T’S ON GUIDE. SOUTH WALES WHA JUNE 2015
ANTONIO CARLUCCIO: “Everything is based on passion and greediness’’
ENVIROMENTAL: We embrace the earth with eco events, gardening tips, sustainable fashion and food from the great outdoors
PLUS 9BACH | GENEVIEVE TAYLOR | CYCLING EVENTS | BIANCO
FFENOMEN Y WEST END\THE WEST END PHENOMENON
STORI FRANKIE VALLI A’R FOUR SEASONS \THE STORY OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS
GORFF 21 JULY – AWST 1 AUG ’15
JBTOUR15_Q2_423 Cardiff 303x216 Buzz Magazine
june2015
buzz...
04roundup
publisher EMMA CLARK editor HEATHER ARNOLD listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER film technician (buzz tv) JAYDON MARTIN administration TERESA CLARK designer POLAR 10 illustrations by Freepik.com
10upfront
contributors RYAN HEEGER (CLUBS), KEIRON SELF (FILMS), MATTHEW BECKER, LLOYD BEST, ALEX CORNISH, DEE CUSACK, BEN GALLIVAN, JON DOYLE, EMMA GOULD, ROB HARRIES, ASHLEY HARRISON, ALYS HURN, ADAM JONES, GARETH MOULE, DAMI OKHIRIA, HELLMA PAALSRUD, CHARLIE PIERCEY, HUGH RUSSELL, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, STEPHEN SPRINGATE, GETHIN THOMAS, MARK TIMLIN, MAIR UNWIN, CALUM WATSON, BETHAN WINNALL phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk advertising marketing@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents CHICKENS SAT ON FENCE cover LAURA EDWARDS
“I returned after some time travelling and struggled to fit back into urban life”
This is Buzz’s designated Green Issue, an appeal to associations of nature, butterflies, dogs leaping to catch frisbees etc. In practise it could mean almost anything, and we have made the remit elastic enough to fit in profiles of Antonio Carluccio, Terry Walton, Genevieve Taylor and a guide to the summer’s jolliest outdoor events
26film
The eyebrow-raising plot of Knock Knock, starring Keanu Reeves and a pair of girls with whom he goes twos-up, is described by Keiron Self as “a threehander” in his review. This is a term used by people who work in theatre and has never meant anything else, especially not whatever it was you were thinking about
28food&drink
More outdoorsness, in the form of top forager Jade Mellor; a seafood festival in Aberaeron; and our regular Ruth extolling the virtues of fruit picking. As she rightly says, “there is nothing quite as decadent as sinking your teeth into the warm, sweet luscious flesh of a British strawberry.” So put down the pipe and dismiss the hookers, you’re wasting your time
32previews
Including a club night headlined by a DJ duo who “have been married for almost three years now” – bringing, they say, “a very unique twist” to their sets. This will be followed in coming months by a divorced DJ duo and a DJ whose entire set consists of Crashed The Wedding by Busted at varying speeds
40reviews
Let’s all give me a big hand for stealth promoting a big brand. Specifically, the bit where I namecheck the Qualcast company, without this even being a reference to Qualcast Mutilator of comedy metal band Lawnmower Deth
46lifestyle
And no doubt many of you reading this take every opportunity you get to bark that riding a pushbike around is, in itself, a lifestyle. Just for you, here’s a rundown of the region’s top cycling events, and top tips to keep your boneshaker’s condition tip-top
50listings
While you get archly excited about the Man vs Horse race (in Powys on Sat 13 June), I’ll be at its more indie offshoot, the Slamdance to its Sundance. Han vs Morse is only open to high-ranking Rebel Alliance figures or well-heeled Oxonian detectives
70competitions
Q: Where did street food originate? A: Maybe try finding things out for yourself rather than just expecting our competitions page to tell you
www.buzzmag.co.uk • www.twitter.com/buzz_magazine • www.facebook.com/buzzsouthwales BUZZ 3
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
BRIEFLY
STAGE
WALES DANCE PLATFORM This month over 40 choreographers and performers from around Wales will get the chance to showcase their talents at the Wales Dance Platform: a three-day event which,aims to provide Wales’ professional dance artists with a moment in the spotlight. There are lots of talented folk enlisted for the dancetastic weekender. Quirky dance pair Hudson & Haf, thoughtful troupe Ransack Dance and Ballet Nimba (Wales' first and only professional black dance company) will all be busting moves at the Wales Millennium Centre on Friday. Saturday sees Jane Castree Dance Collaborations dancing about gender, Wren Ball moving to beatbox and jazz piano and India Dance Wales telling stories through classical Indian dance at Chapter Arts Centre. Sunday brings with it the end of the festival with Kitsch & Sync Collective, SVJ Dance and Marc Saad all throwing shapes at the Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport. It’s not just dance shows, however, as there will be movement-based film screenings, photography exhibitions and critics discussion. Wales Dance Platform, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay / Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff / The Riverfront, Newport, Fri 26-Sun 28 June. Tickets: £10 per event / £15 day pass / £35 weekend pass. Info: www.walesdanceplatform.co.uk
THE GLYNN VIVIAN Art Gallery hit the airwaves as they turn their Artist Talks into podcasts, for all to hear. You’ll be able to hear the gallery’s various artists talk about their work on both iTunes and Soundcloud whenever you choose. So far you can listen to Zanne Andrea talk about how she is influenced by corrupt Hollywood and Dr Ceri Thomas talk about South Wales’ history in visual culture. Info: www.swansea.gov.uk/ glynnvivian
• BELLY DANCING PROVES it doesn’t have an age limit, as Swansea’s oldest belly dance troupe celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Zahirah – led by instructor Carol Weathers, who has been shaking her stuff for two decades – has helped shape South Wales’ belly dancing scene and shows no sign of stopping. To celebrate the birthday, Zahirah will be running a special event at the Coelbren Welfare Hall on Sat 20 June. Info: search ‘Zahirah Belly Dance’ on Facebok
• EVENT
BRITISH SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX
If you’re stuck for something to do on a Saturday, why not go and watch through half-shut eyes as a bunch of men zoom around on bikes, all in the battle to become the next Grand Prix champion? Yes, it’s back: the British Speedway Grand Prix returns to the Millennium Stadium. Previous years have seen world champions go head-to-head in a death-defying race to the finish line. Supposedly an event that is suitable for the whole family, the stadium welcomes young children to its Grand Prix event – though, perhaps if your tot is of a particularly nervous disposition it would be best to save the nail-biting, really-rather-dangerous, ever-so-slightly-terrifying show for your enjoyment only. Fan or no, this looks set to be an exciting event, with a serious amount of talent on display from the participants. If you decide to go just be prepared to leave with significantly less nail than you went in with. British Speedway Grand Prix, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 4 July. Tickets: £19-£100. Info: www.millenniumstadium.com BUZZ 04
SHUTTER BUGS WILL be delighted to hear that Cardiff Bay will again be home to the Photomarathon UK event on Sat 6 June. This photography competition will give camera loves 12 hours to take 12 pictures on 12 given topics (no planning in advance, however, as the topic are kept a secret until the day of the marathon). There will only be a few winner but you will get to see your work on display as all the images submitted will be shown in a free exhibition. Info: www.photomarathon.co.uk
CELEBRITY CUP This July marks the return of the Celtic Manor Celebrity Cup, a starstudded event that sees a host of popular names in sports and showbiz turn their hand at swinging a golf club, in the hopes of claiming the Celebrity Cup. Made up of teams representing Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland, the event will see the likes of Gavin And Stacey’s beloved (insert thick valleys accent here) Rob Brydon, TV presenter Gethin Jones, and Life On Mars' Phillip Glenister battling it out against Ireland’s Brian McFadden, England’s Zoe Hardman and Scotland’s Alan Hansen. In addition to the tournament itself, there will be a series of Q&A interviews with other sports stars, as well as an array of live music tents for people to enjoy. Visitors are also invited to experience VIP treatment in the Premier Lounge, and join the celebs in attending the gala dinner on the Saturday evening. The Celebrity Cup, Celtic Manor, Usk Valley, Sat 4 + Sun 5 July. Tickets: £5-£25. Info: www.celtic-manor.com
EVENT
EVENT
THE WALES GAME DEVELOPMENT SHOW If you consider yourself to be a bit of a gaming nerd (it’s nothing to be ashamed of), why not join your fellow brethren at the Wales Game Development Show? This annual event hosts an impressive range of some of the biggest stars in the industry, with talks from console and mobile creators and practical workshops available for anyone who wants to get involved. In addition, the British Academy Cymru Award for Games and Interactive Experience 2015 will take place alongside the show, so you’ll be getting extra nerd points for your dollar. The show’s creators have also confirmed there will be an afterparty for anyone who wants to join others for a drink and more gaming chat. The Wales Game Development Show, City Hall, Cardiff, Fri 19 June. Tickets: £10. Info: www. walesgamesdevshow.org
WALES BOOK OF THE YEAR It's halfway through the year and that New Year’s Resolution to become more cultured and to read more is probably just a distant memory now. Don’t worry, however, if you’re feeling a little lost in the vast world of literature – the Wales Book Of The Year Award can suggest some top quality summertime reading for you. The award, which celebrates fiction, non-fiction and poetry in both English and Welsh, provides the winner of each sub-category £2,000 and the main winners £6,000 each. This year’s nine shortlisted authors include Tiffany Atkinson (with her poetry book So Many Moving Parts, which explores the awkwardness of the body and spirit and the transition from youth to middle age), Carys Davies (with The Redemption Of Galen Pike - her collection of short stories about characters across many cultures, from condemned convicts in Colorado to bored housewives in the outbacks of Australia), Super Furry Animal Gruff Rhys (with his non-fiction book American Interior), and Jonathan Edwards (with his collection of poems, My Family and Other Superheroes).
EVENT
Wales Book Of The Year Award, Galeri Caernarfon, Gwynedd, north Wales, Thurs 4 June. Tickets: £10/£8 conc. Info: www.walesbookoftheyear.co.uk
BUZZ 05
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
BECCA CLARK Social enterprise Green City has been inspiring green people and places across South Wales since 2011 with their regular events and workshops. This month, they're throwing their Shelly Garden Food Festival. Heather Arnold talks to co-founder Becca Clark about going green.
Why did you decide to start Green City? I guess I have always been a bit of an eco-enthuiast – even in primary school where I started a club in the playground called the Green Team! We used to parade around at break times with banners saying 'Save The Trees' and I made badges for all the members. But the seeds of Green City were sown when I returned after some time travelling and struggled to fit back into urban life. I had witnessed so many people and communities adapting to climate change and other threats, using any resources they could find and pulling together to help each other. I just couldn't see this in our city. I wanted to show people that they could make small changes to their lifestyles in the city, live more sustainably and build resilient communities. I wanted to use my experiences to help those living in an urban environment and offer them opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge that could help them live greener and healthier lifestyles. I guess I wanted to feel like I could make a little difference to our city too. I already knew there were lots of people in Cardiff with fantastic skills and knowledge to share so I thought, why not create a way to share these skills and encourage learning around sustainability topics. I also knew that these issues weren't exactly accessible or 'cool' so I made it my aim to start changing these perceptions. The business really started to grow organically – there never was a set business plan - it was more a case of reacting to what people wanted and listening to communities.
What are you hoping to achieve with Green City? More green people and places in Cardiff, south Wales and eventually beyond! I have no idea how far we can go but we are about to take the next big step which would allow us to run bigger and better projects and events with lasting impacts. But the grassroots of what we do is what really matters to me – to make a difference in my community. I want to show people that they don't have to be helpless in face of big issues like climate change and sustainability. We can make small changes now that will greatly impact future generations.
What do you have planned for the Shelly Garden Food Festival? Oh, there are so many exciting things planned this year. Local food stalls, entertainment, live music and dancing, workshops – including tips from Love Food Hate Waste, dolma rolling with Lia's Kitchen, how to home compost and understanding bees with pollen. Plus lots more! One thing that sets us apart from any other food festival is that we ask all our food traders to provide a cheap or taster portion of their food for between 50p-£1.50. This means that nobody is alienated by cost – we want to make this event accessible to the large variety of people that live in the area.
What other projects do you have in the pipeline? It's turning into a busy year! We have partnered up with Luke Rice form Cynefin and the YMCA to host Exchange in Roath again and a new exciting event – Cardiff's first pedal-powered outdoor cinema! We also support the Edible Adamsdown project and we are currently making plans for a community chicken coop and mini city orchard, as well as dreaming up lots of exciting projects to green up Splott and Adamsdown! Not to mention we are taking our eco-tent out to festivals like Blue Lagoon and Tafywl this summer to run workshops and activities. Phew, I feel knackered just talking about it!
Shelly Garden Food Festival, Milton Street, Cardiff, Sun 21 June. Admission: free. Info: www. greencityevents.co.uk
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FILM
WATERFRONT CINEMA We Brits don’t like to miss out on the sunshine (after all, we only get on average about 2.5 rays per year) but sun-loving film fanatics need fear no more. Motley Movies invites you to don your most offensive shorts, slap on some sunblock and get on down to Cardiff Bay Waterfront where their outdoor cinema will be poppedup and waiting. You can expect to find Motley’s usual tasty selection of street food on offer, which you can munch away on whilst enjoying some classic films such as Jaws and Stand By Me. There will also be a pop-up bar for anyone who fancies a cheeky tipple whilst they watch. And if June isn’t good for you, Motley Movies will bringing their cinema back to the rooftops of Cardiff's Jacobs Antique Market in August, so you needn’t miss out. Waterfront Cinema, Cardiff Bay Waterfront, Fri 5 + Sat 6 June. Tickets: £13. Info: www. motleymovies.fatsoma.com
Elvis Costello Thursday 25 June
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Sunday 14 - Sunday 21 June
Mnozil Brass Wednesday 3 June
Chris Wood Wednesday 24 June
The Overtones Tuesday 7 July
9Bach Monday 6 July
Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra - American Night Saturday 4 July
Amy Wadge & Pete Riley Friday 26 June
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
BOOK NOW WELSH PROMS St David’s Hall, Cardiff Sat 18-Sat 25 July Tickets: £7-£36 individual events www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
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SOUTH WALES SECRET #55 Llyn Cwn Llwch
Ever thought of getting your kit off and riding around Cardiff? Mike Ambler and Becky Wall have. In fact, they're even encouraging others to do so at the Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride. Neon coloured jackets, high visibility straps and flashing bike lights. Cyclists put a lot of effort into making sure that you can see them, but one day a year they try and achieve the same thing by doing the exact opposite: getting completely naked. “There is still a lack of respect and understanding of cyclists' needs from many car drivers,” explains Mike Ambler, one of the organisers of the Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride. “Drivers frequently pass far too close to cyclists putting, their lives in peril, and show a lack of respect. It's almost as if they don't notice the cyclist is even there. I have had car doors opened as I am cycling past vehicles, sometimes from cars parked on a cycle lane.” Though things may seem to be improving, cyclists are quite often left on the ride of the road when it comes to infrastructure and road safety. The World Naked Bike Ride, which takes place in cities across the globe, combines protest, awareness-raising and nudity together. “The naked bike rides are designed to highlight these issues,” Mike continues. “The idea of being naked is a good statement. It highlights the vulnerability of the human form against two-ton metal machines. 'Notice us when we're not naked' is a frequent slogan that riders display on their naked bodies.” It’s not just about bike safety, however, Mike pointing out that “there is also an important message of BUZZ 08 8
reducing 'car culture' and society’s general reliance on fossil fuels.” Moreover, this isn’t your normal anger-filled protest, as the ride embraces a more carnival-esque atmosphere. “Many riders are painted in different colours,” Mike states, “wearing wigs or masks, so the ride can look a little like a carnival procession.” This isn’t a feeling that leaves quickly either, as Becky Wall, another organiser of the ride, explains. “At my first ride I was initially nervous but the ride has such a supportive, community spirit I felt comfortable and happy quickly, so much so that I took up cycling as a hobby and method of commuting! Not looked back since!” You would think that two people who organise a public strip-off every year wouldn’t have too many secrets, but they do have a South Wales one. “There are few better ways to get back to nature than wild swimming,” Mike states. “There is a small natural lake high in the Brecon Beacons, in the shadow of Pen Y Fan, called Llyn Cwm Llwch. Anyone who has reached the summit of southern Britain's highest peak will have seen it, nestling in the valley below. It is well worth a detour to visit this hidden gem.” Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride, Cardiff City Hall, Sun 7 June. Admission: free. Info: www.wiki. worldnakedbikeride.org
GLASTONBARRY Romilly Park, Barry Sat 25 + Sun 26 July Tickets: £25 Info: www.glastonbarry.com STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale Sat 25 + Sun 26 July Tickets: £50-£80 Info: www.steelhousefestival. com AVENUE Q Swansea Grand Theatre Tues 28 July-Sat 1 Aug Tickets: £14.50-£25 ww.swansea.gov.uk DOVE MEN TESTS: WALES V IRELAND Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Sat 8 Aug Tickets: £10-£50 www.millenniumstadium.com BIG TRIBUTE FESTIVAL Lovesgrove, Aberystwyth Fri 28-Sun 30 Aug Tickets: £10-£45 www.aberystwythartscentre. co.uk ENGLAND VS AUSTRALIA: NATWEST IT20 SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff Mon 31 Aug Tickets: £10-£45 www.glamorgancricket.com BOB GELDOF Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot Thurs 3 Sept Tickets: £26.88 www.nptartsandents.co.uk
2015
FREE EXCITING FAMILY EVENTS AT BARRY ISLAND 11 JULY
25 & 26 JULY
8 & 9 AUGUST
22 & 23 AUGUST
GŴYL FACH Y FRO
STREET MUSIC WEEKENDER
STREET THEATRE WEEKENDER
SPORT, ART AND PLAY WEEKENDER
All That Jazz, The Bucket Band, The Rock Choir, Wonderbrass and Samba Galez. From 12noon each day
Street shows from 12noon each day all along the prom plus Taming of the Shrew - Sunday at 6pm on top of the Eastern Shelter
Beach sports, play village and arts workshops. 11am to 4pm each day
Welsh music festival featuring Wonderbrass, Carwyn Ellis, Kizzy Crawford, Al Lewis and Kookamunga. From 11am
18 & 19 JULY
THE ISLE OF FIRE The award winning event returns, transforming Barry Island into a fiery landscape featuring burning beacons and fire breathing flowers. From 9pm each night
1 & 2 AUGUST
ISLAND ROCKS Featuring Whisky Lies, The Strip Lights, The Underdogs, Outback and more. From 12 noon each day from a stage area on top of the Eastern Shelter
15 & 16 AUGUST
THE ENCHANTED BEACH - NEW The new Eastern prom will be transformed by huge colourful projections of Barry Island past and present. From 9pm each night
29 & 30 AUGUST
CINEMA BY THE SEA WEEKENDER Saturday – Top Gun Sunday - Frozen From 8.30pm each night Bring blanket or low backed chair. Deckchairs available to hire.
All events take place along the prom, Eastern Shelter or Island Gardens. Please note events may change at short notice. For more information please call 01446 704737 or go to www.visitthevale.com @visitthevale visitthevale BUZZ 9
upfront
ANTONIO CARLUCCIO As he opens up a new restaurant in Cardiff Bay, TV chef and Italian food stalwart Antonio Carluccio takes some time out to tell Stephen Springate his life story and foodie philosophy. pics: top Alex Cornish, right Tony Briggs
Antonio Carluccio has had, in his own words, a colourful life, and it has been a life coloured with food and drink. He has gone from the son of a rural stationmaster to one of Britain’s original celebrity chefs and founder of the global Carluccio’s chain. Today he is a consultant rather than the owner, but he still ensures that the 80-plus strong chain never strays from his vision of a cuisine where simplicity, good ingredients and affordability is key. He links his passion for food to his early childhood. “In Italy," he says, "usually you learn everything from the family, because you eat in the family. When you grow up with something like this you know food is important, that was the first lesson, very basic but you learn it automatically.” It was when he moved to Vienna, at the age of 21, to study Languages that he had his first proper experiences of cooking for himself. “I was a student in Vienna, and there I wanted the food that my mother used to cook, so I had to try and cook it myself. I never had a formal teaching, everything is based on passion.” A pause, then a wry chuckle: ‘‘And greediness, perhaps!” From here he worked as a wine merchant in Hamburg and then London, which he moved to in 1975. His approach to wine tasting is typical of his laid-back attitude: “I believe a wine is good when you like it. It is impossible for me to tell you what you taste other than wine but if you like it, then the wine is good.” He wasn’t impressed with the Italian restaurants that he found over here, which he saw as catering to
British tastes rather than creating real Italian food. “They nearly all had the same menu as each other, which is also why you had spaghetti bolognaise with the herbs that you would never put in a sauce.” In 1981, he took over the Neal Street Restaurant in Covent Garden, which soon led to his first of many appearances on TV. “When I took over the restaurant in Covent Garden, the BBC asked me if I would like to do a test, and I failed abysmally, but then the BBC said to me ‘yeah yeah, good enough’, and so I did a lot of food and drink programs. I then did my own series, and then my second series with Gennaro and so now I have had about 30 years of it for the BBC.” And what does he think of the newer approach that some swearier celebrity chefs have had to cooking? “For me the worst sin is shouting and insulting. You don’t need to prove anything, you make people more nervous and you insult them as well, so why? You are producing something nice and lovely for other people. In my opinion producing food is an act of love, it doesn’t matter that some of them take a lot of money for it!” The character which he portrays on screen is not far removed from the man in person. It is easy to see how multiple generations have warmed to him through his large volume of books and TV appearances. His craggly grin, twinkling eyes and gruff but gentle exterior make him the sage Italian uncle that everyone wishes they had. His insistence that cookery is a simple but beautiful skill which can be learnt by anyone strikes a chord with a lot of people. And from the sounds of it,
this is all he has really wanted. “I would like to be remembered as that one who tried to show to all the people in the world what the simple Italian cooking is about. Not to be a teacher of extraordinary things but simple things. My motto is MOFMOP: minimum of fuss, maximum of pleasure, an old Italian philosophy which is about that. For me it is not a question of following money, success for me is to see that everybody is happy, and my first concern is how do I give people very good food, very good service and low prices.” Info: www.carluccios.com
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"In my opinion producing food is an act of love"
BUZZ 11
upfront
GREEN EVENTS It’s summertime, which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy some of the glorious outdoors we’ve been hiding from during winter. If you need an excuse to get out into the green, then Mair Unwin and Bethan Winnall round up some of South Wales’ top green-loving events on this month. GUARDIAN ANGELS OF THE WALES COAST
WORLD OCEANS DAY: SEA WATCHING
Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire Sat 6 June The Keep Wales Tidy project invites you to head to the sands of Freshwater West Beach and join many others in the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the ‘most people making sand angels’. If you want to put your sand-angel-making skills to good use, and fancy immortalising your name in the Guinness Book Of Records, the event will kick off at 10.30 am, finishing at 1.30 pm. Admission: free. Info: www.keepwalestidy.org
Rhossili Cliffs, Swansea Sat 6 June Over 700,000 species of animals are thought to call the ocean home, so why not see if you can spot some of them? Join local marine biologist and author Judith Oakley for part of a World Oceans Day double celebration. Rhossili is known for being one of the best beaches in Britain, so even if you don’t see any basking seals or dolphins playing in the waves, you still get to spend a day at the seaside. You can also stay on for the afternoon Seashore Safari or just enjoy the views from one of Wales’ most beautiful places. Admission: free. Info: www.environmentcentre.org. uk
WEAR IT WILD
BADGER WATCH
Everywhere Fri 5 June We’ve all thought about what animal we’d like to be, and for a whole day this June we can finally be that animal. The WWF are holding a nationwide fundraising event by asking everyone to ‘wear it wild’ for a day. Whether you’re just wearing leopard print underwear or going the whole hog in an animalistic onesie and face paint, it all counts! Are you a fierce lion, or maybe a less intimidating sloth? Embrace your wild side whilst raising money for a great cause. Admission: free. Info: www.wwf.org.uk
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire Sat 6 June-Sat 11 July Dinefwr’s popular badger watch evenings are back again this year throughout June. Situated in the heart of the ancient Dinefwr woodland, an experienced badger watch ranger will take you to the hide where you’ll be able to see these timid creatures without disturbing them. Experience the sight of badgers emerging from their sets and foraging for food – you might even come across some other nocturnal wildlife while you’re there. Tickets: £8/£4 child/£22 family. Info: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr
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BECA BEEBY Edible Gardening Teacher, Humble By Nature What makes you passionate about green issues? I have always been incredibly passionate about environmental issues, since childhood. I am not really sure how it came about: I have a feeling it was to do with my primary school as well as my upbringing, since none of my siblings are quite so passionate (they attended a different school) and I used to annoy the pants off of them; trying to get them to turn off lights/taps or re-use paper. I grew up around a lot of 'alternative' people and heard about the Rainbow Warrior, about the ozone layer, CND and nuclear holocausts... I worried, I still worry, and I can’t sit back and do nothing. I am not as active as I used to be, but I believe you can still spark positive change through your work and through children; somebody inspired me to be passionate about environmental issues, I hope I can inspire other children, not least my own. What is your role at Humble By Nature? I run the Aquaponics Solar Greenhouse on a day to day basis, and look after the edible garden and the other garden areas – veggie patches for the accommodation, wildflower areas and 'normal' flowerbeds. I also run courses on edible gardening and do short tours of the Aquaponics Greenhouse.
GO WILD! Pantside Community Woodland Park, nr Newbridge Sat 6 June Moved from its previous location in Pontllanfraith, Go Wild! forms part of a local biodiversity project, supporting habitats for hedgehogs and breeding places for butterflies (amongst other things). A biennial event, Go Wild! returns this year with over 100 organisations taking part. The event is also part of Wales Biodiversity Week and usually takes place in a beautiful local nature reserve which is a hub of different wildlife. Go just to check out the scenery, or see the live animal displays and enter the prize draw. Admission: free. Info: www.wefundthevalleys.com
ABERYSTWYTH AND CEREDIGION COUNTY SHOW Gaeau Gelli Angharad, Aberystwyth Sat 13 June It’s time to don the wellies as this annual county show sets up shop again. Combining the farming industry with the local community, expect a good old-fashioned agricultural show. With a wide range of activites from produce and poultry shows to equestrian events, the day goes beyond the standard county show. Try your hand at sheep shearing, purchase some local produce from one of the 100 trade stands and watch out for the ‘best in show’. Admission: £8/£3 under-16s. Info: www. aberystwythshow.com
THE WHOLE EARTH MAN V HORSE MARATHON Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys Sat 13 June Yes, you did read that right. From its beginnings in
Why do you think it’s important for people to connect with where their food comes from? I think that when you understand the work, the effort that has gone into your food, the less likely you are to waste it. You appreciate it and understand the life cycles we are part of, and you enjoy it more. Particularly when you eat meat: many people have become so disassociated with where meat comes from that it has become a product. I feel it is so important to remember that an animal has given its life so you may live, and that to respect this fact you should make use of every part of the animal possible, and ensure that any animal you do eat has had a happy, healthy, natural life. Info: www.humblebynature.com
1980 after a discussion in the pub, Man V Horse has come a long way. Attracting some of the bravest (or maybe they’re just a bit crazy?) endurance runners, the race takes place across 22 miles of challenging terrain pitting men and women directly against horses. Think horses can’t be beaten? They have been before, and with prize money rising to £1000 this year there’s a lot at stake. Are you ready to take the challenge? (Or just wait in the pub for them to finish...) Admissions: free to spectators. Info: www. green-events.co.uk
MEADOWS OPEN DAY Monmouthshire Sun 14 June When we think of meadows, we often think of fairytaleesque images of overly green grass, lots of colourful flowers and someone absent-mindedly skipping through with an array of woodland creatures. Perhaps that’s a little idealistic, but the three meadows being opened to the public are nothing short of magical. Ty Mawr Convent, Four Acres and The Springs will feature on the open day, bringing picturesque streams, flower-
filled meadows and a butterfly orchard. An ideal day out for a taste of what you usually only see in Disney cartoons. Admission: free, donations welcome. Info: www. monmouthshiremeadows.org.uk
MID SUMMER OPEN DAY Denmark Farm, Ceredigion Sat 20 June What better way is there to spend a summer’s day than enjoying the outdoors? Denmark Farm’s annual open day is once again upon us, providing an opportunity to experience what goes on at the farm and get involved with future activities. The farm usually provides courses in habitat management and species identification, workshops in sustainable living and nature trails around its 40 acre site. Its open day will provide guests with talks, guided walks and even a cheeky dip in the pond. If you’re feeling peckish, try something from the Earth Oven Pizza stand – you can even visit the plant stand and take home a green souvenir. Admission: £5/£2.50 children. Info: www. denmarkfarm.org.uk
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SIAN B ROBERTS Founder of Loving Welsh Food What does Loving Welsh Food do? Loving Welsh Food offers Welsh food and drink tours, safaris, workshops and demonstrations and is a way of combining my different experiences at work, and love of food and drink. I’m interested in all kinds of cuisine, and also very proud of our fabulous food and drink in Wales. I love it when people are surprised at the quality and diversity of produce that we have here. People are also interested in the country, the language and the people, so it’s great to share information with them. What makes you passionate about local food? I just think it makes sense to eat local food as opposed to food that’s been flown or shipped in from the other side of the world. Local food tastes better, it’s fresher, and better for the environment. I love other cuisines as well, but when I’m cooking a French or Italian recipe, I try to cook with as much local produce as possible. Why do you think it’s important for people to connect with where their food comes from? Good food takes a long time to grow, it needs lots of care and attention from the farmers, fishermen, producers. It’s too easy to forget this when everything is neatly packaged in the supermarkets and a world away from the farms, rivers etc. On our tours and safaris, the guests get to meet the producers, see the animals on the organic farm, hear about how the wine is grown, how the meat is prepared and the stories behind the products. Info: www.lovingwelshfood.uk
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WAAT4 CHALLENGE Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecon Sat 20 June If you fancy walking 40km, then look no further because the WAAT4 challenge is definitely the one for you. The Brecon Beacons National Park has been a Welsh national park since 1957 and is known for its mountainous terrain and breathtaking views. So what better way to take it all in than a team walk whilst raising money for a number of charities (including Wales Air Ambulance and Brecon Mountain Rescue). If you decide to take the challenge, a packed lunch will be provided and waiting at the end will be a well-deserved barbeque. Entry: £100 for team of four. Info: www.waat4.co.uk
sun through telescopes in white light and hydrogen alpha, build your own DIY radio telescope and connect to people around the world marvelling at the ever changing solar features. Admission: free. Info: www.elanvalley.org.uk
LLANFOIST OPEN GARDENS Brecon Beacons National Park Sun 21 June See the flowers in bloom on a walk through the stunning Llanfoist gardens this month. With a selection of up to 15 village gardens to explore, canal boat trips, tasty lunches and homemade cakes on offer, this will be an all-day event that will suit the green-fingered folk. This will be Llanfoist’s 13th annual Open Garden event, and will feature a number of new gardens, as well as those from previous years. Admission: £5/free children. Info: www. breconbeacons.org
SUMMER SOLSTICE WALK
INTERNATIONAL SUN DAY Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader Sun 21 June For all the sun worshippers, there is a whole day dedicated to appreciating the warm glow from the sky (sort of). International Sun Day is an annual global solar astronomy outreach event founded by the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project. Safely observe the
Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre, Caerphilly Sun 21 June For those of you who aren’t afraid of heights, Cwmcarn Forest will be leading a group walk to the summit of Twmbarlwm this June. Go and celebrate the longest day of the year by putting on your hiking boots, and trekking your way up to the top, where you will be met with a spectacular vista. The website warns this event is suitable for ages 10 and up, as it will be a steep climb from the beginning, and sturdy footwear and torches will be required. Admission: £3.50 adult/£2.50 child. Info: www. cwmcarnforest.co.uk
Pontardawe Arts Centre Box Office: 01792 863722 www.pontardaweartscentre.co.uk
The Gwyn Hall Box Office: 0300 365 6677 www.gwynhall.com
Princess Royal Theatre Box Office: 01639 763214
www.princessroyaltheatre.com BUZZ 15
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HAY SUMMER FOOD FESTIVAL Hay-On-Wye, Powys Sat 27 June The picturesque market town of Hay-On-Wye provides the perfect backdrop for a food festival. Over 50 local food producers will transform the Memorial Car Park into mouthwatering marketplace showcasing some of the best Welsh foods and flavours. But if all that food proves thirsty work, why not explore some of Hay’s own cafes and ice creameries before delving back into a festival bursting with good company and even better food? Admission: free. Info: www.visitmidwales.co.uk
WALES WILDFLOWER DAY National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire Sun 28 June Cuckooflower, foxglove and spiked speedwell – these are just some of the flowers native to Wales. Giving flower power a whole new meaning, join the National Botanic Garden Of Wales this summer on a special day to celebrate our native flora and fauna. Take part in various activities put on especially throughout the day whilst enjoying some of the wildflowers found throughout the gardens. Experience Wales’ rarest tree – Ley’s Whitebeam – and take a gander around the beautiful sculpture garden. You won’t run out of things to see in a hurry. Admission: £8.86/£4.50 child. Info: www.gardenofwales.org.uk
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RICHARD JOHNSON Founder, British Street Food Awards Where does your passion for food and food sustainability come from? In 21st century Britain, eating is an increasingly political act. Sustainability. Food miles. Organics. Footprints. The slow food movement, pesticides, obesity: Politics with a capital P. For me, one of the great eye-openers was presenting a TV series called Kill It, Cook It, Eat It. It must have been one hell of a pitch to the BBC. “Okay – we kill a pig. Then we eat it. Next night, we kill a chicken. Then we eat it. Every night of the week, we kill a different animal. Then we eat it. With an omnibus on the Friday. What do you say?” The BBC said yes, and asked me to present it. I agreed, but when I talked to friends about the programme they just laughed, and said “It’s a spoof, right?”. They were lucky I didn’t eat them. Kill It, Cook It, Eat It was designed to reconnect us with what we’re eating. It was filmed in an abattoir, but an abattoir with a difference – there was a restaurant built onto the end. It had windows installed, so that the diners could see what was going on, but the abattoir’s day-to-day workings weren’t interrupted at all. The diners witnessed the slaughter – and then ate the meat for their dinner. Why is it important to you? In India, a mother dips her finger in honey and writes the Om symbol on the tongue of her new-born baby. Om means “I am” – it’s a nice image to illustrate that, in a metaphysical and a physical sense, we are what we eat. In Britain, if we really are what we eat, we’re in deep trouble. After all, we have lurched from food scare to food scare – from Sudan 1 to BSE. We should start by understanding our meat a bit better. That’s what Kill It, Cook It, Eat It is all about. Do you have any tips for going green? Everyone knows what to do. You just have to do it. What’s next for and after street food and pop ups? The annual revenue from street food in the UK is now over £600 million. It’s growing 20% per year. The hottest new restaurant openings in London have all started off on the streets – Meat Liquor, Pizza Pilgrims, Yum Bun, Homeslice, Patty And Bun, Pitt Cue etc — and street food titles are now the hottest sector in the stagnant world of food publishing. Street food is taking over TV with Jamie Oliver, Rick Stein, Sunday Brunch and Nigel Slater all showcasing their favourite traders, and street food collectives are now established in Bristol, Glasgow, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. Supermarkets have all introduced their ‘street food’ ranges. What’s left? We just need to hang on to the heart and soul of the movement we started. Info: www.britishstreetfood.co.uk/festival
Roots Unearthed Great Acts, Global Sounds & Relaxing Atmosphere CHRIS WOOD Wednesday 24 June, 8pm With humble hymns and sweeping statements, Chris Wood lovingly takes the pulse of his homeland.
AMY WADGE & PETE RILEY Friday 26 June, 8pm Their critically acclaimed debut album Rivers Apart and successful UK tour led Amy and Pete to work on a follow up album Afterglow.
9BACH Monday 6 July, 8pm 9Bach are an atmospheric, evocative and emotional hybrid of the Welsh folk tradition and contemporary influences.
MARTIN CARTHY & DAVE SWARBRICK Tuesday 1 September, 8pm Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick each played an important part in the tremendous shake up given to British folk music in the middle to late 60s.
CALAN & THE GENTLE GOOD Tuesday 22 September, 8pm Calan and The Gentle Good are artists at the forefront of the resurgent Welsh folk scene.
