8pm, £1 donation.
The Olde Boar's Head,
Long Street,
Middleton
M24 6UE
In Conjunction with Cartwheel Arts, this is the première poetry open mic night in Rochdale. Everyone welcome to read their poems in a supportive environment.
For further details, e-mail Paul at paul@writeoutloud.net
The Olde Boar's Head,
Long Street,
Middleton
M24 6UE
In Conjunction with Cartwheel Arts, this is the première poetry open mic night in Rochdale. Everyone welcome to read their poems in a supportive environment.
For further details, e-mail Paul at paul@writeoutloud.net
Friday, July 25, 2008
BOLTON: Write Out Loud Poetry Open Mic
Saturday, July 26th, 2008, 5pm, FREE
Leverhulme Park,
Long Lane,
Bolton
As part of the fantastic Bolton Music Showcase Festival which is going on for much of the day, Write Out Loud is holding an open mic event.
For more details or to book in advance, e-mail paul@writeoutloud.net
Leverhulme Park,
Long Lane,
Bolton
As part of the fantastic Bolton Music Showcase Festival which is going on for much of the day, Write Out Loud is holding an open mic event.
For more details or to book in advance, e-mail paul@writeoutloud.net
Thursday, July 24, 2008
BIRMINGHAM: Outspoken
Friday, July 25th, 2008, doors open 8.30pm, start 9pm sharp, £5 (over 18s only)
Sublounge Bar,
Barwick Street,
off Colmore Row,
Birmingham
B3 2NT
Outspoken will take place every last Friday of the month, starting 25th July, and including 29th August, 26th September and 31st October. There will be poetry, spoken word, open mic and a live band.
Sublounge Bar,
Barwick Street,
off Colmore Row,
Birmingham
B3 2NT
Outspoken will take place every last Friday of the month, starting 25th July, and including 29th August, 26th September and 31st October. There will be poetry, spoken word, open mic and a live band.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
LIVERPOOL: Costa Liverpool Poetry Café
Thursday, July 24th, 2008, 7pm-9.30pm, FREE
Costa Cafe,
14-16 Bold Street,
Liverpool,
L1 4DS
Bring along your favourite Liverpool-focused and/or Liverpool-authored and/or urban poems (already published) to read. Please no more than three poems for 5-10 minutes.
Contact Alex Scott-Samuel at 0151 724 2777 or on alexss@liv.ac.uk
Costa Cafe,
14-16 Bold Street,
Liverpool,
L1 4DS
Bring along your favourite Liverpool-focused and/or Liverpool-authored and/or urban poems (already published) to read. Please no more than three poems for 5-10 minutes.
Contact Alex Scott-Samuel at 0151 724 2777 or on alexss@liv.ac.uk
Monday, July 21, 2008
LIVERPOOL: Costa Liverpool Poetry Café
Thursday, July 24th, 2008, 7pm-9.30pm, FREE
Costa Cafe,
14-16 Bold Street,
Liverpool,
L1 4DS
Bring along your favourite Liverpool-focused and/or Liverpool-authored and/or urban poems (already published) to read. Please no more than three poems for 5-10 minutes.
Contact Alex Scott-Samuel at 0151 724 2777 or on alexss@liv.ac.uk
Costa Cafe,
14-16 Bold Street,
Liverpool,
L1 4DS
Bring along your favourite Liverpool-focused and/or Liverpool-authored and/or urban poems (already published) to read. Please no more than three poems for 5-10 minutes.
Contact Alex Scott-Samuel at 0151 724 2777 or on alexss@liv.ac.uk
MANCHESTER: Poetica
HEBDEN BRIDGE: Open Mic Surgery
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008, 9pm
Upstairs at the Stubbing Wharf pub,
King Street,
Hebden Bridge
HX7 6LU
We are a platform for music by the people, for the people. It is free to play, free to come and listen! It is a thriving, energetic and welcoming night, that attracts a wide range of people and musical styles, from teenagers to pensioners, blues to cutting edge contemporary acoustic music. Everyone gets the chance to perform one song, (or tune, or poem...). If the energy's right and there's enough time, they may get a second go.
Upstairs at the Stubbing Wharf pub,
King Street,
Hebden Bridge
HX7 6LU
We are a platform for music by the people, for the people. It is free to play, free to come and listen! It is a thriving, energetic and welcoming night, that attracts a wide range of people and musical styles, from teenagers to pensioners, blues to cutting edge contemporary acoustic music. Everyone gets the chance to perform one song, (or tune, or poem...). If the energy's right and there's enough time, they may get a second go.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
CORK: Ó Bhéal
Monday, July 21st, 2008. The night begins with the Poetry Challenge at 8.30pm. Guest poets begin between 9.00pm and 9.30pm. FREE
Ó Bhéal is held in the Hayloft, upstairs at:
The Long Valley
Winthrop Street
See the map: www.obheal.ie/map
Matthew Sweeney - 21st July
Born Co Donegal 1952, Matthew Sweeney returned to Ireland last year after living abroad for decades, most recently in Berlin. Among his many collections are included Black Moon (1997 - shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize and the Irish Times Poetry Now Award), Sanctuary (2004) and Selected Poems (2002), all published by Cape.
Readings will last between 40-60 minutes after which there will be the usual open-mic session. Be sure to come early to get good seats. Full bar available.
Ó Bhéal is held in the Hayloft, upstairs at:
The Long Valley
Winthrop Street
See the map: www.obheal.ie/map
Matthew Sweeney - 21st July
Born Co Donegal 1952, Matthew Sweeney returned to Ireland last year after living abroad for decades, most recently in Berlin. Among his many collections are included Black Moon (1997 - shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize and the Irish Times Poetry Now Award), Sanctuary (2004) and Selected Poems (2002), all published by Cape.
Readings will last between 40-60 minutes after which there will be the usual open-mic session. Be sure to come early to get good seats. Full bar available.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
GLASGOW: Last Monday at Rio
July 28th, 2008, 8pm, FREE
The Rio Cafe,
27 Hyndland Street,
Glasgow,
G11
Children of the chill, please make an orderly burst for this month's hot and happening Last Monday At Rio. Do we have delights for you? Yes we do.
Headline act is Mark Thomson, professional poet, author of The Bard Of The Building Site. With this Thomson you get more Dundee than you do with DC! Also featuring is Alan McGillivray, winner of the McCash prize for poetry. Taking the "Dive In" soapbox spot will be Alex Frew, treating us to his take on working in - a call centre!
First hour of the evening is open mic. Five minute spots are available. If you want to read, speak, perform, dress up as Goldilocks, sing Dixie or imitate an onion please contact robin.cairns@btconnect.com
The Rio Cafe,
27 Hyndland Street,
Glasgow,
G11
Children of the chill, please make an orderly burst for this month's hot and happening Last Monday At Rio. Do we have delights for you? Yes we do.
Headline act is Mark Thomson, professional poet, author of The Bard Of The Building Site. With this Thomson you get more Dundee than you do with DC! Also featuring is Alan McGillivray, winner of the McCash prize for poetry. Taking the "Dive In" soapbox spot will be Alex Frew, treating us to his take on working in - a call centre!
First hour of the evening is open mic. Five minute spots are available. If you want to read, speak, perform, dress up as Goldilocks, sing Dixie or imitate an onion please contact robin.cairns@btconnect.com
BIRMINGHAM: Outspoken
Friday, July 25th, 2008, doors open 8.30pm, start 9pm sharp, £5 (over 18s only)
Sublounge Bar,
Barwick Street,
off Colmore Row,
Birmingham
B3 2NT
Outspoken will take place every last Friday of the month, starting 25th July, and including 29th August, 26th September and 31st October. There will be poetry, spoken word, open mic and a live band.
Sublounge Bar,
Barwick Street,
off Colmore Row,
Birmingham
B3 2NT
Outspoken will take place every last Friday of the month, starting 25th July, and including 29th August, 26th September and 31st October. There will be poetry, spoken word, open mic and a live band.
