WHAT’S ON April 2018
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Festival Time! Your guide to all the best events across Wales in 2018
ANDREW W.K. | BILL BAILEY | BETH HART | STREET ART IN CYPRUS ART | CULTURE | MUSIC | FILM | FOOD+DRINK | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE | LISTINGS
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HHHHH “A hilarious musical treat!” Entertainment Views
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Huddersfield Examiner
North West End Magazine
“Super-sized fun with a “A funny, warm hearted musical fantastic cast. A very funny show!” that seems destined for the West End.” “Comedy musical gold.”
“A mega hit!”
“Nick Lloyd Webber’s score is excellent.”
“What a night! A super hit musical”
april 2018
Celebrity Radio
Musical Geek
Yorkshire Post
50reviews
What’s Good To Do
buzz...
04roundup
“Get businesses to help influence things that they want or don’t want”
publisher EMMA CLARK editor FEDOR TOT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK Buzz TV JAYDON MARTIN accounts TERESA CLARK social media CONNIE MATTHEWS design LEMONDOGCREATIVE.UK
Photo: Jay Brooks
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gyda \ starring
JODIE PRENGER SAM BAILEY NATALIE ANDERSON KEVIN KENNEDY JOEL MONTAGUE
10upfront
contributors KRISTIAN DANDO (CLUBS), KEIRON SELF (FILMS), CHRIS ANDREWS, COREY AUNGER, VARSHA BABUJI, JOHN-PAUL DAVIES, SIOBHAN DENTON, SAM EASTERBROOK, CHLOE EDWARDS, JUSTIN EVANS, CATHERINE JONES, BEN GALLIVAN, KARA GURR, CHRIS HAMILTONPEACH, ELOUISE HOBBS, RHIANNON HOLLEY, JASON MACHLAB, CARL MARSH, RHIANNON de MEULEMESTER, GARETH MOULE, LYNDA NASH, EMILY NEWSHAM, DAVID NOBAKHT, CHARLIE PIERCEY, ALISON POWELL, RHONDA LEE REALI, CHRIS SEAL, JON SUTTON, MARK TIMLIN, ELISHA WESCOTT, BEN WOOLHEAD, JAKE YOUNG
phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents FESTIVAL NO 6 cover GREEN MAN - PIC: MORGAN DEVINE
EBRILL 24 28 APRIL 2018 www.FatFriendsTheMusical.com
buzzmagwales
It’s the return of our annual festival guide, comprising the most comprehensive (I don’t know this for sure but it has to be, right?) in-print list of weekenders, alldayers and essentially unrelated clusters of events described as festivals for marketing purposes. Plus interviews with Andrew W.K., Bill Bailey, Beth Hart and more
36film
Keiron Self is not backward in coming forward to aim pelters at the new, Bruce Willis-starring Death Wish remake, and not alone in his views either. In fact, it sounds like the worst insult to the memory of Michael Winner since a food critic reviewed a bowl of overly-salted soup and didn’t send it back
38food&drink
Bigger than usual focus on (good) south Wales pubs and bars this month, and indeed the products drank in them – that courtesy of editor Fedor’s appraisal of Newport’s breakout brewmakers Tiny Rebel. Remind me that we need to write a feature on the best of the newskool/craft/experimental/weirdo beers from round here some time soon
42previews
We were going to cover a production of a Jeffrey Archer play on the Stage page, but the company and venue didn’t return any of our multiple requests for a photo, so we had to replace it with something not written by a CV-doctoring, wife-with-prostitute-cheating-on jailbird Tory perjurer. What a shame
@Buzz_Magazine
BuzzMagUK
Are you on team ‘Daphne & Celeste were always bad and so will their new album be’? Team ‘Daphne & Celeste were bad but now have a ‘credible’ producer so are now good’? Team ‘Daphne & Celeste were better before some nerdy indie losers started liking them’? Or are you reviewer Ben, who manages to sidestep each of these stances?
55lifestyle
“There is no ethical consumption under capitalism,” you holler, before Buzz pulls up on its motorbike and shoves this page of eco-friendly festival accessories in your face. Defeated, you do your duty and eat the paper, its bitter gloss bringing tears to your eyes
56travel
The long-awaited return of actual travelling to the travel page, Emma Harris visits Cyprus with a view to documenting the island’s surprisingly (to me at least) buoyant street art/graffiti scene. Hopefully there aren’t any organisations of concerned Cypriot busybodies giving up their time to scrub it off in the name of ‘community’
57listings
Worst band names in this issue: Not Four Glory, Toodles & The Hectic Pity, Taffy Twp, Black Sheikhs, Afghan Sand Gang, White Trash, Alan Reed And The Daughters Of Expediency
78competitions
Lots of things this month which are wholesome and mass-market popular on the face of it, but also contain a rude and/or alarming undertone – The South (ex The Beautiful South), an Agatha Christie play, and a workshop teaching you how to make cakes, possibly in obscene shapes
buzzmagtv
Buzz Magazine
www.buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ 3
ROY ORBISON HOLOGRAM TOUR A hologram is not something you see every day, but a hologram on tour is something you have never seen before. Now, you might be aware of the burgeoning trend for deceased musicians to appear onstage in holographic form: Tupac Shakur was ahead of the curve, despite having none himself, with a 2012 festival appearance, and this was followed by events wherein Michael Jackson and metal hero Ronnie James Dio appeared to flicker their way through the classics. The Roy Orbison hologram tour: 30 years after his death the iconic musician is taking the stage again... kind of. Much like a normal tour with a living and breathing person, Orbison will be performing in top venues across the UK accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Debuting in April, The Big O’s hologram will perform a selection of hits like Candy Man and Only The Lonely – songs that’ll have you both dreaming about life in the 1960s, and wondering, is the future now? Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Sun 8 Apr. Tickets: from £40 Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
RHS FLOWER SHOW
The annual Royal Horticultural Society Garden Show will attack Bute Park in Cardiff with a wave of colour this month. Over the weekend, exhibitors, gardeners, and horticulturalists will be showing off their wares and skills, making this ideal for any budding gardeners who want tips on how to improve your garden, even if it’s as small as a windowsill, and there will also be plenty of talks and workshops too. Bute Park, Cardiff, Fri 13-Sun 15 Apr. Tickets: £10-£14/free under-16s. Info: 020 3176 5800 / www.rhs.org.uk
TOKIO MYERS
TRANSITIONS DANCE COMPANY
Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers is embarking on a UK tour to showcase his many talents as a pianist, composer and producer, though a significant amount of dates are already sold out. Falling in love with classical music as a child, then shifting over to the otherworldly textures of dance music as he hit his teens, Myers can claim a strong internet fanbase, and will be playing a string of remixed and repurposed hits, aiming to surprise with his wide-angle musical imagination.
April sees the exuberant Transitions Dance Company perform in Cardiff, with a three-part show featuring an array of styles and dancers, catering to a range of tastes. The company is based in London and brings together some of the best amateur dancers in the UK and beyond. Specially commissioned work by three choreographers- the UK’s Richard Chappell, Finn Jarkko Partanen and Israel’s Hagit Yakira – will be performed by trainees who work hard every day to obtain a degree in dance. This showcase is a chance for them to demonstrate the strides they’ve made towards becoming professionals.
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Wed 25 Apr Tickets: £25.50-£30.50 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Sat 21 Apr. Tickets: £12 Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
THE SOUTH PLAY CARDIFF
DON MCLEAN HERE IN MAY
In 2007, British pop colossi and chart record-breakers The Beautiful South parted ways. In time a new group, The South, formed from their ashes, with previous Beautiful South members including lead singer Alison Wheeler and saxophone player Gaz Birtles continuing. The South continue to tour industriously, drawing on The Beautiful South’s laundry list of top 40 singles and doubtless dropping in some deep cuts too for the superfans (given the sales figures they notched up in their time, there’s got to be more of those than you might think). With no fewer than nine members, expect The South to serve up a musically rich evening.
In what Buzz would never even suggest was a sub-Cowell publicity stunt to drum up attention ahead of his UK tour, 72-year-old folk-rock tearjerker Don McLean was in the gossip pages at press time for being on the arm of a woman precisely one-third his age. Who was previously famous for catfishing $3,000 from a basketball player. All being well, this will only rev up the McLean engine for his Cardiff gig, from which he can draw from a repertoire of 18 studio albums spanning nearly 50 years. The ones you won’t have to be a doyen of Don to know include soft-focus Van Gogh tribute Vincent, the Elvis-covered And I Love You So, and 1972-til-infinity megasmash American Pie.
The Globe, Cardiff, Wed 18 Apr. Tickets: £18 Info: 07590 471888 / www.globecardiffmusic.com
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Sun 6 May. Tickets: £32.50-£42.50 Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
BUZZ BUZZ44
BUZZ 5
Pic: gordonplant
Crazy for Gershwin
My Dad Wrote A Porno
Remembering Fred
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
David Baddiel My Family: Not the Sitcom 27.04.18
Beth Hart
21.04.18
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Soul Legends
The Horne Section
22.04.18
PLASTIC-FREE ABERPORTH
10.04.18
30.04.18
19.04.18
Since going entirely plastic-free, the Ceredigion town of Aberporth has been making waves in the news. Emily Newsham caught up with one of the leading members of the town’s plastic-free movement, Sue Lewis. What was the inspiration behind this idea? Gail Tudor, our founder member, went on an Around Britain sailing ship, which looked at the plastic that’s in our seas. She was so horrified by what she found, she started picking up the plastic that comes in on the tide, and she encouraged the committee to support the plastic-free initiative. After that a local shop stopped selling milk in plastic bottles and looked at selling it in glass bottles.
You’ve had a lot of media attention. Do you hope this will inspire other places around the world to go plastic free? To start, the initial feed was very local but of course, it’s grown – we had no idea it would explode like it did. The period around Christmas, a huge media circus descended on Aberporth: Sky came down, CNN, and we even made the New York Times. So if this inspires anyone else, then that’s fantastic.
What has been the most rewarding part of this process? The fact the whole village has come together. It’s not only the local shops, but the local pub and the local homes, and as a result the village has become the first plastic-free community in Wales.
Do you have anything else planned in the plastic-free move? We’re hoping to get some funding and put leaflets in every holiday cottage and lets, saying “reuse, don’t use plastics,” etc. We’re also looking at getting a board that we can put on the beach, because in the summer it’s a problem when visitors don’t take their litter with them.
Do you hope to take the plastic-free movement to other places in Wales, and if so, where? It’s already happening because of the work that’s gone on in Aberporth. Other communities in Ceredigion have said they’re interested in doing a similar thing and the council is looking into Ceredigion to become the first plastic-free county in Wales. Has there been anything particularly difficult about going plastic-free? What we’re talking about is single-use plastic, meaning when you go to the shop, you don’t buy a plastic bottle of water that you use then throw away, but you go somewhere where you can fill a reusable container. There’s a great concern about the amount of plastic that is used once and thrown away. For example, the local pub has stopped using plastic straws, they have paper straws. Aberporth is right on the sea, so if people drop plastic it ends up in the sea; it’s important to help keep it as clean as possible.
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What would be the best piece of advice you could give to prevent plastic waste? Make sure you all work together, it’s just common sense. We can’t keep throwing plastic away, because if we continue doing that, in 20 to 30 years there will be more plastic in the sea than fish and that’s going to kill our planet. I think the best advice to give is to make sure everybody works together. It’s a relatively modern problem: back in the 70s and 80s you didn’t have the issue of all this plastic being used once and thrown away, so it’s time to look at things like glass bottles and recycling, it’s been done before, so it’s not rocket science. Info: www.facebook.com/plasticfreeaberporth
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13.04.18
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BOOK NOW THE WATERBOYS St David’s Hall, Cardiff Tue 1 May Tickets: £35 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Pic: @gracenatalie_pj
SECRET SPACES: CARDIFF ARCADES
Seen FOR Cardiff’s ambassadors roaming the streets and wondered what they’re up to? Emily Newsham chats with For Cardiff’s executive director Adrian Fields to find out. What is the purpose of FOR Cardiff? For Cardiff is a business improvement district; it’s a defined geographical area within the city centre which works with businesses to agree to a range of projects that will help improve the trading environment. We want to make the city more welcoming and vibrant, to get businesses to help influence things that they want or don’t want. It’s funded through a levy, which the businesses pay each.
Has FOR Cardiff been successful, and if so, why? We’re only 16 months into our tenure and we’ve done a lot in that time. We make sure businesses maximise all opportunities. Street ambassadors liaise with businesses and tell them what’s going on. We help fund the street pastors to make sure people feel safe at night, and we’re doing initiatives with the police.
You’ve recently announced the permanent extension of your deep cleansing programme across the city, which helps businesses and streets maintain a spickand-span look – what has been the most rewarding part of this process? The visual before-and-after, and the feedback we’ve had so far from the businesses and the public, has been really good because they’ve wanted us to address that issue. Businesses have
been pleased with what we’ve done – we keep listening to them and acting upon what they want us to do.
New Theatre, Cardiff Tue 1-Sat 5 May Tickets: £13-£35 Info: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
LLŶR WILLIAMS Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff Thurs 3 May Tickets: £20-£24 Info: 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk
Can you tell us what other projects you have planned for Cardiff? We’re looking to do a sort of oasis in the city centre, where people can go and listen to some live music or spoken word in the area opposite St Davids Hall. We’re doing a project to improve superfast broadband in the Castle Quarter, as well as offering training for businesses, and the Give Differently campaign, which addresses the issue of homelessness, which has had a lot of social media interest.
What would be the best advice you would give to people to keep the streets of Cardiff clean? Don’t litter, use the bins. If businesses have an issue, let us know. It would be perfect if people didn’t drop chewing gum. We’re quite realistic – that’s will always happen, but we want to stop that.
If you could go to one unique place in Wales that not many people know about, where would it be, and why? The arcades within Cardiff, it’s our little gem, that not enough people know about. I think once people are there they’d be really impressed with what we’ve got to offer. Info: www.forcardiff.com
BUZZ 8
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
JUNGLE
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union Sat 5 May Tickets: £22 Info: 029 2078 1458 www.cardiffstudents.com
MARTI PELLOW Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Thurs 17 May Tickets: £39.50 Info: 01792 475715 www.brangwyn.co.uk
COURTNEY ACT Tramshed, Cardiff Tue 29 May Tickets: from £28.50 Info: 029 2023 5555
9 - 14 Ebrill • April
30 Ebr • Apr - 5 Mai • May
This is Elvis a new musical “Steve Michaels is simply stunning as the king himself” Essential Surrey
newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 029 2087 8889
The Play That Goes Wrong
“Genuinely hilarious. Boy does it hit the funny bone” The Daily Telegraph
Ebrill • April
As the days start getting longer, it's time for Buzz's annual festival guide, the best shindigs, celebrations and parties available across Wales. Compiled by Elisha Wescott and Fedor Tot LAUGHARNE FESTIVAL Various venues, Laugharne. Fri 6-Sun 8 Apr What: This annual festival takes place in Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas spent much of his time pickling a liver or two. Emphasising the local and small-scale size of the festival, the weekend features music, comedy and literature, bringing in talent from all over the world whilst maintaining a particular kinship with writers and musicians from Wales or who have a connection with Wales. Previous headliners have included Mick Jones of The Clash, actor Michael Sheen, poet John Cooper-Clarke and comedian Harry Hill. In the spirit of Wales’ premier poet, there’s plenty of local drink to imbibe, as well as the best locally-sourced food. A relaxing boutique festival with none of the forced glamour of the big boys. Who: Ruth Jones, David Soul, Simon Day, Peggy Seeger, Adam Kay, Chris Difford, Jah Wobble, Owen Sheers, Keith Allen How much: £80-£100 Info: www.thelaugharneweekend.com
FESTIVAL KEY - Music - Film - Stage/Comedy/Litrature/Art - Family - Activity
MERTHYR COMEDY FESTIVAL Various venues, Merthyr Tydfil. Fri 13 + Sat 14 Apr What: The first ever edition of the Merthyr Comedy Festival looks set to be a prime spot for some of the most exciting and invigorating Welsh standup coming through the ranks. It certainly bodes well for the future of Welsh standup, with alternative, experimental shows from the likes of Frank Foucault comfortably sitting alongside more traditional compilation shows and observational work, and with Merthyr Rising later in the year, suggests that the Valleys town is going through a bit of a cultural renaissance. Who: Mike Bubbins, President Obonjo, Paul James How much: varies, most shows are between £3-£10 Info: facebook.com/ merthyrcomedyfestival
WALES INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL Maxime Cinema / Miners Institute, Blackwood Wed 18-Fri 20 Apr What: This three-day film festival will be screening over 50 of the best documentary films over the past year, promoting local creativity and independent filmmakers. All 50 are UK premieres, with some even being world premieres, going from Argentina to Bosnia, Wales to Russia. There’s also going to be a number of masterclasses, Q+As, and workshops with leading industry figures. Who: A range of the best documentary filmmakers across Wales and abroad How much: £15 for unlimited access to all screenings, workshops and events Info: www.widf.info
BUZZ 10
‘TRA MÔR YN FUR I’R BUR HOFF BAU’
Cymal Caerdydd Ras Fôr Volvo Gŵyl am DDIM, mae’n rhy dda i’w methu! 27 Mai - 10 Mehefin MERTHYR RISING Various venues, Merthyr Tydfil. Fri 25-Sun 27 May What: Held on the anniversary of the Merthyr Uprising in 1831, when workers from the town took to the streets to protest against low wages and unemployment, this festival aims to be a celebration not just of music and culture, but of the town’s radical past, aiming to encourage political engagement amongst young people. All the more important in places like Merthyr, often overlooked by the powers that be. One of the most politically engaging and exciting festivals in Wales this year. Who: Dreadzone, The Alarm, The Blockheads How much: £40 (£15/£20 day pass) Info: www.merthyrrising.uk
RACING TO CARDIFF THIS SUMMER Volvo Ocean Race Cardiff Stopover FREE festival, it’s too good to miss! 27 May - 10 June
volvooceanracecardiff.com
Join us at Chapter for a four day celebration of animated film, special previews, screenings, masterclasses + more!
19 - 22 APRIL 2018 cardiffanimation.com
Big Love Festival
CARDIFF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Various venues, Cardiff. Sat 21-Sun 29 Apr What: Rounding up junior bookworms for nine days of literary enjoyment, this award-winning festival will again host over 40 exciting events, in both English and Welsh, at iconic venues across the city centre including Cardiff Castle, City Hall and the National Museum Wales. Guaranteed to keep your little ones busy, and who knows, it might even inspire the next JK Rowling… Who: Petr Horácek, Sibéal Pounder, Tom Percival, Catherine Fisher, Huw Aaron, Tom Palmer, Steven Butler, Jonathan Meres. How much: £4 for most events. Info: www.visitcardiff.com/event/cardiffchildrens-literature-festival
MACHYNLLETH COMEDY FESTIVAL Various venues, Machynlleth. Fri 4-Sun 6 May What: Wales’ most renowned comedy festival returns for its ninth year, bringing together comedians from all over the UK to the small Powys town for a weekend full of laughs and heavy entertainment. Expect acts both established and relatively new, generally from the broad leftfield of UK stand-up and trying out new material pre-Edinburgh in many cases: no wonder it’s often dubbed “the comedian’s comedy festival”. As well as the actual funnies, there’s also a variety of theatre and music. Machynlleth itself offers a fistful of local pubs, cafes and restaurants which welcomes all festival goers throughout the weekend. Who: Mark Watson, Nish Kumar, Paul Foot, Richard Herring How much: £7-£15 per show Info: machcomedyfest.co.uk
BIG LOVE FESTIVAL Baskerville Hall, Hay-On-Wye. Fri 4-Sun 6 May What: Big Love is back again to, well, share the love and ensure everyone has an unforgettable weekend. This one’s a small and independent festival, working with local DJs, predominantly from Cardiff and Bristol. Small in capacity but big in atmosphere and positive vibes, Baskerville Hall has previously hosted festivals such as Green Man, Boomtown and Big Chill, demonstrating its authenticity. The love will spread to include woodland discos, roaring campfires, street food and a cocktail lounge. If you’re a free spirit on a budget, then this is the festival for you. Who: Joy Orbison, Billy Momo, Dana Immanuelle, Delete DJs How much: £85
Cardiff’s Festival of Live Art ˆ o gelf fyw yng Nghaerdydd Gwyl
Info: www.biglovefestival.co.uk
LLANDUDNO VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA Various venues, Llandudno. Sat 5-Mon 7 May What: The Victorian Extravaganza is celebrating its 32-year anniversary, making it easily one of the longest-running festivals in Wales. Started back in 1986 as way of trying to secure the future of Llandudno’s declining tourist industry, this festival celebrates all things Victorian, including an old-fashioned fun fair, bands and dressing up competitions. Most of the seaside resorts dotted around Wales and the UK owe much of their heritage to the Victorian obsession for holidaying in places with clean and fresh air, which were almost as popular as puritan morality and opium back then, so it’s no surprise that such a festival has survived so long. How much: free Info: www.victorian-extravaganza.com
CARDIFF ANIMATION FESTIVAL Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Thurs 19-Sun 22 Apr What: A brand new festival of animation is asking its way to Cardiff this year. Over four days, Cardiff Animation festival will be showcasing globally-sourced animated works, led by Film Hub Wales. Aside from the films themselves, there also be talks by Wallace And Gromit and Early Man creators Aardman Animations, and a multitude of workshops and masterclasses. Who: Aardman Animations, The Breadwinner, Chuck Steel How much: £15-£75
Book your tickets at /archebwch tocynnau yma: www.chapter.org
Info: www.cardiffanimation.com/festival
BUZZ 12
11.04.18 — 15.04.18 www.experimentica.org
Image / Llun: Theatre Replacement, Town Criers. Photo: Birkir Brynjarsson
Exp 18 A5 Ad.indd 1
21/03/2018 12:04
Hay Festival - Pic: Joseph Albert Hainey Pic: JJesus Renedo
VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL
ROYAL WELSH SPRING FESTIVAL
Various venues, Cardiff and Vale Of Glamorgan Wed 9-Wed 16 May
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells Sat 19 + Sun 20 May
What: Wales’ most popular contemporary classical festival is returning this May, promising a range of esteemed international contemporary composers, hosted at various venues throughout the capital and the vale. Founded in 1969 by Welsh composer John Metcalf, the festival has gradually developed into a contemporary classical event whose focus is living composers. For acolytes of modern composition, this is one of the most important festivals in the classical calendar and generally utilises some attractive and innovative settings. Who: Alice Neary, Jose Zalba Smith and Jan Wilem Nelleke, Ivan Ilic, Matthew Jones and Annabel Thwaite, Ensemble MidtVest How much: £12-£16.50 per event (free-£3 NUS) Info: www.valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk
FOCUS Wales Various venues, Wrexham. Thurs 10-Sat 12 May What: FOCUS Wales is a not-for-profit organisation deeply connected to its native background, centred around providing an annual showcase of the Welsh music industry, giving a major boost to some of the bright rising talents whilst also paying heed to some of their inspirations. 2018 marks the festival’s eighth edition, welcoming over 7,000 visitors to Wrexham. Who: This Is The Kit, Gengahr, Euros Childs, Jane Weaver, 9Bach How much: £40 weekend/£8-£23 per event Info: www.focuswales.com
What: This annual celebration of rural life is one of the highlights of the year in Builth Wells, with a wide range of activities available to visitors, from educational workshops and chances to learn new skills. There’s a variety of food and drink alongside music, and there’s also the Royal Welsh Trail Running Festival being incorporated alongside the Spring Festival proper, with a variety of running events available for entry (or if you’d rather just spectate and watch other people burn the calories, that’s fine too). Who: All nature lovers and rural folk How much: £13 Info: www.rwas.wales
HAY FESTIVAL Various venues, Hay-On-Wye Fri 25 May-Mon 4 June
VOLVO OCEAN RACE 2018 Cardiff Bay. Sun 27 May-Sun 10 June What: The Volvo Ocean Race fleet set off from Alicante, Spain in October 2017, aiming to race around the world. Visiting 12 cities in six continents, for the first time in history the race will stop in Cardiff. During this two-week event, you will get the chance to see the 66 competing men and women on their incredible (and by then surely world-weary) boats, alongside a celebration hosted in Cardiff Bay offering lots of entertainment and themed attractions. The festival’s Race Village, located on Cardiff Bay Barrage, with offer a variety of entertainment, themed attractions and food and drink. How much: free
What: It’s been hailed as the ‘Woodstock of the mind’ for so long now it might be worth finding a different comparison ‘Glastonbury for the soul’, or ‘Reading for the well-read’. As ever, Hay will be a gathering of poets, scientist, novelists, writers, and all sorts of literate folk, set in the heart of the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside. Special guests will join together to share stories and discussion in a celebration of knowledge. For 30 years the Hay Festival has been very influential, a prominent event in British culture, allowing festivalgoers to expand their mind in ways that don’t involve the hallucinogenics so often associated with Woodstock… Who: Margaret Atwood, Joe Biden, Dara Ó Briain, Phillip Pullman, Bridget Christie, Jim Broadbent How much: £5-£40 per event; free for students in fulltime higher education
What: Fishguard’s 19th Folk Festival promises to host a unique mix of local talent and well-known performers, providing the public with a weekend full of songs, dance and laughs on the beautiful northerly Pembrokeshire Coast. This festival is a hidden gem in the Welsh folk scene, making use of Fishguard’s beautiful harbour and low town/upper town geography. Who: Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, The Trials of Cato, Jim Causley, Pilgrim Way How much: £6-£40
Info: www.hayfestival.com
Info: www.fishguard-folk-music.co.uk
Info: www.volvooceanracecardiff.com
FISHGUARD FOLK FESTIVAL Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard - Fri 25-Mon 28 May
Hay Festival - Pic: Joel Keith-Hill
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BUZZ Ad 190x275mm+
HOWTHELIGHTSGETSIN Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. Fri 25-Mon 28 May What: HowTheLightGetsIn, running parallel to the Hay Festival and no less brainy, returns with more debate, brain-picking and evening-time entertainment than ever. The speakers are drawn from, shall we say, a range of ideologies (this year’s crop includes both intersectional feminist activists and the head of the Ayn Rand Institute), while the music, comedy and performance art will give you cause to unwind and/or bug out down by the Black Mountains. Who: Noam Chomsky, The Orb, Diane Abbott, Rowan Williams, Camille O’Sullivan How much: £140-£168 Info: hay.htlgi.iai.tv
URDD EISTEDDFOD Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells Mon 28 May-Fri 2 June What: Urdd Eisteddfod, the youth section of the National Eisteddfod and one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals, visits Builth Wells for 2018. This event attracts over 15,000 children and young people each year, competing in various competitions, such as singing, dancing and acting. The Urdd also offers activities ranging from biking and climbing to sport sessions, along with a funfair and live music, perfect for a family day out. How much: £5.50-£38 Info: www.urdd.cymru
SWANSEA JAZZ FESTIVAL Various venues, Maritime Quarter, Swansea Thurs 14-Sun 17 June
FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN
Amser Jazz Time Festival
Aberystwyth. Fri 1-Sun 3 June
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff Thurs 7-Sun 10 June
What: Located on an ancient farm between the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains and the coast of Cardigan Bay, Fire In The Mountain sounds like a heck of an atmosphere, even before knowing anything more of the festival itself. It’s a smallscale folk music weekender, with several dozen acts usually investigating new projects, enhancing the festival’s desire to provide an intimate, otherworldly atmosphere. Who: Sam Amidon, Martin Simpson, Lankum, Martha Tilston How much: £125 weekend/£50 under-18s/£30 under13s/£35 per day Info: www.fireinthemountain.co.uk
GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL Carreglwyd, Holyhead, Anglesey Thurs 7-Sun 10 June
What: The Swansea Jazz Festival supplies more than 50 events taking place in the Swansea Maritime Quarter. With a focus on the local venues that make up Swansea’s vibrant music scene, the Dylan Thomas Theatre will host the ticketed concerts with a diverse programme of jazz music, featuring artists from USA, Europe and Australia. Who: Laurence Cottle Big Band, Derek Nash, Noel McCalla How much: £10-£25
What: A mystical little party hidden in the middle of the woods, perfect for those who love being surrounded by nature, good music and outgoing people. From druids to dance, this criticallyacclaimed, independent, boutique and intimate underground electronic music festival is looking more ambitious than ever before. With a host of different DJs and artists on offer, one of the most talked-about Welsh festivals is ready to deliver again for 2018. Who: Ben UFO, Jackmaster, Maragret Dygas, Jasper James, Sonja Moonear How much: £165
Info: www.jazzwales.com
Info: www.gottwood.co.uk
What: Some of you might be familiar with RWCMD’s regular weekly Friday jazz nights, where some of the best musicians from the college showcase their skills. During the annual Amser Jazz Time festival, held in June, those young guns get the opportunity to share bills with some of the most interesting names on Britain’s jazz circuits. Who: Trio HLK with Evelyn Glennie, Yazz Ahmed’s Hafla Band, more TBC How much: varies depending on event Info. www.rwcmd.ac.uk
BEYOND THE BORDER STORYTELLING FESTIVAL St Donat’s Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan Sat 9 + Sun 10 June What: Set in the beautiful coastal confines of St Donat’s Castle, this biannual celebration of the power of stories aims to promote the possibilities of the imagination. With a wide variety of performers, speakers and storytellers from all over the world – be it Italy or India, Scandinavia or Palestine – this is certain to be one of the most homely and relaxed offerings this summer. Who: Joanne Harris, Robin Williamson, Smita Bellur How much: £75/£45 per day Info: www.beyondtheborder.com
FESTIVAL OF VOICE Various venues, Cardiff. Thurs 7-Sun 17 June What: An international arts festival in Wales’ capital city that aims to celebrate the voice in all its form. The festival claims “the voice is something that transcends culture and language. It’s primal; it brings us together whether we’re happy or melancholy...” Appropriate, then that it’s held in Wales, with its historic connection with song and the power of the voice. With a brave and imaginative programme incorporating contemporary rock and pop, classical music, opera, theatre, talks and visual art, the Festival of Voice also hopes to encourage young people to express themselves through their creative learning programmes, and make their voices heard. Who: Patti Smith, Gruff Rhys, Passenger, Billy Bragg, Nadine Shah, A Filetta, Elvis Costello & The Imposters How much: £16-£40 per event Info: www.festivalofvoice.wales
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British Lion
STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL Hafod-y-Dafal Farm, Brecon Beacons Sat 28 + Sun 29 July
Beyond the Border
BARRY ISLAND TRANSPORT FESTIVAL
CARDIFF OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL
Barry Island. Sun 10 June
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Thurs 22 June-Sat 29 July
What: Calling all car and history fanatics, Barry Island Transport Festival is the place to be this summer! With classic cars and heritage buses and coaches dating as far back as 1915, this festival showcases vintage collections of transportation from over many years, with the added option of free heritage bus trips. How much: free Info: www.classiccarshowsuk.co.uk/ events
GREGYNOG FESTIVAL Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, Powys Mon 18-Sat 30 June What: Country grounds, historic grounds, art: the Gregynog Festival is back again for another year of international creativity. Dating back to 1933, this is the oldest classical music festival in Wales, and never fails to supply a relaxing atmosphere full of beautiful art and music. The rich history and tradition that grounds Gregynog Festival gives it a different feel to other classical music festivals, with this year’s focus being primarily on women – whether as composers, performers or artists – to mark 100 years since the Representation Of The People Act in 1918. Who: TBC How much: TBC Info: www.gregynogfestival.org
BUZZ 18
What: Formerly known as the Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival, which began in 1983, this celebration of the stage now attracts over 20,000 people over its month-and-a-bit tenure. Now based in Sophia Gardens, CAOTF caters to all demographics; kids and grownups alike, with performances that capture the art of theatre, fingers crossed in the sunshine (or so we hope). This year’s edition will host a production of Shakespeare’s The Merchant Of Venice, musical performances, family shows suitable for young children and a light entertainment/comedy strand, alongside food and drinks from The Grazing Shed. Who: The Merchant Of Venice, Fiddler On The Roof, Dad’s Army How much: varies
What: Revered among hard rock and classic metal heads, Steelhouse is a two-day mountainside gem priced at an affordable £95, and retaining a grassroots feel lacking in many bigger UK festivals. Officially the highest UK festival – we’re talking actual altitude here, folks – and held, as ever, on the last weekend of July, this year’s edition, Steelhouse’s seventh, has an impressive lineup. The epic pipes of rock survivor Glenn Hughes will ring out on the Saturday, as he’s here to perform an exclusive set of classics from the band he fronted in the 70s Deep Purple, while latter-day arena-fillers Black Star Riders top the bill on the Sabbath. Who: Black Star Riders, Quireboys, The Wildhearts, Glenn Hughes, King King How much: £95/£60 per day Info: www.steelhousefestival.com
Info: www.cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk
TAFWYL
GOWER FESTIVAL
Cardiff Castle. Sat 30 June + Sun 1 July
Various venues, Gower, Swansea Mon 2-Sat 14 July
What: A family-friendly festival aimed at Welsh speakers in Cardiff, Tafywl is full of local stalls, children’s area, workshops and four stages. Established in 2006 to celebrate the Welsh language in Cardiff, this year looks to be as big as ever: over 30,000 people attended last year’s edition in Llandaff Fields. With arts and culture as the main focal point of this festival, it promises creativity and fun for all, non-Welsh speakers included. Who: TBC How much: free
What: Established in 1976 by cellist Jonathan Beecher, the Gower Festival centres around hymns and ecclesiastical music. Taking place in several different churches, there is also an ulterior motive here: getting both locals and tourists out of the city to enjoy the stunning countryside on offer in the Gower. Who: Elin Manahan Thomas and Brian Ellsbury, Amy Harman and Tom Poster, Audrey Lebedev and Lotte Betts-Dean, Leon McCawley, Sacconi Quartet How much: £5-£15
Info: www.tafwyl.org
Info: www.gowerfestival.org
AMSerjAzztiMe feStiVAl 2018
7 — 10 june Mehefin A four-dAy celebrAtion of jAzz dAthliAd pedwAr diwrnod o jAzz
GLASTONBARRY Romilly Park, Barry. Sat 28 + Sun 29 July What: The best tribute festival in Europe is back for a weekend of brilliant fun and shenannigans. Visiting Glastonbarry, a festival made exclusively out of the UK’s top tribute acts; previous years have seen facsimiles of Arctic Monkeys, Michael Jackson and Bob Marley headline proceedings on a highlight on the festival circuit. Based at Romilly Park, just minutes away from Barry Island, this festival promises your favourite bands at an agreeable price. Who: Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams How much: £30 (weekend pass)
thurs 7 june A four-dAy iau 7 Mehefin
celebrAtion trio thurs 7 hlK june with of jAzz eVelyn Glennie dAthliAd jAzz trio hlK with o bedwAr fri 8 june eVelyn Glennie diwrnod Gwe 8 Mehefin
fri 8 june
yAzz AhMed’S yAzz AhMed’S hAflA bAnd hAflA bAnd
Info: www.glastonbarry.com
Sat 9 june Sat 99june Sad Mehefin
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EISTEDDFOD Various venues, Llangollen Thurs 3-Sun 8 July What: The picturesque town of Llangollen has been host to this cultural festival since 1947, which now attracts over 4,000 performers every year and 50,000 visitors. Spreading a message of peace and goodwill through the medium of song and dance, this is one of the more overlooked festivals in Wales. Who: Kaiser Chiefs, Van Morrison, The Hoosiers How much: £1-£12 Info: www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
GLASS BUTTER BEACH Llanbedrog, Abersoch. Fri 13-Sun 15 July What: One of the big guns in the Welsh music festival arsenal, Glass Butter Beach hosted names like Wolf Alice, Kodaline and Katy B in 2016, but took a break the following year – citing the predicted tides, which as a costal festival with a strong water sports element looked likely to cause issues, and a general wish to tweak certain operational elements. It’s back for 2018, though, with three days of paddleboarding, surfing, street food, drinks, music and dance. Who: TBC How much: TBC Info: www.glassbutterbeach.com
WELSHFEST Coedarhydyglyn Park, St. Nicholas, Cardiff Fri 27-Sun 29 July What: An outdoor weekender, making its debut this year just outside the Welsh capital. The bill encompasses rock, indie, ska, pop, blues, folk, classical, house and techno, plus family activities and a Talent Cymru event, where bands and rising artists will get a chance to show their chops. Who: Goldie Lookin Chain, Kizzy Crawford, Buffalo Summer, Sian Evans How much: £12-£45 weekend/ £8-£25 per day Info: www.welshfest.com
MONMOUTH FESTIVAL
SOLARSPHERE FESTIVAL
Various venues, Monmouth. Fri 27 July-Sat 4 Aug
Penmaenau Farm, near Builth Wells Fri 10-Mon 13 Aug
What: Featuring country, folk, pop and dance music, over nine days there’s always a great atmosphere at this town-centre festival. It’s also free admission all the way, so definitely one of the better choices for those on a budget. Who: TBC How much: free Info: www.monmouthfestival.co.uk
LLANDUDNO JAZZ Various venues, Llandudno. Fri 27-Sun 29 July What: Turning four this year, Llandudno Jazz has already been highlighted by many as one of the best lower-key fests in the UK. The weekend is filled with a wide mix of modern and contemporary jazz from a range of different artists, whilst Llandudno’s beautiful seafront adds to the atmos. Who: Claire Martin, Iain Ballamy, Huw Warren, Gilad Atzmon How much: £138 weekend/£50 per day Info: www.llandudnojazzfestival.com
THE NATIONAL EISTEDFODD Cardiff Bay. Sat 4-Sat 11 Aug What: The National Eistedfodd, the big daddy of the Eistedfoddau, returns to Wales’ capital for the first time in a decade. Shifting from location to location every year, with last year’s edition on Anglesey, the festival will, as ever, celebrate Welsh culture in all its multifaceted intricacies, with competitions built around showcasing the best of Welsh music, dance, literature, and whatever else comes to mind. With this year’s setting in Cardiff Bay, this is going to be a banner year. Who: TBC, but all manner of Welsh artists and talents for certain How much: announced on Tue 3 Apr Info: eisteddfod.wales
What: A small, family-friendly festival that encompasses encourages stargazing in the wilds of Wales. Held on a farm in Powys, the festival is a perfect platform for curious folk to learn from astronomers and scientists, whilst taking in the wonder of the night sky. Included are plenty of workshops, a sci-fi fancy dress party on the Friday, and plenty of live music. Who: Speakers: Dr Megan Argo, Suzie Imber, The Angry Badgers How much: £45/£20 13-16-year-olds/free under-13s
AMSerjAzztiMe AMSerjAzztiMe lAte feAturinG feAturinG lAte nÉrijA nÉrijA
tickets | tocynnau 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk #AMSerjAzztiMe @AMSerjAzztiMe #AMSerjAzztiMe @AMSerjAzztiMe Supported by | Cefnogir gan
BEYOND THE BORDER 2018
Info: www.solarsphere.events
CASTELL ROC Chepstow Castle. Thurs 16 Aug-Mon 2 Sept What: Chepstow Castle welcomes audiences with 12 days full of live music, including King King, Dennis Locorriere’s Dr Hook and Leo Sayer. The festival has a reputation for having a relaxed, intimate feel, with its historic setting and beautiful views encouraging friendly rapport between musicians and audiences. Who: Alabama3, The Dualers, Monsters Of Rock, Craig Charles How much: £19-£39.50
ART WORKSHOPS
25TH BIRTHDAY BARNSTORMER DATHLIADAU PEN-BLWYDD YN 25 WALES INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL ^ GWYL CHWEDLEUA RYNGWLADOL CYMRU
DROP IN, SAY HI AND BE CREATIVE!
Info: www.castellroc.co.uk
LANDED Doldowlod Llandrindod, Powys. Fri 17-Sun 19 Aug What: An underground festival with music, arts and a dance tent, set in the heart of the Welsh countryside. Besides entertaining adults with original performers galore, there are many activities for the kids as well, so no need to book a babysitter for this one. This small festival’s character makes it ideal for those looking to swerve the major festivals’ hustle and bustle. Who: TBC How much: £70 weekend/£25 per day/free under-13s Info: www.landedfestival.co.uk
MERTHYR RISING 25TH - 27TH MAY GREEN MAN FESTIVAL 17TH - 20TH AUGUST
GLASTONBARRY 28TH - 29TH JULY
ST DONAT’S CASTLE, VALE OF GLAMORGAN | 9-10 JUNE CASTELL SAIN DUNWYD, BRO MORGANNWG | 9-10 MEHEFIN
BEYONDTHEBORDER.COM BOX OFFICE / SWYDDFA DOCYNNAU
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: buzzmag.co.uk
01446 799 100
GREEN MAN Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons Thurs 16-Sun 19 Aug What: The biggest festival of its kind in Wales returns for its 16th year. Green Man sells out its 20,000 tickets weeks in advance most years, its lineup drawn from folk, indie, post-punk, and electronica’s A-list. Having started in 2003 with a view to showcasing the nascent indie/folk crossover scene for a few hundred punters, it’s grown into a comparative behemoth, with the power to score UK exclusive shows, and holds its own with similar UK bashes like Latitude and End Of The Road. The festival’s commitment to being eco-friendly is a cornerstone of its appeal, too: don’t expect plastic draws or disposable drinking cups, but do expect local traders and eco power. Who: The War On Drugs, Fleet Foxes, Cate Le Bon, Haley Heynderickx How much: £180/£155 NUS/ £115 under-18s/£20 under-12s/free under-5s Pic: Max Miechowski
PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL
HUB FESTIVAL
Various venues, Presteigne. Thurs 23-Tue 28 Aug
Various venues, Womanby Street, Cardiff Fri 24-Sun 26 Aug
What: Held in the rural Powys town of Presteigne, the festival is celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2018, upholding a reputation for promoting new and fresh orchestral music. This year’s festival will continue in this rich heritage, with important new work by a range of contemporary British composers. Who: Martin Butler, Arvo Pärt, Joseph Phibbs’ Juliana How much: TBC Info: www.presteignefestival.com
PRIDE CYMRU City Hall Lawn, Cardiff. Fri 24-Sun 26 Aug What: Bringing Wales together to stop discrimination through an annual celebration of equality and diversity, the Wales LGBT+ community is partying once again in 2018 with Pride Cymru. It’s sure to be full of bright colours, positivity, and celebration of all forms of identity, all with the intention of increasing understanding and respect for all individuals, regardless of background or preference. Who: TBC How much: £5 per day Info: www.pridecymru.co.uk
What: The Hub Festival aims to celebrate Womanby Street, the epicentre of Cardiff’s music scene. As ever, there will be a wide range of genres: going on past years, expect hard rock and metal in Fuel, indie in Clwb Ifor Bach, and funk in the Moon, along with all manner of other styles floating around. With the future of the street looking more certain than at this point last year, this year’s edition will surely be much more celebratory and upbeat. Who: TBC How much: £25/£15 per day Info: facebook.com/hubfestivalcardiff
THE BIG CWTCH Glanrannell Park House, Crugybar, Carmarthenshire. Fri 31 Aug + Sat 1 Sept
GŴYL GELFYDDYDAU RYNGWLADOL DDWYFLYNYDDOL CAERDYDD 11 DIWRNOD LLEOLIADAU AR DRAWS CAERDYDD YN DOD Â NIFER O LEISIAU YNGHYD I WRANDO A CHAEL GWRANDAWIAD /
MEHEFIN 7-17 JUNE 2018
CARDIFF’S BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 11 DAYS VENUES ACROSS CARDIFF BRINGING TOGETHER MANY VOICES TO HEAR AND BE HEARD
Info: www.greenman.net
FESTIVAL NO.6 Portmeirion, Gwynedd. Thurs 6-Sun 9 Sept What: Festival No.6 is a festival like no other, thanks in no small part to its setting: Portmeirion was largely singularly designed by architect Sir Clough WilliamsEllis, and it lent itself as the backdrop to cult 60s TV show The Prisoner. This year’s lineup is a trump card, with recently reformed cerebral pop icons The The jutting out on the poster. There’s also a wide range of arts and culture, activities, experiences and food and drink alongside unique accommodation, unlike any other Welsh festival. Who: The The, Franz Ferdinand, Friendly Fires, The Charlatans, Jessie Ware How much: £195 weekend (£315 VIP)/£180 Fri-Sun (£300 VIP) Info: www.festivalnumber6.com
PENFRO BOOK FESTIVAL Rhosygilwen, Pembrokeshire. Thurs 6-Sun 9 Sept
What: Charity, music and good food combine for the fifth time in the form of The Big Cwtch, with the lakeside location in the Carmarthenshire countryside set to host a range of pop-up bars, restaurants and street food stalls. An eclectic and all-homegrown mix of live music features too, from breakthrough artists to old hands on the scene. Also worth noting is the partnership with Ski4allWales, a charity which helps adults with a physical, neurological or visual deficit to ski. Who: Martyn Joseph, The Moon Birds, HMS Morris, Roughion, Dead Crow, La Forme How much: £40 weekend/£30 Sat only/£15 per evening
What: Celebrating all that is good about literature in Wales today, the PENfro Book Festival is back with more local publishers, booksellers and special guests over the second weekend of September. Set in the heart of Pembrokeshire, PENfro is pitched to every reader from avid to casual, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere abundant. Who: All readers, poets and general bookworms How much: TBC
Info: www.thebigcwtch.com / www.ski4allwales.cymru
Festival No 6
Info: www.penfrobookfestival.org.uk
Daw’r rhaglen eclectig yma â nifer o leisiau o fyd cerddoriaeth a chelfyddydau at ei gilydd. I gael edrych ar ein rhaglen lawn ar gyfer yr ŵyl, ewch i gwylyllais.cymru The eclectic programme brings together many voices from music and the arts. To explore our full festival programme, visit festivalofvoice.wales Yr Artistiaid yn y Lluniau / Artists Pictured
PATTI SMITH SUSANNE SUNDFØR + NOVO AMOR REYKJAVÍKURDÆTUR TANK AND THE BANGAS A LLAWER MWY! AND MANY MORE!
BUZZ 22
Crëwyd gan Created by
DRINK
E N JOY I N C A R D I F F B AY EASTER
THE GOOD LIFE FESTIVAL Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Flintshire Fri 14-Sun 16 Sept What: Started by four friends – ex-Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews, her husband Steve Abbott and Hawarden Estate Farm owners Charlie and Caroline Gladstone – all searching for the proverbial good life, here you’ll find music, dance, food, drink, crafts and the great outdoors at its zenith. This year, attendees can go from a bow and arrow-making class to a dal workshop to a Trevor Nelson DJ set, to name three events among several dozen. Who: Trevor Nelson, Norman Jay, Ben Fogle, Greg Wilson How much: £49-£149/free under-12s Info: www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk
BETWEEN THE TREES
PORTHCAWL ELVIS FESTIVAL
Candleston, Bridgend. Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sept
Various venues, Porthcawl. Fri 28-Sun 30 Sept
What: Set in the middle of the Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve, this beautiful boutique festival is highly focused on being environmentally friendly and providing a place for like-minded folk to get out and enjoy the sunshine and freedom of the wilds. There’s are plenty of nooks and crannies for the kids to explore also, and all the food will be locally-sourced, with the freshest ingredients and the best local ales and ciders. Who: Dan Bettridge, Martyn Joseph, Cattle And Cane How much: TBC Info: betweenthetreesfestival.co.uk
What: That this tiny seaside town in Wales with no train station has ended up becoming the biggest Elvis tribute festival in Europe is a minor miracle, but then again, the Welsh have much the same taste for balancing sincerity and kitsch that Elvis was able to strike. A weekend full of Elvis Tribute Acts (don’t call them impersonators, they hate it!), no other place will boast such a high amount of Elvi per square mile as Porthcawl, spread over the town’s many bars, pubs, and halls. Who: the world’s best Elvis Tribute Acts How much: mostly free, though some events are ticketed.