COMING SOON: JAMIE SMITH’S MABON, FAUSTUS, MARTIN SIMPSON & DON FLEMONS
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TERRY WALTON In aid of our green themed issue we get the inside scoop on growing your own from gardening legend, and BBC Radio 2’s very own allotmenteer, Terry Walton. Where do you think your passion for growing came from? Definitely my father. I was four years old when I first came through the allotment gates here. He grasped my hand tight as he took me to his plot on the far side. I sat there on this little step watching him cultivating, growing his own vegetables, and he gave me a little square of land alongside the shed, on which I raised and sowed my first radishes at the age of four. I remember, at the end of about eight days, these little leaves came through. After six weeks, he pulled one of these out, washed it and gave it to me to eat, and I thought “this is the life for me”. It was in the blood then – it literally came into the genes. What did you do next? When I was 11 years old I decided I was now big enough and knew all I need to know – and I applied for my first plot. That was in the 1950s, when this allotment was dominantly male and they were all guys in their 60s and retired. All tall, six-foot-six blokes who were gardening in suits, and I was this little whippersnapper in short trousers trying to apply for a plot. So I took my first plot on, and they all watched on thinking that in weeks, this lad would be fed up and gone. Four or five months later, my plot was looking pristine. These guys took me under their wings, and within two years I had mastered a thousand years of gardening information. I was a sponge and these guys would all pass everything on to me, because they could see that I was keen, and really wanted a garden. Did you have to pay for the plot? My father took it off my pocket money! Two and sixpence a year – that was 12.5p. How many months a year can you grow? I start off in the greenhouse in January, and start harvesting my first lettuce around March. I will then continue under cloches up until October or November. So it’s only in the deep depths of winter – late November, December, January, February – that I’m BUZZ 18
not actually cropping a salad plot. And in old florist buckets I’ve scrounged I grow radishes, spring onions, rocket and things of that nature. All of those are collected and stored in the greenhouse. In the summer they get taken outside to be harvested, but in the early part of the year they’re kept within the greenhouse itself. What gives you the most pleasure to grow? The top one must be the humble pea. Peas are fantastic. One thing with the pea is, when you pop the pod and eat them, they are sweet. You can pick a handful, keep them in your pocket and pop them and eat them as you’re wandering around the garden They’re better than walking around with a packet of sweets. Probably the finest thing to grow is the runner bean and climbing French bean, because you pick them in mass amounts and you get lots of friends in the summer! Once you eat them on a regular basis, you put some of the surplus in the freezer, to keep it going for the dark days of winter. The rest of it you give to friends, and they’re buzzing anyone else who wants it. What are your top tips for garden success? First of all: enjoy it. Never use the words ‘hard work’ because when they come into the equation, you will then mentally tune out. At the end of the day, it’s a hobby. You don’t have to do it every 24 hours, you do it at your leisure. One big tip I’m always telling people who’ve taken on it for the first time: look back over your shoulder, don’t go on and on, look back at those weeds that are creeping up again behind you. Take your time, look behind you, and enjoy it. Why did you decide to get in touch with BBC Radio 2? Why did I decide? I have a wife and two sons! When Jeremy Vine took over from Jimmy Young he did a show on allotments, and he was overwhelmed of the number of people who actually rang in. I came home from my allotments, where I spend most of my
time, and she said, “Jeremy is doing a programme on allotments today – why don’t you ring in?” I said, “Why would I garden on the radio? Anyway, this is my sanctuary. I don’t want anyone else intruding on my sanctuary.” But my wife nagged, my boys nagged, so I sat down on the computer and sent in what I thought was a humorous, offputting email. Obviously didn’t do the trick, because they selected me. That was back in 2003, so this is my 13th year of broadcasting. How did you fee l when you got the job? I was feeling fantastic. I thought it was fantastic to be able to share my passion, and my hobby, with six and a half million people. Do you get recognised in the streets? Sometimes people look a bit sideways at me and think “I know that voice, where it from is?” and every now and again someone will say: “Are you Terry Walton?” and I always say “No... Never heard of him. Who’s he?” What do you enjoy about being at the allotments? Lots and lots of things. First of all you’re out in the open air, and you get to listen to the surroundings – it’s so tranquil and relaxing. It’s the social company when you come here: if you’re ever feeling down, you can’t be down on allotments. Allotmenteers take no prisoners. You’ve got to lift yourself up and get on with it. At the end of it all, you take a basket of fresh vegetables home and eat them the same day, so you’re eating them at perfection, at the peak of their freshness, with the most nutrients you can possibly get in them. So it’s got everything. It’s my gym, it’s my sun parlour, it’s my stress councillor – it does everything I need to do. Have you found the idea of grow your own has had a resurgence in the last few years? In the last 10 years it has changed. I think people began to accept that vegetables come in plastic
“The people on the allotment were tall, six-foot-six blokes gardening in suits, and I was this little whippersnapper in short trousers trying to apply for a plot.” bags at supermarkets, and they look pristine. When you’re walking around in the supermarket, they’re eye-catching there, but then when they cook them, there was never that depth of flavour. People started trying things from allotments, and thinking ‘this tastes totally different’. Again you can grow it, knowing how it was grown. If you’re organic, you’re free of pesticides, free of chemicals and fertilisers, which have a long-term effect – so you know that it’s grown the way you want to grow it. The other advantage is you can grow what you enjoy in the largest quantities, and try other things, because it’s fun. Don’t always turn everything down out of hand – say, “I’m going to try one or two items this
year that I’ve never grown before.” Some of them don’t grow, some of them are a disaster, but then you don’t do it again. What have you tried this year that you haven’t tried before? IOkra and New Zealand yams. They’re in the greenhouse now, looks like clover growing, and then they’re going to be planted out and harvested in the autumn. Hopefully. Fingers crossed. I have no idea what they taste like, but you know, it’s one of those things that I’m going to try because it’s a part of the excitement of trying something new. Every year in the greenhouse I sow a melon, and last year I actually got one about the size of about a bit larger than a tennis ball. But it was delicious. But I’m trying again this year, because I want two this year. What about grapes? Grapes I don’t grow. There are two problems with grapes. First of all you need a greenhouse dedicated to them, and then you just get drunk all the time. What’s your favourite allotment memory? I’ve got thousands and thousands of lingering ones. Everything is enjoyable, that’s why I spend so much time here. I think it’s the fact that when you try something new, and it’s successful, you feel elated. About 80-85% of what I grow, I grow every year, because you want something out of it. But to try something new, and it pays off is great. The biggest disaster, I think, was when I tried
Jerusalem artichokes. I didn’t realise that they grew so enormous; they overshadowed all my beans and I lost half a row of beans, and then when I dug these knobbed roots up the ground, they were the most foul-tasting thing I could ever have dreamed of. So I wouldn’t ever do that again! What things would you recommend first time growers try to grow? I would probably be something like the beetroot or lettuce or the radish. It’s got to be a salad-type crop. People think cabbage are easy, but cabbages have got more problems with disease and pests than any other vegetable. Beetroot tend to be trouble-free, other than the odd mouse taking their room. Lettuce, if you protect them fairly well and keep the slugs off, you’re okay. Radishes grow extremely quickly, spring onions grow extremely quickly, so all of those things. If you can put a little wigwam together with runner beans, once you’ve got them started they zoom up the sticks and tend to be relatively trouble-free. As for potatoes... again, you need space for potatoes, but on an allotment potatoes are almost a weed. If you leave one in from last year’s crop and they come up in the ground you’ve got something growing in, they’re a big eruption. Info: www.twitter.com/theterrywalton
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"I just want to get back to caveman cooking"
GORGING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS Food writer and outside-eating-lover Genevieve Taylor talks to Heather Arnold about her new book How To Eat Outside. You're launching your new book, How To Eat Outside, at the Big Day Out Festival. What are you looking forward to most about the festival? I’m mostly looking forward to cooking over my fire and hopefully showing as many people as possible that it’s really fun. We all need to eat every day, and we all need to cook every day, and sometimes you can turn it into a bit of an adventure. How long have you been planning a book on outdoor cooking? The whole process, from having the idea to it being published, has taken about two years. I’m a big outdoor fan, I have been forever, and I guess this is a culmination of a lifetime of cooking outside. You mention that some of the most memorable meals you’ve had have been eaten outside – do you a favourite memory? One really special one, which I will never forget, was on my honeymoon in Tobago. My husband and I were in a really basic hut on the beach and this fisherman pulled up and dragged his boat onto the beach. He had been fishing and he cut a steak off one of the tuna fish for us and gave it to us. We lit a little barbecue on the beach, cooked it there and then. It was so fresh it was still warm. I went to the beach bar and got a box of chips and a cold beer and we sat on the beach and had this tuna steak. That was very memorable, totally simple food and the sense of occasion. When you eat BUZZ 20
outside it becomes more of an occasion I think. The food can be the most simple things on a picnic, it could be a boiled egg and a bag of crisps on a hill with your kids or on a beach with your mates. Do you have a favourite recipe in the book? I was really chuffed with the pulled pork recipe. I’ve often noticed that when we’ve been camping that you crawl out of your tent in the morning and you hold your hand over the fire from the night before and it’s still warm. So I wanted to find a recipe that would harness that dying heat from the fire overnight. So I just got a big lump of pork shoulder, put it in a big cooking pot and buried it in the embers of the fire at the end of the evening. Then we all had pulled pork for brunch the next day which was fab. You’ve previously worked with other people’s books – what made you make the leap from that to writing your own? I still do food photography for other people’s books and adverts but when I was doing that for my first publisher, every time I did another cookery book for one of their authors I would say, ‘go on let me have a go at writing – I really want to try’. I think I probably grounded them down and eventually they said, ‘OK, we want a book written about stew – go away and come up with something.’ I wonder if they did that to shut me up!
Do you think because you’re not a trained chef it helps keep your recipes simple? Yeah, maybe, I’m sure that has something to do with it. I’m a really practical person at heart and I can’t stand faffing around. Recipes where there’s fixed steps and all the parts come together at the same time – it’s not just how we live these days, it’s not how we cook. That, to me, is very much showoff cooking and I don’t do showoff cooking. You’re just making something to eat, aren’t you? You want something to taste good but it doesn’t need to be fussy or fancy or over-complicated. Now that this book’s almost done, do you have any ideas for your next one? My plan is to build myself a big pizza oven in my garden and document the building process, then I hope to start researching and writing a book on cooking in a pizza oven. It’s not just for pizzas, you can do really, really amazing stuff in a fire oven. That’s my next plan. I’ve become slightly obsessed by fire. I just want to get back to caveman cooking I think. Primeval fire cooking. How To Eat Outside by Genevieve Taylor, available from Thurs 18 June. Price: £14.99. Info: www.genevievetaylor.co.uk Big Day Out, Humble By Nature, Wye Valley, Monmouthshire, Sat 4 July. Tickets: £30 adult / £10 under-16s / free under-4s / £70 family ticket. Info: www. humblebynature.com
EVERYMAN Open Air Theatre Festival
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wed 24 June - Sat 1 Aug 'THE EVERYMAN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR A SUMMER OF INDULGENCES IN SOPHIA GARDENS' Blackadder: The Third, 24 June - 4 July | One Night Only by Forte Cabaret Group - 28 July Sweet Charity from 8 July - 18 July | 57 Chevy - The Ultimate 50’s & 60’s Show - 12 July As You Like It from 22 July - 1 Aug | Beauty and the Beast 25 July-Sat 1 Aug
Tickets: £8-16/£25 Family tickets. Info: http://everymanfestival.co.uk
25th July – 1st August 2015 Meyrick Alexander
Credit: Keith Morris
David Campbell Sigyn Fosnes Guy Johnston
Raphaela Papadakis Tom Poster Solem Quartet The Session
Orion Orchestra
An 8 day festival of over 40 concerts, summer school courses and masterclasses in Aberystwyth.
More information from www.musicfestaberystwyth.org or 01970 612034 www.facebook.com/AberMusicFest
@MusicFestAber
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BACK TO BIANCO IF we’re being honest, everyone has thought about running away with the circus at some point in their lives. The lure of travelling whilst being amongst an array of acrobats and lion tamers has always held a strange sense of appeal in some people’s imaginations. Alas, it’s a life most of us will probably never know. But what if you could have that escape, more beautiful than anything you could have thought up, just for one night? Three years since its 2012 premiere, NoFit State’s Bianco is back again with the promise of being even bigger than it was last year. Founded in 1986, NoFit State have grown to become the UK’s leading large-scale contemporary circus company combining traditional circus skills with live music, dance and stage design – and that’s just some of what to expect from Bianco. This year, director Firenza Gudi is back again and bringing some new performers, new acts and new designs to the performance. Not only does Bianco offer a visual spectacular, though, but also an entirely immersive promenade experience: the performance takes places in front of you, above you, behind you and even throughout the standing audience. Accompanying the performance will be a pounding soundtrack performed by a live band, pumping the theatrics up a notch and setting the unrelenting pace for what promises to be the company’s best show yet. You’ll find no ringmasters or clowns on unicycles, but the constantly evolving narrative will keep you on your toes as the action unfolds around you in a truly unique, all consuming theatrical experience that will change the way you see the circus for life. Still want to run away with the circus? Me too, and with a bit of training it may even be possible. NoFit State offer a range of training and education projects for all ages. Their Cardiff base offers weekly classes for beginners and improvers, alongside oneon-one tuition and master classes for the professionals. Whether it’s aerial training, juggling, unicycle or hula hooping, there’s bound to be a class that takes your fancy. MAIR UNWIN Bianco, NoFit State Big Top, John Street, Cardiff, Fri 12-Sat 27 June. Tickets: from £18-£22 / £16-£18 conc/ £54-£62 family ticket. Info: www.nofitstate.org
DEAD SIMPLE WE all have fears. For some people it's heights, others it's spiders and, for bestselling author Peter James, it’s being locked into confined spaces like a coffin. When he was writing his thriller Dead Simple, however, that’s exactly what he did. “I’m very claustrophobic,” James explains, “and when I was researching the book I was put in a coffin for 30 minutes, just to see what it was like, and it was the scariest 30 minutes of my life. “I asked this family-run undertakers to put me in. I arrived at 10 the next morning and all the staff were out, picking up bodies or at funerals, apart from this elderly grandpa who was in charge. He saw me and said, ‘oh yes, I forgot about you. You’re going to go in the coffin, aren’t you?’ “He said ‘you really want me to put the lid down?’ and I said yes, knowing that once he did it I can’t get out. I could hear the drill locking me in, and I suddenly thought, ‘what if he drops dead?!’” This is the basic idea behind Dead Simple: a groom-to-be gets locked in a coffin as part of a stag do prank, but things go wrong when the groom’s joker friends end up dead before they can get him out. This is the second of Peter James’ books to be adapted for the stage, after the success The Perfect Murder last year. Having done this before, does it feel any less surreal to James to have his characters brought to life? “When we were rehearsing, actually, Tina Hobley [who plays Ashley Harper] said to me: ‘You must feel like God. Because we were all inside your head, now we’re all standing in front of you!’” The most exciting part of the play for James isn’t the portrayal of his creations, but the evolutionary nature of the theatre. “When you write a book, it’s printed and then that’s it. You never ever change another word. Today it’s the same book you’ll read in six months’ time or 10 years’ time, but every single performance is different. “I’ve seen the play about 28 times now and I still love it every time. It’s improving every time as well, so by the time it gets to Cardiff it will be sharper.” HEATHER ARNOLD Dead Simple, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 2-Sat 6 June. Tickets: £9.50-£31 / £5-£27.50 conc. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk BUZZ 22
#150patagonia Marc Rees Crëwr a Chyfarwyddwr/Creator & Director 27 Mehefin — 11 Gorffennaf (heblaw dydd Sul) 27 June — 11 July (except Sunday) Storfa’r Tyˆ Opera Cenedlaethol Abercwmboi, Aberdâr. Royal Opera House Stores Abercwmboi, Aberdare. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru a National Theatre Wales mewn cydweithrediad ag S4C. National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru in association with S4C. Swyddfa Docynnau/Box Office +44 (0)2920 636 464 s4c.cymru/150
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Carlos aCosta on Before gyda\with Zenaida YanowskY
Gorff 3 & 4 JulY 2015
“Dance with beauty and style.” The Guardian
wmc.org.uk 029 2063 6464
Llun\Photo: Johan Persson
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LISA JEN Now with a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Album under their belt, psychedelic folk band 9Bach plan to keep making waves in the world of Welsh folk music. Lead singer Lisa Jen talks to Heather Arnold about gigs in gas cylinders, vomiting songs and revolution.
Though 9Bach certainly fall under the folk banner, their music doesn’t happily settle under just one title, and describing their sound isn’t exactly an enviable task. “I’m quite proud of the fact that we have been labelled as genre defying,” laughs the band's lead singer, and co-founder, Lisa Jen. “Are we rock, are we folk, hip-hop, alternative folk? It’s caused a lot of journalist headaches! “I met a couple in Greece last week and they asked me what type of music it is. I said it’s kind of music to come down to. I imagine it as the music you listen to coming home from a club at five in the morning, because it’s quite mantra-ish. One of the girls said ‘could I listen to it whilst smoking a spliff?’ and I said ‘possibly!’ But you’ve got to sit down and actually listen to it, I think. You can’t dance to it, you can sway to it.” The fact the music created by 9Bach is hard to define hasn’t stopped people falling in love with it, as the band took home the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ only publicly-voted-for prize: Best Album. “It’s brilliant that music lovers have voted for 9Bach,” Lisa states. “We’re a non-commercial, nonmainstream band. We’re not trying to be like anyone, we’re just us, and to be acknowledged for that is amazing.” Though this is an accolade that many musicians would dream of, it was never part of 9Bach’s masterplan. “We’ve worked incredibly hard and sacrificed a lot, whether that be our own careers as speech therapists and actors, and to be acknowledged for creating something truthful is brilliant. It’s lovely because we haven’t had this hunger for fame or to BUZZ 24
make it big. We never, ever thought that we would be a type of band that would win awards.” 9Bach have clearly come far from their humble beginnings as a couple (Lisa and Martin, the band's guitarist and percussionist, are now married) sharing their love of music:. “I remember doing one of our first unprofessional gigs in an open mic, and yeah – it does feel extremely surreal. There have been five or six children born in our family as well, during that journey. We quite often remember dreaded gigs that we did for four or five people when we’d travelled eight hours to get there! We also remember amazing gigs like the ones we played in Colours of Ostrava, a fantastic festival in the Czech Republic. We played to two thousand people in an old gas cylinder, and we got a standing ovation. I remember walking around this festival thinking ‘oh my god! I have seen nine civilians with an actual copy of our CD in their hands!’’”
“ There’s a very strong revolutionary seed that’s been a little time bomb in my belly” 9Bach released their first album, Yr Eneth Gadd Ei Gwrthod (The Rejected Maiden), in 2009. The album, a collection of traditional Welsh folk songs given a 9Bachian twist, was well received but it was their second album Tincian (which included, for the
first time, songs written by Lisa herself) that really blew reviewers out the water. “I had no intention of starting songwriting,” Lisa notes. “It was only when I went to travel Australia in 2013 to collaborate with an Aboriginal arts collective that I started involuntarily vomiting songs. Before that my need to write my own songs was never there. If I even tried, I’d look at the paper and go ‘that’s terrible!’ “Tincian was my first bash at songwriting, so I’m quite excited and intrigued to see what comes out of me with the third album.” Now with a prestigious award under their belt, what can be expected of 9Bach’s third album? “My husband’s been going on at me for the last few months, asking ‘any new songs?’ Lisa says. "I just want to slap him and say ‘I can’t just sit on the nest and expect the egg to pop out!’ I’m also becoming much more political as an artist. I’ve been quite ponderous about what this third album’s going to be; I just don’t want to write songs about love willy-nilly. I want to say things, I want to shake people. “There’s a very strong revolutionary seed that’s been a little time bomb in my belly and something’s got to give. I am feeling like my voice is coming and I can’t force that. I have to be very clear about what I want to say for the next album. It’s not going to be about ‘you left me’ and love and loss. It’s going to be something stronger.”
9Bach play the Roots Unearthed night at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Mon 6 July. Tickets: £12. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
bring learning to life on kate humble's working farm outside monmouth Make a Garden Trug or Basket 13th June Pigs for Beginners 20th June Sustainable Bee-keeping 12th July Build a Clay Pizza Oven 18th July Sheep for Beginners 15th August Smallholding for Beginners 22nd August Foraging: Taste of the Hedgerow 29th August Caring for Ex-batt Hens 12th September Beeswax Soap & Balms 18th September Design an Edible Garden 20th September
FARM SHOP & CAFÉ OPEN Daily 10AM - 4PM Browse the fantastic selection of local produce & enjoy some delicious local food in the cafe
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film
by Keiron Self
JURASSIC WORLD ****
MINIONS***
Dir: Colin Trevorrow (12A, 120 mins) Welcome to Jurassic Park! Again. Twenty-two years after Steve Spielberg brought photo-realistic dinosaurs rampaging to the big screen comes the next stage of dino-evolution. Isla Nublar is now a fully functioning theme park, as the first film envisioned, complete with a dino sea world where killer whales are fed to the huge Mosasaurus. Unfortunately visitors are down after 10 years of raking in the cash, so the park runners (overseen by Bryce Dallas Howard’s scientist Claire Deering) have decided to dabble with nature and misguidedly create new attractions to keep the tourists coming in like Indominus Rex – bigger and nastier than T-Rex and without those silly little arms. Naturally things don’t go to plan, and soon there is running and screaming and eating of second tier characters. Chris Pratt plays the Indiana Jones of the piece, velociraptor trainer Owen Grady tasked with dealing with the rogue mutant dinosaurs amidst a sea of edge of seat CGI. A continuation of Jurassic Park with stakes raised and scope expanded, the World has a smart director in Safety Not Guaranteed helmer Trevorrow and healthy nostalgic nods to the first film. And, it’s more dinosaurs roaring and eating people - classic cinematic blockbuster DNA. Opens June 11
Dir: Kyle Balda + Pierre Coffin (PG, 90 mins) Ah, the Minions. By far the best things about the Despicable Me movies, their blend of nonsense talk and French, together with Tom And Jerry slapstick, warmed the hearts and tickled the funny bones of everyone. Now they have quite wisely got a film of their own. They’ve aided and abetted villains throughout the ages from the dinosaurs to Napoleon, the yellow nonsense burblers need an evil boss to follow and Kevin, the tall, thin one, sets out with Stuart and Bob to find one. Their quest leads them to Supervillain Con and Scarlet Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock, who plans to take over the world with inventor husband Herb (Jon Hamm), and hires the Minions to help her do it. Set in the 1960s, the film follows the anarchic group as they move from Antartica, to New York to swinging London, insert retro gags here. Naturally the fate of Minionkind ends up being at stake and it’s up to the banana-obsessed trio to foil it. Perhaps the Minions would have been served better with a series of vignettes than the plot they have been saddled with, but this still has consistent stupidity, charm and is often laugh out loud funny. Banana! Opens June 26
LISTEN UP, PHILIP **
ENTOURAGE ***
KNOCK KNOCK ***
Dir: Alex Ross Perry (15, 108 mins) A slice of self-indulgence about the creative process with a very unlikeable but compelling Jason Schwartzman as a novelist about to publish his second novel. Schwartzman’s Philip is a tortured soul supposedly hemmed in by the noise and bustle of New York and his deteriorating relationship with girlfriend Ashley (played by an excellent Elisabeth Moss). He decides to leave for the country and stay at the summer house of his idol, the equally unlikeable Ike Zimmerman (Johnathan Pryce) and his daughter Melanie (Krysten Ritter). Zimmerman himself is a failing writer, unable to create another novel, lashing out at others. A meandering tale of acerbic ego, leavened by Elisabeth Moss’ luminous performance, writer/ director Perry’s film frustrates. It’s up close and personal camerawork and looseness occasionally lacks focus, but its portrayal of compromised creativity is refreshingly dark. Listen Up Philip boasts strong performances but ultimately falls on deaf uninterested ears. Opens June 5
Dir: Doug Ellin (15, 100 mins) The HBO TV series apparently based on Mark Wahlberg’s life comes to the big screen with all its original crew on board, four years after it concluded with its eighth series. Jeremy Piven, taking a break from overly sincere acting on Mr Selfridge returns as shark agent Ari Gold, who is now a studio head and wants his boy Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) to star in his first movie as head. Chase agrees, if he can direct as well. Naturally this becomes a problem with the team of Eric (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Johnny (Kevin Dillon) backing up their hometown friend in the cutthroat world of Hollywood. Star cameos abound from Wahlberg himself to Ronda Rousey going UFC on the gang, Liam Neeson, Billy Bob Thornton, Jessica Alba and many more show up to mess about a bit at Hollywood’s expense. Fondly remembered as it is, whether Entourage deserved a movie is open to question but looks to continue the vibe of the series – so expect an expletive filled testosterone ride, with lashings of male bonding. Opens June 19
Dir: Eli Roth (18, 96 mins) After rejuvenating his action skills with John Wick, Keanu Reeves has made another canny choice in this horror thriller from goremeister and Hostel director Eli Roth. Based on a 1977 exploitation flick Death Game, this is essentially a three hander as goody goody family man Keanu has two beautiful girls (Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo) turn up at his door when his wife and children are out. They flirt mercilessly with him, leading to an eventual threesome. The following day the girls turn nasty, manipulating and torturing Reeves with growing unpleasantness – punishment for his sin. It’s a home invasion thriller but with a gleeful helping of camp and restraint from normal gore hound Roth. The terror here is mostly psychological, the house becomes very claustrophobic and the unbalanced girls manage to be very amusing amidst the menace. It’s a B-movie carried off with wit by Roth, a first, with Reeves’ ‘acting style’ fitting the proceedings perfectly. Far more fun than you’d think. Opens June 26
ALSO RELEASED JUNE 2015: INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3 (15) More insidious insidiousness. SURVIVOR (15) Pierce Brosnan and Milla Jovovich face off is this spy thriller. QUEEN AND COUNTRY (15) John Boorman’s belated sequel to the excellent Hope And Glory sees the grown up protagonist of the first film, now drafted into the army and kicking against his superiors. Handsomely made. ACCIDENTAL LOVE (12A) Misfire from David O Russell, after a woman gets a nail in her head, making her unpredictable in comedy romance shenanigans. Jessica Biel and Jake Gyllenhaal star. It’s not great. Like a nail in the head. HUMAN CENTIPEDE 3 (18) More poo-munching and depravity for those who like their films repellent and nauseating.
MR HOLMES ***
SPY ****
Dir: Bill Condon (12Am, 103 mins) A handsome, well-acted take on the elderly Sherlock Holmes, greatly aided by Ian McKellen’s stately performance. Based on Mitch Cullin’s novel, A Slight Trick Of The Mind, this has the retired supersleuth Sherlock Holmes living out his final days in a country home with his housekeeper (Laura Linney) and her young son Roger (Milo Parker). The stories that have been written about him by former colleague Dr Watson fill him with ire: he never wore a deerstalker or smoked a pipe. Increasingly frail, Holmes wants to solve the case that ended his career years ago, trouble is its de-tails have now faded from his mind, but he is desperate to recover them and ease his conscience. The film follows him through clumsy flashback and an unnecessary de-tour to Japan, before finally unloading some emotional heft. McKellen’s performance engages, papering over some clunky script issues, his relationship with the young Roger is full of poignancy and twinkly emotion. Director Condon, who worked with McKellen on the excellent Gods And Monsters, gets the best out of his star again, but some of the stodgy plotting cannot be avoided. Not a complete success then, but a stately, winning glimpse into an alternate version of the once again uber-famous de-tective. Opens June 19
Dir: Paul Feig (15, 120 mins) Melissa McCarthy goes Jason Bourne in this entertaining spy comedy from the director of Bridesmaids, The Heat and the upcoming all-female Ghostbusters, Paul Feig. McCarthy plays Susan Cooper, who joined the CIA to fight the bad guys but has ended up behind a desk using her techie skills, (on whom she has a massive crush) get all the glory. When Fine’s career comes to an abrupt end, via assassination by Bulgarian arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (a very amusing Rose Byrne), all the identities of the CIA’s top operatives are compromised, including that of meathead Jason Statham. They need someone unknown to stop this threat, and McCarthy is allowed to step up: disguised as a frumpy middle-aged woman but armed with a series of amusing gadgets taking the forms of stool softeners and hemorrhoid creams. She proves very capable in the field, unleashing hell on her opponents, headbutting and wisecracking with equal skill. Aiding her quest are Miranda Hart, playing a dithering best friend, and Peter Serafinowicz’s ludicrous Italian agent, Aldo. The action is handled as well as the comedy with McCarthy easily making up for the tedium of Tammy and Identity Thief in this more full blooded and far funnier vehicle for her substantial comedy chops. Opens June 5
SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY ***
THE HALLOW ****
THE LONGEST RIDE **
Dir: Peter Bogdanovich (15, 82 mins) A screwball comedy with a somewhat ropey premise, Peter Bogdanovich’s new film still manages to entertain thanks to a stellar cast and some witty, acerbic banter. Owen Wilson is a director casting for a play, the night before the auditions he calls up a call girl (a superbly Noo Yawk-accented Imogen Poots) and treats her to a night on the town, Wilson says she must give up her life as a prostitute and follow her dream to become an actress and offers her $30,000 to do so. So far, so creepy. Poots decides to do this, upsetting her regulars and her psychotherapist, Jennifer Aniston who again plays nasty here. Poots soon finds herself auditioning for the play Wilson is directing – a play which also stars Wilson’s wife, a delicious Kathryn Hahn, who has brought an old flame along to boot. Much farce ensues, with people running in and out of rooms, having faces slapped and falling over. Rhys Ifans, Will Forte and Cybil Shepard are amongst the cameos in a breezy Woody Allen-esque romp.
Dir: Corin Hardy (15, 92 mins) An arresting horror film, shot with a painterly eye and some very well realised and creepy monsters, The Hallow is a cut above the usual genre fare. A couple, Joseph Mawle and Bojana Novakovic, relocate to rural Ireland with their newborn baby and are warned by the locals not to venture into the wood. As Mawle’s new job is surveying the forest, this advice is shrugged off and soon he come into contact with a zombie fungus (which really exists), a goo that grows inside ants until their heads explode. Then there’s the creatures that live in the woods, banshees and such, keen to capture children. From a slow burn opening to a full on action showdown, The Hallow mixes body horror, folklore dread and creature features in a well-executed debut feature from director Hardy. The tension never lets up and practical effects rather than CGI shock and alarm, the horror is elemental and the suspense nail biting. The Hallow harrows.
Dir: George Tillman Jr (12A, 139 mins) Literary slush from the pen of Nicholas Sparks is translated once more into celluloid slush, anybody who liked Dear John or The Notebook will bawl at this turgid but pretty drama. Scott (son of Clint) Eastwood stars as a rodeo rider who has a nasty accident after being thrown from a bull. He shouldn’t ride again, but with family farm bills to pay and a widowed mother to keep, he may have to. Then he falls in love with sophisticated New York type Britt Robertson, can a cowboy really get on with a city gal? The pair then save old Alan Alda and a box of letters from a burning car. The letters tell of Alda’s own Jewish love story during World War II, which we see in sepia flashback, and whose machinations influence the lovers in the present. A star crossed lovers tale in two time periods, neither that interesting but given gusto by the cast. All Nicholas Sparks’ adaptations are interchangeable, if you’d like to see another version of The Notebook, try it.
Opens June 26
Opens June 19
Opens June 26 MISS JULIE (12A) Jessica Chastain and Colin Farrell star in this solid if unremarkable adaptation of the Strindberg play as Chastain’s aristocrat attempts to seduce her father’s valet. SLOW WEST (15) Michael Fassbender and Ben Mendelsohn star in this intriguing Western, travelling across America with a 16-year old boy in search of the woman he loves. THE LOOK OF SILENCE (12A) Another gruelling documentary from Joshua Oppenheimer, as genocide survivors in Indonesia confront their family’s killers. Harrowing. GASCOIGNE (12A) Documentary about the blubbing footballer beset with personal problems, with contributions from the likes of Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney. Fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine!
food/drink
BRINGING THE BARBURRITO
CARDIGAN BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL pic: Jazz Guy
Fish lovers rejoice, Mair Unwin has the perfect plaice for you: the Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival has fishy frolics and a few tasty surprises. Move over meat festivals. For one day only, the picturesque setting of Aberaeron harbour is being turned into a fish-loving foodie haven with schools of stalls serving up some of the best seafood in Wales. Last year saw over 30 food and drink producers serve up an array of fishy treats to around 7000 eager visitors. The festival was established in 1997 by a local fisherman who wanted to display the variety of fish available locally, and demonstrate how they could be prepared. It aimed to demystify fish and shellfish and increase the demand for the local produce that was becoming increasingly rare in people’s homes. The festival has been a real hit on the food calendar now for years, proving that the local seafood trade is far from floundering. This year, you’ll be able to sample everything from crab to cod in all manner of ways. Previous festivals have seen paellas, seafood noodles, shellfish soups and much more – some of which are expected to be back and even better this year. The perfect place for fish enthusiasts to taste food with real sole, the festival will also feature 12 professional chefs, including Michelin star chefs
Gareth Ward, Hywel Jones, Roger Jones and Bryan Webb. Get up close as they demonstrate (with locally caught fish) on their stoves for a chance to see some of the best at work – you’ll even get to ask questions and taste their dishes. The festival gives you the chance to refine your fish filleting technique and pick up some handy tips, even beginners can tackle the important points about cooking up fishy dishes. If that’s not enough to reel you in, or maybe you’re just not that keen on fish, then worry not. Last year’s event saw not just fish stalls but also stalls for cheese, cider, chocolate, wine, and street food favourite Dirty Bird even made an appearance. Think it cod do better? There will also be brill-iant entertainment throughout the day. Despite the overwhelming fishy theme, there’s bound to be something there for everyone to have a whale of a time. Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival, Aberaeron Bay, Sun 5 July. Admission: free. Info: www.aberaeronfishfest.com
THE GALLERY GETS MICHELIN STAR CHEF Place a napkin on your lap, and prepare for a feast, as The Gallery Restaurant in Barry invites you to come celebrate their second anniversary. The restaurant (which has won the title of Welsh Sustainable Restaurant Of The Year two years in a row) will be hosting Michelin starred Chef Shaun Hill, who can usually be found serving up dishes at the Walnut Tree in in Abergavenny. The night was arranged by Chef Patron Barnaby Hibbert and food tour provider Food Adventure, and will include a four course dinner and a few glasses of birthday wine.
pic: Food Adventure
BUZZ 28
A Michelin Starred Birthday Bash, The Gallery, Barry, Mon 8 June. Tickets: £58. Info: www.foodadventure.co.uk / www.the-gallery-restaurant.co.uk
A Mexican fiesta spirit will soon float into Cardiff as chain restaurant Barburrito opens its doors in St David’s Centre. They will be serving up a range of burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos. Their guacamole, grilled chicken and steak marinates promise to be full of flavour as they are accompanied by chilli, jalapenos, fresh salad and spices. Since opening in Manchester in 2005, Barburrito has established itself as one of the most likeable restaurants in the city, winning the prestigious BBC Newcomer Award at the Manchester Food And Drink Festival. Info: www.barburrito.co.uk
SEASIDE SEAFOOD With great views of the sea and harbour, and both inside and outside seating at the South Promenade in Aberystwyth, the new cafe bar Pysgoty (fish house) offers food so fresh you can see it being brought to the kitchen by local fishermen. The building has some interesting history, as it has previously been used by fishermen to store fish, as well as being the location of a public toilet. The owners of the cafe, fishmonger Craig Edwards and his wife Rhiannon (who is a chef) welcome guests to try affordable, short-travelled seafood, including finer dishes such as lobster. Info: www.pysgoty.co.uk
pic: Matteo Paciotti
5 OF THE BEST... Things To Make With Strawberries
To celebrate Hendrewennol Fruit Farm’s Strawberry Festival on Sat 20 and Sun 21 June, Bethan Winnall suggests making something more unique than jam. STRAWBERRY BBQ SAUCE If you want to jazz up your barbecue this summer, try this simple method of adding a sweet touch to your BBQ sauce. Just mix a couple of chopped strawberries with some vinegar, garlic, rosemary and hot pepper sauce. Drizzle over your fresh-off-the-barbie burgers, and voila, you’ve got yourself one homemade sweet‘n’savoury signature dish.
STRAWBERRY GOATS CHEESE GUACAMOLE For the crisps and dips fans out there, here is a new one to try. This creamy guacamole is the perfect mix of melty, cheesy goodness that comes with a sweet twist. Simply mix some ripe strawberries into your homemade goats cheese guacamole and enjoy the cheesy sweet love story that unfolds on your tastebuds.
STRAWBERRY FOCACCIA WITH MAPLE-BALSAMIC ONIONS Try a new take on a traditional starter dish with this strawberry focaccia recipe. By simmering the strawberries in the balsamic vinegar they lose some of their sweetness, leaving your focaccia with a fresh, tangy taste that isn’t overbearing. A good way to mix things up at a dinner party, or as a tasty snack you can auto-cram into your mouth during a Netflix marathon. Hey, at least you’ll be getting one of your five a day.
STRAWBERRY PIEROGI This Polish dumpling dish is the ultimate comfort food. With finely chopped fresh strawberries encased in a delicious pastry, it is best enjoyed warm to get the full benefit. This would be perfect served with cream as a dessert, or alongside a main dish without. It’s up to you how creative you want to go with this recipe.
STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE NACHOS Who says nachos have to be savoury? This is the 21st century: women wear trousers and have the right to vote and everything. So, if you’re a rebellious scallywag who abides by no laws, try out this recipe. All you need to do is buy a bag of plain tortilla crisps, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, add chopped strawberries and drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Quick, easy, and SO TASTY.
Strawberry Festival, Hendrewennol Fruit Farm, Cowbridge, Sat 20 + Sun 21 June. Admission: free. Info: 01446 781670 / www.hendrewennol.com
RUTH’S EASY PAVLOVA words RUTH JOSEPH www.ruthjoseph.co.uk www.veggischmooze.blogspot.com This is the simplest meringue mixture and is one I’ve used for years. It does not produce a marshmallowy texture but is crisper and, with the addition of soft brown sugar, produces a meringue that has a richer toffee taste. If you prefer, make small meringues, pile them up on a decorative plate alternating with the whipped cream and strawberries. It will look equally as lovely. The secret to the perfect meringue is the cleanest bowl to whip the egg whites and a metal bowl ensures a cleaner surface. Some chefs run a lemon over the clean surface to remove any trace of grease. SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS: MERINGUE: five free-range egg whites (use the yolks for biscuits, folded into mashed potato and baked, mayonnaise or a luscious rich custard) / 200g fair-trade soft brown sugar / 200g sieved icing sugar / 20g vanilla sugar FILLING: 284ml or 10fl oz whipping cream / 20g sieved icing sugar or more to taste / 200g fresh strawberries (or more if you wish to be indulgent) hulled, washed and soaked in a dash of framboise liqueur / a little fresh mint for decoration PREPARATION: • Set oven to 100 degrees Celsius • Whisk the meringue ingredients together until you have a mixture that looks like glossy, stiff clouds. • Outline the rough shape of a basket on a baking tin lined with baking parchment and fill with the meringue mixture. • Bake in a slow oven for about two hours, until slightly golden and the base removes easily and crisply from the paper. If it's not done in the time, just leave in for longer. Ovens vary. • When cooked, leave in a cool place wrapped carefully in kitchen foil until needed. Then place on a pretty serving plate. • Just before serving, fill with stiffly whipped cream or, for absolute richness, beaten mascarpone cheese and masses of strawberries for a fabulous dessert that tastes of warm summer days.