LONDON: If I Cover My Nose You Can't See Me by Polarbear
Friday 18th July, 2008, Saturday 19th July 2008, 7.45pm, £9
Purcell Room,
Southbank Centre,
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Tel: 0871 663 2500
Rising star of the spoken word scene, Polarbear premieres his first full-length one-man show - If I Cover My Nose You Can't See Me. It fuses live artwork and visuals in a unique event, and will take over The Front Room after the show. Polarbear's poetry tells a 21st century story of a 28-year-old man stuck in a dead end job; and an 11-year-old boy looking for answers. What happens when things change and what do we do in response?
Written and performed by Polarbear
Directed by Yael Shavit
Produced by Sarah Ellis for Apples & Snakes
Visual design by Goonism
Lighting design by Ben Pacey
Set design by Gabriella Gerdelics
Music by Foy Vance
Commissioned by Birmingham REP and Arts Council England. This event is part of London Literature Festival 2008.
Purcell Room,
Southbank Centre,
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Tel: 0871 663 2500
Rising star of the spoken word scene, Polarbear premieres his first full-length one-man show - If I Cover My Nose You Can't See Me. It fuses live artwork and visuals in a unique event, and will take over The Front Room after the show. Polarbear's poetry tells a 21st century story of a 28-year-old man stuck in a dead end job; and an 11-year-old boy looking for answers. What happens when things change and what do we do in response?
Written and performed by Polarbear
Directed by Yael Shavit
Produced by Sarah Ellis for Apples & Snakes
Visual design by Goonism
Lighting design by Ben Pacey
Set design by Gabriella Gerdelics
Music by Foy Vance
Commissioned by Birmingham REP and Arts Council England. This event is part of London Literature Festival 2008.
LEWES: Pint of Poetry
Friday, 18th July, 2008, from 8.30pm
Lewes Arms,
Lewes,
East Sussex
The next gig at Lewes Pint of Poetry will be a Poetry Party with Jared Louche, Catherine Smith, Charlie Devus, Tony Kalume and Oliver. Open spots are more than welcome.
Lewes Arms,
Lewes,
East Sussex
The next gig at Lewes Pint of Poetry will be a Poetry Party with Jared Louche, Catherine Smith, Charlie Devus, Tony Kalume and Oliver. Open spots are more than welcome.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
GALWAY: Philip Casey, Eamonn Wall, Aideen Henry, John Liddy, Jarlath Fahy & John Menaghan
Friday, July 18th, 8pm, FREE
Sheridan’s Wine Bar,
14-16 Church Yard Street,
Galway
Over The Edge presents a reading by Philip Casey, Eamonn Wall, Aideen Henry, John Liddy, Jarlath Fahy & John Menaghan.
Philip Casey was born to Irish parents in London in 1950 and grew up in Co Wexford. His publications include three collections of verse: Those Distant Summers (Dublin, Raven Arts Press, 1980); After Thunder (Raven Arts Press, 1985); and The Year of the Knife: Poems 1980-1990, (Raven Arts Press Dublin, 1991). A fourth collection of poetry, Dialogue in Fading Light, was published by New Island Books in 2005. A member of Aosdána, Philip initiated and maintains the website Irish Writers Online. He lives in Dublin.
Eamonn Wall was born and raised in Co. Wexford, has lived in the US since 1982 and is now settled in Missouri. His poetry collections to date are Dyckman--200th Street (1994), Iron Mountain Road (1997), The Crosses (2000), and Refuge at Desoto Bend (2004) all published by Salmon. Eamonn Wall teaches at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This reading will be the Galway launch of Eamonn’s fifth collection of poems, A Tour of Your Country (Salmon Poetry).
Aideen Henry lives and works in Galway. Her poems have been published in The Shop, Soutword, West 47, Crannóg, Revival, The Cúirt Annual & The Stony Thursday Book. She is currently a student on the MA in Writing at NUI Galway. Aideen has also taken part in poetry workshops at Galway Arts Centre. She has read her poems many times at the Over The Edge open-mic; was a Featured Reader at the March 2007 Over The Edge: Open Reading and was shortlisted for this year’s Cúirt Festival/Over The Edge showcase reading.
Jarlath Fahy is a native of Tuam, Co Galway. He is a dramatic reader of his work. He has read at the Voices from The Tower lunchtime readings in Galway’s Fisheries Tower, been a featured reader at an Over The Edge: Open Reading in Galway City Library and also featured at North Beach Poetry Nights. He has been compared to both Paul Durcan and Pat McCabe for his darkly comic content and to ee cummings for his typographical style. The Man Who Was Haunted By Beautiful Smells (Wordsonthestreet, 2008) is Jarlath’s first published collection.
John Liddy was born in Youghal, Co. Cork, grew up in Limerick and now lives in Spain. His poetry collections include Boundaries (1974), The Angling Cot (1991), Song of the Empty Cage (1997), Wine and Hope (1999), Cast-A-Net (2003) and The Well: New and Selected Poems (2007). La Barca de la Arena (a translation by Francisco Rivero in Spanish of The Angling Cot), and Poisonous Pleasure (a translation by John Liddy from Tosigo Ardento by José Maria Álvarez) will both be published soon. He lives in Madrid.
John Menaghan was born in New Jersey to Irish-American parents. He teaches literature and creative writing at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he also serves as Director of both the Irish Studies and Summer in Ireland programs and runs the annual Irish Cultural Festival. His most recent collection of poems, She Alone - a book-length poetic sequence, which traces the life of an imaginary woman from birth to death and beyond – was published in 2006 by Salmon Poetry.
For further information, contact 087-6431748.
Over The Edge acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council and Galway City Council.
www.overtheedgeliteraryevents.blogspot.com
Sheridan’s Wine Bar,
14-16 Church Yard Street,
Galway
Over The Edge presents a reading by Philip Casey, Eamonn Wall, Aideen Henry, John Liddy, Jarlath Fahy & John Menaghan.
Philip Casey was born to Irish parents in London in 1950 and grew up in Co Wexford. His publications include three collections of verse: Those Distant Summers (Dublin, Raven Arts Press, 1980); After Thunder (Raven Arts Press, 1985); and The Year of the Knife: Poems 1980-1990, (Raven Arts Press Dublin, 1991). A fourth collection of poetry, Dialogue in Fading Light, was published by New Island Books in 2005. A member of Aosdána, Philip initiated and maintains the website Irish Writers Online. He lives in Dublin.
Eamonn Wall was born and raised in Co. Wexford, has lived in the US since 1982 and is now settled in Missouri. His poetry collections to date are Dyckman--200th Street (1994), Iron Mountain Road (1997), The Crosses (2000), and Refuge at Desoto Bend (2004) all published by Salmon. Eamonn Wall teaches at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This reading will be the Galway launch of Eamonn’s fifth collection of poems, A Tour of Your Country (Salmon Poetry).
Aideen Henry lives and works in Galway. Her poems have been published in The Shop, Soutword, West 47, Crannóg, Revival, The Cúirt Annual & The Stony Thursday Book. She is currently a student on the MA in Writing at NUI Galway. Aideen has also taken part in poetry workshops at Galway Arts Centre. She has read her poems many times at the Over The Edge open-mic; was a Featured Reader at the March 2007 Over The Edge: Open Reading and was shortlisted for this year’s Cúirt Festival/Over The Edge showcase reading.
Jarlath Fahy is a native of Tuam, Co Galway. He is a dramatic reader of his work. He has read at the Voices from The Tower lunchtime readings in Galway’s Fisheries Tower, been a featured reader at an Over The Edge: Open Reading in Galway City Library and also featured at North Beach Poetry Nights. He has been compared to both Paul Durcan and Pat McCabe for his darkly comic content and to ee cummings for his typographical style. The Man Who Was Haunted By Beautiful Smells (Wordsonthestreet, 2008) is Jarlath’s first published collection.