Carousel on the Quayside & Easter Egg Hunt competition
FRACTURED VISIONS FILM FESTIVAL
Good Friday, 30 March – Sunday 15 April
Tramshed, Cardiff. Sat 29 + Sun 30 Sept What: Love horror films? Then Fractured Visions is ideal for you, bringing horror movies to Cardiff’s Tramshed for a weekend full of scares, bloodshed, screams and laughs. Fractured Visions will also feature an exclusive masterclass and expert feedback by acclaimed filmmakers, such as Chris Crow and Dominic Brunt. Who: Filmmaker Phillip Escott and film academic Dr Mikel J. Koven How much: TBC
M AY DAY B A N K H O L I DAY
Pop-up park with crazy golf & maypole Saturday 5 – Monday 7 May M AY / J U N E
Info: www.fracvis.co.uk
Festival of Fun (during Volvo Ocean Race Cardiff stopover) Live music, street theatre & light show
IRIS PRIZE FESTIVAL Cineworld Cinema, Cardiff. Tues 9-Sun 14 Oct What: Cardiff’s international LGBT+ short film festival stakes its claim once more as one of the best film festivals in the cinephiles’ calendar. The Iris Prize bestows £30,000 upon its winning filmmaker to help create their next film, and previous winners have included Dee Rees, whose film {Mudbound} was nominated for three Oscars this year. Promoting often undervalued LGBT+ films and filmmakers, Iris raises awareness in the community and celebrates equality. Who: TBC How much: prices vary per event Info: www.irisprize.org
Saturday 26 May – Sunday 10 June J U N E / J U LY
Summer of Sport on our BIG SCREEN Monday 18 June – Wednesday 18 July AU G U S T
National Eisteddfod Celebrations Friday 3 – Saturday 11 August
Info: www.elvies.co.uk
Cardiff Harbour Festival & Extreme Sailing The Good Life Festival. Pic: Jonathan Cherry
Saturday 25 – Monday 27 August
BUZZ 24
PLU S C R A F T M A R K E T S , LIVE MUSIC & MUCH MORE See website for details
GLEE BUZZ APR 2018
BILL BAILEY As his five-month tour winds round to Swansea, Bill Bailey chats to Carl Marsh about the creative process, Idris Elba’s comedy chops, and social media sensitivity. You have toured many, many times before, so how have you made this tour fresh, what will be different about this new tour? This tour is a personal show in many ways as there are a lot of stories, accounts and recollections of the last 20 years of doing comedy – and also things that comedy has led me into, like documentaries, film and TV. It’s quite new territory for me, a personal account which I’ve not really ventured into before. You’ve often mixed music with comedy. What comes to you first when writing; is it selecting the music around the comedy or the comedy around the music? Well, the first thing that happens is that I think up an idea and then work it out musically, whereas standup tends to happen organically – I will set aside a time to write, think up some ideas, some stories, and then one thing leads to another and it gradually happens in a haphazard sort of way to the point where you accumulate a body of material. A feature of the creative process is you have to narrow it down to the stories in the narrative line that you want to take: that’s the really hard bit of it. Finding things to think about, well there’s no shortage of that these days, God, we live in strange times but the trick of it is how you put all the material together; that is the real key, then refining it. I am still in that process, to be honest. Would you say that today’s audience has become a bit too sensitive, in your opinion? That is certainly an issue when it comes to being online and using social media and being trigger-happy but audiences tend to be quite robust in terms of a live situation. People who read something online, they can take it the wrong way; in a live context, the person is right in front of you – this is comedy, this isn’t a
lecture, this isn’t meant to be anything other than a bit of fun and a night out. Most people are able to see that and make their own judgements but I take your point, we are living in a more over-hyper-sensitised culture that you have to be aware of. You've just finished shooting a new show for Sky with Idris Elba called In The Long Run. What did you like most about performing in this show? It was a very good working environment and Idris is a very instinctive and fine actor. He’s got great sensibilities and was very much up for improvising scenes and getting the most out of it, so it was great fun to work with him.
LIVE COMEDY EVERY WEEK! 4 SUPERB COMEDIANS AT: FOODIE FRIDAYS STAND UP SATURDAYS
Were you given much comedic freedom with your role? I was involved with the show from a very early stage with the scripts – I was invited and encouraged to make suggestions to put comedic ideas in, and be able to rewrite little scenes. So there was a lot of creative freedom afforded to me, which was brilliant.
LIVE MUSIC
Do you now also see yourself as an actor that happens to be a comedian or just a comedian performing as an actor? I am just a comedian. I do love getting hired as an actor, and that can be a counterpoint to doing standup, which is very solitary – but working with other people is a relief because the pressure is off a little bit. It’s not all about you, so you can focus a bit more on your performance. And that was the case with In The Long Run. I’m intrigued to see how it will come out and how it all hangs together.
MON 11TH JUN
SUN 6TH MAY
WED 5TH SEP
HAYSEED DIXIE
THU 27TH SEP
JULIA BIEL JOHN WHEELER WED 16TH MAY
GENESIS LEGACY WED 23RD MAY
BROOKE CANDY SUN 3RD JUN
Bill Bailey: Larks In Transit, Grand Theatre, Swansea, Tue 8-Thurs 10 May. Tickets: £28. Info: www.swanseagrand.co.uk
JON MOSES SUN 1ST APR
THU 19TH APR
THU 24TH MAY
THU 5TH APR
(SOLD OUT)
THU 20TH SEP
JOHN ROBINS
DALISO CHAPONDA SUN 22ND APR
SUN 8TH APR
ALL KILLA NO FILLA PODCAST
THU 12TH APR
THU 26TH APR
GEORGE EGG SIMON EVANS SUN 15TH APR
WAHALA COMEDY CLASH WED 18TH APR
ALEX WILLIAMSON
BELLY
DIRE STRAITS UK LUCA STRICAGNOLI MON 1ST OCT
SONS OF PITCHES SUN 7TH OCT
MOTHERSHIP
MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN
SPECIAL EVENTS
COMEDY TOUR SHOWS TONY LAW
Pic: Andy Hollingworth
BUZZ 26
WED 4TH APR
LIMMY
DANE BAPTISTE
SUN 1ST APR
GLEE FAMILY COMEDY SHOW MON 9TH APR
SUN 30TH SEP
SHANGELA
MO GILLIGAN
SUN 14TH OCT
SUN 20TH MAY
SUN 29TH APR
CRAIG CAMPBELL
WED 17TH OCT
THU 3RD MAY
SUN 21ST OCT
LEE NELSON THU 10TH MAY
RACHEL PARRIS JIMEOIN
SARA PASCOE GARY DELANEY
(RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE)
THE GILDED MERKIN BURLESQUE & CABARET SUN 10TH JUN
JINKX MONSOON IS CURSED
IVO GRAHAM
MERMAID QUAY • CARDIFF BAY • CF10 5BZ
SUN 17TH JUN
THE LIFE & RHYMES OF BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH MON 9TH JUL
ALASKA THUNDERF**K 5000
(RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE) TUE 7TH AUG
LATRICE ROYALE
(RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE)
ANDREW W. K . With new album You’re Not Alone out now and a UK tour on the cards, Chris Andrews finds the motivational rocker in typically positive mood. Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, better known to you and me as Andrew W.K., was something of a revelation when he hit the rock big time back in 2001. His debut album I Get Wet spawned the outrageously anthemic single Party Hard and established a new niche in rock history. To find out how the man ticks, though, you have to go back to his formative years spent in Michigan. “I started taking piano lessons when I was young and that’s how music entered my life in a profound and intense way.” That first introduction to music led Andrew to wanting to make music in his teenage years: “I’d been playing music since I was very young, but never endeavoured to make it a living. There were no aspirations to do anything beyond the love of making music. Even when I moved to New York when I was 18 I had no real ambition to make a career in music. I had aspirations of a career in other interests that I had.” Typically, rock and metal are not scenes that spawn many successful solo artists, so why in the late 90s did Andrew decide to go solo? “Well, the friends I had didn’t really want to play the sort of music that I wanted to play, so out of necessity I went alone, rather than wait around for the perfect band.” To these ears at least, Andrew’s output has always been quite unique. Was this his way to get noticed in a world full of nu-metal and pop-punk at the time? “Whatever I create is just how it’s supposed to be, and I try to follow that. I was even insecure about it at times. Was it heavy enough? Is it stupid? But deep down, I knew it was the music I had to make.” One of the enduring images of Andrew is the famous cover shot by acclaimed photographer Roe Etheridge, where he’s sporting a rather bloody nose. So is that pure Wilkes-Krier claret in the picture? “Partially. I took a piece of cinder block to my face to get the blood flowing, but couldn’t get the good heavy flow that I required, so the rest was animal blood from a butcher’s shop.” That’s commitment, people. Motivational speaking is also something not normally associated with rock music, but the positivity in AWK’s music has taken him to avenues he might not otherwise have explored. “It started in 2005 when New York University asked me to do a lecture, which I was surprised by,” he recalls. “I thought they wanted me to talk about music, but they wanted me to talk about life and my party philosophy. From then on it just became another way for me to generate the party energy, not just via music.” So does this mean the party philosophy is more of a metaphor for living life to the full? “It’s both. It’s literal and metaphorical.” It’s been eight years since we’ve heard any new Andrew W.K. music. Why choose now to come back? “The party gods said it was the right time. It was never intentional to take this long. It was quite frustrating at times. The more I wanted to record an album, the more things stood in the way. Incredible, beautiful things, but it was made clear that I wasn’t supposed to record the album then.” So, with a tour having been postponed from November 2017 until the spring, Wales will play host to Andrew W.K. in April. The UK, he beams, “is where it all started for me, this is where I broke. My band’s first show was actually in London, so I have an extraordinarily profound connection to this place.” As do we, Andrew. Andrew W.K., Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Fri 13 Apr. Tickets: £20. Info: 029 2078 1458 / www.cardiffstudents.com BUZZ 28
THE HORNE SECTION Alex Horne and his Horne Section are sure to impress audiences this month. Abetted by a crack collection of jazz musicians, Horne creates a performance that blends standup comedy and music in time-honoured cabaret fashion. They may have the means to play jazz – bassist Will Collier has referred to the Horne Section’s music as ‘eclectic’, but they don’t identify with the genre, Horne going as far to say he can’t stand jazz. Rather, the band create their own unique style of music, built out of whatever is required at hand for their semi-improvised and ramshackle shows. Horne has a long history as a comedian, making his first appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe almost 20 years ago. With aeons of experience in both standup and television, he knows exactly how to sustain the attention of large crowds, using a musical backdrop to enhance his comedic storytelling whilst peppering the atmosphere with one-liners. The Horne Section, meanwhile, share a close friendship that improves their onstage dynamics as they improvise and bounce off one another. The musicians often follow Horne’s whimsical flights of verbal fancy, so Horne Section nights are loaded with spontaneity – no two nights are the same, with punchlines landing elsewhere, each audience taking home with them a different experience. Alex Horne is also the creator of Taskmaster, a show that judges comedians and their abilities to complete different, mostly ridiculous tasks; that anarchic attitude is carried over into the Horne Section tours, which have already seen a number of sell-outs. Their charismatic attitude as a whole has garnered sheafs of positive reviews, with nary a dissenting voice amongst them. There’s plenty of audience interaction too – drummer Ben’s previous exploits include the construction of a drumkit from audience members, whilst Horne himself has a predilection for subjecting those members to gameshow-type shenanigans. Those of a nervous disposition may want to avoid the front row. RHIANNON de MEULEMESTER St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 24 Apr. Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
CHRIS DIFFORD “I wanted to just share my experiences and I hope, give strength to other people.” Legendary lyricist and music producer Chris Difford has used his way with words to tackle his autobiography. Some Fantastic Place: My Life In And Out Of Squeeze charts Difford’s phenomenal rise and spiralling fall in the iconic British band – and then the rise again. The process of writing an autobiography was completely different from writing lyrics, the 63-year-old Difford says. “It's very personal – more longform I guess. You're in a place where you can let yourself go and make mistakes and it doesn't really matter, because you’ve got good people around you who can help you. I am hoping to write another book.” Never one to do things the ordinary way, Chris is currently on an acoustic book tour of Some Fantastic Place. He will be reading excerpts from the book and performing, accompanied by fellow singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine. “Hopefully some of the songs will reflect some of the chapters in the book, so it will all somehow make sense, I’m not quite sure how but it does!” Chris writes about his childhood growing up in south-east London in the 1960s and 70s, and Squeeze’s pithy lyrics have vividly portrayed working-class life. But amidst rising gentrification, does that image of London still hold true? “It doesn’t really exist, for me anyway; I can’t afford to live where I want to in London. That's probably true for a lot of Londoners, they’re outpriced and they’ve got to move to the suburbs. I’m very fortunate, I lived in a great part of London, with the historic river, I'm a great fan. I think I had the best of that, really. “But things change and you have to accept that. I don’t think you should try and compete with change, there’s no control over how people want to react in this world. Ultimately I can’t really romanticise about that part of the world anymore.” A sanguine and melancholy response, but alas the world moves on. CATHERINE JONES Laugharne Festival, Sat 7 Apr; Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff Sun 15 Apr. Tickets: £18. Info: www.thelaugharneweekend.com / www.acapela.co.uk
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THE CINEMA AT TRAMSHED - CLARE ROAD, CARDIFF, CF11 6QP ENQUIRIES: CHARLEY@TRAMSHEDCARDIFF.COM - WWW.TRAMSHEDCARDIFF.COM
Pic: Royal Albert Hall
MY DAD WROTE A PORNO Not many people would believe that it was a dramatic reading over dinner with friends that led to the creation of the My Dad Wrote A Porno podcast. But now comes the live show where creator Jamie Morton with friends, Alice Levine and James Cooper, read exclusive chapters of Belinda Blinked in cities all over the country. It all began with Morton’s newly-retired dad approaching him with a pile of chapters. “He, as bold as brass, said ‘I wrote a book’,” he explains. “The first sentence was about Belinda getting naked. I went through all the emotions of disgust and shame but I just laughed the whole way through.” Morton goes on to say how serendipitous it was that he was attending dinner that evening with his university friends, and that is how the idea for the podcast took off. As for Morton’s father – or Rocky Flintstone, to use his pen name when writing Belinda Blinked – Jamie tells me that his mother has now banned the podcast from the house. “Honestly, he is our biggest fan. But he now has to go into the garden shed, which he calls The Pavilion.” My Dad Wrote A Porno has received a lot of attention since the launch of the podcast in 2015. As of February 2018, it has reportedly had over 100 million downloads, as well as plenty of guest stars such as Michel Sheen, Nicolas Hoult, Daisy Ridley and Elijah Wood. “We never thought the podcast would be as popular as it is. Who knew there were so many perverts out there?” Jamie giggles. As the date for the live shows draws near, what can attendees expect from the trio when they transfer their bonhomie to the stage? “When my dad first started writing the Belinda Blinked books, he would write so much and some never ended up in the books,” Morton says. “I like to think that Rocky Flintstone himself thought it was too shit to go in the books. It’s a fully immersive show, we get people up to act out scenes, and there are video elements: it’s a full-on comedy show.” KARA GURR St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Mon 30 Apr. Tickets: £29.50 Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
FLEABAG
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 26 Apr-Sat 5 May. Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk BUZZ 32
Pic: Richard Davenport
On the heels of a well-deserved BAFTA win for the BBC series Fleabag, the original stage version of the show has returned to the theatres of the UK. Fleabag was originally written by, and starred, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who shot to success on the back of it – first with a wildly-applauded Edinburgh Fringe run, then a nationwide tour, and then of course, the TV series. And all this with a one-woman monologue. Her creation of the Fleabag character now has her gallivanting in Hollywood, landing a role in the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars film in which she’ll play the droid L3-37 through motion capture. Back onstage, Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is now embodied by newcomer Maddie Rice, who has already performed this role in its Edinburgh Fringe staging last year. The reactions to her performance were broadly positive amongst audiences, with critics noting how Rice captured that unusual sense of articulate smarts and luckless selfloathing that the play’s originator devised for the character. Fleabag is a singular character, by any estimation, so to find another woman that can personify her spirit to the same degree is exceptional. Fleabag’s personal appeal emanates through her relatable monologues and comedic plight. Most of the characters in the show – who appear either as pre-recorded fragments or impersonated by Fleabag – are crafted in a way that makes them seem initially quite unlikeable, but over time the authenticity of the play is revealed through the honest reflection of everyday life and how we are all affected by it. Despite the palpably sombre tone of the narrative, the script is littered with brutal one-liners. Prepare yourself for a serious range of emotions to which you’ll walk out questioning the simplest of things. Director Vicky Jones has an impressive history in the realm of theatre, with her recent play Touch completely selling out Soho Theatre in London last summer. Fleabag’s return is predicted a similar reception around the UK, and with 10 dates to take place in Cardiff there’s plenty of opportunity. RHIANNON DE MEULEMESTER
Mansion Gardens Café Room Hire Events
Insole Court, Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2LN Tel: (029)21 167920 Web: insolecourt.org Social: @insolecourt
Llun / Image DryWrite & Soho Theatre yn cyflwyno \ present FLEABAG
Perfformiadau i’r Chwilfrydig Performances for the Curious
BETH HART With her smoky, fiery vocals, Beth Hart has been an overlooked but steadfast figure amongst blues fans for two decades. She remains a down-to-earth and humble being, as Jon Sutton finds out. You learned to play part of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata before you learned to read. Could you imagine being anything other than a musician? I just figured out some of it by ear and that’s what got my parents to put me into lessons. I really couldn’t imagine really anything else that I wanted to do. Although my dad did take me to see Shirley Muldowney, who was a famous racecar driver; I loved her and really thought about becoming a race car driver.
love to do, all of us go through difficult stuff, some more horrific than others, but there is something about when you are struggling or afraid or in pain where that can inspire you just to get it out. If it’s through writing a song, performing, dancing, being a cook or being a really good teacher, you funnel that energy just to get it out. That becomes a great energy to pull from. That vulnerability is important because I think it connects us.
You also did a lot of sport as a kid. Does that physicality add something to your performance and your energy on stage? I think so. If as a kid you get a lot of exercise, there is a discipline that happens as well as building early muscles and getting you really using your breath. I love to swim, bike and hike – I like that feeling I get when I’m exercising. It’s a very similar feeling to performing on stage – you get all that adrenaline.
You’ve got an open and modest personality, which has endeared you to fans across the world. Do you think it’s that genuine connection with people that has given you such a loyal tribe of fans? I think that’s because of the type of songwriter I am, I pull so much from that vulnerability that it maybe connects to certain people. Out of selfprotection, I should probably be less open about things but, but I come from a family that is very open about their feelings.
You’ve been very open with your fans about some of your darkest times, such as family loss, addiction and your bipolar disorder diagnosis. Can the dark times help with the creative process? Or would you say the creative process only becomes necessary because of the dark times? There’s that old saying, “necessity is the mother of invention”. No matter what it is in life that you
Why do you think so many artists and entertainers have so many similar stories of writers and performers suffering from excess or addiction? I think that you’ve got that [everywhere]. We don’t hear about doctors, surgeons, school teachers, plumbers or builders that have addiction issues, but entertainers, because their life is more reported
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through magazines, television, the news – you hear about it more. But of course, I could be wrong. You once said of success, “I don’t want to be up on a mountain looking down on the people that I need”. Does it ever concern you that success could alienate you from people? There’s a lot of needs that I have. I love to perform, I love to connect with people, and that makes me feel less alone – but I think you have to be extraordinarily strong to be able to continue to be creative when you are famous. I’ve been lucky, I never became a famous person, certainly not a household name at all. There are some people that come to my shows that like what I do and I am thankful to God for that but I’m really, really fortunate that I don’t live a lifestyle where I have to be in a car with tinted windows and have paparazzi chasing me down. I don’t think I’m a strong enough person to be able to handle something like that, I just couldn’t handle that separation. I think it would kill me as a songwriter. St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 21 Apr. Tickets: £41.50/£37. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
LUCKY TRIMMER: LADIES NIGHT EBR 14 APR
FLEABAG E B R 26 A P R – M A I 5 M AY
VANESSA KISUULE: SEXY EBR 14 APR
ADELE IS YOUNGER THAN US E B R 27 A P R
MAWRTH 16 MARCH – MAI 19 MAY 2018 WMC.ORG.UK/CURIOUS
A DANGEROUS WOMAN EBR 19 APR
SNOWPOET M A I 1 2 M AY
by Keiron Self
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR ****
Dirs: Antony & Joe Russo (12A, 140 mins) Hot on the claws of Black Panther’s massive success comes the biggest superhero film ever, boasting a massive cast from all of Marvel’s previous films. It’s hard to know how directors the Russo brothers will be able to give everyone from Spiderman to Thor to Iron Man, Dr Strange, Ant Man, Hulk and Black Widow (not to mention all of the Guardians of the Galaxy) enough screentime to satisfy the fanboys. Granted, the film will be split into two, with rumours persisting that this may be the last outing for some of our heroes. They are finally doing battle with cosmic villain Thanos, who is after the Infinity Stones, the McGuffin that’s been threaded through all the films from the Marvel stable. Josh Brolin lends his chin to the purple big baddie whose dastardly aims will destroy the universe as we know it. If all the storytelling balls can be kept in the air, this should prove a true summation of all things superheroic. The Russo brothers managed to juggle plenty in Captain America: Civil War – let’s hope they are equal to this task. Many Avengers Assemble! Opens Apr 27
DEATH WISH *
Dir: Eli Roth (18, 107 mins) Another phoned-in performance from Bruce Willis adds little to this repugnant remake of the 1974 vigilante thriller that starred Charles Bronson. That original slice of queasy B-movie fascism seems a masterpiece compared to Eli Roth’s blunt, banal retread. Given the current political climate in the USA, Death Wish is an exceptionally perverse statement, glorifying in gun culture while doing little to critique it. Willis plays a surgeon whose house is burgled while his family make him a birthday cake, leaving his wife dead and his daughter in a coma. He wants vengeance, so he buys himself a gun. Willis barely bothers to do anything, let alone show a man conflicted at his killing; he seems blatantly disenchanted with being in any film, and has a right to feel that way about this one. This could have been a timely shocking satire on gun culture, instead it’s tasteless, a rightwing Trumpian fantasy that cannot entertain, only enrage. Opens Apr 6
LOVE, SIMON ****
ENTEBBE **
Dir: José Padilha (12A, 106 mins) A sluggish docudrama that squanders the talent involved, this retelling of the 1976 hijacking of an Air France jet and the subsequent hostage rescue attempt fails to grip. Daniel Bruhl and Roasmund Pike star as two German radicals who, together with two Palestinians, find themselves very much out of their depth kidnapping 250 hostages, many of them Israelis. They end up in Uganda, attempting to broker a deal with dictator Idi Amin. The action moves from the plane to an airport compound where the Israel commandos ultimately mount a raid. The machinations between Eddie Marsan (under heavy prosthetics) as Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Lior Ashkenzazi’s Yitzhak Rabin form an interesting diversion, but a tenuously-placed dance number by the Batsheva Dance Company does not. Brazilian director Padilha made the excellent Elite Squad and its sequel, (and the rather perfunctory Robocop remake). This, however, seems bereft of the tension of his earlier successes. Its attempt to be even handed is laudable but dull and the final raid is blandly staged. Bruhl and Pike are dour throughout and cannot lift the film from its by-the-numbers presentation. Opens Apr 6
Dir: Greg Berlanti (12A, 109 mins) A gay coming-out high school romantic comedy drama: the formula may be the same but its central character isn’t. Simon, played by Nick Robinson, is a gay high school teen who has kept his sexuality a secret from everyone, going out with girls and pretending to be straight. When he discovers through an underground blog that someone else in his school is also gay, he starts to correspond with him. An email flirtation begins and romance beckons until the emails are leaked. Love, Simon succeeds down to its heart, with a likeable lead in Robinson and great support from his fellow high-schoolers (Katherine Langford and Keinyan Lonsdale). Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel are the concerned parents, whose understated scenes hit home. The film strays close to cliché but avoids becoming too cloying, creating feelgood moments out of well-worn tropes with the genders reversed. Love, Simon is worth loving. Opens Apr 6
THOROUGHBREDS ***
Dir: Cory Finley (15, 92 mins) A Heathers for the 21st century, Thoroughbreds is a deliciously dark twisty-turny psycho-thriller that makes the most of its two young British leads, Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy. Both are clever, but Cooke’s Amanda seems to have a personality disorder and Joy’s character, Lily, is paid by the mother of her schoolfriend so she can have a playdate. Lily hates her macho stepfather (played by Paul Sparks) and learns how to lose her empathy under Amanda’s tutelage. They engage in a scheme to get rid of him, utilizing a local drug dealer, played by the late Anton Yelchin, who is way out of his depth. It’s wordy but gripping stuff, the central duo playing potential teen murderers with witty glee. Writer/director Finley keeps the twists believable and taut, allowing his talented cast to riff on its Hitchcockian setup. Throughly recommended is Thoroughbreds. Opens Apr 6
ALSO RELEASED APRIL 2018: A QUIET PLACE (15) Well executed exercise in tension as Emily Blunt and John Krasinski star in a horror where making a sound causes certain death. Krasinski also directs. Shhh. I KILL GIANTS (PG) A girl escapes her harsh reality by escaping into a land of mythology and monsters, but how real are they? Bit like A Monster Calls.THE HURRICANE HEIST (12A) It’s a heist. In a hurricane. Geddit? THE TITAN (15) Joel Edgerton is made superhuman as an astronaut who is experimented on to survive the harshness of Saturn’s moon Titan. Do things go well? Er, no. EVERY DAY (12A) High concept romance BUZZ 36
GHOST STORIES ****
Dir: Jeremy Dyson/Andy Nyman (15, 98 mins) Based on their award-winning spine-chiller of a play, Derren Brown collaborator Andy Nyman and League Of Gentlemen member Jeremy Dyson turn their horror triptych into a fantastically creepy British horror. Nyman plays Professor Phillip Goodman, a debunker of the supernatural driven to expose hoaxers, thanks to his obsession with a 1970s TV personality who did much the same thing. He is contacted out of the blue by this former hero who believes he may have encountered three cases that cannot be explained. Nyman duly does so and meets Paul Whitehouse’s nightwatchman, Alex Lawther’s schoolboy and Martin Freeman’s city trader. Each has a terrible tale to tell, related in flashback which may all hold relevance to Nyman’s character himself. Whitehouse shines as a jumpy, potentially violent man forced to relive his past, Lawther and Freeman similarly convince as, respectively, a deranged boy troubled by his home life and a slimy anti-Semite plagued by a poltergeist. There are jump scares, but the film succeeds best in its atmosphere of growing dread. Unsettling and well staged with a great ensemble cast, Ghost Stories follows in a rich vein of British portmanteau found in the Hammer and Amicus films of the 70s. Opens Apr 6
TRUTH OR DARE ***
Dir: Jeff Wadlow (12A, 90 mins) Released on Friday the 13th, this is smash-and-grab horror-lite for those of you who enjoyed the highconcept Happy Death Day – that is, teens getting killed because of something that doesn’t quite make sense. The game of Truth Or Dare takes a nasty turn when those who are lying or refuse to do a dare are bumped off by a supernatural force. A mixture of It Follows and Final Destination results as the gang of youngsters try and find the source of their cursed game, leading them to Mexico. It’s a nifty premise, backed up by invention and some very creepy prosthetic smiles, as Lucy Hale and her gang have to endure ever more horrid truths or dares – or they die. There’s death by pencil, pool ball and hands going under the hammer. Slickly-made schlock. Opens Apr 13
TULLY ***
RAMPAGE ***
Dir: Brad Peyton (12A, 120 mins) Premium mindless hokum from The Rock and director Brad Peyton who last brought us the ludicrous disaster flick San Andreas. Continuing his live-action video game streak after Jumanji, Dwayne Johnson takes the lead in this blockbuster based on a moderately successful game from the 80s. Not much to work with for the many screenwriters, as the game consisted of monstrous creatures fighting armies and reducing cities to rubble, which basically describes the film too. Johnson plays a primatologist whose best friend is a silver gorilla called George, for whom he has cared since a baby. His gentle giant is transformed into a raging behemoth, growing in size and aggression after a genetic experiment goes wrong; Johnson then has to calm his friend down as he grows to the size of a building and meets other genetic mutations such as a flying wolf and a mega crocodile. Dastardly Jeffrey Dean Morgan is the scenery-chewing baddie, Naomie Harris provides tech support and the daft CGI plays out with quips and OTT explosions. More creatures destroying cities then, but at least Johnson provides some sweaty self-deprecating fun. Absolute nonsense but enjoyable popcorn fodder. Opens Apr 11
Dir: Jason Reitman (15, 94 mins) Reteaming for the third time with screenwriter Diablo Cody, director Jason Reitman pulls off another heartfelt offbeat comedy-drama, following Juno and Young Adult. Charlize Theron plays Marlo, stuck in a stale marriage with a behaviourally challenging son, a young daughter and a lazy husband. The birth of her third child brings more problems. She’s overweight and depressed; her brother, played by Mark Duplass, eventually convinces her to let him pay for a night nanny to help her through, for a month. This is the titular Tully played with winning exuberance by Mackenzie Davis. She is a Mary Poppins of sorts, who reawakens Theron, shakes up her marriage and extols the virtues of parenthood. It’s a well-observed, scabrous ride courtesy of Diablo Cody’s wordsmithery. Theron is excellent as the put-upon mother, and Reitman’s direction allows the often unlikely twists and turns to hit home. Opens Apr 20
WONDERSTRUCK ***
Dir: Todd Haynes (PG, 109 mins) The director of Carol turns his hand to YA fiction with this adaptation of Brian Selznick’s book. The film tells two parallel stories – one shot in black-and-white and set in the silent movie era of 1927, the other in 1977, all period detail and flares. Both contain deaf characters who leave their homes and go on a journey which takes them to New York. Millicent Simmonds plays Rose, deaf since birth in 1927, whilst Oakes Fegley plays Ben in 1977, recently struck deaf thanks to a bolt of lightning. Both seek an absent parent, for Rose her silent-moviestar mother played by Julianne Moore; for Ben his father, whom he has never known, following the death of his mother (Michelle Williams). They both end up at the American Museum Of Natural History amidst much plot contrivance. The film looks sumptuous, there’s a fantastic score from Carter Burwell and a wondrous animated sequence at the end, but Wonderstruck, though gloriously rendered, is lightweight. Opens Apr 6
as Angourie Rice’s 16-year-old falls in love with a mysterious being called A, who transforms into a different body every day. As you do. It’s a metaphor about relationships. FUNNY COW (15) Maxine Peake stars as a stand-up comedienne battling sexism in the 70s, using her life and upbringing as material. LET THE SUNSHINE IN (15) The ever-wondrous Juliette Binoche searches for true love in director Clare Denis’ latest drama. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY (PG) Feel-good Brit drama as Lily James forms a bond with the inhabitants of Guernsey in the wake of WWII. Enjoyably twee. BUZZ 37
pic: Llee Wu
A number of bars and restaurants are opening in Cardiff and south Wales this month, making the city’s food and nightlife scene as exciting as ever.
Let Them See Cake - Pic: Joseph Parry
FOOD NEWS
OF THE BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN WALES
With 2018 being hailed as the Year Of The Sea for Welsh tourism, Rhiannon de Meulemester had a look at some of the best seafood restaurants you can find on this part of the island. FISH AT 85
First opened in 2011 and having recently changed ownership, Fish At 85 pride themselves through supporting local fishermen and buying produce from British waters. With three variations of the menu, this unique restaurant aims to provide an exceptional, catch-of-the-day fresh dining experience. 85 Pontcanna Street, Cardiff. Info: 029 2023 5666 / www.fishat85.co.uk
ALBANY FISH BAR
TAURUS CHURRASCARIA, NEWPORT
Opening just outside Newport sometime this month, meat lovers will be salivating with this Brazilian-styled restaurant. A churrascaria in Brazil is an all-you-caneat grill restaurant, with plentiful servings of all sorts of pork, beef, lamb and a Brazilian special – chicken hearts – available, as well as a salad bar brimming with other Latin American dishes. Its familiarity to most Britons probably comes via Viva Brazil, but it’s a burgeoning style of eating in the UK.
BIG MOOSE COFFEE CO.
One of the more ambitious and arguably most vital openings these past few months in Cardiff is the Big Moose Coffee Co. Situated on Frederick St (just off Queen Street) in the centre. On the surface, it looks like a café, with good coffee and a selection of wellsourced food. However, the purpose of Big Moose is its commitment to employing a number of homeless and disadvantaged people, bringing them back into the workplace, with its ethos akin to The Big Issue’s “A hand up, not a handout” mantra. BUZZ 38
THE ALCHEMIST, CARDIFF
Those who’ve been to an Alchemist outlet in England will be familiar with their bizarro cocktails and flights of alcoholic imagination – some drinks barely even seem to respond to the laws of physics. So for the mixologists out there, the opening of The Alchemist at the site of a former bank on St Mary Street this summer will surely be a welcome addition to Cardiff’s nightlife, presenting an almost theatrical vision of the art of making cocktails alongside some interesting grub.
BEELZEBUB’S BAR
Cardiff brewery Crafty Devil are opening their own bar in the centre of Cardiff – their second, following the smaller-scale Cellar in Canton. Crafty Devil have lived up to their name by paying for the venture through crowdfunding on the site Indiegogo, allowing prospective punters to buy a £50 tab in advance, which also earns them lifetime discounts. Satan’s own bar is due to open soon on Cardiff High Street, a stone’s throw from the castle, and will be selling the Devil’s own craft beers, as well as a number of local ales and ciders.
LET THEM SEE CAKE
Let Them See Cake has been conducting some fantastic cake-baking courses for a while now, teaching keen sugar-tooth fans the art of sugarcraft thanks to the knowhow of its creator Gareth Davies. They’re now taking the next step, opening a full cake shop near Victoria Park. The shop window will no doubt be a mouthwatering sight, as the intricate cakes that the team produces will be seen on display – and of course edible!
THE CELLAR DOOR
It’s quite easy to miss, being situated just outside Newport city centre in a part of the city few people walk past, but The Cellar Door is in fact a new micropub in the city, which is really just a hipster’s way of saying “a small pub”. With a small cosy atmosphere, and a small but carefully-curated number of real ales available, it’s a haven of quiet in a city that, sometimes unfairly, and sometimes entirely justifiably, can be a raucous place to visit on a weekend.
Located in the heart of Roath, this fast-paced restaurant serves a satisfying meal in minutes. The staff are known for their friendly service, leaving customers happy with more than just the food. They also set a world record for wrapping chips last year, verified by Guinness and all. 18 Albany Road, Cardiff. Info: 029 2048 2022
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
With remarkable views of the bay nearby, Captain’s Table is a perfect summer seafood spot with a spacious outdoor terrace available for those who enjoy sitting in the sun. The menu is comprised of mostly classic choices and smaller meals, making it ideal for a quick snack. Port Eynon, Swansea. Info: 01792 390980
SOMETHING’S COOKING
An award-winning, gluten-free fish and chip restaurant in Pembrokeshire, Somethhing’s Cooking is a family-run business that invests in the local community and buys produce provincially. Their recently renovated al fresco dining area has outdoor heating and seats 30, while the menu includes squid rings, potted shrimps, and fresh scallops to name a few. If you enjoy the spoils of seafood beyond your local chippy this is the place for you. 3 Haverfordwest Road, Letterston. Info: 01348 840621 / sites.google.com/view/projectsc
THE HARBOURMASTER
This high-end Milford Haven seafood restaurant crafts dishes that look as good as they taste. A wide range of seafood is available, the interior is quaint with blue walls and a fullsized bar, while outside there are picnic tables for the warmer days of the year. 5 Orion House, Nelson Quay, Milford Haven. Info: 01646 695493 / www.theharbourmaster.co.uk
PRAWN AND SAMPHIRE SPAGHETTI Words Alison Powell
A fresh, zingy, creamy comforting pile, this dish combines sweet and salty flavours of the sea, with a hit of lemon and saucy pasta perfect for slurping. It’s a cwtch in a bowl.
INGREDIENTS (serves 2) • 1tbsp olive oil • 2/3 cloves of garlic • 200g pre-cooked prawns • 115g samphire • Juice of one lemon • Salt (ideally sea salt) and black pepper • Spaghetti (allow 75-100g per person) • 200ml crème fraiche
METHOD 1. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and then add the spaghetti (cook for 8-10 minutes). 2. Meanwhile, add the oil and crushed garlic to a frying pan and cook gently for a minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. 3. Tumble in the prawns, coating in the garlicky oil and cook for another minute. 4. Pile in the samphire, lemon juice and a good grind of black pepper. 5. Add the crème fraiche, stir it around and simmer gently until the pasta is cooked. 6. Drain the spaghetti, adding a bit of the cooking water to the prawns and samphire mix as you do, just enough to loosen the sauce up a little. 7. Add the spaghetti to the frying pan, moving it around, coating in the sauce. 8. Serve with a further grind of black pepper.
@ASPwriter
BUZZ 39
MINT & MUSTARD
APRIL FOODIE FOCUS As spring stars to poke through, Elouise Hobbs has a few suggestions for those looking for ways to enjoy the fruits of the longer days and warmer climes. Let The Fun Be-Gin at Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff, Thurs 12 Apr What better way to unwind from a hard week at work than with great food and a good tipple. And what better food or drink, than a pop-up with gin? Well, look no further than the first event of its kind at Little Man Coffee. It’s going to be an entertaining night with tasty, local food, good company, great drinks and a bit of dancing thrown in for good measure. Admission: £20.50. Info: www.littlemancoffee.co.uk Bargoed Spring Fair at Bargoed town centre, Sat 7 Apr Spring is made for traditional fairs filled with local produce and heart. This year, the Bargoed fair is the first of the season and is a real foodie treat to get you in the mood for the rest of the summer. The fair will host traders selling delicious food such as cheese, preserves, chutneys and ice cream. Once you have had your fill of local produce, there are plenty of other activities ranging from: an indoor craft market with free face painting, to a pop-up café and an Easter egg hunt. Admission: free. Info: www.caerphilly.gov.uk
BUZZ 40
Wild Spring Greens, Cardigan, Sat 14 Apr Spring is a time for new beginnings and is also the time to learn new skills. This one-day walk around beautiful Cardigan takes place in the lanes around the town, offering a crash course in seasonal produce. Find out where to find everything you need to make an amazing meal with instruction, with Jade Mellor, a professional forager who’s always on the lookout for edible plants as part of her day job. This is a chance to taste and discover new plants and flavours that can be transformed into a wholesome dish that you can recreate when you get home. Tickets: £25. Info: www.wildpickings.co.uk Become a Beekeeper Urban beekeeping is a great way for people with only a little bit of space to get into making their own fresh produce for use in recipes and meals. Keeping bees also offers an opportunity to do something good for the environment – crosspollination through bees helps at least 30% of the world's crops and 90% of our wild plants to thrive. If you’re interested, there are plenty of beekeeping associations across Wales, which can provide you with the skills and abilities to learn how to care for our flower-loving friends. For those willing to travel, there is a course over in north Wales in Abergwyngregyn which is available to all-comers, but the best way here still remains joining a beekeeping association. Info: www.wbka.com
33-34 Windsor Terrace, Penarth. 029 2070 0500 / www.mintandmustard.com Food **** Atmosphere **** The flavours and style of cooking here is inspired by Keralan cuisine originating in the south of India, a land of spices known for its fresh, light and healthy food created with a slow food approach – cooking each dish fresh every time. Mint & Mustard is still the best representation of this type of food around this area, and is one of the few places that is consistently good on every visit. The creative touches and the beautifully arranged dishes are reason enough to visit, but it is a genuine joy to dine here, as is the other restaurants in the group, based respectively in Cardiff, Chepstow and Taunton. As with all things that are special, executed well and deliver quality, you will need to book at weekends as it does get very busy. Dining with a seasoned regular of the Mint, we wasted no time in ordering and selected from both the main menu and the tasting menu. To start, onion palak pakora – homemade crunchy fritters of finely shredded spinach onion and water chestnuts – with Keralan tiger prawns marinated in a paste of Kashmiri chillies and turmeric and deep fried. Mains all arrived with a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes. Saag gosht with chicken – slow-cooked chicken with spinach and chef’s own spices – is a particular favourite, while the tandoor menu yields a charmianar kabab platter: a combination of king prawns, salmon, chicken tikka, sheekh kebab and lamb tikka with chutneys. It does seem a lot but it was all incredibly light and individual in taste, a fragrant taste of many things rather than a blur of spices. With these mains came lemon rice and naan breads with fig and fresh coriander, again very light. The emphasis is on texture, taste and individual spices and fragrances: don’t expect to leave dragging your belly across the floor, rather anticipate an uplifting and invigorating experience bolstered by polite and charming staff who flit about with both purpose and a smile on their face. Love it every time. ANTONIA LEVAY
DRINK REVIEW TINY REBEL This Newport-based brewery is one of the big success stories to come out Wales’ third city in recent years. When they started production, almost out of nowhere they won a full-podium finish of gold, silver and bronze at the Great Welsh Beer & Cider Festival in 2013, before scooping Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 2015. This success hasn’t come without good reason. The best Tiny Rebel beers work because they’re well-balanced brews. It’s hard to nail a house style, particularly for a brewery which has so many beers on offer, but the closest description might be a particularly fruity, hoppy, light style that’s partly carried over from the American craft ale scene. Their most successful beer, Cwtch, might be a red ale, but sidesteps the earthy tones of most reds – rather a hoppier, less dry style. It’s easily drinkable and excellently balanced, which is why it’s one of their best, and other regulars like Clwb Tropicana and Cali are notable for their fruitiness. But even something like Hadouken, a double IPA sitting at a ‘careful now!’ ABV of 7.4%, doesn’t go overboard with the fruity, hoppy flavours, whilst still allowing those notes to be central. Stronger percentage beers are a risky game, as they can too quickly go overboard flavour-wise, becoming a chore to drink; I once made the mistake of getting through three pints of Hadouken very quickly before spotting the ABV percentage, which is both a huge thumbs-up and a warning. With the massive increase in demand for Tiny Rebel of late, some of their beers haven’t been quite as consistently good as before: Dirty Stop Out, a smoked oat stout, was a regular personal choice but my last go with it was a bit flat. The root of Tiny Rebel’s quality, though, unquestionably remains. Info: www.tinyrebel.co.uk FEDOR TOT
FLORENTINO’S
11 Jacksons Lane, Carmarthen. 01267 232828 / www.florentinos-italian.com Food **** Atmosphere **** This excellent Italian restaurant, hidden in the backstreets of Camarthen, is an excellent choice for something a little off the beaten path. It’s housed in a beautiful stone building that’s befitting of a British market town worth its salt, with low wooden beams and a homely, compact atmosphere. From the main street of the market town you might not even realise Florentino’s is there. Atmosphere-wise, the only possible drawback is the somewhat cheesy musical backdrop, consisting of overcooked 80s ballads sung in Italian, Spanish and English. Thankfully, that’s the only thing that’s overcooked. The food itself is uniformly excellent and exceptionally well-priced for the quality on offer. Most of the Italian staples of pasta and pizza are between £10-£14, and the meat and fish dishes are not significantly more expensive. I opted for the pork chop with a garlic and parmesan sauce, whilst my partner went for a ravioli with prawns in a creamy mushroom sauce. With one half responsible for driving and the other nursing a hangover, we didn’t have the chance to sample the wine menu, though it looks admirable. The pork chop itself was absolutely fantastic. The quality of the cut was superb – with the right balance between pork’s natural saltiness combining with the meat’s tender juiciness, balanced excellently against the more varied flavours of the garlic and parmesan, with the sauce giving the meat body and heart. Ravioli was also superb – great texture allied to a creamy sauce made it a meal to remember. Superb stuff. FEDOR TOT
LA SHISH
17-19 City Road, Cardiff. 029 2049 3337 / lashish.co.uk Food ***** Atmosphere **** Located at the foot of City Road, along a stretch of exotic offerings, is a Middle Eastern jewel: La Shish, one among Cardiff’s renowned kebab houses. Lured by the aroma of the charcoal-grilled meat, I eagerly awaited my turn in this popular restaurant brimming with guests. It’s simple yet embellished and spacious. The paintings on the yellow wall, the decorative chandeliers, the Arabic music and even the artificial greens which seemingly felt out of place added to the atmosphere. Settled amid the buzz in a comfortable corner after a 10-minute wait, I skimmed through the reasonably priced menu. Apart from the typical Arabic cuisine, the menu also included wraps, burgers and a small section dedicated to vegetarian dishes. Being a meat lover, my first order was a chicken mixed grill platter with a portion of rice, chips and bread – the very sight of which made my mouth water. The platter (£10.99) was a mix of perfectly charred and tender chicken shish, kufta and chicken thighs served with buttered saffron rice, salad and a side of garlic mayonnaise and lightly spiced tomato sauce. The saffron rice, the light flatbread (£1.50) and the fresh, crunchy chips (£2) accompanied by a mixed fruit juice (£3.20) was more than satisfying. My meal was concluded by a sumptuous chocolate cake served with fresh cream and chocolate sauce. The ultimate climax to an appetizing dinner. A Middle Eastern culinary experience to savour, La Shish's delectable dishes and value makes it an easy recommend. VARSHA BABUJI BUZZ 41
art
ELFYN LEWIS: LLANW
TEN, Cardiff Until Sat 28 Apr Welsh artist, Elfyn Lewis, will be displaying his newest work at TEN, a gallery based in a Roath house and open on an appointment-only basis. Renowned for his stunning abstract paintings, Llanw is a collection of vivid landscape abstract paintings, covered in different layers, brush techniques and bold colours, revealing every step of Lewis’ imagination and skill. His artwork has the ability to captivate, taking the viewer on a journey of enlightenment and philosophy. Everyone is constantly looking for something beautiful – it is almost human nature to relate to Lewis’ paintings as they are so often brimming with beauty and grace. Lewis won the gold medal in the fine art category at the National Eisteddfod in 2009, and he went on to win the Welsh Artist Of The Year prize a year later for his acrylic painting, Pwll Crochan, which was picked out by his son. Pwll Crochan juxtaposed imposing features and unique techniques. Throughout his success he has stayed true to himself, creating distinct and striking pieces of art. As an artist, Lewis experiments with his abstract style of work, changing his method with each painting. By experimenting with different colours and tools, Lewis is able to make each piece distinctive, with a dynamic range and personality. His work is also deeply connected to his background; growing up as a native Welsh speaker in Porthmadog, Lewis’ work is connected to many memories, with Welsh titles common, demonstrating the main focal point of his work. Y Ddaear A Thu Hwnt (The Earth and Beyond) depicts the emotional tremors he felt whilst incorporating earthly colours to intensify natural characteristics. Last summer Lewis had an exhibition at Cardiff’s Oriel Canfas gallery, featuring his Brynhyfryd (Summer Hill) collection: bold tones and dramatic brush strokes, orchestrating an organic landscape of mountains and geometric scenery. If you haven’t yet heard or seen Elfyn Lewis’ artwork, then make sure you book yourself in to step into his visual world – you won’t be disappointed. ELISHA WESCOTT Admission: free via appointment. Info: 029 2060 0495 / www.gallery-ten.co.uk
James Moore, Lo-Rez Skyline
Kayo Saito, Butterfly brooch
GIVE THE GIFT OF INDEPENDENT GIVE THE GIFT OFININDEP ENDENT SHOPPING CARDIFF We take a look at the new Card D FOR Cardiff SHOPPING IN Gift CAR IFF that is supporting independent businesses
CHAIR
Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen Until Sat 7 July An exhibition about the design aesthetics of a chair might seem bizarre, but could be an intriguing glimpse of how chair design (and in turn, how people responded to their needs for comfort and functionality) has developed over the last 200 years. Few objects tell the history of modern design more eloquently than the chair. Over the decades, aesthetic trends, the emergence of new materials and production technology, ergonomics, social, cultural and behavioural changes have all played major parts in the growth of the chair’s design. This exhibition uses a selection of chairs from the London Design Museum’s collection to take a look at how the design of the chair has developed from the late 1800s to contemporary innovations by prominent designers. The Design Museum covers product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. Founded in 1989, it was originally near the River Thames, but later relocated to Kensington, where it opened in November 2016 with far greater space. At Oriel Myrddin for three months, this exhibition allows viewers to see what a difference design aesthetics have made to our everyday lives. Admission: free. Info: 01267 222775 / www.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk (EN) BUZZ 42
MELTING POINT
Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay Until Sun 29 Apr Melting Point displays a range of contemporary metal artwork and stunning handmade jewellery crafted by over 20 artists, with masterclasses dotted throughout its run. The curators of the exhibition, Beate Gegenwart and Matthew Tomalin, will be covering Craft in the Bay with a variety of dramatic, bold and delicate metalwork, natively crafted by themselves and metalwork artisans such as Dail Behennah, Ane Christensen and Kevin Gray. Metalwork has been a fixation of craftspeople for much of human history, with the energy and finesse required to make such finely-tuned pieces ensuring it has been the domain of those with sleight of hand for many centuries. The hand-crafted jewellery displayed at the exhibition excels in beauty and transcendence, working in new visions of style and texture, all made with minute attention to detail. On display will be treasures made by artists such as Jane Adam, Charlotte Tracy and Kayo Saito. The collection aims to push materials to their limits, finding the right balance between irregularity as well as grace. Right in the heart of Cardiff Bay, this exhibition will be perfect for those who love all things bizarre. Admission: free. Info: 029 2048 4611 / www.makersguildinwales.org.uk (CA)
NOFIO
Aberystwyth Arts Centre Until Sat 26 May Water has often been one of the most fascinating elements that artists and creatives have used throughout history – painters have visualised its refractions of light, filmmakers have used its reflection, poets have described its touch. A collaborative art exhibition consisting of contemporary artists, Nofio responds to the timeless pastime of swimming. A liberating activity that represents freedom to some if not all, Nofio will provide an interesting commentary, reaction and critique of how various people respond to the water. That we live on an island means most of us in the UK have some sort of memory related to bodies of water. Laying claim to a multitude of different exhibitions and shows, theresponse to such a commonplace activity will be intriguing. There’s the sense of underwater weightlessness expressed in Vivienne Rickman Poole’s photography and video, the textiles and decorative swimming costumes of Becky Knight’s craft, and Deborah Teakle’s abstract, surreal, submersive painting. So, if you’re interested in how we respond to the presence of water, as capable of providing life as it of creating death, this exhibition will no doubt provide an interesting insight for you. Admission: free. Info. 01970 623232 / www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk (CA)
JAMES MOORE: STRANGE EDEN
Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan Sat 28 Apr-Sun 10 June Welsh artist James Moore will be showcasing his new and exciting exhibition Strange Eden, which will be full of abstracted shapes and unique techniques, exploiting his idea of the mediated representation of art. His work focuses solely on the hyperreality of his own imagination, painting his mind and soul onto a canvas for the public to see up close and personal. He mixes together copies, samples, collages and pastes to create abstract paintings and unusual animations. The title of Strange Eden gives away its theme: the weird and the wonderful starkly juxtaposed to create something aesthetically pleasing, an illusion for your mind to figure out. Balancing out the world we live in now and Moore’s idea of subjective reality, the artist’s work has evolved significantly since his first group exhibition in Cardiff, 2009’s Wood, Canvas, Steel?. He also won the New Lights Art Prize, at Mercer Gallery in 2013. Moore describes his work as “exploring our snowballing detachment from the real world within a visual culture of ever increasing simulacra.” Based in the centre of Cardigan, Strange Eden will hopefully be another step forward for his fascinating vision work. Admission: free. Info: 01239 621200 / www.mwldan.co.uk (EW)
We take a look at the new Gift Card FOR Cardiff that is supporting independent businesses We all struggle to find the right gift for the fussy foodies, vintage treasure hunters, coffee addicts or sports fans in our lives, but thankfully FOR Cardiff has created the perfect solution. Here’s all you need to know about it. What’s different about it? national department store and shopping centre hunters, has its own We all struggleAlmost to findevery the right giftchain, for the fussy foodies, vintage treasure gift card but there isn’t much on the market that is destination-led. FOR Cardiff coffee addicts or sports fans in our lives, but thankfully FOR Cardiff has created has stepped in to change this and created a gift card aimed specifically at supthe perfect solution. Here’s all you need to know about it. porting local independent businesses across the city centre.