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food/drink
ETHICAL EDIBLES
FRUIT FIELDS
FOREVER
words RUTH JOSEPH www.ruthjoseph.co.uk www.veggischmooze.blogspot.com pic: Camera bee
FOR FORAGE SAKE This month, Wild Pickings forager Jade Mellor will be hosting an evening to celebrate the elegant taste of elderflower. She tells Heather Arnold all about her life as a food forager. Foraging is in vogue. Not only is it local, green (if it’s done responsibly) and reeks of bohemian dreams – it’s also free (and much more glamorous than dumpster diving). It’s not simply skipping around the park, picking up your lunch and having regular breaks to make daisy chains, however; it’s important that you know what you’re doing when you pick your own grub. Jade Mellor, founder of Wild Pickings, has been collecting wild food all her life and now runs workshops to teach her trade. “I think foraging is in my bones,” she says. “My parents met hop picking in Kent and childhood summers were spent out on farms with my mother. As a teenager I worked for a small cider farm, collecting fruit in old orchards. I do feel like I was born to be a picker! “It was when I moved to Wales about a decade ago that the world of wild food really started to unfold” Jade explains. “I spent a couple of years working for a local forager, collecting wild leaves to supply restaurants in London. During this time I was experimenting with foraged ingredients and using them to make preserves, cakes, chocolates and other delicious edible things. This is what I enjoy most, the whole cycle of gathering from the wild then making food in my kitchen. Setting up my own foraging business and bringing it to the people in my community in Wales felt like a BUZZ 30
natural progression.” The art of foraging isn’t just about picking up everything you see, however, and it’s important to know when you can eat what. “Wild food is cyclical, seasonal, it usually follows a pattern. I guess because I've been foraging for a while now I've tuned in to that. Watching nature helps, noticing when the birds start to eat the berries. That is usually a sign that they are juicy and ready for picking.” Jade runs workshops all year round, but this month has teamed up with artist brewer Jacob Whittaker, to get people excited about elderflower. “We'll start with a walk through the wilder side of Cardigan, along the hedgerows and through the green spaces, picking blossoms to take back to the kitchen where we'll be making elderflower champagne and eating other delicious elderflower treats. Participants will learn about traditional and modern uses of elderflowers and how to responsibly harvest them. They'll get a bottle of elderflower champagne to take home too!” Elderflower Evening, Small World Theatre, Cardigan, Tue 16 June. Tickets: £20/£10 kids. Info: www. wildpickings.co.uk
Lighter evenings and warmer days bring the promise of the first British strawberry harvest. There is nothing quite as decadent as sinking your teeth into the warm, sweet luscious flesh of a British strawberry, that has hung on the stem until juicy ripeness. As the farmers generally offer different varieties other than the Elsanta variety so popular with the supermarkets, it’s worth the effort to pick your own. Imagine setting out with a basket at your side and wandering through rows of bright red strawberries begging to be picked. It’s the perfect way to share a day with your children, illustrating where and how fruit is grown. The true magic of the day will be in your memories as you come home laden with your harvest. Although it’s backbreaking work, the rewards are phenomenal. You’ll be addicted to searching for the plumpest, sweetest fruits that nestle in the straw, usually under the leaves and, even if you only manage a small punnet, the day will be memorably scented with their delicious aroma. If it’s too difficult for you to pick, seek out a good farmers’ market selecting the best fruit you can or buy from a local farmer. My days at the Hay Festival are more of a treat with the contents of punnets to nibble listening to the speakers and more to take home. If you want to serve them to friends they are delicious simply cleaned, then with sugar if you wish, and cream on the side. You could also make the simplest meringue case and adorn them with it.
food/drink
LAS IGUANAS
pic: Chucks
1-4 Castle Square, Swansea. 01792 930565 / www.iguanas.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere *** Purpose-built at the very end – or beginning, depending which way you come in – of Wind Street, overlooking the square, Las Iguanas’ 43rd restaurant is now open. The concept remains the same: the menu has changed slightly over the years and their cocktails are still made with their own Magnifica cachaça from their plantation in Brazil, and still a winner. They’ve gone for the industrial look, which appears to be still in vogue – high ceiling, bright colours, open pipes and brickwork which, while trendy, does make the Swansea restaurant an energetic setting. To the menu, and we started with calamares in cayenne and cassava crumb and Albondigas Patagonian-style lamb meatballs with apple, mint, parmesan and nutmeg. These were followed by the classic chicken fajitas and churrasco skewers, plus marinated, skewered and flame-grilled fillet steak, red onion and peppers with honey peri-peri sauce, salad and cassava fries. Mains were followed by dulce de leche macadamia cheesecake (creamy vanilla cheesecake with roasted macadamia nuts and dulce de leche sauce) and tembleque (a chef challenge winner from the Las Iguanas team – creamy set coconut pudding with mixed berries and mango sauce). The desserts perfectly offset the spicy, feisty starters and main courses. Las Iguanas has its niche and delivers it. Expect a party atmosphere, plenty of caipirinhas (which you may be asked to make at your table), and a great, lively venue. If you are looking for a fun night out, you have arrived. ANTONIA LEVAY
STREET FOOD CIRCUS
Old Stable Yard, John St, Cardiff. www.streetfoodcircus.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere *** As the summer blossoms and the sun (sometimes) shines, Street Food Cardiff has moved outside to its circus-loving new site. Tucked slightly behind NoFit State Circus’ building on John Street, but signposted with a bright and colourful entrance, is their brand new festival-esque Street Food Circus. Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this month, Street Food Circus has a great summer BBQ vibe – though there is plenty more than hotdogs and burgers on offer. The deceptively big site centres around a big top tent (providing a bar, and shelter for bad weather, whist also embracing the circus vibe) that is surrounded by street food vans. The vendors work on rotation, so you never know just who you’re going to get, but there is certainly no shortage of talent in the list. With so many tasty trucks on offer the most difficult part of the Street Food Circus is deciding where to eat. I started with a Moo Bao from Chinese vendor Hokkei, a takeaway owned and run by two Masterchef finalists. This doughy steamed bun was full to the brim with the perfect combination of soft and flavoursome beef brisket, kimchi (Korea’s national dish of pickled cabbage with chilli; this sharp side dish isn't usually my favourite, but is brilliantly paired here), coriander and red cabbage. On to main course number two and I wandered on over to Purple Poppadom’s Street Kitchen, the street food version of Canton’s award winning Indian restaurant. They were serving up Frankie rolls: omelette-covered flatbreads filled with curry-inspired goodness. I went for the tandoori chicken tikka filling which was rich and tasty, and paired with suitably a sharp pickled cucumber. There was plenty more to try, but highlights included spectacular Dirty Fried Chicken, the tender and tasty 24-hour-smoked pulled pork of Hang Fire Smokehouse and Mr Churros’ light and sugary churros, served with melted chocolate. HEATHER ARNOLD
THE RIDGEWAY BAR AND KITCHEN
Ridgeway Avenue, Newport. Info: 01633 266053 / www.storyinns.com Food ***** Atmosphere ***** Not noted for fine cuisine, there is one corner of Newport that caters beautifully for ladies and gentlemen who lunch, and indeed dine: The Ridgeway Bar And Kitchen, just up the hill past the Civic Centre, and well worth the walk. There is a small bar, and a much larger dining room, with a tiny kitchen, in which culinary miracles take place. There are two menus, one lunch and one dinner; specials are on blackboards, but be quick as they vanish early. This lunchtime it was leek and potato soup with wilted leeks and warm bread, sautéed wild mushrooms on toasted craft bread, pan-fried scallops with RFC (that's Ridgeway Fried Chicken), fennel remoulade and chicken jus. Then a grilled 4oz fillet of Welsh beef, oxtail suet pudding, spinach, onion rings and red wine jus. Just exceptional! And finally, my favourite: apple, pear and soft fruit crumble, with custard, two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a chunk of honeycomb. Pure heaven on an enamel dish. There is an exceptionally large wine list, from which we chose a U San Muletto Irresistible Blanc, Ile de Beaute for £18, which brought the bill to a very reasonable £60 including service. Talking of which, the staff are friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The pub is open all day, with brunch being served Friday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. There's afternoon tea, fish and chips to go, and several special evenings every month, including a steak night, and a fish night with the menu sourced from Astons of Cardiff. What more can one ask? Or, as my Welsh friends would say, "you can't fault it." MARK TIMLIN BUZZ 31
art
SEAN PULESTON: RED RAGS Elysium Gallery, Swansea Fri 12 June-Sat 4 July Red: the colour of love and seduction, of warning and danger, of anger and rage, and of protest and revolution. The election might feel years ago now, but the Elysium Gallery has been proving it isn’t afraid to keep art political. Last month artists Daniel Trivedy and Ryan Courtier took on the struggles faced by migrants in Migrant X, and this month Sean Puleston is exploring the symbol of the red flag and its role in protest. Inspired by the 1831 Merthyr Rising, the iconic rebellion of coal miners and other workers in Merthyr Tydfil, who were protesting low wages and unemployment (sound familiar?), between 7,000 and 10,000 people took part in the protest, which is thought to be the first time a red flag was used as a symbol of working class power. Red Rags not only explores how this small piece of cloth became the symbol of the rising, but also how it came to embody political ideas such as socialism and revolution. This isn’t just about coloured pieces of material, however, as Puleston’s work also aims to invoke the feeling of descending into chaos. Ploughing forward into a revolution armed only with strong feelings and scraps of information. It also reflects on an act of solidarity in which a community tried to take its future back from the powers-thatbe; a notion that has a particular potency in the current political environment, which is swimming in apathy and disenfranchisement. Puleston isn’t planning to create a gushing tribute to the political ideas tied to red flags, however, but an exhibition that appreciates the importance of imagery in our history whilst also questioning the problems of following any ideology that flies behind a flag. Admission: free. Info: www.elysiumgallery.com HEATHER ARNOLD pic: Ori Gersht
JON TONKS: EMPIRE
Ffotogallery, Penarth Sat 6 June-Sat 18 July The British Empire, at its peak, controlled 23% of the world’s surface – which was a pretty big deal way back when. Now, in its significantly more modest state, people often forget what the UK once was and few realise that Gibraltar isn’t the only overseas territory still under British control. Empire follows photographer Jon Tonks’ 60,000-mile journey across the South Atlantic, exploring life on four remote islands still under British control. Spending at least a month in each territory across six years, Tonks’ photography explores Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, the Falkland Islands and St. Helena. The collection photographs the people, landscapes and the pockets of history that remain on these relics of what was once a formidable empire. Despite the subject matter, Tonks’ work isn’t politically motivated or even nostalgic. The driving force behind Empire as a project was merely his own curiosity about the lives of these distant islands. Short texts provide a welcome accompaniment to each photo, combining history and anecdotes to tell the story of each island and its inhabitants, from washed-up lifeboats to the Chief Islander of the settlement. The work creates an insight that feels very British in its familiarity and yet somehow remains inexplicably strange. Admission: free. Info: 029 2034 1667 / www.ffotogallery.org (MU)
BUZZ 32
REDVERS JOHN: PLACE & IDENTITY
The Gate Arts And Community Centre, Cardiff Wed 10 June-Fri 3 July They say that punk is dead. Gone are the days of spiked hair, piercings and raging against the establishment! Then again, people also thought vinyl was dead until that had a huge revival in recent years (including the introduction of the vinyl music chart). So perhaps punk isn’t as dead as people think. Place & Identity is heavily inspired by the punk scene that gripped artist Redvers John as a teenager. The paintings take influence from the DIY ethic of punk fashion and artist Jamie Reid’s cut-andpaste ransom note style imagery used on many vinyl record sleeves. Interested in the world of art and music from a young age, John progressed to study a degree in fine art after completing an Access course at Coleg Sir Gar in Carmarthen. It was there that he became fixated with collecting and collage, which has led to his current collection of paintings. Not only do the paintings explore the collage style, but they also reflect John’s own memories that are intrinsically linked to his collection of vinyl records, memorabilia and landscape memories. Socio-political elements are incorporated into the art through fusions of what seem to be random icons from both past and present, giving a sense of nostalgia juxtaposed with the anticipation of the chaotic and uncertain world of globalisation. Admission: free. Info: 029 2048 3344 / www.thegate.org.uk (MU)
INTERNATIONAL CERAMICS FESTIVAL
Aberystwyth Arts Centre Fri 7 July Some define it as fine art, some as pottery, some as archaeological artefact; whatever category you put it in, the art of ceramics has been practiced and loved for generations. In early July the International Ceramic Festival will see a selection of the world’s most prestigious artists gather at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, where they will give demonstrations to students, collectors, amateurs and lovers of craft – all of who will get the chance to try their hand at making their very own masterpieces. Naidee Changmoh, known for his largescale monk sculptures, will be just one of the names there. Claiming Buddhism to be his primary source of inspiration– in my opinion, his work wouldn’t look out of place in a Miyazaki film – his over-sized, babyfaced monks are quite literally unmissable. From India Vineet Kacker brings his collection of Himalayan landscape inspired pieces, which have a contemporary-meets-tradition vibe about them, and the UK’s very own Christie Brown will also be there with her ‘plaster people’, which have been displayed in the V&A museum in London. An interactive art event such as this one will no doubt be a hit with anyone who enjoys doing things with their hands, and encourage those who don’t consider themselves ‘arty’ to have a go anyway. After all, we all have to start somewhere. Admission: free. Info: 01970 621903 / www.internationalceramicsfestival.org (BW)
FLORA
Oriel Davies, Newtown; Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen; National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire; Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran; Aberystwyth Arts Centre Until summer 2016 (final dates tbc) A blooming lovely collaboration between nine contemporary artists (Emma Bennett, Michael Boffey, Anya Gallaccio, Ori Gersht, Owen Griffiths, Anne-Mie Melis, Jacques Nimki, Yoshihiro Suda, and Clare Twomey), Flora is a travelling exhibition beginning in Powys, and then touring Wales. The exhibition demonstrates how flowers make visible and influence cultural, historical, geographic, social and scientific ideas. The nine artists have created pieces encompassing a range of media, from paintings and photography to installation and sculpture, all of which draw upon flowers for inspiration. The works in Flora show different perspectives on the representation of flowers in art, capturing the relationships between technology and nature, and peace and destruction. The artists also explore the possibilities of using living flowers and green spaces as sites for social change. The exhibition includes three new commissions by installation artist Owen Griffiths, painter Jacques Nimki, and clay sculptor Clare Twomey. Touring Wales until summer 2016, Flora will expand to include new residencies and commissions. Accompanying the exhibition is a programme of events, activities and creative workshops. Admission: free. Info: www.flora. orieldavies.org (JK)
Fragile Buzz.qxp_Layout 1 24/03/2015 09:38 Page 1
Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd National Museum Cardiff
Myned am dd iad im Free e ntry
BREGUS? FRAGILE ? Arddangosfa o Gerameg Gyfoes
An Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramics
18.04.2015 - 04.10.2015
Parc Cathays, Caerdydd CF10 3NP amgueddfacymru.ac.uk #BregusCaerdydd Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP museumwales.ac.uk #FragileCardiff Buzz ad .qxp_Laugharne card 23/04/2015 15:15 Page 1
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iad Myned im am dd try
n Free e
flora
23 May - 09 September
Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd National Museum Cardiff
Chalkie Davies ei stamp ar yr the
years
Emma Bennett Michael Boffey Anya Gallaccio Ori Gersht
Ffotograffau byd cerddoriaeth y 70au+80au
Lemmy Kilmister Š Chalkie Davies
Music Photography of the 70s+80s
Parc Cathays, Caerdydd CF10 3NP Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
09.05.15 - 06.09.15 #ChalkieDavies
amgueddfacymru.ac.uk museumwales.ac.uk
Owen Griffiths Anne-Mie Melis flora.orieldavies.org Oriel Davies Gallery, The Park, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2NZ T: +44(0)1686 625041 E: desk@orieldavies.org Mon- Sat 10am - 5pm
Jacques Nimki Yoshihiro Suda Clare Twomey
flora tours to Oriel Myrddin, National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, Aberystwyth Arts Centre in 2015 - 2016. See flora.orieldavies.org for info. flora is a National Touring Exhibition curated by Oriel Davies and supported by Arts Council of Wales. The flora Outreach on Tour schools programme is supported by the Ernest Cook Trust.
Jacques Nimki, The Little Florilegium, 2014
{150}
stage
Royal Opera House Stores, Aberdare Sat 27 June-Sat 11 July When you picture Wales, you don’t normally picture its close proximity with the Andes or a coastline on the South Pacific Ocean. In all honesty, you probably don’t picture Wales as being a part of Argentina at all, but travel to Chubut and you’re sure to find Welsh people living there. You might even be met with a “Croeso i Patagonia!” For the first time, National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru are teaming up to bring to the stage the story of the 150 Welsh men, women and children who settled in Patagonia in 1865. The migration took place in an attempt to preserve the Welsh culture, which people then believed was threatened at home. Despite an initial decline in the Welsh language, it was soon revived and evolved into Patagonian Welsh. The settlement, called Y Wladfa Gymreig, continues to hold many Welsh cultural activities including chapel, poetry and Welsh tea served in teahouses alongside the river. The language is kept alive by sending teachers to the settlement and knowing the language provides a level of reputation, even amongst people not of Welsh ancestry. The production will highlight the key moments from the history of the settlement, taking the audience on a journey that explores the mapping, mythology and origins of the colony. It will also offer a unique portrait of the current inhabitants, descendants of those first few travellers. The two companies are also working alongside artist Marc Rees and S4C to turn {150} into a multi-platform visual storytelling experience. Performances in Wales will include a specially commissioned film from Patagonia, and the production will be performed in English, Welsh and Spanish to reflect the diversity of the Welsh settlement. Tickets: £16.50/£14. Info: www.nationaltheatrewales.org MAIR UNWIN pic: Andy Hollingworth
HIJINX UNITY FESTIVAL
Various locations, Cardiff Wed 1-Sun 5 July Shakespeare, Mozambican dance, castaways and flashmobs... this year’s Unity Festival has everything you could want from live theatre, showcasing some of the best inclusive arts made by and with performers and creators with disabilities. With a huge range of both ticketed and free events, the festival will take place around Cardiff’s city centre and in the Wales Millennium Centre. Launching the festival will be Beneath The Streets Sequel, a creative collaboration between Hijinx and Punchdrunk Enrichment. The entirely immersive show is set to take place in a secret location in Cardiff, featuring a large cast of disabled and non-disabled actors, overlapping the first three days of the festival. Its predecessor had a sell-out run in 2014 and was recently nominated at the Wales Theatre Awards. Also set to return this year are France’s gritty circus trio, Cirque Inextremiste, with new show Extension. The show, full of dark humour, sees one performer trade in his wheelchair for a mini-digger and will take place at Weston Studio on Fri 3 and Sat 4 July. The trio will also be performing their 2013 hit show Extrêmités for free on Sat 4 and Sun 5 at The Hayes. There will be further variety over the five days, including Hijinx’s pod performances which will be popping up anywhere and everywhere. Tickets: from £10/£6 conc/£25 festival ticket. Info: www.hijinx.org.uk (MU) BUZZ 34
THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK
The Sabai Pavilion, Cardiff Thurs 4-Sat 13 June Following the tremendous success of their nationwide tour, The Lady Boys Of Bangkok are back in Cardiff this June to bring you their new show, Beauties And The Beats. It will feature all the glitz, glam, and cabaret that you may have seen in previous performances, with a few added twists to dazzle and delight. The beautiful Lady Boys will be reeling off comedy routines galore, alongside hit numbers in tribute to artists such as Rihanna, Cher, and Nicki Minaj. Their repertoire is given a moderate update as the years roll by, so as to include the latest crazily-costumed women of pop and the nation’s favourite musical singalongs; needless to say, this means that a Frozen medley is promised for 2015. The Lady Boys Of Bangkok come from the tradition of kathoey entertainment in Thailand – this being a term meaning something similar to transgender, but also encompassing effeminate gay men. Touring the UK regularly since debuting in 1998 at the Edinburgh Fringe, through the years they have worked hard to create a finely-honed, entertaining, and ultimately, visually stunning show. Whether you go for the comedy, the songs, the visuals, the authentic Thai cuisine cooked by their resident chef, or if you want to enviably eye their flat stomachs and impeccable hair, you can't fail to enjoy The Lady Boys Of Bangkok. Tickets: £11.75-£34. Info: www. ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk (BW)
EVERYMAN OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Wed 24 June-Sat 1 Aug If you like the theatre, but don’t want to miss out on the lovely summer weather – don’t compromise! The annual Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival lets you enjoy live entertainment out in the green. The festival starts off the garden party with a stage version of Blackadder The Third (Wed 24 June-Thurs 4 July). The famous BBC sitcom, set in the Regency era, sees sarky anti-hero Edmund Blackadder working as a butler for a flamboyant nitwit, better known as the Prince Of Wales. Debuting on Broadway in 1966, the musical Sweet Charity will be next on the agenda (Wed 8-Sat 18 July). Colour, retro designs and a live band are promised in this rhythmic production about a woman who always gives her love, and her cash, to the wrong man. Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It takes centre stage next (Wed 22 July-Sat 1 Aug). As with any Shakespeare comedy, you can expect love, rejection, runaways and crossdressing. The final show will give families the opportunity to come together, as dancing cutlery, singing furniture and menacing wolves fill the stage in Beauty And The Beast (Sat 25 July-Sat 1 Aug). The festival also includes two music-filled one-off shows: Forte Cabaret Group’s One Night Only on Sun 28 June and 57 Chevy – The Ultimate 50s & 60s Show on Sun 12 July. Tickets: £6-£16/£25 family tickets. Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk (HP)
KEVIN BRIDGES: A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY
Grand Theatre, Swansea / St David’s Hall, Cardiff Wed 1 + Thurs 2 July / Tue 8-Thurs 10 Sept If you type into Google the words ‘Scottish’ and ‘comedian’, Kevin Bridges’ cheeky grin is one of the first things to pop up onto the screen. The Glaswegianborn funnyman, previously singled out for praise by the great Billy Connolly, has been on an astounding rise to success since he first began his television career in 2008. This year, he will be touring his new routine, A Whole Different Story, which will be making its way to the Swansea Grand Theatre in July, and later on in September, to St David’s Hall in Cardiff. Blunt, unapologetic, and with an accent as thick as mud, Kevin Bridges is probably the kind of comedian you’d go to see with your friends as opposed to, say, your grandma – unless your grandma is a big fan of dark satire. Like other successful comedians before him, Bridges has the marketable talent of being able to produce a joke out of the most banal, depressing of subjects. Whether you’re familiar with Bridges’ work or not, A Whole Different Story is probably worth seeing – because, let’s face it, these days we all need some comic relief (and everything is funnier when said in a Scottish accent). Tickets: £25. Info: www.kevinbridges. co.uk (BW)
@WalesDance
Buzz Magazine The Echo The Stage The Times
2015 june/Mehefin
CAERDYDD / CARDIFF 12 - 27 JUNE / MEHEFIN
BIANCO 0333 222 9000
£13.50 - £22
nofitstate.org
26,27,28
26
friday Dydd Gwener
27
saturday Dydd Sadwrn
28
sunday Dydd sul
Cai Tomas. Photography / Ffotograffiaeth: Roy Campbell-Moore
Wales’ independent dance-makers share their latest ideas in a mid-summer weekend of performance, exhibitions, films and lively conversation. Gwneuthurwyr dawns annibynnol Cymru yn rhannu eu syniadau diweddaraf mewn penwythnos o berfformio, arddangosfeydd, ffilmiau a sgwrsio bywiog ganol haf.
www.wmc.org.uk / 029 2063 6464
www.chapter.org / 029 2030 4400
www.newportlive.co.uk/riverfront 01633 656679
Weekend passes £35, day tickets £15 and individual show tickets £10. Weekend passes available from Chapter. Tocynnau penwythnos £35, tocynnau dydd £15 a thocynnau sioeau unigol £10. Tocynnau penwythnos ar gael o Chapter.
Mynediad am ddim! Free entry!
tafwyl.org
www.walesdanceplatform.co.uk Wales Dance Platform is produced by Creu Cymru, with Wales Millennium Centre, Chapter, The Riverfront and Coreo Cymru. Supported by Arts Council of Wales. creative dance producer, wales cynhyrchydd creadigol dawns, cymru
Cynhyrchir Llwyfan Dawns Cymru gan Creu Cymru, gyda Chanolfan Mileniwm Cymru, Chapter, Glan yr Afon a Coreo Cymru. Fe’i cefnogir gan Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru.
Arts Scene in Wales asiw.co.uk
BUZZ 35
clubs
BARELY LEGAL
Sink @ Sin City, Swansea Sat 13 June Tonight has nothing to do with a certain dubious publication, you may or may not be pleased to hear. It is instead all about relative newcomer DJ Barely Legal, the London bass music lady also known as Chloe Robinson – who caught the attention of Wiley some years back and has enjoyed something of a fast track in popularity. This has also included sets at Fabric and her own label, the very new Pretty Weird Records. “That was stupidly exciting, especially being such a big fan of Wiley,” explains Chloe. “Fabric was such a big deal for me too, it all felt very surreal for it to come about so quickly. Being thrown straight into the deep end meant there was extra pressure to impress so I really put the work in from early. You can look forward to the debut Pretty Weird release coming out soon, with an A-side from Wen and a B-side from another fave who I’ve yet to share with everyone. Tonight is also an end of exams party, so there should be a decent amount of youngsters unlashing some steam. “I’ve played in Cardiff before and it was very fun and very lively,” says Chloe. “So I’m happy to be back in South Wales for Sink as I’ve heard great things. I’ll be bringing the fun vibes for the South Wales crew – everything from UK garage to jungle.” Tickets: £7. Info: 01792 468892 (RH)
BUZZ 36
SUB:CULTURE
The Moon Club, Cardiff Fri 12 June “We have the motto ‘strictly techno’”, explains Sub:culture promoter and resident, Tom Ware [pictured]. “However there are so many different forms of techno, and we are not to shy to bring all forms to the table.” Such is the ethos of this night, started three years ago by a group of friends who thought the capital could use more events geared towards the genre they have based said motto on. They are also at pains to give credit and acknowledge influence where it’s due to their contemporaries. “There are only a handful of nights like this at the same time,” says Tom. “Of course the days of Backroom are over, which were some of the very best techno events in Cardiff to date. Residents Dave Little and Clare James really knew what they were doing, providing us with some awesome times and quality music. We remember attending System 909 on many occasions over the years too. They brought a different side of techno along the lines of the Drumcode label sound. More recently Mood have played a massive part in bringing the Cardiff techno scene to life. They have brought so many good artists to Wales, like Answer Code Request, Happa, DJ Bone… the list goes on. Along with the occasional Holodeck events – which have made a comeback after many years, bringing the likes of Truncate and Surgeon, amongst others – the scene is very much alive.” Tom also has 14 years of production under his belt, with last single Bump particularly well received via the Suicide Robot label. Joining him in room one tonight are Iolo, Daen and Dirtytechnodog, while room two has Dan Gough and Aneurin. “Sub:culture’s music takes its inspiration from Berlin,” says Tom. “However there’s an abundance of good quality techno coming from the UK itself. We are lucky to have a resident DJ or two who are on their way in terms of music production, and you can expect to hear a lot of new and original material from the likes of myself and Dan Gough. I think that's what makes Sub:culture so attractive – if it’s good, play it.” Admission: £5. Info: 07874 370449 RYAN HEEGER
DIRTY FUNK ROCKERS
Release @ Undertone, Cardiff Sat 27 June You probably knew Gary Waters as Juice of Cally & Juice, the multi-award-winning hardstyle duo associated with Bionic, Ourstyle and Anarchy. That partnership sadly ended with their last set together on NYE, but for Release’s June event he partners with his wife, hardstyle DJ Frisky, to become the Dirty Funk Rockers. “Well, where do I start?” says Gary. “Frisky and I have been married for almost three years now. This brings a very unique twist to our B2B sets. We know each other inside out and I think this lends itself very well to our sets, which have a natural flow to them. I think anyone who has seen us DJ together can see how well we get on and how much fun we have behind the decks. The crowd pick up on this and feed off our energy. All in all it makes for one hell of a party.” The hardstyle scene has remained steadfastly popular, whereas other genres have waned or fluctuated, and Juice does his part to keep that spirit alive. “We know our success, and the opportunities we have been given to play all over the world is a privilege, not a right,” says Gary. “We treat every single set like it’s the biggest of our lives. Whether we are playing to 10,000 at a festival or 50 in a small club, we give it both barrels.” Admission: £4. Info: 029 2022 8883 (RH)
TOP CAT & DON CAESAR
Queens Hall, Narberth Fri 26 June As well as bringing two decades of success on the jungle, reggae and hip-hop scenes to this event, it is also something of a family affair for Top Cat, given that his DJ Don Caesar is also his eldest son. “It’s always great to work with Don,” Top Cat tells us. “There aren’t many people who would know me better than him. We keep it together as a family thing. Many years ago when he was very young he DJed for me in Cardiff. I have been to Wales a few times over the years and it’s always a great vibe.” Starting with Sensimilla Man in the late 80s, his many albums have spanned the genres mentioned above and more, most of which have been released through his own 9 Lives label. There is also plenty more incoming where that came from. “At present I’m working on the new Two Veterans jungle album,” he explains, “which features Tenor Fly and Top Cat with remixes from Aries, Jacky Murda, Lion Dub, and many more. I also have the follow-up to the debut reggae album from Italian reggae queen Ali Roots – I’m recording with her this summer. Watch out also for the 9 Lives Classics various artists album also to be released this summer.” Having picked up the title of MC Of The Year four times, the punters of Narberth can expect a world-class back catalogue tonight. Admission: £10-£14. Info: 01834 869323 (RH)
X MUSIC FEST
Bute Park, Cardiff Fri 12 + Sat 13 June For years now, Cardiff’s dance music scene has been desperate for a proper festival. One-day events at Splott Warehouse such as Color Festival and Off Piste have been great but it’s only now, with X Music Festival, that ravers have gotten the multi-day experience that they’ve been waiting for. Taking place over two days in Cardiff’s Bute Park, occasionally used for live music (Florence + The Machine in 2010, for example), there’s something for everyone at X Music Festival. Skepta [pictured] is riding a wave of hype lately after his Kanye West endorsement at the Brits, and will be ready to deliver a riotous set. House fans will revel in what are sure to be explosive sets from heavyweights like Gorgon City and Hannah Wants. Elsewhere My Nu Leng will bring their unpredictable, bassheavy beats to Bute Park. The BB Records duo transverse the whole spectrum with their sound, their pitch-shifted vocals and glitchy rumbles making them an act to watch out for. Drum’n’bass fans couldn’t really ask for a better booking, Andy C being arguably the biggest d’n’b act in the game. He’s in good company: fans will be hoping that sets from Nobody To Love producer Sigma, as well as DJ Fresh and Jaguar Skills, will make X Music Festival’s first year as memorable as possible. Tickets: £49.90. Info: www.xmusicfest. com (CW)
live
HOLY BOREDOM
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Sat 13 June Last year Clwb Ifor Bach was taken over for two days by Holy Boredom, a grassroots event that plucked bands straight out of the leftfield and put them on stage here in Cardiff. With acts such as Zun Zun Egui and Oliver Wilde performing, the event was gleeful, noisy, cacophonous fun. This year, Holy Boredom returns, and fans will be hoping it can top the mayhem from last year. Bands on this year’s bill include the London-based outfit Hey Colossus. The wild, psychedelic group will bring their winning blend of doomy prog and overwhelming noise-rock to Cardiff’s longest running independent venue. They’re joined by DIY garage-rockers Cowtown from Leeds, a band that play with an almost ecstatic glee. Their Facebook page labels them as a ‘party band’ and they couldn’t have found a more apt description: they’re going to be a riot. Holy Boredom may have its fair share of noisy rock bands, but it’s certainly not missing pop sensibilities. Jenny Hval [pictured] is a key example of this: an abstract, leftfield artist who never loses touch with what makes a good pop song. Hval’s icy demeanour and pulsating electronica is sure to set Holy Boredom alight. With other acts including Joey Fourr, who sound like Ariel Pink lost in a budget supermarket, Holy Boredom certainly isn’t going to be boring. Tickets: £10. Info: 029 2023 2199 (CW) BUZZ 38
PAOLO NUTINI
Singleton Park, Swansea Sat 20 June This month something very special is taking place in the gorgeous open air environment of Swansea's Singleton Park. The soulful Scot himself Paolo Nutini will be taking over the park to perform the Welsh leg of his headlining tour. Promoting his third album Caustic Love, the award-winning singer will be accompanied by his nine-piece band to perform some of his new songs and also a collection of his greatest hits. With the release of his debut album at just 19 years of age, his unique tone and emotive lyrics saw him rise up to become one of Britain's best indie artists. After nine years and three albums, including hits like like Jenny Don't Be Hasty, New Shoes, Scream (Funk My Life Up) and Pencil Full Of Lead, it seems he's only getting better with age. Mixing elements of blues, pop, rock and soul to create a truly captivating sound, ranging from intimate acoustic ballads to energetic big band swing, it's definitely going to be a night to remember. When Caustic Love was first released in 2014, the self-produced album immediately went to number one on the charts and achieved platinum status. It received acclaim from fans and critics alike, The Independent branding it “a deep soul masterpiece”. The support act for the show is none other than the utterly sublime Lianne La Havas, who'll also be promoting her upcoming sophomore album Blood. Havas released her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? back in 2012 and instantly earned herself critical acclaim. With the release of her new single Unstoppable, she has proved once more that her vocals and lyrics are among the best Britain has to offer. With a sold-out headlining tour of her own, this might be your only chance to see her live this year. It's truly a rare and unique treat to experience two artists of this calibre getting together for an event such as this, and to be able to enjoy it in one of Swansea’s best venues. Missing this event would be a grievous shame. Tickets: £42.50. Info: 0844 8440444 LLOYD BEST
PLEASE MIND YOUR HEAD VI
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Sun 5 July This mini-festival, brainchild of local hero Justin Evans, has been raising money for a great cause for some years now and the sixth incarnation is set to be the best yet. The charity in question is Headway, a cause very close to Evans’ heart. At 26, a routine eye test led to him being rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Since then, with the charity’s help, he is thankfully well down the road to recovery. His way of thanking them for their continued support over the past 10-plus years is to bring the great and good of the local music scene down to Clwb Ifor Bach for a party. Since its inaugural half-dayer in 2010, Please Mind Your Head has raised over five grand for Headway. The lineup this time around is as eclectic as ever. At the business end of the evening, we have ex-Boo Radley and Brave Captain songsmith Martin Carr, Wrexham’s always enjoyable Seazoo [pictured] plus a family reunion of sorts with Railroad Bill taking the stage after Junior Bill And The Scallies. There’s also an appearance from Chubbs (winner of the Welsh Beatbox Championships) as well as sets from Cardiff mainstays Francesca’s Word Salad and Gindrinker. At seven quid a pop, it would be very surprising if you could find a more charitable, enjoyable way to spend a summer Sunday. Tickets: £7. Info: 029 2023 2199 (BG)
RAILROAD BILL
Dempseys, Cardiff Fri 12 June Railroad Bill have been together, without pause, since 1986, and can claim to have outlasted just about all their contemporaries. This holds when considering them in the context of Cardif, their hometown, or of skiffle, their foundation genre. An ephemeral musical style to most – popular in 1950s Britain for a few years, then quickly deemed dated and uncool – pockets of true believers have kept its rickety sound alive. Plus, as Railroad Bill’s Dan Nichols observes, “There are now hundreds of groups who say they are skiffle-influenced due to the vintage and Americana booms. We play rock’n’roll British skiffle, influenced by punk rock, so we’re not like those.” A Railroad Bill live set bears this claim out: raucous, unvarnished and bereft of faux-rockabilly trappings. They’ve predominantly functioned as a live band over the years, with a mere handful of recordings across nearly three decades. That’s set to change this month, however, with the release of Pigs Might Fly, their first album since the 90s. “Music hall, calypso, rockabilly and jazz resonate through the album. Guests like Kizzy Crawford and rockabilly guitarist John Lewis mean certain songs are very unlike the Railroad Bill template,” says Nichols. Lewis will be tonight’s support, and you’ll be able to buy Pigs Might Fly right there, on vinyl should you choose. Tickets: £5. Info: 029 2023 9253 (NG)
SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Maritime Quarter, Swansea Fri 12-Sun 14 June After last year’s inauguration, this three-day bash reappears to cement its status as a cultural milestone for South Wales. Around 10,000 were in attendance last time and this year just as many jazz fanatics, if not more, are expected to show. This year’s event will play host to a intercontinental cast, with approximately 50 events in 10 venues with a mix of ticketed and free concerts and workshops. Acts billed include New Orleans band The Session, Holland’s Busquitos [pictured] and Italy’s Radio Londra with the fiercely adept percussionist Enzo Zirilli and Scottish guitarist Jim Mullen. Pianists Geoff Eales, Dave Jones, Gareth Williams and John Critchinson are sure to be highlights as well, the latter bringing along Shakatak vocalist Jacqui Hicks and saxophonist Art Themen. Also on the bill are big bands and larger ensembles such as Robert Fowler’s Gerry Muligan Concert Big Band, Lee Gibson and The Capital City Jazz Orchestra, Toby Stuart’s Monsters On A Leash (playing the music of Tower Of Power) and Average White Band’s Hamish Stuart and his octet. Many more artists are scheduled to attend and festival director Dave Cottle is very much looking forward to it: “I am thrilled it is happening again. Last year was a huge success and this will be as well.” Tickets: £10-£15 for individual performances. Info: 07900 314245 (CPI)
2015 JUNE 24 JUNE 24
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KAISER KAISER EZRA EZRA CHIEFS CHIEFS GEORGE GEORGE PLUS
RALEIGH RITCHIE
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EVERYTHING EVERYTHING
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SEASICK SEASICK STEVE STEVE PLUS
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VERY SPECIAL GUESTS
BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE GIGSANDTOURS.COM TICKETMASTER.CO.UK BRISTOLTICKETSHOP.CO.UK BRISTOLSUMMERSERIES.COM A METROPOLIS MUSIC PRESENTATION
MAY 2015
buzz publishers ltd
reviews albums BABYMETAL *****
and bassist Frankie Poullain are back in the game, and at last it’s the closest material we’ve had to Permission To Land in years. Rousing vocals, powerchords, guitar-tapping solos – the works. Hints of blues run through Roaring Waters, futuristic metal riffs underpin Mighty Wings and Mudslide and Hammer & Tongs also stand out in typical Darkness fashion. OS
Babymetal (earMUSIC)
DAWN OF MIDI ****
Oh come on, we all know this was either going to get one star or five, and if you’ve heard them you know damn well which one you’d give it, if only for its infectious insanity. Someone showed me this band’s live video of Gimme Chocolate!! a while back, which led to a few replays and shares with others after trying to explain their bizarre fusion of Fear Factory and Psy. Only in Japan… but now thankfully everywhere else. RH