John Liddy was born in Youghal, Co. Cork, grew up in Limerick and now lives in Spain. His poetry collections include Boundaries (1974), The Angling Cot (1991), Song of the Empty Cage (1997), Wine and Hope (1999), Cast-A-Net (2003) and The Well: New and Selected Poems (2007). La Barca de la Arena (a translation by Francisco Rivero in Spanish of The Angling Cot), and Poisonous Pleasure (a translation by John Liddy from Tosigo Ardento by José Maria Álvarez) will both be published soon. He lives in Madrid.
John Menaghan was born in New Jersey to Irish-American parents. He teaches literature and creative writing at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he also serves as Director of both the Irish Studies and Summer in Ireland programs and runs the annual Irish Cultural Festival. His most recent collection of poems, She Alone - a book-length poetic sequence, which traces the life of an imaginary woman from birth to death and beyond – was published in 2006 by Salmon Poetry.
For further information, contact 087-6431748.
Over The Edge acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council and Galway City Council.
www.overtheedgeliteraryevents.blogspot.com
BIRKENHEAD: Wirral Ode Show Poets
Thursday, July 17th, 2008, 9pm-11pm, FREE
Stork Hotel,
41 Price Street,
Birkenhead,
CH41 6JN
Monthly open floor night. For further details, e-mail: jasonrichardson69@hotmail.com
Stork Hotel,
41 Price Street,
Birkenhead,
CH41 6JN
Monthly open floor night. For further details, e-mail: jasonrichardson69@hotmail.com
MANCHESTER: The Northern Poetry Slam
Wednesday, July 16th, 2008, 9pm, FREE
Northern Pub,
56 Tib Street,
Manchester
Hosted by the effervescent comedian John Cooper. Each contestant gets three minutes on the mic to impress the audience. The winner of each heat receives a small cash prize and automatic entry into the Manchester Literature Festival Grand Slam in October. If you don't want to take to the stage come just along to enjoy the vibe and discover the city's rising stars of poetry and help crown a champion.
For further details, call 0161 236 5725, or e-mail: admin@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
Northern Pub,
56 Tib Street,
Manchester
Hosted by the effervescent comedian John Cooper. Each contestant gets three minutes on the mic to impress the audience. The winner of each heat receives a small cash prize and automatic entry into the Manchester Literature Festival Grand Slam in October. If you don't want to take to the stage come just along to enjoy the vibe and discover the city's rising stars of poetry and help crown a champion.
For further details, call 0161 236 5725, or e-mail: admin@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
LIVERPOOL: Dead Good Poets Monthly Guest Night
Wednesday, July 16th, 2008, 8pm, £1
Everyman Bistro, Hope Street opp. Catholic Cathedral, Liverpool
For further details, e-mail: sarah@deadgoodpoetssociety.co.uk
Everyman Bistro, Hope Street opp. Catholic Cathedral, Liverpool
For further details, e-mail: sarah@deadgoodpoetssociety.co.uk
Monday, July 14, 2008
Leamington Spa: PureandGoodandRight
Wednesday 16 July
At this month’s PureandGoodandRight, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 July at the Fox, we welcome back a BIG star of performance poetry, TONY WALSH.
Tony popped into P&G&R whilst visiting Warwickshire in August 2007, and wowed the audience with ten minutes of fantastic poetry. I’ve seen him at several events around the country since then, including the Birmingham Big Love Slam, where he was a worthy winner.
Seeing a full set of Tony’s poetry, you’ll appreciate the breadth and depth of his talent – he’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry, he’ll make you think. If you’re not careful, he’ll even make you gibber.
This is an ideal opportunity to see what performance poetry is all about – if you’re not a regular at our events this is the one you should come to – if you are a regular, this is the one to bring your friends to. They’ll thank you for the experience.
Details, including a whole raft of comments on Tony’s performances and links to his websites, appear on the attached poster. and on the website at: www.kellywit.com/pages/puregoodandright.php.
And don’t forget - the Fox now serves food from its grill menu until 10pm (100% positive feedback from diners in June!).
I really really really hope to see you there!
Tony popped into P&G&R whilst visiting Warwickshire in August 2007, and wowed the audience with ten minutes of fantastic poetry. I’ve seen him at several events around the country since then, including the Birmingham Big Love Slam, where he was a worthy winner.
Seeing a full set of Tony’s poetry, you’ll appreciate the breadth and depth of his talent – he’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry, he’ll make you think. If you’re not careful, he’ll even make you gibber.
This is an ideal opportunity to see what performance poetry is all about – if you’re not a regular at our events this is the one you should come to – if you are a regular, this is the one to bring your friends to. They’ll thank you for the experience.
Details, including a whole raft of comments on Tony’s performances and links to his websites, appear on the attached poster. and on the website at: www.kellywit.com/pages/puregoodandright.php.
And don’t forget - the Fox now serves food from its grill menu until 10pm (100% positive feedback from diners in June!).
I really really really hope to see you there!
Latitude Festival 2008
17th -20th July 2008
Henham Park, Southwold
Suffolk
The tickets sold out weeks ago but, for those lucky enough to be going, here is the line-up:
Thursday 17th July
Luke Wright, John Hegley & Keith Moore, Ruby And Her Whorses, Alex Sheppard, Molly Naylor, Jo Overfield, Joe Dunthorne, The Mid Nineties la la la, Tim Clare, Ross Sutherland,
Aisle 16.
Friday 18th July
Luke Wright, Chris Hicks, Joe Hakim, Molly Naylor, John Osborne, Elvis McGonagall, Nathan Filer, Hovis In Wonderland, Ross Sutherland, Caroline Bird, Hannah Walker, Aoife Mannix, John Burnside, Tim Wells, Teen Angst, Joel Stickley, Tim Turnbull, Carol Ann Duffy, Patrick Lappin, Yam Boy, Tim Clare, Niall O'Sullivan, Andy Craven-Griffiths, Rhian Edwards & Hugo Williams, Ben Borek, Project Adorno, Yanny Mac Domestic Goddess, Kate Tempest, Kriss Foster, Poeticat, Penny Sailor, Drew Taylor, Luke Wright, Steve Tasane, Poem InBetween People, John Berkavitch, Byron Vincent, Dockers MC, Mik Artistik, Josh Weller, Salena Godden, Aisle 16
Saturday 19th July
Luke Wright, Dockers MC, Ruby And Her Whorses, Tom Warner, Ross Sutherland, Daljit Nagra, Ben Borek, Joe Dunthorne, John Osborne, Michael Horovitz, Francesca Beard, Chris Hicks, Teen Angst, Niall O'Sullivan, Elvis McGonagall, John Berkavitch, Joel Stickley, Adrian Mitchell, Ventriloquist, Jo Overfield, Tim Clare, Tim Wells, Nathan Filer, Byron Vincent, Mik Artistik, Poem InBetween People, MC Angel, Mister Gee, Ventriloquist, Poeticat, Luke Wright, Project Adorno, Tim Turnbull, Steve Tasane, Kat Francois, Kate Tempest, Paul MacJoyce, Attila The Stockbroker, Aisle 16.
Henham Park, Southwold
Suffolk
The tickets sold out weeks ago but, for those lucky enough to be going, here is the line-up:
Thursday 17th July
Luke Wright, John Hegley & Keith Moore, Ruby And Her Whorses, Alex Sheppard, Molly Naylor, Jo Overfield, Joe Dunthorne, The Mid Nineties la la la, Tim Clare, Ross Sutherland,
Aisle 16.