So, when you give this card, you are giving them the opportunity to sample the delights of Wally’s Delicatessen; delve through the rails at Dot Clothing; enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine at Asador 44 or cocktails and tapas at Bar 44; have an experience to remember at Escape Reality; or treat themselves to a glass of prosecco and a pastry at Nine Yards.
So, when you give this card, you are giving them the opportunity to sample the To view the full list visit cardiffgiftcard.com delights of Wally’s Delicatessen; delve through the rails at Dot Clothing; enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine at Asador 44 or cocktails and tapas at Bar 44; have How much do you have to spend? an experience Escape or treat to athe glass of You can load to theremember card with aat value to suitReality; your budget, fromthemselves £5 to £500, and prosecco and a pastry at Nine Yards. cards are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
What’s different Whyabout shouldit? you choose it? Almost every national store andcafés shopping centre has its own The highchain, numberdepartment of independent shops, and restaurants is what sets Cardiff How the do you apartisn’t frommuch other cities andmarket gives residents and visitors a completely unique gift card but there on the that is destination-led. FOR Cardiff To view fullpurchase list visit one? cardiffgiftcard.com a gift card that anyone lovesspecifically shopping or dining The gift card can be purchased online at www.cardiffgiftcard.com and can be has stepped inexperience. to changeThis thisisand created a gift cardwho aimed at sup-out in Cardiff would be thrilled to receive. In addition, you will be helping to support the to you or directly to the recipient. porting local independent businesses across the city centre. Howposted much do you have to spend? independent shops, which are the beating heart of our capital city. Next time you’re buying a gift card for a friend or loved one, step away from the You can load the card with a value to suit your budget, from £5 to £500, and the national chains and give the gift of Cardiff instead. Why should you choose it? spend it? cards are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Where can you The high number independent shops, andtorestaurants is the what setspath Cardiff Thisofgift card encourages the cafés recipient step away from beaten to apart from other citieshidden and gives completely unique discover gemsresidents around theand city,visitors many of awhich are found in our beautiful How do you purchase one? A GIFT CARD online at www.cardiffgiftcard.com and can be arcades. There arethat currently overwho 50 shops, cafés, restaurants andout experiences experience. This is a gift card anyone loves shopping or dining in The gift card can be purchased where you can spend theIncard, from Christopher Jewellers to Shopthe Rugby posted to you or directly to the recipient. Cardiff would be thrilled to receive. addition, you will beGeorge helping to support and Chapel 1877. Next time you’re buying a gift card for a friend or loved one, step away from the independent shops, which are the beating heart of our capital city. national chains and give the gift of Cardiff instead. Where can you spend it? This gift card encourages the recipient to step away from the beaten path to Info: www.cardiffgiftcard.com discover hidden gems around the city, many of which are found in our beautiful A GIFT CARD arcades. There are currently over 50 shops, cafés, restaurants and experiences advertorial where you can spend the card, from Christopher George Jewellers to Shop Rugby and Chapel 1877.
Pic: Sheila Burnett
stage
LOVE FROM A STRANGER
New Theatre, Cardiff Tue 17-Sat 21 Apr Cardiff’s New Theatre has long been the proud venue for many of Agatha Christie’s mysteries and thrillers to come to life, and this month things are no different. After receiving positive reviews from critics, Agatha Christie and Frank Vosper’s adaptation of Love From A Stranger is soon to take to the stage. Drawing on Christie’s earlier works, such as The Stranger and her short story Philomel Cottage, director Lucy Bailey (King Lear, Dial M For Murder, The Postman Always Rings Twice) has taken the play from its original comfortable 1930s backdrop and into film noir-era 1958, paired with bursts of luxurious background. With its four-month UK tour underway, this lesser-known romantic thriller is anything but insubstantial; its ominous tagline of “be careful who you wish for” is enough to hint at the excitement and dashing of expectations the audience awaits. Opening to glowing reviews upon the play’s first performances in London and New York in 1936, Love From A Stranger thrilled and captivated viewers; though rarely performed since, like Agatha Christie’s other much-loved works, the story has managed to keep the same grip on its audience decades on. Upon its adaption for American radio in the form of Suspense, Orson Welles was a member of the main cast. Helen Bradbury’s Cecily Harrington recklessly abandons the life she knows after mysterious and charming stranger Bruce Lovell (Sam Frenchum) sweeps her off her feet. The pair relocate to start a new life in the tranquil, picturebook countryside, yet those familiar with Christie’s famous classics will know their story will not end as blissfully as their tranquil new surroundings suggest. The play’s tension culminates in its wonderful final scene in which Love From A Stranger’s protagonist realises her new-found love may not be as idyllic as it first seemed. Full of suspense and twists, this eight-date stop at the New Theatre is one not to miss. CHLOE EDWARDS Tickets: £12.50-£32.50. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
Pic: Kayla Wren
ALL KILLA NO FILLA
Glee Club, Cardiff Bay Sun 22 Apr Serial killers aren’t usually the main topic of a comedy show but Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean use our undeniable fascination with them to transform their accomplished podcast All Killa No Filla into a stage show. With the in-depth description of the horrific crimes that some of the worst serial killers in history have committed, this show might not be for the faint of heart. It will be interesting to see how these comedians try and make light of an otherwise horrifying topic: if their hour-long podcasts are of any reference, we can expect their material to consist of several different murderers across multiple countries and time periods. Pritchard-McLean has a reliable history, appearing on Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central and having multiple appearances on the BBC. Fairburn has also had her share of success through myriad comedy shows. If the dynamics between Rachel and Kiri on their podcast translate to the stage, their success is almost certainly assured. All Killa No Filla will indulge your darkest curiosities, hoping to get you laughing at the same time. If you’d like a sneak peek, listen to any of the 44 podcasts available on PritchardMcLean’s website. Tickets: £15. Info: 0871 4720400 / www.glee.co.uk (RdM) BUZZ 44
ALL BUT GONE
The Other Room, Porter’s, Cardiff Until Sat 14 Apr Matthew Trevannion questions the integrity of love through his new play All But Gone, brought to life by The Other Room’s new artistic director Dan Jones. All But Gone centres around a teenager Kai and a pensioner, Owen; beyond this, the theatre have remained fairly tight-lipped regarding details of the plot, perhaps because it can only be fully understood through attending. The play, though, will have a strong focus on the representation of Welsh culture in the Valleys and combines elements of tradition with modern normalities. When asked about the production, Jones stated that All But Gone is a play about love, loss and regret. He adds that there are instances of dark humour which very much represent the Valleys community he grew up in. The Other Room have worked to create a piece that is authentic and realistic, while being entertaining. Of the cast, there is Wyn Bowen Harries, a Welsh actor who you may recognise from Ironclad or Coronation Street; starring opposite him are Nicola Reynolds, Elin Phillips, and Calum Hymers, all of whom have plentiful experience upon the boards. All But Gone explores the metaphysical concepts of everyday life through the medium of theatre and will challenge you to do the same. Tickets: £12/£10. Info: 0333 6663366 / www.otherroomtheatre.com (RdM)
TREMOR
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff Thurs 12 Apr-Sat 5 May “We got dark, Sophie. Things got dark, and I... I’m better now. I’m in a better place”. Brad Birch’s latest play Tremor follows two characters, Tom (Paul Rattray) and Sophie (Lisa Diveney), and puts their relationship under the microscope since it deteriorated after a tragedy. Following their story four years on, Tremor delves into the complexities of trauma, division and tension in our modern-day world. Coming to the Sherman Theatre, which has a reputation for producing and providing a platform for excellent drama, we can be assured Tremor will follow suit. With only two characters in Tremor, expect a deep and intimate insight into their relationship. A small cast will inevitably allow the play to strip away aspects it doesn’t want us to see; what’s left is laid bare, and open for our dissection. New associate director David Mercatali will make his Sherman Theatre debut with Tremor, and has said, “Tremor is a timely and important play from a major Welsh playwright”. Birch, a recipient of the Harold Pinter Commission, will provide an absorbing evening ripe with sociopolitical critique at the Sherman Theatre this spring. Tickets: £7-£16. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermantheatre.co.uk (CA)
MOTHER’S RUIN
The Riverfront, Newport Sat 14 Apr Mother’s Ruin is a lively cabaret that explores the history of gin through storytelling and music. It’s a tale about love and women but mainly, it’s about gin and the secrets that come with it. An evening surrounding this cabaret will have you in hysterics as they take you through 18th century London, a few moments in New York, and across the world to the Australian bush and the jungles of Peru. Mother’s Ruin features two of Australia’s rising cabaret stars, Maeve Marsden and Libby Wood, who recreate well known music by artists such as Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. It’s directed by Anthea Williams and has been touring to full houses, with soldout seasons at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the London Underbelly Festival, Sydney Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Melbourne Cabaret Festival, among others. This hour-long theatre production allows you to experience a range of emotion as the narrative transitions between high and low moments and brings in a factual based history of the liquor. The mood is kept light through the presence of sailors and barmaids and access to a full bar, naturally stocked with quality gin. Tickets: £16. Info: 01633 656757 / tickets.newportlive.co.uk (EN)
WORLD PREMIERE PERFFORMIAD CYNTAF ERIOED
TREMOR
12 Apr / Ebr – 5 May / Mai 2018 By / Gan Brad Birch Director / Cyfarwyddwr David Mercatali Two people. A world of difference. Dau berson. Byd o wahaniaeth.
SHERMANTHEATRE.CO.UK #Tremor 029 2064 6900 Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4YE
Sherman Cymru Productions Ltd | Registered Charity Number / Rhif Elusen Cofrestredig 1118364 Image & Design / Llun a Dyluniad burningred
Regional Theatre of the Year Theatr Ranbarthol y Flwyddyn 2018
clubs
THE BANK JOB
ANËK
Fixate Rooftop Party @ Blind Tiger, Newport Sun 5 May It’s been shy of a few weeks since the Buzz clubs page was hunkered down under several blankets, but now our mind is on rooftop parties... baby. Yes, the first spring bank holiday of the year is upon us, which means thoughts turn to sun-dappled days-into-nights, fistpumping away with merry abandon. Or that’s the idea. Say what you like about the tech-house explosion of the past few years, but a pleasing knock-on effect of the ubiquity of donking basslines, pitched down vox, 125pm rhythms and shuffling is that more promoters outside of Cardiff are able to put on sustainable events with fairly weighty bookings and pull in very healthy crowds. For this instalment of their parties, local promoters Fixate are bringing in Danish duo Anëk to top the bill. Denise and Karina have been pals since they were kids, but these days reside in France and the UK respectively. Which must make meeting up to practice quite a task, and that’s even before Brexit kicks in. They’ve had releases on Viva, Steve Lawler’s label, and a fairly punishing DJ schedule, and will be joined by Bristolians Marco Rees and E-Type, as well as resident for Pontypridd’s Platform 11 Rhys Bowler. Admission: £5. Info: 01633 243500 (KD) BUZZ 46
GENERAL LEVY
Hustle @ Sin City, Swansea Sun 5 May Sin City is a hive of club activity at the moment, and May sees local party starters Hustle bringing in a bona fide legend of ragga, jungle and more. A veteran of soundsystems in the 80s and 90s, Levy had released several reggae albums before he was approached by jungle producer M-Beat to lend his unique ‘hiccupping’ stylings to one of his tracks. The result was Incredible, which would go on to Notting Hill Carnival ubiquity and ultimately go on to gatecrash the UK top 10, taking jungle overground – it’s the one that goes “booyakka, booyakka, jungle is massive”. Levy’s an older, wiser elder than the cocky upstart who claimed to “run jungle” in a notorious interview with The Face in 1994. In fact, it’s been a rocky road back to widespread scene acceptance after the so-called ‘Jungle Committee’, a kangaroo court made up of some of the scene’s big hitters, ostracised Levy and set about a blanket ban of Incredible at raves after his gaffe in the press. But thankfully, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, and DJs can now drop Incredible without fear of reprisal. Levy, now a grandfather, is still producing new material, his latest album coming out in 2015. Tickets: £10. Info: 01792 468892 (KD)
PALMS TRAX
CYNT @ Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Fri 13 Apr CYNT’s come a long way since it was Cardiff’s nightlife bratty upstart. Now picking and choosing its moments rather than being the weekly affair of yore, whenever the promotion resurfaces its usually packing some seriously weighty lineups. For this outing, they’re welcoming Palms Trax – aka 27-year-old Jay Donaldson – a booking typically on the pulse of the nightlife zeitgeist. Breaking through on the Lobster Theremin label alongside the likes of DJ Boring, he was part of a group of producers pushing a stripped back, raw sound, refreshingly at odds with both EDM’s belching maximalism and tech-house’s increasingly formulaic limitations. Hailing from a little village just outside Bristol, these days (as is almost compulsory) Donaldson resides in Berlin, where he hosts a weekly radio show Cooking With Palms Trax. His sets usually join the dots from disco, squelchy acid and piano belters and everything in between. His productions, meanwhile, have been released on labels like Hot Haus and Dekamntel, which is some stamp of approval. This promises to be a rowdy one. Tickets: £14 (sold out – check social media for resales). Info: 029 2023 2199 (KD)
Pic: Malte Seidel
Pic: Camille Blake
Endgame @ The Vaults / Portland House, Cardiff Bay Sat 28 Apr The Vaults, if you’ve not had the pleasure of having a lost sweaty evening there, happens to be in an old bank building on a street just off Cardiff’s redeveloped waterside clinging to the old vestiges of what used to be known as Tiger Bay. Since Backroom started putting Berlin-inspired line-ups there in 2009 before Cellar Door, Catapult, Memorex and Delete followed in its wake, it’s been one of the more interesting venues for parties in Cardiff. Safe to say it’s seen some memorable nights, but none quite as high concept as this – a bank heist-themed event stacked to the rafters with heavyweight bassy house DJs and a soundsystem capable of generating a minor tsunami out in the Severn. And, it says here, “armoured cars”. This is Endgame’s first outing, and to say that it’s a lineup packing some serious chutzpah would be an understatement. Doubling down on size, it’s not just the Vaults that they’re taking over, it’s the upper space in Portland House too, promising a festival-standard level production, live performances and quadrophonic sound. Up in the banking hall, multi-BPM bass flavours abound with genre-hopping low-end jockeys Redlight [pictured] and Toddla T topping off the bill, with 1Xtra’s DJ Target joining them. Redlight in particular will be one to catch in the midst of the all the inevitable room-hopping – the Bristolian manages to condense 30 odd years of rave history in to his sets. Sheffield native Toddla T has carved out a niche of booming basement music with big carnival vibes. Downstairs, it’s on a very bass house tip, with Bassboy – last spotted in these parts invoking gurns aplenty at Got Bass – OG Jamie Duggan and buff erstwhile electrohouse man Kissy Sell Out. Most nights at the Vaults have a sense of spectacle about them at the best of times, so this should be one for the ages. Plus, its bank heist theme gives endless license to punters to indulge in Danny Dyer-esque Landahn gangster patter all night, which we’re all for to be quite honest. “Leave it ahhht!” etc. Tickets: £25.50. Info: www.vaultspresents.com KRISTIAN DANDO
RED GREG
Groove Theory @ Undertone, Cardiff Fri 6 Apr Since launching in 2013, Groove Theory has become Cardiff’s go-to name for the more discerning end of house and disco, welcoming a bevy of headsy selectors to grace the decks, usually at Undertone and occasionally in conjunction with fellow 4/4 party starters Rotary Club and Blue Honey. This instalment’s guest, Red Greg, has been collecting records and playing them in a club context since 1985. Working a part-time schedule alongside ‘proper’ work, he tends to play just three or four sets a month, so it’s something of a coup for the Groove Theory team to secure his services for an evening. A cratedigger of renown, he’s amassed a staggering collection of obscure soul, disco and boogie records over 30 plus years of sniffing around dusty old record shops, and it shows – his mixes for Dekmantel and Resident Advisor, home of the internet’s most notoriously difficult-to-please listeners, are met with universal acclaim. Backing him up will be some of Cardiff’s diggers par excellence – Double C of Hully Gully will be laying down funky stuff aplenty, and there’s a back-to-back set from Jack Siddell and Groove Theory’s own Tom Bateman to look forward to as well. Admission: £10. Info: 029 2022 8883 (KD)
Pic: Chris Saunders
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JON BODEN
Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Tue 17 Apr; Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Thurs 19; Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Fri 20 In 2016, Jon Boden took the brave step of dissolving Bellowhead, the most popular British folk band since Fairport Convention. Now he’s on tour for his third solo album, Afterglow, with a mix of solo and full band dates. But switching from one set to another is more challenging than even this multi-instrumentalist had imagined. “It’s really difficult. I thought it was a good idea to run them both together but it is actually twice as much work! They’re very, very different shows and it’s a different process – having that quite intimate, one-to-one relationship with the audience and then the band which is quite a big, logistical, thing just to get from one gig to another.” Bellowhead fans will be pleased to hear that the solo sets contain some of the band’s classic material and that Boden’s band, The Remnant Kings, features some very familiar faces. But as this more mainstream album shows, this is not Bellowhead redux. “It’s very different actually. On paper it looks quite similar, in terms of the instrumentation. But because the music is more focused on my songwriting it’s a lot more poppier and rockier with The Remnant Kings.” Despite his boundary pushing, Boden has won more BBC Radio Folk awards than anyone else, ever. Luckily for him, that sort of success doesn’t come with the usual trappings of fame. “Now and then I get to feel famous when I go to a folk festival, or indeed my own gigs. But the rest of the time: complete anonymity. It’s great. I always rather hope that someone, at the checkout at Sainsbury’s or somewhere, would say, ‘Oh, you’re Jon Boden!’ but it’s never happened.” Afterglow follows Tales From The Floodplain in its concept album, dystopian setting. Boden hopes to complete the triptych with more new material. “The plan is to complete the trilogy of albums; to get on with writing a third album that carries on a story with the same aspect as the other two. That’s the next thing on the list.” Tickets: £20/£10 (Brecon); £20 (Aberystwyth); £19/£17.50 (Swansea). Info: 01874 611622 (Brecon); 01970 623232 (Aberystwyth); 01792 602060 (Swansea) JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
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WHAT’S ON/AR FYND April/Ebrill – May/Mai 2018
SHOP GIRLS GOODFELLAS VIOLENT HEART JOY TOWN GYPSIES
NIGHTMUSIC / HWYRGERDD ABSTRUCKT ENSEMBLE & THE VICKERS BOVEY DUO 04.04.18 – 8pm
Pic: Melody Mclaren
KRIS DREVER 17.04.18 – 8pm
HENRI HERBERT & THE FURY
The Dolls House, Abertillery Sat 28 Apr There’s so much to love about this booking: shitkicking old-tyme rock’n’roll, performed by a band who do it better than nigh on anyone else on the circuit, for a Saturday night rock club crowd in a small Valleys town. The only thing needed to complete the package is a fight where someone is thrown across the length of the bar, but that will have to be arranged by Abertillery’s finest and, perhaps, Henri Herbert’s rabblerousing powers. Herbert is a pianist in the boogie-woogie style, who assaults the keys with a fearful clatter worthy of Jerry Lee Lewis’ proto-protopunk amphetamine rush. He first came to prominence in sleaze-garage outfit The Jim Jones Revue, but is arguably better known in bandleader guise. (You know that piano at St Pancras railway station? A YouTube clip of Herbert having a bash on it has racked up 17 million hits to date.) His first solo album, rather prosaically titled Boogie Woogie Piano, is out this month but for a taste of what to expect in Abertillery, though, check 2017’s Live At Gypsy Hotel, recorded with his band The Fury (bassist Jez Southgate and drummer Aidan Sinclair) and slotting Hendrix and Little Walter covers into originals with barnstorming results. Admission: £5. Info: 01495 213300 (NG) BUZZ 48
LET’S EAT GRANDMA
The Globe, Cardiff Thurs 12 Apr Childhood best friends Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth started creating music in their early teenage years and now, aged 18 and 19, are both halves of Let’s Eat Grandma. An experimental art-pop duo named in reference to a grammatical mnemonic (“let’s eat, Grandma!”), they forged a presence in the Norwich indie scene, featuring at the city’s Sound & Vision Festival in 2014; Lancashire prog-pop artist Kiran Leonard, who gives the pair a run for their money in the precocious stakes, tipped off his record label Transgressive, and they released LEG’s debut album I, Gemini in 2016. Their music, as showcased on I, Gemini and new single Hot Pink, is experimental art-pop which nods to each part of that descriptor in equal measure, but is not restricted by it. Each track can feel like an eclectic grab-bag of songs condensed into one, weaving from segment to segment: Eat Shiitake Mushrooms tries rapping on for (not as naff as it might have been) size, while Hot Pink might just be their interpretation of EDM. Visiting Cardiff this April courtesy of promoters Swn, expect a band that grasps unlikely lyrical themes and plays with conventions of genre. Tickets: £11. Info: 07590 471888 (CA)
LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
Sin City, Swansea, Sat 6 Apr; The Muni, Pontypridd, Sat 7 Apr For the first time since 2014, Lower Than Atlantis will be touring around the UK – and we mean aroooound the UK. Two south Wales dates fall near the beginning of the stint, which runs to north of 20 dates, a rarity in an age when most rock bands of their nature either enjoy arena status or have day jobs to think about. Loaded with robust and rowdy anthems, albeit ones imbued with modern pop influence, the Watford band’s most recent full-length, 2017’s Safe In Sound is arguably their definitive statement of their six albums since forming in 2007. Renowned for an ability to whip up a crowd in alternative rock circles, having played the Reading and Leeds festivals in 2014 and 2016. Like several heavyish UK rock outfits of the last decade or so – Biffy Clyro perhaps the preeminent example – Lower Than Atlantis’ efforts to freshen up their established sound, and perhaps shift a few more units into the bargain, have led them to a crossroads. Safe In Sound cuts like Had Enough scale back the grunge guitars and leap into pop waters – a studio facelift which sounds like it’ll be tricky to replicate. Only one way to find out, or two in this case. Tickets: £18/£16. Info: 01792 468892 (Swansea) / 01443 490390 (Pontypridd) (EW)
TRISH CLOWES & GARETH WILLIAMS
Cardiff University Concert Hall Sat 14 Apr Saxophonist Trish Clowes is the younger of this UK jazz duo, in her early 30s, but already has around a decade of solid experience to her name having formed Tangent in the latter part of last decade. An album, also titled Tangent, followed on the Basho label, which has since released her three subsequent albums – the latest, My Iris, came out last year to enviable reviews, widely deemed a high water mark for her beatific, bucolic playing style and classically-minded approach to composition. Gareth Williams, meanwhile, celebrates his 50th birthday this month, having been paying his dues since the early 90s. His first break was via the bigat-the-time acid jazz scene, playing keyboards for hip-hop crossover outfit Us3. Later on, he’d revert to slightly more jazz-conventional lineups, notably as pianist for Claire Martin, and has helmed two trios under his own name (most recently the Gareth Williams Power Trio, also featuring Swansea bassist and shortlived Black Sabbath member Laurence Cottle). Clowes and Williams have performed as a duo since 2013, combining standards and originals with an improvisational ear and a stated desire to take risks. Tickets: £10/£8/free NUS. Info: 029 2087 4816 (NG)
NIGHTMUSIC / HWYRGERDD OLIVER COATES
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reviews albums ALEXIS TAYLOR *** Beautiful Thing (Domino) Alexis Taylor is the de facto frontman of Hot Chip. What do you reckon his fourth solo album sounds like? A bit like Hot Chip with a few more piano ballads chucked in? You, sir, are on the money. Taylor is on sturdier ground when he leaves behind the slower songs, which strive for vulnerability but end up a bit weedy. Instead the wonky funk of Suspicious Of Me and the jangly workout that is Beautiful Thing points to his – and producer Tim Goldsworthy’s – strengths. SE
BOOKA SHADE *** Cut The Strings (Blaufield) Time was German electronic duo Booka Shade were kind of flag-bearers for minimal techno, laying claim to one of the biggest hits (Body Language) to emerge from the scene. That time was the mid-00s, and since then they’ve settled into the status of reliable workhorses, intermittently dropping sleek, lengthy albums like Cut The Strings for what I imagine to be a fairly fixed audience. A few hints towards 90s trance expansiveness, Night Surfing particularly, adds pep to the broadly midpaced chugging vibe. NG
BURNING FERNS ***** Public Mono (Country Mile) Rich and warming in its style and collected influences, sometimes the fuzzy guitars of Burning Ferns escort you to 1960s/70s West Coast America, while equally beautiful vocal harmonies bring Field Music to mind. On this, their second album, the Newport outfit have really come forward with a sound that is simultaneously classic and current. From album opener Don't Get On Them Horses you are instantly hooked and the rest of the long player is a joy. JE
CHRIS CARTER **** Chemistry Lessons Volume 1 (Mute) Known primarily as one of the founding members of cult underground pioneers, Throbbing Gristle, Chris Carter is an electronic maven and all round influential powerhouse. This 25-song collection consists of musical snapshots utilising retrofuturistic drum machines and synthesised sounds combined with Carter’s processed vocals. There’s a playful and melodic element to a lot of the songs, with the odd track venturing into an almost languid dub or folk sound. GM
THE DAMNED ***
HINDS ****
LISA STANSFIELD **
SENDELICA *****
Evil Spirits (Search And Destroy/Spinefarm)
I Don’t Run (Lucky Number)
Deeper (EARmusic)
My House Is Made Of Angel Hair (VE)
Punk’s original headcases back again, this time punting for critical redemption. “In the early days, so much of the focus was on our craziness as people,” says Vanian. It is a solid little album, but a lacklustre mix and overcomplicated writing has let down what might be some decent numbers in a live set. Machine Gun Etiquette, a record from those “early days”, had no pretensions about itself and I use it instead of coffee in the morning. Never mind the critics. JM
Discovering new music is one of the perks of the job here at Buzz. Spanish lo-fi indie you say? Don’t mind if I do! The best thing about I Don’t Run is that it sounds like they’ve just rattled these tunes off in one go; no real change in tone or instrumentation – just press record and go for it. Like what Pavement would have sounded like if they were women and decided to record an album in between Slanted and Crooked Rain. BG
Stansfield’s eighth album, co-written with her husband Ian Devaney, is 13 tracks of light, jazzy soul-pop with breathy vocals and lyrics about love, desire and dancing: an album for the dancefloor or for late-night lovers. There is the occasional more upbeat surprise, such as Billionaire and the slightly heavier Hercules and some nice piano crops up on Hole In My Heart but overall Deeper is somewhat one-note. LN
Any band that plays psychedelic spacerock is asking to be compared to Hawkwind, so I approached Sendelica’s new album with trepidation – and was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it’s psychedelic, yes it’s space-rock, yes it has ‘Wind-esque elements – including Nik Turner’s flute on This Is The Day – but it has more than enough originality to avoid the copycat tag. Special guest Molara Awen’s vocals are angelic, the synths are mesmerising and overall this is a smooth head-swaying trip. LN
DAPHNE & CELESTE ***
JOSH T. PEARSON ****
Daphne & Celeste Save The World (Balatonic)
The Straight Hits (Mute)
A chance online encounter between Daphne, Celeste and remixer/producer Max Tundra seven years ago has resulted in the comeback that nobody really asked for. It’s been a whole adult person ago since the sickly We Didn’t Say That!; D&C are cornering the insult-pop market once again, but this time backed up by Tundra’s skilled electronica. You & I Alone, a single from 2015, is still the highlight, but awful autotuning aside, BB, Alarms and Taking Notes are actually pretty neat. BG
GOAT GIRL ** Goat Girl (Rough Trade) It’s not Goat Girl’s fault that they’ve been hyped to heaven (not least due to their connections to the Windmill in Brixton and fellow south London scuzz-rockers Fat White Family and Shame); neither is it their fault that their debut inevitably fails to live up to that hype. Burn The Stake, Viper Fish and Country Sleaze have a certain grubby charm, and Cracker Drool’s sickly breeziness sticks in the head, but the LP generally feels undercooked, not helped by the irritating interludes that pad out the tracklisting. BW
A HAWK AND A HACKSAW **** Forest Bathing (Living Music Duplication) Heather Trost and Jeremy Barnes’ continued explorations of traditional music inspired by travels through the Balkans. Go on an all instrumental whirling dervish of a dance as if riding horseback across the steppes, journeying through mountains, along ancient trade routes or at a gypsy wedding. With guests, they weave hypnotic and exotic, sometimes playful sounds like snake charmers. Even mariachi strains from the folk duo’s New Mexico blend with the Middle East using tools that include a cimbalom (shades of The Ipcress File). RLR
Ex-Lift To Experience man Josh T. Pearson has returned from the wilderness and thrown off the shackles of darkness that made his debut album Last Of The Country Gentlemen an uneasy, but beautifully refined listening experience. The Straight Hits is the sound of a reinvigorated Pearson sounding like he is actually enjoying life a hell of a lot more then before. Straight At Me is pure pop and Dire Straights Of Love is as good as any Sun Records classic. DN
KIZZY CRAWFORD & GWILYM SIMCOCK *** Birdsong (Basho) A compelling ode to a Welsh rainforest, this illustrious entry marks a refreshing new direction for both artists’ respective catalogues. Ornate orchestral backing and grandiose jazz/soul/folk arrangements make for an unmistakably impressive and unique listening experience. The evocative imagery is certainly well conveyed through the tangible melodies and rhythms but it’s not altogether replayable as a record. It’s more of a singular experience, perhaps best enjoyed live (touring Wales later this year!). CPI
LAURA VEIRS ****
MAKER **** DEA (Kidda)
SKINDRED ****
Kent four-piece Maker have been described as “a psychedelic bluesy punch, stirred with a fist full of soul,” but that doesn’t quite fit. If DEA is anything to go by, their style is predominately old school rock, with big baselines and organs. The foottapping title track Dead Ends & Avenues is reminiscent of The Babys (specifically around the four-minute mark), while the catchy John’s Pharmacy has electric violin and a country edge. A groovy debut album, though not quite heavy enough. LN
Big Tings (Napalm)
MANIC STREET PREACHERS ***
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA *****
Resistance Is Futile (Sony)
Sex & Food (Jagjaguwar)
The problem with releasing an LP deliberately designed to recall former glories is that unfavourable comparisons are pretty much guaranteed. International Blue and Distant Colours recapture the heady stadium-rock bombast of Everything Must Go, while Broken Algorithms’ chugging riffage is as unexpected as it is welcome. But, as songs about a photographer and Hillsborough respectively, Vivian and Liverpool Revisited were never likely to top Kevin Carter and S.Y.M.M., and The Left Behind isn’t the only track that should’ve been left behind. BW
Though Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays comes close, there isn’t anything quite as highly contagious as Checking My Phone on the latest Unknown Mortal Orchestra album, but the idiosyncratic pleasures of Sex & Food are vital to our existence. From the Beatlesque vignette A God Called Hubris, UMO skip to the swirling psyche of Major League Chemicals, the savage riffage of American Guilt and Shuggie Otis funk on Ministry Of Alienation. More addictive than sugar is the Steely Dan meets 80s Prince vibe of Honeybee. CS
The Lookout (Bella Union)
RIVAL CONSOLES ****
Laura Veirs creates a beautifully submersive Americana vibe on this subtly hypnotic album. The melodies are inventive and the chord progressions take just enough interesting turns to punctuate the mellow vibe. Pretty much every song sounds like you’ve heard it before – maybe the result of Veirs’ constant reworking of her original ideas before committing to the perfect final version. If the opener sounds a little too close to a Lennon/McCartney composition, it’s a small bugbear amidst a sublime set of songs. JPD
Persona (Erased Tapes) Leicester’s Ryan Lee West presses start on his fourth album as Rival Consoles. Sticking in character, Persona is an album rich in textures and mood. Analogue synths flicker and swoop, while fuzz and flutter underpins everything. The save point of the album is Be Kind, an electronic lullaby in the style of early Nathan Fake. Yet everything leads to the boss battle of Hidden, seven-plus minutes of epic techno in the spirit of Jon Hopkins and Daniel Avery. SE
GAMES REVIEWS ASSASSIN’S CREED ROGUE REMASTERED ***
Xbox One / 360 In 2014, the first version of Assassin’s Creed: Rogue was released as an upgrade from the original game. I had somewhat low expectations of this second version but was pleasantly surprised with the increased visual quality, especially concerning the surrounding environment. The increased range of weapons adds dimensions to the game that it somewhat lacked before. The perspective of an assassinturned-templar is a storyline unique to Rogue and allows you to play as the antihero, keeping the original story but adding a compelling twist. JJM
BUZZ 50
It’s now over 20 years since Spin magazine called Newport “the new Seattle”. It’s also 20 years since Skindred formed in Newport after the disbanding of Dub War, and now they return with their seventh studio album, again infusing rock, rap and reggae and into 10 superb tracks. Future rock club favourite Machine is surely the standout, featuring Gary Stringer from Reef and Phil Campbell from Motörhead. Another solid outing from Benji and the boys. CA
WYE OAK **` The Louder I Call, The Faster It Runs (Merge) The Baltimorean two-piece traverse familiar ground on a sixth album that merges synthsoaked pop with hazy guitar-driven melodies. Relatively pleasant and innocuous enough, a lack of definition and a sense of fatigue underpins its glacially-paced 40-minute length, despite standouts Lifer and You Of All People proving moments of respite. Breathing life into a barren collection of songs, Jenn Wasner’s soulful voice salvages what could otherwise be termed a formulaic and slightly oppressive effort. CHP
singles CODEWALKERS ***
CIVILIZATION VI: RISE AND FALL EXPANSION ****
PC, Steam, Apple Store Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Rise And Fall expansion seeks to add a more intricate and deeper strategy game experience and largely it does just that. The new flavorful Civs and their leaders are welcome additions despite the slight power creep. It’s the new game mechanics which make Rise And Fall an expansion to sink tens of hours into Civilization VI all over again. City loyalty, history timeline, great ages, emergencies and alliances make for entirely unique games with more dynamic personal stories, despite still having some issues with AI. JY
MARTIN RAFFERTY AND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS *** The Last Brigade (self-released) There’s a slight mismatch between Rafferty’s earnest vocals and the punchy punk backing that accompanies them. The result, somewhere between Springsteen and Green Day, is not altogether convincing. The singer and his band sound most relaxed on Best Shoes, an indieblues-rocker with a brief, unforced hook. JPD
THE ORGAN GRINDER **** Untitled (Death Proof) South Wales house/techno producer on south Wales house/techno label: ah, it fair brings a tear to the eye. The Grinder man hisself, Cayne Ramos, goes for the jugular more readily than on past releases, with a stripped-back techno workout that’s given still more beef by fellow Cardiffian Tom Ware on remix duties. NG
RON BACARDI *** EP (Bass Culture) Longstanding king of uber-bosh UK techno Ben Sims calls himself Ron Bacardi when he wants to flaunt his house and disco tastes. Not that Windy City, first of four tracks on this 12”, is exactly a shrinking violet – though Ready For Action and One Left In The Chamber toy with diva vocals and mellifluous flute loops. NG
THE WATERFRONT ** Normandy (Vinyl Revival) Typical RSD release (aka ‘one for the die-hards’): an old demo from a preStone Roses John Squire and Mani, dredged/ spruced up 35 years after its recording. It sounds like the Roses would have done in 1983, just with a different tone-deaf vocalist. BG
demos CHARLIE SAYS facebook.com/charliesaysband Those of you who like epic, sprawling tales are advised to check out “Our Story” on Charlie Says’ Facebook page, a truly exhaustive account of the Cardiff-based band’s 21-month lifespan. Their music, thankfully, gets to the point a bit quicker: 70s hard rock-meets-new wave with 90s alt production touches. The vocals of Alcie Bela take matters into the realm of Skunk Anansie on Never Loved You Less… and dear old Alanis on Leave The Light On. NG
JOHN CHARLES facebook.com/johncharlesmusicwales John Charles lives in relatively rural Powys pastures, and peppers his social media with photos of the countryside. Similarly, his new EP Heaven is adorned with a cluster of autumnal trees beneath a clear blue sky, and harbours five songs of smoothly recorded adult folk sung in the gravelly timbre the likes of David Gray made commercially buoyant. NG
Warrior (self-released) The capable combo of producer/musician brothers Ben and Dafydd Dabson pair with distinguished vocalist Seun Babatola to produce another eclectic song in their growing catalogue of Afrocentric work. Leaning heavily on reggae with astute examination of the concept of masculinity, it’s an admirable effort lyrically but perhaps a tad on the repetitive side. CPI
LECU lecu.bandcamp.com Leo Cunningham, a Devonian resident in Cardiff, has a nice line in glassy, melody-driven analogue electronics. Recently-released album No Expec No Aspir contains beats aplenty, sometimes even early-rave motifs, but mostly unfolds its ambient textures with care and precision. Sometimes Lecu comes off like an early-90s Rising High Records act trying to emulate 80s minimal synth; little to do with 2018, but intriguing for it. NG
WE'VE BEEN WATCHING... SAVE ME
Sky/NOW TV
Finally a fresh, gritty take on the British 9pm drama/ thriller, written by and starring The Walking Dead’s Lennie James. The genuinely gripping plot, however, is somewhat dampened by James’ ego-tripping portrayal of lead character Nellie, with his unrealistic street swagger and his nonexistent bad boy charm. Powerhouses like Susanne Jones are left with little to do but cry at James and open their bank accounts and their beds to the homeless sex pest the second he starts another bout of emotional mansplaining. Perhaps Lennie James needed a new showreel? ***JS
MOSAIC
Sky/NOW TV
This is the masterclass of film-making you’d expect from Steven Soderbergh, translated neatly onto the small screen and starring a still-intense Sharon Stone. The direction jumps about a bit as the viewer is invited into the psyches of various key characters, but the plot is solid, the performances are strong and the imagery is little short of stunning. The only thing that’s missing (potential spoiler) is a final episode that wraps up the story. ****JS
SEVEN SECONDS Netflix
High quality television has become a staple of the Netflix menu in recent times (Ozark, The Sinner, Unabomber), and this 10-parter doesn’t disappoint... until it does. The high drama, the what-the-fuck-next plot lines and some excellent performances will have viewers utterly absorbed in Seven Seconds – a gritty portrayal of corrupt police and grieving families after a fictional cop-killing in New Jersey. But like too many other shows hunting for that elusive second season (potential spoiler), it leaves a highly disappointing taste in the mouth as the credits roll for the finale. ***JS
MUTE
Netflix
Don’t let the pretty pictures fool you. This is the most boring film in history made even more sour by the vile attempts to make light of paedophilia. Net the Flix off my screen. *JS
ANNIHILATION Netflix
A female centric sci-fi blockbuster is exactly what the film industry needed this year! Annihilation, directed by Alex Garland, is a thrilling movie about four accomplished women who embark on an expedition to the daunting Shimmer. With actresses such as Natalie Portman, Gina Rodriquez, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Annihilation is surely headed straight for success, despite it being rejected from the big screen because of “limited boxoffice potential.” It’s a film worth watching even without the cinema spoils of surround sound and high definition quality – the underlying theme of horror ensures it’s compelling from the first scene to the credits. ****RdH
IMAGES
DVD/Blu-Ray, Arrow Video
Arrow continue to provide overlooked films with stunning high-quality transfers, and this reissue of a 1972 Robert Altman film is no different. Sandwiched in the middle of career highlights like McCabe And Mrs. Miller and The Long Goodbye, it’s easy to see why it’s a bit overlooked. It’s not quite as brilliant as those two, with some thin dialogue and plotting, but it remains a visually unique psychological thriller with a brilliantly operatic central performance by Susannah York and a strange, oblique score by John Williams before he got stuck in imperial marches. ***FT
BUZZ 51
music news EXTRA
A story worthy of headline status if ever there was one: Cardiff isn’t getting a nice big populist marquee music event this summer, but the Rhondda is. A one-day dance festival titled It’s A Love Thing has been announced for Sat 9 June earlier this year, with Quentin ‘Norman ‘Fatboy Slim’ Cook’ Cook slated to headline in Pontcanna Fields. The fest, a teamup between Cardiff’s Depot venue and Bristol’s Love Saves The Day, then went into ‘licence pending’ limbo before finally pulling the plug in midMarch. However, June also sees the first ever Rhondda Arts Festival take place across various Treorchy venues, with top billing given to TV piano-botherer Jools Holland, plus his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (who currently include Marc Almond among their number). They play the Parc & Dare theatre on Fri 29 Bands have once again been battling in recent weeks, and with the official blessing of Cardiff Council too. Yes, The Big Gig returns, with 12 acts having performed for judges across two gigs in the hope of being whittled down to a final six. From an evening at Fuel on Wed 14 Mar, Dead Method, Upbeat Sneakers and Ell South made the cut; from one at Cathays Community Centre on Sat 17, it was Jack Ellis, Laundrette, Siobhan McCrudden and Carolines. But wait! Isn’t that a final seven? That’s right, the big soft judges couldn’t bring themselves to bin someone off, and so a septet of sets will be on the menu for the Big Gig final, at Clwb Ifor Bach on Thurs 5 Apr
Swansea lost another of its small venues last month when The Pit closed its doors, not long after reverting to its previous name of 8 Bit Bar. Launching in 2016 and offering the chance to play video games while sinking beers, it rebranded as The Pit and became a handy stopoff for rock and metal bands both touring and local. Unfortunately, it also shed most of its original clientele, who didn’t return in sufficient number following an early-‘18 re-rename. One place that has stepped into the breach, though, is Creature Sound, a music production studio on Bethesda Street which can also host gigs, and has plenty listed during April Fully random grab bag of new releases, let’s GO! The demo by Peril, reviewed in this magazine’s demo section last month, is now out on cassette. One of Peril plays in mean, metal-tipped hardcore band Rancour, whose debut single Lucifer’s Kin might be out by now but is more probably delayed. Send More Bees, the third album by Cardiff’s Bedford Falls, is definitely out now and maintains their taste for college rock sweetness. Moving into summer, Bubblewrap release Sock’s Fresh Bits on Fri 1 June, endearing Pavement-style languid indie; the following week, Boy Azooga [pictured] drop debut LP 1, 2, Kung Fu! on Heavenly Records. June also heralds the debut album by Chaouche, a Swansea native (now living in Bristol) with a decade of self-uploaded music behind her but a collection of eerie electronic soul on the Night Time Stories label
ONES TO WATCH... QUARTZ
Cardiff drum’n’bass producer Elliot Garvey has had his Quartz alias on the go for a fair while now, but his latest 12” offers a choice opportunity to big him up, seeing as it’s also the debut release on his Acrylic label. Acrylic is a Cymro-German entente, founded by Garvey and Berlin duo Survey (Hardy Schulz and Stephan Albrecht), and the two tracks on Acrylic 001 are collaborative efforts too. Together, they serve up laser-guided, angular drum’n’bass which evades simple subcategories and genre tropes. Shrunken Heads shifts from spacey ambient chords to fierce subbass to peculiar, curveball-rhythm drum patterns, and is given a rave-focused remix by Instra:mental’s Damon Kirkham as Kid Drama. Motion Design, the B-side, is an expertly-assembled slice of spooky techstep which could have emerged at any point in the last 20 years but still sounds chilly fresh. Garvey debuted on vinyl as far back as 2012, under old alias Helix – beforehand, Quartz had been a duo, also featuring Tom Davey. Since then, notable landmarks have included a teamup with Cardiff dubstep dude Nanobyte (Tachyon, 2016); a remix of DJ Trace’s massive Sonar on Trace’s 117 label; and a contribution, also with Survey, to a 2017 compilation EP on Noisia’s Invisible imprint. A fair bit under his belt, then, but with a bright potential future, and it’s nice to have a new d’n’b label setting up (partly) in south Wales. facebook.com/quartzuk
BUZZ 52
one louder
AFTER nearly 20 years, I still remember a letter written to my student newspaper, claiming to blow the whistle on a certain Cardiff pub which had recently been bought by a yellow-liveried, youth-oriented chain. Staff training, it said, had emphasised the wish to drive out the elderly clientele to make room for all the thrusting young students, so suggested they mistreat the codgers in various subtle ways: serving them last, removing Val Doonican from the jukebox, calling them codgers and so on. Absurdly, in spite of the ceaselessly sinister billiondollar shadowplay that has shaped our existence since then, this remains my brain’s go-to example of psychological warfare, while the pub in question has proved useful to me on occasion by having BT Sport. It’s not the only example of a social meeting place ostensibly tailored towards a younger generation but harbouring a dark underbelly, though. As I write, Facebook is front-page news thanks to its relationship with data-mining company Cambridge Analytica – whose staff, it emerges, were actively in the business of attempting to sway national elections. This saga is, arguably, the logical conclusion of the facets of Facebook which many of its users knew about and shruggingly accepted: you use words, visit pages and fill in profiles, ad companies clock it and target you thus. Maybe it’s the last straw for you, though, and you’ve already started the full-scale deletion of your profile (which apparently takes literally months). Bravo! You are as principled as you are privileged. Yeah, I went there. When something becomes a mass medium, the possibility of opting out of it for political reasons is not available to everyone. Facebook is prevalent enough as a communication method in large parts of the third world, for instance, that removal of it from the picture would amount to a step backwards in the democratisation of technology. Then there’s me, who uses it to do his listings-based job every day and who would find that job nearimpossible to do properly if he didn’t use it. Unless everyone else stopped using it as well, that is. Which might happen, but like most people I don’t have the luxury of directing that tide. It’s curious, though, and maybe you’re ahead of me on this one: not only can any cognitively-standard adult remember a time before Facebook, I have been doing this actual job since before it was invented. In fact, when I started at Buzz there was one email address for the whole company and only one computer with an internet connection (dialup, natch). A simpler time, a better time? Well no, it sucked pretty much, but we managed to muddle through, in my case by spending hours I’ll never get back on the phone asking barstaff questions about their DJ nights they were ill-equipped to answer. I can barely countenance doing that now, much like I can’t write by hand for more than a few minutes without getting carpal tunnel, and would not allow any of my family to photograph me in the nude like I did as a baby. Those people who refuse to let the vagaries of the wider world sway their basic existence are hugely admirable to me, but self-preservation cuts both ways when one’s trying to stay alive in an increasingly depressing world. A carrier pigeon brings us news of TWINKEN PARK, SALT BATH and WORST WITCH (Le Public Space, Newport, Mon 2 Apr); BRITNEY, WE WILD BLOOD and ROPE (The Moon, Cardiff, Sat 7); CUNTROACHES, MENTIRA and SCRAP BRAIN (Undertone, Tue 10); LACERTILIA, DISJOY, ZINC BUKOWSKI and DIE CHIHUAHUA DIE (Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd, Sat 14); 27); CONFLICT (Dolls House, Abertillery, Fri 27) and THISISNOTMETHINKINGOFYOU (Cathays Community Centre, Mon 30). NOEL GARDNER
Friday 13th July Caerphilly Castle WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
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DON MCLEAN
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
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Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
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THE SHIRES
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
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MACHINE HEAD
27
Cardiff University
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A L L T I C K ETS AVAILABLE FROM
MARTI PELLOW
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
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TONY CHRISTIE
21
TEARS FOR FEARS
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ROBERT PLANT & THE SENSATIONAL SPACESHIFTERS
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The Gate, Cardiff
Recreation Ground, Bath
Recreation Ground, Bath
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THE LEVELLERS Caerphilly Castle
NICK HEYWARD The Globe, Cardiff
CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN OUT Cardiff Castle
SOLD
GOGO PENGUIN
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
ORCHARDENTERTAINMENT.CO.UK | TICKETMASTER.CO.UK
books THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS Cath Staincliffe (Constable)
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Allie Kennaway, previously known as Aled, is an 18-year-old transwoman, the victim of a hate crime close to Deansgate in Manchester. Still at sixth form college, she’s all dressed up in a green evening gown for the school prom when she leaves to smoke a joint and loses touch with her friends. After searching for them, she ends up violently beaten to death in a dirty dark alley. Set in early summer 2016, before the recent surge of interest in transgender issues that has recently filled the media and our social networks, some of the murder team act with sensitivity and some don’t, including the pathologist – who, because Allie had not yet had surgery, constantly misgenders her. Even her own family are not sympathetic, including her aunt who gives a newspaper interview in which she describes Allie’s gender situation as “a passing phase”. As for the murder squad themselves, there’s a Detective-Constable with mental health problems, a Detective-Sergeant with his own agenda and deeply-rooted notions of male and female behaviourism, plus the Senior Investigating Officer, a Detective-Inspector who lets her family problems get to her, with detrimental effect on the investigation. Staincliffe takes a tricky subject and treats it with humanity and understanding, having written a tremendous stand-alone crime novel with a shocking twist mid-book, though I sense there may be more to come from the fascinating cast of characters she has created. MARK TIMLIN Price: £7.99. Info: www.littlebrown.co.uk
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@mabjones
We begin April on Wed 4 with the Merthyr Open Mic Night at the Imp (Imperial Hotel). The featured poet this time round is the excellent Christina Thatcher; the evening is free and includes an open mic for any budding/emerging/ Mike Jenkins. Recommended! We follow this up with a spot of storytelling. The Storytelling Suppers, at Kemi’s in Pontcanna, Cardiff, have been running for a good few years and are always a great combination of lively and cosy, with excellent food to boot. On Thurs
Alicia Kopf , trans. Mara Faye Lethem (And Other Stories) An emotive exploration of life and an attempt to make sense of a number of relationships, Alicia Kopf has created a thought-provoking, mesmerising piece of work. Linking her relationship between her mother, father and autistic brother with stories of polar explorations is a key theme here. Brother in Ice has already won numerous Catalan and Spanish awards; following its translation into English by Mara Faye Lethem, it’s now also received the Pen English Award for translated works. The different genres that form this work, including research notes, diary entries and travelogues, help encapsulate the raw emotion of the narrative journey. The fragmented elements of the book do not deter from the flow of the narrative, managing to successfully convey the message of the story. (RH) Price: £10. Info: www.andotherstories.org
Angela V. John (Parthian)
Plastic straws are unnecessary and very damaging to the environment, simply get yourself some steel ones which look nicer too. £11 per 4-pack www.planetorganic.com
are stories from India which are related to, and possibly even the origin of, many of the Brothers Grimm tales. The storytelling continues later on in the month
the premiere of their newest ‘showlette’, The Empress Of Ice Cream, which features a ‘newly
Ecocare Face Wipes
Little Sun Solar Charger
A definite festival essential, wipes are potentially not so good for the planet though. Make your choice biodegradable so you can feel clean and smug! £5 www.planetorganic.com
Charge your digital devices wherever you are. Featuring a powerful 4400 mAh battery and a robust inbuilt lamp that’s bright enough to light up your tent. £69 www.littlesun.com
place overlooking the lovely waterfront. Tickets are £5 from the cafe, in advance or on the night, and the performance begins at 8pm. On Record Store Day, Diverse Vinyl in Newport will be hosting a spoken word night at Ye Olde Murenger House on Sat 21. Poets and writers Byron Vincent, Sarah McCreadie, Matthew Scott, Angharad Iris, Mat Troy and Rachel England will perform spoken word sets at the pub from 5pm. A fantastic venue and some great voices. Also beginning on Sat 21 but back in Cardiff,
Aigle Aiglentine Wellies
Light My Fire Pack’n Eat Kit
The festival outfit wouldn't be the same without a pair of wellies but they are often not so favourable with the planet. Choose a pair of sustainable boots instead. £95 www.moralfibres.co.uk
Innovative eco-friendly plastic meal kit can be used for countless festivals and packs up neatly too. From £16 www.lightmyfire.com
is Women As Storytellers – Creating The Story With Sally Pomme Clayton, a two-day workshop for female storytellers with some experience.