Dysnomia (Erased Tapes)
CINERAMA **** Valentina (Scopitones) This is a reimagining of the 2012 album of the same name by Cinerama vocalist David Gedge’s other band, The Wedding Present. It’s an interesting idea that somehow really works. The songs sound very different here: instead of guitar-heavy indie they now range from lounge stylings to shimmering pop with elaborate string arrangements. All of which could come off as mere easy listening, but the melodies shine through and Gedge’s deadpan vocal delivery and down-to-earth lyrics stop it from being sugary. EG
DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD *** What Kind Of Love (Loose) Danny Wilson and his London based alt-country outfit return with a charming, effectively written collection of songs that propel you headlong into holiday season. An exploration of love in all its forms, the fifth album from the troupe overflows with joyful melodies and uplifting Americana, providing a breezy, feelgood experience for the listener. Taken individually, you probably wouldn’t call any of the tracks a classic, but as a whole they form a more than acceptable accompaniment to any summer evening. GT
THE DARKNESS **** Last Of Our Kind (Canary Dwarf) Introducing album number four from the glam-rock outfit. Granted, you’re probably trying to rack your brains about album number two and three, but the Hawkins brothers
Formed in Brookyln a few years ago, Dawn of Midi are jazz musicians that play acoustic instruments in a totally unique way. On debut album Dysnomia, the group have elected to largely forgo melody, with the band instead focusing on constantly evolving polyrhythms that weave in and out of sync with each other in a mesmerising fashion. The intertwining rhythms send you into a trancelike state, but the real rewards on this album come when all three musicians align together and click into time. CW
FIST CITY ***** Everything Is A Mess (Transgressive) This is a very accessible and immediately memorable sophomore album from the Canadian indie-punk four piece. Melodic songs, with excellent off-kilter clipped vocals, are backed by sometimes jangly, sometimes fast and spiky guitars and hypnotic rhythms; the combination is just perfect for rocking out to and will make you want to do just that. The songs meld with dreamy/spacey rumbling instrumental interludes to add interest and what you get is an accomplished, well-rounded record made to last. EG
GRAVEYARD JOHNNYS ***** Dead Transmission (Bomber Music) Since 2008, Chepstow’s Graveyard Johnnys have peddled an eclectic mix of rockabilly punk with an occasional pinch of folk. Think Gaslight Anthem mixed with a primitive Beach Boys sound – if you listen carefully enough, you might even pick up a Sex Pistols vibe. Frantic and energetic sound until midway through, the album briefly gets a bit acoustic and folky only to build up again and end with the passionate Little Witch. If I could give it six I would. DC
GAMES REVIEWS DOES NOT COMMUTE **** Mediocre It’s a race against not only time, but also yourself. As you help to drive all sorts of odd character around the streets, every turn you play is added to the next – meaning more and more cars come into play. The steering is a bit clumsy, but with a soothing jazz tune in the background, every turn gets funnier as well as more challenging. HP
COW EVOLUTION ** Tapps The point of this game is to keep pairing up cows to create new hybrid cows. The higher the level the cow is, the more money you earn from their poop. The game is boring, but you’ll keep pairing cows, just because you want to know what the next cow looks like. It only takes one time to become addicted – don’t do it! HP
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HUDSON MOHAWKE **** Lantern (Warp) Following 2014’s excellent single Chimes, Hudson Mohawke’s second album Lanterns has a hard act to follow. Although the start is patchy – no-one would blame you for skipping the likes of Very First Breath or Warriors – Lanterns improves considerably. Standout tracks include the titular song and Deepspace, both of which I’m sure we will see become cornerstones of his sets this summer. Also of note is Indian Steps, which explores HudMo's romantic side via the vocals of Antony And The Johnsons’ frontman Antony Hegarty. AC
JENNY HVAL **** Apocalypse, Girl (Sacred Bones) Jenny Hval’s first two albums were thoroughly engaging, arresting records that fully utilised her incredibly versatile vocal talents. Apocalypse, Girl is no different. From the very first words, “Think big girl / Like a king,” Hval sets out her mission statement, and she sticks to it. An swirl of noise swerves under the album’s best asset, her voice, which can go from a sinister drawl to a full throated shriek. This winning combination makes for an always unpredictable whirlwind of an album. CW
KATHRYN WILLIAMS **** Hypoxia (One Little Indian) Williams takes a further step into double figures with album releases and is still evolving, this time abetted by Ed Harcourt’s production. These nine songs are inspired by a project to commemorate 50 years of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. Mirrors is slinky and duplicitous, Beating Heart is gorgeous and {Battleships}, with its spooky scifi ambience, evinces Williams’ own skill with a couplet: “You read me the poem you wrote and it stuck like sick in my throat”. Hypoxia is the musical equivalent of a page turner. CS
KEN MODE **** Success (Season Of Mist) Success is a very relative term for KEN Mode who’ve been together since 1999, plugging away and never seeming to get the recognition they deserve. There’s an Unsane meets Jesus Lizard vibe to this album, with absolutely filthy basslines, atonal guitars and a solid backbeat. This is ugly music made with a dry sense of humour and a nihilistic attitude. Steve Albini was at the engineering helm for this, and captures their raw sound and gets the whole beautiful mess on tape perfectly. GM
LEFTFIELD **** Alternative Light Source (Infectious) The progressive house and hook-up trailblazers finally release a third LP, a mere 20 years after their debut. Now led only by Barnes, Leftfield still excel in menacing tub thumpers. TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimpe guests on the searing acid riff of Bad Radio, Universal Everything futureproofs Vangelis’ Blade Runner theme and Shaker Obsession jacks up the LFO into overdrive. Head And Shoulders, with Sleaford Mods' Jason Williamson, is a bit Marmite and Polica’s Channy is twisted beyond recognition, in a good way, on the burbling Little Fish. CS
MAJOR LAZER ** Peace Is The Mission (Because) Diplo enlists a platoon of guests on the Major’s third outing but the cartoon currently in production is proof he’s become a 2D parody of his former self. Opener Be Together
would be palatable if it was a Paloma Faith single; Blaze Up The Fire would have been good for The Prodigy more than two decades ago. Too Original is closer to the prime dancehall anarchy of the debut Major Lazer album with Switch and Light It Up would be passable with more autoerotica and less autotune. CS
NILS FRAHM *** Music For The Motion Picture Victoria (Erased Tapes) Nils Frahm is the name on the CD (or download or whatever), but this soundtrack begins instead with the thumping brilliance of German minimal techno auteur DJ Koze. All knotted vocals and descending buzzsaw basslines, it soon relinquishes the floor to Nils – whose gently soothing piano and amabient strings lull you into a grey haze of pleasantness. Ultimately, though, you might find yourself wishing for a few more Koze bangers. AJ
PARADISE LOST **** The Plague Within (Century Media) Around since 1988, Paradise Lost continue to find a balance between consistently good output and pleasing the underground doom movement. They are also very good live. This is album number 14, and is a return to their late-80s roots in terms of sound and content matter, including their death metal influences on the likes of Flesh From Bone. As always the cover design is also worth a mention, this time credited to Polish artist Zbigniew M. Bielak. RH
SAUNA YOUTH **** Distractions (Upset The Rhythm) Sauna Youth are a supremely interesting band: punk in provenance, but buzzing with ideas that protrude awkwardly from any attempt at classification. Distractions is full of weird electronic noises that fizz and hum around straight-up, Dr Feelgood-style, staccato riffs, overlaid with multilayered vocals. Future Tense is Distractions in microcosm, stomping in on a rock‘n’roll-monster-riff, developing psychedelic tendencies, digging its hooks in, then collapsing in a heap – all inside two minutes 30. A truly innovative approach to a classic sound. HR
SECKOU KEITA **** 22 Strings (Arc Music International) This charismatic Senegalese musician is renowned for a myriad of fruitful collaborations including, most recently, Welsh harpist Catrin Finch. Here, however, we hear Keita predominantly alone with his distinctive West African kora. A solo instrumental repertoire is usually a difficult domain, yet his compositional intuition and cultural awareness makes this recording a thing of beauty. His few vocal contributions also add a potent soulful dynamic to an otherwise alluringly tranquil album. CPI
VARIOUS *** Remembering Mountains (Tompkins Square) There’s a halfway interesting backstory to this compilation, which features 11 solo artists – all female, nearly all American – honouring the legacy of 1960s coffeehouse folkie Karen Dalton. Known for interpreting other people’s songs over writing her own, she however had a clutch of hitherto unseen lyrics, which have been gifted to judiciously chosen musicians for quasi-cover purposes. Many sound like descendants of Dalton and deliver music to match – Sharon Van Etten, Larkin Grimm – but electronic artists Laurel Halo and Julia Holter manage to be bold and anti-traditionalist. NG
WINTER VILLAINS ***
THE POP GROUP / SLEAFORD MODS ****
Once There Were Sparks, Now There Are Ashes (Owlet)
Nations / Face To Faces (Freaks R Us)
This Cardiff chamber-pop group’s second work delivers more mesmerising ambience. The characteristic icy hues make a return, though they are notably sharper than their first recording due in part to the intriguing electronic elements incorporated. Vocal harmonies are soothing and poignant but the overall direction of this album seems unclear. Some sections are overly repetitive, whilst others feel like cut and pasted ideas lacking in cohesion. Denunciation aside, this is still a laudable effort. CPI
YUCATAN *** Uwch Gopa’n Mynudd (Coll) With songs that sound as lush as the Snowdonian landscape that they were written in, Yucatan’s second album (translation: Above The Mountain Summit) is brimming with orchestral resonance, coupled with Dilwyn Llwyd’s gentle vocals. Reminiscent of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci during their quieter phases with a smattering of the brooding musical arrangements favoured by Sigur Ros, these eight songs – all delivered in the Welsh language aside from {Word Song} – are more melancholy than inspiriting, but still leave a pleasant aftertaste. BG
singles CANDY DARLING *** Going Straight (self-released) Jesus And Mary Chain-style drumming and minimal production meets a gothy pop-rock sensibility on this well formed seven-inch from the Bristol post-punk mob. Strong female vocals and catchy hooks mean that both tunes hit the mark on melody but they both feel too derivative to be really great. EG
EVERYTHING EVERYTHING **** Regret (RCA) Second single from Everything Everything’s upcoming album Get To Heaven, this infectious, eclectic art-indie-pop-rock mix has an immediate impact on the listener, with eloquent lyrics portraying the human ego in the throes of ecstasy and pain. The track, likewise the band, evades boundaries and genres but manages to convey popular appeal. DC
GEORGIA *** Move Systems (Domino) It’s not until a third of the way through Move Systems that it starts find its feet. Georgia ‘spits’ her (sometimes clumsy) rhymes in a style that combines the largely monotone delivery of Peaches and M.I.A, the latter being an unavoidable comparison. Some very accomplished percussion and a catchy chorus save it. BG
LITTLE ERIS **** Karma To You (Original Human) You’ve got to love Little Eris – she’s the antithesis of reality TV music on every level, and therefore deserving of your full attention. This pop crossover gem was originally on her 2009 DIY debut album, but has now been professionally produced. “Everything you do will come back to you,” indeed. RH
Nations, from The Pop Group’s slightly pish recent album, is one of its better moments, despite referencing the “choose life” monologue from Trainspotting. Its cheap electro clatter in fact suggests Sleaford Mods, whose Face To Faces conforms entirely to their delightful template and pours lyrical scorn on Nick Clegg, thereby making itself instantly dated. Trebles all round! NG
SLACKK *** Backwards Light (R&S) PRINCE RAPID *** Rapid Fire Vol 2 EP (Ruff Sqwad Entertainment) Kids these days are getting all het up about this ‘instrumental grime’ stuff, and that’s fine. When I were a lad, albeit not a #toplad, grime tracks got released in instrumental versions without anyone giving it much thought. These two EPs represent the old and new skools of this wordless ethos. Backwards Light, a six-tracker from influential Londoner Slackk, is driven by melodies – big arpeggios, loosely Eastern-sounding tinkly stuff – more than beats, and only intermittently sounds dancefloorready, but showcases the producer’s creativity. Meanwhile, Prince Rapid, of early-00s grime pioneers Ruff Sqwad, goes for the jugular with five upfront, unsubtle bangers which may induce heart palpitations. NG
demos CALLING APOLLO
www.facebook.com/callingapollo I saw this band play in a garden shed once, which the relative sterility and common sense of a set of digital files can’t quite live up to. On the other hand, it’s fair to say some of the subtleties of Calling Apollo’s music were lost amidst the Qualcasts and spiders. A Cardiff-based quintet, this accomplished, self-released EP touches on shoegazey gauziness, millennial metal crunch and high-pitched indie-prog emoting; Deftones seem like the lodestone to which Calling Apollo’s music always returns. NG
THE ADVENTURES OF BERT & HENRY www.facebook.com/bertandhenry This duo hail from somewhere near Aberystwyth, where much of the population play frisbee on the beach instead of going to their lectures, and this CD suggests Bert & Henry enjoy a similar, happygo-lucky insouciance. They play uptempo folk-rock with ‘humorous’ lyrics, mandolins and female backing vocals; the few tolerable bits have a vague tropicalia feel, other parts are either disagreeably mannered (think that waistcoat folk scene that spawned Mumford & Sons) or confirm that the Bonzo Dog legacy has been chiefly pernicious. NG
TROUBLE IN PARADISE
THIS MONTH’S
DVD PICK
IT FOLLOWS 15 (Icon Entertainment) Every now and then a horror movie comes along that reaffirms one’s faith in the genre. This is that movie. No synopsis can do justice to this scary, unnerving, haunting film about a young woman who is stalked by a terrifying and unrelenting presence. With imagery and a soundtrack that lingers long after the end credits, this is an indie classic that demands repeat viewings. *****RHA
FALCON RISING 15 (Spirit Entertainment & The Movie Partnership) Michael Jai White stars in this martial-arts action thriller as an exMarine who must track down the criminals that left his sister for dead. Originality and freshness are abandoned in this generic yarn with a plot that merely acts as a vehicle for macho thrills and choreographed violence. Thankfully, it moves along quickly enough to be entertaining rather than boring. **RHA
NATIONAL GALLERY 12A (Soda Pictures) Frederick Wiseman directs this epic documentary on the National Gallery in London. Without a voiceover, this has a tranquil yet absorbing feel that casts light on one of the world’s great museums. With a three-hour running time, one might expect this to drag, but thankfully the power of the art and the analysis provided by the curators makes this an intriguing watch. **RHA
OUT OF THE DARK 15 (Entertainment One) Julia Stiles stars in this supernatural thriller as a mother who moves into a new home with her husband and young daughter. Guess what? The house is haunted, and soon enough strange things start happening, leading them to discover the building’s dark and tragic past. Fans of the genre might find enough here to enjoy, but it’s all been done before and, crucially, done better. **RHA
BIRDMAN 15 (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment) Coming from the crazed mind of Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Birdman tells the story of a washed-up actor (played brilliantly by Michael Keaton) as he battles his past demons, leading up to the opening of his Broadway show. The ensemble cast of Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis and Edward Norton is where this film really shines, with every actor bring their A-game to their performance. The direction is stunning as well, which builds into the beautiful performance given by Keaton. ****JM
ALTMAN 15 (SODA Pictures) Altman tracks the creative life of Brat Pack director Robert Altman; from his early TV career directing episodes of Whirlybirds to how he made his masterpiece M*A*S*H. The documentary itself lacks a strong direction and could be easily mistaken for something off the biography channel, which is disappointing. Although if you’re a massive Robert Altman fan, there are a few gems throughout the film you will love. **JM
www.facebook.com/troubleinparadisemusic Another duo of fellows, named Martin and Sam in this instance, Trouble In Paradise describe themselves as “people with dreams” and plump themselves up to a five-piece for this EP. The results are not unpleasant, but on the surface kind of oppositional – the croaky vocals of Martin (Jones) seem suited to Stereophonics-type Real Rock gruel, and that feels like the genesis of these songs. However, the addition of strings (double bass, violin) lends these four songs a certain elegance. NG
STONEHEARST ASYLUM 15 (Lions Gate Home Entertainment) Jim Sturgess is as excellent as ever in this story about a doctor sent to remote institution where Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine are suitably eccentric and ghoulish. An Edgar Allan Poe-esque tale, where not is all as it seems: suitably macabre and entertaining. ****AL
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MUSIC NEWS EXTRA
Grassroots, a youth support service and charity aimed at people aged 16-25, has recently launched a funding appeal, with Cardiff City Council’s proposed funding reductions likely to hit it painfully in the pocket. Located on Charles Street in Cardiff, it’s played a vital role in the city’s music scene since the early 80s: a regular punk music venue early on, later a rehearsal/recording space for acts including the Manics and Cerys Matthews. Perhaps more significantly, it continues to provide support, and a creative outlet, for kids from deprived or otherwise difficult backgrounds. Proposed cuts will mean Grassroots having to lay off staff, reducing their efficiency – they’re looking to crowdfund £20,000 by Fri 26 June The 2015-2016 season of BBC National Orchestra Of Wales concerts has been announced, and promises to be typically varied and grand. Later this year, the Orchestra will be touring South America for the first time – the hook, so to speak, being the 150th anniversary of Welsh
citizens emigrating to Patagonia. There’ll be BBC NOW workshops and performances in the Patagonian communities with established Welsh ancestry (Trelew, Gaiman, Puerto Madryn and Trevelin), plus concerts in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Also of note for 15-16 is the selection of Huw Watkins as Composer-In-Association, meaning there’ll be various BBC NOW performances of his work between October and February Y Dydd Olaf, the debut album by Cardiffbased synth conceptualist Gwenno, is to hopefully reach a wider audience when it’s reissued on Mon 24 July by Heavenly Records. Released in autumn 2014 by her good pals at Peski Records, the album’s multiple conceptual layers (sung in Welsh and Cornish, it explores themes of future-retro dystopia and feminism) are offset by pared-back electronic tunefulness. Afforded a glowing response in several outlets, both in and out of Wales – Gwenno’s been making music
for nearly 15 years, but Y Dydd Olaf will be many people’s introduction to her – a tour support with Gruff Rhys boosted her profile further. She’ll join H Hawkline on Heavenly’s roster, doubling their Welshlanguage contingent in a snap The welcome return of David R Edwards to Welsh musical life continues apace. Following last year’s mini-album by Datblygu, the iconic band which he fronts, and their first live performance for 20 years in late April, he’s contributed a brief vocal spot on Sleepwalking, the new EP by Carmarthenshire band Tree Of Wolves [pictured]. Opening with Ysbrydion Papur #1, the Edwards-vocalled number, the five tracks combine polished 80s-style synths-meets-guitars action with some rock gusto which echoes latter-day Manics. John Blease of Ghostpoet also features on Only Love Can Save Us Now, if that tickles your fancy, and it was mastered by David Mitson, who’s manipulated dials for pop’s A-list
ONE TO WATCH... OLIVIA & THE SAINT
Olivia & The Saint are a four-piece soul/jazz/experimental pop band from Barry whose vocalist, songwriter and focal point is Olivia herself. The saintliness of the remaining three members could not be confirmed at press time, but the music they play may count in their collective favour come judgement day. Tentatively active since 2013, the early ventures of Olivia Spence found her fronting a duo, and were largely confined to the studio. In recent months, though, they’ve gained two more members, and developed their sound into something more singular. Spence’s vocals have that timeless late-night jazzy chanteuse quality, which Amy Winehouse and Adele have stamped their mark on since the millennium turned, and are understandably placed front and centre. Her backing band move between finger-clicking jazz (Daemons); pulsing 80s synthpop with an especially earwormy hook (Weightless) and eerie minimal blips, saws and chimes (Facing Heaven). This can all be witnessed live, finally: O&TS only played their debut gig as a quartet in March, at Cardiff’s Gwdihw venue, but debuted in London last month (at the Troubador, where Adele first played in the capital as it happens). Their gig schedule for June and July, meanwhile, starts at Acapela, Pentyrch, on Fri 12 June. Amidst all this is the recording of Siren, the Olivia & The Saint debut album. It’s inspired by James Joyce’s epic day-in-the-life novel Ulysses; the setting switched, they say, “from Dublin to Wales for 24 hours in the life of a 20-something-woman exploring love, loss, destruction and redemption.” www.oliviaandthesaint.com
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one louder TEN days (as I write) after the election results, those dismayed by it edge towards acceptance, the last of the seven stages of grief. Some, one suspects, are still stuck at ‘denial’: earlier, I saw someone share an online petition which, with an apparently straight face, asked the Queen to order a rerun of the election because... well, it didn’t really give a reason. It has been repeatedly asserted, among what I’ll awkwardly term ‘the left’, that the digital deluge of image macros, shouty graphs and photos which The Establishment don’t want you to share – armchair activism, they call it – made bugger all difference to the country’s collective convictions. This has not stopped people warming to their memes, thousands pinging around the ether per second. In my particular sphere of people, no-one wanted to look like they were anything but vexed by this election. It was the celestial body around which everyone’s actions revolved. Going out for a few drinks? Taking your mind off the gloom of it all. Feel like crap in the morning? Guess it’s the first day of a five-year hangover! (I’d love to be able to balance this with a summary of what I saw rightleaning folks of my acquaintance saying, but... I don’t know any. Two years after Thatcher’s death, when this was especially apparent to me, it’s still one-way traffic, and I wasn’t one of the “if you voted Tory I DON’T WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND” crowd either.) I’m not saying that people’s sadness and anger was a put-on: many of the most impassioned screeds I read circa May 8, some by people I know and respect, were basically echoing my feelings, but with an eloquence and wisdom I lack. The quickfire, quantity-over-quality nature of social media, though, seems to have given rise to a subconscious competition to be the most angry about something, and even when that something is very important, it can serve to be distracting. Some people, meanwhile, are lucky enough to be able to personalise that anger, and when I say ‘lucky’ I mean ‘crushed under the wheel of One Nation venality’. Maybe they are teachers, disabled, a nurse or an unsuccessful jobseeker. Leaving aside the more-than-decent chance that a hypothetical Labour government would have largely continued the Conservatives’ work on matters of austerity and the NHS, they can chalk their postelection misery up to life experience. This doesn’t apply to everyone, though. I’ll level with you: the last five years of government in the UK has made no fundamental difference to my lifestyle. This isn’t because I bask in affluence (a handwritten letter from 2008 by a Status Quo fan, accusing me of being a “yuppie”, is still pinned on my bedroom wall for reasons of bitter irony) or because I don’t care what’s happening in the world. It’s just, well, this is a monthly listings magazine funded by advertising. I suppose that the end result of the swingeing arts cuts across the UK would mean no-one could afford to buy ads, but this hasn’t happened. Yet. I am not, you understand, talking about this as an excuse to aggrandise myself. What I’m pondering here is the moral challenge of retaining a political conscience when you’re largely unaffected, personally, by party politics. Some people just opt out entirely, and the inconvenient truth is that they’re probably happier for not caring which team wins. However, this election seems to have galvanised a lot of people who had the option to be unflappable. It’s still the short term, of course, but this term is set to run especially long, and disinterest may prove to be less of an option. Your month-long hangover will in fact be facilitated by LEMURIA (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Tue 2 June), CONAN and other doom bosses (The Moon Club, Sun 7), TAV FALCO’S PANTHER BURNS (Moon Club, Wed 10), THE PINK SLIPS (Pontypool Dragonffli, Fri 12), JAMES BLACKSHAW, THE GENTLE GOOD and TOBY HAY (10 Feet Tall, Mon 15), SPURIOUS TRANSIENTS (Cardigan Cellar Bar, Fri 19), EYEHATEGOD (The Globe, Mon 22), LIME CRUSH and BETA BLOCKER & THE BODY CLOCK (Castle Lane DIY space, Cardiff, Wed 24) and PRINZHORN DANCE SCHOOL plus TOTEM TERRORS (Clwb Ifor Bach, Fri 26). NOEL GARDNER
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‘In the beautiful setting of the Brecon Beacons...’
CAPITAL CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA
COURTNEY PINE PRESENTS ‘SONG (THE BALLAD BOOK)’ FEATURING ZOE RAHMAN DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN JULIAN ARGÜELLES TETRA
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TAILS FOR WALES
SCOTT HAMILTON QUARTET
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PLUS MUCH MORE...
books THE SMARTEST BOOK IN THE WORLD Greg Proops (Simon And Schuster)
BOOK OF THE MONTH
The famously funny, and nasally, improvisations of Greg Proops made him famous on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and in his own popular culture filled podcast The Smartest Man In The World. With such successes, stand-up comedian Proops has decided to make the leap from TV/radio to the world of literature, with his new book The Smartest Book In The World. Don’t worry, this isn’t an egotistic autobiography, but rather a reference book with all the charm and humour of the man himself. It’s an energetic and witty Schott’s Almanac for all that proves interesting to Proops. Starting with his own set of commandments ("there will be ancient history," "there will be good drugs and good times," and – my personal favourite – "there will be Women with a capital W") the book jumps through different subjects with Proops providing snippets of facts and putting his own spin on things. We are taken on a journey of Proops' tastes – with recommendations on what poems to read, movies to see and reggae music to listen to. With other writers, this might feel a little self-indulgent and scream "I’m super cultured and know what’s best for you," but Proops' charisma and selfawareness carry the topics well. Even whilst reading about subjects that I admittedly have no interest in, notably baseball, I was still entertained as Proops clearly put an effort into making this topic interesting to people who, well, just don’t care about baseball: “This is the toughest part of any comedian’s job. Making baseball likeable and interesting to people who aren’t middle-aged white guys.” The restless nature mean it’s not exactly calm-Sunday-afternoon reading, but it is ideal for dipping into making it a great coffee break/toilet cubicle/quick read before bed book. Funny, informative and read with the voice of Proops himself (in my head at least) this is one of the best non-narrative books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. HA Price: £16.99. Info: www.simonandschuster.co.uk
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME Angela Readman (& Other Stories)
WHAT BECAME OF THE WHITE SAVAGE
WILDER WALES Julian Rollins (Graffeg)
Francois Garde (Dedalus Books) Winner of the 2013 Costa Short Story Award, Angela Readman obviously has the knack when it comes to short stories. After appearing in a number of magazines and anthologies, her debut collection Don’t Try This At Home assembles some of her finest, strangest work. With stories including a mother who transforms into Elvis while working in a chippy, a boy who realises his army figurine can talk and a woman who multiplies her boyfriend by chopping him in half with a spade, Readman uses bizarre, surrealist narratives to explore relatable, oh-so-real circumstances. The result is 12 modern day fables, subversive tales of isolation and alienation which detail how our imaginations can offer shelter from the cold, relentless winds of real life. JD Price: £10/£5 eBook. Info: www. andotherstories.org
Francois Garde’s novel of a man thrown into a new culture has an interesting concept at this core, questioning what identity means and touching on its fluidity. The novel begins in the 1840s when a young French sailor, Narcisse Pelletier, is abandoned on the coast of Australia and assumed dead by his shipmates. Seventeen years later he is discovered living with aboriginal people – having forgotten all of his initial French identity and language. The novel's narration alternates between Narcisse, welcomed by an aboriginal tribe, and letters written by Octave, a geographer, to the president of the Paris Geographical Society. The encounter with the aboriginal people is explored from Narcisse’s singular view. While the novel is somewhat inspired by a true story, it conveys little historical truth. Nonetheless, engaging and satisfactory in a fictional context. DO Price: £11.99. Info: www.dedalusbooks.com
This photocentric book provides a month-tomonth guide of the wild corners of Wales that writer Julian Rollins and photographer Drew Buckley have visited. A truly beautiful book, the images are stunning. Living in a city it can be easy to forget the breathtaking scenery this country contains, but Buckley captures them perfectly. Although there were some funny moments, Rollins' writing didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The commentary wasn’t captivating enough to be considered strong travel writing, yet lacked enough practical information to pass serious muster as a travel guide. Regardless, the book still makes a half-decent guide for anyone interested in local wildlife, particularly the birds of Wales, or readers with a keen interest in impressive nature photography. Price: £20. Info: www.graffeg.com
CRIME CORNER Imagine, if you will, you are quietly going about your usual business. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and all is well in your world. Then a stranger wanders over and whispers something in your ear. Something bad about a loved one. What do you do? Do you ignore the words, smile, and carry on as usual? Of course you do. But then, do the words come back and haunt you, and ruin your peaceful life? This is the premise of the latest Harlan Coben thriller: The Stranger (Orion, H/B £19.99). Coben is the master of suspense filled crime novels, a long time best seller, and this one is ready to hit the charts, if it's not there already. Another master storyteller is Jeffery Deaver, and he's back with the fourth Kathryn Dance thriller Solitude Creek (Hodder&Stoughton, H/B £18.99). Kathryn has disgraced herself and been demoted to FBI rookie status – checking paperwork and without her weapon – when she discovers that a seemingly accidental fire has been set deliberately, to cause panic and fear in a crowded music venue and turn the patrons into a murderous mob for one sociopath's fun and profit. Then, when he senses she is on his tail, he decides to finish her career for good. Deaver once again racks up the tension in this powerful new novel. MARK TIMLIN
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@mabjones We begin June with a great week, starting on Tue 2 with a book launch. Ryan Van Winkle is published by award winning press Penned In The Margins, and his book, The Good Dark (Info: www.pennedinthemargins. co.uk), launches in Waterloo Tea in Cardiff’s Wyndham Arcade, and also includes Poetry Wales editor Nia Davies. Get there for a 7pm start, but allow enough time to get yourself a delicious tea from the counter. The very next day, there’s more poetry from Phil Knight, who is the guest at the regular Merthyr Open Mic (Imperial Hotel, Wed 3, 7.30pm. Info: gus.payne@merthyr.gov.uk). This month acclaimed, multi-award winning spoken word star Candy Royalle (Kuku Club, Cardiff, Sun 14 + Restaurant Mozart, Swansea, Sat 27. Info: www.candyroyalle. com) will be coming from Australia to Wales to share her passionate, inspirational polemic. See another rare spoken word stopover, this time for Christopher Brett Bailey’s This Is How We Die (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Mon 22 + Tue 23. Info: www.chapter. org), an award-winning Edinburgh Fringe Show which promises tales of “young love, paranoia, and ultraviolence”. With echoes of Lenny Bruce, William Burroughs, beat poetry and B-movies, this is sure to be a spoken word mindmeld of the greatest possible sort. I’m in Japan at the moment, studying rakugo storytelling thanks to a Creative Wales Award, and will be performing this, as well as poems, at an event in Tokyo. In honour of this, I leave you with a small haiku I wrote, and I would also like to encourage you to send me yours – mabananajones@gmail. com The best haiku will receive two free tickets to see Candy Royalle in Cardiff. Gambatte! (Good luck!) White cat beckons Black cat across its path – A luckless day.
books
" if we’d hit an iceberg we’d have been sunk straight away "
THE LITERATURE OF LANDSCAPES Author and arctic explorer Emma Beynon talks to Bethan Winnall about icebergs, finding stories and Open Ground – her site-specific writing workshops.
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he world of writing can be a daunting one at times. From initial setbacks such as writer’s block, to the lengthy and terrifying process of trying to get your work published, it’s little wonder many writers fail to remember why they loved writing so much in the first place. Someone who knows all about the difficulties of being a writer is Emma Beynon, co-founder of The Open Ground Writing project. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, Open Ground is an organisation that organises writing workshop based in beautiful places (such as the idyllic gardens of Allt-y-bela) and offers new and experienced writers the chance to gain inspiration amongst tranquil and stunning surroundings. The concept is that the workshops will provide an environment for writers that will allow them to explore, draw from, and reflect on their surroundings in their creative work. “I was brought up on a farm, so I’ve always written about landscape,” explains Emma, when asked what inspired her to start the project. “Everybody’s got stories that go with landscapes – and landscape isn’t just beautiful places, it’s also canals and subways and all these marginal spaces.’ The workshops will be open to anyone who wants to write, whether they are published authors or new to the writing world. At Open Ground Emma, and co-founder Helena Attlee (author of The Land Where Lemons Grow), encourage writers to engage in various exercises to introduce them to different ways of writing and find their own voice. “I read a lot of landscape writing – I’m always collecting extracts, and we share them with everybody to give an example of what’s already out there, and also how landscape is such a complex thing,” says Emma. “Everybody can write, everybody is deserving, and everybody’s got an interesting story in them, but because of having read so many novels, and because of perception we all have on what is ‘proper writing’, a lot of people start writing characters or narratives or plots and they do it as they think they should do
it. Many people become intimidated by their own imagination or they self-regulate because they think there is a certain way they should be writing.” She’s certainly got a point there. Pressure to adhere to guidelines in a genre which should be about freedom of expression is a sure-fire way to snuff out the creative flame. As a published author herself, Emma knows firsthand of the difficulties that writers can face in the modern day world. “I think the world is such an exciting place – there’s so much stimulus, so much opportunity, that it gets hard to place yourself in a position where you’re on your own with paper and pencil,” she explains, “ao that’s why we’re writing in landscape – if you want to, you can walk somewhere, sit down, and write.” Currently Emma is in the process of drafting out her own novel, which will be based on her own sailing adventures with her partner across Europe. “We were sailing like the old sailors did. We didn’t have a shower, we didn’t have any wash facilities, we didn’t have any heating, and it was an extraordinary thing because I was sailing with three other men for seven weeks,” she recalls, before adding, rather nonchalantly, “the planks were only about an inch thick, so if we’d hit an iceberg we’d have been sunk
straight away.” Well, she certainly has plenty of writing material there (not to mention some serious guts). Though, having grown up on a farm, Emma is well-versed in the rough and tumble nature of the outdoors. “My Dad had four girls and he wanted us to be boys, so we had short hair and we did farming all the time,” she says. Whilst she enjoyed it, she recalls feeling confused at times, which prompted her to start writing. “I write to make sense of the world and write to appreciate the world, I write to remember and also, sometimes, I write to refine my thoughts,” she explains. I ask her what advice she has for any struggling writers out there. “Keep writing,” she says, “this idea of daily practice is really important; if you only do 10 minutes then that’s enough. And if you don’t have time for 10 minutes writing, just do a haiku.” Well, any writing is better than no writing, right? Open Ground Writing’s Writing Days, Allt-y-bela, Monmouth, Sat 4 July + Sat 26 Sept. Tickets: £70. Info: www. opengroundwriting.co.uk BUZZ 45
lifestyle
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GREEN GIFTS Have a tree-loving hippy as a best mate, an eco-freak as a significant other or maybe you’re just green yourself? If you’re stuck for ethical and environmental gift ideas then you no longer have to fear, as we have a selection of earth-friendly items for you to consider. There’s recycled bottles, fairtrade fashion and bee friendly equipment.
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1.WINE BOTTLE GARDEN PLANTER KIT, Bottle Gardens, www.etsy.com, from £29.68 / 2. BLOOM IN BOOM FLORAL BLOUSE, M&S, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Bridgend, £21 (RRP £35) / 3. RECYCLED ECO-KITTY PLANT POT, Bru DIY, www.etsy.com, £8.82 / 4. BEE FRIENDLY APRON, The Oak Room, www. oakroomshop.co.uk, £24.99 / 5. SINGLE TIER INSECT AND BEE HOTEL, Wudwerx, www.etsy.com, £20 / 6. RECYCLED WORLD MAP SHOPPING BAG, Dotcom Giftshop, www.dotcomgiftshop.com, £3.95 / 7. SOLAR POWER ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRT, Green Planet Tees, www.etsy.com, £11.88 / 8.THE ALLOTMENT ALMANAC BY TERRY WALTON, Bantam Press, www.randomhouse.co.uk, £15 / 9. ECO RESIN PLANT RING, Art Ore Crafts, www.etsy.com, £9.89 BUZZ 46
COMING SOON
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sport
ON YOUR BIKE MONMOUTHSHIRE MEANDER
As the summer sails in bike lovers across south Wales are not just mounting their own bikes, but encouraging others to get pedalling as well. Bethan Winnall has a look at the bikethemed events on this month.
Abergavenny Sun 7 June If you fancy a chilled one, sign up for the Monmouthshire Meander, where you will be able to cycle through the beautiful countryside that runs between Abergavenny, Monmouth and Gilwern at your leisure. There will be plenty of country pubs for you to stop off at along the way, and refreshments will also be provided at one of the checkpoints. Admission: £8. Info: www.aukweb.net
WIGGLE DRAGON RIDE Margam Park, Port Talbot Sun 7 June See if you can ‘slay the dragon’ on Human Race’s Wiggle Dragon Ride this summer. Apparently to become a true sportive, you must first complete this ride. So, gear yourself up, and get ready to do some serious pedal crunching! Also participating in the event will be the MacMillan Cancer charity, who are encouraging all riders to join their team to raise money to help people affected by cancer. Admission: £35-£95. Info: www.humanrace.co.uk
PEDAL POWER VINTAGE SUMMER FAIR Fields Park Road, Cardiff Sat 13 June The cycling charity, Pedal Power, will be holding their annual vintage summer fair on Sat 13 June. You can expect to see a wide array of antique knickknacks, crafts and bric-a-brac that will keep any magpie happy, as well as their own pop up cafe with refreshments, should you fancy a bite to eat whilst you’re there. Admission: free. Info: www.cardiffpedalpower.org BUZZ 48
VELOTHON WALES Cardiff Sun 14 June The bike-themed biggie, the Velothon Wales will be bringing cyclists together in huge numbers as up to 15,000 bike lovers will be peddling their way along a 140km route (don’t worry, there is a smaller 50km if the three-digits distance is just too daunting). Organised by the UCI Velothon Majors series, who plan these big bike races in cities across the globe, the route will not only take in many iconic places (including Cardiff Castle, The Celtic Manor and Caerphilly Castle) but will take place solely on closed road – so you don’t have to worry about those pesky motorists that are usually the bane of your bike rides. Admissions: general entry sold out / prices vary for charity entry. Info: www.velothon-wales. co.uk
SHED FEST Afan Valley Bike Shed, Port Talbot Sat 20 + Sun 21 June Calling all mountain-bikers: if you fancy taking part in a huge 50km bike ride this summer, get on down to the Afan Valley, where the Shed Fest will be kicking off on 20 June. With a free goodie bag for every entrant and feed stations included along the way, you will get the chance to put your biking skills to the test alongside other cycling fanatics. Admission: £33. Info: www.afanvalleybikeshed. co.uk
Jon Howes, Workshop Coordinator at Cycle Training Wales where they run bike-themed training courses, gives his top tips for keeping your two-wheeler in tip-top shape.