Friday 18th July
Luke Wright, Chris Hicks, Joe Hakim, Molly Naylor, John Osborne, Elvis McGonagall, Nathan Filer, Hovis In Wonderland, Ross Sutherland, Caroline Bird, Hannah Walker, Aoife Mannix, John Burnside, Tim Wells, Teen Angst, Joel Stickley, Tim Turnbull, Carol Ann Duffy, Patrick Lappin, Yam Boy, Tim Clare, Niall O'Sullivan, Andy Craven-Griffiths, Rhian Edwards & Hugo Williams, Ben Borek, Project Adorno, Yanny Mac Domestic Goddess, Kate Tempest, Kriss Foster, Poeticat, Penny Sailor, Drew Taylor, Luke Wright, Steve Tasane, Poem InBetween People, John Berkavitch, Byron Vincent, Dockers MC, Mik Artistik, Josh Weller, Salena Godden, Aisle 16
Saturday 19th July
Luke Wright, Dockers MC, Ruby And Her Whorses, Tom Warner, Ross Sutherland, Daljit Nagra, Ben Borek, Joe Dunthorne, John Osborne, Michael Horovitz, Francesca Beard, Chris Hicks, Teen Angst, Niall O'Sullivan, Elvis McGonagall, John Berkavitch, Joel Stickley, Adrian Mitchell, Ventriloquist, Jo Overfield, Tim Clare, Tim Wells, Nathan Filer, Byron Vincent, Mik Artistik, Poem InBetween People, MC Angel, Mister Gee, Ventriloquist, Poeticat, Luke Wright, Project Adorno, Tim Turnbull, Steve Tasane, Kat Francois, Kate Tempest, Paul MacJoyce, Attila The Stockbroker, Aisle 16.
Sunday 20th July
Luke Wright, Kat Francois, Yam Boy, Alex Sheppard, Poet's Tree : Paul Hamilton, Joe Dunthorne, Hannah Walker, Rhian Edwards & Hugo Williams, Daljit Nagra, John Osborne, Simon Armitage, Ross Sutherland, Aoife Mannix, Tim Turnbull, Paul MacJoyce, Rachel Pantechnicon, Niall O'Sullivan, Dockers MC, Nathan Filer, Porky The Poet, Joe Hakim, Kriss Foster, Chris Hicks, Joel Stickley, Ben Borek, George Pringle, Teen Angst, Penny Sailor, Drew Taylor, Molly Naylor, Tom Warner, Tim Clare, Rhian Edwards & Hugo Williams, Andy Craven-Griffiths, Steve Tasane, Project Adorno, Mik Artistik, Aisle 16
Saturday, July 12, 2008
From Madrid, Los Angeles, St Louis, Dublin, Galway & Tuam: Writers gather at Sheridan’s Wine Bar
Friday, July 18th
8pm.
Sheridan’s Wine Bar
14-16 Church Yard Street
Galway
Over The Edge presents a reading by Philip Casey, Eamonn Wall, Aideen Henry, John Liddy, Jarlath Fahy & John Menaghan.
If I Cover My Nose You Can't See Me by Polarbear
Friday 18 July, Saturday 19 July
7.45pmWhere: Tickets: £9
Purcell Room
Southbank Centre
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Book: 0871 663 2500
Rising star of the spoken word scene, Polarbear premieres his first full-length one-man show - If I Cover My Nose You Can't See Me. It fuses live artwork and visuals in a unique event, and will take over The Front Room after the show. Polarbear's poetry tells a 21st century story of a 28-year-old man stuck in a dead end job; and an 11-year-old boy looking for answers. What happens when things change and what do we do in response?
Written and performed by Polarbear
Directed by Yael Shavit
Produced by Sarah Ellis for Apples & Snakes
Visual design by Goonism
Lighting design by Ben Pacey
Set design by Gabriella Gerdelics
Music by Foy Vance
Commissioned by Birmingham REP and Arts Council England. This event is part of London Literature Festival 2008.
7.45pmWhere: Tickets: £9
Purcell Room
Southbank Centre
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Book: 0871 663 2500
Rising star of the spoken word scene, Polarbear premieres his first full-length one-man show - If I Cover My Nose You Can't See Me. It fuses live artwork and visuals in a unique event, and will take over The Front Room after the show. Polarbear's poetry tells a 21st century story of a 28-year-old man stuck in a dead end job; and an 11-year-old boy looking for answers. What happens when things change and what do we do in response?
Written and performed by Polarbear
Directed by Yael Shavit
Produced by Sarah Ellis for Apples & Snakes
Visual design by Goonism
Lighting design by Ben Pacey
Set design by Gabriella Gerdelics
Music by Foy Vance
Commissioned by Birmingham REP and Arts Council England. This event is part of London Literature Festival 2008.
The Rebel Cell at the Poetry Cafe
Wed 16th July
9pm (following John Hegley), £3 (or free to John Hegley ticket holders)
Poetry Cafe
22 Betterton St.
Covent Garden
London WC2
Tel: 020 7420 9887
The Poetry Cafe are hosting a one-off preview of 'The Rebel Cell' before the show goes up to the Edinburgh Festival. Award winning rap poets Baba Brinkman (Rap Canterbury Tales) and Dizraeli (BBC Radio 4 Slam Champion) go head to head in a fictional, lyrical, comical battle of wits and world-views. Can words and music change the world? "8-Mile meets 1984" following John Hegley - his own festival preview '70 minutes at 7'.
9pm (following John Hegley), £3 (or free to John Hegley ticket holders)
Poetry Cafe
22 Betterton St.
Covent Garden
London WC2
Tel: 020 7420 9887
The Poetry Cafe are hosting a one-off preview of 'The Rebel Cell' before the show goes up to the Edinburgh Festival. Award winning rap poets Baba Brinkman (Rap Canterbury Tales) and Dizraeli (BBC Radio 4 Slam Champion) go head to head in a fictional, lyrical, comical battle of wits and world-views. Can words and music change the world? "8-Mile meets 1984" following John Hegley - his own festival preview '70 minutes at 7'.
Lewes Pint of Poetry
The latest notice from the lovely Oliver at www.oliverspoetry.com:
Friday, 18 July
from 8.30pm
Lewes Arms
Lewes
East Sussex
The next gig at Lewes Pint of Poetry will be a Poetry Party with Jared Louche, Catherine Smith, Charlie Devus, Tony Kalume and Oliver. Open spots are more than welcome.
Friday, 18 July
from 8.30pm
Lewes Arms
Lewes
East Sussex
The next gig at Lewes Pint of Poetry will be a Poetry Party with Jared Louche, Catherine Smith, Charlie Devus, Tony Kalume and Oliver. Open spots are more than welcome.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Cambridge: BROKEN WORD
next show is on Sunday JULY 13
5.45 doors open (6-8pm)
@ CB1 Internet Cafe Mill Road
Cambridge CB1
BROKEN WORD is a fortnightly live literature & music event
with stand-up poet Magic Phil as MCManic street preacher Alex Iamb Local poet/rapper Hollie, Radio 209's Patrick Widdessplus, Open Floor Spots for spoken word with Musical Accompaniment from "Ban 'Jo"& local singer songwriters
5.45 doors open (6-8pm)
@ CB1 Internet Cafe Mill Road
Cambridge CB1
BROKEN WORD is a fortnightly live literature & music event
with stand-up poet Magic Phil as MCManic street preacher Alex Iamb Local poet/rapper Hollie, Radio 209's Patrick Widdessplus, Open Floor Spots for spoken word with Musical Accompaniment from "Ban 'Jo"& local singer songwriters
Birmingham: POETRY BITES
Tuesday 15th July 2008
7.30pm, (Food available from 6.30pm) £5 (£4)
Kitchen Garden Café
17 York Road
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 7SA
Simon Turner's first collection You Are Here was published by Heaventree in 2007. He co-edits the blogzine Gists and Piths with George Ttoouli, and is currently at work on a second collection. He lives and works in Warwickshire.
Poetry Bites also includes floor spots where you can share your own poetry with an appreciative audience. Please arrive early to book a spot.
To reserve a place email jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk or pay at the door.
7.30pm, (Food available from 6.30pm) £5 (£4)
Kitchen Garden Café
17 York Road
Kings Heath
Birmingham
B14 7SA
Jacqui Rowe presents:
POETRY BITES
AT
THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE
WITH
SIMON TURNER
AT
THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE
WITH
SIMON TURNER
Simon Turner's first collection You Are Here was published by Heaventree in 2007. He co-edits the blogzine Gists and Piths with George Ttoouli, and is currently at work on a second collection. He lives and works in Warwickshire.