Vladimir Sharov, trans. Oliver Ready (Dedalus) Rarely does one get this feeling when reading a translated book. The Rehearsals appears to be first and foremost a book about Russian history, but transpires to be more of a journey into an abstract few hundred years of Russian history. Written by Vladimir Sharov, who won the Russian Booker Prize in 2014 for Return To Egypt, this book is easily worthy of the same award. The basic synopsis itself is bizarre: it tells you that The Rehearsals is about a theatre production where the actors are untrained, illiterate Russian peasants, and nobody is allowed to play Christ. They are persecuted, arrested, displaced, and ultimately replaced by their own children. Yet the rehearsals continue, onwards and upwards. (CM) Price: £12.99. Info: www.dedalusbooks.com
The workshop is a unique opportunity to work with Sally Pomme, who has been telling stories professionally since 1983. Spaces are £100 for both days and can be booked through the venue, which is the Atrium, University Of South Wales. A lot going on as usual, then! Enjoy yourselves
Train Railcard Save the planet and your bank account next time you travel to a festival. Options for 26-30 year olds, too, so not just for students and OAPs! £30 per year www.railcard.co.uk
pic: Steve Jones
THE REHEARSALS
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Klean Kanteen Steel Straws
Swap your clingfilm sandwhiches for beeswax-coated cotton as a reuseable wrap and cover. Starting at £14 for two www.beebeewraps.com
be sharing his show Grimm's Sheesha. These
composed multilayered soundscape’ and takes Rocking The Boat seeks to readdress the all-too-frequent lack in highlighting the historical achievements of women. Cataloguing and documenting the lives of various Welsh women, John’s text aims to offer an insight into the continuing importance and relevance of figures who have not received their due academic discussion and focus. John, a leading historian in Wales, emphasises how these women challenged gender roles at a time when the roles of women were transitioning. The text focuses on a 150-year period, allowing the placement of each narrative within context, and encouraging the reader to examine the changing role of these women, and women in general, over this specific period. An important text, John’s work should be read widely. (SD) Price: £20. Info: www.parthianbooks.com
Beeswax-coated food wrap
5, Pete Chand is the guest ‘teller, and he will
Christine Watkins and Sianed Jones will give ROCKING THE BOAT
“All the gear, no idea” goes the saying, but even worse is when you’ve no gear and no idea – here's our top suggestions for reusable and money-saving festival kit.
blooming writers, ably-hosted by poet and writer
at the Look Out Cafe in Cardiff Bay on Wed 25. BROTHER IN ICE
THE FESTIVAL SURVIVAL GUIDE
Ergolife Stol – Portable Seat Made from sustainable natural birch and surprisingly comfy. Rolls up to a small size which fits in your bag. From £25 www.iwantoneofthose.com
and see you again in May.
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listings
travel
Inclusion in Buzz listings is free. Send via email (listings@buzzmag.co.uk) or post (220c Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY) by the 17th of the previous month. Buzz takes no responsibility for material sent or any errors made after this date.
recommended *–u – repeated
THE STREET ART OF CYPRUS
Associated with sun, sea, and alcoholic spirits by many Britons, Emma Harris discovers that there’s much more to Cyprus than meets the eye. Located at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, and it’s crammed full of culture, influenced by its diverse geography; it’s south of Turkey, southeast of Greece, north of Egypt, west of Syria and Lebanon and northwest of Israel. Along with its cultural influences, its rich history makes for enviable landmarks and historical sites which beg to be visited. If history’s your scene, there are two particular gems which you need in your satnav, both in Paphos. The first is the Saint Neophytos Monastery, one of the most well-known monasteries in Cyprus, beautifully indented in rolling Cypriot hills; second is the Tomb Of The Kings, a site of fascinating underground tombs which date back to the fourth century BC. The entire town of Paphos is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and on arrival you will understand why – it’s like stepping back in time. A major benefit of the heritage sites is that you can wander freely, even clambering down into the very lowest of caves.
One particularly inspiring piece was a huge mural of a Nepalese mother holding her baby, which appears on a desolate wall in the middle of Limassol. I found out that this was created by Paparazzi, one of Cyprus’ most popular street artists, in response to the earthquake in Nepal which killed 8,000 people in 2015. Paparazzi is one of the main figures of the Street Life Festival, a huge event which attracts over 20,000 visitors to the old town of Limassol to take part and watch abandoned houses and walls being turned into art.
Going hand in hand with the culture and history is the amazing food. The obvious dishes are often the best, particularly moussaka, souvlaki and stifado; however, if you walk into any restaurant and ask for a meze for two, you can rest easy that you will be receiving an absolute winner of a meal.
Both Larnaca and Paphos also have their very own street art events too – the Bubble Street Art Festival and the Street Art Square Festival respectively. The latter is particularly interesting: its curator, Yiannis Sakellis, intends to have the festival ‘invade’ areas of the city, converting them into landmarks of the city centre and rearranging the mapping of our daily life. This is exactly what’s so exciting about street art: it disrupts the banality of everyday life and creates a talking point. The frequency of street art festivals in Cyprus shows its increasing popularity. Whilst we do have some brilliant street art festivals in the UK – particularly UpFest over in Bristol, Europe’s largest – there is something different about the Cyprus scene.
These reasons for visiting Cyprus are near the top of the list for the thousands of tourists who flock there each year. However, the reason I returned a second time was the phenomenal street art which adorns so many regions, sometimes bold as brass and sometimes hidden down darkened alleyways. As a major fan of street art, I was instantly hooked. Street art is fascinating because of its social and political message: it says something about the place it’s in. In Cyprus, I was surprised at the diversity and rawness of it, which has apparently been on the increase since the parliamentary elections in 2016.
With the rise of popular street artists across the island (as well as Paparazzi, look out for pieces by Twenty-Three, Billygee and RockTheDog), street art is a real cultural scene of its own in Cyprus. The placement of pieces is often deliberately remote and unexpected. Surprisingly, many are often commissioned by the Parliament of Cyprus to breathe new life and culture into the cities. This recognition of the power to transform our towns and cities with art has truly given these regions a liberal and bohemian culture; it is a joy to walk through alleyways and passages in the afternoon sun to find a work of art shining out loud and proud.
Info: www.visitcyprus.com BUZZ 56
EXPERIMENTICA Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wed 11-Sun 15 Apr Tickets: most performances free but donate if possible Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.experimentica17.org
The 15 individual events that comprise Experimentica in 2018 occupy a niche, certainly, and that niche sits in left field. Many (most? all?) will challenge their audience – in some cases, perhaps bewilder or worse. But the type of multidisciplinary live art which Chapter have gathered under this banner is an essential contrast to the more easy-route pleasing fare that fills most theatres and art centres: the grit in the cultural oyster. Moreover, Experimentica has been going since 2001, thus has found an audience. It’s now an annual festival, with nearly everything taking place in Chapter Arts Centre, and nearly everything free to attend. (You can book your place on Chapter’s website, which will re-offer it if not picked up 30 minutes before showtime, and drop whatever you deem appropriate in a collection bucket when you leave.) Some events are lengthy, lasting up to 14 hours – that’s Town Criers, where punters type tweet-style vignettes which are read out in a Grangetown park to likely bemused passers-by – and are designed for dropping in. Most last a more theatrically manageable 60 minutes – although Nahum’s All That Evermore Can Hold, on the opening night, contemplates “a radical new perspective of time” and asks that anyone attending permit themselves to be hypnotised. Elsewhere,
Experimentica offers an immersive choir with an alien abduction theme (devised by Megan Broadmeadow); a multinational avant-garde orchestra assembled by Welsh harpist Rhodri Davies (this one costs to get in but will be worth it) and a game of table tennis where two pro players rally for, intentionally speaking at least, the entire hour. That one’s titled Speed Glue, because why not.
CONTENTS pg 58 pg 60 pg 62 pg 69 pg 74
art clubs events live stage BUZZ 57
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art ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre We’re Here Because We’re Here Show detailing Jeremy Deller’s one-off memorial of this name, which took place on 1 July 2016 and featured 1,400 volunteers in WWI uniform; it commemorated the Battle Of The Somme, which took place 100 years prior. (Until Sun 15 Apr) Nofio / Swimming Contemporary artists respond to the activity of the title, represented in art as far back as Neolithic cave paintings. (Until Sat 26 May) Richard Downing ‘The Fractal Clock’ Sculptural installation in which 81 rotating triangles of glass make a delicate journey of shifting patterns towards a moment of resolution, once every sixty minutes. (Fri 6 April until Sat 5 May) ALBANY GALLERY 74b Albany Road, Cardiff.
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com Peter Kettle Paintings of Patagonian and Welsh scenery steeped in history and outstanding natural beauty. (Until Sat 7 Apr) David Barnes, Aled Prichard Jones, Stephen Yardley Three established artists inspired by the atmosphere and natural beauty of the Welsh landscape and coastline. (From Thurs 12 Apr until Sat 5 May)
ANDREW LAMONT GALLERY (THEATR BRYCHEINIOG) Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free. 01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk Abstract Edge A mixture of semi-abstract and purely abstract paintings, plus some sculpture, from a group of artists who come together regularly to support each other and discuss work in progress. (Until Sun 8 Apr) Vulgar Earth Artists’ collective who work with paint, sculpture and installation and have a strongly expressed environmental message. (From Thurs
12 Apr until Sun 20 May) ARCADECARDIFF Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.arcadecardiff.co.uk Penny D Jones & Gemma Green Interactive audio work exploring the voices of Welsh women and the Welsh language. (Until Sat 14 Apr) Andrew Bolton Film work exploring Cardiff’s public spaces and shopping areas through the eyes of a small child. (From Wed 18 Apr until Sat 5 May) ART CENTRAL Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 11am-4pm. Free. 01446 709805. Women’s Arts Association To mark International Women’s Day, female artists from across Wales are showing work, drawing together an eclectic mix of pieces in celebration of individual achievements. (Until Sat 28 Apr) THE ART SHOP & CHAPEL 8 Cross Street, Abergavenny. Tue-Sat 9.15am-5pm. Free. 01873
852690 / www. artshopandgallery.co.uk Kumar Saraff ‘Too Far For You To See’ Paintings, watercolours, etchings and lino prints by Royal Academy Schools-trained artist. (Until Sat 7 Apr)
ATTIC GALLERY 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am4.30pm. Free. 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk David Randal Davies, Kathryn Le Grice & Karel Lek Davies from Penclawdd, along with his daughter Kathryn, are joined by North Wales painter Lek for this joint show of new work. (From Sat 7 until Sat 28 Apr) BARKER GALLERY / TORFAEN GALLERY Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm. 01495 752036. Generation Games Play your way through the history of home computer games consoles, following developments in the technology, the programming industry and entertainment in the home. Showing here until the autumn having previously been in Swansea until earlier this month. (Until Sun 28 Oct) BAY ART 54 B/C Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk Mary Husted & Lois Williams Two artists interested in the land and the landscape. Husted’s work is strongly located within drawing, while Williams works in installation and sculpture. (Until Fri 6 Apr) CARDIFF STORY The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff. Daily 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2034 6214 / cardiff story@cardiff. gov.uk Whitchurch Hospital Discover more about this building’s history, which goes back over 110 years, and that of people who worked and were treated there. (Until Sun 3 June) Protest! Objects For Change Discover the stories behind the protest objects in this new display, from badges and banners to T-shirts and embroidery. (Until Sun 30 Sept)
NOS DA GOODNIGHT! A PANOPLY OF HISTORIC WELSH QUILTS Welsh Quilt Centre, Lampeter, until Sat 10 Nov Admission: free. 01570 422088 / www.welshquilts.com Nos Da Goodnight! is an exhibition that displays traditional Welsh quilts, dating back to the early 19th century and up to the 20th. Several of the quilts in the first exhibition have never been displayed to the public, making this a rare opportunity to discover more about Welsh culture that has been largely withheld until now. The second exhibition, entitled Welsh Samplers – Folk Art Of Wales?, will feature intricate pieces from the 19th century which were predominantly made by young girls. The third gallery demonstrates the work of various artists, including Valeriane Leblond who takes inspiration from Welsh scenery and culture. Having opened last month, it’s now on view until November.
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CHAPTER GALLERY Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free. 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org James Richards ‘Music For The Gift’ UK premiere of an exhibition commissioned for the Venice Biennale in 2017, these installations incorporate sculpture, sound art and curatorial work (in the sense of using work by other artists). (Until Sat 26 May) CRAFT IN THE BAY The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun
10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk Tracy Watkins ‘The Welsh Collection’ Makers Guild member Watkins’ new collection of contemporary bags, handcrafted in her west Wales studio with unequivocal attention to detail. (Until Sun 15 Apr) Jill Riley ‘Millennium Surfaces’ Textile artist Riley exhibits her exquisite collection of woven hangings. Maker In Focus sho. (Until Sun 4 Mar) Melting Point Curators Beate Gegenwart and Matthew Tomalin present contemporary metal artwork and jewellery made by national and international artists. (Until Sun 29 Apr) Jayne Walker Maker In Focus show featuring carved sculptural forms inspired by the various effects of erosion on the landscape and geological strata. (Until Mon 30 Apr)
CYFARTHFA CASTLE MUSEUM Cyfarthfa Park, Brecon Rd, Merthyr Tydfil. 01685 727371 / museum@ merthyr.gov.uk 100 Years Ago – Merthyr Tydfil And The Great War Exhibition highlighting Merthyr Tydfil’s involvement in WWI, through films, artwork, objects and more all created and donated by the local community. (Until Sun 15 July) DARE VALLEY COUNTRY PARK Ferndale, nr Aberdare. Free. 01685 874672 / www. darevalleycountrypark. co.uk David Winwood Pointillist and hyperrealist art from a painter who works digitally due to spinal/nerve damage. (Throughout April) ELYSIUM GALLERY 16 College Street, Swansea. Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www.elysiumgallery.com Richard Williams ‘Come Get It While It’s Cold’ This gallery’s first artist in residence for 2018, Williams’ paintings explore themes of morality and our understanding of it; likewise, humanity’s disconnection from and exploitation of the ecosystem, relating to depletion of insect populations in Europe. (Until Sat 7 Apr) FOUNTAIN FINE ART Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Winter Group Exhibition Mixed and changing exhibition of new work from the gallery artists, plus focus on a newcomer at this gallery, Peter Monaghan. (Throughout April) FUTURES GALLERY / ORIEL GALLERY Pierhead Building / Senedd, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am4pm. Free. 0845 0105500 / www.pierhead.org Protest! Ideas Worth Fighting For Find out what
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the people of Cardiff have fought for over the past 100 years and discover how they have fought for change. (From Fri 6 Apr until Mon 7 May) G39 Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org Shiftwork Four artists – Daniel Baker, Shamus McPhee, Artur Conka and Billy Kerry – who tease out a number of aesthetic and political issues concerning Gypsy, Roma and Traveller lives through cultural representation. (Until Sat 14 Apr) Sightseers A presentation of new work and research by artists, writers and curators who were involved in the Wales In Venice exhibition by James Richard in May last year. It’s a replica of the artists’ rented house as a framework to combine and assemble the work created there. (From Fri 27 Apr until Sat 2 June) Y GALERI, CAERFFILI Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www.ygalericaerffili. co.uk Mikey Jones ‘Wales In Colour’ Wrexham artist Jones presents paintings documenting various Welsh cities, towns and landscapes; their complexities, beauty, harsh realities and distinctive characteristics. Also on display are ceramics by Sara Jane Harper. (Until Sat 14 Apr) Howard Jones Watercolours depicting moody and often uncompromising Welsh landscapes. (From Tue 17 Apr until Sat 19 May) Bryony Rich Ceramics profile featuring raku fired pots and vases. (From Tue 17 Apr until Sat 19 May) GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY Alexandra Rd, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 516900 / www. swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian Käthe Kollwitz Kollwitz (1867-1945) was one of the leading artists of the late 19th/ early 20th centuries, notable for the emotional power of her drawing, printmaking and sculpture. The exhibition is organised in partnership between Ikon and the British Museum. (Until Sun 17 June) GRAND PAVILION The Esplanade, Porthcawl. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Alexis Hemsley, Tony John, Tim Wood, Steve Jones & Dave Pearce Photographic exhibition. (Until Sun 22 Apr) Lydia Nicholson & Jan Hoskins Self-taught local artists. (From Tue 24 Apr until Sun 10 June) KING STREET GALLERY 33 King Street, Carmarthen. Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk
art Spring Show Members’ show of contemporary fine and applied arts. (Until Fri 4 May) Ann Goodfellow ‘Marking Time: A Selection Of Drawings From 1998-2018’ Ceramic artist with a show which highlights the importance of markmaking and drawing to her practise. (Throughout April) Patricia McParlin ‘This Is A Moment I Can't Say’ Primarily a painter, McParlin’s work has also encompassed film, installation, sculpture and performance art. (From Fri 6 until Wed 18 Apr)
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free. 01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Disability Arts Cymru Work in the [...] space from an organisation whose work here reflects their belief that believes that disabled and deaf people have an exciting and valuable contribution to make to the arts in Wales. (Until Sat 28 Apr) Claire Barclay ‘Deep Spoils’ Scottish artist known for creating large-scale installations, often made in situ and in response to the spaces in which they are shown. (Until Sun 3 June)
ARTS CENTRE Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. Daily 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2087 7959 / www. norwegianchurchcardiff. com All Is Not Well: Care Giving In Sequential Art Enlarged versions of comic strips for a caregiving-themed website, All Is Not Well, a project developed by comics and modern languages scholar Ryan Prout and Cardiff-based comics writer, Jonathan Clode. (Until Sun 1 Apr)
LITTLE MAN COFFEE CO. Ivor House, Bridge St, Cardiff. Free. 07933 844234 / www.littlemancoffee.co.uk Jessica Dent & Magda Lackowska ‘Double Melon Yellow’ A collection of recent works exploring colour, forms and arrangement. (From Wed 4 until Mon 30 Apr)
NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff Who Decides? Long-term exhibition from the collections of the Museum and the Derek Williams Trust, curated by service users from The Wallich homelessness charity. This detail seeks to highlight issues around curation and the narrow demographic of those usually involved in it. (Until Sun 2 Sept)
OFF THE WALL The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2055 4469 / art@ galleryoffthewall.com Mixed Women’s Show An exciting range of art from some talented names, timed to celebrate International
LLANTARNAM GRANGE ARTS CENTRE St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Zoe Preece ‘Material Presence: A Domestic Scene’ Porcelain sculpture of domestic mundanity: “the meniscus on a spoon filled to the point of tipping, or the precarious balance of two cups stacked one on top of the other on a kitchen surface”. (Until Sat 19 May) Lisa Krigel ‘Utilarian’ An evolution of sculptural forms created for the series Kitchen Storeys that continue to explore modern and brutalist construction, while questioning the relationship between food and architecture. (Until Sat 19 May) Charlotte Burke Craft showcase exploring the ways everyday objects are perceived and focusing on the relationship of 2D and 3D. (Until Sat 19 May) Anna K Baldwin Jewellery showcase for work inspired by many different sources including light, texture, and natural and fluid forms. (Until Sat 19 May) Cerys Jackson Screenprints based on the brain scans of people affected by mental health issues – one in four of the general population – as well as those who are not. (Until Sat 19 May) M.A.D.E. GALLERY 41 Lochaber St, Cardiff. Wed-Sat 10am-6pm. Free. 029 2047 3373. Heather Leeson Solo Exhibition of paintings, prints and collage. (Until Sun 22 Apr) MARTIN TINNEY GALLERY 18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@ artwales.com Daniel Crawshaw Muchdecorated landscape artist whose paintings are based on his experiences of travel through the remote terrains of Wales. (Until Sat 21 Apr) MISSION GALLERY Gloucester Place, Swansea.
NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 638950 / museum.wales/swansea Young, Migrant And Welsh Young people from Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST) present an exhibition about identity, exploring what the word of the exhibition title mean today. (Until Sun 29 Apr) Michael Blackmore ‘Portraits Of The Past’ Detailed studies recreating scenes from Wales’s industrial past, bringing back to life canals and ironworks that were centres of activity during the Industrial Revolution. (Until Sun 24 June) Pirates: The Truth Behind The Tales As Wales celebrates its Year Of The Sea, discover the truth behind the legends in an exhibition explaining the history of pirates, privateers and buccaneers throughout the world. (Until Sun 30 Sept) NEWPORT MUSEUM & ART GALLERY John Frost Square, Newport.Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk Inspired By... Art pieces produced by learners from the Art and Design Department of Coleg Gwent, City Of Newport Campus, visually responding to the permanent exhibits and art collection of this gallery. (Until Sat 21 Apr) Women’s Suffrage Banners Rotating exhibition to mark a century since the Representation Of The Peoples Act was passed. Two banners will be on display at a time, one in the Museum and one in the Art Gallery.. (Until Sat 29 Dec) NORWEGIAN CHURCH
Things’ Commissioned as part of the Litmus development programme, Cartiffbased Dooley combines literary and pop culture references to create fragmented monologues, soundtracks and auto/biographical semifictions. (Until Wed 11 Apr) ORIEL MWLDAN Bath House Rd, Cardigan. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free. 01239 621200 / helena@ mwldan.co.uk Cardigan Art Society Annual celebration of local creative talent. (Until Sat 22 Apr) James Moore ‘Strange Eden’ Paintings with elements of photorealism, abstraction, collage and sampling, and with reference points such as museums dioramas, video games and dreams. (From Sat 28 Apr until Sun 10 June) ORIEL MYRDDIN Church Lane, Carmarthen.
The history of political protest in Wales’ capital city is highlighted in a new display/ exhibition at the Cardiff Story museum, running until the end of September. Banners, embroidery, badges and T-shirts all feature. Women's Day on Thurs 8 Mar. (Until mid-April) ORIEL CANFAS Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk Adrian Paul Metcalfe ‘Untold Tales’ Exhibition including works in oil, watercolour, acrylic and mixed media books, building on Metcalfe’s fascination with the world’s oceans, their exploration, and ultimate charting. (From Sat 17 Mar until Sat 14 Apr) ORIEL CRIC Beaufort Street, Crickhowell. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm. Free. 01873 813669. Spring Exhibition New sseasonal work from artists including Martin Treefit-Baker, Jeremy Thomas and Veronica Gibson. Paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, sculpture, textiles and jewellery are all to feature. (Until Sun 20 May) ORIEL DAVIES The Park, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org Anthony Shapland ‘A Sound Not Meant To Be Heard’ New works exploring how we understand sound and silence, speech and communication, via film, photography, sound, objects and text . (Until Wed 11 Apr) Freya Dooley ‘Speakable
01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Chair See Art for more on this show, a selection of chairs from the collection of the Design Museum. (Until Sat 7 July)
ORIEL Q The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqnarberth.com Malcolm De Chazal & Polly Dixon Better known in the French-speaking world De Chazal (1902-81) is now becoming appreciated by English speakers as a free-thinker deserving of his place in art history. This retrospective show also features paintings by Dixon. (Until Sat 21 Apr) ORIEL YR ARDD National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Middleton Hall, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. Daily 10am-6pm. £10.50/£8.75 concessions/£4.95 under17s/free under-5s. 01558 667149 / botanicgarden. wales Elizabeth Davis ‘From Geest To Guest’ A collection of objects that chronicle the casting of glass objects from the cocoa pod, from an artist whjo recently graduated from Swansea School Of Art with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Glass. (Until Tue 22 May)
PONTYPRIDD MUSEUM Bridge Street, Pontypridd. Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm. Free. 01443 490748 / www. pontypriddmuseum.cymru Cilfynydd Art Society Exhibition Annual exhibition from this local society, showcasing painters, photographers, textiles and more. (Until Fri 27 Apr) REDHOUSE Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Roger Tiley Documentary photographer based in Wales, known for his work documenting coal mining regions in south Wales, Yorkshire and the USA. (From Thurs 5 Apr until Sat 5 May) THE SHO GALLERY Upstairs, The Castle Emporium, Womanby Street, Cardiff. Free. www. thesho.co.uk Dom Tsoi ‘From East To West’ Illustrative paintings. Also featuring work by Raid, a street artist. (Until Sat 7 Apr) SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE Singleton St, Swansea. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk Wilf Box Work by a Swansea photographer. (From Tue 10 until Fri 27 Apr) TENBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids. 01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk David Button & Jean Francis Joint exhibition of paintings. (Until Sun 22 Apr) THEATR HAFREN Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / thehafren.co.uk Tim Edmunds Local artist who took up art as a means of coping with the onset of a neurological disorder called dystonia. (Until Wed 16 May) THREE DOORS UP Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Wed-Fri 12.30-5.30pm; Sat + Sun 11am-5.30pm. 07532 772731 / arcadecardiffcic@ gmail.com Lomography Group exhibition highlighting traditional/ analogue photography techniques and the possibilities they bring in terms of experimentation and self-expression.. (Until Sat 14 Apr) TOWER GALLERY 49 High Street, Crickhowell. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01873 812495 / www. towergallery.co.uk Kay Leverton and Graeme Galvin Joint exhibition from Leverton, a self-taught artist known for her detailed scraperboards of birds, animals and plants; and Galvin, who will be showing a series of
works based on the Greek Myths. Also showing work by all members of the Usk Valley Artists’ Co-operative. (Until Sat 5 May) TOWER GALLERY Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc.co.uk Anita Woods ‘Ways To Sea’ A figurative artist inspired by the animals, landscape and sea of west Wales, Woods paints mainly in mixed media and sometimes in oil or watercolour using unusual coloured and metallic grounds. (Throughout April) Wexford Crafts Mixed work by members of the Wexford Craft Trail, who were was inspired by a trip to west Wales in 2017. (Until Thurs 31 May) William Stott ‘Le Passeur (The Ferryman)’ Stott, a leading figure among a group of late-19th century British artists influenced by French naturalism, has his best-known work shown here, alongside works from Amgueddfa Cymru, chosen to explore rural life. (Until Sun 2 Sept) VICTORIA FEARN GALLERY 6B Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm (9.30am-8pm during December), Sun 10am3pm. Free. 029 2052 0884. Handmade And Beautiful A variety of artists and gift ideas for both Mother’s Day and Easter, including paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, leather and more. (Until Fri 6 Apr) THE WELSH QUILT CENTRE Town Hall, Lampeter. TueSat 11am-4.30pm. Free. 01570 422088 / www. welshquilts.com Nos Da Goodnight! A Panoply Of Historic Welsh Quilts Historic quilts from the early 19th to early 20th centuries. Room one features examples from the Jen Jones collection; room two a glimpse into Welsh Samplers, many of which were made by very young girls in the 19th century. (Until Sat 10 Nov) WEST WHARF GALLERY Jacobs Market, Cardiff. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. westwharfgallery@gmail. com International Women’s Day 2018: Female Art Exhibition International Women’s Day was in March and the gallery didn’t tell us about the exhibition because they never do, however it features new work by 20 women artists and goes on... (Until Sat 14 Apr) THE WORKERS 99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, nr Porth. 11am-4.30pm Thurs-Sat and by appointment. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail.com Plein Air & Land Art A celebration of artists working in the landscape via drawings, textile art and paintings, with land art conceptual intervenBUZZ 59
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clubs tions and video documentation of ‘en plein air’ practice from across the UK. (Until Sat 2 June) WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE Castle Street, Builth Wells. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm. Free. 01982 552555. Clare Owen-Maynard ‘Inter-Tidal’ Paintings inspired by the Mawddach estuary near Dolgellau, plus a short residency at the Conwy bird reserve. (Until Thurs 5 Apr)
clubs THE ARCH 11 Commercial Street, Neath. 07791 923214 / jack. thearchneath@gmail.com Fri 20 Solo 9pm-4am, £20 adv. Big shot house duo Solardo hold it down here. This might be sold out by the time you read this, but not definitely. THE ATTIC 5-6 Castle Bailey St, Swansea. facebook.com/ theatticswansea Sun 1 LNE 90s Rave 9pm3am. This night promises classics, acid house, trance, techno, disco, house and garage, also that it will sell out. Seems to be pitched at people who were still babies at the end of the 90s. Fri 6 Funktion Tek 9pm-3am, £4. Boshing drum’n’bass with Noise Makers 21, Kalo v DC conan, Cryptik Noise and SMG. Sat 14 Con7rol 9pm-4am, £10 adv. Tech-house fave Latum headlines over a bill of Lloyd Haines, Taz Meah, Jamie Morgan, Bode, Alexander Eley and Vedra & Rinaldi in the main room. Room 2 features Natasha Denby and guests TBC. BAMBU BEACH BAR 51-52 Wind Street, Swansea. 01792 651651 / www.bambu-bar.co.uk Fri 27 Con7rol Rooftop: The Return 6pm-3am, £5. Local house, techno and techhouse pushers with a lineup that is TBC, and hoping that the sun will be out I guess. BAR COCOA Broad Street, Barry. facebook.com/cocoabarry Thursdays Reggae Nights DJs Gadget and The Candyman (Love & Harmony Sounds) play lovers rock, classic and new reggae jams weekly. Fridays + Saturdays 10pm-3.30am, £3. With DJ James Bourne and sopecial guest appearances/ live sets from the following: M Dot R (Fri 6 Apr); MoStack (Sat 14); Lisa Maffia (Sat 21) and Mowgli (Sat 28). Sun 1 The TOWIE Takeover 10pm-3.30am, £4 before 10.30. With Dan Edgar and Myles Barnett, plus DJs. BIG LOVE FESTIVAL Baskerville Hall, nr Hay-OnWye. www.biglovefestival. co.uk Fri 4-Sun 6 May Big Love Festival Annual Cardifftransplanted-to-Hay weekend BUZZ 60
of sparkling and spangling, here is the lineup so far: Joy Orbison, Sian Evans, Oh My God! It's The Church, Xylaroo, Captain Accident & The Disasters, Dana Immanuelle & The Stolen Band, Stagga & Magugu, AAA Badboy, Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Bodhi, Vibe Roulette, Billy Momo, Eclectic Mick, Codewalkers, Boston Shakers, The Brwmys, Comfort feat. Benji MC, Jazzy F, Reba, Richie Cordle, Neil Fucking Young, Apollo, Matthew Frederick, Yakul, James Bower Band, The Moonbirds, Grand Tradition, Barracwda, Trin, Sarah Passmore, Dave Morris, Jemma Krysa, Joe Bayliss, Tobias Robertson, Toriah Fontane, Selena In The Chapel, Chris Conroy, Broken Bones Matilda, James ‘Towel’, Dan Stan & Brian, Asha Bray and Jon Bongly. Plus Delete DJs across the whole weekend, including Matt Owen, Marc Parsons, Lee Graves, Jessie Belters, The Organ Grinder, Joey P, Clare James, Tom Bateman, Jake Mercanoglu, Mikey Harisson, Oisin, Murder, Harry Wootten, Paul Blandford, Jack Siddall, Morgan Evans, Sainte Melon, Kye, Mikki Wings, Shaun Edwards, Ben Smith, Dave Llewellyn, Paul Cahill and Alex Taylor. THE BIG TOP / 10 FEET TALL 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo. co.uk Thursdays Rock hits from DJ Andy Rhys Lewis. Fridays + Saturdays Resident DJs playing soul and funk. Fri 13 Killing Moon 10pm, £4. The return, in a new venue, of this alternative 80s (postpunk, synthpop, new wave etc) night. Fri 27 That Good Night 10.30pm. Acid house and weird leftfield dance, on here once a month. Saturdays Under A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk and neo-soul. BLIND TIGER 49 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 243500. Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Cocktails, drink deals and tunes as part of a cross-city midweek session. Fridays Koncept & Friends 11pm, £3-£5. House, techno and bass music with guest DJs, breaking producers and residents from Wales’ freshest nights. Saturdays Re:work 11pm, £5. Underground and cutting edge club music promised. Sat 5 May Fixate 2pm-12am, £5. Bank holiday house alldayer! See Clubs for more on Danish headline duo Anëk, but don’t forget about Marco Strous, E-Type, Rhys Bowler, Owen Kilby, Dan Waite and Madame Twisted on the bill. BLISTERS 63-65 Hanbury Rd, Bargoed. 01443 821500 / blistersbargoed@outlook. com Fri 20 Ultrabeat 10pm-4am, £22/£18 adv. Big stomping happy hardcore lineup for valley madheads! Ultrabeat is joined by Hixxy, Alex Kiddand
Martin Dibble. Rescheduled from March (Mark EG was down to pay that date but can’t make this one). BLUE HONEY NIGHT CAFE Quay Street, Cardiff. 07512 247712 / facebook.com/ bluehoneynightcafe Sun 1 Blue Honey Bank Holiday On their home turf as well as over in Gwdihw (see their listing) for several hours of getting on it. BUFFALO 11 Windsor Place, Cardiff. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-3am, Fri + Sat 11am-4am, Sun until 4am. 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff.com Mondays Bump & Grind 10pm-3am, from £2. R’n’b/ hip-hop night which left this venue last year in seemingly high dudgeon, in favour of Clwb Ifor Bach, and has now come back again. Thurs 19 Ethos 10pm-4am, £6-£12. Drum’n’bass from Alix Perez and SP:MC plus Ethos residents. Fri 6 Stickylemons Random Concept Origins 10pm-4am. Drum’n’bass, not many details yet but there’s an MC competition with MC Fearless as one of the judges. T-Bone and Joe Blow will be DJing. Fri 13 Spectrum 10pm-4am, £4. Techno from J-Tech, Iolo and Jamo. Launch night. Saturdays The Shake Up 10pm-4am, £3. Pop, chart, house, r’n’b funk and soul from residents over two floors. CARDIFF SPEAKER HIRE Unit 4 Anchor Industrial Estate Dumballs Road, Cardiff. 029 2009 5590 / www.cardiffspeakerhire. com Sun 1 Delete Warehouse Residents Party 4pm2am, £10 adv. Local house/ techno specialists toast both fools and risen Christs with sets from Matt Owen, Marc Parsons, Lee Graves, Kofi Tarris, Owain Kimber, Gerrard and Aled Wynne. CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION Park Place, Cardiff. All listings apply to term time only. 029 2078 1458 / www. cardiffstudents.com Wednesdays YOLO 9pm2am, £4/£3 adv/free before 11. New midweek club night promising both your favourite tunes and great offers. Good name, really on trend. Fri 27 Bedlam 9pm-4am, £15.50 adv. David Rodigan has been in the reggae game 40 years and returns to Cardiff as part of that celebration. Good supporting cast too: DJ Zinc & MC GQ, Sir Spyro and Channel One Soundsystem (saw this some years back and it was really good). Fri 4 May Hannah Wants 9pm-4am, £22 adv. Brummie bass gal returns to Cardiff Uni with a supporting cast including Sam Divine, Low Steppa, Devstar and Junga. One of a few events rescheduled from early March due to the snow. Saturdays Juice 10pm3am, £5/£4 NUS. Chart, dance and pop.