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CLEAN AND LUBE
SUMMER SNAPPED UP MARKET The Printhaus, Cardiff Sun 28 June The ever-popular Snapped Up market, hosted by community print workshop Printhaus, is not only getting bigger but also getting even more creative than before as their summer market is bike-themed. There will be artists and creators setting up stalls, Pedal Power will be bringing the bike, Punk Bikes will be teaching some bike first aid and Pedal Emporium will be getting funky with pedal powered painting and disco fun. If, after all that, you’re feeling tyred and hungry then street food creators Dusty Knuckle will be serving up some stone over cooked pizza. Admission: free. Info www.snappedupmarket. com
THE WALES SPORTIVE Tenby, Pembrokeshire Sat 4 July If you’re a competitive kind of person, The Wales Sportive event might be for you. With a choice of long and short distance, you will get to race it out against other contestants and see if you have what it takes to bag first place. And for anyone who’s feeling a bit
peckish after all that hard work, there will be a Pasta Party from 6pm onwards! Admission: £40. Info: www.thewalessportive.com
THE BIKE SHED 243-245 Cathedral Road, Cardiff You might have heard it spouted that cycling to work is cheap: you save money on petrol, don’t have to fork out for bus fares, and you get to ride your bike everyday instead of pay for a gym membership. Did you also know, however, that you can subsidise the cost of a new bike (plus accessories) by at least 25% through Cyclescheme? Championing this cause is The Bike Shed in Cardiff, who were awarded Welsh Store Of The Year by Cycle scheme, so if you want to know more they are the best people to ask. The Bike Shed isn’t a one trick pony, however, as (in addition to all its wares) it is probably the only bike shop in the Cardiff area to have an accredited, national standard cycle training instructor. Martin Higgins gained the qualification from Cycle Training Wales with the aim of helping adults returning to cycling after an absence of years to feel confident and happy again on two wheels. Info: 029 2066 8772 / www.bikeshedwales.com
Keeping your bike clean will stop parts clogging up and wearing out prematurely, plus it's the perfect opportunity to run a safety check. Not only that, they look and feel better too. After washing, a small amount of lubricant on moving parts like chains, gear mechanisms and brake lever pivots will keep them running smoothly.
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KEEP THEM PUMPED
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CHECK YOUR PADS
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ACCESSORIZE
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DON'T IGNORE IT
Maintaining your tyres at their recommended pressure helps stop punctures, reduce rolling resistance and prolong their life. Check the tread for cuts, splits or bald patches at the same time and replace if required.
Checking your brake pads regularly for signs of wear, correct position and adjustment ensures you'll always stop in time.
Mudguards, racks, bells and lights might be peripherals, but they're no less important. If they're loose, they rattle and could fall off, so make sure nuts and bolts are tight. Make sure batteries are charged or fresh for night riding.
Problems rarely resolve themselves. Burying your head in the sand could lead to a dangerous situation, or at the very least an expensive one. If you notice an issue, do something about it. If you're not sure what to do, get it checked by your local bike shop. There are a number of excellent ones in South Wales. Info: www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk
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SOUTH WALES’ SUSTAINABLE FASHION It’s not always easy to know where to shop for ethical and sustainable clothes, so Alys Hurn rounds up the best places in South Wales to do just that.
HOBO’S
PA PA JEWELLERY
High Street Arcade, Cardiff 029 2034 1188 Sustainability in fashion lies in the ability to make clothing last. If you want to buy sustainably, look no further than your local charity shop or vintage store. Hobo’s is a popular choice, and a favourite of mine to find reclaimed, retro fashion in Cardiff. It can be found in High Street Arcade selling clothing and accessories from the 1950s onwards, including American style sweatshirts and dungarees. Keep in mind, you don’t just have to buy re-claimed clothing, you can donate it too!
Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea www.pa-pa.co.uk Trained silversmith, Pa Pa is a lover of the beach and the sea. She spends most of her time surfing or diving the rocky outcrops of the Gower bays, and in her passion for the sea lies the inspiration for her jewellery. Her designs are individual and beautifully hand-crafted in her small workshop in Swansea. Pia firmly supports conservation of marine life, and in her designs she hoped to convey the fragility of our seas that are threatened by over fishing, pollution and climate change.
SUSSED James Street, Porthcawl 01656 783962 www.sussedwales.com Established in 1997, Sustainable Wales were the first community based, sustainable development organisation in Wales. Sussed is just one of their sister organisations that specialises in ethical projects. They describe themselves as eco-chic. Staffed entirely by volunteers, Sussed are committed to finding distinctive quality projects that are fair trade, eco-friendly, or demonstrate an innovative use of recycled materials. Their stock continually changes which allows freedom to promote and sell as many products as possible from all over the world.
TIBETAN DAWN LLYNFI TEXTILES
RURAL KIND Llansadwrn, Carmarthenshire www.ruralkind.com Traditional materials with durability, quality and aesthetics make up the components of Rural Kind’s beautifully handcrafted carry goods. From handbags and lunch boxes to wallets, the designs incorporate functionality by using well made, carefully sourced goods in every part of the design process including the hardware and thread. The designers themselves are Mike and Nia, a husband and wife team. They love to explore the rugged valleys and hills of Wales with their two dogs in tow.
Lampeter, Ceredigion www.llynfitextiles.co.uk A mother and daughter team working on a collection of clothing from natural and organic fibres, fabrics and dyes. They support British farmers and aim to keep the process small and personal, selling direct so that they stay connected to their clients. The designs look to simpler times and take a different, more natural approach to clothing.
HOWIES Carmarthen www.howies.co.uk 01267 228444 If you make something well, you make something once. Howies is a small, active clothing company making men’s and women’s clothing for those who love their environment as much as their sport. They aim to make and design their clothing in a low-impact way, without compromising on quality. They use organic cotton in all their designs as well as, unusually, merino wool in a high tech fabric that is seen as the ultimate in performance sportswear. Selvedge denim, recycled fabrics and broken twill are a few more of their favourite sustainable fabrics. BUZZ 50
ETHICAL WARES Felinfach, Ceredigion www.ethicalwares.com 01570 471155 Ethical Wares sell vegan-friendly designs, which use materials that have been carefully sourced so they know exactly where their products come from. They are determined to support UK industries and, if they have to look abroad for materials, they make sure they fulfil the Fair Trade criteria. Whether you’re after clothes, shoes or jewellery, Ethical Wares has got it covered.
Newport www.tibetandawn.co.uk 07799 255334 An established family business that aims to promote and support Tibetan artists. They like to endorse a Buddhist way of life, buying the simplest items with excellent quality. From singing bowls, to scarves and shawls, Tibetan Dawn buy directly from India, making sure all their stock is fairly traded.
VALERIE KITSCH Swansea www.valeriekitsch.co.uk Deby, the designer behind Valerie Kitsch, has a firm philosophy that she follows for all her designs. She makes high quality, fashionable clothes using manufactured offcuts, reclaimed textiles and rare vintage fabrics that are 100% vegan. She believes in causing as little harm as possible to the environment, and so all the scraps and offcuts are put back into other textile projects.
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EXTREME SAILING SERIES 2015 Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay Thurs 18-Sun 21 June Admission: free. Info: 029 2087 7900 / www.extremesailingseries.com Racing through the waters outside Cardiff Bay’s shoreline in June are some of the best sailors in the world. With great viewing possibilities from almost anywhere on the Bay’s seaboard, you can see world champions, Olympians and America’s Cup winners battle to be the first team to cross the finish line in the Bristol Channel. The Extreme Sailing Series, which is on a world tour throughout this whole year, will be visiting eight destinations across three continents, including the Welsh capital as its fourth act. On Fri 19 June, the Race Village, which includes a ‘Land Rover Experience Zone’, ‘VIP Extreme Club’ and ‘Extreme 40 Moorings’, will open. There will be opportunities to meet the competing sailors, or even to get onboard an Extreme 40 in full racing mode. The Extreme Sailing Series races are taking place in Cardiff’s 1000 x 250 meters-sized racecourse – which is so close to the shore, you can almost touch the sails – for the fourth year since its Welsh debut in 2007. Huge crowds are expected to hit the Bay and enjoy some of the most exciting sailing on the planet as well as enjoy Extreme Club’s award-winning hospitality.
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art clubs events live stage BUZZ 51
art
art Aberystwyth Arts Centre University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre Inside Welsh Homes Images drawn from the Royal Commission’s visual archive of the architecture and archaeology of Wales, offering a glimpse inside Welsh homes over time. (Until Sat 6 June) The Hot Pot Project Evolving exhibition of ceramics from the Ann Carr Collection, a major donation of Michael Cardew and Wenford Bridge pottery. (Until Sun 14 June) British Wildlife Photography Categories of work given awards here include animal behaviour, urban wildlife, habitat, animal portraits and marine life; there are also junior and school awards. (Until Sat 18 July) Clive Hicks-Jenkins ‘Dark Movements’ Multimedia presentation of works inspired by the Mari Lwyd or ‘grey mare’ story, which derives from the Welsh mumming tradition and is a key influence on Hicks-Jenkins’ art. (From Wed 10 June until Sat 25 July) Lin Huang ‘Silk Road To China’ Black and white photography professing to capture the mystery of the ancient Silk Road path and the serenity and beauty of rural China. (From Sat 13 June until Sat 1 Aug)
Albany Gallery 74b Albany Road, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com Summer Exhibition A changing exhibition of work by more than 50 artists. (From Thurs 25 June until Sat 5 Sept) Andrew Lamont Gallery (Theatr Brycheiniog) Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free. 01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk Anthony Rhys ‘When The Dark Comes’ Pontypridd artist who paints small, haunting portraits of Victorian society. (Until Sun 14 June) Agincourt 600 Compiled by local historian Bryan Davies, this is a look at the 1415 Battle Of Agincourt, in the year of its 600th anniversary. (From Wed 17 until Wed 24 June) Arcadecardiff Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.arcadecardiff.co.uk Nicola Ellis Also in conjunction with Mark Devereux Projects, these new works will be created on site during a week’s residency at Arcadecardiff leading up to the show. (Until Sat 13 June) Sian Thomas / Cliodhna Ryan / Charlotte Mann Three students completing art education in Cardiff and heading off with good purpose. All use portraiture of themselves, in very different
ways, to explore politics, gender and psychological states. Thomas’ work is shown from Wed 17 until Tue 22 June; Ryan’s from Thurs 25 June until Sat 4 July; Mann’s from Mon 6 until Sat 11 July. (From Wed 17 June until Sat 11 July) Art Central Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 11am-4pm. Free. 01446 709805. Cardiff & Vale College A showcase, says the blurb, of “the challenging and exciting developments the students have discovered over their course of study ... a tribute to their energy and enthusiasm.” (From Sat 6 until Sat 20 June) Daniel Baker ‘Makeshifting: Structures Of Mobility’ Work highlighting the issue of physical migration from an artist, curator and researcher with Romany Gypsy heritage. (From Sat 27 June until Sat 1 Aug) Art In The Attic The Factory, Welsh Hills Works, Jenkin Street, Porth. Free. 01443 687080 / www. thefactoryporth.com Glyn Brimacombe Mostly working with acrylic paint on canvas, Glyn’s work also features the use of ultraviolet reactive paint. This show is supported by Making Minds, an organisation that promotes the role of art and creativity in mental health. (Until Fri 12 June) Attic Gallery 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime
CLIVE HICKS-JENKINS: DARK MOVEMENTS Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Thurs 11 June-Sat 25 July Admission: free. Info: 01970 621903 / www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk The Welsh midwinter tradition Mari Lwyd (‘grey mare’ in English), where a mare’s skull with a white sheet, fastened to the back and fixed to the end of a wooden pole, leads revellers through the streets, is a key subject in the works of artist Clive Hicks-Jenkins. Including the multimedia exhibition, Dark Movements: large-scale drawings expressing grief and fear following his father’s death, and explorations of inherent cultural beliefs. Hicks-Jenkins has been acknowledged in several publications and his Mari Lwyd sequence has been described as “one of the most powerful series of paintings and drawings produced in Wales in recent times”. Alongside the drawings, puppetry figures, animated film, new paintings and shadow puppet models used in his painting practise will be on show.
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Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am4.30pm. Free. 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk Chris Griffin & Paul Rees The drama of colour in Griffin’s dynamic Welsh landscapes plays alongside the shadowy, secretive world of the theatre revealed in paintings by Rees. (Until Sat 6 June) Jonathan Taylor Working in watercolours and pastels, Taylor’s inspiration lies in the landscape, with Wales and the Gower Peninsula featuring strongly. Taylor has exhibited widely across the UK since turning professional in 1988. (From Sat 13 June until Sat 4 July) Barnabas Artshouse New Ruperra Street, Newport. Open Mon-Sat. Free. 01633 673739 / www. barnabasartshouse.co.uk One Price Art Exhibition Featuring over 40 exhibiting artists, with every piece costing £175. So this could be your chance to grab a tidy investment... or not. (Until Tue 20 June) Barker Gallery / Torfaen Gallery Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm. 01495 752036. Figure Four Long-term show of works by four local artists: Mary James, Louella Gwillim, Kay Lawrence and Tony Tribe. Works on show include life studies, landscapes, sketches and sketchbooks, water colours, interior views and portraits. (Until Mon 26 Oct) Boundary Art 3 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 029 2048 9869 / www.boundaryart.com Vivid: The Expression Of Vitality Spring-themed exhibition looking to establish a communicative platform for both western and eastern artists, showing their different experience and feeling of ‘vividness’. (Until Sun 14 June) Butetown History & Arts Centre 4/5 Dock Chambers, Bute St, Cardiff Bay. Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-4.30pm. Free. 029 2025 6757 / www.bhac.org Andrew McNeill ‘Under The Bridge’ Images relating to a new book – Andrew’s second – documenting the plight of Cardiff’s homeless community. (From Fri 12 June until Sun 26 July) Cardiff Story The Hayes, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2078 8334 / museum@cardiff.gov.uk South Wales Art Society 128th Annual Exhibition (Until Sat 6 June) Chapter Gallery Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free. 029 2030 4400 / www. chapter.org
Richard Woods ‘Inclosure Acts’ Well known for his innovative architectural reinventions, for this commission Woods has created new works in the Gallery and for the lightbox inspired by Chapter’s history (sited on a former cattle market) and by the Inclosure Acts of 16041914, which transformed open fields and common land. (Until Sun 14 June) Craft In The Bay The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611. Hand Held: Hand Made A display of medals which have been made by Second Year students studying on the Artist Designer: Maker course at Cardiff School Of Art and Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University. (Until Sun 10 May) Intrinsic An exhibition of textile jewellery from Hannah-May Chapman, Joanne Haywood, Yu-Ping Lin, Kathryn Partington, Liz Willis, Julia Usel and Mandy Nash. (Until Sun 5 July) Transience Members of the Fibre Art Wales group present works inspired by one or more of the words Silence, Stillness, Presence, Absence, Tranquil and Transience. (Until Sun 12 July) Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Swansea. Daily 10am-4pm. Free. 01792 463980 / dylanthomas.lit@swansea. gov.uk / www.dylanthomas. com Love The Words Ongoing, permanent exhibition dedicated to Dylan Thomas, with lots of interactive features and voiceovers from people including Prince Charles and Richard Burton. Elysium Gallery 16 College Street, Swansea. Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www.elysiumgallery.com Sean Puleston ‘Red Rags’ New work informed by the 1831 Merthyr Rising, focusing on the symbol of the red flag used during this protest, the impulsiveness of the initial gesture and the influence a small piece of unwanted material can gain. (From Fri 12 June until Sat 4 July) Ffotogallery At Turner House Plymouth Road, Penarth, nr Cardiff. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. 029 2034 1667 / www. ffotogallery.org Jon Tonks ‘Empire’ A journey across the South Atlantic by Tonks, a photographer, exploring life on four remote islands – the British Overseas Territories of Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, the Falkland Islands and St. Helena. (From Sat 6 June until Sat 18 July) Fountain Fine Art 6-8 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. Tue-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www.fountainfineart.com Urban Landscape Exhibition Artists include Sheridan Ward, Sarah Hopkins, Mark Samuel, Anthony Evans, Michael Monaghan Robert Harrison
and Sarah Richards. (Until Sat 13 June) Gareth Thomas Fifty new paintings to celebrate Gareth’s 60th birthday and 35 years at the top of the Welsh landscape painting scene. (From Sat 20 June until Sat 11 July) Fountain Fine Art Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Andrew McCutcheon Solo exhibition of new abstract paintings from this Carmarthenshire-based painter. Previously shown in FFA’s Cardiff gallery. (Until Sat 13 June) Duncan Johnson Solo exhibition of new mixed media landscape paintings of Wales. (From Sat 20 June until Sat 11 July) Futures Gallery Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am-4pm. Free. 0845 010 5500 / www. pierhead.org Christopher Langley Award-winning Cardiff artist Langley exhibits new work. (Until Thurs 4 June) Mirror, Mirror On The Wall The brainchild of the people behind Creatives Without Borders, this is an exhibition of mixed media by artists from Argentina, Croatia, France, Germany, Grenada, Hungary, Turkey, the UK and the US. (From Mon 8 June until Tue 7 July) G39 Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org Bedwyr Williams ‘The Starry Messenger’ Exhibition which first showed in 2013, coinciding with the Venice Bienniale, concerning amateur astronomy and the enduring power of hobbyism. Bedwyr Williams is great. (Until Sat 13 June) Y Galeri, Caerffili Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2086 1433 / www.ygaleri.co.uk Jane Malvisi Welsh-themed work by Bridgend-based ceramicist. Includes a life sized bust of Dylan Thomas plus Raku fired freestanding and wall-hung Welsh ladies. Also on display is a mixed exhibition of work by Welsh artists and old and new. (Until Sat 20 June) Barry Lewis The latest installation from area sculptor Lewis, who makes giant animals from scrap metal. There’ll also be a six-foot crab in Caerphilly Castle’s moat, if you care to check that out. (From Sun 21 June until Fri 17 July) Gallery/Ten 23 Windsor Place, Cardiff. Free. www.gallery-ten.co.uk Ruth McLees 'Between Two Rivers' New work by south Wales-based artist who works most normally with fabric and transparent paint. (From Thurs 11 June until Sat 11 July) Gas Gallery Park Avenue, Aberystwyth.
art Mon-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. 01974 261279. Open Exhibition To include 2D and 3D work in a variety of media, artist Clive Hicks-Jenkins will be selecting work for this exhibition (deadline has passed for submissions sorry). There will also be a Visitor Choice Prize: the exhibitor who has the most ‘visitor choices’ will be given a surprise gift. (Until Sat 20 June) Knowing Place The geographical environment within us is explored by six artists: Veronica Calarco and Sue Kneebone (Australia), Kim Waale and Mary Geihl (USA) and Iwan Bala and Lee Williams (Wales). (From Fri 26 June until Fri 7 Aug) The Gate Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am9pm. Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@thegate.org.uk Nkini Pulei & Katherine Holmes Debut exhibition for people involved with TAVs Art, a Roath-based group who meet weekly. (Until Fri 5 June) Redvers John ‘Place And Identity’ Paintings and collage works by Welsh artist, inspired by the collage styling of the punk movement and 7” vinyl sleeves. (From Wed 10 June until Fri 3 July) Grand Pavilion The Esplanade, Porthcawl. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Jean Floe ‘Moving On’ An exhibition of new work by a local artist before she moves on to pastures new. (Until Sun 21 June) Porthcawl Arts Society: RNLI An exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the RNLI in Porthcawl. All the paintings on display are for sale, with the proceeds going to the RNLI. (From Tue 23 June until Sun 9 Aug) King Street Gallery 33 King Street, Carmarthen. Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk Andrew Douglas Forbes & Mick Morgan Collaboration between multi-talented Carmarthenshire painter Forbes and ceramic guru Morgan. (Until Thurs 18 June) Jane Macmillan By profession a teacher of classical ballet, Macmillan has recently produced visual art using watercolour together with pen and ink, and is primarily self-taught. (From Fri 19 June until Thurs 2 July) Kooywood Gallery 8 Museum Place, Cardiff. Tue-Sat 10.30am-6pm. Free. 029 2023 5093 / www. kooywoodgallery.com Elizabeth Haines & Carys Evans Paintings. (From Wed 3 until Sat 27 June) Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Matt & Amanda Caines
‘Shared Vision’ Matt is a stonecarver, Amanda a jeweller and mixed media artist. Uniting stone, wood, antler, metal and textiles, their work binds together disperate mediums in a shared vision. (Until Sat 25 July) Williams British Handmade Pieces which raise the appreciation of hand craftsmanship, handmade using traditional skills and techniques from the finest English Bridle leather. (Until Sat 25 July) Thrashion Jewellery showcase by a skater called Nat who creates jewellery and accessories from well-used skateboards. Hence the groanworthy pun. (Until Sat 25 July) M.A.D.E. Gallery 41 Lochaber St, Cardiff. Free. 029 2047 3373. Jon Pountney ‘Looking For America’ Cardiff-based photographer Pountney presents found slide images from the past. (Until Sat 6 June) MADE At The Museum Six local artists make paintings in response to works found in the National Museum Of Wales. (From Thurs 25 June until Mon 6 July) Martin Tinney Gallery 18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@ artwales.com Steven Young ‘An Evening Out’ Young, who’s lived in Wales for the past 30 years, has experimented widely as an artist, ranging from highly reductive abstract painting in his early years through a period of large painted sculptural construction, before arriving at his mature style. His greatest influences now come from French art. (From Wed 10 until Sat 27 June) Mission Gallery Gloucester Place, Swansea. Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free. 01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Paul Emmanuel & Craig Wood ‘Right Now!’ Exhibition which brings together again a group of Goldsmith’s graduates who, in 1988, presented a show titled Current at the Mission Gallery. (Until Sun 7 June) Angela Maddock Maddock is particularly interested in how we might use craft practice, especially knitting, to question ideas about relationships. (Until Sun 14 June) Gareth Southwell / Jason & Becky Presented in the [...] space, this is a special Gower College Artists in Residence exhibition. (From Tue 2 until Sun 14 June) Osi Rhys Osmond ‘Fire Green As Grass’ Presented in the [...] space, this is a short film of Osmond reflecting on his life. (From Tue 2 until Sun 14 June) Katie Darlington Maker In Foicus show from an awardwinning fashion and print designer. Born and raised on the Welsh coast, Katie graduated from Kingston University in 2013 before founding her fashion label Katie Darlington London. (From Tue 16 June until Sun 2 Aug) Gathered
Again Exhibition bringing together alumni of the Foundation Art and Design course in Swansea, which has been going in one form or another since 1909. (From Sat 20 June until Sun 2 Aug) National Botanic Garden Of Wales Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. Daily 10am-6pm. £8.50/£7 OAP/£4.50 kids/free under5s. 01558 668768. Barcode Sculpture Located outdoors here, new work from nine artists from Sculpture Cymru. Each has made a response to the DNA barcode research by the Garden’s Head of Science & Research Dr. Natasha De Vere. (Until September) National Museum & Gallery Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff Maurice Marinot ‘A Passion For Glass’ French sculptor Marinot (18821960) was a pioneer in the development of glass as a studio art form. This exhibition will bring together 44 pieces of glass from various collections, including this museum’s own. (Until Sun 7 June) Cedric Morris Portraits A small display bringing together some of the extraordinary portraits by Morris (1889-1982) in the collection. (Until Sun 28 June) Chalkie Davies: The NME Years Welshman who came to prominence in the 70s as one of the UK’s top rock photographers, as the artform was developing. (Until Sun 6 Sept) Fragile? Exploring the artistic and expressive possibilities of ceramic as a material, including the contradiction between two of its inherent qualities – durability and fragility. Includes various keys works from this museum, plus installations commissioned from Phoebe Cummings, Clare Twomey and Keith Harrison. (Until Sun 4 Oct) National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 638950. Sandfields: A Community Built On Steel A history of the Sandfields estate in Port Talbot, built to house the growing workforce of the steelworks. A collaborative project between pupils from Sandfields Comprehensive School, Swansea University, West Glamorgan Archive Service and the Museum. (Until Sun 14 June) Adriano Candelori Italian-born, Llanelli-based sculptor is honoured with a retrospective exhibition which will focus on the two series of Craftsman At work which he produced mainly in terracotta. (Until Sun 12 July) 50cm Rule: A Limitation Or A Possibility? Explore the work of those teaching on the Foundation Art & Design course at the University
Of Wales, Trinity St David. Curated by the Mission Gallery. (From Sat 6 until Sun 28 June) From Pithead To Sick Bed And Beyond Exhibition exploring how disabled people were treated and viewed in the mining industry and the south Wales communities that relied on it. (From Sat 20 June until Sun 4 Oct)
Peculiarities Exhibition by Sentinel Ffotography (Syd Howells, Paul Nicholas and Gregg Stockdale), which seeks to establish the patterns, both physical and behavioural, hidden in plain view all around us. They have been captured here with the intention of inspiring thought in those who look. (From Wed 10 June until Fri 17 July)
Newport Museum & Art Gallery John Frost Square, Newport.Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk Newport And The First World War An exhibition commemorating the hard work, commitment and sacrifice made by the people of Newport during WWI, both at home and fighting abroad. (Until Sat 5 Sept)
Oriel Mwldan Bath House Rd, Cardigan.
Oriel Canfas Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk Pete Sainty ‘Boccioni’s Bottle’ Recent work. (From Sat 6 until Sat 27 June) Oriel Davies The Park, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org Flora See Art for more on this exhibition, which is debuting here and will visit various other Welsh galleries over the next 12 months. Emma Bennett, Michael Boffey, Anya Gallaccio, Ori Gersht, Owen Griffiths, Anne-Mie Melis, Jacques Nimki, Yoshihiro Suda and Clare Twomey explore the significance of flowers in contemporary art. (Until Wed 9 Sept) Ellen Bell ‘Mordant’ TedstBed show inspired by the idea of spoken exchanges being influenced by the locations in which they take place – in this case, Oriel Davies itself. Bell hung out in the galleries, cafe and shop here, gathered snippets of conversation and turned them into letterpressed plaster casts. In case you were thinking this is creepy, she’s also written an article explaining that it isn’t. (Until Sat 11 July) Oriel Joanna Field Torch Theatre, St. Peter’s Road, Milford Haven. Free. 01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk Rhian Field: Art-Science phD Research Exhibition Field, a science-trained oil painter, shows paintings that have been created as part of her PhD Research into Art & Science in Collaboration, at Aberystwyth University. She will be inviting the general public to take part in an experiment by viewing the paintings and responding to questions set out in a questionnaire. (Until Sat 4 July) Oriel Lliw Pontardawe Arts Centre, Herbert Street, Pontardawe. Free. 01792 863722 / www. npt.gov.uk/theatres People, Places,
and various locations in the Valleys. Stokes’ images feature in his book The Valleys (Seren, 2007). (Until Mon 15 June) Penarth Pier Pavilion The Esplanade, Penarth. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2071 2100 / info@ penarthpavilion.co.uk Open Art Exhibition Inaugural exhibition of this type here, featuring artists from both around the country
The Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran has three concurrent exhibitions which run until Sat 25 July. Included in this is Thrashion – a showcase of jewellery made out of bits of old skateboards, by Falmouthbased designer Nat Rigby. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free. 01239 621200 / siobhan@ mwldan.co.uk Mark Eaglen: The Ethereal Closet Of Spacetime Mark Eaglen explores the relationship between art, science, technology and nature. This exhibition will include drawings, sculpture, digital and video works, alongside opportunities to interact with the pieces. See Art for more. (Until Sat 11 July) Oriel Myrddin Church Lane, Carmarthen. 01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Drawing 2015 Showcase for artists who use drawing as a primary method: Anna Barratt, David Begley, Kelly Best, Helen Booth, Julia Griffiths Jones, Anne-Mie Melis, Robert McPartland and Stephanie Tucknell. (Until Sat 27 June) Oriel Q The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqueenshallgallery. org.uk Tim & Sarah Williams Animation, film, music and installation. Main gallery 3D area: assorted ceramics and jewellery by students and well-known artists. (Until Sat 6 June) Oriel Y Bont University Of South Wales, Pontypridd. Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5.30pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm. Free. 01443 480480 / www.gallery. southwales.ac.uk On Route An interim exhibition of painting, performance, photography and installation by four Year One MA Art students – Alys, Helen, Libby and Sue – at the University of South Wales. (Until Mon 15 June) Ronald Lawrence & Anthony Stokes ‘From Coast To Valleys’ Contemporary photographs depicting Rest Bay, Porthcawl,
and around the corner. (Until Thurs 25 June) St.Cyres Showcse of prospective young artists from a local primary school of this name. (From Fri 26 until Tue 30 June) Redhouse Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Making And Imagining Merthyr: Using The Creative Power Of Art To Illuminate Place Digital stories, photography, film, music, movement and song capturing experiences, feelings and reflections of living in Merthyr. The artists involved explored their sense of place through collaborative workshops. (From Wed 17 until Sun 28 June) The Riverfront Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport. Mon-Sat 10am8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Free. 01633 656757. Graphic Moves Follow-up to last year’s successful exhibition Light Moves, created by a team of artists in South Wales plus University Of Cardiff and Aberdeen academics. (Until Sun 28 June) City And Guilds Exhibition – Textiles And Photography Also including many images captured by the C&G level 1 Photography group. (On Fri 19 + Sat 20 June) Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Free. 029 2039 1391 / www.rwcmd. ac.uk Balance Annual exhibition offering a fresh look at the work of the RWCMD, courtesy of graduate designers, sonic artists, musicians and technicians. (From Thurs 18 until Sat 27 June) St Donats Arts Centre St Donats Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. Free. 01446 779100 / www.stdonats.com BUZZ 53
art Land, Sea And Air An exhibition of textile and mixed media work based on the theme sugested in the title, by Triskelion, who feature Pat Johnson, Joan Hughes and Patricia Mears. (From Thurs 11 until tue 30 June) Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton St, Swansea. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk Gower College Showcasing work from the Visual Arts course. (Until Fri 26 June) Swansea Museum Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am5pm. Free. 01792 653763 / www.swanseamuseum. co.uk Rhiannon’s Legacy – For The Love of Horses Exhibition reflecting the close relationship that has developed between horse and human over 5,000 years, how the horse has shaped civilisation, and the local legacy of partnerships with the horse which survive today. (Until Sun 21 June) Taliesin Arts Centre Singleton Park, Swansea. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 12pm-6pm and performance evenings 6pm8.15pm. Free. 01792 295526 / www.taliesinartscentre. co.uk Michelle Scragg, Caroline Rees & Katie Allen Three established Swansea artists come together for an exhibition of vibrant paintings and delicate papercuts. (Until Sat 4 July) Tenby Museum & Art Gallery Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids. 01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Royal Watercolour Society Of Wales Showcase from noted Welsh group which was established in 1959 and whose patron is Prince Charles, I always feel dutybound to mention (if only because I’ve not been given any more info). (Until Sun 28 June) Theatr Hafren Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / boxoffice@theatrhafren. co.uk Larisa Suturina Phillips Siberian-born painter, taking inspiration from different countries and cultures. Her compositions are mostly influenced by Islamic tiles; other ideas come from oriental flower arrangements. (Until Wed 29 July) Tower Gallery Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc. co.uk Evi Antonio ‘Cimychiaid Jono (Jono’s Lobsters)’ Antonio has been visiting Pembrokeshire since 1989, developing an affinity with the area. Latterly, her and her family have accompanies BUZZ 54
Jono, a fisherman, on his trips to sea. This exhibition documents and celebrates some of his catch. (From Fri 5 June until Mon 31 Aug) Velindre Hospital Whitchurch, Cardiff. Open 24/7. Free. 029 2075 2251. South Wales Art Society – Permanent Rolling Exhibition Members’ works are available to view in the corridors and restaurant of the hospital at any given time. 20% of all sales go to the hospital. Victoria Fearn Gallery 6B Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm, Sun 10am-3pm. Free. 029 2052 0884. Lynne Cartlidge & David Knight Lynne paints flowers and still lifes in oil; David will be exhibiting his new watercolour paintings of Cardiff. Also featuring porcelain by Louise Hall and jewellery by Caroline Reynolds. (From Fri 5 June until Sat 11 July) Wales Millennium Centre Bute Place, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2063 6464 / www. wmc.org.uk Jon Pountney ‘Something Must Be Done’ A new body of work by a photographer who first exhibited at the Centre in 2012 with his Cardiff Before Cardiff project. This looks at the decline of industry and deptivation in south Wales, and is described in the press material as “essentially a biased and unfair reflection” of the region. (Until Tue 9 June) Matt Wright ‘Relics’ Largescale multimedia exhibition from Wales-based Wright.In partnership with Cadw, he presents a study of historical sites from around Wales, captured in 360° using the latest digital technology . (From Sat 20 June until Sun 23 Aug) Wendrich Art House Temple Gallery, 1 Brickyard Cottages, Llanelli. 12-5pm. Free. 01792 295526 / www. wendricharthouse.com Open Studio Artists Harry and Nicola Wendrich display work in their tranquil garden studio, including a display of Temple Crafts including meditation aids, incenses, astrological birth charts and calendars. The opportunity to hear “the Music of the Plants” is also offered. (Every Sunday until Sun 30 Aug) West Wharf Gallery Jacobs Market, Cardiff. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. westwharfgallery@gmail. com Group Exhibition Featuring work from Richard Cox, David Gould, Tom Piper and Adrian Metcalfe and Eirian Llwyd, amongst others. (Until Mon 15 June) The Winding House Cross Street, New Tredegar, Caerphilly. Tue-Sun 10am5pm. Free. 01443 822666 / windinghouse@caerphilly. gov.uk Our Duty To Bear: The First World War And Caerphilly County Borough Exhibition explor-
ing how WWI affected men, women and children in this area. It will explore the impact of the war on the local area through objects, images, film and sound. (Until autumn TBC) Workers Gallery 99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff. Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@ gmail.com Leftovers V International Print exhibition with artists TBC. (Until Sat 27 June) Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens Off Penterry Lane, St. Arvans, Chepstow. Wed, Sat + Sun 11am-6pm. Free (charity donations welcomed). 01291 621242 / www.wyndcliffecourt.co.uk Spring Sculpture Show Talented local sculptors including Philippa MacArthur, Miranda Michels and Martin Duffy; new artists’ work including Joe Szabo, Andrew Findlay and MissFire. (Until Sun 27 Sept)
clubs Buffalo 11 Windsor Place, Cardiff. Open Mon-Thurs 11am3am, Fri + Sat 11am-4am, Sun until 4am. 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff. com Mondays Bump & Grind 10pm-3am, £4/£3 before 11.30. 90s r’n’b/hip-hop night, which recently relocated to here from Undertone. Wed 10 Purrmotions 10pm-4am, £9/£8. Paul Woolford makes your midweek a bit more housey, for a night which likes people to wear cat whiskers. Elliot Mitchell b2b Matear, Coño Frito, WooHaaForThis and Jack Francis also DJ. Saturdays Shake Shake 9pm-4am, £4/free before 12. “Cocktail makin’ basslibe quakin’ booty shakin’ best credible Saturday night party!” Their words. The Canadian 143 Pearl Street, Splott, Cardiff. 029 2045 3141. Fridays DJ 45 Free. Rock, blues, metal, Americana and alt-rock spanning the decades, all played from the original vinyl. Cardiff University Students Union Park Place, Cardiff. All listings apply to term time only. 029 2078 1458 / studentsunion@cardiff. ac.uk 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. Saturdays Flux 9pm-2am, £5/£4 NUS. Chart, dance and pop. Club Oxygen 1 Northampton Lane, Swansea. 0844 8849171 / www.globaloxygen.co.uk Fridays Dance Anthems 11pm-6am, from £5. House
and commercial music all night from Big Al, Nicky G, 3 Bird, Jordan Steins, LJ Isaac and Tom Chizzy. Saturdays 10pm-6am. Room 1: ED, progressive, big room, electro, deep and house. Room 2: r’n’b, bassline, garage and hip-hop. Plus big name guests TBC. Sat 4 July 99 Souls 10pm-6am. This is billed as an official pre-party for Xstatic In The Park, which is later in the month, and is headlined by someone or something which had a hit single, The Girl Is Mine – “a mash up as you would have hoped from its title featuring Beyonce vs. Brandy & Monica,” as the internet, telling me what I think, puts it. Nicky G, Martin Dibble, Ben Parkin, Big Al and Lanos also feature. Clwb Ifor Bach Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Mon 8 Itchy Feet 10.30pm, £7. Swing, soul, funk, R&B, rock’n’roll and ska. Thurs 4 Carnival 10.30pm, £4. Bashment, reggae and dancehall night which has previously been a success in Brighton and Bristol, and is launching here. Its audience seems to be students who would be a bit scared of going to proper dancehall nights, which admittedly Cardiff isn’t teeming with. Thurs 11 Twrw 10.30pm, £2. Elan and Mari DJ Welsh language pop music of all kinds. Fridays (bottom) Xerox 10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 NUS. A “party jukebox” night. With DJs, though, not an actual jukebox. Fri 12 Mi Casa 10.30pm. Rich Wakely, Leeds house DJ, headlines this post-X Music Festival bash. Fri 26 Brooklyn Zoo 10.30pm-4am, £3-£5. Current and classic hip-hop alike, selected by Patrick Nazemi. Saturdays 10pm-4am, £5/£4 NUS. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter's proper disco. The Color Festival Splott Warehouse, Cardiff. Info www.the-color-festival. com. Sat 6 The Color Festival 2pm-12am, £40/£30. With a full lineup of young person-friendly DJs to go alongside the carefree chucking around of coloured dye bags, from where the name derives. Oliver Heldens, High Contrast, Alex Adair and The Golden Boy are the out of town guests, plus resident DJs from CYNT, Purrmotions and New City Sound. Courtyard 48 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161. Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Upfront dance anthems and “Urban Vibes”. Fridays The Kickstart / Terrace Session Classic anthems, downstairs, Mr Ifsta plus allstar residents up on the roof terrace. Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy. Sundays The Sunday Session Upfront urban sounds from Courtyard residents.