Poetry Bites also includes floor spots where you can share your own poetry with an appreciative audience. Please arrive early to book a spot.
To reserve a place email jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk or pay at the door.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Cambridge: Isobel Dixon and Simon Barraclough
Tuesday, 15 July 2008,
8.00pm, £3/2 on the door
Anthony Low Building, Clare Hall
Clare Hall Literary Society presents
Summer Reading Series: Isobel Dixon and Simon Barraclough
Is the heat getting to you? Feeling deprived of poetry over these long, sultry summer months? The Clare Hall Literary Society presents a reading by two poets whose recent collections have set the UK publishing world ablaze, a reading which promises to fight fire with more fire. Isobel Dixon, author of ‘A Fold in the Map’ (Salt, 2007), and Simon Barraclough, author of ‘Los Alamos Mon Amour’ (Salt, 2008), will be reading from their work; introductions to each poet by Helen Mort and Melanie Challenger. Cash bar available, any questions to Benjamin Morris at bam32@cam.ac.uk.
8.00pm, £3/2 on the door
Anthony Low Building, Clare Hall
Clare Hall Literary Society presents
Summer Reading Series: Isobel Dixon and Simon Barraclough
Is the heat getting to you? Feeling deprived of poetry over these long, sultry summer months? The Clare Hall Literary Society presents a reading by two poets whose recent collections have set the UK publishing world ablaze, a reading which promises to fight fire with more fire. Isobel Dixon, author of ‘A Fold in the Map’ (Salt, 2007), and Simon Barraclough, author of ‘Los Alamos Mon Amour’ (Salt, 2008), will be reading from their work; introductions to each poet by Helen Mort and Melanie Challenger. Cash bar available, any questions to Benjamin Morris at bam32@cam.ac.uk.
Final of the Hackney Empire Spice Festival Slam CHANGED to July 16th!
Unfortunately, due to personal reasons US slam poetry star Daniel Beaty has unavoidably had to pull out of his UK shows at the Hackney Empire on the 22nd July.
As previously advertised, the plan was to hold the final of the Spice Festival slam before his show on the evening of the 22nd. Due to that show being cancelled I will now be presenting the final as part of the charity event 'Voices in Harmony' at 7.30pm on Weds the 16th July. 'Voices in Harmony' will be a top show featuring acapella human beatbox group the Magnets, Crisis, Kat Francois and a whole host of other fantastic poets and perfomers on the main stage of the Hackney Empire. 2-for-1 ticket offers are available at the slam heats or just phone the Box Office on 02089852424 quoting '2-for-1 offer'!:
Slam! facebook event: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=33285936288
Voices in Harmony Facebook event: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=20690466115
The winner of the first highly fun yet hotly-contested round was Saran Green. The dates of the heats remain unchanged, on the 8th and 15th in the Marie Lloyd Bar, 7.30pm, FREE. The overall winner will still also win a slot in the final of the talent show '291' on the main stage on the 25th July! Due to pull-outs there are two slots now available on the 15th - turn up early as they'll go to the first to turn up and ask! Don't forget we are still after unbiased judges for the slam heats on the 8th and 15th July - judges get a free pint!
As previously advertised, the plan was to hold the final of the Spice Festival slam before his show on the evening of the 22nd. Due to that show being cancelled I will now be presenting the final as part of the charity event 'Voices in Harmony' at 7.30pm on Weds the 16th July. 'Voices in Harmony' will be a top show featuring acapella human beatbox group the Magnets, Crisis, Kat Francois and a whole host of other fantastic poets and perfomers on the main stage of the Hackney Empire. 2-for-1 ticket offers are available at the slam heats or just phone the Box Office on 02089852424 quoting '2-for-1 offer'!:
Slam! facebook event: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=33285936288
Voices in Harmony Facebook event: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=20690466115
The winner of the first highly fun yet hotly-contested round was Saran Green. The dates of the heats remain unchanged, on the 8th and 15th in the Marie Lloyd Bar, 7.30pm, FREE. The overall winner will still also win a slot in the final of the talent show '291' on the main stage on the 25th July! Due to pull-outs there are two slots now available on the 15th - turn up early as they'll go to the first to turn up and ask! Don't forget we are still after unbiased judges for the slam heats on the 8th and 15th July - judges get a free pint!
Monday, July 07, 2008
This Week at Ledbury .....
A few events to look out for during the next few days at the Ledbury Poetry Festival:
Tuesday 8th July
In the footsteps of DH Lawrence
Burgage Hall, £6
6.30pm - 7.30pm
Geoff Dyer criss-crosses the globe in the footsteps of DH Lawrence for his remarkable, highly original and laugh-out-loud book Out Of Sheer Rage. Like Alain de Botton, WG Sebald and John Berger, Dyer has established his reputation through his innovative conjoining of specific physical journeys with voyages of intellectual discovery. His other books include The Missing of the Somme, his study of jazz But Beautiful and his apology for traveller idleness Yoga for People Who Can't Be Bothered To Do It. He says "Following Lawrence around the world I was struck by how quickly my reactions became blunted by the relentless grind of travel... Lawrence dragged his extraordinary responsiveness round the world, reacting to everything he encountered."
Homend Poets
Icebytes, Free
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Local poets read their work at this informal and enjoyable musical and poetry event. Come and join in, all contributions welcome.
Wednesday 9th July
Sebastian Peake on Mervyn Peake
Burgage Hall, £6
6.30pm - 7.30pm
On Mervyn Peake's birthday, on the 40th anniversary of his death, Sebastian Peake will give an illustrated talk about his father, the author of the much-loved Gormenghast trilogy and one of the great originals of the twentieth century. Mervyn Peake was also a poet, painter, playwright and illustrator and this year sees the publication of his Collected Poems, which reveal the dazzling link between the fantasy world of Gormenghast and Peake's own life and turbulent times, from unemployment in the 1930s to the horrors of the London Blitz and the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen.
Jehane Markham Jazz Trio
Burgage Hall, £6
8.15pm - 9.15pm
A night of poetry and jazz with themes ranging from Frank Sinatra to Cambodia to London as poet and playwright Jehane Markham delivers original poetry whilst jazz duo Robin Phillips (piano) and Jonny Gee (electro-acoustic bass) create musical soundscapes to compliment the words.
Ledbury Lyricists
Prince of Wales, Free
8.00pm - 11.00pm
A gathering of folk musicians and poets. Come and join in or simply listen and enjoy.
Friday 11th July
Brenda Read Brown - Flood Poems, Jacqueline Saphra and Eric Gregory Award Winners
Burgage Hall, £6
10.30am - 11.30am
The Gloucestershire floods of July 2007 will not easily be forgotten. Tewkesbury writer and poet, Brenda Read-Brown, visited emergency services, local heroes and ordinary people caught up in the crisis to hear their accounts of that extraordinary time. Some of the stories are captured in her evocative poems. This event will also feature Jacqueline Saphra, the winner of the Ledbury Poetry Festival Poetry Competition and the winners of the 2008 Eric Gregory Awards.
Luke Kennard and Eleanor Rees
Burgage Hall, £8
6.00pm - 7.00pm
For this event the Festival chucks out the rows of chairs and invites you to 'the listening lab', experimenting with different ways of listening. Ever thought you'd rather hear poetry read while you lounge in a deckchair? Then this event is for you.
Jackie Kay
Community Hall
7.30pm - 8.30pm
- one of Britain's best-known poets and a funny and compelling performer.
Polarbear and John Berkavitch
Burgage Hall, £6
9.00pm - 10.00pm
Funny and compelling, Polarbear is one of Britain's foremost performance poets. He creates 21st century story-poems with their roots in the rhythms of hip-hop, combining fantasy and hard reality. His Birmingham twang and subject matter have led to comparisons with Mike Skinner, but Polarbear's hero is Charles Bukowski. John Berkavitch's performance style is a mix of rap, ironic wit, sensitive social observation, unrequited love, beatbox and a passionate distaste for authority. His poems are packaged together with a sense of urgency and at times breathtaking speed and lyrical dexterity.