CELLAR SPORTS & MUSIC BAR 39 Broad Street, Blaenavon. 01495 617140. Sat 5 May Cinco De Mayo 6pm-1am. House music from Wells and Bradz, plus a special guest – and there"s a Mexican theme to this event, in which the best costumes will win free drinks. This is of course appropriative but are YOU woke enough to travel to Blaenavon and complain? CLUB ICE Broadway, Pontypridd. 07771 920726 / www. clubiceponty.com Fridays Flashback 10pm3am, Retro hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Saturdays Gravity 10.30pm-3am, £7/£5 before 11. House, techno and dance every week on the club’s new Void soundsystem. Sat 14 Focus 9pm-3am, £3 adv. House and techno featuring a bunch of DJs (names TBC) from various Cardiff nights. Rescheduled from last month. CLUB OXYGEN 1 Northampton Lane, Swansea. 0844 8849171 / www.globaloxygen.co.uk Fridays Dance Anthems 11pm-6am, free. House and commercial music all night from Big Al, Nicky G, 3 Bird, Jordan Steins, LJ Isaac and Tom Chizzy. Saturdays 11.30pm-5am, £5/free before 1. House, house & bass (what is this?), progressive and big room tunes. CLWB IFOR BACH Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Thurs 19 Propaganda 11pm, £3-£5. Big national indie disco brand offering a Paramore v Arctic Monkeys special this month. Thurs 26 Gucci Gang Trap Night 11pm, £3-£7. “Expect to hear: Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, Lil Uzi Vert, Migos, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Drake, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Future, Playboi Carti, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Ferg, 2 Chainz, Post Malone and many more.” I will. Fridays (bottom) Seventy Times 7 11pm-3am, £3-£5. New weekly clubnight offering alt-rock and pop-punk by the looks of things. It’s (still!) named after a Brand New song if that’s any indicator. Fri 6 Journey 10pm-4am, £15 adv. Semi-regular trance night returns with a headline set from techno and proginfused hot-to-trot name Gai Barone in the headline slot. Will Rees will also feature, while Fixate will host the middle room. Fri 13 CYNT 11pm, £14. Featuring a headline set by Palms Trax, which we’ve previewed in Clubs but which also appears to be sold out. Check for box office returns/ knobheads who bought way more tickets than they’d need. Fri 4 May Helium 10pm-4am, £7-£9. Big baller house with a headline set from Dirtybird’s Will Clarke. Saturdays Dirty Pop 10pm-4am, £5. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter’s proper disco. Sun 1
Brooklyn Zoo 10.30pm-4am, £4-£6. Current and classic hip-hop alike. This one is subtitled Yeezus Walks so is presumably Kanye-themed. COURTYARD 48 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161. Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Upfront dance anthems and “Urban Vibes”. Fridays Spotlight Sessions / The Kickstart 5pm, £3/free before 9.
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adv. Drinks offers and, uh, music I guess. Saturdays Agenda 10.30pm-3am, £3.50/£2 before 1. Fiction: house, r’n’b, EDM. Vinyl: pop and party. Sun 1 No Tomorrow 11pm-3am, £5/£3 adv. With a guest set by newjack grime MC Fekky, plus two rooms of hip-hop and r’n’b/chart hits/house, dance and EDM. FLUIDITY FREERUN ACADEMY
Bar Cocoa, in Barry, is going great guns in bringing new grime/rap/dancehall MCs down for live appearances. April sees sets from M Dot R (Fri 6), MoStack (Sat 14) and Mowgli (Sat 28), plus So Solid Crew’s Lisa Maffia batting for the old guard on Sat 21.
Urban and club anthems and drinks deals. Part of the NPCLUBHOP price deal which also includes entry to Blind Tiger, Meze Lounge and Lambaba. Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy. Sundays Good Time Social Club 8pm, free. DJs til late and the weekend’s sports highlights. CWMBRAN STADIUM Henllys Way, Cwmbran. 01633 627101. Fri 6 Clubland Classix 7pm-1am, £21 adv. This night debuted back in October, with a night of 90s-tastic pop rave, and was enough of a hit that it’s back. Lineup: Scott Mills, Sash!, Joel Corry , Ultrabeat, N-Trance, Leif Boii and Lewis Hayes. THE DUKE Old Market Street, Neath. 01639 643892. Sun 1 Hedone 7pm-2am, £5. Bank holiday special with Tennan plus Hedone residents Simon, Luke Armstrong and Tom Murray. EDDIES 4 Quay Street, Haverfordwest. 01437 779595 / www.eddies.co Fri 13 Housewerk 9.30pm4.30am. House music from The Crow, Lewis John, ADR and Pipes. FICTION & VINYL The City Gates, Little Wind Street, Swansea. 01792 828777 / www.fictionclub. co.uk/swansea Mondays Quids In 10.45pm-2.30am, £3.50/£2 before 11. Chart, cheese, r’n’b, dance and house. Wednesdays Underground 11pm-3.30am, £3.50/£2 before 1. House, chart, r’n’b and cheese across two rooms. Fridays 11pm-3am, £5/£3
Unit G, Pengam Road, Cardiff. 07747 888931 / www.fluidityfreerunacademy. co.uk Sat 21 Canopy 10pm-4am, £10-£20. First birthday night for jungle/d’n’b promoters. Lineup: Ed Solo, Serial Killaz, Annix, Canopy residents and host MC XL. Sat 28 Digidol 9pm-3am, £7-£10. Drum’n’bass plus a bit of other stuff, with headliner Audio (from the Ram and Virus labels) plus Fortitude, Casey Jones, Slamfish, CN$ and Tom Ware.
clubs Awesome Tapes From Africa, so called because that’s what he plays. Darkhouse Family, Esther, Rotary Club and Blue Honey DJs will also get involved across the day. Sat 7 Groove-ist 9pm. Eclectic grooves taking in bhangra, Latin, pop and punk are promised. Tue 10 Cardiff Electronic Producers 7.30pm, free. In association with Cardiff Ableton User Group, plus an open decks session from 7.30-9pm. Sat 14 Cosmogramma 9pm. Featuring a lineup TBC. Fri 20 The Mixtape 9pm. Disco, house and funk. Fri 27 Pleasuredome 9pm, £4/£3 before 11. Electro, synthpop, Italo disco, new wave, funk and more. Sat 28 Cypher/ Stax 9pm, £5/£3 adv. Hiphop night featuring live band Ramnastax, who MCs are invited to get up and freestyle over. Plus a DJ set from Joe Shrimpling. JACOB’S MARKET West Canal Wharf, Cardiff. 029 2039 0939. Sat 21 Teak: Wild Combination 10pm-5am, £12.. Promoters’ annual Arthur Russell tribute night. KARMA 75 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Fri + Sat 8pm-6am. karmaclubcardiff@gmail. com Sat 14 Circle 8 Meets Next Level 9pm-6am, £12 adv. Laaaarge drum’n’bass lineup like so: Bassman & Trigga with Rowney & Props, Bason, Joe Blow, Tbone, Kallista, Lowgli, Juice, Venom, Missy G, C-Za, XL and Chew.
LA BAMBA 19 High Street, Newport. 01633 259144. Sun 1 Bank Holiday Bunny Bashment 10pm4am. Two floors of bashment, old skool r’n’b and hip-hop with empire Flipz and DJ Lee. Not sure where the bunny comes in in this context. LASER STATION Bridge Wharf, Carmarthen. 01267 235648 / www. laserstationwales.com Sun 1 Conspiracy Easter Sunday 8pm-3am, £5-£8. Hiphop, drum’n’bass and dubstep from Skunkadelic, CHEW, Winger Set, Duvz, 7breaths, 2hotty, Doc-P, Kyle Waters, RGT and Martyn Kinnear. Fri 20 Wonkcrafts Presents 4/20 8pm-3am, £10. It’s a very secret drugs reference that you will only get if you know all the special youth code. Drum’n’bass and dubstep from DJ Raw, Pie-Fi, Aksrevenge, Top Grot, Teejay, Late Wake and MCs LRB, Syphr, Boyley and Crag. THE LAST RESORT 207 High Street, Swansea. www.lastresortswansea.com Sat 7 + Sat 5 May Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month. LEVEL 2 @ KONGS 114-116 St Mary Street, Cardiff. info@kongsbars. com / www.kongsbars.com Sat 7 Paranoize 10pm-3am, £10 adv. Drum’n’bass from Dr Meaker (also in Sin City, Swansea this month) with Carasel MC plus Terrahawk,
Rosco & MC XL, Paragon and Paranoize residents Ransom and Lubi J. Sat 21 The Young Tour 10pm-3am. The latest night hosted by local electronic duo Roughion features sets from Bodhi, Cloaka, Benji Wild and Tom Bateman. They’re also visiting Aberystwyth on Fri 27, but there doesn’t seem to be a venue confirmed yet. Fri 27 Flatline 9pm-3am, £15/£12.50 adv. The biggest booking to date for these drum’n’bass promoters, with Kings Of The Rollers headlining. Buckfast Boys Club, Oni, Dox and Mowgli also feature. MARY’S 89 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am. 029 2066 8647 / www.maryscardiff. co.uk Wednesdays Wednesday Club 8pm-2am. Dance and chart toppers with DJ Chris. Thursdays Mixxet 8pm2am. Fun, games, and cabaret with Amber Dextrous and Alphaa Heart. Fridays Non Stop Party 8pm-2am. DJ Lee plays tunes from the 90s onwards. Saturdays 8pm2am. Dance, pop and chart with DJ Billy Joe. Sundays Service 5pm-2am, free. Bingo with Aunty Ade and Aunty Betty from 5pm, with cash prizes; DJ Mary Golds until 9pm; guest cabaret at 9pm and DJ Billy Joe on the tapes (this is an odd turn of phrase but I like it) until 1am. METRO’S Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates
FUEL 5 Womanby Street, Cardiff. 07970 063107 / facebook. com/fuelcardiff Thursdays FUBAR 10pm2am. Rock, metal and alternative clubnight. Fridays + Saturdays Rock and metal anthems each weekend, plus special guests when such types are in town. GLAM Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. 029 2022 9311 / info@ glamnightclub.co.uk Mondays Bed 10pm-3am, £2/free before 11. A mashup of chart, r’n’b, cheese and dance across two floors. Formerly known as The Fest. Saturdays Rumour 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed. Formerly known as Vanity. Sat 5 May Groove Rooftop Summer Series 2018 Part 1 4-10.30pm, £12-£18. Featuring a headline set from Christoph, looks like it’s sold out though. GWDIHW Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www. gwdihw.co.uk *Sun 1 Blue Honey Bank Holiday 2018 3pm, £15 adv. Featuring the Welsh debut of continental archive/collector legend and record label
AWESOME TAPES FROM AFRICA Blue Honey @ Gwdihw, Cardiff, Sun 1 Apr Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk This was announced just too late to go in the March issue, but because great music doesn’t suffer fools, it’s getting bundled into this one in the hope that it’ll be seen in time by those who don’t know the deal. Awesome Tapes From Africa is an American, Brian Shimkovitz, who visited several African nations in the 00s for university work, started collecting cassettes of regional music he found in markets and suchlike, fell in love and uploaded them to the internet. People flipped out, and presently he founded the ATFA label, rereleasing various groovy obscurities and doing DJ sets of his collection using two tape players. Which he’ll be doing in Gwdihw! Blue Honey are jazzed to finally entice him to Cardiff and you should share their joy.
9pm-4am, £4/free early bird. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Fridays Havoc 10.30pm-4am, free before 11. Mismatched alternative tunes from Hywel. Saturdays Lose Yourself 10.30pm-4am, free before 11. Stereo Brain playing indie, beats, treats and poppunk. Sun 1 Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Clubnight 10.30pm-4.30am. Emo and pop-punk for bank holiday Sunday. Name is a Fall Out Boy reference. I may have looked that up. MINSKYS SHOW BAR Cathedral Walk, St David’s Centre, Cardiff. 029 2023 3128 / www.minskysshowbar.com Fridays & Saturdays 8pm1am. Dancing and cabaret with regular drag acts including Tina Sparkle, Miss Babs and Jolene Dover. MISSOULA 84-86 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 1315 / www.missoulabars.co.uk/ missoulacardiff Mondays Mojito Mondays 5pm-12am. Motown classics and mojitos 2-4-1 all night. Thursdays Rock The Night 5pm-12am. Indie classics. Fridays #Friday 5pm-2am. Funky house and half price drinks from 5-10pm. MOCKA LOUNGE Mill Lane, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 11am-late. 029 2022 1295 / www.mockalounge.com Thursdays The Social Affair 9pm-3am. Over-25s night with chart hits through the ages. Fridays Timeless DJ Dan Nicholas plays r’n’b, funk, disco and old skool. Just old skool. Saturdays Decorum Soulful and upfront house, plus funk, disco etc, from Sinky and Styles. Sundays VIP Chris Evans (My Playhouse) plays club classics, funky house and r’n’b. THE MOON Womanby Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3022 / info@ themooncardiff.com Wed 25 Womanby’s Clubbing 5.30-8pm. Monthly clubbing events for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health conditions. Run in partnership with Student Volunteering. Fridays Gigantic Until 4am, free. Funk, punk, rock’n’roll, hip-hop, indie, reggae and soul after bands finish playing. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Until 4am, free. Bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between, after bands finish playing. THE NEON Clarence Place, Newport. 01633 533666 / www. theneon.co.uk Fri 6 Neon Under-18s Party Spring Ball 7-11.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Urban, house and club anthems. NEON LOUNGE Market Street, Newport. 01633 533666 / theneon. co.uk/neon-bar-lounge
Fri 6 Old School R’n’B Night 9pm-2am, free. With some old skool hip-hop and reggae too, on the first Friday or every month. Saturdays Urban Dance Night 9pm3am, free. Classic urban, house and r’n’b from DJ Steve C. PLATFORM 11 High Street, Pontypridd. Fri-Sun 7.30pm-2am. www. platform11.co.uk Sun 1 011 6pm-4am, £10/£8. The 11th night in this club’s series of guest DJs features burgeoning house duo OC & Verde. Pete Tong is a big fan you know. Sun 6 May 012 7pm-3am, £6-£10. This instalment is headlined by Leftwing & Kody, more Ibiza-conquering house jollies ahoy. POPWORLD 96 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Mon, Tue + Thurs 9pm3am; Wed 8pm-3am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 1pm-3am. 029 2023 5825. Mondays Pop Rocks 9pm. A night of what they call alternative pop but their examples (Green Day, Blink, Linkin Park) seem to suggest will be pop-punk and nu-metal. Ah, it’s all just names at the end of the day. Fridays + Saturdays Popworld Party Until 3am. Drinks deals from 5-11pm (Fri) and 3-8pm (Sat). POPWORLD Wind Street, Swansea. MonFri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676. Tuesdays Timewarp Music from the 1980s and dance competitions. Wednesdays Quids In 8pm-3am. Student night where drinks are £1. Thursdays Destination Popworld Lots of cocktails, 2-4-1 offers and, naturally, pop music. Fridays + Saturdays Ain’t No Party Like A Popworld Party 8pm-3am, £2-£4 (Fri)/£3-£5 (Sat). PRYZM Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. 029 2023 3854 / www. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Mondays Quids In 10pm4am. Student night. Fridays + Saturdays 10pm-3am, £4. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff. Fridays Smack. 9pm-3am, £4 adv. Weekly student event described by one enthusiast as “lit Friday nights with chilled fam bams and regular bants”. Sun 1 Mayfair Sessions 10pm-3am, £8/£15 VIP. Featuring a guest appearance from comedy grime MC Big Shaq. PULSE 3 Churchill Way, Cardiff. 029 2064 1010 / www. pulsecardiff.com. Gay venue. Wednesdays Kapow! 10pm-4am. Student night with Jolene Dover and DJ Warren. Fridays Full On 10pm-5am, £4/£3. DJ Craig downstairs, Opal upstairs. Fri 1 and Fri 8 Dec have X Factor finalists making guest appearances Saturdays Pop Til You Drop 10pm-5am, £5/£4 b4 11. The very best chart remixes and classic hits all night long.
THE RAINBOW ROOMS 12 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea. 07563 111225 / www.the-rainbowrooms.com Sun 1 Delusion 9pm-4am, £10/£8. Trance classics/ anthems from Dave Pearce, Big Al, Jonny Griffiths, Rhys Thomas, Dan McShane and John Hughes. Sat 7 Dirtbox 5th Birthday 10pm-4am. Anniversarial hard dance jollies, lineup TBC. Fri 13 The Devils Party 9pm-4am. Hard house, psytrance and trance. Sat 28 We Are One – Jam For Jacob! 8pm6am, £10 adv. Charity event for a two-year-old who needs £250,000 for cancer treatment in America. DJs: Swankie DJ & Kashi b2b Ed ET & DTR, McBunn, D-Grove, Stu Grady, Deimos, Natski, Racy, ADHD, Jason P & Rob Rees, Audio Nitrate, Stylezzy, Head Splitterz, Pesky & Onyx, Ryan Rees and host MCs Shocker, Venom, Ode and MCV. REVOLUTION Castle Street, Cardiff. Open from 11am. 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars.co.uk Tuesdays Mode 9pm-3am, £4 adv. Popular student night. Fridays + Saturdays 9pm3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire. SIN CITY Dilwyn Street, Swansea. 01792 468892 / www. sincityclub.co.uk Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am, £3/£2 before 12. Motown, r’n’b and hip-hop. Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30. Indie in room 1, metal in room 2. Saturdays Sink 10pm3am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South. Sat 14 Guv & Friends 10pm-5am, £15/£12. Jump-up drum’n’bass from DJ Guv, Hedex, Dilate, Clique, Dazed DJs, Rise DJs, Trigga and more TBC. Sat 21 Rise 10pm-4am, £14/£12. Drum’n’bass from Dr Meaker (whom this is an album launch for), Kings Of The Rollers and Break. Sat 5 May Hustle 10pm-4am, £15/£14. With ragga jungle OG General Levy, Scott Neill and Teagle. SODA St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodacardiff.com Wednesdays Replay 9pm4am, £4. Chart, cheese and r’n’b for students. Fridays Fade 10pm-3am, £4/£6 VIP. R’n’b, hip-hop, house and UK garage from Vijay, Jigga, Monique B and Dan Willow. Saturdays Soiree 9pm-4am. Three rooms including the Attic which is “the social playground for the high flyers and social elite, the only place to be seen.” Imagine catching your reflection in the mirror just after writing that. Sundays Soda Sundays 9pm-3am, £4/£8 VIP. Three floors of music for students and industry workers. TIGER TIGER Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri BUZZ 61
* – recommended
events 12pm-2am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-12.30am. 029 2039 1944 / www.tigertigercardiff.co.uk Every Day Lucky Voice Karaoke From £2.50 per session. The UK's leading private karaoke experience each day of the week. Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 10pm-3am, £5/£3.50. Exclusive midweek student party. You don’t need NUS to get in though. Fridays Tic Toc 10pm-3am, £4. “Forget the DJs who play the stuff you've never heard of, ours will be playing your favourite tracks all night long.” Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc. Sat 14 Tic Toc Live 1-pm-3am, £4 adv. Featuring a DJ set from DJ Tiiny, who is apparently Stormzy’s DJ. Jewel Bar: house, bass and garage w/ DJ Lloyd Haines. Decadia: chart, cheese and disco w/ Daron Probert. Club Room: r’n’b, grime and hip-hop with DJ Sole.
TRAMSHED Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff. 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com Sun 8 Big Fish Little Fish 2-4.30pm, £7.50 adv/free pre-walkers. Baby and toddleraimed afternoon rave featuring junglist soldier DJ SS plus resident Bunf from the Super Furry Animals. Fri 13 Hush Silent Disco 8pm-1am, £10/£8. With a Grease meets Dirty Dancing theme. Fri 20 Mungo’s Hi Fi Sound System 8pm-1am, £12/£10. Scottish dub heavyweights with a live/DJ/MC lineup including MC Eva Lazarus (DJ Set), Afro Cluster, Unchainedxl, Mr Phormula and Shanti Squire as well as themselves. The flyer for this says 10pm-4am, not a chance I’m afraid fellas. Sat 21 Triple Cooked: Deep Fried Disco 8pm-1am, £10/£8. “We explore the origins of Disco and House and return to America’s retro side. Expect vintage art, custom installations and show stopping music!” Still don’t really understand this night but it sure seems popular. UNDERTONE (BASEMENT OF 10 FEET TALL) 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Sun 1 XL Invites 10.30pm4am, £8 adv. Drum’n’bass from Critical Impact, Apollo, Hoodfella Development, Shanny Shan and Obsidian, plus hosts Hoodfellaz, Slim Teng and MC XL. Fri 6 Groove Theory 10.30pm4am, £10. House, disco and funk, with headliner Red Greg from London plus residents Chris Conroy and Tom Bateman b2b Jack Siddall. See Clubs. Sat 7 Flatline 10pm. Drum’n’bass, 140 and bassline from local DJs and MCs. Fri 13 Castle Nights 10pm. Techno. Sat 14 Disco Rekah 10pm. Drum’n’bass, at least their last night in November was but they’ve not put anything online since then so who knows. Tue 17 Luna 10pm, £2 adv. Techno, house and acid, launched in February and back for a second night here. Thurs 19 Pressure 10pm. Drum’n’bass. Fri 20 Selecta 11pm, £5/£3 adv. UK garage BUZZ 62
classics. Sat 21 Cosmonaut 10pm. Drum’n’bass, bassline and UK speed breaks, which I still don’t believe is a real genre. Tue 24 Skank Ground x Switch Up 11pm. Drum’n’bass with headliner Banzai from Great Yarmouth, the sort of place drum’n’bass DJs come from in 2018. Thurs 26 Tribe 10pm. Don’t know what this is, as ever I’m going to guess drum’n’bass. Fri 27 Synthesis 10pm. Drum’n’bass. THE VAULTS / PORTLAND HOUSE The Old Natwest Bank, 113116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents.com Sun 1 High-Fi 002 9pm5am, £15 adv. Heavily populated bill of house and techno, presumably across two rooms: Phutek, Argy, Tekno Tom, Natasha Denby x Taz Mea, Alter:ego, Bran Newman. Corey Stephens x Dan Freeman, Fridge, J-Tek, Jack Darwin x Tom Ware, Lee Cooke and Madame Twisted. Sat 28 The Bank Job 9pm-4am, £25.50 adv. See Clubs for more on this themed night, the first promotion by Endgame. Main room: Redlight, Toddla T, A-Skillz, DJ Target, Featurecast, Ransom and hosts Dynamite MC and Local. Vaults: Jamie Duggan, Bassboy, Kissy Sell Out, Dutty Moonshine, Canopy (Dox b2b Oni & MC XL), Onslaught & Lucas J Rowe, Mowgli, Alex T, So Sash, Ollie Bad, DJ Loose and hosts Fernquest XL, Local, Chew, Lucas J Rowe and more TBC. Plus a load of theatrical stuff involving armoured trucks and actors. WALKABOUT Castle Bailey Street, Swansea. 01792 450850 / www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/ venues/swansea Sun 1 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 10pm-4am, £5-£9. Pop, chart, dance and r’n’b, plus inflatable lollipops and chcolate giveaways. Call me a cynic but that hardly sounds like it amounts to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. WAREHOUSE 54 54 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161. Wednesdays Krazy Wednesdays Cocktails, drink deals and tunes as part of a cross-city midweek session. Fridays Live Forever 12am, £3. Britpop classics. Part of the NPclubhop multi-venue deal. Saturdays The Indie Rock Disco 12am. (Former) Meze Lounge DJs playing indie and rock classics. Also an NPclubhop night. WOW BAR 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff. Gay venue. Free all day Sun-Thurs; before 11pm Fri + Sat. 029 2066 6247 / www.wowbarcardiff.com Wednesdays Get Pounded Free. Hosted by Gypsy Divine, soundtracked by DJ Basil and named in reference to the £1 drinks offers. And nothing else. Thursdays Let’s Have A Kiki Free. DJs Basil and Chris soundtrack non-stop fun and games. Fridays Kitty’s Kabaret Free before 11. With WOW Showgirls Miss Kitty and Marcia, plus special guests
every week. Saturdays Hi Energy Free before 11. Pop and party upstairs, chart and dance downstairs. Sundays The Cuckoo Club Free. DJ Krys plays the tunes until late.
events EVERY MONDAY Beat It: Drumming For Dementia Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10.30am12.30pm, free. Info beatitpercussion@gmail.com. Hosted by Lynn – contact her on the above email. Beginners Belly Dance Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.307.4pm, £7/£30 for 5-week course. Info info@ burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Stephanie. Every Monday apart from holiday breaks. Bharatanatyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158. Brecon Town Band Rehearsals Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623650. Hosted by Dave Jones – contact him on the above number. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting The Plum Tree, Canton, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. A friendly social group offering the chance to “liven up your social life and meet new friends” through a varied events programme including theatre, live music, walks, badminton, table tennis and pub nights. More info at www. cardiffivc.org.uk. Cardio Climb Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6.30-7.15pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. High intensity workout combining cardio and climbing. Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff. 7.45-10.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. A fusion of salsa, ballroom, tango, hip-hop and jive. Classes are easy and relaxed. Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-9pm. Info 01495 243252. Community Choir Rehearsals Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7-9pm, free. Info 01443 491424. Community Choir Sessions Cornwall Street Church Hall, Grangetown, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07952 752823. Led by Pauline Down and taking place every Monday during term time (starting again on Mon 16 Apr). Drop-in Meditation And Mindfulness Classes The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £5/£3 unwaged. Info 01792 458245. New weekly class led by Mike Garside, Resident Teacher of Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Swansea. FAN Group Meeting Grange Pavilion, Grangetown, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. FAN (Friends And Neighbours) groups offer the chance to meet people, speak about a chosen topic for one hour, and have a chat and a cuppa. More FAN meetings are elsewhere in Cardiff every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. FAN Group Meeting Whitchurch Library, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 07512 638792.
Freestyle Fitness Yoga Pontcanna Dojo, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £7/£6. Info sarasclasses4@gmail.com. Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Boxing-based high-intensity workout with a house soundtrack. Today’s lineup looks like this. Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; Funkypump 5-6 + 6-7pm; Warehouse ABC 5-7pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 5-5.45pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Funkypump 6-7pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump 6-7 + 7-8pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Elympia Fitness, Ely, Cardiff: 6.157.15pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.15-7.15pm. Little Monkey Club Bijou, Cowbridge. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Mon 26 Mar. Also every Wednesday and Friday. Little Monkey Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30am. Info 01656 649190. 9.30am: Heigh-Ho; 10.25am: Rock’n’Roll; 11.05am: JiggetyJig. Runs until Mon 26 Mar. Also on Fridays. Little Monkey Club Heronston Hotel, Bridgend. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Mon 26 Mar. Little Monkey Club Salvation Army, Penarth. Info 01656 649190. Also on every Wednesday. Runs until Mon 26 Mar. Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 5.45-8pm, £6/£5. Info 01633 656757. 7-11 years old: 5.45-6.45pm; 12 and up: 6.45-8pm. Newport Badminton Club Bettws Active Centre, Newport. 7-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285. One of the largest badminton clubs in south-east Wales. Also on Thursdays. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule looks like this. 4.30-6pm: Youth: Wookies (7-9 years); Youth: Padawans (9-11 years). 6-8pm: Aerial Hoop Level 2, Static Trapeze Level 3. 7.45-9.45pm: Aerial Hoop Levels 3 and 4, Static Trapeze Level 4. Runs until Mon 23 Apr. Pilates-Based Back Care Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10.30am. Info 01874 625992. With Katy Sinnadurai. Also on Wednesday afternoons. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 11.45am. Info 01874 625992. With Katy Sinnadurai. Also on Wednesday evenings. Qigong Class The Sunhouse, Gwaelod-y-Garth, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £5. Info 07779 151916. More at www. bringingbalance.co.uk. Ruff Folk Dance Club St Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Birchgrove, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2051 3440. With Ian Lewis. Salsa Classes Horse & Groom, Cowbridge. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/intermediate. St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm. Info 01446 799100. Choir rehearsals. Tango Dancing Argentine
Barocco, Cardiff. 8-10.45pm, £3/£1. Info 029 2023 7332. Tang Soo Do Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 07734 557767. Learn traditional Korean karate; beginners welcome. Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 3-6pm Open training; 6-8pm Intermediate Aerial Hoop And Circus Fitness; 8-10pm Beginners Aerial Hoop. Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. On tomorrow also. Yoga With Valerie Price St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-9.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works.co.uk. 6.30-8pm: intermediate; 8.109.30pm: beginners. EVERY TUESDAY A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-11pm. Info 01495 243252. Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday. Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. Every Tuesday and Friday. Beginners Ballet Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.157.30pm, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. Covering key ballet principles including developing core strength, improving posture, basic steps, flexibility and coordination. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales. Beginners Contemporary Dance Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-8.45pm, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. Exploring the basic principles of contemporary dance through a set of exercises. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales. Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8.15pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Ware-house, Swansea: TRX & Kettlebell 6-7am; Buggy Blast 10.30-11.30am; HIIT 1.15-1.45pm; Funkypump 5.15-6 + 6-7pm; Funkypump Kidz 5.15-6pm; White Collar Boxing Training 6-7pm; Funky Pump Lite 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7am. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Bootcamp 6.15-7.15pm; Bags 7.15-8.15pm. Ufit, Cardiff: Funkypump 6-7pm. Daleon Fitness, Merthyr: Funkypump 6-7pm. Gitananda Yoga St David's Uniting Church, Pontypridd. 7-8.30pm, free. Info 01443 408065. Glam Dram St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7pm. Info 01446 799100. Amateur theatre company for adults. Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717. All instruments and ages welcome. Karate Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15-8.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. With Emma Robins.
u – repeated
Knap Art Group All Saints Church Hall, The Knap, Barry. 2-4pm. Info glyn@glynpooley. com. Hosted by Glyn Pooley. Get in touch if you are interested in developing your creativity through learning to draw or paint. Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www.sparklylaughter.co.uk. “No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers. Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style Kenfig Hill Rugby Club, Bridgend. 8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted by Frank. Lessons are from 8.15-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. First dance lesson free. Life Drawing Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea. 6-10pm. Info 01792 475147. Little Monkey Club Jump Jam, Bridgend. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Tue 27 Mar. Also on every Thursday.Little Monkey Club Old Church Rooms, Radyr, Cardiff. 9.45am. Info 01656 649190. 9.45 + 11.05am: Rock’n’Roll; 10.25am: Jiggety-Jig. Runs until Tue 27 Mar. Also on Thursdays. Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219. With Lesley Walker. Also on Thursdays, Fridays aand Saturdays. Morning Yoga Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8-9am, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. A Vinyasa flow class, aimed to develop functional, athletic abilities and maximise strength. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales. Music Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.45am-1.45pm, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Music and movement class for babies aged eight weeks to five years. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today’s schedule: 5-6pm: Youth: Ewoks (5-7 years). 6-7pm: Hula Hoop. 6-8pm: Supervised Training. 7.459.45pm: Beginners’ Mixed Aerial. Runs until Tue 24 Apr. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk. Qigong & 24 Step Form St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-7.45pm. Info 07772 657692. Qigong Class Bute Park, Cardiff. 6-7pm, pay by donation. Info 07779 151916. More at www.bringingbalance.co.uk. Salsa Classes Kapu, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners’ class starts 7.30pm; improvers 8.30; bachata 9.30. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Every Tuesday and Friday. This one visits Big Pit Mining Museum
events of Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park (including BBNP visitors centre). Student Night Cardiff City Table Tennis Club, Maindy Road Cardiff. 7-9pm, £2. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Check in advance on the sessions as the hall is occasionally booked by someone else. Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 10am6pm Open Training; 6-8pm Trapeze For Beginners And Acrobalance; 8-10pm Chinese Pole. Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30-6.30 + 6.45-8pm. Info 029 2087 7959. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £9. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi. Yoga Share M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 5-7pm, £4 (suggested donation). Info 029 2047 3373. Led by Ashtanga practitioner Sarah Cleary. Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday and Wednesday. Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth. 8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@ yoga-works.co.uk. Mixed level class. Zhan Zhuang Qigong Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. New weekly class, ZZQ being an ancient Chinese health system based on a series of static postures. Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Fairwater Social & Athletic Club, Cardiff. 6-7pm. Info 07891 712344. Led by Irene Davies, as is... Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes St Faith Church Hall, Llanishen, Cardiff. 8-9pm. Info 07891 712344. EVERY WEDNESDAY Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252. Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm. Info 01633 656757. Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea. 7.45pm-12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Cheer Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.15am, £3. Info 01633 656757. Movement session for babies. City Of Cardiff Rotaract Meeting Refectory Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 07768 108394. An 18-30s community group that integrates young professionals, students and refugees through community projects and social events. Djembe Drumming Workshops Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 6.309.30pm, £5/£3. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx. co.uk. 6.30-8pm: beginners (£3); 8.15-9.30pm: intermediate/ advanced (£5). Drop-in classes.
Drop-in Exploring Drawing Workshop Workers Gallery, Ynyshir, Rhondda. 7-9pm, £10. Info 01443 682034. With tutor Chris Williams. FAN Group Meeting Canton Library, Cardiff. 5.30pm, free. Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English. More info at www. thefancharity.org. FAN Group Meeting Grangetown Hub, Havelock Place, Cardiff. 5.30pm, free. Info 07512 638792. FAN Group Meeting The Gate, Cardiff. 10am, free. Info 07512 638792. Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Warehouse, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; Bag Circuit 5-6 + 6-7pm; Warehouse ABC 5-7pm; Abs 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump 6-7 + 7-8pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.157.15pm. Jazz Workshops For Beginners Zion Chapel, Ponthir, Newport. 6.30-8.30pm, £10. Info 07806 625717. All instruments and ages welcome. Little Monkey Club Bijou, Cowbridge. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Wed 28 Mar. Little Monkey Club Primo School Of Music, Insole Court, Cardiff. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Wed 28 Mar. Little Monkey Club Salvation Army, Penarth. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Wed 28 Mar. Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.15-6.15pm, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.15-5.15pm; 14-18: 5.156.15pm. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 4.15-6pm: Youth: Jedi Acrobatics (11+); 6-8pm: Adult Acrobatics; 8-9.30pm: Handstands. Runs until Wed 18 Apr. Pilates-Based Back Care Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 5.45pm. Info 01874 625992. With Katy Sinnadurai. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm. Info 01874 625992. With Katy Sinnadurai. Pub Quiz The Pilot, Penarth. 8pm. Info 029 2071 0615. With Hayley. Qigong Class The Hub Community Centre, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 2-3pm. Info 07772 657692. Salsa Classes Rhiwbina Recreational Club, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Wednesday and Saturday. This one visits Caerleon, Caerwent, Tintern Abbey, the Wye Valley, Abbey Mill Craft Centre and Raglan Castle. Toddler Time Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10-11am. Info
01685 384111. Pre-school stories, rhymes and crafts for toddlers. Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 10am6pm Open Training; 6-8pm Introduction To Aerial (beginners mixed); 8-10pm Aerial Silks Intermediate. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am, 1-2.15pm + 7-9pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. Yoga Trwy Gyfrwng Y Gymraeg Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works. co.uk. Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea. 5.30pm, £3.50. Info 07914 683534. EVERY THURSDAY Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Alexander Technique & Yoga M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16/£80 for six sessions. Info 029 2047 3373. Art Club Penarth Pier Pavilion. 4.15-5.15pm, £5. Info 0844 8700887. Creative fun for 5-11-year-olds with tutor Becky. Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Children 6-11 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4-5pm, £4.95. Info 07837 937351. Bingo Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Biodanza Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £6/£5. Info antoinette@ biodanza4all.com. “A fusion of music, movement and feeling” taught here by Antoinette Lorraine. Breakdance The Riverfront, Newport. 6.30-7.30pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. Learn break dancing styles, uprock, freezes and power moves. For ages 8-18. Ceroc Dance Class Lysaght Institute, Newport. 7.3010.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252. FAN Group Meeting Cardiff Central Library. 5pm, free. Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English. More info at www.thefancharity.org. FAN Group Meeting Cardiff MADE Cafe, Roath, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. FAN Group Meeting Cathays Heritage Library, Cardiff. 2.05pm, free. Info 07512 638792. Fitsteps FAB The Riverfront, Newport. 10-11am, £4. Info 01633 656757. Low intensity dance fitness workout. Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8.15pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Ware-house, Swansea: TRX & Kettlebells 6-7am; Buggy Blast 10-11.30am; HIIT 1.151.45pm; Funkypump 5-6 + 6-7pm; White Collar Boxing Training 6-7pm; Funkypump
LUCY WORSLEY The Riverfront, Newport, Wed 18 Apr Tickets: £22. Info: 01633 656757 / tickets.newportlive.co.uk Lucy Worsley, notably named the “undisputed queen of TV history" by the Guardian in 2015, is coming to The Riverfront in Newport this month for a talk which will centre around her new book, Jane Austen At Home. Herein, Worsley explores the concept of home and what it meant to Austen – through the rooms, her belongings, and places with personal attachment. When the TV cameras are off, Worsley is the chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces and specialises in public speaking and writing, consistently producing talks praised for their factual and entertainment quotient alike. The national treasure status she seems to be attaining might not quite match Jane Austen’s, but it’s as easy to understand why. Lite 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7am. Ufit, Cardiff: Funkypump 6-7 + 7.15-8.15pm. Elympia Fitness, Ely: Funkypump 7.158.15pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump Lite 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.157.15pm. Hand Drumming Group Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £25 (five weeks). Info 07980 742328. Hosted by Ronald Macauley. Hatch Youth Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 4.306.30pm. Info 01633 656757. Hosted by Tin Shed Theatre. Learn To Roller Skate Cardiff Central Youth Club, Cardiff. 6-7.30pm, £4/£40 for eight weeks at two sessions per week. Info www.brawlers. co.uk. With Cardiff roller derby team Tiger Bay Brawlers. Also on every Sunday. Little Monkey Club Jump Jam, Bridgend. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Thurs 29 Mar. Little Monkey Club Old Church Rooms, Radyr, Cardiff. 9.45am. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Thurs 29 Mar. Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219. Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 8-10pm. Info 07789 965285. Coached by Rhys Pritchard who represented Wales at the Junior Commonwealth Games. Newport Junior Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport.
7-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285. Coached by Rhys Pritchard. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm: Ropes & Silks Level 2, Static Trapeze Level 2. 7.45-9.45pm: Static Trapeze Level 2, Ropes & Silks Level 3, Ropes & Silks Level 4. Runs until Thurs 19 Apr. Pilates Pontcanna Dojo, Cardiff. 6.15-7.15pm, £7/£6. Info sarasclasses4@gmail. com. Pilates Tramshed Studio, Cardiff. 12.30-1.30pm, £10/£8. Info www.tramshedstudio.com. Qigong Albert Rd Church & Community Centre, Penarth. 6.30-7.30pm. Info 07772 657692. Quiz Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, £1. Info 029 2037 8866. With money, beers and pizza to be won. Salsa & Bachata Classes Kapu, Cardiff. 7pm-2am, £4-£7. Info 07800 565651. Beginners 7.30pm; improvers/intermediates 8.30. Free bachata dancing from 9.45pm. Salsa Dancing Classes Revolucion De Cuba, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £6/£5 NUS. Info 029 2023 6689. Salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www. seewales.com. Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, ParcLe-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more. Story And Rhyme Time
In Welsh For Babies Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 10-11.30am, free. Info 029 2057 3650. Every Thursday during term time; aimed at 0-4 years. The Alexander Technique M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11am-12pm, £16. Info info@yogaskies.co.uk. Small group class hosted by Mike Young. University Of The 3rd Age Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info richard-walker@live. co.uk. Hosted by Richard Walker – contact him on the above email. Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Introduction To Aerial; 8-10pm Beginners Aerial Silks. Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7 + 7-8pm, £8/£6.50. Info info@yogaskies.co.uk. Hosted by Mike Young. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 7-8am + 1-2.30, 6-7.15 + 7.30-8.45pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. 11am: Mums & Baby yoga; 7.30pm: Pregnancy yoga. EVERY FRIDAY Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. This is now on every Friday and features street food, a wheel of fortune and “rubbish prizes”. Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm. Info BUZZ 63
* – recommended
events ROOTS ROUND UP APRIL 2018 Is it possible to have too much creative energy? A strange question, I know, but any investigation of the British folk scene over the past decade or so will reveal that certain musicians seem to be everywhere, either as solo artists, session musicians, band members or just helping to move things along in the right direction. Names that spring to mind are John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Michael McGoldrick and Karen Tweed and to that list we can definitely add the name of Kris Drever. Probably best known for his work as guitarist and singer with the extraordinary progressive folk trio Lau, Kris has been slowly but surely making his mark for most of the 21st century. In late 2000, he formed Fine Friday alongside Nuala Kennedy and Anna-Wendy Stevenson, before going on to collaborate with a number of prominent folk musicians and help to set up the folk collective Session A9. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that Orkney-born Kris came to prominence as a solo artist with the release of his debut album Black Water. Prior to that he’d been working with the likes of Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis and Kate Rusby and it was while gigging with the latter that he was spotted by Tom Rose of Reveal Records who offered him a record deal. The rest, as they say, is history. Following the release of a couple of well-received albums, Kris is now firmly established as a respected member of the thriving British folk and roots music scene, hugely admired by the public and fellow musicians alike. In 2016 he released If Wishes Were Horses a collection of semi-biographical songs covering the themes of education, politics, sex, love, ennui, self-employment, social migration and Shetland, to where he had recently moved. Regarded as his best album to date, the title track earned him the award for Best Original Track at last year’s Folk Awards where he was also awarded the Folk Singer Of The Year prize. Kris will be bringing his considerable talents to Cardiff on Tue 17 Apr, when he’ll be at St. David’s Hall as part of the Roots Unearthed series. BUZZ ALSO RECOMMENDS: Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker. Beautifully realised ‘chamber folk’. Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff (Sat 7) Keith Christmas. Legendary songwriter and guitarist. Loughor Boating Club (Sun 15) Eric Bibb. Slick blues from the acclaimed guitarist. Maesteg Town Hall (Fri 27) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 6767
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mcaluan@cardiffaikikai.co.uk. Bookworm Boogie Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 10-11am, £4.50/£3 for each child thereafter. Info 01874 611622. Babies/ toddlers session with Sarah Kilbride, featuring a mixture of drama, stories, movement and art.. Cardiff Table Tennis Community Club Upper Hall, Sport Wales, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Check in advance on the sessions as the hall is occasionally booked by someone else. Children’s Tap/Ballet Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 10.30-11.30am. Info 01495 243252. Community Choir Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.4511.45am, £72/£48 (12 weeks). Info 01446 401209. Dance Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.05am + 10.15-10.50am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Parent/ toddler dance and exercise session. Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-7pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; ABC 5-7pm; Kettlebell 5.156pm; Bag Circuit 6.15-7pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6-6.45pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bag Circuit 6-7pm. Little Monkey Club Bijou, Cowbridge. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Fri 23 Mar. Little Monkey Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30am. Info 01656 649190. 9.30am: Heigh-Ho; 10.25am: Rock’n’Roll; 11.05am: JiggetyJig. Runs until Fri 23 Mar. Little Monkey Club Trinity Church, Porthcawl. Info 01656 649190. Runs until Fri 23 Mar. Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219. Movement And Music For A Fuller Life Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff. 7.45-9.30pm, £5. Info 07726 360584. Biodanza session, on most weeks (ring ahead to check) aiming to help you “discover the joy of living, feel better and happier, benefit from more energy, and be more flexible”. Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm. Info 01633 400685. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate. org. Today’s schedule: 4.156pm: Youth: Jedi Aerial Skills (11+); Youth: Padawan & Jedi Balance & Manipulation (9+). Runs until Fri 20 Apr. Older Adult Dance/ Exercise The Riverfront, Newport. 11am-12pm, £3. Info 01633 656757. Low impact dance and exercise class aimed at the over 50s. Rhiwbina Farmers Market The Butchers Arms, Rhiwbina. 10am-1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Tango Argentine Chapter
Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-8.45pm, £7/£4. Info 029 2023 7332. No experience or partner required. Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Circus Fit; 6-8pm Supervised training. Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Sbectrwm Community Centre, Fairwater, Cardiff. 1-2pm. Info 07891 712344. With Irene Davies. EVERY SATURDAY African Drumming Sessions Glyndwr Community Centre, Penarth. 10-11.30am, £7. Info 07974 635502 / dan@ phelpsmusic.com. Ballroom Dancing Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am kids / 11am adults, £4 per class. Info 01685 384111. 10am: kids; 11am: adults; 12pm: private tuition. Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Family Saturdays Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops for kids and parents. FAN Group Meeting United Reformed Church Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English. More info at www. thefancharity.org. Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-7pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Ware-house, Swansea: Abs 8-9am; TRX & Kettlebells 9.15-10.15am; Funkypump Kidz 10.30-11.30am; Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am. Ware-house, Port Talbot: Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am. Ufit, Cardiff: Bag Circuit 9.3010.30am. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Boot Camp 8-9pm. Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219. Movement For Children Volcano, Swansea. 10am-12pm, £4. Info www.volcanotheatre. co.uk. Energetic classes with a focus on creativity, supporting physical development and building confidence. Ages 4-7: 10am; 8-12: 11am. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 10-11am: Family: Prewoks (2-4 years, with an adult); 10-11.30am: Youth: Wookies (7-9 years); 11.30am-12.30pm: Youth: Ewoks (5-7 years); Youth: Padawans (9-11 years); 2-4pm: Youth: Jedi Performance Skills (11+); 4-6pm: Youth: Jedi General Skills (11+). Runs until Sat 21 Apr. Performance Academy Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-1pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Offering professional
theatre and performance coaching in dance, acting, musical theatre and singing. Roath Real Food Market Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff. 9.30am1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Sewing Workshops Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 10am-1pm. Info 01633 673739. Hosted by Ellery Design – see www.ellerydesign.com for details of how to book and/or contact them. St Mary Street Cardiff Market St Mary Street, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2019 0036. Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and bric-a-brac. Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Today’s schedule: 10am-12 pm Introduction to Aerial (beginners mixed); 10am - 12pm Introduction To Chinese Pole; 12-2pm + 2-4pm Drop-in Training. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 8-9.30am, £8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi. EVERY SUNDAY Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351. Bridgend Undercover Car Boot Sale Multistorey Car Park, Bridgend Town Centre. 7am-12pm, free (selling cars £6; selling cars with trailers £10). Info 01656 661338. Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Hosted by Ben Cooper. Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 1.30-3.30pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Hold Up Sunday Social Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2009 5590. Pool, table tennis and access to The Hold Up’s jam/rehearsal space. Learn To Roller Skate Cardiff Central Youth Club, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £4/£40 for eight weeks at two sessions per week. Info www.brawlers. co.uk. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre. 6-10pm. Info 01792 863722. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 1-3pm + 3-5pm: Flying Trapeze Level 1; 5-6.30pm: Acrobalance; 5-7pm: Flying Trapeze Level 2 + 3. Runs until Sun 22 Apr. Open Breaking/ Breakdance Training
u – repeated
Session Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff. 5-8pm, £3. Info 029 2009 5590. Hosted by Cardiff City Breakers, The Hold Up and Elemental Force. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Sunday Board Games Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Weekly session featuring a mixture of competitive and co-operative games.