DC / Maddison 71-74 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2039 9399 / www. maddisondc.com Fridays Smack. 10pm3am, £5/£4 before 10.30. Hit student night, helmed by residents Lawrence Jones and Mozafari, with all the associated zany activities and modern floor-fillers that the clientele love. Saturdays 10pm-3.30am. A rotating bill of south Wales DJs – Raptura, Martin Dibble, Big Al, Liam O’Connell, Jimpy, K33fey and Steve Howells – break out the dance anthems each week. Dempseys Castle Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 9253. Thursdays (downstairs) Twisted By Design 9.30pm-2am, free. Weekly night along the lines of the Saturday lineups. Fri 5 Manic Street Preachers Official Afterparty 10pm2am, free. In addition to the normal fare downstairs, the upstairs room will be hosted by Manic Street Mania, who I think have done DJ sets here for the crazy fans before. Alternative, glam, indiepop, punk, riot grrrl and of course the Manics will be played. Fridays (downstairs) Blah Blah Blah 10pm-3am, free. Gary Twisted offers up Motown, indie, rock’n’roll, reggae and “no cheesy pop”. Saturdays 9pm-3am, free. Rock’n’roll, funk, soul, party tunes yadda yadda, selected by Chris PJ Martin. Sat 6 Fabulous 9pm-2am, £4. Mod, ska, reggae, indie, R&B, funk, boogaloo and northern soul, running here for the mods since the 90s. Sat 4 July Twisted By Design 9pm2am, £3.50/£3 NUS. Monthly event with Gary playing the best in indie choons – Belle & Sebastian, Bowie, Cure, Dead Kennedys, summat like that. Fuel 5 Womanby Street, Cardiff. 0845 6430032 / www. givemefuel.co.uk 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. The Full Moon / The Moon Club Womanby Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3022 / info@ thefullmooncardiff.com Thursdays Hullabalooza 10pm-4am, free. Alternative party tunes. Fri 12 Sub:culture 11pm, £5. Two rooms of techno from Iolo, Tom Ware, Daen, Dirtytechnodog, Dan Gough and Aneurin. See Clubs. Fri 26 Ultimate Power 10pm-4am, £4 adv. Power ballads-themed club night. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Free. DJ Puddlefunk with bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between. Sat 13 Back To Basskicks 11pm, £6/£5 before 12. Jungle, swing and bassy sounds headlined by Jinx In Dub.
Glam Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. 029 2022 9311 / info@ glamnightclub.co.uk Mondays The Fest 10pm3am, £3.50. Two floors of charts, dance and student anthems (room one) and r’n’b, hip-hop, urban and funky (room two). Mon 1 has a special guest appearance from Joel Corry. I don’t know who that is because I don’t watch much TV, or as I call it the ‘idiot box’!! Wednesdays HUMP 10pm3am, £3.50. This is billed as the most outrageous night ever to come to Cardiff, which they will achieve via drinking games and celeb DJ sets. Thursdays Trend 9pm-3am, £4/£3.50. DJs Giggsy, Jordan Valleys, Sole and Willow play chart, indie and student anthems; r’n’b, house and old skool. This has replaced Propaganda I guess. Fridays Antisocial 9pm-3am. Level 1: r’n’b, hip-hop and mash-ups from DJ Sole and DJ Pro. Level 2: house, electro, dubstep and drum’n’bass from Ian Davies and DJ Rewire. Saturdays Vanity 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed. Sat 6 has a guest DJ set by Danny Jones out of McFly, who now seems to be some sort of house DJ. The Globe At Hay Newport Street, Hay On Wye. 01497 821762 / www. globeathay.org Sat 27 Reggae Pie 8-11pm, £5-£7. Mr Pie, Ally Baba, Daddy Adam, Cai Roots and Ben Jafari are the DJs, over from this popular Hereford night to drop ska, dub and old-skool reggae bombs. Gwdihw 6 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk Fri 5 Soundwave Croatia Launch Party 9pm, £5/£4. Featuring DJ Gilla (First World Records) with Sure Shot, Blue Honey, Hully Gully and Van Pelt DJs. Fri 12 Superchango 9pm, £4/£3. This month’s subtitle is “summer jams”. Fri 19 Tuxedo Junction Summer Speakeasy 9pm, £4. Electroswing night. Fri 26 Pleasuredome 9pm-2.30am, £5/£3 before 11. Conroy, Deemo and Teoman play the electronic music of the 80s. Sat 6 Juju Nations 9pm. One-off return for this night of global funkiness, which was been out of commission since early 2014. Sat 13 Fat City 9pm, £4. Featuring a live set from Nomad Collective, a Cuban/afrobeat/jazz crossover band. Sat 20 Blue Honey 9pm, £5. Eclectic dancefloor night is headlined this month by Sisterhood, a house/techno duo from London. Despite their name, both of them are actually blokes. This kind of thing isn’t getting boring or annoying at all. Veto, Vestalus and Blue Honey DJs also feature. Sat 27 Hully Gully 9pm. Featuring guests TBC. Jacob’s Market West Canal Wharf, Cardiff. 029 2039 0939.
clubs *Fri 6 Teak & Studio 89 Miami Vice Party 5pm5am. A daytime/evening affair, following a similar event last year which also had a Miami Vice theme. The daytime is hosted by Studio 9 and features Tornado Wallace and Owain K; the night is hosted by Teak and features DJ Nature, Dave Harvey and Seka. It seems to be totally sold out but a few people normally try and sell their tickets on the day, or just before (facebook.com/teakcardiff). Kuku Club Park Plaza Hotel, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. Members’ club. 029 2011 1177 / www.kukuclub.co.uk Fridays Kuku is available for private hire on Friday evenings. Get in touch with them via the website if you want to take advantage of this. Saturdays 10pm-4am, £5/ free members (10pm-1am); £10/£5 members (after 1am). With DJs TBC. Ladybird 41 St Mary St, Cardiff. 029 2066 5500 / info@ ladybirdcardiff.com / www. ladybirdcardiff.com Fridays C-Y-N-T 10pm-5am. Student clubbing favourites take up residency in a new venue. Residents: Josh Thomas, Andrew Watkins, Elliot Mitchell, Batesy, Tom Rees, Van Pelt, Highforthis and Gavin Woo. Fri 5 is headlined by Monki, whose new Fabric mix is one of the best I’ve heard in that series for a while. Tickets are between £7 and £10 for this one. Fri 12 is an X Music Festival afterparty and features Third
Son, JV, Coño Frito, Tom Rees and Greg Davies (£9/£6 adv). Saturdays Solution 10pm4am. A night whose flyer has a big photo of a model in her bra and pants. Sundays Sunday Project 7pm-3am, free with guestlist. Free industry night offers floor fillers and house classics. Lava Lounge The Old Brewery Quarter, Caroline Street, Cardiff. 029 2038 2313 / www. lavaloungecardiff.co.uk Fridays Circus Circus 9pm-3am. “The best music from the best DJs in town” and, perhaps more importantly, cheap drinks. Saturdays 9pm-3am. Commercial chart music and the best of the 80s and 90s is promised, as are various two for £6/three for £5 drinks offers. Sundays Industry Sundays 9pm4am. Folks in the bar, club and hotel industry can come here after work and party to the selections of DJs Rhys Lewis and DJ George. The Lemon Factory (formerly The Underground) 37 St Helens Road, Swansea. 07969 671379 / www.lemonfactorybar. co.uk/ Sat 6 Dirtbox 9pm-5am, £10. Hard dance crazies settle into their new monthly slot. This is part of the K405 world tour and is headlined by Kid Kaos. K405 looks a bit like Kaos, see, doesn’t it. Also featuring Mike Stevenson & Side E-Fect, Rob Davies, D-Grove, Toxic, PSR, Legendz, Zac F, Pesky & CJ1, Ryan B and host K-Ner.
Metros Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates 9pm-4am, £5. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Fridays Subversion 9.30pm-3.30am, £3 with flyer before 10.30pm. Drinks promos, no dress code. Rock, punk, metal and alternative beats. Saturdays Slacker 9.30pm-3.30am. Wherein Hywel plays alternative and new music. Meze Lounge Market Street, Newport. 01633 213161. Fridays Party Hard! 10pm5am. Party bangers across the spectrum of heavy sounds, courtesy of Aaron Lille and Megatron Tom. Saturdays 10pm-5am, £3-£5. Eclectic beats, indie anthems, Latin, hip-hop, reggae etc. 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. 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
pic: Jimmy Mould
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. Popworld Wind Street, Swansea. MonFri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676. Tuesdays Popstar Karaoke 9pm-3am. Karaoke night with a £50 prize. Wednesdays W.H.I.P. 9pm, free before 11. That’s short for What Happens In Popworld. Thursdays T.N.T. 9pm-3am. That’s short for Thirsty Night Thursday. All drinks are £1.50 before 12am, apart from wines, cocktails, champagnes and – oh, Swansea – Rekorderlig. Fridays + Saturdays Ain’t No Party Like A Popworld Party 8pm-3am, £2-£4 (Fri)/£3-£5 (Sat). Pryzm (formerly Oceana) Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. 029 2023 3854 / www. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Mondays BASS 10pm-3am, free before 11.30. Student night. on an urban tip and also featuring live acts. TFridays + Saturdays 10pm-3am. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff. Saturday is in conjunction with Jongleurs comedy club, which also takes place here. Pulse 3 Churchill Way, Cardiff. 029 2064 1010 / www. pulsecardiff.com. Gay venue. Wednesdays Warped 10pm-4am. Join DJ Craig W on a journey through time with the best hits from the last two decades. Fridays Pulsetastic 10pm-5am, £4/£3. With live PAs once a month. Saturdays Pop Til You Drop 10pm-5am, £5/£4 b4 11. The very best chart remixes and classic hits all night long. The Queens Hall High Street, Narberth. 01834 861212 / www. thequeenshall.org.uk Fri 26 Span Arts Presents 8pm, £10-£14. MC Top Cat, a British institution who started off in the reggae scene and was later adopted by the 90s jungle posse, is tonight’s special guest. He’s joined by DJ Don Caesar, who’s also his son. See Clubs for more.
MONKI C-Y-N-T @ Ladybird, Cardiff, Fri 5 June Tickets: £8-£10. Info: 029 2066 5500 / www.ladybirdcardiff.com What with C-Y-N-T operating according to the student calendar, this is the last event they have planned until September, and it should be roof-raising. Or maybe just the ceiling, as this is in Ladybird’s basement. Monki, aka Londoner Lucy Monkman, has powered through the DJ ranks in the last few years, thanks in no small part to radio residencies on Rinse FM and Radio 1 – a position she still holds today. She also has a brand new mix album out – part of the Fabriclive series, and one of the most joyous Fabric releases for some time. Fiery grime and bass music transitions into peak-time house and slamming techno, with DJ Haus, Floorplan, Danny Daze and Belgian minor legend Frank de Wulf all cropping up.
Revolution Castle Street, Cardiff. Open from 11am. 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars.co.uk Tuesdays Sync 9pm-3am. Student night featuring hazers, lasers and drink deals. Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 9pm-3am. Exclusive midweek student party. You don’t need NUS to get in though. Fridays + Saturdays 9pm-3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire. Room 112 (formerly 411 Bar) 3-6 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Open Thurs 9pm-3am, Fri + Sat 10pm-4am. 029 2066 7996 / www.room112.net Fridays Bedrock 9pm-4am, £10/£5 before 12. R’n’b, hip-hop and dancehall.
Saturdays Pillow Talk 9pm-4am, £10. Old skool r’n’b, hip-hop, house and decadent partying is this night’s deal. The Scene Plymouth Street, Swansea. 07730 432166 / www. thesceneclub.co.uk Fri 5 + Fri 3 July Night Train 10pm-3am, £3. Swansea Scooter Society DJs play R&B, mod, soul, jazz etc on the first Friday of every month. Sat 6 + Sat 4 July Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month. Used to be in Sin City, is now in here. Sin City Dilwyn Street, Swansea. 01792 468892 / bookings@ alternativeswansea.com Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night, back for the new term. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm-3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30. Indie in room 1, metal in room 2. Fri 12 Silent Disco 10pm, £5 adv. I remember when these things were the hottest new invention on the block. You could pay in and still have change for a nice pint of Brains 45. Saturdays Sink 10pm-3am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South. Sat 13 features a guest set by DJ Barely Legal, who is much more fun and respectable than her moniker implies. Small World Theatre Bath House Road, Cardigan, Ceredigion. 01239 615952 / www. smallworld.org.uk Fri 19 Move On Up 8pm, £5. Mr A serves up an all-vinyl mix of Detroit Soul, New Orleans Funk, West Coast Wah-wah, Harlem Shuffle and Afrobeat. Soda Lounge St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodalounge.co.uk Tuesdays Cartel £4/£3.50. UK-wide student night. Mr. Mozafari will be playing vocal house and electro upstairs; DJ Wallace will supply r’n’b and chart in the Soda Lounge. Thursdays Clique 10pm, £4. New night promising the hottest r’n’b and dancefloor fillers. Saturdays Soiree 9pm-4am. Three rooms including the Attic which is “the social playground for the high flyers and social elite, really the only place to be seen.” Imagine catching your reflection in the mirror just after writing that. Tiger Tiger Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri 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. Fridays Koosday 10pm-3am, £7/£5. Something that has lots of decor, smoke machines etc and describes itself as an
“Arrogantly Premium Clubbing Experience”. How depressing. Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc. Undertone (basement of 10 Feet Tall) 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Tue 9 The Mixtape 10pm3am, £3 adv. Eclectic tunes mixed by up and coming Cardiff DJs, presented by Xpress Radio. This is an End Of Year Party. Don’t panic, you haven’t fallen asleep for six months, they’re just students. Thurs 11 House Sessions Vol. 1 10pm, free. Don’t have any other info on this sorry. It does occur to me that no good club night ever desribed itself as a ‘session’, but maybe you disagree. Fri 5 Ritual 003 10pm-4am, £3. Multi-genre dance party to celebrate the end of exams. Fri 12 Deep Inside 10pm-4am. Upfront house, bass music etc. These guys never let us know who they’ve booked until it’s too late to put it in the mag. Much they care, I’m sure. Fri 19 Groove Theory 10pm4am. Quality house music is likely to come from these folks, but I am currently unaware who will be playing it. Yes, I know Undertone’s listings are a wasteland of actual information this month, don’t bother pointing it out thanks. Fri 26 Riot 9pm-4am, £4/£3 before 11. Resident DJs Ferocious Kitten and Zerostar will be playing music from across all the rock/ metal genres, both old and new. Launch night. Sat 13 City Bass 10pm-4am. With a headliner TBC. Sat 20 Resurrection 10pm-4am, £10/£7 adv. Greg T, Andre and Mandi MashUp relive the glory days and nights of Club X, via bouncy house bangers. Sat 27 Release 10pm-4am, £5. House, electro and techno from Dirty Funk Rockers, Copernicus & Kelper, Madame Twisted, Steve Howells, Dan 3man & Corey S and Vinnie G. Warehouse 54 Cambrian Rd, Newport. 01633 259144 / www.wh54. com Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Matt Kirke mixes up club-influenced beats from reggae to rock, d’n’b to dancefloor-led house. Friday Warehouse54 Live! A free festival-inspired mix of bass and live bands every week. Saturdays The NPclubhop Soulful selections from the WH54 Soundsystem, alongside live guests and special events on selected dates. Wow Bar 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff. Gay venue. Free all day Sun-Thurs; before 11pm Fri + Sat. 029 2066 6247 / www.wowbarcardiff.com Wednesdays Wish You Were Here Free. Student night with “inflight entertainment” from Lambrini Rampage and Mary Golds, plus music from DJ Krys. Thursdays The Night With No Name Free. DJ Craig and BUZZ 55
events Armed with nothing more than a guitar (or occasionally a piano), the singer-songwriter occupies a unique position in the grand scheme of things, crossing musical genres with ease and providing the raw material for much of today’s vibrant music scene. From open mic nights to arena tours, these brave souls pour out their innermost thoughts and emotions with varying degrees of success; love them or loathe them, the world would be a poorer place without them. Without a doubt one of the country’s finest songwriters, of any genre, is Kent-born Chris Wood. Although Chris has been around on the folk scene for several years – most notably in partnership with melodeon player Andy Cutting and as part of a trio with Martin Carthy and Roger Wilson – it wasn’t until the release of his 2005 solo album The Lark Descending that he became known to a wider audience. A mixture of traditional songs and his own compositions, that album marked Chris out as a superb interpreter of the tradition and as a gifted writer, as he demonstrated on songs such as Hard – a funny yet touching song about his daughter – and One In A Million, a heartwarming tale of love in a fish and chip shop. Co-written with storyteller Hugh Lupton, it went on to win the coveted Radio 2 Folk Award for best original song. Since then Chris has released Trespasser (2009), which examined spiritual, intellectual, cultural and physical enclosure; Handmade Life (2011), which looked at our connections with the real world and most recently 2013’s None The Wiser (2013). The latter takes a wry look at contemporary British society and was inspired partly by Chris’ 50-date tour of the UK supporting Joan Armatrading in 2012. Travelling the length and breadth of the country, he was able to eavesdrop on the British people and his observations are brought brilliantly into focus on songs such as the album’s insightful title track. Whether deeply personal or broadly political, Chris Wood’s songs strike a chord with virtually everyone who hears them, as you can discover when he performs as part of the ongoing Roots Unearthed series at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall on Wed 24 June. Buzz also recommends Artisan. Second reunion tour for the acclaimed a capella trio. Llantrisant Folk Club, Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club, Castan Rd. Pontyclun (Wed 3) Gren Bartley Band & Honeyfungus / Sarah Smout / Lucy Jones. Respected songwriter plus supports. Cuffern Manor, Roche, Haverfordwest (Fri 5) Dana & Susan Robinson. Traditional and contemporary Americana. Lyceum Folk Club, Lyceum Tavern, Newport (Thurs 18) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 7677
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Mary Golds offer “mad games and crazy entertainment.” Fridays The Greatest Show In The City Free b4 11. With WOW Showgirls Miss Kitty and Marcia, plus special guests every week. Saturdays The VKend Free b4 11. With DJs Craig and Krys. You can get cheap deals in VK. £6.50 for a fishbowl. £6 for a jug of WKD. Settle down now, kids. Sundays The Cuckoo Club Free. DJ Krys plays the tunes until late. Wyeside Arts Centre Castle Street, Builth Wells, Powys. 01982 552555 / www.wyeside.co.uk Sat 6 Wyeside Young Promoters #3 7.30pm, £5. More normally a night for live bands, this event is an electronic special. Curated by Radio 1 favourites, drum’n’bass types Xsylum, local DJs, MCs and producers will also feature. X Music Festival Bute Park, Cardiff. www. xmusicfest.com Fri 12 + Sat 13 X Music Festival 2015 £49.90 adv/£69.90 VIP. See Clubs for more on this inaugural bash, which lines up like this. Main stage: DJ Fresh, Fuse ODG, Jaguar Skills. Krept & Konan, Sigma, Skepta and Sub Focus (Fri 12); Andy C, Annie Mac, B.Traits, Eton Messy, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Gorgon City, Hannah Wants, My Nu Leng and Redlight (Sat 13). Mi Casa stage: Yousef, Audiojack, The Organ Grinder, Lauren Lo Sung, Apex, Coño Frito and Poulet (Fri 12); special guests TBC, Subb-An, Jasper James, Lucas Alexander, Scott Kerr, Sinky, JV, Minimal Masy and The Lighthouse Project (Sat 13). VIP area: Casey, Darren Probert, Double Cream, Gavin Woo, Ian Davies, Pro, Sarah Louise, Sole, Spice, Willow and more TBA. There are also live bands, see the Live Music listings for those.
events EVERY MONDAY Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 6-9.30pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8; advanced 8-9.30. Bharata Natyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158. Bingo Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Hosted by Jack Cooper. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Churchill’s Hotel Bar, Llandaff, 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. Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff. 7.45-10.45pm, £7/£5 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. Sessions
for a dance style billed as a combo of salsa, ballroom, hiphop, tango and jive. Ceroc Dance Class Odyssey Nightclub, Swansea. 7.4510.45pm, £5. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-9pm. Info 01495 243252. Community Choir Sessions Cornwall Street Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07952 752823. Led by Pauline Down and taking place most Mondays; ring ahead to check. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.308.30pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@ hotmail.co.uk. Every Monday and Friday. India Dance Wales Classes Highmead House, Lisvane, Cardiff. Info 029 2075 1158. For Grade 2 to vocational level. These classes are by special application only at various points in the month – not on specific days, hence listing them here. To apply write to admin@ indiadancewales.com with previous dance experience and reason for wanting to join India Dance Wales. Japanese Taiko Drumming The Riverfront, Newport. 4-7pm, £20 (four weeks). Info 01633 656757. 4-5pm: retired people; 5-6: stage 2 for 7-14-year-olds; 6-7: stage 1 for 7-14-year-olds. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25. Making Music The Gate, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £7.50-£9.50 per session/£4 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Learn to play improvised rock and pop and basic chord sequences. Beginners 6-8pm; intermediate 8-10. Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 6.158.30pm, £6/£5. Info 01633 656757. 7-11 years old: 6.15-7.15pm; 12 and up: 7.158.30pm. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today features Youth Circus Ewoks (4-5 + 5.15-6.15pm, £6 per session); Youth Circus Wookies (4.30-6pm, £7 per session); Flying Trapeze (6-8pm, £12/£10 per session); Aerial Yoga (6.30-7.30pm, £11/£9) and Flexibility (7.45-9.15pm, £9/£7 per session). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Tours of the centre running daily for one hour. Advance booking recommended. Pilates The Gate, Cardiff. 11.30am-1.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners for the first hour, intermediate for the second. Quizzical The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050. RAD Children’s Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 4-7.45pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. 4-6-year-olds: 4-4.45pm; 6-8 4.45-5.45pm; Ballet Grade 1 6-8 yrs 5.456.45pm; Ballet Grade 2 6-8 yrs 6.45-7.45pm.
Salsa Classes Mischiefs, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/ intermediate. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales. com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Monday, Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, ParcLe-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more. St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm. Info 01446 799100. Choir rehearsals. Tai Chi: Health Qigong Glyndwr Community Hall, Penarth. 10.30-11.30am. Info 029 2020 6042. 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. Welsh Lessons The Gate, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info 029 2048 3344. Every Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening. Email info@learnwelsh. co.uk for more deets. 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. Zumba Dance Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.306.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2087 7959. EVERY TUESDAY Frances Aitken Pilates The Abacus, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5. Info 07934 011061. Dropin session hosted by Aitken, who’s been teaching pilates for eight years and comes from a professional circus and dance background. A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-11pm. Info 01495 243252. Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. Every Tuesday and Friday. American Line Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 2.454.45pm, £3. Info 029 2048 3344. Belly Dance Classes Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.308pm, £6. Info 07872 306745. Mixed ability class with Steph. Beth’s Buns Pilates Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £8.50. Info 029 2048 4880. New class here every Tuesday. Cardiff City Table Tennis Club – Student Session Cardiff City Table Tennis Club, Cathays, Cardiff. 8.3010.30pm, £1. Info lawrenceccttc@gmail.com. New student night aiming to focus on the social aspect of table tennis. Circus Skills The Riverfront, Newport. 7-8.30pm, £3.50 per
session. Info 01633 656757. For ages 14 and up. No class on Tue 26 Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday. Contemporary Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8.30pm, £4.50-£6.50/£2.50 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8.30. Extend The Gate, Cardiff. 11am, £2.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Exercise to music, aimed at over-60s and people with a disability. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm. Info www.funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Boxing-based high-intensity workout with a house soundtrack. First session free. In this gym every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 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. India Dance Wales Classes Rubicon Dance, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to next level and for all ages and abilities. Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717. All instruments and ages welcome. Kizomba Tango Classes 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Learn African samba here. Life Drawing Sketching Session 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6-7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea. 6-10pm. Info 01792 475147. Little’ns Music The Riverfront, Newport. 9.4510.30am + 1.30-2.15, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Introduction to rhythm and singing for babies, plus a chance to practice nursery rhymes. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (ground based skills, 4-6pm, £7 per session); Youth Circus Padawans (4.306pm, £7 per session); Hula Hoop (6-7pm, £7); Circus Mish Mash (6-8pm, £5) and Beginners Aerial (8-10pm, £11/£9). Off Centre Silver Dragon, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Adult drama group meeting weekly to develop performance skills. Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Pied Piper Music The Gate, Cardiff. 10.15-10.45am + 1.30-2.15pm, £4.50 (morn-
events ing)/£5 (afternoon). Info 029 2048 3344. Songs, games and music making for toddlers (morning) and pre-schoolers aged 3+ (afternoon). Pilates And Stretch Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 8.15-9.15pm, £6. Info 07872 306745. With Steph; bring your own mat please. Pilates: Beginners The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk. Salsa Classes Bar 44, Cowbridge. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5/£4.50 NUS. Info 07949 270618. Every Tuesday. 7.15pm beginners; 8.15pm improvers; 9.15pm intermediates. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £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 of Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park (including BBNP visitors centre). Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Continuation St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm. Info 029 2020 6042. Vassia’s Pilates M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 4-5.30pm, £5/£6.50 taster session. Info 029 2047 3373. Welsh Lessons The Gate, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 029 2048 3344. 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. 7.309pm, £8/£6.50. 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. 6-7pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. 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. 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 A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252. Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm, £30 (five weeks). Info 01633 656757. Ceroc Dance Class Dinas Powys Parish Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-10.45pm, £5. Info
cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Wake Up Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.15-8am, £7£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@ hotmail.co.uk. Life Drawing Sketching Session The Project Space, Commercial Street, Newport. 6.30-8.30pm, £5. Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.156pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.15-5pm; 14-18: 5-6pm. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (acrobatics, 4.15-6pm, £7); Acrobatics (6-8pm, £9/£7) and Handstands (8-9.30pm, £10/£8). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Pilates The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Concentrating on General Fitness. Beginners for the first hour; advanced for the second. Pub Quiz The Pilot, Penarth. 8pm. Info 029 2071 0615. With Hayley. Salsa Classes Rhiwbina Recreational Club, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £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. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am + 7-9pm, £8/£6.50. 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. 6-7pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880. Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea. 5.30pm, £3.50. Info 07914 683534. Zumba Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 6pm, £4. Info 07949 270618. EVERY THURSDAY Ab Attack Class Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6-6.30pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880. Actors Experience Japan Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6-9pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. A series of diverse workshops for professional and experienced actors. 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. 6.15-7pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. Learn break dancing styles, uprock, freezes and power moves. For ages 8-18. Ceroc Dance Class Odyssey Nightclub, Swansea. 7.4510.45pm, £5. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252. Circuits Class Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6.45-7.45pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880. Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm. Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk. Hand Drumming Group Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff. 6-6.50pm, £15 (five weeks). Info 01446 401209. Hosted by Laura Bradshaw. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Handstands (6-7.30pm, £10/£8) and Performance (7.30-9.30pm, £10/£8). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Pilates Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.157.15pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@hotmail.co.uk . Every Thursday. Salsa Buena Class Eclipse, Penarth. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07800 565651. Also features a Latin disco after the class. Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5/£4.50 NUS. Info 07949 270618. 7.15pm beginners; 8.15pm improvers; 9.15pm Rueda. 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 & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Albert Road Church & Community Centre, Penarth. 6.30-9.15pm. Info 029 2020 6042. 6.30-7.30: Tai Chi/ Qigong; 7.45-9.15: Tai Chi Short Form. Tai Chi / Qigong St Albans Church Hall, Splott, Cardiff. 10.30-11.30am. Info 029 2020 6042. Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7.15 + 7.308.45pm, £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 + 7.30-9pm, £8/£6.50. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. EVERY FRIDAY Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. Boys’ Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.45-5.30pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757. Taught by Rubicon, for ages 6-12. Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm.
712344. With Irene Davies. EVERY SATURDAY Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 9.30am. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Hard Côr Sony Room, Wales
On Thurs 4, Tue 16 and Sun 21, the Weber Grill Academy (possibly not a recognised educational body) hosts courses in grilling, smoking, roasting etc at Llanerch Vineyard in Hensol. Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai. co.uk. 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. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.308.30pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@ hotmail.co.uk. Little’ns Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 9.4510.25am + 10.30-11.15am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm. Info 01633 400685. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (aerial, 4.15-6pm, £7); Aerial Conditioning (6-7.30pm, £10/£8); Flying Trapeze Taster class (fortnightly, 6-8pm, £15). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Older Adult Dance/ Exercise The Riverfront, Newport. 11.15am-12.15pm, £2.80. 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 & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £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. Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Sbectrwm Community Centre, Fairwater, Cardiff. 1-2pm. Info 07891
Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Come-one-come-all sessions for the Centre’s urban choir who blend choral singing with hip-hop. NoFit State Circus: Youth Circus Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. 10.30am-12pm, £7/£6 per session. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. 10.3011.30am: Ewoks; 11.30am1pm: Padawans; 10-11.30am: Wookies. 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 & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. 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. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 8-9.30am, £6.50. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi. Youth Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 12.45-3.15pm, £28 (seven weeks)/£25 (six weeks). Info 01633 656757. For ages 8 to 16, across two classes (youngest first). EVERY SUNDAY Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351. Ballet For Beginners Dance Studio, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2-3.30pm, £6/£15 for three classes. Info info@burlesquecardiff. co.uk. Hosted by Stephanie of Burlesque Cardiff. 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, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Farmers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Welsh producers sell their wares every week at this new market. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre. 6-10pm. Info 01792 863722. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (mixed circus skills, 12-2pm, £7) and Youth Circus Jedis (performance, 2-4pm, £7). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £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. MONDAY 1 Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Northamptonshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 3) Northern Lingo Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. This is a night which seems to feature people playing bingo and speaking in Yorkshire dialect. Tea Dance Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. With Alan Taylor. Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758. An open group of writers who encourage others to write and also critique work. Here every first and third Monday of the month. TUESDAY 2 Art Lunchtime Talk: Edith Downing (1857-1951), Sculptor And Suffragette National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Talk by Stephanie Roberts. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Northamptonshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 3) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. Come along to discuss authors and books old and new. Every Tuesday this month. Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences Gallery Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. BUZZ 57
events Ryan Van Winkle + Nia Davies Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2037 6249. Van Winkle, a poet, reads from his new book The Good Dark. Sing Welsh! St Catherine’s Church Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am-12.30pm, £40/£30. Info 07952 752823. Sing Welsh language folk songs in simple harmonies; ideal for learners. Led by Pauline Down and on every Tuesday this month.
featuring readings from Phillip Gross and Valerie Price. Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Also on Thurs 11 and Thurs 18. Quiz In My Pants The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Pub quiz, also on Thurs 18. Weber Grill Academy Essential Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm,
Cardiff bar 10 Feet Tall host an Interactive Alan Partridge Quiz on Thurs 4. Put your annoying habit of quoting lines from the series/movie to good use and win Alan-themed prizes. WEDNESDAY 3 Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Northamptonshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Finishes today) ESIL Award Ceremony Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Featuring guest speakers, talks and dance perfornances. Pop Up Produce Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Monthly market highlighting the wares of local food producers. Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every month. Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr. 8pm. Info 01495 753629. Established group aiming to provide constructive criticism, help, advice and guidance to its members. Also on Wed 17. Stories By Gaslight Gas Gallery, Aberystwyth. 6.459pm, £5. Info peterstevensonart@gmail.com. Monthly storytelling club, this month featuring Dr T’s Tales of the Twentieth Century, plus Peter Stevenson. TED x Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 5.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 475715. People speak about stuff, but not for too long. THURSDAY 4 Eccentric Gin Pop-Up No.6 Wine Bar, Swansea. Info 01792 480791. Eccentric Gin are a microdistillery in Llantrisant and, in case you thought they might be so eccentric as to choose a misleading name, do in fact make gin. They will be here to dispense samplings of their own range of gin, and will be in Cardiff on Thurs 25 too. First Thursday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400. New poetry, fiction and memoir sessions, this month BUZZ 58
£100. Info 01443 222716. Presented as part of Angela Gray’s Cookery School, this takes you through grilling, roasting, smoking and baking techniques. Also on Tue 16 and Sun 21. We Need To Talk About Alan: The Interactive Alan Partridge Quiz 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2. Info 029 2022 8883. Pretty much self-explanatory event. The prizes will be things like chocolate oranges, Beatles compilations, you get the idea (or don’t, in which case there isn’t much point you entering this). FRIDAY 5 Art Opinions Service National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Bring in a piece of art for opinions/referrals by the Art Department. Baby Mice Song Time / Little Mice Club National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10 + 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. 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. Cricket: T20SG – Glamorgan v Middlesex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. Derek Acorah Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18. Info 01792 475715. Evening Bat Walk Margam Country Park, Port Talbot. 9pm, £2 adv. Info 01639 881635. With the Margam Bat Monitoring Project. Book in advance please. 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. Get Quizzical The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 01497 821762. Pub quiz on the first Friday of every month. Graphic Moves The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, free. Info 01633 656757. New work including Graphic
Moves (film), Mashing Up The Land (sculptural exploration) and Found Sounds And Street Beats (sound art). Museum Late Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. Until 9pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Monthly venture in which people will be able to explore the museum and have a pint (at a pop-up bar) while they’re doing it. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Teaming up with NoFit State Circus, the collective of foodie sorts who held a residency at the Depot late last year are back, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June. Today, tomorrow and Sun 7 also incorporates the Wales & West version of the British Street Food Festival. Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £5 (adults). Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly day for toddlers with a special theme each month, May’s being woodland creatures. SATURDAY 6 Art Challenge Wales: Porthcawl Various venues, Porthcawl. 9am-5pm, £10 to register. Info 01656 772222. Day-long event where participants can sit somewhere in Porthcawl and paint it, with a purse of up to £500 offered. Artist Talk: Angela Maddox Mission Gallery, Swansea. 3pm, free. Info 01792 652016. Talk by the current Maker In Focus in the gallery. Barry Guide Group Craft Fayre Highlight Park Community Centre, Barry. 10am-2pm. Info 07948 399111. 07578 194913. Ceramics Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Every Saturday this month. Claymation At Work National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11.30am + 2.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Kids of seven and up can create a clay figure then bring it to life through simple digital stop motion animation. On tomorrow also. Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island. 10am3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111. Every first Saturday of the month. Craft Workshops Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-12pm + 2-4pm. Info 01792 463980. Creating a craft project inspired by the animals which feature in Dylan Thomas’ work. Adults’ session in the morning; kids in the afternoon. Dewch Y Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Sessions for Welsh learners. Eve Of The Battle National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Watch soldiers and speak to the villagers at the Battle Of St Fagans. That was a real battle FYI, in 1648, which I definitely didn’t just look up. On tomorrow also. Family Fun In The
Meadow National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Help an OPAL scientist to survey the bug life in the urban meadow or learn to be a botanical illustrator. Gauntlet Games Coedarhydyglyn, Estate, nr Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff. 10am. Info www. thegauntletgames.co.uk. Fundraising race for Kidney Wales, along a a Gladiatorthemed obstacle course, with a 5km or 10km route available to choose from. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Don’t give Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune the gasface, take a closer look at them in this show. (On weekends until Sun 28) Handmade Craft & Gift Market Rhiwbina Baptist Church, Cardiff. 10am-3pm. Info uniquefairs@gmx.co.uk. Kidsmarkets Family Sale Ararat Centre For The Community, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 11am-12.30pm, £1/ kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 26 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items. MTB Hydraulics & Suspension Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £100. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Photomarathon 2015 Wales Millennium Centre (starting point), Cardiff. 9.30am, £17.50 entry fee. Info info@ photomarathon.co.uk. Popular all-day challenge, where participants have to take 12 photos of 12 given topics in 12 hours, around Cardiff. Plantagenet Medieval Society Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 10am-5pm, £6/£3 kids. Info 01291 420241. “Marvel at the clash of steel as these armoured knights really hit each other. Learn how to be a squire and use real weapons, learn how to dance correctly, the essential ettiquette!” I wish everyone who wrote copy for venue websites did so with as much verve as whoever wrote this. Admittedly it is easier when you’re writing about 14th century derringdo. On tomorrow also. Plant Dyes In Textiles Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Claire Cawte. Sculpture Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. Come and meet the team behind the Garden’s new sculpture trail, then embark on said trail. On tomorrow also. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Summer Fete Risca RFC. £10 to set up a pitch. Info 07841 923286. Swansea Vegfest The Environment Centre, Swansea. 11am-3pm. Info swanseavegfest@yahoo. co.uk. Featuring talks, tastings, testing and the chance to buy veggie/vegan products of all kinds. Table Tennis: National
Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5.30pm. Info 07754 525754. On tomorrow also. Talk At 2 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Richard Higlett and Thomas Williams talk about the exhibition currently showing here (see Art listings). Wartime Horrible History Stories National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, 1pm + 2.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. On tomorrow also. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10. World Oceans Day: Sea Watching Rhossili Cliffs, Swansea. Free. Info www. environmentcentre.org. uk. Hosted by local marine biologist and author, Judith Oakley, who is holding out for seals and dolphins it says here. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out why skin becomes spotty, why noses get snotty and why we go to the potty in this bodily emission-based show. (On weekends until Sun 28) SUNDAY 7 Cardiff Geek Party 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, £1 per 20 minutes of console play/£2 to enter a tournament. Info 029 2022 8883. Retro videogames night, previously in Gwdihw and now here. Cardiff Mini Film Festival: Fact Or Fiction Gwdihw, Porters & Masonic Hall, Cardiff. 12-11pm, £7-£15. Info 029 2039 7933. Three-venue, day-long bash screening short fiction and factual short films that have been shortlisted by Kevin Allen (Twin Town) and Dewi Gregory (Orion). Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400. Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride Mochyn Du, Cardiff (starting point). 1.45pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Back again for 2015, still wearing as few clothes as individual participants see fit, and available to read about elsewhere in the mag. Claymation At Work National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11.30am + 2.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@hotmail. co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. Cycling: Wiggle Dragon Ride Margam Park, Port Talbot (starting point). 7am. Info info@dragonride.co.uk. Rides of between 43 and 226km, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Eve Of The Battle National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28)
Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Tue 23 and Sun 27. Llandaff Charity Raft Race Llandaff Rowing Club, Cardiff. £100 to enter (per raft). Info info@gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event. Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Plantagenet Medieval Society Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 10am-5pm, £6/£3 kids. Info 01291 420241. Sculpture Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Table Tennis: National Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5.30pm. Info 07754 525754. Wartime Horrible History Stories National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, 1pm + 2.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) MONDAY 8 Go Wild Sir Harold Finch Memorial Park, Pontllanfraith. Free. Info www. wefundthevalleys.com. Biennial event celebrating biodiversity and the like. Healthy Food Pop-Up Restaurant Falafel Kitchen, Crwys Road, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £30. Info info@ realfrankfood.com. Presented by Romy of Real Frank Food. Joy 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. TUESDAY 9 Behind The Scenes: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. Gower Craft & Artisans Show Oxwich Bay Hotel, Gower, Swansea. 11am-4pm. Info www.gowercraftsandartisans.co.uk. Michelangelo’s Last Judgement Queens Hall, Narberth. 10.30am, £10. Info 01834 869323. A West Wales Decorative & Fine Arts Lecture. Sing Welsh! St Catherine’s Church Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am-12.30pm, £40/£30. Info 07952 752823. Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995. Also on Tue 23. WEDNESDAY 10 Off The Page Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 6.30pm, free.
events Info 029 2030 4400. Samuel Haslet curates an evening showcasing the stranger side of the visual arts. Spin Your Own Yarn The Abacus, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £40. Info hello@greencityevents.co.uk. As in, actual yarn, as opposed to telling a story. What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. New open mic night incorporating music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, cabaret etc. Also on Wed 24. THURSDAY 11 Bad Biddies Bingo 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2. Info 029 2022 8883. “Hello dears, Vera and Dilys here – freshly rejected from the WI and here with a brand new bingo night held every second Thursday of the month at 10 Feet Tall...” you get the idea. Behind The Scenes Tour Cardiff Castle. 6pm, £12.50. Info 029 2087 8100. A closer look at some of the nooks, crannies and remarkable rooms in the house not normally open to the public. Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. SWDFAS Lecture: Ancient Egypt – Awe-inspiring Art And Architecture Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Lecture by Lucia Gahlin. The Full Moon Against Humanity The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. A session playing the wilfully offensive card game Cards Against Humanity.