Saturday 12 July
Improvisation in Poetry: The Big Chill vs John Masefield High School
Market Theatre, Free
2.00pm - 4.00pm
John Masefield High School pupils have worked with The Anomalies, a Hereford based hip-hop group, to produce a 3 minute rap. The Big Chill Festival is also, for the first time, supporting an Education and Outreach Programme involving workshops at John Masefield High School led by two spoken word artists Martin Stannage (AKA Visceral) and Shane Solanki (creator of D1 Archytypes). The performers will also appear at The Big Chill Festival, Eastnor Castle, 1 - 3 August.
Growing Up an Alien
Market Theatre, £10
5.00pm - 6.00pm
Intimate, enchanting and funny, Growing Up An Alien is the new show from captivating Irish writer and performer Aoife Mannix. In the company of mesmeric accordionist Janie Armour, Aoife revisits her nomadic childhood, exploring the relationships that bind all families together and the secrets that pull them apart. Born in a snowstorm in Stockholm on the stroke of midnight, Aoife reveals a wondrous coming-of-age tale about searching for a place to belong.
Poetry Slam
The Market Theatre, £5
6.30pm - 8.30pm
A fast-paced, fun-filled performance poetry competition. Leading UK slampresarios Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury host proceedings as fifteen diverse versifiers vie for the slam champ accolade. Random judges mark the quality of the writing, quality of performance and warmth of applaudience. Three three-minute rounds narrow the field and heighten the tempo. More tense than Tennyson, keener than Keats, huger than Hughes and, yes, poetry in motion!
To find out just what are Words Worth - or to enter the slam (first come, first served) - contact Marcus on 01285 640470 or at info@spiel.wanadoo.co.uk
Extreme Workshop: The Dark Write of the Sole
11.15pm, £15
Meet in front of the Burgage Hall, Church Lane
If you want to write those special poems you have to do the legwork because, as we all know, the greatest rewards come to those prepared to walk the extra mile. Writing can be soul destroying: tonight it gets sole destroying too. Raw Edge has organised Extreme Writing Workshops for two years now, including a workshop in a mediaeval castle dungeon. Participants will walk along the ridge back towards Ledbury with writing stops along the way. The night will be led by writer, editor and publisher Dave Reeves, with support and navigation from Lucy Lomas. Both are experienced hillwalkers and Lucy is a first aider and holds an outdoor leaders award.
The walk is a maximum of 10 miles and walkers will need to have a reasonable level of walking fitness. It will end at around 6-7.00am depending on the participants themselves.
Sunday 13 July
Poetry Breakfast with Peter Wyton and Emily Wills
Under the market house
9.30am - 10.30am
Come and enjoy croissants and coffee under the market house and relish the poetry.
Seeds of Fire: Contemporary Poetry from the Other USA
Burgage Hall, £8
11.00am - 12 noon
Jon Andersen and Martín Espada are both poets who bear witness, as Pulitzer Prize finalist Martín Espada says, "I saw no contradiction being both a lawyer and a poet, since both, for me, involved advocacy." Their poems speak out on behalf of those without an opportunity to be heard, in the great tradition of Walt Whitman and Woody Guthrie. "Some poems call us to the barricades, some to despair. Some detail the way capitalism can poison even the most intimate aspects of our lives, while others record the bloody consequences of the American Way, from Palestine and Iraq, Vietnam and Chile to the beggars on the streets of Washington." Martín Espada is a major award-winning poet. He has published 14 books including Crucifixion in the Plaza De Armas, The Republic of Poetry, A Mayan Astronomer in Hells Kitchen and City of Coughing and Dead Radiators. Jon Andersen's first collection is called Stomp and Sing. (Fred Voss also features in this anthology, see event no. 64)
Buzzing!
Market Theatre, £3 (adults go free)
10.30am - 11.30am
"Edutainment for all the family!" Each of the poems in Buzzing! introduce you to one of the extraordinary tiny creatures that live in our gardens. This fun celebration of garden creepy crawlies, by Anneliese Emmans Dean, is performed to a backdrop of photos, with especially composed music by acclaimed viola player John Rayson. It's amazing, it's amusing, it's Buzzing!
Luke Wright Poet and Man
Market Theatre, £6
2.00pm - 3.00pm
Mortgaged and married at 25, Luke Wright looks at what it takes to be a proper grown-up man in the 21st century. The result is "electrifying. He's like John Hegley crossed with Mike Skinner" and the verse is "visceral, poignant and riotously funny."
Poetry and Myth: David Morley and Marina Warner
Burgage Hall, £8
3.30pm - 4.30pm
Marina Warner is a hugely significant writer and thinker whose topics include myths, fairy tales, ghosts, monsters, the supernatural, women and childhood, explored across books and lectures such as From the Beast to the Blonde, No Go the Bogeyman and Managing Monsters: Six Myths of Our Time. She joins poet David Morley whose latest collection, The Invisible Kings, "is made up of the conflicts and mythologies of Morley's own Romany heritage, its various dark gods and underworlds." As Tim Liardet writes "Any universe is bound together by language; and Morley brings Romany vocabulary fizzing and crackling into our consciousness."
The Odyssey
Market Theatre, £8
6.45pm - 9.00pm
Having wowed Ledbury with Beowulf, Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden return with the story of Odysseus' ten year journey from Troy and describe the systematic stripping away of a hero's wealth and warrior bravado until, at last, he returns home 'alone, unknown and under a strange sail'. Buffeted by the Fates, helped by indomitable owl-eyed Athene, Odysseus' voyage is the journey of Everyman from the cock-sureness of youth into the wisdom of age, from male ego into feminine mystery. This compulsive performance, by two of Britain's leading storytellers, is true to the momentum of a rattling good tale, the wry humour and poetic reflection, and the profound human observation of the Homeric vision.
For a full selection of the delights of Ledbury, click on the convenient link in the left margin.
Tuesday 8th July
In the footsteps of DH Lawrence
Burgage Hall, £6
6.30pm - 7.30pm
Geoff Dyer criss-crosses the globe in the footsteps of DH Lawrence for his remarkable, highly original and laugh-out-loud book Out Of Sheer Rage. Like Alain de Botton, WG Sebald and John Berger, Dyer has established his reputation through his innovative conjoining of specific physical journeys with voyages of intellectual discovery. His other books include The Missing of the Somme, his study of jazz But Beautiful and his apology for traveller idleness Yoga for People Who Can't Be Bothered To Do It. He says "Following Lawrence around the world I was struck by how quickly my reactions became blunted by the relentless grind of travel... Lawrence dragged his extraordinary responsiveness round the world, reacting to everything he encountered."
Homend Poets
Icebytes, Free
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Local poets read their work at this informal and enjoyable musical and poetry event. Come and join in, all contributions welcome.
Wednesday 9th July
Sebastian Peake on Mervyn Peake
Burgage Hall, £6
6.30pm - 7.30pm
On Mervyn Peake's birthday, on the 40th anniversary of his death, Sebastian Peake will give an illustrated talk about his father, the author of the much-loved Gormenghast trilogy and one of the great originals of the twentieth century. Mervyn Peake was also a poet, painter, playwright and illustrator and this year sees the publication of his Collected Poems, which reveal the dazzling link between the fantasy world of Gormenghast and Peake's own life and turbulent times, from unemployment in the 1930s to the horrors of the London Blitz and the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen.
Jehane Markham Jazz Trio
Burgage Hall, £6
8.15pm - 9.15pm
A night of poetry and jazz with themes ranging from Frank Sinatra to Cambodia to London as poet and playwright Jehane Markham delivers original poetry whilst jazz duo Robin Phillips (piano) and Jonny Gee (electro-acoustic bass) create musical soundscapes to compliment the words.