SUNDAY 1 APRIL uAmazing Eggsperiments Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Easter-timely show about eggs, their properties and scientific quirks. (Until Sun 15) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. Bring And Share Supper Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, free. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk. Community social, every first Sunday of the month. Cardiff Circus Convention Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff. 10am-8pm, £50. Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk. Several international circus performers make guest appaearances to train and share their expertise across a variety of skills. Cardiff Storytelling Circle: Tales For The turning Year Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400. Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. uDinky Donkey Walking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Spend a couple of hours with a pair of Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys . Also on Mon 2, Thurs 5, Sat 7, Sun 8, Sun 15, Sat 21 and Sun 29 this month. Easter Egg Hunt Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend. 10am4pm, £8.50. Info 01656 815995. Hour-long sessions in which your kids can look for hundreds of chocolate eggs hidden around the park. Easter Egg Hunt Bute Park Education Centre, Cardiff. 1-3pm, £2. Info www.bute-park. com. Also featuring art and craft activities. uEaster Fun Cardiff Castle. Info 029 2087 8100. Egg rolling, egg and spoon races, storytelling, catapults and staged fights. On tomorrow also. uEaster Fun Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. Free (£1.50 carousel rides). Info 029 2048 0077. School holiday events including an Easter Egg Hunt competition and live music on the quayside, weather permitting (Sun 1: International Choral Festival Wales performances 12-1.30pm; Alice Mee Bishop from 1.30pm. Mon 2: The Jackson Flynn Thing from 1pm. Fri 6 + Sun 15: Soho Sopranos). (Until Sun 15)
events uEaster Hunt National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-3pm, £3.50. Info 029 2057 3500. Family activities. On tomorrow also. uEaster Hunt National Museum Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. On tomorrow also. uEaster Hunt National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 10am-3pm, £1.50. Info 0300 1112333. On tomorrow also. uEssential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 8.15pm, £11.50. Info 07538 878609. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Mon 2, Thurs 5, Sun 8, Sun 22 and Sun 29. Friars Walk Market Friars Walk, Newport. 11am-4pm, £24 to set up a table. Info 07954 654220. On the first Sunday of every month, on John Frost Square (in good weather) or inside the Mall (in normal weather). uHere In This Spring Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. Free. Info 01792 463980. Easter holiday dropin fortnight in which the Learning Space will be open for free self-led play. Activities include spring themed creative writing activities, make a mini comic, ‘Dylan’s animals’ puppets, games, reading corner, crafts and dressing up costumes. (Until Sun 15) uMakers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. Free. Info 029 2057 3500. Meet the makers, find out more about their craft and buy their wares. (Until Sun 15) Making Your Mark On Merthyr Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am-4pm, free. Info 01685 384111. Two-day event (having began yesterday in the Redhouse) offering a family-friendly art experience. uMonster Medieval Birthday Bash Caerphilly Castle. 11am-4pm, £8.50/free members. Info 0300 0256000. This castle is 750 years old and is celebrating with a mock battle and a march through Caerphilly town towards the castle. On tomorrow also. uNight & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Meet lots of interesting nighttime animals in this show aimed at under-7s. (Until Sun 15, plus Sat 21, Sun 22, Sat 28 and Sun 29) uPlant Hunter Expedition Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-5pm, free after normal admission charges. Info 029 2059 3328. Easter holiday kids’ event in the woodland of the arboretum here. (Until Thurs 12) uStar Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die. (Until Sun 15) Swansea Mind, Body & Spirit Festival Creature Sound, Swansea. 10am. Info 01792 301178. Featuring stall holders, psychics, tarot, spiritual guidance and holistic therapies and, say the venue, more than a fair share of pampering. Swing Dance Sunday Bootlegger, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 07495 657407. Taster classes, every first Sunday of the month, with Anna Rogers
from Lindy Hop Cardiff. uTraditional Fairground National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, from £1. Info 029 2057 3500. Open whenever the weather is fine or at least OK. (Until Mon 16) Tramshred Tramshed, Cardiff. 11am-12pm + 12.151.15pm. Info 029 2023 5555. Dance- focused exercise classes followed by a prosecco brunch. MONDAY 2 APRIL uBuild Your Own Electric Guitar Creature Sound, Swansea. 12-5pm, £75 (£80 for bass guitar). Info 01792 301178. Just like Brian May! Except with someone showing you how to do it. Anyway this sounds pretty cool, is aimed at ages 13+, includes a free guitar lesson and is on tomorrow also. Circus Big Top Family Race Day Chepstow Racecourse. 12pm, £25/£20 adv. Info 01291 622260. Featuring seven races plus a big top in which circus things happen Gwd Mondays: Musical Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.
for 6-12-year-olds. Also on Tue 10. uEaster Holidays: Family Craft Activities National History Museum, St Fagans. 12-4pm, free (£2 for mask making). Info 029 2057 3500. Kids’ activities inspired by springtime animals. (Until Fri 6, and from Mon 9 until Fri 13) Easter Tea Dance Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30pm, £5 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Make And Do: Clay Creatures Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen. 11am-3pm, £20. Info 01267 222775. Workshop open to adults and children over 12; welcome in spring with ceramicist Margaret Brampton. uPiggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Take a pair of friendly Kune Kune pigs (from New Zealand, look a bit like Ewoks) for a walk, then return to the smallholding for refreshments. Also on Fri 6, Sat 7, Sun 22, Mon 23 and Sun 29 this month. Print A Pirate Poster National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. uRoath Writers The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029
Three Doors Up, based in Cardiff’s Queens Arcade and a sibling of nearby Arcadecardiff, has an Art Book & Zine Fair on Sat 7 and Sun 8, with hundreds of those very things for sale. uSheep Trekking Crai, Brecon Beacons National Park. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Take a sheep for a walk on a lead in a 200-acre organic farm. A Good Day Out event. On every Sunday this month, plus Sat 28. Souls Awakening Family Mind Body Spirit Event Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10am-5pm, £5/£2.50 kids. Info 07549 526527. Holistic therapies, psychic and clairvoyant readers, runes, numerology, spiritual and psychic art, aura photography, naturopathic health, crystals... you get the idea. uWrite On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.308.30pm. Info 07512 235758. An open group of writers who encourage others to write and also critique work. Also on Mon 16; it takes place here every first and third Monday of the month. TUESDAY 3 APRIL Arts Society Brecknock Talk Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2.30pm, £8 nonmembers. Info 01874 611622. Linda Smith on The Camden Town Group of artists. uEaster Children’s Football Camps Abertillery Sports Centre. 10am-2pm, £6 to take part. Info 01495 355945. For 8-12-year-olds. Also on Tue 10. uEaster Children’s Football Camps Tredegar Sports Centre. 10am-12pm + 1-3pm, £3 to take part. Info 01495 355945. Morning session is for under-5s, afternoon
2048 3344. A space for writers of all levels to write, develop and share their work in an informal workshop environment. Every first two Tuesdays of the month (also on Tue 10). Rules Of Play The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-11pm, £3.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Board game session on the first Tuesday of each month. Textile Creatures: Badgers Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. Easter holiday workshops, aimed at kids aged 5-13 and on every weekday until Fri 13. uTorn Paper Landscapes National Museum Cardiff. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, £1. Info 029 2039 7951. Drop-in craft workshops. (Until Fri 6, and from Tue 10 until Fri 13) Ugly Burges Who Designs Lovely Things Cardiff Castle. 6pm, £8. Info 029 2087 8100. Talk by Matthew Williams about 19th century architect William Burges. Want to know what his nickname is about? So do I but we can’t, because this is sold out. WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL Easter Holiday Workshops: Creative Celebrations Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am3pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Drop-in workshops in rooms 1 and 2 here, plus the Atrium. uFamily Crafts Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, £1. Info 07737 630657. Also on Wed 11 this month.
Family Crafts – Spring Garlands Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 11am-2pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Drop-in sessions aimed especially at ages 4-12. uLambing Crai, Brecon Beacons National Park. £45/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A day with a farmer and his family during lambing time on a 200-acre organic farm. Price includes llunch. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sat 21. Open Mic Poetry Night Imperial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, free. Info 01685 722555. With guest poet Christina Thatcher. Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every month. uScriveners Writers’ Group The Badminton Club, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale. 8pm. Info 01495 753629. Also on Wed 18 this month. Textile Creatures: Foxes Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. THURSDAY 5 APRIL Bee Yourself Blue Honey Night Cafe, Cardiff. 7-9.30pm, £7.50. Info 07512 247712. Taking place around the manor and aimed at ages 3-10 First Thursday Chapter Dinosaur Hunt Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10am, 12pm + 2pm, £25. Info 07549 526527. Paint party offering you the chance to paint a bumblebee under the wing of Claire Walker-Stapley. Geddit? Wing? Blue HONEY? First Thursday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400. New poetry and fiction, this month with Bethany Pope and Bryony Littlefair. Kemi’s Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055. Monthly gathering, this edition featuring guest storyteller Peter Chand on the Indian origins of Brothers Grimm fairytales. Price includes food. uMinecraft The Riverfront, Newport. 2-4pm, £8. Info 01633 656757. Social event for kids age 5-11, offering them the chance to play this game in a safe offline environment. Also on Mon 9 and Thurs 12. Ocean Mic Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £2 corkage fee. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk. BYOB open mic night, every first Thursday of the month. uParent & Toddler Fun Day Abertillery Sports Centre. 10am-12pm, £4 to take part. Info 01495 357779. Aimed at children under five. Also on Mon 9. uSpring Stories Bute Park Education Centre, Cardiff. 10.30am-12pm + 1.30-3pm, £2. Info www.bute-park.com. Stories, games and activities. Also on Tue 10. uSt Fagans Dark Castle Tour National History Museum, St Fagans (starting point). 8.30pm, £12.50/£10 kids. Info 029 2057 3500. Ghost stories in the mansion and its grounds, presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 13.
Textile Creatures: Owls Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. FRIDAY 6 APRIL 1940s Swing Dance Workshop Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 6.30pm, £10. Info 01495 243252. Arts & Craft Table Top Sales Ebenezer Chapel, Tonypandy. 10am-1pm, £5 to set up a table. Info ebenezercraftsfair@gmx. co.uk. First Friday of every month. Bearded Iris Showcase Brewdog, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. Some wares from a Tennessee brewery doing those juicy New England style IPAs. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership). Info 07526 141392 / www.cardiffivc. org.uk. Meeting here on the first Friday of each month. Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. Info 01685 725106. Quality produce from no more than 50 miles away, on the first Friday of each month. Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Wolverhampton Wanderers Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400. uMuseum Premium Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.30pm, £15.50. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Sat 7, Fri 13, Sat 14 and Fri 20. uPremium Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 8.30pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Sat 7, Fri 13 (a Midnight Premium Ghost Tour, starting at 10.30pm). sat 21 and Sat 28. Sandal Making Workshop The Sustainable Studio, Cardiff. 9am-5.30pm, £125. Info 029 2022 2176. An introduction to designing and making your own leather sandals, enabling you to look like a Roman centurion or retired social worker. uLaugharne Weekend Various venues, Laugharne. £100 (three days). Info laugharneweekend@gmail. com. Annual literary and culture festival, taking place primarily at these venues: the Millennium/Memorial Hall, Congregational Church, Browns Marquee and the Fountain Inn. Full schedule will be released just before the festival, here’s who’s confirmed right now: Ruth Jones, David Soul, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, Peggy Seeger, Adam Kay, Chris Difford, Jah Wobble, Owen Sheers, Francesca Martinez, Simon Day, Joe Dunthorne, Magnus Mills, Mike Heron, Jess Phillips, Jake Arnott, Carwyn James, Mike Brearley, Four Lost Souls, Euros Childs, Robin Ince, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Stuart Maconie, Tibor Fischer, Rachel Tresize, Garth Cartwright, Sophie Scott, John Crace, Stella Duffy, Mick Herron, Ian Marchant, Rebecca John, Stuart Cosgrove, Martin RowsonKeith Allen, James Brown, Julie Murphy, Pete Brown and Andrew Gimson. (Until Sun 8)
Little Mice Club: Pirates National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am-12pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Bilingual playtime for babies/toddlers. My Welsh Kitchen (BwtwyPop!) Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6.30pm, £55. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk. Welsh supper club event. Rhona Duncan Art x Twin Made Terrarium And Macrame Hanger The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £40. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com. Collaborative craft workshop. uStorytelling For Refuge / Storytelling As Refuge Atrium, Cardiff. 9am-5pm, £70/£20-£40 per day. Info 0345 5760101. Two-day symposium looking at storytelling as a means of creating awareness of refugee and migrant issues, as well as its ability to provide moments of refuge in the midst of chaotic events. On tomorrow also. Textile Creatures: Field Mice Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. Wire Eggs & Birds Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016. Halfterm modelling workshop for ages 7+. Words Art Music Workers Gallery, Porth. 7-9pm, free. Info 01443 682024. Multimedia art night featuring artist Louise Collins and one poet and musician each (both TBC right now). uWorkshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10. Also on tomorrow, from 10am-12pm, and every Friday this month plus Sat 7. SATURDAY 7 APRIL Affordable Street Art Fair Boiler House Graffiti Project, Cardiff. 5pm-12.30am. Info 07977 138587. Buy graffiti/ street art directly from the artists, plus eat, drink and listen to DJs. Aneurin Leisure Aquathlon Series Abertillery Sports Centre. 9.30am, £12 to take part. Info 01495 3680155. For ages 12 and over; features a 400m swim and 5K run. Annual Spring And Easter Craft & Vintage Fayre All Hallows RC Church, Miskin, Pontyclun. 12-4pm. Info 01443 204830. Featuring home decor, plants, cards, bottle stall, jewellery, dolls house miniatures, cakes, wood carved items, moddle poddle pottery, indian crafts, knitted items, ceramics and more. uArt Book & Zine Fair Three Doors Up, Queens Arcade, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 029 2088 0011. Celebrating underground print and self-published art books and zines, a weekend of art and handcrafted items to browse and buy. On tomorrow also. Bargoed Spring Fair Hanbury Square / Lowry Plaza, Bargoed. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2088 0011. Food, art, craft and indoor kids’ activities. uBook Swap National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 BUZZ 65
* – recommended
events 3600. On tomorrow also. Sat 14. uBoutique Gift Markets uThe 2018 Cardiff Norwegian Church Arts Classic & Contempoary Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30amMotorcycle Show Llanishen 5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. High School, Cardiff. 10amOn tomorrow also. 4pm, £5/free under-14s. Info Camelot Jewellery Craft 01443 43512. Featuring guest Fair Selwyn Samuel Events of honour Peter Williams, a Arena, Llanelli. £10 to set up a 1960s/70s motorcycle road table. Info 01267 268200. Every racer. On tomorrow also. first Saturday of the month T-Shirt Printing The until the end of the year. Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. Craft & Gift Fayre St. 12-3pm, £45.start Info 029 For all you creatives out there, to 2022 get Peters Civic Hall, Carmarthen. 0349. Monthly course aimed at your entries our 25 competitive 10am-4pm. Info 01446ready 792149.for beginners. Every first Saturday of the uVintage Kilo Sale award categories – Cathays we are openCentre, for month. Community Craft Fair Coffee Cafe on Cardiff. Info entries andCove close Thurs10am-6pm, 12 Apr.free. We Bar, Barry Island. 10am029 2037 3144. Designer labels 3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a at £15 a kilo they’re saying! welcome entries from individuals who On stall. Info 07948 399111. Every tomorrow also. firstare Saturday of theor month. Welsh Wrestling Welsh based in Wales, andMemorial who Dewch i Ganu National Hall Theatre, Barry. 7pm, have Museum, workedSwansea. on eligible UK Waterfront £12/£9. Infoand 01446 Welsh 738622. In 11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Cwmbran on Wed 11. so please put Hoops yourself Joinproductions, musician Delyth Jenkins uElliecoptor Hoop and forward. learn Welsh through song. Jam / Skill Share Cardiff We’re especially interested in Easter Fair National Wool & Vale College, Cardiff. 7-8pm, Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, £5. Infoworking elliecoptor@hotmail. hearing from professionals across Llandysul. 10am-4pm, free. com. Also on Wed 14 and Wed Infocraft 029 2057 3070. 21 this month. and hair categories such as makeup Eclectic Crafters Centenary and costume as well as those Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. SUNDAY 8who APRILwould Info eclectic.crafters@gmail. Attack! Pro Wrestling: Award. The com.qualify Craft fairfor heldour on theBreakthrough first My Sacrifice II: Saturday of each month. Awards themselves take place on Sun 14 Embassybingomania Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Walkabout Cardiff. 6.45Millennium Centre, Barry. Oct, so make a note in10.30pm, your diary now! £16 adv. Info 10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149. 07896 999546. The return Every first Saturday ofApril the will be Events-wise, a busy month to Walkabout for wild with and month. woolly wrestling venture, our flagshipofone-day festival for emerging uFundamentals plus after it’s done you can Improv Comedy Weekend watch on the big talent coming to Cardiff forWrestlemania the first time. Class The Arches Rehearsal screen in here. Studios, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, Barry Island Handmade Guru Live will offer audiences a chance £95 (two days). Info cardiff@ Market Barry Island train nathanimprov.com. to hear fromWith the professionals working station. 11am-3pm, free.on Info Nathan Impro, and aimed at facebook.com/ everyone as opposed to just Blue Planet, Love Island, Peaky Blinders, barryislandhandmademarket. actors and comedians. On Every second Sunday of the Sherlock, Wonder Woman, tomorrow also Doctor Foster, month. Geekedfest University Of Liar and much, more.Bart AbiNational Morgan, Wales Trinity Saint David, much Black Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Townhill Campus, Swansea. 1 + 3pm, free. Info 029 2057 writer of {Suffragette} and {The Iron Lady} 10am-5pm, £8/£4 5-12-year3600. Not to be confused olds/free under-5s. Info will also offer tips on with scriptwriting. At £6 the unofficial Simpsons management@ merchandise that was briefly geekedfestevents.com. Comic a ticket for each session, based at Cardiff popular in the early 90s, this con type event promising family event isRoad, all aboutwe Welsh and Vale College on Dumballs comic artists/illustrators, Black Bart and the life celebrity guests, cosplay, video pirate of pirates in general. event will attract a wide range of and hope tabletopthe gaming, film/TV Curator’s Cabinet Of props and a range of traders Curiosities – Letterpress from all backgrounds. and people local artists. Printing National Waterfront Let’s Get us Quizzical Join to find The out whatMuseum, roles there are,12.30how Swansea. Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 2.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 8pm,you £2 tocan enter.make Info 01497 your way up the ladder and 3600. 821762. Pub quiz. Boardgaming Day get one-to-one on your next step. Machen Rural MarketadviceFamily Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Machen Church Hall. 10am11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2030 our more our website. 2pm.Find Info 07737 630657.on Food, 4400. Hosted by Rules Of Play. art and craft with 15-20 stalls Of Goodness Angela We’ll also be hosting a Full number of events at planned. Gray’s Cookery School At Naughty But Nice TeaAnimation the first Cardiff Festival and be Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Time Treats Angela Gray’s Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30amCookery School At heading toLlanerch Blackwood3.30pm, for the £175.3rd Info Wales 01443 Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of 222716 / www.angelagray. International Documentary Festival there – Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, co.uk. £175. Info 01443 222716 / Man Engine Cymru: something for everyone! www.angelagray.co.uk. Forging A Nation Big Nelly's Treasures x Twin Pit open NationaltoCoal Most of these theMuseum, public Made Screen Printedevents are Blaenafon. 11am-1pm, £3. Info The Lampshade Workshop (at a cost), or members for free, and we’d 029 2057 3650. We wrote a Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. short piece about this in the 10.30am-4pm, £60. Info love to see you. last issue, and coupled it with twinmadethings@gmail.com. a big photo – after all it is the We’re craft alsoworkshop. still accepting membership Collaborative UK’s biggest ever mechaniOpen Haus The Printhaus / cal puppet. Afterjoin its two applications and you are able to now The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff. Blaenavon appearances today 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 (see below), the Man Engine for 17 months at special rates. Have a look 0349. Monthly open studios visits Treedegar (Mon 9), here,atanall opportunity to meetof membership, the benefits including Merthyr (Tue 10), Pontypridd the artists and makers in this (Wed 11) and three locations creative freecommunity. cinema,On onthe our website. in Swansea (Thurs 12). first Saturday of every month. Man Engine Cymru: uPremium Llandaff Forging A Nation Ghost Walk City Cross, Blaenavon Ironworks. 2-5pm, Info:Green, www.bafta.org/wales Cathedral Llandaff £3. Info 029 2057 3650. (meeting point). 8.45pm, Marina Market National £11. Info 07538 878609. Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Presented by Cardiff History 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 & Hauntings. Two-hour tour 3600. walking through woodlands, The Bierkeller Wedding ruins and graveyards. Also on
BAFTA CYMRU APRIL 2018
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Fayre Bierkeller, Cardiff. 11.30am-3.30pm, free. Info 0845 533 3000. Roll up to this German theme shed where you will find 50 stalls advising on nuptial bliss. Anything else? “Around The World presents the ladies room,” hmm OK. “Shooters Sports Bar presents the lads lounge and catwalk.” uTuneless Choir Cardiff Aspire Fitness, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £10 first session/£7 drop-in/£40 for eight weeks. Info 07745 683723. Choir, led by Mei Gwynedd, for people who want to sing but can’t carry a tune. Also on Sun 22 this month. Welsh Art In 12 To 13 Pictures Melville Centre, Abergavenny. 11.30am, £8 adv. Info 01873 853167. Lecture by Peter Lord. MONDAY 9 APRIL uJoy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054. On the second and fourth Monday of every month (also Mon 23 in March). uK’nex Robots National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Hour-long sessions where kids can construct a K’nex robot. (Until Sun 15) Man Engine Cymru: Forging A Nation Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar. 9am-4pm, £3. Info 01495 355920. The Aviary: Nests Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. A week of bird-related craft activities. TUESDAY 10 APRIL Banff Mountain Film Festival St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14. Info 029 2087 8444. Brainiac Live! Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £16. Info 029 2064 6900. Boisterous science TV show comes to the stage. Cardiff Yesterday I Cardiff Castle. 6pm, £8. Info 029 2087 8100. Talk by Matthew Williams, based on newlydiscovered images of the city’s streets, buildings and people. Sold out though! Make And Do: Tiny Chairs Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen. 11am-3pm, £3. Info 01267 222775. Make a quirky miniature chair in this drop in workshop. Man Engine Cymru: Forging A Nation Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 12-4pm, £3. Info 01685 727371. Talk: The Work Of Bert Thomas And Other First World War Artists And Illustrators Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 7pm, £2/free members. Info 01633 656656. By David Mayer. The Aviary: Appliqued British Birds Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321.. WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL Easter Holiday Workshops: Expressive Painting Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-3pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Dropin workshops in rooms 1 and 2 here, plus the Atrium. Man Engine Cymru: Forging A Nation
Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. 12-4pm, £3. Info 01443 490490. uSt Fagans Dark Museum Tour National History Museum, St Fagans (starting point). 8.30pm, £12.50/£10 kids. Info 029 2057 3500. Ninety minutes of eerie true tales of the historic buildings of this site, presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Thurs 12, Thurs 19 and Thurs 26. The Aviary: Caged Paper Song Birds Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. Welsh Wrestling Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7pm, £12/£9 kids. Info 01633 868239. THURSDAY 12 APRIL An Evening With Terry Walton Carnegie House, Bridgend. 7-9pm, £5. Info 01656 815757. The gardening bloke off daytime Radio 2 with a strong Rhondda accent. Arts Society Cardiff Lecture Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, £7. Info 029 2030 4400. Charles Harris on ‘Posters Of The Belle Époque’. Bruery Tap Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. Bruery are from Orange County and do barrel-aged and other experimental ales. Bet that won’t come cheap, he said buzzkillingly Children’s Rugby Fuyn Day Abertillery Sports Centre. 10am-12pm + 12-2pm, £3 to take part. Info 01495 357779. Morning session is for ages 3-4; afternoon for ages 5-7. Crafty Beer Evening NosDa, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £15. Info 029 2037 8866. Do crafts (pin badge hangers this month) and drink some drinks, with your hosts Twin Made. Price includes one drink and crafting materials/equipment. uHowl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984. Poetry open mic, every second and third Thursday of the month (also on Thurs 19 in April). Lloyd & Rose Buck: Our Life With Birds Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £14.50/£12.50. Info 01874 611622. Avian expert couple with a stage show featuring eagles, owls and so forth. Man Engine Cymru: Forging A Nation Hafod Morfa Copperworks, Swansea. 6.30-10pm, £3/£2.50. Info 01792 602617. Man Engine Cymru: Forging A Nation National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, £3. Info 029 2057 3600. Man Engine Cymru: Forging A Nation Swansea city centre. 2.15-3pm, free. Info www.themanengine.org.uk. Monochromatic Animation Wall Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-3pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Draw, smudge, wipe and blend to produce different animation techniques. Aimed at ages 7+. Book in advance please. Penllergare And Its Restoration Swansea Museum. 7.30pm, free. Info 01792 653763. Talk by Paul Baker of the Penllergare Trust, hosted by the Royal Institution Of South Wales. The Aviary: Wire Crows Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm,
£11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. Young Art Force Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, free. Info 01792 516900. FRIDAY 13 APRIL BBQ, Bourbon And Beats The Neon, Newport. 6pm, £18. Info 01633 533666. Street food event with a Southern BBQ theme plus live music from Johnny Trashed and more. Price includes two dishes from onsite traders uCricket: MCCC University Match – Glamorgan v Cardiff MCCU SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. Glamorgan’s league season starts next week, but they’re not at home again until May. (Until Sun 15) Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month. Glittery & Macrame Jewellery The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.308.30pm, £20. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com. Twin Made craft workshop. uRHS Show Cardiff Bute Park, Cardiff. 10am-5.30pm, £10-£14. Info 029 2087 8100. Annual celebration of plants and flowers and shrubs and blooms and so on. (Until Sun 15) Tea Dance St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 2pm, £5. Info 01446 799100. With Alan Taylor. The Aviary: Ceramic Gulls Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-3pm, £11/£9.50 members. Info 01633 483321. Weaving Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016. Half-term workshop . SATURDAY 14 APRIL Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month. An Audience With Martin Kemp Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £24/£22. Info 01874 611622. Spandau Ballet man turned actor (among other things) talks about his life to date. Autumn Lecture – John Nixon And The Welsh Coal Trade To France Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 1.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. By Brian Davies. Botanical Art Workshop Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £35. Info 07549 526527. With Debbie Devauden. Boxing: British Lionhearts v France Fighting Roosters The Riverfront, Newport. 5.30pm, £21.50. Info 01633 656757. Boxing: Enter The Dragon! Wales Takeover Pryzm, Cardiff. 6pm. Info 029 2023 3854. Amateur boxing night, with cruiserweight and super middleweight title bouts on the cards. uCeramics For The Home And Garden Ceramics Department, Swansea College Of Art. 10.30am-3.30pm, £60. Info 01792 652016. Two-day course with Daniel Butler, presented by Mission Gallery.
u – repeated
Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month (also on Sat 24). Colour Sounds – The Art Of Enamelling Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am4.30pm, £95. Info 029 2048 4611. With Silke Trekel. Craft At The Court: Springtime Market Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 11am4pm, £1. Info 07549 526527. Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4611. Monthly class, normally on the second Saturday of the month. Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month. Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Everton Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004. Funky Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am-4pm. Info nigel.mason@ ntlworld.com. Taking place here on the second Saturday of each month. Gallery Talk: Making Inks From Nature Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen. 11am-12pm, free. Info 01267 222775. With Catherine Lewis. Lambing: 24 Hours In The Shed Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am-10am, £215. Info 01600 714595. Hands-on course showing you the ropes of coping with the baby sheeps. There’s a bunch of stuff you need to bring and know so check the website (you need to go there to book anyhow). Life Drawing Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm, £3. Info 01792 516900. Level 1 Bike Maintenance Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Miss Inspiration 2018 Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 5.45pm, £15/£12 kids. Info 01633 868239. Some sort of beauty contest I guess. Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles. 9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month. Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month. Nimble Fingers Craft Fayre Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 07790 298913. On the second Saturday of every month until the end of the year. Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am4pm, free. Info enquiries@ pigstreetcrafts.co.uk. Selling original arts and crafts, semiregularly until Christmas. Quilt Club National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am12.30pm, £5. Info 029 2057 3500. Monthly quilting session. Spoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm, £3. Info 0845 2263510. Spring Italian Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk. St Fagans Real Food Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-
events 3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. uTalk At 4 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Talking about the James Richards exhibition currently showing here (see the Art listings). Also on Sat 28. uWho Decides: Museum Of The Unexpected National Museum Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Create your own mask, watch circus performers or learn a circus skill yourself. On tomorrow also. SUNDAY 15 APRIL Dragon Pro Wrestling: Homecoming The Neon, Newport. 6pm, £9 adv. Info 01633 533666. Featuring White Lightning Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster, Eddie Dennis and more TBC. Lou Lou’s Cardiff Vintage Fair City Hall, Cardiff. 10am4pm, £3/£2.50 members. Info thevintagefair.com. Meet The Beekeepers National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Regional Indian (Kerala) Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk. Write On Sundays M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1.30pm, £25. Info 029 2047 3373. Monthly writing workshop led by Mab Jones. MONDAY 16 APRIL u2-Day Archery GB Instructor Award St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9am-5.30pm, £200 (two days). Info 01446 799100. Course is designed for learners aged 17 or over, with little or no prior experience of archery. On tomorrow also. uAdvanced Cabaret Choreography Talent Shack, Penarth Road, Cardiff. 8-9.15pm, £7/£60 for 10-week course. Info info@burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Stephanie. Every Monday until 18 June. Suitable for dancers who have been in three or more of Stephanie’s shows before. Gordon Ramsay Quiz Special The Flora, Cardiff. 8pm, £7. Info 029 2115 1016. Who the hell knows enough about Gordon Ramsay to take part in a pub quiz themed around him? Just bizarre. Price includes a meal based on something from his restaurants, vague as that sounds. Gwd Mondays Music Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. uVelotech Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. (Until Thurs 19) TUESDAY 17 APRIL Art Babas Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 10.3011.30pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Explore movement, sound, language, textures, shapes and colours with kids aged between six months and three years. Book in advance please. uExplore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Discuss books and authors in a casual setting (no obligation to have read the books in advance). Also on Tue
24 this month. Music Networking The Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com. uPainting For Pleasure Carmarthen Community Education Centre. 10am-12pm + 1-3pm, £65 (10 weeks). Info 01550 777933 / sheridanjulieann@gmail. co.uk. With Julie Ann Sheridan. Every Tuesday until 19 June. The Collective Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 8pm, £5. Info 01873 853613. Poetry night with guests John Barnie and Frances Presley. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL Alex Beard Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, free. Info 01792 602060. Talk by an education insider. An Evening Of Clairvoyance Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-10pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2048 7602. With Tracy Ann and Tracy Jones. uBeginners Burlesque Course Talent Shack, Penarth Road, Cardiff. 6.30-7.45pm, £7/£60 for 10-week course. Info www.cardiffcabaretclub. com. With Stephanie. Every Wednesday until 20 June. uChair Dance Talent Shack, Penarth Road, Cardiff. 8-9.15pm, £7/£60 for 10-week course. Info www. cardiffcabaretclub.com. With Stephanie. Every Wednesday until 20 June. Gardens Walk And Talk: Spring National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am, £2. Info 029 2057 3500. Glynn Vivian Young People Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-12pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Anyone aged 16-24 can participate in discussing plans and organising events for other young people in Swansea. Also on Wed 28 this month. Lucy Worsley The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £22 adv. Info 01633 656757. TV historian on Jane Austen, ahead of the publication of her book about the novelist in 2019. Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info 07376 604291. Monthly evening offering a chance for you to go along and see what you might get out of this adventure, activity, sports and social group. The No Good Brother(s) Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5-£7. Info 01970 623232. A music/drmratised reading/discussion event featuring two Canadian siblings: Wales-based novelist Tyler Keevil and his filmmaker brother Jonathan. uWales International Documentary Festival Maxime Cinema, Blackwood / Screen 2, Blackwood Little Theatre. £15 weekend/prices vary per screening. Info www. widf.info. Three days of screenings of globally-sourced films as well as related events around Blackwood. Includes an advance screening of Welsh feature, My Grandfather The Spy and historical documentary The Dragon Has Two Tongues. (Until Fri 20) THURSDAY 19 APRIL uCardiff Animation Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info 029 2030 4400. Billed as four days of the world’s best animation for
adults, families and filmmakers, this will feature screenings, Q&As, workshops, masterclasses, industry events and guest speakers from Aardman. among other esteemed places. (Until Sun 22) uDrawing Carmarthen Community Education Centre. 2.30-4.30pm, £65 (10 weeks). Info 01550 777933 / sheridanjulieann@gmail. co.uk. With Julie Ann Sheridan. Every Thursday until 21 June. Open Space: John Wake Central Library Hub, Cardiff. 5.45pm, free. Info 029 2038 2116. Retired copper talks about his Cardiff-centric book The Cruel Streets Revisited. uPainting For Pleasure Carmarthen Community Education Centre. 10am-12pm + 1-3pm, £65 (10 weeks). Info 01550 777933 / sheridanjulieann@gmail. co.uk. With Julie Ann Sheridan. Every Thursday until 21 June.
with a night promising spoken word/poetry, live music and DJs until late, although the identities of all are currently TBC. So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month. TJ Higgs Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £22. Info 01834 869323. SATURDAY 21 APRIL Ar Lafar: Welsh Learners’ Festival National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Including craft activities, activity trails and a choir among other things. Back To Basics The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £60. Info 029 2022 0349. Get to grips with the basics of the screenprinting process. Email info@
You might recall the series of Rainbow Run events across south Wales in recent years, in which people ran for five kilometres while intermittently showered with coloured paint powder, raising money for Ty Hafan in doing so. Well, there’s one taking place on Swansea Bay Beach on Sat 28 Apr, and Ty Hafan say it’s going to be the last one... ever! uPuckin’ Poutine Street Food Pop-Up Academy Espresso Bar, Barry. 6-9pm, free. Info 07557 773723. On tomorrow also. TJ Higgs Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £21.50. Info 01639 763214. Psychic medium. In Narberth tomorrow. The Gate Book Club The Gate, Cardiff. 8-9.30pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344. Third Thursday of every month. uWatercolours Carmarthen Community Education Centre. 2.30-4.30pm, £65 (10 weeks). Info 01550 777933 / sheridanjulieann@gmail. co.uk. With Julie Ann Sheridan. Every Thursday until 21 June. FRIDAY 20 APRIL Barry Cryer Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01600 772467. With timehonoured piano accompaniment from Colin Sell. Chris Yemm Llanwrda Hall, nr Llandovery. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info llanwrda.org.uk. A Llandovery Folk Dancing event. Friyay Evening Of Craft The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £15. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com. Twin Made craft workshop. Peep Show Quiz Queens Hall, Narberth. 7-10.30pm, £3. Info 01792 450850. Railway Session #2 Off Track, Jacobs Market, Cardiff. 9pm-3am. Info 01600 772467. New cafe space in Jacobs
theprinthaus.org to book. On once a month until November. Botanical Art Course Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-4pm, £37.50. Info 029 2059 3328. Monthly workshop hosted by Debbie Devauden. Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm. Info 01495 753782. Every third Saturday of the month. Burger Festival Cardiff The Depot, Cardiff. 2-6pm + 7-11pm, £3-£7. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. Earlier session is for families and has a bouncy castle, evening one is for adults and has a live band. Both have burgers. I hope. uCardiff Children’s Literature Festival Various venues, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £4 for most events (some free; a couple £5). Info 029 2087 2087. Annual multi-venue, activity-packed celebration of words returns. It takes place in Cardiff Story, Cardiff Castle Undercroft, City Hall, Cardiff Central Library, Old Library Gallery and the National Museum. Full listings are at www.cardiffkidslitfest.com, and include readings, workshops, interactive sessions, guest appearances from authors and the inevitable Harry Potter party with one Fleurble Laffalot. (Until Sun 28) Cardiff Postcard Fair Penylan Community Centre, Cardiff. 10am-3.30pm, £1. Info 029 2069 3040. Hosted by the South Wales Postcard Club. Craft Fair St David’s
Church, Neath. 10am-4pm, £22.50 to set up a table. Info ariancrafts@hotmail.co.uk. Craft Fayre Salvation Army Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 10.30am1pm, £10 to set up a table. Info 07948 392854. Craft In A Day Wire Workshop National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Llandysul. 10am-4pm, £30. Info 029 2057 3070. With Julia Grifiths-Jones Derek Acorah Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £19.89. Info 0300 3656677. Dr Dean Burnett Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Local comedian and neuroscientist with a launch event for his book The Happy Brain. uFire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. The science of fire, fireworks etc. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 28 and Sun 29. Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Nottingham Forest Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400. uHedgehog Helper Morning Howey Hedgehog Rescue, Llandrindod Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Be a volunteer at a hedgehog rescue for a morning, helping their work to nurse sick and injured hogs and hoglets. Also on Wed 25 and Sun 29. Kidsmarkets Family Sale Cowbridge Leisure Centre. 11am-12.30pm, £1.50/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 40 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved kids’ toys, ahead of Christmas. Learn To Needlefelt A Creature M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11am-4pm. Info 029 2047 3373. With Ruth Packham. Mollie’s Vintage Fayre Radyr Methodist Church, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, £2. Info info@cityhospice.org.uk. A City Hospice event. Samba Drumming Workshop Maesteg Town Hall. 10.30am, £6.50. Info 01656 733269. Saturday Adult Art Classes Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Spring Pop-Up Supper Event Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6.30pm, £55. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk. Tea Dance Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 4-7pm, £5. Info oceanartscardiff@ gmx.co.uk. Every third Sunday of the month. The Gentry Families Of Llangyfelach Parish And Their Estates National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Talk by Jeff Childs. uThe Search For Life Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out how life started on this planet, extreme places life has been found on the Earth, and how we search for life elsewhere in the Solar System. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 28 and Sun 29. Trinket Dish & Macramé The Boneyard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 2-4pm, £30. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com. Twin Made craft workshop, in association with Baked By Lou. Vintage Kilo Sale Creature
Sound, Swansea. 10am, £3. Info 01792 301178. Selling, as with all the other versions of this sale, at £15 per kilo. Welsh Learners Festival National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. uWomen As Storytellers – Creating The Story Atrium, Cardiff. 10am, £100. Info 0345 5760101. Two-day workshop (on tomorrow also) hosted by Sally Anne Clayton. SUNDAY 22 APRIL Chosen Wedding Fair Cardiff Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2048 7602. Cwtchfest National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am5pm, £6. Info 029 2057 3500. This event describes itself as “Wales’ only wedding festival,” which might be accurate insofar as all the others call themselves wedding fairs or fayres, but otherwise looks like a bold claim. Hospice Of The Valleys 6 Mile Race Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar (starting point). 10.30am, £6 to take part. Info 01495 979277. A six-mile charity race over a measured, certified course. Introduction To Wet Felting M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 12-4pm. Info 029 2047 3373. Make a cat brooch, with Ruth Packham. Poetry Session Octavo’s Wine Bar, Cardiff Bay. 2-4.30pm, free. Info 029 2049 1220. Open mic session, also featuring guest poet Phil Knight. Susie Wild Melville Centre, Abergavenny. 11.30am, £8 adv. Info 01873 853167. Poetry reading. The Great Big Friends Quiz The Depot, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £30 per team of six. Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk. As in the 1990s sitcom, not your actual friends. MONDAY 23 APRIL uPilates The Gate, Cardiff. 10.30am-1.30pm. Info info@ harnisch-lacey.com. Gentle fitness for the first hour, general for the second two. Every Monday until 23 July (starting again this week after an Easter break). TUESDAY 24 APRIL uAmerican Line Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 2-4pm, £4.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Every Tuesday until 24 July (starting up again after an Easter break). Ekphrastic Writing Group The Gate, Cardiff. 7-45-9.30pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344. Readings and discussions. uExtend The Gate, Cardiff. 10-11am, £4. Info 029 2048 3344. Over-60s exercise, every Tuesday until 24 July (starting up again after an Easter break). uWorldSong Choir Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £40 (five weeks). Info 07549 526527. Unaccompanied harmony singiong class with Pauline Down. Every Tuesday from this date onwards. uYoung Strings The Gate, Cardiff. 5-6.30pm, £5. Info helen@cardiffyoungstrings. com. A small orchestra for children and young people of all ages and abilities. Every Tuesday until 24 July (starting up again after an Easter BUZZ 67
* – recommended
live music break). WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL uMindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. £95 (eight weeks). Info 07549 526527. With Clare McRobbie. Every Wednesday until 20 June. Newport & Gwent Literary Society: Sophie McKeand Holiday Inn, The Coldra, Newport. 6.30pm, £25/£20 members. Info 01633 265660. Monthly literary diner organised by this society. uPilates The Gate, Cardiff. 10.30am-1.30pm. Info info@ harnisch-lacey.com. 6pm: general; 7pm: advanced; 8pm: beginners. Every Wednesday (starting again this week after an Easter break). Science Cafe National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. The Empress Of Ice Cream Look Out Cafe Bar, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-9.30pm, £5 adv. Info 07970 816906. Theatrical storytelling from Christine Watkins and Sianed Jones Wedding Venue Showcase National Museum Cardiff. 6-9pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. As in, showcasing this building as a wedding venue. I went to a wedding here a few weeks ago and it was nice, also I think they could really do with your money. Words & Poetry Reading Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
7.45pm, £5. Info 01970 623232. Work by members of ther Aberystwyth English and Creative Writing Department MA programme. THURSDAY 26 APRIL Buxton Tap Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. One of the UK’s top breweries for weird/ innovative beers pop in to show their mettle. Magic, Massage & Meditation Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, £20. Info 029 2116 7920. Hosted by Stacy Brady and also featuring masssage demonstration by Rhian Pitt. Taith Iaith National Museum Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Welsh learner tour. FRIDAY 27 APRIL Beginner’s Floristry Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am-12.30pm, £65. Info 01600 714595. Dunraven Bowl Race Night Chepstow Racecourse. 2.50pm, £18/£15 adv. Info 01291 622260. Seven races across the afternoon/evening. Lunch Club Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-2.30pm, £39. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk. The Cellar Bards Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 8pm, £3. Info 07818 056599. Monthly literature
event with special guest Paul Sutherland. SATURDAY 28 APRIL Art & Craft Fair Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10am-5pm, £50 to set up a stall. Info helenbailey876@ yahoo.co.uk. Cardiff April Feria Tramshed, Cardiff. 11am11pm, £15/£12 NUS/free under-14s. Info 029 2023 5555. A day of Spanish culture including food, flamenco, live singers, workshops and other activities. Digestive Wellbeing Workshop And Water Kefir Making Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, £55. Info 07549 526527. Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Chelsea Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 5.30pm. Info 0870 400004. Guru Live: Cardiff Cardiff And Vale College City Centre Campus, Cardiff. 12-8.30pm, prices vary per event. Info guru.bafta.org/guru-livecardiff. A day of industry masterclasses, panels and Q&As aimed at people looking to breakin to the world(s) of film, games and TV. Level 2 Bike Maintenance Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Nicholas Parsons Borough
Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01873 850805. Rugby Union: Judgement Day VI: Cardiff Blues v Ospreys Principality Stadium, Cardiff. 5.35pm, from £10. Info 08442 777888. Two games over an afternoon/evening at the stadium. This one is later but I listed it first for alphabetical reasons. Deal with it! Rugby Union: Judgement Day VI: Dragons v Scarlets Principality Stadium, Cardiff. 3.05pm, from £10. Info 08442 777888. Saturday Morning Kitchen Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-12.30pm, £17. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk. Swansea Rainbow Run Swansea Bay Beach. 10am, £13 to enter. Info 029 2053 2283. Ty Hafan present a 5km run or walk in which you will be showered with powder paint. All in the name of charity of course (you are expected to raise sponsorship in advance). This is in fact the last one of these they’re doing... ever! Vintage Kilo Sale St Catherine’s Church Hall, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 10am5pm, free. Info 07923 142285. Designer labels at £15 a kilo, on monthly here. Wild Food Foraging Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr
u – repeated
Monmouth. 10am-4pm, £95. Info 01600 714595. uWonderwool Wales Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. 10am-5.30pm, £10 per day/free under-16s. Info 01938 820495. Stalls, special exhibitions, daily demonstrations and have-a-go sessions (these cost £25 each to do), all based around the subject of wool and other natural fibres. On tomorrow also, from 10am-4.30pm. SUNDAY 29 APRIL Flavours Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk. Kidsmarkets Family Sale Paget Rooms, Penarth. 11am12.30pm, £1.50/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 30 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved kids’ toys, ahead of Christmas. Newport Wales Marathon & 10K The Riverfront, Newport (starting point). 8am, £30-£49 to enter/free to spectate. Info 029 2166 0790. General entries are sold out for this but you can run for selected charities – check out newportwalesmarathon.co.uk for more info. The Big Welsh Wedding Show The Depot, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, £3 adv/£6 VIP. Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk. Presented by by Francesca Hill Photography and rescheduled
live music from last month. MONDAY 30 APRIL Rules Of Play Board Game Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free (£3 to hire games). Info info@porterscardiff.com. The Gay Men’s Book Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. This month it’s a discussion of Blott On The Landscape by Tom Sharpe
live SUNDAY 1 APRIL Abba Lite Potters Pub, Newport. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 223311. Tribute band Adam Gilbert & Jess Robinson Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 7.30-9.15pm, £10. Info 01239 841387. Baritone/soprano duo. Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles + Carolines + Sssnakes The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 7-10pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 01685 387925. Blokey indie stuff. Sssnakes are not the Swansea pop-punk band of that name, or the Nintendo 3DS game for that matter. Dementia Aware Fest The Dolls House, Abertillery. £4 per day. Info 01495 213300. Final day of a three-day rock event hosted by The Rock
live review
PALOMA FAITH
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Sat 17 Mar When she shines, in her glittery gold and white jumpsuit, the gathered masses blink. And when she talks, preaching her message of peace and kindness, they listen. Calmly. Kindly. (#epidemicofkindness if you want to know more.) But when she sings, oh when she sings... When Paloma Faith bangs out a tune there isn’t a human within 100 yards that can resist the temptation to bang their foot. There isn’t a tongue or a tonsil that can keep itself still. There isn’t an arse in the venue that can glue itself down. And on Saturday night in Cardiff, Miss Faith certainly didn’t disappoint, even though she had to face the daunting task of walking on stage following a Welsh rugby win. Two of the night’s standout tracks were the duets that she sang without the significant other – Warrior (minus Sia) got hearts pounding early on, and I’ll Be Gentle (with her talented guitarist standing in for John Legend) slowed things back down to a satisfying sway. And, of course, the belters she’s become known for (Crybaby, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, Can’t Rely On You) built to a dramatic climax as the show rocked on, even whilst her glimmering set, her energetic dancers and her cheeky smile reminded the audience it was OK to have fun. But Paloma identified most with the crowd when she took things down a personal route, talking with genuine emotion about her life, past and present. My Body came after a comical monologue about her physical changes since becoming a mother, Kings And Queens after a story about seeing her high school boyfriend getting arrested in the street as she happened to pass by with her new man. Love Me As I Am brought the show to a close after a heartfelt love note to her current boyfriend and baby daddy. Could Paloma have taken the easy route to stardom, recording empty lyrics about vacuous nonsense? Probably. She certainly has the pipes and the personality. But let’s be thankful she didn’t – because without her passion, her soul and her sense of humour shining brightly across charts and arenas alike, we’d have very little else to make us stop and smile from time to time. words JONATHAN SUTTON photos KEVIN PICK
JUST ANNOUNCED FOR MAY: OLIVER COATES (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 8) THE MAGIC NUMBERS (The Globe, Cardiff, Thurs 10) HEATHER SMALL (St David’s Hall, Thurs 17) ANSOME (Jacobs Market, Cardiff, Fri 18) MARDUK (The Globe, Tue 22) BRYDE (Le Public Space, Newport, Thurs 24) BUZZ 68
N Roll Circus Radio Show. Today’s lineup: Bad Sam, Pelugion, Terminal Rage, Devil’s Playground, The Bitten, Deathtraps, Tenplusone, Eight Great Fears, Soxpunk and The Deadpig Project. Easter Rising Festival District Club, Pontypridd. 2-11pm. Info 01443 402550. Featuring Upbeat Sneakers, Stonehouse, Not Four Glory and Out Of The Black, plus more TBC. Proiceeds to Velindre Hospital Embrace Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £21.50. Info 029 2023 5555. Yorkshire windy indie survivors. Guns 2 Roses + Motörlizzy The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm. Info 01495 247178. Metal/hard rock tribute band mania. Guy Maile + Big Bear + Loll The Parrot, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 01267 231012. Blues night. Interrobang?! + 8 Rounds Rapid + Emy Lou Robins Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm. Info sam@lepub. co.uk. Spiky UK postpunk fronted by Dunstan who used to be in Chumbawamba. J & The Bullfrogs Cockett Inn, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events. uLarger Than Life! Fontygary Leisure Park, Rhoose. 8pm, free. Info 01446 710386. Presented by Nailed It Events. Also here on Sat 14. Lewis Leighton Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688. Mayfield Birthday Gig The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Motley Crude + Poizon Ebbw Vale Institute. 7pm, £11. Info 01495 708022. Two glam metal tribute bands. Sarah Munro Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £15. Info 029 2038 7026. New jazz-pop vocal talent compared to Eva Cassidy and Katie Melua.. Skunkadelic + CHEW + Winger Set + Duvz + 7breaths Laser Station, Carmarthen. 8pm, £5 adv or before 10. Info 01267 235648. Hip-hop night. DJs until 3am: 2hotty, Doc-P, Kyle Waters, RGT and Martyn Kinnear. The Crackers Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6-8pm. Info 029 2062 6015. The CVC + Mike Dennis + Hash-Hann + Papa Jupe's Taurus Club + Anonymous Iconoclasts + Luke Bennett The Moon, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. The Urban Voodoo Machine The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Wales Goes Pop! The Gate, Cardiff. 1.30-11pm, £49 weekend/£17 per day/free under-12s. Info 029 2048 3344. Delightful indiepop weekender which started on Fri 30 Mar, thus is on its final day today, and features Shonen Knife, Brix & The Extricated, Goat Girl, Colour Me Wednesday, Bad Parents and El Goodo (main room); Adwaith, Perfect Body and Think Pretty (cafe) plus DJs until 11pm. (Finishes today) Wayne Brennan Academy Espresso Bar, Barry. 5-8pm,
free. Info 07557 773723. On tomorrow also. MONDAY 2 APRIL uLive Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Here every Monday. Stone Free Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6-8pm. Info 029 2062 6015. *Twinken Park + Salt Bath + Worst Witch Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm. Info sam@lepub. co.uk. Queer/trans/feminist punk bands x 3, should be good this. Salt Bath are also here on Fri 6 and Sat 28 this month. uUkulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings. TUESDAY 3 APRIL Acoustic Tuesday South Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers. uCommunity Samba Band – Practise Dates Llanfrynach Village Hall, Brecon. 7-9pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Every Tuesday. Dave Smith Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Joana Serrat + Matthew Frederick + Ilana Held Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info sam@ lepub.co.uk. Spanish alt. country type headlines, we previewed this gig in the March issue too. Olivia Gomez & Ben Pinnow Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £5.50. Info 01656 815995. uOpen Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Every Tuesday. uOpen Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Every Tuesday. uOpen Jam Session NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. Every Tuesday this month. The Xcerts Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8.50. Info 029 2023 2199. UK rock band, gig rescheduled from early March I think. Youth + Nuclear Lullaby + The Tates + Garden Party Pills The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£4 adv. Info info@themooncardiff.com.. WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL Abstruckt Ensemble + The Vickers Bovey Duo St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2087 8444. Guitar/ percussion double bill. Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. uBandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” Also on Fri 20. uBella & Gareth Blues Duo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Wed 18.