FRIDAY 12 Allroots Yoga Festival National Trust Stackpole Estate And Grounds, Pembrokeshire. £95 weekend/£12 kids. Info www. allrootsyogafestivals.co.uk. Second year for a festival which started in 2014, in the Gower. “Dance, singing, creative activities, circus skills, movement, games and laughter,” as well as plenty to keep the kids occupied, will take place on top of all the yoga. (Until Sun 14) Football: European Championship Qualifier – Wales v Belgium Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 7.45pm. Info 0845 3451400. The last time Belgium were here to play football, I was at a gig and one of their travelling supporters invaded the stage and grabbed the mic whilst hammered. Greatbunchoflads. Fragile? In Conversation With The Artists National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Relating to the exhibition currently taking place here – see Art listings for more. From The Sea To The City M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 6-10pm, free. Info 029 2047 3373. Work by a collective of performance artists, dancers and filmmakers who met through National Theatre Wales’ Summer camp programme last year. (Until Sun 14) Golf: All Stars Day Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 10am, £950 to enter a team of three. Info 01633 413000. Featuring celebrities includ-
ing rugbies Gareth Edwards, Scott Quinnell and Martyn Williams. Michelle Morgan Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £6. Info 01792 863722. Psychic medium. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Tea Dance St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 2-4pm, £5. Info 01446 779100. With Alan Taylor. The Highgate Poets Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5. Info 01970 623232. Presented by the Word Distillery Poets. Tony Stockwell Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £19.50/£18.50. Info 01633 868239. Tony Stockwell is a Spiritualist Medium and spirit communication is part of his own religious belief, but we accept differing opinions exist regarding mediumship. SATURDAY 13 Aberystwyth & Ceredigion County Show Gaeau Gelli Angharad, Aberystwyth. £8/£3 under16s. Info www. aberystwithshow.com. Showcase for the region’s farming industry. Allroots Yoga Festival National Trust Stackpole Estate And Grounds, Pembrokeshire. £95 weekend/£60 day/£12 kids. Info www.allrootsyogafestivals. co.uk. (Until Sun 14) Awesome Merthyr Chilli Fiesta Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-5pm. Info 01685 384111. Some of the best chilli growers/producers from
CARDIFF SINGER OF THE WORLD 2015 St David’s Hall + Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama, Cardiff, Sun 14-Sun 21 June Tickets: £12-£195. Info: bbc.co.uk/cardiffsinger Take part in this prestigious week of enchanting opera and orchestra performances, comprising one of the world’s greatest singing competitions. Every two years, 20 talented classical singers from all over the world gather in the Welsh capital to compete to lift the Cardiff Trophy. The competitors have been selected from hundreds of applicants at the beginning of their professional careers within classical music. A series of events will provide a wider audience experience at this year’s Cardiff Singer Of The World week, with pre-concert talks, masterclasses, recitals, workshops and films, all happening in the city. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the drama and excitement of arguing about the judge’s decisions at the venue bar...
the UK sell their wares. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. On tomorrow also, plus Sat 27 and Sun 28. Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.304.30pm. Info cwmbran_ crafts@hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month. Ceramics Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Cricket: T20SG – Glamorgan v Somerset SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month. From The Sea To The City M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2047 3373. (Until Sun 14) Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) Green Party Summer Lecture Series: Rediscovering The Discovered The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 3.30-6pm, £2. Info 01497 821762. Architect Dante Vanoli explores the recovery and conservation of the historic fabric of treasured buildings. Proceeds go to the Green Party. Another in this series is on Sat 27. Gwyl Plant Morgannwg Festival National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am2pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Jewellery In Anodized Aluminum Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Mandy Nash. Kiri & Kate – In Confidence Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £20. Info 029 2063 6464. That’s Te Kanawa and Adie, respectively. They will be talking about their respective careers. It’s not instantly obvious why they’ve been paired together but I do know it’s something to do with Cardiff Singer Of The World. Knit & Sew National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Thrifty Kids / Lazy Crafternoons: Beautiful Letters National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am + 1.30pm, £2.50 (morning)/£5 (afternoon). Info 01792 463980. Create an artistic embellished giant letter and then frame it for wall display. Kids’ session first, then adults. Man Vs Horse Llanwyrtd
Wells, Powys. £25 to enter. Info 01591 610666. Annual event, organised by Green Events, with some cult appeal. Men on foot race against men on horses, on hooves. If man beats horse this year, the man in question will win a grand. At the time of writing all the horse places have been filled, though. Meet The Woodcarvers National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Mini And Junior Football Festival Cantonian High School, Cardiff. 8.45am. Info festival@ cantonrangersfc.co.uk. Over two days (on tomorrow also), this will feature matches between approx 130 teams from across South and West Wales with more than 1000 players, 250 coaches and over 1000 spectators. 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 Fair Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 07790 298913. On the second Saturday of every month. Pedal Power Craft & Vintage Fair Pontcanna Scout Hall, Cardiff. 11am4pm. Info 029 2039 0713. Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am-4pm, free. Info enquiries@pigstreetcrafts.co.uk. Selling original arts and crafts. Polo At The Manor 2015 Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 11.30am, from £18/from £110 with hospitality. Info 01633 413000. Shearing At Llwyn Yr Eos Farm National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also. Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sun 21 and Sun 28. Spoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm. Info 0845 2263510. New event featuring everyone from rappers to traditional storytellers, on every second Saturday of the month this summer. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Wales Biodiversity Week: Bat Survey National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.30-11pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Book in advance and bring a torch. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) SUNDAY 14 Allroots Yoga Festival National Trust Stackpole Estate And Grounds,
Pembrokeshire. £95 weekend/£35 day/£12 kids. Info www.allrootsyogafestivals. co.uk. (Finishes today) Barry Festival Of Transport Various locations, Barry Island. 10am4.30pm, free. Info 07733 302242. Third edition of this annual event, organised by the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. From The Sea To The City M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 2-8pm, free. Info 029 2047 3373. (Finishes today) Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) Gymnastics: Floor & Vault Event Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003127. Free Herb Walk Bute Park, Cardiff. 2-3.15pm, free. Info www.lauracarpenter.co.uk. Hosted by Laura Carpenter, a medical herbalist. This 75-minute walk will teach you about the common plants with medicinal properties which can be found growing free, as well as the poisonous ones to avoid. Introduction To Canine Scent Training Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Mark Making And Stitch Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £30. Info 029 2048 4611. With Lisa Porch. Mini And Junior Football Festival Cantonian High School, Cardiff. 8.45am. Info festival@cantonrangersfc. co.uk. Shearing At Llwyn Yr Eos Farm National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Spirits Masterclass 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Giving you the chance to experience the breadth of one spirit, taking tasting notes, enjoy paired foods and learn the history of the drink with resident experts. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Velothon Wales Cardiff Castle (starting point). Info helpdesk@lagardereunlimited.com. Two concurrent cycle races, a closed road sportive (50km) and a UCI sanctioned professional race (140km). Features some 15,000 riders in total. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) MONDAY 15 Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £45. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 18) Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758. BUZZ 59
events TUESDAY 16 Behind The Scenes: Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Adam Webster. Elderflower Evening Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 7pm, £20/£10. Info 01239 615952. Jade Mellor and Jacob Whittaker teach you useful facts about elderflower and its uses, and rustle up a batch of elderflower champagne. Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. Script Cafe Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Info 01792 863722. Monthly night. Sing Welsh! St Catherine’s Church Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am-12.30pm, £40/£30. Info 07952 752823. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £45. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 18) Weber Grill Academy Essential Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £100. Info 01443 222716. WEDNESDAY 17 Ask The Gardener: Pruning Of Fruit Trees National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Rhyme & Reason Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. monthly event in which people exchange ideas, stories and poems. Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr. 8pm. Info 01495 753629. Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info 07429 598414. A chance for you to go along and see what you might get out of this adventure, activity, sports and social group. The Troll Quiz 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Jordan Brookes, this is a new quiz with no winners or losers. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £45. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 18) THURSDAY 18 Chinwag Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £3-£5. Info 01970 623232. Open mic poetry and prose event. Herbivore: Masala Mash Up Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7pm, £23. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk. A fourcourse vegetarian supper using local produce and with carefully matched drinks: this month it’s Indo-Cymru food and Pipes beers. Book in advance please. Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Ministry Of Science Grand Theatre, Swansea. 11am + 6.30pm, £15/£12.50. Info 01792 475715. Live science show for kids, with lots of bangs etc. Store Tour National Roman Legion Museum, BUZZ 60
Caerleon. 4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3550. Venture into the Museum’s basement as archaeologist Dr Mark Lewis introduces you to what goes on behind the scenes. Tracey Rhys & Damian Walford Carnegie House, Bridgend. 7.30pm. Info 01656 815757. Poetry and spoken word. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £45. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Finishes today) FRIDAY 19 Art Lunchtime Talk: Music Photography National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Talk by Mei Lewis, relating to the Chalkie Davies exhibition which is currently running. Beer Festival The Lansdowne, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 1312. Featuring live music from 9pm. I went to this last year, they got a pretty decent (mostly south Walian) selection into such a small space. On tomorrow also. Championship Boxing: Unleash The Dragon Newport Centre. £30-£60. Info 01633 656757. Featuring Craig Kennedy v Courtney Fry, Barrie Jones v James Lilley and several more on the undercard. Extreme Sailing Series Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. 10am-5pm, free to spectators. Info 029 2087 7900. Elite level sailing teams battle it out in the Bay. (Until Sun 21) Gwyl Ifan Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 10am-4pm. Info gwylifan@gmail.com. Festival of Welsh folk dancing. On tomorrow also. So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Summer Music & Beer Festival The Lion Inn, Monmouth. 9pm-12am. Info 01600 860322. Three-day fest featuring live music from the BBC Acoustic Band. (Until Sun 21) Superwoman Charity Disco Llandaff Rugby Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £15 adv/£5 kids. Info carolinehazell@ commercialconclusion. com. Variety entertainment in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre – specifically, a walk to Patagonia to raise money for it. Toddler Time Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Traditional Afternoon Tea Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £12 per person. Info 029 2087 7959. Taking place on various dates all through the year. A minimum of two people need to book. (Until Sun 21) Wales Games Development Show City Hall, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £10 adv. Info www.walesgamesdevshow.org. Exhibitions, talks from industry bigwigs and bright stars, presentations, workshops and
awards. SATURDAY 20 Beer Festival The Lansdowne, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 1312. Featuring live music from 5pm. Brecon Craft Fair Nantgarw China Works. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01495 753782. Cardiff To The Beach Night Ride Mochyn Du, Cardiff (starting point). 9.35pm, free. Info 029 2037 1599. Riding to Swansea Bay, for no other reason than a bit o’fun. Don’t think the Mochyn Du are really anything to do with this so maybe look for the name of the event on Facebook for info instead. Ceramics Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Classic Cars National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. Courtesy of the Forest Of Dean Historic Vehicle Club. Extreme Sailing Series Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. 10am-5pm, free to spectators. Info 029 2087 7900. (Until Sun 21) Face Painting Footlights Cafe Bar, Grand Theatre, Swansea. 12-2pm, free. Info 01792 475715. Family Activity Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10am, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Explore the world of wildlife through a macro lens. Father’s Day Card Workshop National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Felt Pictures In Relief Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Mandy Nash. Fleece To Felt Day Farm venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £45/£30 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Gillian Clarke Ty Ebbw Fach, Church Road, Six Bells, nr Abertillery. £3. Info mrsm.gurney@gmail.com. Afternoon poetry reading, notably of Clarke’s poem about the poem about the Six Bells mining disaster of June 28 1960. Gwyl Ifan Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 10am-4pm. Info gwylifan@gmail.com. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) Gymnastics: Gymeisteddfod Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003127. Historical Association Monthly Talk National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Joust! Cardiff Castle. 10am5pm, £8.50-£15.50. Info 029 2087 8100. Medieval reenactment for the family, led by the Knights Of Royal England. this is on here this time each year and is always popular. On tomorrow also. Kidsmarkets Family Sale Cwmbran Stadium. 2-3.30pm, £1/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 35 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s
items. Laleston Fete Laleston, Bridgend. 12-4.30pm. Info 01656 655182. Light! Celebrations For The International Year Of Light 2015 National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Family workshop. Made It Market St David’s Church, Neath. 10am-3pm, from £15 to set up a stall. Info 07971242730. Quarterly craft and produce fair. Nantgarw Craft Fair Nantgarw China Works. 11am-3pm, free. Info deb_0001@hotmail.co.uk. Every third Saturday of the month. Recreating A Medieval Prince’s Court National History Museum, St Fagans. 10.30am + 4pm, £10/£5. Info 029 2057 3500. Refugee Week Wales Celebrations Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Performances, workshops, talks and family activities. Shed Fest Afan Valley Bike Shed, Afan Forest Visitor Centre. £33. Info 01639 851406. Two-day mountain bike event featuring a ride of 40-50km, as well as demos. On tomorrow also. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Street Science: Spaghetti & Marshmallow Challenge National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Summer Music & Beer Festival The Lion Inn, Monmouth. 2pm-12am. Info 01600 860322. Today featuring live music from Slow Train, The Misty River Band, Pete & Friends and Tripwire. (Until Sun 21) Traditional Afternoon Tea Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £12 per person. Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 21) Vertigo Pro Wrestling The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2048 3344. The main event is a match between Mike Bird and Johnny Storm. Welsh Game Fair Pembrey County Park, Llanelli. 9am, £12.50/£10 OAP/£5 kids/ free under-5s. Info 07785 975773. Weekend aiming to “demonstrate the importance of game and country pursuits and its [sic] contribution to the Welsh Countryside.” On tomorrow also. World Of Wine Dinners: Solstice Supper Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £45. Info 029 2062 0415. Monthly supper club in which four courses are paired with classic wines, provided by Snails’ sibling shop Wine Store At No.4. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) SUNDAY 21 An Introduction To Botanical Painting National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-3pm, £40. Info 029 2057 3500. Beer In The Beacons Brecon Brewery, Brecon Beacons (starting point). £45.
Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Featuring a brewery tour and a visit to three pubs. Brewing With Tomos a Lilford National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Consciousness And Coma: An Exploration Through Science, Art And The Social The Abacus, Cardiff. 4-7pm, free. Info 07934 011061. Exhibition of artworks, talk and shadow puppetry; a collaboration between Cardiff, York and Yale Universities and Fizzi Events. Book tickets in advance please. Cricket: T20SG – Glamorgan v Sussex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. Cycling: Change Gear Vale Penarth Leisure Centre (starting point). £26 adv/£20 members. Info www.leisurecentre.com/change-gear-vale. Scenic cycle through the Vale Of Glamorgan, at a distance of either 35, 58 or 95 miles. Dogs Trust Fun Day Margam Country Park, Port Talbot. 10am, £3/kids 50p. Info 01639 881635. Featuring a Dog Show, funfair, the Doggy Dash, face painting and a Triumph 6 Sports Club classic car display among other delights. Extreme Sailing Series Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. 10am-5pm, free to spectators. Info 029 2087 7900. (Finishes today) Father’s Day National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Free for dads. Info 01558 667149. Featuring some fun with car clubs and falconry, stereotypical things dads might like, and a balloon modeller, which, er. There will of course be rigorous and humiliating DNA testing at the gate to prove you are actually a dad. Father’s Day Fun National History Museum, St Fagans. Free. Info 029 2057 3500. Also featuring falconry (and tractor driving and archery). Where do all these falconobsessed dads come from and what do they do on the other 364 days of the year? Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) Gwdihw’s Crafty Record Fair Gwdihw, Cardiff. 1pm, £2. Info 029 2039 7933. Record stalls, independent artists, crafters, creators and clothing will all feature here. International Sun Day Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader. Free. Info www. elanvalley.org.uk. South Wales’ edition of an annual global solar astronomy outreach event founded by the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project. Joust! Cardiff Castle. 10am5pm, £8.50-£15.50. Info 029 2087 8100. Let’s Get Hitched Wedding Fayre Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am-3pm. Info 01685 384111. Making A Round Basket Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Melanie Bastier.
Netball: Hub Tournament Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003125. Penydarren Steam Loco National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Settle Into The Landscape – An Intimate Tour Of The Beacons Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Shed Fest Afan Valley Bike Shed, Afan Forest Visitor Centre. £33. Info 01639 851406. Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Shelley Gardens Community Food Festival Shelley Gardens, Milton Street, Cardiff. 12-4pm, free. Info hello@greencityevents. co.uk. Featuring food stalls, workshops, live music and more. Hosted by Green City Events. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Summer Music & Beer Festival The Lion Inn, Monmouth. Info 01600 860322. Today featuring open mic sets all day. (Finishes today) Traditional Afternoon Tea Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £12 per person. Info 029 2087 7959. (Finishes today) Weber Grill Academy Essential Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £100. Info 01443 222716. Today is Father’s Day, so if you’ve got a spare £100 this could be a smashing gift for the patriarch. Welsh Coach Rally National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Displaying the latest types of touring coaches along with classics from days gone by. Don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who was interested in coaches. Welsh Game Fair Pembrey County Park, Llanelli. 9am, £12.50/£10 OAP/£5 kids/free under-5s. Info 07785 975773. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) MONDAY 22 Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Leicestershire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Thurs 25) Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054. Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. Jurney is a landscape painter renowned for his teaching as well as his paintings. Check about availability on this course via the number above or info@welshacademyofart.com. (Until Tue 30) TUESDAY 23 Behind The Scenes: Archaeology National
events Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Cardiff Science Cafe Porter’s, Cardiff. 6-8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Leicestershire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Thurs 25) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) Poetry Night Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Info 01792 863722. Hosted by Glyn Roberts and with special guest David Lloyd. Sing Welsh! St Catherine’s Church Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am-12.30pm, £40/£30. Info 07952 752823. Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995. WEDNESDAY 24 Carol Ann Duffy & John Sampson Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 6pm, £5/£2 under-16s or over-60s. Info 01600 772467. Poetry and music. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Leicestershire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Thurs 25) Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class The Abacus, Cardiff. 7.30-8.30 + 8.309.30pm, £5. Info 07934 011061. Last Wednesday of every month. Gardeners’ Question Time Pughs Garden Village, Morganstown, Cardiff. 5.308pm, £7 adv. Info info@gthc. org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event. Glasnost 2015 The Full Moon, Cardiff. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. This venue’s annual effort to honour the spirit of Glastonbury for those who haven’t gone. Live bands will be upstairs, but down here you can enjoy massages, yoga, dancing, jugglers, and all manner of Glasto-themed treats. (Until Sun 28) Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Cultural Celebration St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am. Info 029 2087 8444. A day of films, live performances, art and exhibitions that showcase the diversity of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community. Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) Music Matters Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 entry. Info 029 2039 7933. Pop quiz, held every month. Natural Sciences Lunchtime Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. “Molluscs and their disguises” by Anna Holmes. Sustainable Fashion The
Abacus, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £20. Info hello@ greencityevents.co.uk. Find out how to green up your wardrobe and make ethical shopping choices as well as learning upcycling skills. Hosted by Green City Events. What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. THURSDAY 25 Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Leicestershire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Finishes today) Design Stuff 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly talks about design by all types of creatives from the UK. Book tickets in advance please. Eccentric Gin Pop-Up Cocktail Masterclass Fine Wines Direct, Cardiff. Info 029 2078 7500. Glasnost 2015 The Full Moon, Cardiff. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Until Sun 28) Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) Taith Iaith National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Monthly session for Welsh learners. FRIDAY 26 Cricket: T20SG – Glamorgan v Surrey SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 2.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. Cycling: National Masters Track Championships Wales National Velodrome, Newport International Sports Village. 1pm. Info graham@ bristowevents.co.uk. Event for professionals and people with British Cycling memberships. So unless that describes you, this is one to attend as a spectator maybe. (Until Sun 28) Four Bars Swing Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2023 9253. Featuring a lindy hop class for beginners, followed by dancing to classic swing tracks. Glasnost 2015 The Full Moon, Cardiff. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Until Sun 28) Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) Sessions The Riverfront, Newport. 5-11pm, £1. Info 01633 656757. Boutique market and open mic night. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Terry Hetherington Award Ceremony Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 7pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Readings and celebration in this award for writers under 30. The Cellar Bards Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3. Info 07818 056599. Monthly poetry night. The Designer Vagina Workshop The Project Space, Newport. 10.30am-2pm. Info magdelene1962@gmail.com. Two-day session – a pilot for
a planned longer set of events – calling itself “a space to explore the relationship between patriarchy and our ‘quaints’.” Bit of Chaucer for the heads there. This will give participants the opportunity to depict vaginas in the form of both fabric models and cupcakes, exploring culture, patriarchy etc in the process. On tomorrow also. SATURDAY 27 Art & Craft Fair Old School Hall, Sully. 2-6pm, £20 to set up a stall. Info helenbailey876@yahoo.co.uk. Blackwood Beach Party High Street, Blackwood. 9am5pm, free. Info 01443 866234. Summer festival, on tomorrow also. The beach is an urban one, obviously. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. On tomorrow also. British Astronomical Association Exhibition St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10am, free. Info 029 2087 8444. Bushcraft & Survival Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £90. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Cardiff Does Glastonbury The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 9am-11pm. Info 029 2022 0349. Featuring market stalls, lots of nice food and drink sellers who may or may not call themselves craft and/ or artisan, live music and live broadcasts from Glastonbury on a big screen. Cardiff Independent Comic Expo 2015 Masonic Hall, Cardiff. 10am, £5 adv. Info 029 2039 6576. Celebrating a love of comics and related cultural product. Reps from dozens of publishers, as well as special guests etc, will feature. More info at www.cice2015. wordpress.com. Ceramics Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Craft Fair Cowbridge Town Hall. 9.30am-4.30pm, £22 to set up a stall. Info phil@ wales-pictures.com. Craft Fair St Mary’s Church, Swansea. 10.30am-4pm, free. Info ariancrafts@hotmail. co.uk. Cycling: National Masters Track Championships Wales National Velodrome, Newport International Sports Village. 1pm. Info graham@ bristowevents.co.uk. (Until Sun 28) Developing Stitched Text Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £30. Info 029 2048 4611. With Lisa Porch. Eisteddfod Proclamation Caldicot Town Centre (starting point). Info 01291 420241. A procession of robe-clad bards and all that palaver, wending its way to Castle & Country Park. It serves as an announcement about the Eisteddfod coming to Abergavenny next year. Sorry if I’ve spoiled it for you. Family Activity Angorfa Stage, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10am,
free. Info 029 2063 6464. Explore the world of wildlife through a macro lens. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) Glasnost 2015 The Full Moon, Cardiff. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Until Sun 28) Grand Theatre School Of Drama Footlights Cafe Bar, Grand Theatre, Swansea. 12-2pm, free. Info 01792 475715. Green Party Summer Lecture Series: Rediscovering The Discovered The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 3.30-6pm, £2. Info 01497 821762. Christianne Wakeham talks about local community-based efforts to be more environmentally friendly. Gymnastics: Welsh Rhythmic Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003127. On tomorrow also. Hawk Walk Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £45. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) Oranges & Strangers A Shot In The Dark, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2047 23001. Poetry night featuring Clare Saponia, Helen Moore, Pauline Seawards, Mike Jenkins, J. Brookes, Sion Tomos Owen, Leon Lazarus and host Nick Fisk. Guests are encouraged to wear orange clothes FYI. Phoebe Rose Craft Holistic And Beauty Fair The Mond Hall, Clydach, Swansea. 10am-4pm, £1. Info 07974 606303. With a vast range of activities and attractions, mostly of a bohemian nature. Plein Air Festival Pontypool Park. 9am-4pm, £12/£10 (entry fee). Info 01495 752036. Two-day competition offering prizes of £500, £250 and £100 for for “the artist who captures the spirit and nature of the town’s famous Park”. Organised by Pontypool Museum and ArtREGEN. On tomorrow also. Squash: National Racketball Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 10am-8pm. Info 0300 3003121. On tomorrow also. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. The Designer Vagina Workshop The Project Space, Newport. 10.30am2pm. Info magdelene1962@ gmail.com. Walking Tour: Lovely Ugly Town National Waterfront Museum, Swansea (starting point). 11pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Wheelbuilding Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £100. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Wildlife Watch Day
/ Margam Mini Burn Margam Country Park, Port Talbot. 10am-2.30pm. Info 01639 881635. Morning: explore the colours of summer creating a range of different environmentalart for display. Afternoon: a basic introduction to Multisport – run, cycle, kayak, and navigate in one session. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) SUNDAY 28 Blackwood Beach Party High Street, Blackwood. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01443 866234. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. Cardiff Geek Party Gwdihw, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Monthly gaming night focusing on retro consoles. Cardiff Triathlon Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. 9am-4pm, £74.95 to enter Olympic route/£64.95 to enter Sprint route/free to spectators. Info 029 2087 7900. Presented by Always Aim High Events. Cycling: National Masters Track Championships Wales National Velodrome, Newport International Sports Village. 1pm. Info graham@ bristowevents.co.uk. (Finishes today) Dylan’s Swansea Guided Tour Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea (starting point). 10.30am, £4-£10. Info 01792
Racketball Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 10am-4pm. Info 0300 3003121. Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com. Ultiumate Bar Brawl Cocktail Competition 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. An industry-focused bartender competition aimed at bringing together the UK’s best bartenders and showcasing unique cocktail creations. If you yourself are not one of the UK’s best bartenders, you can still watch. Although I would feel a bit weird doing so. Wales Wildflower Day National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) MONDAY 29 Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) TUESDAY 30 Behind The Scenes: The Library National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980.
From Wed 24-Sun 28, Cardiff's Full Moon caters to folks who want to be at Glastonbury, but aren't. Glasnost will feature plenty of varied good-time music and general festival vibes. 463980. Presented by Fluellen and finishing in the No Sign Wine Bar. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 28) Glasnost 2015 The Full Moon, Cardiff. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Finishes today) Gymnastics: Welsh Rhythmic Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003127. Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Until Tue 30) Plein Air Festival Pontypool Park. 9am-4pm, £12/£10 (entry fee). Info 01495 752036. Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Snapped Up Market The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 0349. With a bicycle theme, and presented with the help of Pedal Power. Lots of activities for kids and adults alike. Squash: National
Landscape Painting Course: Donald Jurney Welsh Academy Of Art, Cwmdu, Crickhowell. £560 (nine days). Info 01874 730693. (Finishes today) Scratch Night Carnegie House, Bridgend. 7.30pm. Info 01656 815757. An opportunity to screen your film work at whatever stage of development. Sing Welsh! St Catherine’s Church Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am-12.30pm, £40/£30. Info 07952 752823.
live music
Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.
MONDAY 1 Benchpress + Gone To Waste + Nihality + Judgement + Back Down The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Various hardcore bands. Headliners are from Pennsylvania and despite having a frankly self-parodic ‘tuff BUZZ 61
events guy hardcore’ name, may well be good. Calan Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Trad Welsh folk band launch their new album. Donnie Joe’s American Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026. Grown Up Music The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Jam session presented by Pi & Hash. Jelly Roll Jones + The Delta Breaks + Ben Steer 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Playing this month’s edition of the Monday Blues night. Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Presented by Big Scott Radio, here every Monday. Today features Amo Rex, Ambergris and The Floral Wham Trams. Monsieur Doumani Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £13/£11. Info 01239 621200. Cypriot music. Somos Cales Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Cuban/Brazilian jazz stylings. Jazz is to be found (nearly) every Monday here FYI. The Bohicas + The Cfadles Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £9/£7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Headline band are signed to Domino and straddle the Arctic Monkeys./ QOTSA sonic divide. Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday. TUESDAY 2 Acoustic Tuesday South Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers. Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” Capital City Jazz Orchestra Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Every Tuesday. Featherjaw + Delyth McLean + Joe Kelly The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. *Lemuria + Dads + Personal Best Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Punky indie stuff from all o’er the place. Odysseus Piano Trio St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444. Rayna Gelert Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01646 621530. Fiddle
player/singer from North Carolina. Superhand + 5th Spear + Ghostlawns Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. Headliners are WelshSwedish and play gothy, electronic-tinged alternative rock. The Wessex New Orleans Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. WEDNESDAY 3 Artisan Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night featuring a capella trio from Yorkshire. Blackhawk Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig, an Ellington and Mingus special no less. Coltrane Dedication Jazzland, Swansea. 8.3011pm, £10/£7 members. Info 07802 912789. Deadlines + Life Under Bombs + Wall Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Punky stuff for not too much wedge. First Wednesday The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5.50/£4.50. Info 01633 656757. Lunchtime recital. Kit Downes Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Mnozil Brass St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8444. Austrian brass septet who leaven their performance with comedy, until the period when laughing time is over. Mook + Heil Zilla + VAILS + Greenmailer The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £3. Info 07730 432166. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday. Owen Pallett + King Of Cats Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16 adv. Info 029 2048 7602. Canadian indie polymath (he would hate at leats one of those words being associated with him) who has played in several bands including Arcade Fire. Looking forward to King Of Cats, a Bristol-based solo artist, utterly weirding people out. Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band + James Riley The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Sabrage + Ink’d The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7.30pm, £3. Info 07969 671379. The Floral Wham Trams + Ambergris + Ellie Makes Music + Mara Simpson Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. A Folk In The Owl’s Nest night. THURSDAY 4 BBC NOW: Mahler 2 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £10-£32. Info 029 2087 8444. Conducted by Thomas
Søndergård. Explosive Light Orchestra Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01495 227206. ELO tribute. Hackensack Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2038 7026. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest band are The Dirt. Julia Turner Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth. 7.30pm. Info 01834 869323. A Span Arts Classical Music Series performance. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Every Thursday except when there’s a guest on. Open Mic Night Salt, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375. Also on Thurs 18. Opus 8 Chamber Ensemble The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2048 3344. Performing muic which was a formative influence on Mozart. Polly & The Billets Doux + Firewood Island + Long For The Coast Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Folky indie kinda stuff. Robyn Hitchcock The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info theglobevenue@ gmail.com. Ross Gurney The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195. Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss + Bob Derwood Andrewe The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Americana of various types from some old hands. Schloss has playyed in all manner of punk bands, including the Circle Jerks. In the late 80s, but even so. Sophie Lynch + Kirk Morgan + Funk ‘n’ Pepper A Shot In The Dark, Cardiff. 8pm, £3. Info 029 2047 23001. Night hosted by Lynch herself. Funk ‘n’ Pepper apparently have 12 members. Where will they all stand in this quite small coffee shop? Find out by attending! The Beach Boys Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £42.50/£38.50. Info 029 2022 4488. Can you have the Beach Boys without Brian Wilson? It’s not for me to say, but just so’s you know Brian is not in this incarnation of the band. He is performing at this venue in a few months though. The Dietrich Letters Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01656 815995. Tribute show featuring the songs of Marlene Dietrich. In Newport tomorrow. The Gareth Evans & Bella Collins Duo The City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5258. The Tiger Lillies Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £18.50. Info 01792 475715. Rock meets alternative cabaret. Tor Marrock + Godkilla + Helldown + Etherian The Scene Club, Swansea.
7pm, free. Info 07730 432166. Metal bands of various types. Tor Marrock are a doom/ death kinda band from west Wales and, according to their Facebook, have recorded a Christmas single with the woman who sang on Toca’s Miracle by Fragma. Everything about this makes me happy. Young Guns + Nothing But Thieves Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Presented by GB Live. FRIDAY 5 Attercopus Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm. Info 07981 684142. Proggy metal fare from south Wales. Cantaloop + Rock Factor The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. CW Stoneking The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. Dave Sharp + Scuffed Up Boots + 3MPH + Joe Kelly The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 8pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Country and folk acts. Hannah Lake Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 1pm, £6. Info 01633 868239. Lunchtime recital. Jazz Soul Patrol Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672. First of the weekly Friday gigs at this bar during June. Jive Aces Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £15/£13.50. Info 01873 850805. Lewis Creaven Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Lifting Gear Engineer Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, £2. Info 01792 649984. Live electronica from a Swansea producer who’s been around for a decade or so and is very underrated in this reporter’s opinion. Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month. Manic Street Preachers + Pretty Vicious Cardiff Castle. 7.45pm, £37.50 adv. Info 029 2087 8100. We previewed this in the May issue. It’s hella sold out though. There hasn’t been enough made of the Manics/1D fan mashup set to blitz Castle Street. I think it will actually be pretty funny. Merciless Terror + Sodomized Cadaver + Daemona + Helldown + Dread Bolt The Duke, Neath. 7pm, free. Info 01639 643892. Death metal and suchlike. Miss Maud’s Folly Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. One Direction + McBusted Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. £37.50-£65 adv. Info 08442 777888. On tomorrow also. This date still has some tickets, that one doesn’t. Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.