Ledbury Lyricists
Prince of Wales, Free
8.00pm - 11.00pm
A gathering of folk musicians and poets. Come and join in or simply listen and enjoy.
Friday 11th July
Brenda Read Brown - Flood Poems, Jacqueline Saphra and Eric Gregory Award Winners
Burgage Hall, £6
10.30am - 11.30am
The Gloucestershire floods of July 2007 will not easily be forgotten. Tewkesbury writer and poet, Brenda Read-Brown, visited emergency services, local heroes and ordinary people caught up in the crisis to hear their accounts of that extraordinary time. Some of the stories are captured in her evocative poems. This event will also feature Jacqueline Saphra, the winner of the Ledbury Poetry Festival Poetry Competition and the winners of the 2008 Eric Gregory Awards.
Luke Kennard and Eleanor Rees
Burgage Hall, £8
6.00pm - 7.00pm
For this event the Festival chucks out the rows of chairs and invites you to 'the listening lab', experimenting with different ways of listening. Ever thought you'd rather hear poetry read while you lounge in a deckchair? Then this event is for you.
Jackie Kay
Community Hall
7.30pm - 8.30pm
- one of Britain's best-known poets and a funny and compelling performer.
Polarbear and John Berkavitch
Burgage Hall, £6
9.00pm - 10.00pm
Funny and compelling, Polarbear is one of Britain's foremost performance poets. He creates 21st century story-poems with their roots in the rhythms of hip-hop, combining fantasy and hard reality. His Birmingham twang and subject matter have led to comparisons with Mike Skinner, but Polarbear's hero is Charles Bukowski. John Berkavitch's performance style is a mix of rap, ironic wit, sensitive social observation, unrequited love, beatbox and a passionate distaste for authority. His poems are packaged together with a sense of urgency and at times breathtaking speed and lyrical dexterity.
Saturday 12 July
Improvisation in Poetry: The Big Chill vs John Masefield High School
Market Theatre, Free
2.00pm - 4.00pm
John Masefield High School pupils have worked with The Anomalies, a Hereford based hip-hop group, to produce a 3 minute rap. The Big Chill Festival is also, for the first time, supporting an Education and Outreach Programme involving workshops at John Masefield High School led by two spoken word artists Martin Stannage (AKA Visceral) and Shane Solanki (creator of D1 Archytypes). The performers will also appear at The Big Chill Festival, Eastnor Castle, 1 - 3 August.
Growing Up an Alien
Market Theatre, £10
5.00pm - 6.00pm
Intimate, enchanting and funny, Growing Up An Alien is the new show from captivating Irish writer and performer Aoife Mannix. In the company of mesmeric accordionist Janie Armour, Aoife revisits her nomadic childhood, exploring the relationships that bind all families together and the secrets that pull them apart. Born in a snowstorm in Stockholm on the stroke of midnight, Aoife reveals a wondrous coming-of-age tale about searching for a place to belong.
Poetry Slam
The Market Theatre, £5
6.30pm - 8.30pm
A fast-paced, fun-filled performance poetry competition. Leading UK slampresarios Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury host proceedings as fifteen diverse versifiers vie for the slam champ accolade. Random judges mark the quality of the writing, quality of performance and warmth of applaudience. Three three-minute rounds narrow the field and heighten the tempo. More tense than Tennyson, keener than Keats, huger than Hughes and, yes, poetry in motion!
To find out just what are Words Worth - or to enter the slam (first come, first served) - contact Marcus on 01285 640470 or at info@spiel.wanadoo.co.uk
Extreme Workshop: The Dark Write of the Sole
11.15pm, £15
Meet in front of the Burgage Hall, Church Lane
If you want to write those special poems you have to do the legwork because, as we all know, the greatest rewards come to those prepared to walk the extra mile. Writing can be soul destroying: tonight it gets sole destroying too. Raw Edge has organised Extreme Writing Workshops for two years now, including a workshop in a mediaeval castle dungeon. Participants will walk along the ridge back towards Ledbury with writing stops along the way. The night will be led by writer, editor and publisher Dave Reeves, with support and navigation from Lucy Lomas. Both are experienced hillwalkers and Lucy is a first aider and holds an outdoor leaders award.
The walk is a maximum of 10 miles and walkers will need to have a reasonable level of walking fitness. It will end at around 6-7.00am depending on the participants themselves.
Sunday 13 July
Poetry Breakfast with Peter Wyton and Emily Wills
Under the market house
9.30am - 10.30am
Come and enjoy croissants and coffee under the market house and relish the poetry.
Seeds of Fire: Contemporary Poetry from the Other USA
Burgage Hall, £8
11.00am - 12 noon
Jon Andersen and Martín Espada are both poets who bear witness, as Pulitzer Prize finalist Martín Espada says, "I saw no contradiction being both a lawyer and a poet, since both, for me, involved advocacy." Their poems speak out on behalf of those without an opportunity to be heard, in the great tradition of Walt Whitman and Woody Guthrie. "Some poems call us to the barricades, some to despair. Some detail the way capitalism can poison even the most intimate aspects of our lives, while others record the bloody consequences of the American Way, from Palestine and Iraq, Vietnam and Chile to the beggars on the streets of Washington." Martín Espada is a major award-winning poet. He has published 14 books including Crucifixion in the Plaza De Armas, The Republic of Poetry, A Mayan Astronomer in Hells Kitchen and City of Coughing and Dead Radiators. Jon Andersen's first collection is called Stomp and Sing. (Fred Voss also features in this anthology, see event no. 64)
Buzzing!
Market Theatre, £3 (adults go free)
10.30am - 11.30am
"Edutainment for all the family!" Each of the poems in Buzzing! introduce you to one of the extraordinary tiny creatures that live in our gardens. This fun celebration of garden creepy crawlies, by Anneliese Emmans Dean, is performed to a backdrop of photos, with especially composed music by acclaimed viola player John Rayson. It's amazing, it's amusing, it's Buzzing!
Luke Wright Poet and Man
Market Theatre, £6
2.00pm - 3.00pm
Mortgaged and married at 25, Luke Wright looks at what it takes to be a proper grown-up man in the 21st century. The result is "electrifying. He's like John Hegley crossed with Mike Skinner" and the verse is "visceral, poignant and riotously funny."
Poetry and Myth: David Morley and Marina Warner
Burgage Hall, £8
3.30pm - 4.30pm
Marina Warner is a hugely significant writer and thinker whose topics include myths, fairy tales, ghosts, monsters, the supernatural, women and childhood, explored across books and lectures such as From the Beast to the Blonde, No Go the Bogeyman and Managing Monsters: Six Myths of Our Time. She joins poet David Morley whose latest collection, The Invisible Kings, "is made up of the conflicts and mythologies of Morley's own Romany heritage, its various dark gods and underworlds." As Tim Liardet writes "Any universe is bound together by language; and Morley brings Romany vocabulary fizzing and crackling into our consciousness."
The Odyssey
Market Theatre, £8
6.45pm - 9.00pm
Having wowed Ledbury with Beowulf, Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden return with the story of Odysseus' ten year journey from Troy and describe the systematic stripping away of a hero's wealth and warrior bravado until, at last, he returns home 'alone, unknown and under a strange sail'. Buffeted by the Fates, helped by indomitable owl-eyed Athene, Odysseus' voyage is the journey of Everyman from the cock-sureness of youth into the wisdom of age, from male ego into feminine mystery. This compulsive performance, by two of Britain's leading storytellers, is true to the momentum of a rattling good tale, the wry humour and poetic reflection, and the profound human observation of the Homeric vision.
For a full selection of the delights of Ledbury, click on the convenient link in the left margin.
The Poetry Cafe
22 Betterton St.
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9BX
Tel: 020 7420 9887
The next seven days at the at the Poetry Cafe looks like this:
Poetry Unplugged
8th July, £4/3
7:30PM - 11:00PM
Open mic night hosted by Niall O'Sullivan. Sign on to read between 6-7pm.