Bruno Heinen’s Mr Vertigo Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 9pm. Info www.thefluteandtankard. com. Jazz. Debra Cowan Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. Donnie Joe’s American Swing Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Penarth. 7.30pm, £5/£4.40 adv. Info feelgoodmusicorg@gmail. com. Also featuring swing DJ The Medicine Man. Doyle + Dead XIII + Killus Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7pm, £15 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. The guy from the Misfits who isn’t one of the other, better known guys. Duski Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. South Wales jazz trio. In Pembroke Dock on Fri 6, Cardiff Tue 10 and Monmouth Wed 11. Gethin Liddington’s GoodKatz Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig. Hana2k Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50 adv. Info 029 2009 5590. South Wales-based pop artist, signed up to this year’s Forte Project scheme, launches her new single Pretty Enough. Also features DJ sets from Callum and 24karatking. Jam Night The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, free. Info 01267 231012. Julia Biel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. UK vocal jazz newcomer. uOpen Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Wednesday. Expect to hear jazz, blues, rock or ska here. uOpen Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With a different guest host every week this month; tonight’s is Sophie Crabtree. Open Mic Night Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, free. Info 01685 384111. Shame + Gurr Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8.50. Info 029 2023 2199. London punk/not-punk band. Gig has been sold out for a while. Shop Girls The Roath Park, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2047 1961. Playing a new live music night here every Wednesday. Sinfonia Cymru The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5. Info 01633 656757. Thee Hypnotics Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm, £1`3 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Hairy garage rockers who trod the boards in the late 80s/early 90s and are now back. THURSDAY 5 APRIL Aubrey Parsons The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events. Avalanche Party + Stay Voiceless + Bandicoot + Coroners The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£6 adv. Info info@themooncardiff.com. Presented by This Feeling.
Ben Marwood Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm, £7. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Singersongwriter whose own biog calls him “mild-mannered”. Nothing wrong with being mild-mannered but it hardly seems like a selling point. Blaenavon Male Voice Choir Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £8/£7. Info 01873 850805. St David’s Day concert, postponed for a month due to bad weather and so closer to St George’s Day in terms of date. Will the choir alter their repertoire accordingly to include 10 German Bombers et al? That remains to be seen. uFrankie Weeson Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 8pm, free. Info 01873 853613. Presented by Nailed It Events. Every Thursday this month. Glas Bootlegger, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07495 657407. Album launch gig for south Wales blues-rock band, think it might be sold out though. Jane’s Calamity Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Monthly singalong around the piano. Sarah Meeke Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. The Big Gig Final Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. Featuring sets from seven acts who qualified from two semi-finals in March: Ell South, Dead Method, Upbeat Sneakers, Siobhan McCrudden, Carolines,
Nice booking down at the Earl Haig Memorial Club, in the Cardiff suburb of Whitchurch, on Thurs 12 Apr: Bill Kirchen, an American guitarist who’s nailed the country subgenre of honky-tonk in recent times, with a Fender Telecaster guitar tone that he’s made his own, accruing cult status in the process. Laundrette and Jack Ellis. The Gentle Good The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7. Info 029 2048 3344. Welsh folkie plays a night rescheduled from February. Why We Love Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Yasmine Davies + Shimai + The Click NosDa, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. A Live By The River night presented by U&I Radio. FRIDAY 6 APRIL Afterglow Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £16 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Genesis tribute band. Angela Hewitt Rhos Y
Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 8-10.15pm, £22. Info 01239 841387. Pianist performs Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier Part 1. In Cardiff on Sun 8. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 01443 490390. In Newport tomorrow, Bridgend on Fri 13 and Pontyclun on Fri 27. Black Doldrums The Moon, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Buzzard + Perfect Body + CVC Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2030 4400. Young local guitar bands, presented by Newsoundwales. Chris John City Arms,
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JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JUNE: TOYAH WILLCOX (Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff, Sat 2) GOSPELBEACH (Le Public Space, Sun 3) TWIN ATLANTIC (Tramshed, Cardiff, Sun 3) JAY-Z + BEYONCÉ (Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wed 6) THE SKIDS (Tramshed, Sat 9) GRETCHEN PETERS (St BUZZ 69
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NEWPORT RECORD STORE DAY FESTIVAL Various venues, Newport, Sat 21 Apr Admission: free. Info: 01633 259661 / www.diversevinyl.com Record Store Day is good/bad and long/soon may it continue/stop (delete according to personal belief), but with that said remove it from your consideration, as this sprawling six-venue musical blowout has little to do with it beyond its name and the date it takes place. It’s been organised by Newport independent vinyl specialists Diverse and offers over two dozen acts from the realms of rock, garage, indie, folk, punk and spoken word. Held in Le Pub, Tiny Rebel, The Murenger, McCann’s, Slipping Jimmy’s and the gallery upstairs in Newport Market, standout names include country-tinged Denver garage punks The Yawpers [pictured]; the similarly punky Ming City Rockers, named in reference to their hometown of Immingham in Lincolnshire; and an acoustic set by hot-to-trot Cardiff name Boy Azooga. Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events. Donnie Joe’s American Swing Bootlegger, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 07495 657407. With a DJ playing vintage rock’n’roll until 2.30am. Duski Cwtch, Pembroke Dock. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 01646 687635. ESP Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events. Faith No More Or Less Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01443 491424. Faith No More tribute band. Fenne Lily Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Hana Piranha The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 213300. Idge Logan The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events. Isolation + Locust The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm. Info 01495 247178. Cheltenham metal band headline. James Kirby Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Acoustic singersongwriter. Kantref St Fagans Village Hall. 7.30pm, £8/£6/£4 kids/ free under-12s. Info 029 2023 2970. A Pentreffest Noz folk night, with a music/dance
workshop from 7.30pm and live music from 9.15. KnowMads + Nick Brewer + KREEA Buffalo, Cardiff. 9.30pm-3am, £6 adv. Info 029 2031 0312. Hip-hop night presented by Staring Artists and Swn. KnowMads are American, Brewer is from London. Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month. Lower Than Atlantis + The Faim Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, £16.50 adv. Info 01792 468892. See Music for a preview of the headliners. In Pontypridd tomorrow. Magenta The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Welsh prog rockers. Mat Walklate & Paolo Fuschi The Muse, Brecon. 7.30pm, £10. Info 07375 627635. UK blues duo play a Mid Wales R&B Club night. Metal 2 The Masses South Wales Heat 4 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 07970 063107. Featuring sets from Sounds Of Insane Music, Good Morning Vietnam, Prophecy and We Come From Ashes, competing to play at Bloodstock this year. Heat 5 is on Fri 13, heat 6 on Fri 20, heat 7 on Sat 21 and heat 8 on Fri 27. Open Night Glais Rugby Football Club, nr Clydach,
Swansea. 8pm, £3. Info 01792 425231. A Valley Folk Club night. Punchline The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events. Purge The Ocean + Aparthy Avenue + String Theory + Vain Creature The Fugitives Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Sepulchre + In Which It Burns + Ravenbreed The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. The Nightmares + Salt Bath + Naut Le Public Space, Newport. 8pm, free. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Headliners are playing their debut gig and feature Ben from Disjoy plus someone from The Violent Hearts, who played with Disjoy here last year. They are being cagey about what they sound like but it looks a bit bloomin’ gothy to me. The Ultimate Classic Rock Show The Hyst, Swansea. 7pm, £10. Info 01792 654366. Tribute band. Wonderbrass Y Llynfi Library, Maesteg. 7.30pm, £4.50. Info 01656 733269. SATURDAY 7 APRIL uAcoustic Duos The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235. Local acts
here every Saturday. Amy Winehouse Experience AKA The Lioness Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £17.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Tribute act. Andy & Gos Cockett Inn, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 533666. Charity gig in aid of the Newports Rocky Memorial Fund, also featuring DJ Quadey and compere Stan Berry. Brazil Night! Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 7pm-1am, £6. Info 029 2022 1330. Samba rhythms from live musicians TBC. All ticket proceeds will go to a local charity for the homeless. *Britney + We Wild Blood + Rope The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Noisy rock bands x 3 (Britney and WWB debuting in Cardiff) presented by Cosmic Carnage and Lesson No.1. Cardiff Guitar Festival Fundraiser St Mark’s Church, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 7-9pm, free. Info www. cardiffguitarfestival.com. Featuring performances from Icaris Duo, Evangelos Nikolaidi, Chris Roberts, Lucas Hughes and CGF participants. Donations are welcomes and the ferstival itself takes place in late July. Cardiff Ukelele Festival St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1-5pm, free. Info 029 2087 8444. Genevieve The Waterfront, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 1-3pm, free. Info 01874 611622. Live music here every Saturday afternoon. Georgia Patterson Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events. John Coghlan’s Quo The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. uJon Crespo Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £2 after 11. Info 029 2038 7026. Every Saturday this month. Jon Langford’s Four Lost Souls & The Men Of Gwent Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £8. Info sam@ lepub.co.uk. Mekons man Langford with his latest project. Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker + Samantha Whates + Toby Hay & Jim Ghedi Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £12.50. Info 029 2023 2199. Various flavours of folk-rock. Jumpin’ Jimmy & The Nice Guys Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Kayleigh Morgan + Catherine Elms + Pay The Man Creature Sound, Swansea. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01792 301178. Lower Than Atlantis The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.30pm, £16.50 adv. Info 01443 490390. Mammothfest Best Band 2018 Welsh Heat 3 The Duke, Neath. 7pm, free. Info 01639 643892. Featuring Agrona, Malum Sky, Scarsun and The Devolved, plus guest headliners Damim. Heat 4 on Sat 14. Nevsky Perspective Cardiff
u – repeated
Bus Transport Club. 7.30pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 029 2023 3658. Album launch gig for local post-rock type band. Pi & Hash Monthly Music Showcase NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With Hang 11. Pipe Dream The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm, free. Info 01495 247178. Pop Up Bowie Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01873 850805. Tribute act by Paul Antony. Rammlied Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 07970 063107. Rammstein tribute band. Romain Virgo + Sevana + Aleighcia Scott + Sun I Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £17.50. Info 029 2023 5555. Reggae/lovers rock fella headlines. Simon Trigg Fontygary Leisure Park, Rhoose. 8pm, free. Info 01446 710386. Presented by Nailed It Events. Taylor Rai The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events. The Blackheart Orchestra Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 7pm, £10 adv. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk. Dark pop duo compared to Goldfrapp, Portishead, Bat For Lashes and Kate Bush. Weird how groups with women singers can only sound like other groups with women singers! Probably something to do with science. The Dime Notes Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 01970 623232. The Quay Street Band Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 07818 056599. Motown covers band. The Spectrums Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 01443 682388. Eighties synthpop covers band. The Witching Hour + Universal Translators Jac’s, Aberdare. 6.30pm, £5. Info 01685 879491. Charity fundraiser hosted by Aberdare Motorcycle Club in aid of the family of Gar Jones, a late biker. Through The Decades With Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01834 869323. Tribute show. Toriah Fontaine The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. SUNDAY 8 APRIL Albino Frogs The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Angela Hewitt St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8444. A performnance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Barb Jungr Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £16.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Performing her Bob Dylan tribute set. Rescheduled from March I believe. uFolk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month (also on Sun 22 in April), with an extra acoustic session on the third Sunday (Sun 15) too. Hiroko Sue & Eliot Baron Octavo’s Wine Bar, Cardiff Bay.
live music 2-4.30pm, free. Info 029 2049 1220. Acoustic set. Hot Club Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5/£3 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Two sets, the first of which is a jam session Kris Barras Band Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £9 adv. Info 07970 063107. Blues-rock guitarist. Molly-Rowan Sharples & Daniel King Smith Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 3-4.30pm, £10. Info 01239 841387. Violin/piano duo. Rockhouse The Patriot, Crumlin. 6-9pm, free. Info 01495 247178. Roy Orbison In Dreams Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7.30pm, from £40. Info 029 2022 4488. Featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and a hologram Roy. The Dime Notes Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01792 602060. Retro New Orleans jazz stylings. The Jedis Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6-8pm. Info 029 2062 6015. The Sam Antonio Freeway Jac’s, Aberdare. 4pm, free. Info 01685 879491. MONDAY 9 APRIL Bryan Ferry St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £37-£127. Info 029 2087 8444. Roxy Music top boy. Sold out! Florist + Pink Grapefruit + Porridge Radio The Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £7/£5.50 adv. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. TUESDAY 10 APRIL Andy Nowak Trio The Muse, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 07791 654799. A Brecon Jazz Club gig. *Cuntroaches + Mentira + Scrap Brain Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7. Info 029 2022 8883. The Joy Collective, Lesson No.1 and Ross Jones club together for a mad bill of noisepunk, minimal synth and rude hardcore. If you see posters for this gig in shops by the time this mag is out, it means either people are getting less prudish or that they weren’t very easy to read. Duski + Jim Ghedi Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 9pm. Info www.thefluteandtankard.com. Ghedi, an American Primitiveish folk guitarist who I wrote a wee bit about two issues back, visits to perform with local jazz quintet Duski. Felsen Trio St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 3pm, £6.50. Info 01446 799100. Chamber music group. Rockers Reunion Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2062 6015. The Camelia & Gutbuckert Bands Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL Adam The Roath Park, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2047 1961. Andy Nowak Trio Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. In Narberth on Wed 18. Clay To Ride The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info info@
David’s Hall, Tue 12) THE ZOMBIES (Tramshed, Tue 12) THE ROLLING STONES (Principality Stadium, Fri 15) HUEY MORGAN (The Globe, Sat 23) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JULY: LITTLE MIX (Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Sat 7) IL DIVO (Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Tue 10) THE BEAT + THE SELECTER BUZZ 70
themooncardiff.com. DB Big Band with Lee Gilbert Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig. Duski The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. El Morgan And The Divers + Little Brat Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Gregory Porter And His Band St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £37-£52. Info 029 2087 8444. Soul jazz colossus, sold out gig. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With guest host Brad Dickenson. Public Service Broadcasting + Jane Weaver Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7pm, £26. Info 01792 475715. New footage-y indie band plus indie-gonespacey-electro support who is worth turing up early for if you happen to be a fan of the second best PSB. Remi Harris Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. In Machynlleth on Sat 14. Robin & Bina Williamson Peppers, Fishguard. 7.30pm, £8/£5 adv. Info 01348 874540. Folk and storytelling, presented here by Ffwrn. Siobhan Wilson + Oldus Fawn + Teddy Hunter Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. The Fureys Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £21. Info 01646 695267. Xero + Malum Sky + Ravenbreed Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £3 adv. Info 07970 063107. THURSDAY 12 APRIL *Bill Kirchen & Band Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2062 6015. American honky-tonk guitarist with an infamously distinctive Telecaster sound. Charlie Says + Cult Of Hands + Toodles & The Hectic Pity + Saccharyn + Downard Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Claire Jones Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £6-£14. Info 01239 621200. Classical harpist. Coltrane Dedication Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Ian Shimmin The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events. Let’s Eat Grandma The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 07590 471888. See Music. Louise Distras + The Pearl Harts Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm, £8. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Folkpunk singer headlines. Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer Newport Fugitives Athletic Club, Rogerstone, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 897923. A Newport Folk Club night. Rebecca Hurn + Jack Ellis + Bryony Sier The Big Top, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 029 2022 8883. EP launch gig for headliner.
Sam Green And The Midnight Heist + Joe Kelly The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info info@themooncardiff.com. Folk-rock type stuff. In Hay on Sat 14. Strike The Light + World Vs World + The Fens The Parrot, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01267 231012. The Pitchforks + Tracy Island + The Witching Hour Buffalo, Cardiff. 6-9pm, £5. Info 029 2031 0312. The Washboard Resonators + Tiger Town Swing Band Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 7pm, £16. Info oceanartscardiff@ gmx.co.uk. Blues/ragtime/ swing band a la the 1920s, plus local support act. Tiny Moving Parts + Orchards Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £10. Info 029 2023 2199. Tomorrow Calling Today Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Local acoustic acts. Vince James + Glass Jackets The Flora, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2115 1016. Virginmarys Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £10. Info 029 2023 2199. We Are Leif Tiny Rebel, Cardiff. 9pm, free (donations welcome). Info 029 2039 9557. Jazz-meets-neo-soul quartet. Winter Wilson Crindau Constitutional Club, Newport. 8pm, £8/£5. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night. FRIDAY 13 APRIL 360 Degrees Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613. Presented by Nailed It Events. And Finally... Phil Collins Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £20. Info 01970 623232. Tribute show. *Andrew W.K. Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. See Upfront for an interview with the big man, ahead of a gig which was rescheduled from November. Andy Park City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events. Benefit For Stevie Williams The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Bridgend RFC. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01656 838281. Bossa Nova Quartet Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01656 815995. Opening event of the Porthcawl Jazz & Blues Festival, which is also on tomorrow and Sun 15. Chris Antonik The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Canadian blues rocker. Colorama + Bendith + Plu National Museum Cardiff. 7pm, £16.50. Info 029 2039 7951. Welsh language indie and folk bands, presented by Swn and playing in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre. Dark Valley Revival The Unicorn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 751304. Folk night.
Exit to Main Menu + A Night Like This + Peaks The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff. com. Faith – The George Michael Legacy Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 0300 0040444. Tribute show. Forgotten Remains + Dog Tired The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01495 213300. Metal. Fortunate Sons Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Hashtag Acoustic The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events. Heavy Flames + Deaf Horse + Joe Kelly And The Royal Pharmacy + Stiff Necks Jac’s, Aberdare. 7pm, £5. Info 01685 879491. Higher On Maiden Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01443 682388. Iron Maiden tribute band. In Crumlin tomorrow. Holy Moly & The Crackers Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Hyperion The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. With more bands TBC. Ian Cal Ford And The Preacher Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. Country, bluegrass and gospel. Idge Logan Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events. Metal 2 The Masses South Wales Heat 5 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 07970 063107. Featuring sets from Copehill Down, The Devolved and Incursion.
029 2037 3144. Heavy metallic hardcore presented by Heaven & Hell. The Algal Bloom The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm, free. Info 01495 247178. The People The Poet + Plus Carolines + To Bear Sir Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. The Skiptones Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Trampolene Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. London-via-Swansea indie lads. Trecrock Youth Festival Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 12pm, £3.50. Info 01495 243252. Promising a wide range of musical styles. Wonderbrass Present Motown Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2018 Dunraven Welsh Young Singer Of The Year Competition Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £12.50/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring the Maesteg Gleemen Male Choir and compère Beverley Humphreys. A Foreigner’s Journey Ebbw Vale Institute. 7pm, £11. Info 01495 708022. Tribute top Foreigner and Journey, all wrapped up in one band. Andy Park Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events. Bad Manners + 2rude Chepstow Racecourse. 12.15pm, from £28 adv. Info 01291 622260. Playing after seven afternoon races as part of Grand National day, so when you’re done watching outsized units being worked almost to death beyond human decency, you can
The Barry Island Sports & Social Club has a gig by accuratelytitled local promoters Roots N All on Sun 29 Apr: folk duo Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman are supported by solo guitarist Sunjay. Tickets are £13.50, or £15 on the door. Moongazer The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events. Novana The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Nirvana tribute band. Rumney Folk Club St Augustine’s Church, Rumney, Cardiff. 7pm, £3.50/£1.50 for performers. Info derek@rumneyfolkclub.co.uk. Monthly night. Soul Legends St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £27. Info 029 2087 8444. Spawn Of Disgust + Recount + Realm Of Torment + Cruelty Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £8. Info
check out a Bad Manners gig. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £16.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Chris Antonik Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £10/£8 members. Info 01633 483238. Borough Blues Club gig. City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£41/kids free (for first child – £5 each thereafter). Info 029 2087 8444. Mirga Gražinyta-Tyla conductsd a programme of Wagner, Schumann and Beethoven. Clone Utopia Hen Dderwen, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631. Presented by
Nailed It Events. Darius Brubeck Quartet Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01656 815995. Centrepiece performance of the Porthcawl Jazz & Blues Festival this year. Electric Swing Circus Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £12.50. Info 029 2023 2199. Filthy/Gorgeous Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Girli Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 6pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Arch modern pop stuff Higher On Maiden The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm, £3. Info 01495 247178. I Set The Sea On Fire The Moon, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com. *Lacertilia + Disjoy + Zinc Bukowski + Die Chihuahua Die Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01443 491424. This is a great lineup! Stoner psych and anarcho goth from the top billed two, while ZB and DCD are returning to the fray after long layoffs. Last Great Dreamers + Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters + The Boom Sons Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7-10.30pm, £6 adv. Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com.. Louise Halliday The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events. Mammothfest Best Band 2018 Welsh Heat 3 The Duke, Neath. 7pm, free. Info 01639 643892. Featuring Democratus, Epic Fail, Incursion and Cranial Separation, plus guests Forgotten Remains and Dog Tired. Mentallica + Excursia The Muni, Pontypridd. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01443 490390. Metallica tribute band headline a gig rescheduled from November. Metallica Reloaded Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £7 adv. Info 07970 063107. Another Metallica tribute band. Owen Money’s Juke Box Heroes II Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01873 850805. Tribute acts and comedy, went to lots of south Wales venues last month. In Porthcawl on Fri 20. Paige Kenzie Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events. Port Erin Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Porthcawl Jazz & Blues Festival – Jazz Day Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 12-7.30pm, £30. Info 01656 815995. Featuring performances by The Rumblestrutters, Greg Carley, Afternoon In Paris, Donnie Joe’s American Swing, Steve Doolan Quartet, Liberty Street Jazz Band and the Welsh Guitar Duo. Punchline Cockett Inn, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events. Remi Harris Trio Centre For Alternative Technology, Machynlleth. 7.30pm, £12. Info 07802 912789. Sam Green & The Midnight Heist + Turquoise Llama The
Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £6. Info 01497 821762. Spanner + Last Tree Squad + Taffy Twp Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Anarcho folk-punk and the like. Tarion The Waterfront, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 1-3pm, free. Info 01874 611622. Live music here every Saturday afternoon. The DeRellas + Chinese Burn + Polka Dot Socks + Hacksaw The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01495 213300. The Doors Alive The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Doors tribute band. The Jamd Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £11. Info 01834 869323. Jam tribute band. The Lowest Pair The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01873 736430. Old timey/Americana banjo duo The Rosie Walters Band Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9-11pm. Info 029 2062 6015. The Shameless Jac’s, Aberdare. 8pm. Info 01685 879491. Rock covers. Trish Clowes & Gareth Williams Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £10/£8/ free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. See Music. Ultimate Floyd The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Pink Floyd tribute. SUNDAY 15 APRIL Acoustic Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Chris Difford + Boo Hewerdine Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £18 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. See Upfront for a chat with Chris. Glas Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6-8pm. Info 029 2062 6015. Lost Come Sunday + Ell South + Tanglejack + Frankie Urbano The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info info@themooncardiff.com. Our Finest Hour St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £21.50£34.50. Info 029 2087 8444. WWI/Battle Of Britain celebration featuring the BBC Big Band and vocalist Annie Gill. Pete Mathison Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688. Porthcawl Jazz & Blues Festival – Blues Day Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. £15. Info 01656 815995. Featuring performances by Blues Sisters, Sicknote Steve, Mellow Down Easy, Keith Christmas, Bay Rum Hounds, Liam Ward and more TBC. Ragtime Jazz Orchestra The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Topette Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 7-10.30pm, £12. Info 01239 841387. AngloBreton folk band MONDAY 16 APRIL Brecon Town Concert Band + Talgarth Male Voice Choir Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm,
+ SONIC BOOM SIX (Caerphilly Castle, Fri 13) SCOUTING FOR GIRLS (Crwt Herbert Playing Fields, Neath, Fri 13) EAST 17 (Crwt Herbert Playing Fields, Neath, Sat 14) JAMES TAYLOR (Motorpoint Arena, Tue 17) GWENNO (Cardigan Castle, Sat 21) CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN (Cardiff Castle, Sun 29) BUZZ 71
* – recommended
live music £12.50/£10. Info 01874 611622. Easy Street Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. TUESDAY 17 APRIL Ducking Punches Le Public Space, Newport. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Norwich band who do that whole gruff/folk-punk woah-oh vocal thing. Fire Fences + The Rotanas + Finding Aurora Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Joe Northwood’s Banshee Improvisations Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 9pm. Info www.thefluteandtankard. com. Jazz. Jon Boden Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £20/£10. Info 01874 611622. See Music. In Aberystwyth on Thurs 19; Swansea on Fri 20 Kris Drever St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £16.50/£15.50 adv. Info 029 2087 8444. A Roots Unearthed gig. Mallory Knox The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18 adv. Info 07590 471888. Punk boyband. Retorica Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £10/£8/ free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Violin duo, joined here by Robert Fokkens on electronics. Sara Trickey & Robin Green St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2087 8444. Lunchtime violin/piano recital. The Society Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. The Vamps + Jacob Sartorious + New Hope Club + HRVY + Maggie Lindemann Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, £12.50£59.50. Info 029 2022 4488. Boyband who don’t really seem to have captured the public imagination, but are still playing arenas as opposed to doing live PAs at gay clubs. One of the price points for this allows you into a section called the Brad Pit. They have a member called Brad, you see. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL Andy Collins Open Mic Night Cockett Inn, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events. Black Sheikhs Jazzland, Swansea. 8pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. “An esteemed musical fraternity, they proffer the hottest modern hits with precision and humour, ushering in 20s style with gentrified contemporary pop.” Piss off. Chris Dean Presents Tribute To Ted Heath Band By Capital City Jazz Orchestra Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig. Daggermouth Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £6. Info 029 2023 2199. Canadian melodic hardcore band who I thought were long split up. Dua Lipa Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 7pm, from £25. Info 029 2022 4488. Breakout UK pop star. Sold out. Happy Accidents + Kermes + Toodles & The Hectic Pity + Live, Do Nothing Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Presented by DIY Cardiff. BUZZ 72
John Conolly Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. Kristian Borring Quartet Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 9pm. Info www.thefluteandtankard. com. Jazz. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With guest host Ben Dain-Smith. Paul Young Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £27.50. Info 01639 763214. St Louis Express Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Penarth. 7.30pm, £5/£4.40 adv. Info feelgoodmusicorg@gmail. com. Also featuring swing DJ The Medicine Man. The South The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18 adv. Info 07590 471888. Beautiful South afterlife existence band. The Violent Hearts The Roath Park, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2047 1961. The Whitney Houston Show St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £29.50-£46.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Tribute concert. THURSDAY 19 APRIL Andy Nowak Trio Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth. 7.30pm, £5-£11. Info 01834 869323. Spanjazz night. BBC NOW: R. Srauss & Brahms Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15-£20. Info 01792 475715. Otto Tausk conducts a programme of the two named composers. In Cardiff on Fri 20. Cabbage + She Drew The Gun + Afghan Sand Gang Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.3010.30pm, £13. Info 029 2023 2199. Indie. Jazz Jam Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Jon Boden Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £20. Info 01970 623232. Jon Crespo / Tommy Harris Quintet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Kast Off Kinks Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01656 815995. Tribute band. In Treorchy on Sat 21. NC Sessions Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info 01656 655015. Live acoustic acts, every third Thursday of the month. Open Mic Night The Parrot, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, free. Info 01267 231012. Peter Jagger The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events. Pi & Hash Showcase The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com. The Rocket Dolls + Void + Eleven Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 301178. XY&O The Big Top, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 8883. Local electronic pop producers, big on Spotify I believe (if you consider that a valid metric of anything), launch a residency at this venue with guests, indeed all other details, TBC. You Win Again Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm, £24.50/£22.50. Info 0845 2263510. Bee Gees tribute. FRIDAY 20 APRIL 360 Degrees The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.
9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events. Aled Hughes City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events. All The Damn Vampires + The Cartographer + Miscreant The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 213300. BBC NOW: R. Strauss & Brahms St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2087 8444. Big In The 80s Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band The Met, Abertillery. 8pm, £14/£12 adv. Info 01495 355945. Bob Hillary The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Community Choirs St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2056 2022. Charity performance conducted by Laura Bradshaw and in support of Water Aid. Côr Merched Cwm Llynfi Maesteg Town Hall. 7pm, £8. Info 01656 733269. Annual choral performance. Dansette Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Soul. Georgia Patterson Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events. Fake Thackray Glais Rugby Football Club, nr Clydach, Swansea. 8pm, £7. Info 01792 425231. A Valley Folk Club night. FM + Bigfoot The Muni, Pontypridd. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 01443 490390. Hard rockers from the 80s, plus support who emerged more recently. Hamish Stuart Band Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 8.15pm, £22.50. Info 01792 473238. Average White Band frontman, playing here with another group of non-specific ethnicity or aptitude. Hashtag Acoustic The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events. Jack Perrett + The Riff + Dan Burridge 6ix Market Street, Newport. 7.30pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01633 259144. Local Britpop type Perrett headlines a bill in the venue formerly known as the Meze Lounge. Not sure if it’s under new ownership or what. Jon Boden Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19/£17.50. Info 01792 602060. Kast Off Kinks Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7.30pm, £12.50. Info 0300 0040444. Larger Than Life! Seagull Inn, Porthcawl. 9pm, free. Info 01656 785420. Presented by Nailed It Events. Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £24.50. Info 01639 763214. Lost Horizons + The Penelope Isles Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £12. Info 029 2023 2199. New project of Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins/Bella Union Records), not heard it but sounds like it features some of his trademarks at least. Luke Doherty Band + Tommy Allen Band + Zoe Green Band + Shimai The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01633 533666. Charity gig in aid of the St David’s
Foundation. Magic: A Kind Of Queen Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £21.50. Info 0300 3656677. Tribute band. In Cwmbran tomorrow. Memphis Lee & The Creepers Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 243252. R&B/ rockabill band. Metal 2 The Masses South Wales Heat 6 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 07970 063107. Not sure which bands are playing this heat sorry. Mike Peters Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Alarm man’s solo show (sold out I think). Tied into Record Store Day tomorrow, for which he’ll be releasing a new mini-LP and inviting fans to listen to it with him. No pressure or anything, if you don’t like it just tell him. Month Of Sundays The Gate, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 3344. Minimal/chamber music group from Austria. Nashville In Concert Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, £35-£225. Info 029 2022 4488. Country musicthemed TV series goes on tour. Top price gets you all kindsa meet’n’greet stuff (there’s a slightly less cushty option for £125 also). Owen Money’s Juke Box Heroes II Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £15.50. Info 01656 815995. Queen Zee + Chroma + Salt Bath Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6. Info 029 2023 2199.
u – repeated
her album when I played it in here, having not really expected it to be my thing. See Upfront. Calan Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01686 614555. Celtic folk faves. Cherry Reberls The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm. Info 01495 247178. Rock covers. Derange + Malum Sky + Godkilla Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 01792 301178. Dire Streets Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01834 869323. Dire Straits tribute. Ferocious Dog The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Gruff folkpunkers. Hang 11 + Who Knows Didley?? + Coroners The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Hashtag Acoustic Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events. Hullabaloo Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01443 682388. Muse tribute. Ian Cal Ford And His Acoustic Preachers Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 07818 056599. Ian McNabb Cardiff Bus Transport Club. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 029 2023 3658. Icicle Works frontman plays solo show. John Paul Fontygary Leisure Park, Rhoose. 8pm, free. Info 01446 710386. Presented by Nailed It Events. Judie Tzuke Acapela,
Three days of neo-prog in Chepstow, anyone? If that pops your bubblewrap, well maybe you already know about the Winter’s End Progressive Rock Festival in the Drill Hall from Fri 27-Sun 29 Apr, but if not, it features Arena, Lifesigns, Presto Ballet and Clive Mitten’s C:Live Collective. Royal Air Force Centenary Gala Concert Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15-£20. Info 01792 475715. *Sendelica + Deep Hum + The Dharma Voilets The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com. West Wales spacerockers headline, sure it can’t be their first Cardiff show but I’m unsure of the last one. Deep Hum are also good. The Brocklebank + China Bears The Big Top, Cardiff. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. EP launch gig for headliner. The Soul Destroyers + Coda + Tattsyrup The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. SATURDAY 21 APRIL Beth Hart St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £41.50/£37. Info 029 2087 8444. Big blowsy blues-rocker. Quite enjoyed
Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £23 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Acoustic set from seasoned singer-songwriter. Kast Off Kinks Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £16.50 adv. Info 01792 863722. Tribute band. Kaya K + Project The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com. Magic: A Kind Of Queen Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £18.50 adv. Info 01633 868239. Metal 2 The Masses South Wales Heat 7 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 07970 063107. Featuring sets from Blind Divide, Cry Of A Cynic and Cadacus. Monico Blonde Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. Newport Record Store Day Festival Various venues, Newport. 4.30pm-12am, free. Info 01633 259661. Newport record shop Diverse present a sizeable sheaf of
live music bands, acts and spoken word type things across six venues: Le Pub, Slipping Jimmy's Bar & Grill, The Murenger, Tiny Rebel, McCann's Rock N Ale Bar and The Gallery Space (upstairs in Newport Market). Bands playing (location and order TBC): The Yawpers, Ming City Rockers, Fresh, White Trash Band, Gender Roles, Seazoo, Black Mamba Fever, Future Lives, Keys, The Lucky Strikes, Boy Azooga (acoustic set), The Bug Club, Deathtraps, Peachfuzz, The Apple Tree Theory, Bryony Sier, Joe Kelly, Frankie Urbano, Shimai, Iolo Edger, Genevieve Gyseman, Ian Lynn Palmer, The Dirt Preachers, She Said, Byron Vincent, Sarah McCreadie, Matthew Scott, Angharad Iris, Mat Troy and Rachel England. Paige Kenzie The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events. Revolver Jac’s, Aberdare. 8pm. Info 01685 879491. Rock covers. Ruby Muse The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Speaking In Tongues + The Spectrums Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £12.50/£10 adv. Info 07512 237983. Tributes to Talking Heads and 80s synthpop respectively. Stonehouse Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9-11pm. Info 029 2062 6015. Tcha Limberger Trio Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01239 621200. Gypsy jazz. The Big Fat Blues Band The Waterfront, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 1-3pm, free. Info 01874 611622. Live music here every Saturday afternoon. The Boss UK The Muni, Pontypridd. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 01443 490390. Springsteen tribute. The Carpenters Experience The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 01633 533666. Tribute show. The Dublin Legends Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm, £22/£20. Info 0845 2263510. Irish folk featurting former members of The Dubliners. The Undercover Hippy Snails Deli, Cardiff. 7pm, £22 adv. Info 029 2062 0415. Price includes a buffet. University Singers – Aberfan Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Info 01970 623232. Performance of Karl Jenkins’ Cantata Memoria (For The Children). Waaju Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Jazzy Afrobeat-influenced band from London, sounded prety good when I played some clips earlier today. Whitehall Parade + Thoby Davis & Sophie Crabtree NosDa, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. Wonk Unit + The Raging Nathans Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2023 2199. Poppy punk bands. SUNDAY 22 APRIL Akala The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Conscious UK rapper and occasional broadsheet columnist. Chapter Four Jazz Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar.
Cilla & The Shades Of The 60s Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 6.30pm, £18/£17. Info 01495 243252. Cilla Black (60s version) tribute show. Emmanuel Bach & Kumi Matsuo Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 3pm, £10/£1. Info 01239 621200. Violin/piano duo. ESTA String Day Cardiff University Concert Hall. 10am-5pm, £10/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Hosted by the European String Teachers’ Association (ESTA). Florence Black + Skam The Patriot, Crumlin. 7-10.30pm, £7 adv. Info 01495 247178. Flowers For Freaks + Sienna + The Rotanas + Lead Coloured River Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Heads Above The Waves benefit gig. Henry Dent Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688. Kongero Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 7.30-10.30pm, £12. Info 01239 841387. Swedish a capella quartet. Music In The Museum National Museum Cardiff. 3pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7951. Students of Cardiff University School Of Music play their final course pieces inspired by the exhibition Who Decides?. Newport City Radio: The Love Live Showcase The Neon, Newport. 6pm, free. Info 01633 533666. Live performances and showcase sets. North Star The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Say Sue Me + Perfect Body + Big Thing The Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £7/£5.50 adv. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Indie fun, headliners are from Korea The Red Hot Pokers Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6-8pm. Info 029 2062 6015. MONDAY 23 APRIL Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £35.50/£25.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Tribute band. Ultimate Painting The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. US indie rockers. TUESDAY 24 APRIL Aberystwyth University Concert Band Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7pm, £2-£6/free schoolchildren. Info 01970 623232. Dryads Duo Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £10/£8/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Violin/piano duo from London. Jazz Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2048 3344. Jam session with professional jazz trio. Ron King’s Rhythm Aces Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Simon Spillet & Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Preceded by a half-hour workshop for no extra charge. Terry Quinney The Open Hearth, Pontypool. 8.30pm. Info martin.fisher1944@ hotmail.co.uk. A Jazz At The Open Hearth night. Vocalist
Sarah’s band includes Guy Shotton, Aidan Thorne, Dick Hamer and Martin Fisher. The Copyrights + Peachfuzz + Deadlines Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Melodic punk and indie tackle presented by DIY Cardiff The Phonics Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01646 695267. Stereophonics tribute band. Tongue Trap The Moon, Cardiff. 7-10pm, £4. Info info@themooncardiff.com. World Service Project Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 9pm. Info www.thefluteandtankard. com. Jazz. WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL Alice Leggett Quartet Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 9pm. Info www.thefluteandtankard. com. Jazz. Andy Watts + Danielle Lewis + Anin Rose + Kedma Macias Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12.50. Info 01970 623232. Haka Entertainment with a night of acoustic music. Headliner used to be The Seahorses’ drummer... let that sink in. Bryde + Kidsmoke Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Joy Town Gypsies The Roath Park, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2047 1961. Kathy Davies Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Liza Pulman Sings Streisand Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15.50£25.50. Info 01792 475715. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With guest host The Sam Antonio Freeway. Owain Felstead + Bryony Sier + The Moon Bhirds The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £3. Info 01685 387925. A U&I Radio night. Owain Mealing’s Blackhawk Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands. plus.com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig. The Rheingans Sisters The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny. 7.30-9.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01873 736430. Fiddle duo from the Peak District. Tokio Myers St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £30.50/£25.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Pianist and composer who made his name on Britain’s Got Talent. THURSDAY 26 APRIL 7steps – The Music Of Miles Davis Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Capital City Jazz Orchestra Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Cardiff University Symphonic Winds Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, free. Info 029 2087 4816. Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita + Gwyneth Glyn Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth. 7.30pm, £17/£15. Info 01239 621200. Gordon Giltrap + Carrie Martin The Drill Hall, Chepstow. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 01291 627122. UK folkie sort with a gig in advance of the Winter's End Progressive Rock Festival, which is here from Fri 27-Sun 29. Hazel O’Connor Wyeside
Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01982 552555. Acoustic set with Hazel accompanied by Cormac De Barra, an Irish harpist. In Cardigan tomorrow. Her’s + Hobby Club + Private World Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2039 7933. UK indie presented by Swn. Ian Poole Quartet The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events. Kele Okereke + Cameron AG Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £16. Info 029 2023 2199. Bloc Party frontman Kele in solo guise. uMusic As Artefact M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2047 3373. Six musical compositions performed simultaneously live in the gallery by Poumpak Charuprakorn, Joseph Hillyard, Julia E. Howell, Richard McReynolds, Laura Shipsey and Yue (Jerry) Zhuo. Also on Sun 29. The Cosmic Array + Deep Hum + Felix Subway Creature Sound, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5/£3.50 adv. Info 01792 301178. The Slow Readers Club The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tom Auton + from Chris Tavener + Chloe Elliot + Claudia Balla The Big Top, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. FRIDAY 27 APRIL Aaronson + Poundshop Life The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Bernie Marsden + Hand Of Dimes Queens Hall, Narberth. 7pm, £20. Info 01834 869323. Hard rock outfits, in Pontypridd tomorrow. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Pontyclun RFC. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 01443 222240. Bleedin’ Noses Jac’s, Aberdare. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01685 879491. Blue Orchids + Head Noise Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £8 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk. Postpunkers from the 80s headline, fronted by OG Fall member Martin Bramah and now also featuring fellow veterans from The Monochrome Set and A Witness. Buzzcocks Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £23. Info 029 2023 5555. Punk progenitors. Cartoon Violence The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £6. Info 01267 231012. UK ska band described as “The Beatles meets Madness!” by a member of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. “That’s the impression that I get,” he added, implicitly. Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Dyfi Osprey Centre, nr Machynlleth. 5.30pm, £50. Info 01239 621200. This gig is limited to just 45 people, and maybe also some ospreys, and the price includes refreshments, a meet and greet and a signed copy of the duo’s new CD. Chasing Dragons + Theia Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 301178. City Of Cardiff Symphony Orchestra St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2056 2022. Conflict + Brassick
WIN, WIN, WIN FESTIVAL TICKETS
For keen festival-goers out there, we’ve got a raft of free festival tickets to give away over the coming months. Check online at buzzmag.co.uk as well as our social media (facebook. com/buzzmagwales and twitter.com/Buzz_Magazine) for further details as and when they go online. Below are the festivals we have lined up for you! CARDIFF ANIMATION FESTIVAL – THURS 19 TO SUN 22 APR Cardiff’s first ever animation festival boasts a number of films alongside Q&As and workshops, with such noted luminaries as Early Man creators Aardman Animations. We’ll have two tickets for an event at the festival, with exact time and dates to be confirmed. MERTHYR RISING (WEEKEND PASS) – FRI 25 TO SUN 27 MAY The valleys town is undergoing something of a cultural renaissance thanks to events like the Merthyr Rising festival. The festival’s not just a place to see great bands, like The Alarm and Dreadzone, but a site for political engagement and activism, at the birthplace of the Red Flag, and we have a weekend pass for it! BILLY BRAGG AT FESTIVAL OF VOICE – THURS 7 JUNE As the internationally-renowned Festival Of Voice returns to Cardiff, the capital will be treated to another series of exquisite performances and talks, celebrating the power of the voice in all its forms. We have three pairs of tickets available for Billy Bragg’s headlining show, with Nadine Shah in support. OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL – VARIOUS SHOWINGS Running over a month and a bit, the Open Air Theatre Festival aims to bring colour and fun to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. We have a number of tickets to select events, which are as follows: two tickets each to The Merchant Of Venice (Thurs 21 June), { Dad’s Army (Thurs 5 July) and Fiddler On The Roof (Thurs 19 July), and a family ticket to Seussical (Sat 21 July). STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL (VIP WEEKEND PASS) – SAT 28 + SUN 29 JULY Wales’ premier hard rock and metal festival is guaranteed to get heads banging. Situated high in the valleys near Ebbw Vale, Steelhouse is the highest festival in the UK, altitude-wise. With the bill including Black Star Riders, The Wildhearts and Glenn Hughes’ Deep Purple classics set, we have a special VIP Weekend Pass available to two lucky winners. GLASTONBARRY (WEEKEND PASS) – SAT 28 + SUN 29 JULY A two-day festival dedicated exclusively to the UK’s best tribute acts? You better believe it. A fantastic chance to see some of your favourite bands perform, particularly the ones too dead to play, the pair of winners for our weekend pass are sure to have a great time partying to Queen, Amy Winehouse and The Doors. GREEN MAN (WEEKEND PASS) – THURS 16 TO SUN 19 AUG It’s the biggest music festival in Wales, and one of the biggest in the UK period. Tickets usually sell out in advance for Green Man, and with this year’s lineup looking as cutting-edge as ever, with The War On Drugs, Fleet Foxes and John Grant all appearing, our pair of weekend tickets are sure to have any selfrespecting music fan salivating.
BUZZ 73
* – recommended
stage + No Pulse + Social Experiment The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01495 213300. Anarcho punk veterans headline. Not aware of them playing Abertillery before. Dan Messore Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Eric Bibb Maesteg Town Hall. 8pm, £25.50. Info 01656 733269. Bluesman. Hazel O’Connor Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01239 621200. Jamie Smith’s Mabon Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01597 258118. Welsh folk. Jon Paul The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events. Lleden + Alun Gaffey Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £6. Info 029 2023 2199. Twrw night, also featuring DJing from Gareth Potter Los Pacaminos Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2089 0862. Paul Young’s cod-Latino band. Sold out. Marcus T Aubrey Arms, Bonvilston. 8pm, free. Info 01446 781210. Presented by Nailed It Events. Mayor’s Charity Concert: Elvis Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01873 850805. Tribute show with Keith Davies. Memories Made Of This Volume 4 Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 6.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01495 243252. Variety concert starring Robert Knight and Beverley Davies with special guests Newbridge Ladies Choir and soloist Bethan Rose Davies. Metal 2 The Masses South Wales Heat 8 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 07970 063107. Featuring sets from Eulogy, Democratus and And The Sky Darkened. Oasis Experience The Vault, Swansea. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01792 465300. Tribute band. Off The Record The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Presented by Nailed It Events. Ollie West Band The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Organ Recital National Museum Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Peter Jagger Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny. 9pm, free. Info 01873 853613. Presented by Nailed It Events. Pity The Foo + Ed Force One The Patriot, Crumlin. 7.30pm. Info 01495 247178. Foo Fighters and Iron Maiden tributes. Ragsy City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events. Rock N Soul Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events. Showhawk Duo + Benji & Hibbz The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. Trance and funky house hits played on acoustic guitars. The gig is sold out so I can say that it sounds horrendous without fear of my powerful influence hitting the venue in the pocket. Solid Gold 70s Show Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £20.50. Info 01874 611622. The Bella Collins Band BUZZ 74
Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. The King Of Pop– The Legend Continues The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £20/£14. Info 01633 656757. By an incredible 1,000,000,000/1 coincidence Michael Jackson is being played on the radio while I type in this listing for a tribute to him. Black Or White, since you asked The Marrakech Express Tribute Concert St Donats Art Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01446 799100. Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and also their previous bands. Unified Music Festival Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. Info 01685 384111. This is in its third year, is organised and managed by BTEC Music students from Merthyr Tydfil College, and hasn’t announced its lineup yet. Up The Creek The Twelve Knights, Port Talbot. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Presented by Nailed It Events. We Are Not Devo + Head Noise The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. This weekend marks a year since The Moon reopened (albeit only a few weeks after it closed) so the next three gigs are all toasting that. Tonight there’s a Devo tribute band! uWinter’s End Progressive Rock Festival The Drill Hall, Chepstow. £80 weekend/£18 today only/£37.50 Sat 28 or Sun 29/£70 Sat 28 + Sun 29. Info 01291 627122. Guessing this is prog of the techy 80s-loving ilk; I only recognise one name on the bill. Here’s the lineup mind. Fri 27: Mystery and Hekz. Sat 28: Arena, C: Live Collective (featuring Clive Mitten), Galahad, Alan Reed And The Daughters Of Expediency and MultiStory. Sun 29: Lifesigns, Presto Ballet, Jump, Verbal Delirium and Karmamoi. (Until Sun 29) SATURDAY 28 APRIL Aberystwyth Choral Society & Sinfonia Cambrensis Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £2-£12. Info 01970 623232. Performing Dvorak’s Stabat Mater. Abi Sampa Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 8-10pm, £12.50. Info 01239 841387. Indian classical crossover singer who was on The Voice 11 years ago A Foreigner’s Journey Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £13/£10 adv. Info 01685 384111. Twin tribute to Foreignber and Journey. Animals And Friends The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18 adv. Info 07590 471888. As in the 1960s rock band. Bernie Marsden + Hand Of Dimes The Muni, Pontypridd. 7pm. Info 01443 490390. Boy Azooga Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Local funky indie mob with a debut album out in early June. Cardiff University Chamber Orchestra Cardiff University Concert Hall. 7-9pm, £5/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. Andrea Quinn conducts a programme of Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Mozart. Cove + Parting Gift Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7pm, free.
Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com.. Estuary Blacks + Vails + Mines Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 301178. Evyltyde Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm. Info facebook. com/crowleys.rockbarofficial. London metal band. Flew Fighters The
Punchline Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events. Rachel B Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events. Rob Lear + 3MPH + Ben Dain-Smith NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866.. Rock Bottom The Patriot,
The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen has a fact-based drama, We Are The Lions, Mr Manager!, on Thurs 5 Apr. It takes its name from a quote by its chief subject, heroic late-70s-era striking union leader Jayaben Desai. Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Foo Fighters tribute. Galleries + Bleach + Hunger Strike + Gravel Pit The Duke, Neath. 7pm, £3. Info 01639 643892.. *Henri Herbert & The Fury The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01495 213300. Boogie-woogie piano wildman, put J**ls H*lland outta yer mind and check out the preview in Music. I Am Drug + Mike Dennis + The Karmen Field The Moon, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com. With more TBC. Ian Shimmon Band Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688. Ignite St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£13. Info 029 2087 8444. Choral performance featuring Cambrensis Choir, St. David’s Praise and The Sons Of Jubal from Georgia. Jack Pack Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £22. Info 0845 2263510. Some kind of Rat Pack redux who were on Britain’s Got Talent. The amount of reality show fodder in this month’s listings is off the charts. John Lewis + Marc Pumford Royal British Legion Club, Pyle, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £7. Info 01656 740210. Local rockabilly fave headlines. John Paul The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events. Marty O’Reilly And The Old Soul Orchestra + Daniel Glover Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 8pm, £10. Info 01239 615952. Miles Ahead Fontygary Leisure Park, Rhoose. 8pm, free. Info 01446 710386. Presented by Nailed It Events. Mr Woodnote, Lil Rhys & Eva Lazarus The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £6. Info 01497 821762. Live hiphop/funk/jazz/etc. Petrol Girls + Salt Bath + Le Ham Slappers Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £7 adv. Info sam@lepub. co.uk. UK-based punk band who’ve played Le Pub a few times before headline. Prognosis Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9-11pm. Info 029 2062 6015.
Crumlin. 8pm. Info 01495 247178. A tribute to UFO and the Michael Schenker Group. Sarah McQuaid Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510. Sœur + No Violet + Parkview + The Tribeless Jac’s, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01685 879491. Sticky Fingers Cockett Inn, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events. The Hold Up: Inner City Cypher Oner Signs, Cardiff. 1-5pm, free. Info 029 2037 1231. Monthly hip-hop session inviting MCs, beatboxers, DJs etc down to jam. The Royal Valentines Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. The Travelling Wilburys Experience Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £23/£20.50. Info 01792 475715. Tribute band led by Paul Hopkins. Thoby Davis Academy Espresso Bar, Barry. 7pm, free. Info 07557 773723. U2 2 The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 01685 387925. You Win Again Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £23.50/£22.50. Info 01495 227206. Bee Gees musicalcum-tribute show. SUNDAY 29 APRIL Andrey Chulovskiy Gregynog Hall, nr Newtown. 3pm, £15/£8 kids. Info 01686 614555. Piano recital. Before The End Fest Part 3 The Parrot, Carmarthen. 1.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 01267 231012. Featuring Continents, Lifetight, Galleries, Bleach, Tuskens, Victory Lane, MSRY, Petulance, Hunger Strike, Conflicts UK and Defeatist. Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman + Sunjay Barry Island Sports & Social Club. 7pm, £15/£13.50 adv. Info 07561 143114. A Roots N All gig. Keith James Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Performing his Cat Stevens tribute set. Kill 66 The Patriot, Crumlin. 6-9pm, free. Info 01495 247178. Moaning The Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. LA shoegazey punks with a debut LP
fresh out on Sub Pop Records headline, more acts TBC. Scream Serenity + Harbour Sharks + Never Found Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7-10.30pm, £6 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.. Sheridan Smith Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £37.50-£127.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Noted actor has an album out, where she mostly sings standards. Now she is touring it. The Drift The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. The Rotanas + The Kelly Line + Moc Isaac Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. Wendy Kirkland Quartet – Piano Divas Melville Theatre, Abergavenny. 8pm, £12. Info 01873 853167. Black Mountain Jazz gig. Whitchurch Jam Session #107 Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 5.30-8.30pm. Info 029 2062 6015. WNO Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £5-£49.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Tomáš Hanus conducts a programme of Prokofiev, Grieg and Beethoven. MONDAY 30 APRIL Thisismenotthinkingofyou + Wall + Fallow + Knowbetter Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 029 2037 3144. Emo and screamo, presented by Slush Puppy. Wayward Sons The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888.
stage SUNDAY 1 APRIL uAlmost Always Muddy Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am + 3pm, £7. Info 029 2063 6464. Family storytelling/theatre show which takes place outside. Or insude of the weather is bad. On at 11am only on Sat 7; no performances on Fri 5 or Sat 6. (Until Sun 8) uLive Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday. Owen Niblock Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 491424. Welsh comedian, here as part of a tour. Stephen Bailey + Robin Morgan Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £4-£8. Info 029 2031 0312. Presented by Buffalo Comedy. Stuart Goldsmith + Bethany Black + Jonny Awsum Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, £10/£7/£16.50 with food (£12 kids). Info 0871 4720400. This is billed as a family show, not sure what that entails. No swearing I guess. The Twisted Show St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £32/£102 VIP. Info 029 2087 8444. Seven RuPaul's Drag Race stars, namely Chad Michaels, Shea Coulee, Kim Chi, Amanda Lepore, Milk, Violet Chachki and Farrah Moan, team up to fight crime or possibly do zingy jokes. Tony Law Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £12.50/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Comedian from Canada, long settled in the UK though.
u – repeated
MONDAY 2 APRIL uAll But Gone The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2128 0189. New play by Matthew Trevannion, about a teenager who breaks into a pensioner’s house. Also on at 3pm on Sat 7 and Sat 14. Thurs 5 is a BSL performance. No performance on Sun 8. (Until Sat 14) TUESDAY 3 APRIL Cartoon Circus Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.15pm, £7. Info 01834 869323. Kids’ circus show enacted in a panto style. uMatthew Bourne’s Cinderella Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18-£44. Info 029 2063 6464. See Upfront for more on this New Adventures ballet production. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 5 and Sat 7; £21-£47 on Fri 6 and Sat 7. (Until Sat 7) Matt Rees + Ted Shiress Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Standup night presented by Caterpillar Comedy. Monstersaurus St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 11.30am + 2.30pm, £12. Info 029 2087 8444. Kids’ show. In Newtown on Sun 8. WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL Eugene Onegin Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £7-£19.50. Info 01646 695267. Opera, presented by Mid Wales Opera. Family Dance Festival Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 12, 2 + 4pm, free. Info 01446 738622. Presented in partnership by Bombastic and Coreo Cymru in association with Wales Millenium Centre, Chapter and Memo Arts Centre. Also in Llanelli today (see below); in Milford Haven on Fri 6, Brecon on Sat 7 and Sun 8. Family Dance Festival Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 12pm, free. Info 0845 2263510. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. Mark Williams’ play, based on a true story about when part of The Empire Strikes Back was produced in his home town. We wrote about it last month. In Tonypandy on on Tue 17; Llanelli on Wed 18; Swansea on Thurs 19; Newport on Sat 21; Pontardawe on Tue 24; Abergavenny on Wed 25; Blackwood on Thurs 26; Aberystwyth on Sat 28. Also on at 3pm on Sat 7. (Until Sat 7) Milkshake Live! Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 12 + 3.30pm, £15/£13.50 kids. Info 0845 2263510. Kids’ TV characters get together in a noncanonical way. In Porthcawl on Sat 21. The Best Is... Alex Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10.50-£15.50. Info 01792 475715. Variety/charity show in tribute to local philanthropist, the late Alex Frith. uThe Girl With Incredibly Long Hair Miners Institute, Blackwood. 4pm, £5/£3.50. Info 01495 227206. New family show based on the story of Rapunzel. On tomorrow at 11am and 3pm; Fri 6 11am only. In Cardiff from Tue 10-Sun 15. (Until Fri 6)
stage There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01874 611622. Theatre for small children. In Aberdare on Sat 7; Cardigan on Wed 11; Milford Haven on Thurs 12.. THURSDAY 5 APRIL uA Spoonful Of Sherman Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £13-£23. Info 01792 475715. Show celebrating three generations of the Sherman family, who have each penned songs for hit musicals. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 7; in Newport on Mon 23 and Tue 24. (Until Sat 7) Bluestocking Lounge Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £15.50. Info 01792 475715. Burlesque with headliner Lady Wildflower and host DeeDee De La Rouge. Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs The Riverfront, Newport. 3pm, £11/£10 kids. Info 01633 656757. Kids’ theatre themed around both pirates and dinosaurs. In Abergavenny tomorrow. Gein’s Family Giftshop Cinema & Co, Swansea. 8pm. Info 07982 624959. Comedy troupe. John Robins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £14.50. Info 0871 4720400. Breakupthemed comedy show, was here last month and sold out so they’ve added another. uMenopause The Musical New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. A musical, about the menopause, with Maureen Nolan among the cast and “innuendo-laden versions of 60s, 70s and 80s pop classics.”. Actually I think you’ll find that these songs were already very innuendoladen, let me bore you about it for several hours. (Until Sat 7) uMinefield Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Lola Arias’ multimedia play about Falklands/Malvinas war veterans. (Until Sat 7) Outside In Maesteg Town Hall. 1pm, £6.50. Info 01656 733269. Lunchtime theatre. Theatre-In-Focus: Lillian Hellman Grand Theatre Circle Bar, Swansea. 12.30pm, £6. Info 01792 475715. Script-in-hand performance by Fluellen, preceded by an hour-long talk on the work. We Are The Lions, Mr Manager! Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Townsend Productions’ dramatised story of Jayaben Desai, leader of the 1976-78 Grunwick Strike. FRIDAY 6 APRIL uBugsy Malone Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7pm, £8-£12.50. Info 01656 815995. Presented by The Performance House Juniors. On tomorrow also, at 2.30pm and 7pm. Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 2.30pm, £7.50. Info 01873 850805. Crimes Under The Sun The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01633 656757. New Old Friends with a crime thriller set on an English island. In Swansea on Fri 13; Milford Haven Sat 14. uDrones Comedy Club
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 20. Family Dance Festival ‘18 Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 10am, free. Info 01646 695267. uGeoff Norcott + JoJo Smith + Rob Deering + Jake Lambert Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink). Stephen Bailey + Amy Gledhill Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Comedy Club night with one more act TBC. ‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners Institute, Blackwood. 8pm, £12.50/£11.50 adv. Info 01495 227206. The Amazing Bubble Man Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 4.30pm, £10. Info 01792 602060. A fella called Louis Pearl who makes giant bubbles in improbable shapes. uThe Flying Bedroom Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 4.30pm, £9. Info 029 2064 6900. Kid-friendly adventure tale presented by Little Light and author Heather Dyer. On tomorrow also, at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm. In Narberth on Wed 11; Abergavenny on Thurs 12. TigerFace And Friends Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Comedy. cabaret show. SATURDAY 7 APRIL Family Dance Festival Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 12, 2 + 4pm, free. Info 01874 611622. Katherine Ryan St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £21.50. Info 029 2087 8444. US-born, UK-based comic. Snowed off last month, rescheduled for today, was sold out but now seems not to be, but might be again by the time you read this. Got all that down? Murder In The Library Porthcawl Library. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01656 733269. Some sort of whodunit play I assume. Suzi Ruffell + Rachel Parris + Lou Sanders Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Machynlleth Comedy Festival showcase. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2.30pm, £11/£9. Info 0300 0040444. SUNDAY 8 APRIL George Egg Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £14/£12 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Longstanding UK circuit comedian performs his DIY Chef show, previewed in last month’s Stage section. Max Boyce Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £28.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Sold out. Not sure I’ve ever listed a Max Boyce show where you can still buy tickets at the time of going to print. Maybe it’s time he stepped up to arenas! Monstersaurus Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 11.30am + 2pm, £12/£10. Info 01686 614555. MONDAY 9 APRIL Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free.
Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn. The Legendary Adventure Of Litla The Brave Maesteg Town Hall. 2pm, £6.50. Info 01656 733269. Kids’ theatre. uThis Is Elvis New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16-£29. Info 029 2087 8889. An Elvis tribute show with an added drama angle, in that it’s based on his ’68 comeback special and recreates all the palaver leading up to it. With Steve Michaels as Elvis. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 12 and Sat 14. £17-£33 Tue 10-Thurs 12 (apart from the Thurs 12 matinee which is £16-£29); £26-£37.50 on Fri 13 and Sat 14 (Until Sat 14) TUESDAY 10 APRIL uCats The Musical Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01639 763214. Presented by Port Talbot & District Amateur Operatic Society. (Until Sat 14) uCrown Matrimonial Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. Drama based on the events of 1936 when Edward VIII abdicated to marry, gag me with a spoon. an American divorcee. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 14, tickets for which are £11. (Until Sat 14) uEvita Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £17.50£40.50. Info 01792 475715. Lloyd Webber and Rice’s hit musical. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 12 and Sat 14. (Until Sat 14) uShrek Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £19£48. Info 029 2063 6464. The musical of the movie returns. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 12, Sat 14, Thurs 19 and Sat 21; 2.30pm only on Sun 15 and Sun 22. £21-£52 on Fri 13-Sun 15, then Fri 20-Sun 22. (Until Sun 22) The Flying Bedroom The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 1pm, £6. Info 01639 843163. Dance production aimed at ages 3-7. uThe Girl With Incredibly Long Hair Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am + 3pm, £7. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sun 15) The Magic Of Treasure Island The Met, Abertillery. 1.30pm, £7. Info 01495 355945. Kids’ theatre. WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL uExperimentica: About Time Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 6.30pm, pay by donations (except where noted). Info 029 2030 4400. The return of Chapter’s annual experimental/live art festival. Today: Beth Greenhalgh, Experiment In Terror (6.30-10.30pm); Nahum, All That Evermore Can Hold (8-9pm, also notes “participants should be willing to be hypnotised”). Thurs 12: Angus McLean Balbernie, 343 m/s (6-7pm); Megan Broadmeadow, Seek Pray - Advance (8-9pm). Fri 13: Greg Wohead, Call It A Day (8.30am-8.30pm); Freya Dooley & Cinzia Mutigli, Being Sharon (6.30-7.30pm); Rhodri Davies, Transversal Time (8-9pm, £12/£10). Sat 14: Theatre Replacement, Town Criers (11am-1am); Kathryn Ashill, Clocking
THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK Sabai Pavilion, Cardiff Bay, Fri 20-Sun 29 Apr Tickets: £22.50/£17 NUS/£30-£36 premium/£10 Fri 20 only. Info: 0871 7050705 The Lady Boys Of Bangkok are back for their 20th anniversary tour with another unforgettable cabaret show. Wonder Women will incorporate both old and new features to their next level show, and toasts several wondrous women of pop culture including the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Cher. All of the lady boys are authentic Thai males chosen exclusively to perform in this show that promises an evening of lively entertainment. You may have been to a cabaret before, but nothing quite equates this production that celebrates Thai culture through music, cuisine (served up aromatically fresh near the stage), and a flamboyant atmosphere otherwise found only in Bangkok. Off (2-3pm); Paul Hurley & Shaun Caton, Strange News (6-7pm); Ultimate Dancer with Robbie Thomson, Yayaya Ayayay. Sun 15: Playing Up (11am-5pm); Mike Pearson, If My Memory Serves Me Well... (1-5pm); Fern Thomas, Spring Tides Archipelego (4-5pm); Dorian Nuskind-Oder and Simon Grenier-Poirier, Speed Glue. (Until Sun 15) uMichael McIntyre Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 8pm, from £35. Info 029 2022 4488. This show is part of MM’s Big World Tour, which in addition to these six dates will also visit Iceland and Malta. Well done Michael. (Until Mon 16) The Flying Bedroom Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.45pm, £5. Info 01834 869323. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 2.30pm, £9.50/£8.50. Info 01239 621200. THURSDAY 12 APRIL uBeyond Reasonable Doubt Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 473238. Swansea Little Theatre perform a play written by Jeffrey Archer, having previously performed every other play ever written. I assume. See, bafflingly, Stage. (Until Sat 14) County Youth Dance Company Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8.75/£6.75. Info 01792 602060. Choreography based on the events of WWI. Easter Bunny’s Eggs
Factor Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1.30pm, £6.99. Info 0300 3656677. Kids’ show. Easter was nearly a fortnight ago guys! The children will have moved on. uHairspray Jr. Maesteg Town Hall. 7pm, £10. Info 01656 733269. Presented by Curtain Up. Also on at 3pm on Sat 14. (Until Sat 14) Jayde Adams + Ignacio Lopez + Richard Wilson Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01834 869323. Comedy Club night. Mark Steel Pontardawe Arts Centre. 8pm, £20 adv. Info 01792 863722. Comedian. uNational Theatre Connections 2018 Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Info 029 2064 6900. The National Theatre’s annual festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools returns with eight groups featuring, including the Sherman Youth Theatre. Further details TBC right now though. (Until Sat 14) Nolton Comedy Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info 01656 655015. With standups TBC, every second Thursday of the month. Oskar’s Amazing Adventure Pontardawe Arts Centre. 2pm, £7/£5 kids. Info 01792 863722. Puppet theatre show for kids. In Treorchy tomorrow; Aberystwyth on Sun 15. Ruby Wax Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm. Info 01656 815995. Performing her mental health-themed comedy set. Sold out though. Simon Evans Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £14. Info
0871 4720400. Posh or possibly pseudo-posh comedian who is supposedly the token Tory in the comedy world. Apart from Jim Davidson. And Andrew Lawrence. And Lee Hurst. And Geoff Norcott. In Monmouth tomorrow, daresay he’ll go down well there. Roy Chubby Brown Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 01633 868239. Royston Vasey? Could be worse, could be his younger brother Ed. In Newport on Sat 14. The Flying Bedroom Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 1 + 3.30pm, £7.50. Info 01873 850805. Play based on a kids’ book There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2.30pm, £8.50/£7.50 kids. Info 01646 695267. uTremor Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14/£7 under-25s. Info 029 2064 6900. See Stage. Starts at 7pm on Tue 17, at which point the price rises to £16/£8 under-25s. Also on at 2pm on Sat 28, Thurs 3 May and Sat 5 May. No performances on Sun 15, Sun 22 or Sun 29. See Stage. (Until Sat 5 May) Under Milk Wood Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01982 552555. One-man Dylan Thomas-themed show performed by Guy Masterson. FRIDAY 13 APRIL Crimes Under The Sun Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01792 602060. Dan Thomas The BUZZ 75
* – recommended
stage Brunswick, Merthyr Tydfil. 5pm, £4. Info 01685 384111. Merthyr Comedy Festival show titled Embarrassing Neck Tattoo. Forbidden Nights Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm. Info 0300 3656677. Male strip show with a circus theme. Would be good if they all came onstage dressed as clowns and then kicked their big shoes, baggy trousers etc off. Doubt this happens however. uJayde Adams + Tom Lucy + Sean Percival + Ben Norris Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink). Mike Wilmot + Bec Hill + Mike Bubbins + Paul James Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 8pm, £8-£15. Info 01685 384111. Merthyr Comedy Festival event. Opera'r Ddraig Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. An exploration of the presentation of women in opera. Oskar’s Amazing Adventure Park & Dare, Treorchy. 11am + 2pm, £5. Info 0300 0040444. uPeter Pan Jr Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3.30 + 7pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Amateur production by SA15 Stage School. On at 12pm and 3.30pm on Sun 15. (Until Sun 15) Simon Evans Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £14. Info 01600 772467. War Of The Worlds The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2048 3344. Somewhat zany-sounding adaption of the proto-sci-fi novel, courtesy of The Pantaloons. SATURDAY 14 APRIL uAlice In Wonderland Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 3 + 5.30pm, £5. Info 01600 772467. Presented by Savoy Youth Theatre. On tomorrow also, at 11am and 1pm. An Evening Of One Act Plays The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 7pm, £7.50/£6.50. Info 01639 843163. Three plays involving the junior, teenage and adult members of the Glantawe Theatre Company. Bec Hill + Phil Cooper + Paul Duncan McGarrity Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 12.30-1.30pm, £5-£8. Info 01685 384111. Merthyr Comedy Festival event aimed at young people and families. Cosi Fan Tutte Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm, £18/£16. Info 0845 2263510. Mozart’s romantic comedy opera, presented by Heritage Opera. Crimes Under The Sun Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 01646 695267. Jarlath Regan Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £12.50. Info 01792 475715. Comedian with a show titled Organ Freeman. Lucky Trimmer: Lucky Ladies Night Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Short choreographic works made by women. Merthyr Comedy Festival Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 12.15-8pm, prices vary per show. Info 01685 384111. Merthyr Comedy Festival cenBUZZ 76
trepiece featuring 18 shows in six of Redhouse’s rooms. Bedlinog Room: Steffan Evans (3.30-4.30pm); The Blade Of Barrington (5-6pm); Fails From Wales: Alex Perkes, Calum Stewart and Sarah Breese (6.30-7.30pm). Bro Merthyr Room: Alf + Richard Lindesay (3.30-4.30pm); Daniel Triscott & Graham Wilkes (5-6pm); Leroy Brito (6.40-7.30pm). Penydarren Room: Bumpkins (12.301.30pm, work in progress); Sam Lloyd (2-3pm); Katie Pritchard (3.30-4.30pm); Sean Patrick + Sally Firth (5-6pm). Treharris Room: A Fete Worse Than Death (12.30-1.30pm); Barry Twyford aka Simon Donald (2-3pm); Col Howarth (6.30-7.30pm). Theatr Dowlais: Aaron Simmonds and Adele Cliff (3.30-4.30pm); Phil Evans and Friends (5-6pm); Paul James (6.30-7.30pm). Plymouth Courtyard: Danny Posthill (2-3pm); Ryan McDonnell (6-7pm). Mother’s Ruin The Riverfront, Newport. 8pm, £16. Info 01633 656757. Billed as a cabaret about gin, this takes us through the spirit’s turbulent history with music from some of pop culture’s angriest gindrinkers (Winehouse, Waits and of course Jessie J). Norman Lovett + Simon Donald + Barbara Nice + Drew Taylor Scala, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £15/£10 ads. Info 01685 384111. Merthyr Comedy Festival closing event. Paul Gordon The Small Space, Barry. 7pm, £20. Info info@thesmallspace.co.uk. Renowned card magician Gordon performs in this new, notably small (only 20 seats!) magic-centred Vale venue. Roy Chubby Brown The Neon, Newport. 6.45pm, £24 adv. Info 01633 533666. Vanessa Kisuule Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Comedy/spoken word/dance show which is titled Sexy and is indeed about sexiness. Y Cylch Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01686 614555. Welsh language production by Ysgol Theatr Maldwyn, set in a nightclub circa 1983 SUNDAY 15 APRIL Felicity Ethnic + Toju + Kane Brown Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £20. Info 0871 4720400. Another of Wahala’s ‘Jamaica v Africa’ comedy clash nights.. Howl! Comedy Tramshed Cinema, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2023 5555. Five standup acts on the third Sunday of each month, names currently TBC. Look To The Sky Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7pm, £7. Info 01792 602060. Family theatre presented by the Rising Stars Theatre Company. Oskar’s Amazing Adventure Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 82m, £8/£6. Info 01970 623232. MONDAY 16 APRIL uHamlet Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7pm, £7/£6. Info 01970 623232. Presented by Blood, Sweat & Tea Productions. On tomorrow also. Mark James The Small Space, Barry. 7pm, £20. Info info@thesmallspace.co.uk.
Family-friendly magician. TUESDAY 17 APRIL Dylan Thomas: Clown In The Moon Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.45pm, £15/£13. Info 01646 695267. Giovanni Pernice Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £30.80/£28. Info 01639 763214. Strictly finalist, plus a slew of colleagues, dances like the pro he is. In Barry tomorrow; Newtown Fri 20. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Soar Centre, Tonypandy. 7.30pm, £5/£2. Info 01443 303032. uLove From A Stranger New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Agatha Christie thriller presented by Fiery Angel. Also on at 2.30pm on Wed 18, Thurs 19 and Sat 21, with the Wed 18 and Sat 21 matinee prices £12-£23. Fri 20 and Sat 21 evening prices £13.50£32.50. (Until Sat 21) Nyrsys Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2063 6464. New play looking at the experience of nurses in the modern NHS uOf Mice And Men Grand
musical of note. Tickets are £12 from Thurs 19-Sat 21. (Until Sat 21) Outside In Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £6.50. Info 01656 815995. Lunchtime theatre. THURSDAY 19 APRIL A Dangerous Woman Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Manjeet Mann’s play about women and the violence they inflict on one another. An Evening With Frank Vickery Park & Dare, Treorchy. 1 + 7.30pm, £10. Info 0300 0040444. Blackadder Goes Forth Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 01633 868239. Amateur theatre adaption presented by Ad Hoc. Really odd illustrated promo image for this, looks like it was found on Deviantart. In Abergavenny on Sat 21. Daliso Chaponda Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. Comedian who emerged via Britain’s Got Talent and has a show titled What The African Said. Unless you have a ticket, however, you won’t find out what
The Small Space in Barry is a theatre the size of an average bedroom, seating 20 people. Its speciality is magicians, with celebrated card trickster Paul Gordon appearing there on Sat 14. Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £13-£19. Info 01792 475715. Steinbeck novel brought to the stage by producers of various hits plays/musicals. Also on at 11am tomorrow; 2.30pm on Thurs 19. (Until Sat 21) Pasha Kovalev & Anya Garnis Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm, £24.50. Info 0845 2263510. Strictly winner Kovalev helms a new show, The Magic Of Hollywood. In Maesteg on Sat 28. WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL Alex Williamson Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £12.50. Info 0871 4720400. Australian comedian who made his name on YouTube. Looks pretty wack. Dwy (Two) Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2063 6464. Reading of Eisteddfod award-winning Welsh language plays, Ansh by Lois Llywelyn Williams and Lôn Terfyn by Mared Llywelyn Williams. uFiddler On The Roof Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 01495 227206. Presented by Blackwood Musical Theatre Society. Tickets are £10 (£9 concessions) from Thurs 19-Sat 21. (Until Sat 21) Giovanni Pernice Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7.30pm, £23-£28. Info 01446 738622. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 0845 2263510. uLittle Shop Of Horrors Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £11. Info 01633 263670. Man-eating plant
as this is sold out. Dolly Chicken Comedy: Fun At The Flute Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 7.3010.30pm, £6.50/£5 adv. Info dollychickencomedy@gmail. com. Featuring five standup comedians including headliner Wes Packer, plus house band Molly Katz. uEstron Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru present a play by Hefin Robinson. On tomorrow also . Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060. Miss Julie Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £12. Info 0300 0040444. August Strindberg’s play, adapted and performed in Welsh by RCT Theatres; directed by Gareth John Bale. In Abergavenny tomorrow; Cardiff on Sun 22; Blackwood on Tue 24; Ammanford Wed 25; Brecon Thurs 26; Carmarthen Sat 28. Remembering Fred St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £26.50-£76.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Strictly stars Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara on their UK tour. The Last Supper Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £12/£11. Info 01792 863722. Reckless Sleepers’ immersive theatre show based around the final words of famous people before death. Hopefully they will include a recent addition to the canon, a nun who was suing Katy Perry: “Katy Perry, please stop.”
FRIDAY 20 APRIL A Night At The Musicals Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01633 868239. Giovanni Pernice Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £29/£27. Info 01686 614555. Hello La Voix Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. A show titled New Show, New Shoes, Old Earrings. Louder Is Not Always Clearer Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01646 695267. Mr & Mrs Clark’s play portraying life as a deaf man. In Newport on Thurs 26 and Fri 27. Miss Julie Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £14. Info 01873 850805. Sisters Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2063 6464. Play devised with Junoon Theatre of Mumbai and described as “a conversation about the richness, complexity and diversity of being a South Asian woman today”. South Powys Dance Festival 2018 Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £6/£4. Info 01874 611622. Featuring performers from various schools in the area. Terra Firma The Riverfront, Newport. 8pm, £16. Info 01633 656757. Dance triple bill presented by National Dance Company Wales. In Swansea on Thurs 26. uThe Lady Boys Of Bangkok Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £10. Info 0871 7050705. After this opening night prices are £22.50/£17 NUS; £28 premium; £30 premium on Sat 21 and Sat 28; £34 platinum; £36 platinum on Sat 21 and Sat 28. 7pm and 9pm on Sat 21, Fri 27 and Sat 28; 6pm on Sun 22 and Sun 29; 7pm only all other dates. (Until Sun 29) uThe Noise Next Door + Nigel Ng + Mick Ferry + Tanyalee Davis Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink). SATURDAY 21 APRIL Amusical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. A celebration of musical theatre where the audience votes for the best perrformance. Featuring hosts Jayde Adams and Kiri Pritchard-McLean, house band Dave And The Quavers, and comedians TBC. Blackadder Goes Forth Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £9. Info 01873 850805. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £13/£11. Info 01633 656757. Milkshake! Live Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 12 + 3.30pm, £15.50/£14. Info 01656 815995. The Addams Family Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10-£14. Info 01446 738622. Family musical presented here by Superstars In The Making. Transitions Dance Company Triple Bill 2018 Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12.
u – repeated
Info 029 2063 6464. Specially commissioned contemporary works by choreographers Richard Chappell (UK), Jarkko Partanen (Finland) and Hagit Yakira (Israel). SUNDAY 22 APRIL All Killa No Filla Podcast Live! Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 12.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. Comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri PritchardMcLean talk about serial killers. All Kinds Of Everything Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 4pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 868239. Showcase by the Gemini School Of Dance, in aid of Cancer Research. Crazy For Gershwin St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £19.50-£41.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Musical hits plus a ballroom dancing duo. Miss Julie Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. MONDAY 23 APRIL uA Spoonful Of Sherman The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £23.50/£20.50. Info 01633 656757. On tomorrow also. Boxfull Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Comedy sketch night, on here most months. uCathy Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Social realist play which updates Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home for UK society 50 years on. On tomorrow also. In Ystradgynlais on Wed 25; Milford Haven Thurs 26; Aberystwyth Fri 27. TUESDAY 24 APRIL Ballet Central Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £10.50-£15.50. Info 01792 475715. Mixed bill showcasing rising stars of dance. uFat Friends: The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18-£43. Info 029 2063 6464. TV show turned musical, starring Emmerdale and Corrie stars plus an X Factor winner. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 26 and Sat 28; £21-£46 on Fri 27 and Sat 28. (Until Sat 28) uJane Eyre New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15-£32. Info 029 2087 8889. Unrelated to the below production, this is presented by Northern Ballet and choreographed by Cathy Marston. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 26 (£12-£26) and Sat 28. (Until Sat 28) Jane Eyre: An Autobiography The Met, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01495 355945. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01792 863722. Miss Julie Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14.50/£12.50. Info 01495 227206. uSugar Baby Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Comedy drama from Alan Harris about a smalltime drug dealer in Cardiff. (Until Thurs 26) uThe Effect The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2128 0189. During a trial for a new pharmaceutical drug, Tristan and Connie fall madly in love, but soon realize that their feelings aren't necessarily their
stage own. Today and tomorrow are pay-by-donation previews shows; thereafter it’s £12/£10. Also on at 2pm on Sat 28, Sat 5 May and Sat 12 May. No performances on Thurs 26, Sun 29 or Sun 6 May. (Until Sun 6 May) The Horne Section St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2087 8444. A sort of variety show led by comedian Alex Horne. See Upfront. Verve Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, pay by donation. Info 0845 2263510. New dance work by choreographers Hannes Langolf and Sita Ostheimer. WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL Ballet Central Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.45pm, £15/£13. Info 01874 611622. A chance to see rising stars in dance theatre. Cathy The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01639 843163. Comedy Club Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £11. Info 01792 475715. uDisney On Ice Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, from £18. Info 029 2022 4488. A new show titled Worlds Of Enchantment and spanning legions of notable Disney characters including more recent Pixar sorts. Also on at 10.30am and 2.30pm on Sat 28 and Sun 29. (Until Sun 29) Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £14. Info 01873 850805. Mike Doyle Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01633 868239. Miss Julie Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. Poetry Slam The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 3344.. uPygmalion Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. Llanelli Little Theatre present George Bernard Shaw’s play. (Until Sat 28) uRent Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01685 384111. Musical performed by Foundation Degree Performing Arts students from The College Merthyr Tydfil. On tomorrow also. Seriously Dead Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £20. Info 0300 3656677. New musical comedy starring Crissy Rock, who is not Chris Rock, and Cannon of ‘& Ball’ fame. uThe Gondoliers Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01646 695267. Gilbert & Sullivan opera. Price is £13 only tomorrow and Fri 27. (Until Fri 27) uTop Hat Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50. Info 01633 263670. Irving Berlin songs and Astaire/Rogers dance moves combine in this famous musical. (Until Sat 28) THURSDAY 26 APRIL uBelonging Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Awardwinning play about two families dealing with the effects of dementia. Tickets are £5-£10 after today. On at 2pm only on Mon 30; 7.30pm only on Sat 5 May. (Until Sat 5 May) Cathy Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01646 695267. Dau Hanner Brawd Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm,
£12. Info 0845 2263510. Welsh language play based on the Old Testament story of Ishmael and Isaac. uFleabag Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Pheobe Waller-Bridge’s grim but good sitcom given a stage remix by DryWrite and Soho Theatre. See Upfront. Also on at 3pm on Sat 28 and Sat 5 May. No performances on Sun 29 or Mon 30. (Until Sat 5 May) Leaf The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 10am, 1pm + 3pm, £5. Info 01639 843163. Theatre for ages 0-3. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Miners Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 01495 227206. uLouder Is Not Always Clearer The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £10/£8. Info 01633 656757. On tomorrow also. uMadagascar Jnr The Muni, Pontypridd. 7pm, £7.50 adv. Info 01443 490390. Musical presented by the Pontypridd Youth Theatre Company. On tomorrow also. Miss Julie Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01874 611622. Mike Doyle Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £14-£18. Info 01792 475715. Mo Gilligan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. UK funnyman, also known as Mo The Comedian to the fanbase which has caused this gig to sell out. uResident Magicians The Small Space, Barry. 7pm, £20. Info info@thesmallspace. co.uk. With Bryan Gunton and Jasper Blakeley. (Until Sat 28) uSister Act Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £10-£14. Info 01656 815995. Presented by PAODS (unsure what that stands for). Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 28. (Until Sat 28) Terra Firma Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8-£14. Info 01792 602060. uThe Producers Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £12.50. Info 01686 614555. Newtown Musical Theatre Company present Mel Brooks’ comedy in stage form. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 28. (Until Sat 28) FRIDAY 27 APRIL Cathy Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £8-£10. Info 01970 623232. Craig Campbell Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £15. Info 01982 552555. Comedian presents new show, Easy Tiger. In Cardigan tomorrow; Cardiff on Sun 29. Conner’s Comedy Bash Paget Rooms, Penarth. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2070 0721. Count Arthur Strong Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £21.50. Info 01792 475715. David Baddiel St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £27. Info 029 2087 8444. Doing his Show My Family: Not The Sitcom. Discover Dance Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 1pm, £5. Info 01792 602060. National Dance Company Wales with an afternoon show aimed at introducing dance to families and schools. Rachel Parris + Stuart Laws Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £10. Info 01874 611622. Comedy Club night. Rich Hall Parc & Dare,
Treorchy. 8pm, £17. Info 0300 0040444. Doing his Hoedown show. Stiff & Kitsch Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Comedy duo with a show titled Adele Is Younger Than Us. uSuzi Ruffell + Henry Paker + John Lynn + Damian Clark Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink). The Little Mermaid Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £18/£12. Info 0845 2263510. Presented by Ballet Theatre UK. SATURDAY 28 APRIL A Brave Face Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01874 611622. Vamos with a piece of theatre looking at the impact of posttraumatic stress. Cabarela Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Welsh comedy cabaret evening. Cafficadabra Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8-10pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Close-up magic in the bar from Tim Bromage. Craig Campbell Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £15. Info 01239 621200. Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5-£8. Info 01970 623232. Mark Steel Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £15. Info 01600 772467. With a show titled Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Guess it will be for Mark, as this is sold out. Miss Julie Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. Pasha Kovalev & Anya Garnis Maesteg Town Hall. 7.30pm, £25/£24. Info 01656 733269. SUNDAY 29 APRIL Craig Campbell Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £15. Info 0871 4720400. MONDAY 30 APRIL My Dad Wrote A Porno St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £29.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Another podcast goes on tour, the premise being that one of the cast reads excerpts from a mucky book penned by his father. We’re featuring this Upfront. uThe Play That Goes Wrong New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16-£31. Info 029 2087 8889. Hit West End comedy on the popular ‘play about a play’ tip. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 3 (£13-£26) and Sat 5 May. £18-£35 on Fri 4 and Sat 5 May (evening). (Until Sat 5 May) uTitanic The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18-£39. Info 029 2063 6464. Broadway musical about the death of 1,517 people. Insensitive? Actually I think you’ll find it’s stunning and stirring. Also it was a long time ago. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 3 and Sat 5 May; £20-£44 on Fri 4 and Sat 5 May. (Until Sat 5 May)
St Trillo’s Rhos-On-Sea is the smallest chapel in Britain, measuring 11ft by 8ft and seating just six people. Writers of the 1968 movie Barbarella used Llanfair PG’s full 58 letters as a secret password which characters used to gain entry to a secret resistance HQ. Mount Everest was named after a Welshman, Sir George Everest, from Gwernvale, Breconshire. Welshman Pryce Jones, from Newton, Montgomeryshire, created the world’s first mail order business. Robert Recorde of Pembrokeshire invented the ‘equal to’ sign. Most toilets flush in E flat. Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine. ‘Almost’ is the longest word in English with all the letters in alphabetical order. The British royal family isn’t allowed to play Monopoly. Human saliva has a boiling point three times that of regular water. Movie trailers were originally shown after a movie, which is why they’re called trailers. Months that begin on Sunday will always have a Friday 13th. The UK’s first chocolate egg was produced in 1873. The last letter added to the English alphabet was J. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff has the largest retractable roof of any sports arena in the world. Only 21% of the entire Welsh population can speak the native language. (Disclaimer: some of these may not in fact be true)
Are you the friend everyone wants on their pub quiz team? If you’re a general knowledge general and want to be in with a chance of winning a book, film, or CD, then tweet us (@Buzz_Magazine) with your fact and #DidYouKnow. If your tweet is used in the magazine you win a prize!
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COMPETITIONS HOW TO WIN: Unless otherwise stated, our competitions are generally shared on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. To enter a competition, keep an eye on our social media channels and click ‘like’ and ‘share’ when published. Alternatively, email competitions@buzzmag.co.uk with the name of the competition in the subject line and up to two sentences on why you think you should win the competition. The more original you are, the better your chances. TWO TICKETS TO SEE THE HORNE SECTION AT ST DAVID’S HALL Alex Horne and his crack band of musicians come to St. David’s Hall on Tue 24 Apr. With a mixture of stand-up comedy and eclectic music, this show has received almost unanimous positive reviews – a surefire comedic success. Horne and his mates craft a night of laughter, we have two tickets so you and a friend or family member can enjoy it together. TWO TICKETS TO SEE THE SOUTH AT THE GLOBE The South, formed from the ashes of The Beautiful South, combine a new outlook on music with decades of collective experience. The current nine-member lineup have put a twist on their old music while also producing some of their own. We have two tickets to see them at the Globe in Cardiff on Wed 18 Apr. TWO TICKETS TO SEE LOVE FROM A STRANGER AT NEW THEATRE What may seem like an average love story turns into a thrilling stage production with a shocking turn of events. Originally written by Agatha Christie and reimagined by director Lucy Bailey, Love From A Stranger is coming to New Theatre on Sat 21 Apr and we are giving away two tickets to a lucky winner!
TWO TICKETS TO THE RHS FLOWER SHOW In Cardiff from Fri 13-Sun 15 Apr, this event is the RHS’ first outdoor show of the year. With vibrant, colourful blooms, this celebration of spring is an enchanting day-long outing for everyone. There will also be talks from experienced gardeners and the option to eat and drink at the Farmer’s Market section in Bute Park. ONE TICKET TO THE ADULT EASTER CUPCAKE WORKSHOP AT LET THEM SEE CAKE Gareth Davies’ wonderful Let Them See Cake has committed to proselytising about the art of sugarcraft and cake-making to the citizens of Cardiff, and we have a wonderful opportunity for one lucky person to get involved in this wonderful workshop for making cupcakes for Easter on Sat 7 Apr. TWO TICKETS TO THE THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK One of the UK’s most popular cabaret shows, The Lady Boys Of Bangkok’s annual visit to the Welsh capital is another fine occasion for a night of entertainment, which takes in cabaret, fashion, dance, and a few belly laughs. With their base at the Roald Dahl Plaza in Cardiff Bay, we’ve got two tickets for the Fri 20 Apr opening night.
T & C s : W E D O N O T G I V E P E R M I S S I O N F O R T H E S E C O M P E T I T I O N S T O B E R E P L I C AT E D A N Y W H E R E E L S E
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IMAGINE DESIGN SKETCH EDIT MOULD FORGE PAINT THINK MAKE CHANGE. cardiffmet.ac.uk/csad
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16-19 AUGUST. BRECON BEACANS, WALES
THE WAR B FLEET B KING GIZZARD AN DRUGS FOXES THE LIZARD WIZARD JAHN GRANT B GRIZZLY BEAR B DIRTY PROJECTARS &
THE BRIAN JANESTOWN MASSACRE B THE BLACK ANGELS PUBLIC SERVICE BRAADCASTING B ANNA CALVI B CATE LE BAN MOUNT KIMBIE B FLAATING POINTS (SALO LIVE) B JAHN MAUS JAAN AS POLICE WAMAN B THE LEMON TWIGS B TELEMAN CAURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS B BAXTER DURY B KEVIN MORBY CURTIS HARDING B TAMIKREST B SUSANNE SUNDFOR JAHN TALABOT B SIMIAN MABILE DISCO (LIVE W/ DEEP THROAT CHAIR)) ROLLING BLACKAUTS CAASTAL FEVER B WYE OAK B JANE WEAVER KING TUFF B ALEX CAMERON B PHAEBE BRIDGERS B TUNNG KELLY LEE AWENS B BO NINGEN B BEAK> B CHASTITY BELT HMLTD B GOAT GIRL B SWEET BABG B A HAWK AND A HACKSAW XYLOURIS WHITE B LOST HORIZANS B LUCY DACUS B SHANNON LAY BOY AZGGA B PICTISH TRAIL B MARLAN WILLIAMS B THE KVB B OMNI DUDS B SNAPPED ANKLES B JADE BIRD B SNAIL MAIL B AMBER ARCADE CHARLES WATSAN B IDER B ED DOWIE B HALEY HEYNDERICKX BAS JAN B SEAMUS FOGARTY B JUANITA STEIN B SACRED PAWS JIM GHEDI B SORRY B STELLA DANNELLY B WESTERMAN SPINNING CAIN B GROUP LISTENING B FENNE LILY B HAZE ADWAITH B ACCÜ B SOCK B BUZZARD B AADAE & LATS MORE TA BE ANNOUNCED
10 WILD LANDS AF LAUGHS, LITERATURE, ART, SCIENCE, FAMILY ADVENTURE AND MUSIC TICKETS AN SALE NOW!
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