Loose Muse
9th July, £5
7:30PM - 11:00PM/3
Hosted by Agnes Meadow.
Survivors Poetry
10th July, £2/1
Journey Central Comedy Night
11th July, £6/5
8:00PM - 11:00PM
Comedy show hosted by Lainey Mclean. Different line ups every show. Event details
Literature Lounge Master Class
12th July
Creative writing workshop with Anjan Saha
Entertainment Club
14th July
close up magic and music with Matthew Duggan.
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9BX
Tel: 020 7420 9887
The next seven days at the at the Poetry Cafe looks like this:
Poetry Unplugged
8th July, £4/3
7:30PM - 11:00PM
Open mic night hosted by Niall O'Sullivan. Sign on to read between 6-7pm.
Loose Muse
9th July, £5
7:30PM - 11:00PM/3
Hosted by Agnes Meadow.
Survivors Poetry
10th July, £2/1
8:00PM - 10:00PM
Poetry reading with resilience as main theme.Journey Central Comedy Night
11th July, £6/5
8:00PM - 11:00PM
Comedy show hosted by Lainey Mclean. Different line ups every show. Event details
Literature Lounge Master Class
12th July
11:00AM - 4:00PM
Creative writing workshop with Anjan Saha
Entertainment Club
14th July
8:00PM - 11:00PM
close up magic and music with Matthew Duggan.
Cork: Ó Bhéal
Ó Bhéal is held in the Hayloft, upstairs at:
The Long Valley
Winthrop Street
See the map: www.obheal.ie/map
The night begins with the Poetry Challenge at 8.30pm. Guest poets begin between 9.00pm and 9.30pm
Dates in July:
Rónán Ó Snodaigh - 7th July
Rónán will be reading in Irish and English, and will also read from The Garden Wars, a new collection of poems published and launched in December 2007.
Desmond O’Grady and John Liddy - 14th July
Desmond O'Grady's publications number twenty three collections of his own poems, including The Road Taken: Poems 1956-1996 and The Wandering Celt, and twelve collections of translated poetry, among them Trawling Traditions: Translations 1954-1994, Selected Poems of C.P. Cavafy, The Song of Songs and, in 2005, Kurdish Poems of Love and Liberty, in addition to prose memoirs of his literary acquaintances and friends. The publication of On My Way in 2006 marked the 50th anniversary of Desmond's first published collection, Chords and Orchestrations.
John Liddy's publications are Boundaries (1974), The Angling Cot (1991), Song of the Empty Cage (1997), Wine and Hope (1999), Cast-A-Net (2003) and The Well: New and Selected Poems (2007). Forthcoming are La Barca de la Arena (a translation by Francisco Rivero in Spanish of The Angling Cot) and Poisonous Pleasure (a translation by John Liddy from Tosigo Ardento by José Maria Álvarez).
Matthew Sweeney - 21st July
Born Co Donegal 1952, Matthew Sweeney returned to Ireland last year after living abroad for decades, most recently in Berlin. Among his many collections are included Black Moon (1997 - shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize and the Irish Times Poetry Now Award), Sanctuary (2004) and Selected Poems (2002), all published by Cape.
Niall Herriott - 28th July
He has a selection of poems out - Beachcombers.
Entrance is free. Readings will last between 40-60 minutes after which there will be the usual open-mic session. Be sure to come early to get good seats. Full bar available.
The Long Valley
Winthrop Street
See the map: www.obheal.ie/map
The night begins with the Poetry Challenge at 8.30pm. Guest poets begin between 9.00pm and 9.30pm
Dates in July:
Rónán Ó Snodaigh - 7th July
Rónán will be reading in Irish and English, and will also read from The Garden Wars, a new collection of poems published and launched in December 2007.
Desmond O’Grady and John Liddy - 14th July
Desmond O'Grady's publications number twenty three collections of his own poems, including The Road Taken: Poems 1956-1996 and The Wandering Celt, and twelve collections of translated poetry, among them Trawling Traditions: Translations 1954-1994, Selected Poems of C.P. Cavafy, The Song of Songs and, in 2005, Kurdish Poems of Love and Liberty, in addition to prose memoirs of his literary acquaintances and friends. The publication of On My Way in 2006 marked the 50th anniversary of Desmond's first published collection, Chords and Orchestrations.
John Liddy's publications are Boundaries (1974), The Angling Cot (1991), Song of the Empty Cage (1997), Wine and Hope (1999), Cast-A-Net (2003) and The Well: New and Selected Poems (2007). Forthcoming are La Barca de la Arena (a translation by Francisco Rivero in Spanish of The Angling Cot) and Poisonous Pleasure (a translation by John Liddy from Tosigo Ardento by José Maria Álvarez).
Matthew Sweeney - 21st July
Born Co Donegal 1952, Matthew Sweeney returned to Ireland last year after living abroad for decades, most recently in Berlin. Among his many collections are included Black Moon (1997 - shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize and the Irish Times Poetry Now Award), Sanctuary (2004) and Selected Poems (2002), all published by Cape.
Niall Herriott - 28th July
He has a selection of poems out - Beachcombers.
Entrance is free. Readings will last between 40-60 minutes after which there will be the usual open-mic session. Be sure to come early to get good seats. Full bar available.
Berkshire:Bracknell Festival
Saturday July 12th
12pm onwards. Free
South Hill Park Arts Centre
Bracknell
A.F.Harrold is compering the Cabaret Of Cacophony (which with any luck won’t be as bad as it sounds). We have music and words and all sorts on there, including the wunderkind of the performance poetry world Luke Wright who is almost always often not worth missing.
12pm onwards. Free
South Hill Park Arts Centre
Bracknell
A.F.Harrold is compering the Cabaret Of Cacophony (which with any luck won’t be as bad as it sounds). We have music and words and all sorts on there, including the wunderkind of the performance poetry world Luke Wright who is almost always often not worth missing.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Buzzwords at Ledbury Festival
Sunday, 6th July.
Downstairs at The Royal Oak, The Southend, Ledbury, HR8 2EY
Guest Poet - Dave Reeves
7pm - workshop led by Dave Reeves
8pm - open mic and guest poet reading
entrance £3
NB: the festival are producing tickets which are available online or on the phone from the box office but there will be tickets available on the door
Box office: 085 458 1743
Downstairs at The Royal Oak, The Southend, Ledbury, HR8 2EY
Guest Poet - Dave Reeves
7pm - workshop led by Dave Reeves
8pm - open mic and guest poet reading
entrance £3
NB: the festival are producing tickets which are available online or on the phone from the box office but there will be tickets available on the door
Box office: 085 458 1743
POETRY CAFE: The Rebel Cell
The Poetry Cafe are hosting a one-off preview of 'The Rebel Cell' before the show goes up to the Edinburgh Festival.
Award winning rap poets Baba Brinkman (Rap Canterbury Tales) and Dizraeli (BBC Radio 4 Slam Champion)go head to head in a fictional, lyrical, comical battle of wits and world-views. Can words and music change the world? "8-Mile meets 1984."
Wed 16th July
9pm following John Hegley - his own festival preview '70 minutes at 7'
Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton St., Covent Garden, London WC2, Tel: 020 7420 9887
£3 or free to John Hegley ticket holders
Link to the Edinburgh show
http://www.pleasancepages.co.uk/the_rebel_cell/
Award winning rap poets Baba Brinkman (Rap Canterbury Tales) and Dizraeli (BBC Radio 4 Slam Champion)go head to head in a fictional, lyrical, comical battle of wits and world-views. Can words and music change the world? "8-Mile meets 1984."
Wed 16th July
9pm following John Hegley - his own festival preview '70 minutes at 7'
Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton St., Covent Garden, London WC2, Tel: 020 7420 9887
£3 or free to John Hegley ticket holders
Link to the Edinburgh show
http://www.pleasancepages.co.uk/the_rebel_cell/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