Retrospect Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Sansara The Five Alls, Chepstow. 8.30pm. Info 01291 630349. Space Witch + Gulah + Grim Reefer The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Heavy music of the slow’n’low variety. Space Witch’s name puts them in a subgenre I like to call ‘fridge magnet doom’. The Dietrich Letters The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £19. Info 01633 656757. SATURDAY 6 2 Tickets 2 The Gun Show Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. A Band Apart + Mad Apple Circus + Two Piece Sweet The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Baggy Trousers Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01495 227206. Madness tribute. Cash Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 468892. Johnny Cash tribute. Children Of The Gravy The Patriot, Crumlin. 7.30pm. Info 01495 247178. Europe’s top Black Sabbath tribute band. Dub Pistols The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. Fizzy Fest The Dolls House, Abertillery. 5pm. Info 01495 213300. Charity half-dayer for the NSPCC, featuring these bands: Devils Answer, Trunk Shot, Sansara, Texas Flood, Beautiful Strangers, The Starling Radicals and Twisted State Of Mind. Last Night Of The Proms Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm. Info 0845 2263510. Featuring the British Sinfonietta Orchestra and lots of choirs. Sold out. Metal 2 The Masses Semi Final 1 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info mail@ givemefuel.co.uk. With bands TBC, drawn from the six previous heats. The second semi-final is on Sat 20 June; the final is on Sat 27. One Direction + McBusted Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. £37.50-£65 adv. Info 08442 777888. Rachael Clee Footlights Cafe Bar, Grand Theatre, Swansea. 12-2pm, free. Info 01792 475715. Robbie Williams Experience Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 8pm, £18.50/£17.50. Info 01874 611622. Sid Griffin The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01792 473276. The fella from the Coal Porters etc. Songs From The Musicals Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01685 384111. Popular musical theatre from Rhian Thomas and friends. Soul Lotta Funk Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048
3344. This is subtitled ‘A Celebration Of Masculinity’ and will feature songs by the likes of Queen, The Village People and Gilbert & Sullivan about being a bloody bloke. Split Whiskers New Panteg Rugby Club, New Inn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £7/£5 members. Info 01633 483238. A Borough Blues Club gig. That band name sounds a bit bawdy. No, my thinking that doesn’t say more about me, shut up. The Doors Alive Newbridge RFC. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 01495 243247. Doors tribute band. The Nics + Ink’d Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm. Info 07981 684142. Thoby Davis The Royal Exchange, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2056 4068. Up Eastern The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Youth Music Concert Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £4.50/£4. Info 01495 355800. Presented by Hospice Of The Valleys. SUNDAY 7 5 Seconds Of Summer Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £32.50/£25. Info 029 2022 4488. Pop-punk band who appeal to teenpop kids. Coasts + Bloodflower Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. *Conan + Khost + The Moth + Haast’s Eagled The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. UK doom from all over the place, presented by FHED. Delyth Mclean Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Gareth Roberts Quartet Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Lunchtime Concert National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Courtesy of RWCMD students. Manouche Saloon The Yard, Cardiff. 1-3pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Sunday afternoon jazz. Natalie Clein Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 8pm, £15. Info 01239 841387. Cello recital. Posh Frock & Beat Box The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Rackhouse Pilfer Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2089 0862. Irish folk meets Americana band. Sex Pissed Dolls The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail. com. They’re women, and they cover Sex Pistols songs. I think that’s the gist of it anyway. The Cradles + Bridges + Denim Snakes + Secateurs + Mumbleman + Bronze Age Boats + By Jupiter Dempseys, Cardiff. 4pm, free. Info 029 2023 9253. Fizzi presents a halfdayer out of the goodness of
JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JULY: AREA 11 (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thurs 2) CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL (Penarth Pier, Thurs 9-Sat 11) THE FELICE BROTHERS (The Globe, Cardiff, Wed 15) ONLY BOYS ALOUD (Cardiff Arms Park, Sun 19) OTIS GIBBS (The Moon Club, Cardiff, Wed 22) EXTREME NOISE TERROR (Le Pub, Newport, Fri 31) BUZZ 62
their heart, and nothing more. The Moody Blues St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £41.50. Info 029 2087 8444. MONDAY 8 Andrew Jackson Jihad + Hard Girls + The Band Formerly Known As My Name Is Ian The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Indie-punk shenanigans, headliners coming from Phoenix, AZ. Deadlines + Life Under Bombs + Bankrupt Pug + Tenplusone The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm, £3. Info 01685 387925. Presented by Big Scott Radio. Gypsy Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Bryony Sier, Rebecca James and the James Clode Band. Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. TUESDAY 9 Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Jeff Hooper Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2pm, £9. Info 01633 263670. Big band singer performs in aid of Age Cymru Gwent. Moonlight Saving Time Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Royal Welsh College Choralia Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391. Titanic Tearoom Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. WEDNESDAY 10 Arcangelo & Christiane Karg Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20/£17. Info 029 2039 1391. Performing works by Handel and Buxtehude. Capital City Jazz Orchestra Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Elton John + Bright Light Bright Light Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £50£85. Info 029 2022 4488. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes + Jump Jive Five Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. A Summer Swing night. Kristian Borring Quartet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Lilies On The Land Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £5/£3. Info 0845 2263510. WWII-era singalong. Marina Florance Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. Ofer Landsberg Quartet
Jazzland, Swansea. 8.3011pm, £10/£7 members. Info 07802 912789. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Swns + Cadacus + Five Random Words The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm. Info 07730 432166. Tav Falco’s Panther Burns The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Noisy rockabilly kinda stuff from Mississippi. Been round since the late 70s and have never been listened to by me. I should probably sort that out. THURSDAY 11 Atlas + Drunk Night In The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm. Info 07730 432166. *Black Sheep Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. New York rap group, popular in the 90s but kind of cultish, if only by virtue of never properly blowing up. Geraint Rhys & The Lost Generation + Kizzy Crawford + Jack Barnett Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Album launch gig for Geraint and band. Jessica Bullen Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2038 7026. Jez Lowe Newport Fugitives Athletic Club, Rogerstone, Newport. 8.45pm. Info 01633 897923. A Newport Folk Club night. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band are Wide Open Spaces. Keith James Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2087 7959. Welsh folk-rock artist. Open Hearth Acoustic Night The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 763752. On the second Thursday of every month. Repco Piano Profile: Great Romantics Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£3. Info 029 2039 1391. The Billy Joel Songbook Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 01639 763214. With Elio Pace as Billy. In Carmarthen tomorrow; Newport on Sat 13. The Godfathers The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. Rock’n’roll band who were briefly popular in the 80s. FRIDAY 12 ACAB Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Aubrey Parsons Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Also on Fri 19. BBC NOW: Beethoven & Bruckner Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10£16. Info 01792 475715. Conducted by Thomas Søndergård. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band The Scene Club, Swansea. 8pm. Info 07730 432166. Also featuring Cafe A
Go Go DJs. Emma & The Professor Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07818 056599. Folk. Gower Folk Festival The Greyhound Inn, Gower, Swansea. 5-11.30pm, £7-£16 day/£26-£63 weekend. Info 01792 850803. Annual weekender. Today features Karen Pierce & Ken Humphreys’ dance workshop, Kantref, The Eel Grinders and Gareth Cornfield. (Until Sun 14) Jake & The Jellyfish The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Johnny Cash Roadshow Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 01646 695267. Jack The Biscuit Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Maddie Jones Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Mandy Starr Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800. Songs from the musicals. Olivia And The Saint + Eleri Angharad + Kinky Wizzards + Kieran Marsh Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2089 0862. Organ Recital St John The Baptist Church, Cardiff. 1.15pm. Info 029 2022 0136. Courtesy of Catherine Ennis (St Lawrence Jewry, City Of London). Propella + The Eggmen The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Railroad Bill + John Lewis + Kizzy Crawford Dempseys, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Album launch gig for RRB. See Music. Also features a DJ set from Liam Curtin. Right Hear Wright Now The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195. Rocket Joe Joe & The old Time Bangers Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375. Ruarri Joseph The Garage, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£9 adv. Info 01792 475147. Stephen Biggs Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1-2pm, free. Info 01656 815995. Spanish guitarist. Swansea International Jazz Festival Various venues, Swansea. Info 07900 314245. See Music for more about this weekender, now in its second year. Today features John Critchinson Quintet (Dylan Thomas Centre, 1.30pm, tickets £12); Laurence Cottle Quintet (DTC, 7pm, £12) and The Jive Aces (DTC, 9.30pm, £15). (Until Sun 14) The Billy Joel Songbook Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0845 2263510. The Lambrettas The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £17/£15 adv. Info 01633 656757. The Magic Of Musicals Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Kim Graham and Kelly Valance sing songs from the musicals.
TAFWYL FESTIVAL Cardiff Castle, Sat 4 + Sun 5 July Admission: free. Info: www.tafwyl.org Taking over Cardiff Castle’s grounds for two days, the annual Tafwyl Festival returns with the biggest names in Welsh arts, culture and sport, along with excellent food and drink. Entry to Cardiff Castle is free during Tafwyl, with a warm welcome promised whether you are a Welsh speaker or not. On Sat 4, Kizzy Crawford and Gwenno play live, with Geraint Jarman and Candelas joining the party on Sun 5. Over on the acoustic stage, Meic Stevens, The Gentle Good and Gwyneth Glyn will all feature. Amongst the traders in the impressive food section are Bangkok Cafe, The Grazing Shed, the Parsnipship, Ffwrnes Pizza, The Welsh Creperie Co and Fablas Ice Cream, plus a cocktail bar and two bars selling a range of Welsh ales. The Oppressed + The Phucks + The D Teez + Poetic Justice The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Lately there isn’t a month goes by without The Oppressed doing a benefit gig here. Fair play to them! This one is for Grassroots, whose fundraising desires can be read about in Music News Extra. The Pink Slips + Digital Criminals + Bag Of Bones The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, £5. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Headline band feature the daughter of Duff from Guns N’ Roses on vocals, and the nephew of the drummer from Alice In Chains on... drums. He has 95 followers on Twitter. Trigger’s Broom Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672. Xavier de Maistre National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20/£10 young people. Info 029 2039 7951. Harp recital, technically part of the Gregynog Festival (see tomorrow’s listings). X Music Festival Bute Park, Cardiff. £49.90/£69.90 VIP (two days). Info www. xmusicfest.com. Much of this new festival is given over to DJs, as such you can read about it in Clubs. However, there are also live bands, presented by BBC Horizons and today featuring Roughion, We’re No Heroes, Cut Ribbons, The Hearts, Hannah Grace, Mellt, The Cradles, Estrons and Behind The
Blues. On tomorrow also. SATURDAY 13 Big Girls Don’t Cry Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £19/£18. Info 01495 227206. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons tribute. Chris Hodgkins Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7pm, £18 inc buffet. Info 029 2062 0415. Jazz trumpeter. Classical Cafe Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £7.50£15. Info 029 2089 0862. Dave Arcari Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800. Blues. Escher String Quartet National Library Of Wales, Aberystwyth. 7.30pm, £15/£7.50 under-18s. Info 01686 207100. One of several events comprising this year’s Gregynog Festival, which runs until Sun 28. A lot of it is in the town of Montgomery, which is outside the area we cover, but to make up for the fact that our cut-off points for ‘south’ Wales are arbitrary and inexact, I urge you to go to www.gregynogfestival.org to see the full programme of listings. It’s classical recitals, early music and so forth. Gower Folk Festival The Greyhound Inn, Gower, Swansea. 5-11.30pm, £17-£28 day/£26-£63 weekend. Info 01792 850803. Today features Moirai, Maz O’Connor, Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews, Andy Tamlyn Jones, Skyhook, Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar, Pilgrims’ Way and Beoga. Plus workshops and sessions in
the chapel and the marquee. (Until Sun 14) Greg Ryan Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Contemporary classical pianist. *Holy Boredom Festival Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 3pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Highly welcome return of this festival of interesting music from near and far. Acts on offer: Jenny Hval, Hey Colossus, The Naturals, Cowtown, Jemma Roper, Carw, HORSES, Caramel and Pipedream. Plus DJ sets from Lesson No.1 (which is me) and Rosie from Oh Peas! (which is not me). See Music. Iwan Llewelyn-Jones + Rhian Davies National Library Of Wales, Aberystwyth. 2.30-5pm, £10/£5 under-18s. Info 01686 207100. Piano and spoken word. *Luvv + Cosmic Thoughts + Caramel + Earring Castle Lane, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info luvvluvvluvv@gmail. com. This gig is going to be the first in the Castle Lane DIY space. It is named after the small street it’s on in Roath and lots of good punky things are gonna happen there in the next few months. Also it’s BYOB, so you don’t even have an excuse for skulking in the nearby Wetherspoons. Mamma Mia Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. A tribute to Abba, or at least the girls from Abba.
JUST ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST: MOSTLY AUTUMN (The Globe, Sat 1) TOUCHE AMORE (The Globe, Sun 9) OFF WITH THEIR HEADS (Sin City, Swansea, Wed 12) TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET (Sin City, Wed 19) ALESANA (Sin City, Sat 22) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER: ALVVAYS (The Globe, Tue 1) MARTIN CARTHY & DAVE SWARBRICK BUZZ 63
live music Miss May & The Magic Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Monkey See Monkey Do The Royal Exchange, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2056 4068. Nomad Collective Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. Playing as part of the Fat City night. Olly Murs Tribute Ebbw Vale Institute. 7pm, £7/£6 adv. Info 01495 708022. By one Jack Stuckey. Plasterscene Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 07512 237983 Rally For Romeo Benefit Gig Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 1pm, £5 adv. Info mail@ givemefuel.co.uk. Featuring these bands, playing in this order: Sion Rees 2pm, Simon James aka Chordie 3pm, Back 2 November 4pm, The Riff 6pm and Lost And Found 8pm. Rock Factor Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Simple As + Swift Arvel + Valentine Roots + Reptile House The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Reptile House are not to be confused with the pre-Lungfish hardcore band from the mid-80s. Maybe you’re right, no-one would ever actually be confused in that way, but better safe than sorry. Stars In Their Eyes Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £5. Info 01633 221477. Twice-yearly night of local musicians doing one-off covers sets, all for charity. Swansea International Jazz Festival Various venues, Swansea. Info 07900 314245. Today features a Schools Big Band workshop (National Waterfront Museum, 10.30am, free); Geoff Eales Quintet (Dylan Thomas Centre, 12.30pm, £12); Gareth Williams’ Bill Evans Trio (DTC, 2.30pm, £10); Gary Potter Quartet (NWM, 2.30pm, £10); Robert Fuller’s Gerry Mulligan Concert Big Band (DTC, 4.30pm, £13); Radio Londra (DTC, 7.30pm, £13); and Toby Stewart’s Monsters On A Leash (DTC, 9.30pm, £13). (Until Sun 14) Tellison + Algiers 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Presented by Jealous Lovers Club. The Billy Joel Songbook The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £20.50/£18.50. Info 01633 656757. The Blues Band Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 01600 772467. The Burning Hell + Nick Ferrio + Quiet Marauder The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Literate indie stuff from Canada, here for the third or fourth time. The Sir Harry Secombe Trust Footlights Cafe Bar, Grand Theatre, Swansea. 12-2pm, free. Info 01792 475715. The Urban Voodoo Machine + The Lash + Efa Supertramp The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm,
£12 adv. Info 07730 432166. “Bourbon-soaked gypsy blues bop’n’stroll.” The Wow Signal + 100 Miles + Third Party Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2023 9253. Tim Cronin + Colibri Soul + John Nicholas The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. X Music Festival Bute Park, Cardiff. £49.90/£69.90 VIP (two days). Info www. xmusicfest.com. Today features Violet Skies, Dan Bettridge, Cold Committee, Baby Queens, Astroid Boys, Junior Bill And The Scallies, Peasant’s King, Delyth Mclean and Fjords. SUNDAY 14 89-91 The Yard, Cardiff. 1-3pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Aughisky The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Glastonburybased jazz septet. BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015: Song Prize St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm. Info 029 2087 8444. Sold out, but you can watch it on the big screen. (Until Sun 21) Gower Folk Festival The Greyhound Inn, Gower, Swansea. 5-11.30pm, £11£22 day/£26-£63 weekend. Info 01792 850803. Today features Karen Pierce & Ken Humphreys, The Foxglove Trio, Jaywalkers, The Rheingans Sisters, The Hut People, Phil Beer, The Young’uns and Calan. Plus workshops and sessions. (Finishes today) Maharaja Blues Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Shows & Soundtracks Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7pm, £15.50/£14.50. Info 01633 868239. With the Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra. Swansea International Jazz Festival Various venues, Swansea. Info 07900 314245. Today features Lee Gibson with the Capital City Jazz Orchestra (Dylan Thomas Centre, 12.30pm, £13); The Busquitos Band (National Waterfront Museum, 2.30pm, £10); Dave Jones Quartet (DTC, 2.30pm, £10); The Session (DTC, 4.30pm, £13); Steve Waterman Quartet (DTC, 6.30pm, £10) and the Hamish Stuart Octet (DTC, 8.30pm, £15). (Finishes today) MONDAY 15 Afternoon In Paris Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm. Info 029 2087 8444. The afternoon performance is sold out. (Until Sun 21) Coffee Morning Concert The Met, Abertillery. 11am, £2. Info 01495 355800. Easy Street Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026. *James Blackshaw + The Gentle Good + Toby Hay 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff.
7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Attic Folk Sessions gig. Really strong lineup this, J Blackshaw is a wiz on the auld 12-string. John J Presley Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £10/£7.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Let Me Entertain You Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 01792 475715. Robbie Williams tribute act. Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Mixalydia, Emi McDade and more TBC. The Collective Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. TUESDAY 16 BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12£35. Info 029 2087 8444. The afternoon performance is sold out. (Until Sun 21) Belleville Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Gypsy jazz band, also playing here on Thurs 25. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Gareth Roberts With The Dave Jones Trio Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 8pm, £6. Info 01874 611622. A Brecon Jazz Club gig. Lume Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Mothers + Stilts + The Milk Race + Science Bastard Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Songbook Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. Cardiff songwriters delve into their musical inspirations. Spike’s Five & Dime Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. WEDNESDAY 17 Adrian Thompson Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391. Cardiff Singer Of The Worldrelated performance. Afternoon In Paris The Dingle Hotel, Narberth. 8pm, £8/£7. Info 01834 869323. A SpanJazz night. BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12-£35. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sun 21) Cardiff University Students Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Dennis O’Neill’s Wales International Academy Of Voice (WIAV) Showcase Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 3pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464.
Gwd Jams Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2039 7933. New monthly jam session. Huw Warren Trio Brasil Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Larry Carlton Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £25 adv. Info 0871 4720400. Martin Curtis Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. Monmouth Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Recruits + Apathy The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 07730 432166. “Due to the nature of this show, all bags must be searched on entry and all backpacks will have to be entered into the cloakroom.” I think this is to stop teens smuggling booze in rather than fears of people getting shanked or sprinkled with anthrax. Trevor Miles With The Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10/£7 members. Info 07802 912789. Upbeat Sneakers + Chapel Row The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07969 671379. Welsh National Opera: Chorus The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £13-£19.50. Info 01633 656757. THURSDAY 18 Andrew Hanley Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391. Cardiff Singer Of The World-related performance. BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12-£35. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sun 21) Boys Of Porter The City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5258. Claire Jones The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2048 3344. Harpist. Dana & Susan Robinson Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night. Death Remains + Teacher + Sentiments UK + True North Kiwis, Neath. 7pm, free. Info 01639 643733. London metal band headline. They used to be called After Death, but changed it after two members of the band died. Some bands would have cultivated a newfound respect for the concept of mortality, but not these guys. Double Experience The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm. Info 07730 432166. Neo-nerd rock from Canada. Not my words. Estrons + Dominic Griffin + Birdcage 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. EP launch for the headliners. Georgia Paterson Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre,
Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Jazz In The Gallery Improv Night M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. £5/£4 adv/£8 with food. Info 029 2047 3373. JC’s Hopeless Sinners Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Also on Wed 24. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is the Tony Breen Band. Lee Jones Trio Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2038 7026. Leo & Anto Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.45pm, £16. Info 01792 475715. Two members of The Saw Doctors. Little Barrie The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. Mod revival kinda band. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Open Mic Night Salt, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375. Rod Oughton Quartet feat. Iain Ballamy Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Them Dead Beats + Wetpainttt + In Bliss + Everyday Heroes Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. EP launch for the headliners. Welsh National Opera Chorus Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£19. Info 01792 602060. New theatre showcase. FRIDAY 19 Aubrey Parsons Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Baroque Music Of The 17th Century National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015 St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17. Info 029 2087 8444. Today is the Song Prize Final. (Until Sun 21) Beautiful Strangers + Forever Vendetta + Static Fires + INK’D + Kid Crimson The Scene Club, Swansea. £3 adv. Info 07730 432166. Cambion + Oakhaart + Nycosia + Darksite Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 07981 684142. Metal. Carnabys + Wetpainttt + Richard Jones Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Catching Kate The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Echo Lake Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £9/£7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Forever In Blue Jeans Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 01873 850805. Future Dub Orchestra + Iron Eye Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Also featuring a DJ set
from The Reggiments. Heather Jones + The Gentle Good Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7.50. Info 029 2089 0862. Hot Club Gallois Carnegie House, Bridgend. 7.30pm. Info 01656 815757. Jazz ensemble. Jam Baxter + Turna Phrase The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £6.50 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Playing as part of The Hold Up hip-hop night. James Carr & The Comrades Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Kaleidophone The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Leighton Jones The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195. Martin Curtis The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night. Michael Lowe Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391. Cardiff Singer Of The World-related performance. Rough Music + American Graffiti + Kancho + Helen Chambers Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £3. Info 01633 221477. Saints Of Sin The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Spurious Transients + Ah When Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07818 056599. Psychedelic cosmic sorts from Pembrokeshire headline. One of them is also in the similar-sounding Sendelica. Tenors Of Rock Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £22. Info 0800 0147111. They’re tenors, but they sing rock songs. The Brotherhood feat. Jon Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672. There Was A Crooked Man + Anonymous Iconoclasts The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info theglobevenue@ gmail.com. The Side Effects Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Vale Jazz Weekend Various venues, Barry. 4pm, free. Info festvalejazz@yahoo.com. Launching at 4pm on Kings Square, this will later feature Big Joe Bone (Borough Arms, 5pm), Bella Collins (West End Club, 7.30pm), Mellow Down Easy followed by Canute (Barry Athletic Tennis Club, 8.30pm). (Until Sun 21) Virtue In Vain + Jaws Of The Guillotine + Roads To Nowhere + Giving Into Ghosts No.6 Market Street, Newport. Free. Info 01633 213161. Charity gig (donations thus welcomed) in aid of the Nepal Earthquake Appeal. The venue is what was called Meze Lounge, which is closed, or at least in a state of limbo. So if you are going to this it might be best to check before you head off.
(St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 1) BOB GELDOF (Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, Thurs 3) KING CRIMSON (St David’s Hall, Thurs 3) MARK LANEGAN (Cardiff University Students Union, Fri 4) TURNSTILE (The Globe, Fri 4) RAY QUINN (Gwyn Hall, Neath, Sat 12) RICHARD THOMPSON (Sat David’s Hall, Tue 15) ART GARFUNKEL (St David’s Hall, Thurs 17) BUZZ 64
live music SATURDAY 20 Abergavenny Eisteddfod Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £7.50/ free under-18s. Info 01873 850805. Ammanford Eisteddfod Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 1pm, £4.50/£4. Info 0845 2263510. Backtrax Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Good time covers band. Côr Curiad Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Criminal Mind The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Streetpunk band from Bristol. Deadwood Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01443 682388. A doubleheaded tribute to Iron Maiden and Metallica. Presented by Born Events. Herman’s Hermits Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £18. Info 01633 868239. Jumpin Jimmy & The Nice Guys Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Lushtones + The Spokes Band + Tim Cronin The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Memory Clinic + Glue Foot The Globe At Hay, HayOn-Wye. 8pm, £3-£5. Info 01497 821762. Metal 2 The Masses Semi Final 2 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk. Midmad 2015 Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Free. Info 01970 623232. Annual £0.00 music fest, this year featuring Adran D, Rayguns Look Real Enough, Caryl Parry Jones & The 405s, Lazy Habits and Electric Swing Circus. Oh What A Beautiful Evening! Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2070 0721. The Concept Players present a concert of Rodgers & Hammerstein songs. Old Town Festival Alldayer The Parrot, Carmarthen. Info 01267 231012. This is a scaleddown version of an annual event which gives a platform for alternative acts from Carmarthen and nearby. Not sure who’s playing at the moment though. Olena Tokar Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2039 1391. Ukraine-born singer performs a concert which’ll be breadcast live on Radio 3. Paolo Nutini + Lianne La Havas Singleton Park, Swansea. 4pm, £42.50 adv. Info 0844 8440444. See Music. Piney Gir + Baby Brave + Thee Manatees Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. UK solo indie sort headlines. She has been around for about a decade and hasn’t made the proverbial breakthrough, this might be good though. Rogora Khart +
Exit_International + Horsefight Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £5. Info 01633 221477. Twice-yearly night of local musicians doing one-off covers sets, all for charity. Ross Gurney The Royal Exchange, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2056 4068. Rox Vox Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £19/£18. Info 01495 227206. Two hours of pure rock classics. There is also costumes and a light show, in case you’re wondering why you’re paying the business end of £20 to watch a non-specific cover band. Rusty Shackle + Remembering August Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £7.50-£12. Info 029 2089 0862. Special Kinda Madness The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. Tribute to both The Specials and Madness. Symphonica Tywi National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. 7.30pm, £12/£10 members. Info 01558 667149. The Elvis Years The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £22.50/£20.50. Info 01633 656757. The Gower Chorale 20th Anniversary Concert Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 01792 475715. Performing The Dream Of Gerontius by Elgar. There Is No Need To Be Upset Fest Undertone, Cardiff. 12.30-9pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Lots of emo and/or punk rock bands throughout the day. The bands are (headliners listed first, I think) The Winter Passing, Playlounge, Muskets, Beat Easton, Forrest, Pipedream and Bucket. Vale Jazz Weekend Various venues, Barry. 11am, free. Info festvalejazz@yahoo.com. Featuring Beverley Gough and her Sax Trio (Hood Road Station, 11am); The Numbers Racket (underneath the Amphitheatre, Western Prom, 11.45am), Pete Mathison & Elizabeth Jane Williams (Coffee Cove, 1.30pm), The Rumblestrutters (Marco's Café, 2.30pm), Jelly Roll Jones (The Ship Inn, 2.30pm), Dale Storr (Wyndham Cons Club, 4.45pm), The Billy Pezzack Trio (The Park Hotel, 6pm), Paul Stephen Edwards (West End Club, 7.30pm) and Sean Taylor (West End Club, 9pm). (Until Sun 21) SUNDAY 21 BBC Cardiff Singer Of The World 2015 Grand Final St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £25-£60. Info 029 2087 8444. Sold out. (Finishes today) Jefferson The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Pedro Asensio Duo The Yard, Cardiff. 1-3pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Jazz. Summer In Singleton Singleton Park, Swansea. 4.30pm, £35 adv. Info 0844 8440444. Pop classical jollity all the way, courtesy of Alfie Boe, Collabro, Rebecca
Ferguson, Sophie Evans and Mal Pope. Vale Jazz Weekend Various venues, Barry. 11am, free. Info festvalejazz@yahoo. com. Featuring Beverley Gough and her Sax For Fun band (Costa Coffee, 11am), a jazz service (St Mary's Church, 12.30pm), Iridium Flair (The Park Hotel, 2pm), Red Jam (underneath the Amphitheatre, 2.30pm), Mark Harrison's Trio (Wyndham Cons Club, 3.15pm), Hot Club Gallois (Coffee Cove and Wine Bar, 4pm), Glas (The Borough Arms, 4.30pm), Olivia & The Saint (West End Club, 6pm) and a three-act bill of Kevin Brown, Katie Bradley Band and The Remi Harris Project at Barry Island Sports & Social Club from 6pm. (Finishes today) Welsh National Opera Chorus Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 4pm, £18/£15. Info 01874 611622. MONDAY 22 6 Songs 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 029 2022 8883. New night in which local acts are invited to perform six of their own songs. Barbara Dickson Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01600 772467. Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Evie Rowlands, Quincy, Tambo & Smalls and Digital Criminals. *Eyehategod + Lifer + Hogslayer The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. First Cardiff date for about five years for EHG, dishevelled deities of southern American sludge metal. Groucho Club Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Junior Proms Concert 1 Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £7.50/£5.50. Info 0845 2263510. Featuring various Llanelli ensembles. On tomorrow also, Mon 29 and Tue 30. Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. TUESDAY 23 Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Junior Proms Concert 2 Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £7.50/£5.50. Info 0845 2263510. Lloyd Haines Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Matt Grocott & The Shrives Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2039 7933. Matthew Jones & Annabel Thwaite The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5.50/£4.50. Info 01633 656757. A Lower Machen Festival classical performance, Jones on the viola and violin and Thwaite on the piano.
RWCMD Chamber Ensembles Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. The Memphis Six Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. WEDNESDAY 24 Christopher Paul Stelling + Darren Eedens + Christopher Rees The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv/£15 five days. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. The first of five gigs up here as part of the Glasnost long-weekend party. This one is acoustically inclined. Is Christopher Paul Stelling related to Jeff? I will look into it. Chris Wood St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £14/£13 adv. Info 029 2087 8444. Folk singer plays Roots Unearthed
Final Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring three singers and one violinist. The Sidekicks + Great Cynics Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. THURSDAY 25 Adam McLoughlin Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info 029 2038 7026. Belleville Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. City Sirens Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2087 7959. All-female a capella group. Deadlines + The Run Up + Caramel + Some Sort Of Threat Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £5/£7 inc copy of EP.
Mixing alt.country with soulful rock, to fine effect on new album What Kind Of Love, UK band Danny & The Champions Of The World visit St Donats Arts Centre on Fri 3 July. gig. Eady Crawford + Tobias Robertson + The Bakestones The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm, £3. Info 01685 387925. Presented by Big Scott Radio. Huw Warren Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10/£7 members. Info 07802 912789. JC’s Hopeless Sinners Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Led By Lions + Giving Into Ghosts + Junk DNA Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. *Lime Crush + Beta Blocker & The Body Clock Castle Lane, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info www.thejoycollective. co.uk. This gig is presented by The Joy Collective and features two bands (plus more TBC) at the nexus of indiepop, riot grrrl and garage. Matilda Lloyd & Virginia Lloyd The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5.50/£4.50. Info 01633 656757. A Lower Machen Festival classical performance. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. Free drink for performers. Last Wednesday of every month. Phantom Of The Opera with Live Soundtrack Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. £5-£10. Info 029 2089 0862. Not sure who is performing the soundtrack. Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama Students Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Jazz. The Ian Stoutzker Prize
Info 029 2039 7933. EP launch gig fror headliners. Elvis Costello St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £45/£40. Info 029 2087 8444. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is the James Clode Band. Mars Red Sky + Florence Black + Tradish The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv/£15 five days. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Glasnost gig. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Snak The Ripper feat Jaclyn Gee Undertone, Cardiff. 9pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. A rapper from Vancouver, moreover an “underground cult phenomenon”. Guess I am not down with the underground, else I might have heard of him. WNO Orchestra: Chamber Orchestra Classics Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2039 1391. FRIDAY 26 Afro Cluster Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2089 0862. Amy Wadge & Pete Riley St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2087 8444. Apple Tree Theory Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672. Aubrey Parsons Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot. 9pm, free. Info 01639 864500. Big Band Swing Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. Five courses of food are complemented by singer Samantha Link, who is fabulous, witty and talented.
Daisy Chute The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Folk and jazz stylings from someone who was previously in a pop-classical thing called All Angels. Jive At Five Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Legend – The Bob Marley Experience Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 8pm, £14 adv. Info 01633 868239. Tribute act. In Monmouth tomorrow. Manhattan Coast Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £5. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com. Local pop-rock band with oxymoronic name play their last ever gig. They will apparently be selling all their merch for £1, undercutting Primark and the like. Organ Recital National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Panic Station Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Paul Ashton The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195. Pop Tarts Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375. *Prinzhorn Dance School + Totem Terrors Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Rockpie with a tidy booking in the form of PDC, a stripped-down indie/postpunk duo signed to the DFA label. If you like them, you will probably also like support act Totem Terrors, indeed you may already know them of course. Quitesnake + No Glory The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 8pm, £3. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Whitesnake tribute band headline. Shadow Of The Sun + Whack Turkey + Kid Crimson Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £3. Info 01443 682388. Solko + The Piratones + Grand Tradition The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv/£15 five days. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Glasnost gig. Talon Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £20/£19. Info 01646 695267. Eagles tribute band. In Brecon on Sun 28. The Eggmen Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Happenings + Tattsyrup The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Thoby Davis Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Tor Marrock + Twilight’s Embrace Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm. Info 07981 684142. Waster + Seven Stories High + Oh Pioneer + Storyteller + Since Jupiter The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 07730 432166. SATURDAY 27 Afrocluster + Ben Russel & The Charmers +
BRIAN WILSON + AMERICA + EDWYN COLLINS (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Sat 19) WHEATUS (The Scene Club, Swansea, Sat 19) CALAN (St David’s Hall, Tue 22) CROSBY STILLS & NASH (Motorpoint Arena, Tue 22) THE OSMONDS (Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, Fri 25) EWAN DOBSON (The Moon Club, Mon 28) G4 (Grand Theatre, Swansea, Tue 29) BUZZ 65
live music Tommy & The Trouble The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv/£15 five days. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Glasnost gig. Big Scott Radio Live By the River NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, £3. Info 029 2037 8866. Featuring Kirk Morgan, Them Dead Beats and The Bakestones. Canton Chorus St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£7. Info 029 2022 9683. Summer concert by local community choir. City Of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391. Classical Cafe Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £7.50£15. Info 029 2089 0862. Explosive Light Orchestra Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm. Info 01685 384111. ELO tribute band. Field Music Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060. North-eastern indie band perform a soundtrack to a silent movie, Drifters. Fjords Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2023 9253. EP launch for this keyboardy indie band from Cardiff. Goldbringer + Not To Fall The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Ian Cal Ford + Clint Bradley + Dave Luke Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Country singers. Legend – The Bob Marley Experience Hall Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01600 772467. Heh heh – ‘Mon’mouth. Geddit? Little Notes The Riverfront, Newport. 11am, £5.50/£4.50. Info 01633 656757. A Lower Machen Festival classical performance. Lotte Mullan + Sion Russell Jones + Alex Hart + JJ Draper Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Metal 2 The Masses Final Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk. The winner of this gets to play
at the Bloodstock festival. in August. Naomi Rae The Royal Exchange, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2056 4068. Nepal Earthquake Appeal All-Day Event No.6 Market Street, Newport. 2-10.30pm, £4. Info 01633 213161. Featuring these bands (opening act first): Disrupt The Continuum, Jaws Of The Guillotine, Illicit, True North, The Uncharted, Ferinus, An Elegy, Giving Into Ghosts, Clear The Auditorium, The Dweller, We The Deceiver, Oceans Apart and Lock & Key. Check details before heading off if you can, as this venue might be closed by the time this rolls around. No Glory + Beth Blade And The Beautiful Disasters + Devil At The Roadside Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 9pm. Info 07981 684142. One For The Road Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Serpentine + Psycho Kiss + Beautiful Strangers The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 07730 432166. Sounds Of Motown Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £36. Info 029 2070 5391. As sung by Shola Kaye. Steve Eaves A Rhai Pobl Duck Egg Bleu, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2022 0993. Welsh language singersongwriter, presented here by the Clwb Y Diwc folks, who are pressing on despite the Duke Of Clarence (which gave them their name) shutting up shop. Street Cardinals + Canute + One Time Alive The Yard, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Superchango Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. System Of A Down UK + Between Waves The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07969 671379. STILL YOU FEED US PIES FROM THE TABLECLOTH!! [bouncy staccato riff] Talon Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20.50.
Info 01792 475715. That’ll Be The Day St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20-£24. Info 029 2087 8444. Rock’n’roll variety show gubbins. SUNDAY 28 Aidan Thorne & Richard Jones The Yard, Cardiff. 1-3pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577. Jazz. Cliveden Set The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Greatest Hits Of Musicals And Pop Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2 + 6pm, £8/£6. Info 01633 868239. Satish Kumar & Sunjay Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 8pm, £15. Info 01239 841387. Satish is an environment activist and will presumably be talking; Sunjay is a folk singer and will presumably be singing. Glen Manby Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar. Stephen Kovacevich Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2039 1391. Piano recital. Talon Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £20/£19. Info 01874 611622. Third Party + The Lonesome Stampede + The Wizards Of Delight + Jonny Kowalski The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv/£15 five days. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Glasnost gig. MONDAY 29 Elder + Mos Generator + Lacertilia The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Stoner/psych kinda bands. Elder and MG are touring, and are pretty respected in this line of things. Gwd Mondays: Cardiff Folk Music Sessions Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Gwent Music 2015 Summer Showcase Concert St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £10. Info 029
2087 8444. Jam Session Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Junior Proms Concert 3 Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £7.50/£5.50. Info 0845 2263510. Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Nia Ann, Pretend Poets, Commander BOOM and more TBC. Manran Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01873 850805. Soap + Love Bazaar + Odd Rival Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. The Combo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026. The Rollin’ Clones Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2070 0721. Stones tribute band. After the booking fee this gig costs £13.37, but it’s unlikely that you have to be ‘leet’ to attend. Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. TUESDAY 30 Classic FM Live Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £25-£50. Info 029 2063 6464. Featuring performances from VenezuelanAmerican pianist Gabriela Montero plus the Orchestra Of Welsh National Opera. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Cwtch + Ben Nicholas + Elin Parisa + Simon Chordie + Brendon Common + Corporate Christ + The Bleedin’ Noses Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2039 7933. Playing the Pick n’ Mix Open Mic night. Heather Peace Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £22.50 adv. Info 0871 4720400. Junior Proms Concert 4 Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm,
live review BRYAN FERRY
£7.50/£5.50. Info 0845 2263510. Monthly Sitters In Night Jazzland, Swansea. 7.3pm, free. Info 07802 912789. Usk Valley Blue Blowers Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.
stage MONDAY 1 David Sedaris St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £26. Info 029 2087 8444. This is a comedy show, but not a standup comedy show, it says here. Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Nick Payne’s adaption of this very old tale. (Until Sat 6) Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Play about the women who survived in the Sonderbau, the first brothel for Buchenwald concentration camp prisoners. (Until Sat 6) Paul Merton’s Impro Chums Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £21.50/£19.50. Info 01792 475715. Roots & Wings Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0800 0147111. Frank Vickery comedy. On tomorrow also; in Treorchy from Thurs 4-Sat 6, Swansea Tue 9-Sat 13; Blackwood Mon 15-Wed 17; Porthcawl Thurs 18-Sat 20. The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Presented by the Richard Burton Company. (Until Sat 6) TUESDAY 2 Dead Simple New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10.50-£28. Info 029 2087 8889. Peter James’ thriller novel adapted for the stage. (Until Sat 6)
Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Newport Gang Show Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 01633 263670. “Oh no! It’s that kind of Newport gang show!” – audience member afterwards, nursing a minor stab wound. (Until Fri 5) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £10/£5. Info 0845 2263510. New play by Siân Summers about betrayal, loyalty and becoming a man, set during the miners’ strike. On tomorrow also; in Swansea on Fri 5 and Sat 6, Cardigan on Mon 8 and Tue 9. Roots & Wings Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0800 0147111. The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) WEDNESDAY 3 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1pm, £12-£16. Info 01792 475715. Kids’ show. On tomorrow also. Dead Simple New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9.50-£28. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 6) Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Jethro Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 01495 355800. Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2034 3081. (Until Sat 6) Newport Gang Show Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 01633 263670. (Until Fri 5) Nick Page + Jordan Brookes + Becky Brunning + Payton Quinn + Gertaint Nott + Dan Mitchell Artigiano
St David’s Hall, Cardiff Mon 11 May Mr Smooth returned to St David’s Hall after his previous sell-out gig, boasting an updated set with songs from beloved old albums and new – and he’s still sounding like velvet. His iconic floppy fringe in place and his charismatic presence has lost none of its shine given his 60-plus years. An ultimate performer, the one-time Roxy Music frontman delved into his back catalogue and pulled out favourites such as Love Is The Drug, Virginia Plain and Do The Strand. What with these, the brilliant Let’s Stick Together, and of course Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, you forget how many truly outstanding tracks Ferry has performed over the years. A somewhat extended version of Stronger Through The Years was a particular pleasure to hear live. Despite the dodgy sound at the beginning of the set – albeit technical rather than human – it soon improved; the audience warmed up and were dancing and clapping for more by the end of it. A big appreciation must be extended to Bryan Ferry’s backing band, especially saxophone player Jorja Chalmers, who was excellent. Genuine talent doesn’t diminish – it just matures, as does the fine Mr Ferry. Brilliant. words ASHLEY HARRISON photos MATTHEW BECKER (www.liverockjournal.com) BUZZ 66
stage Espresso & Wine Bar, Queen Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2087 8889. A night of standup comedy. Nursing Lives Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 863722. Presented by full mask theatre company Vamos and set in both WWII and modern day. Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £10/£5. Info 0845 2263510. Rod Woodward Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £18.50/£10 under26s. Info 01646 695267. The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) THURSDAY 4 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1pm, £12-£16. Info 01792 475715. Dead Simple New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9.50-£28. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 6) Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Newport Gang Show Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 01633 263670. (Until Fri 5) Roots & Wings Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7.30pm, £12/£10/ two tickets for £14 (stalls only). Info 0800 0147111. (Until Sat 6) Striking The Wrong Note Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Amateur theatre production. On tomorrow also. The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. It’s that time again. (Until Sat 13) Trevor Lock + Steffan Alun + Simon Emmanuel The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07969 671379. Trevor Lock is pretty funny as I recall. Steffan Alun is a bilingual comic who was described as being “funny as a leek and fierce as a dragon,” by Laughing Coyote Comedy. I often find it quite instructive to see what comedy promoters’ idea of wit actually is. FRIDAY 5 Brendan Riley + Peter Brush + Harriet Dyer Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Comedy Club night. Dead Simple New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11-£31. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 6) Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 19. Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Jeremy Hardy Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm,
£14/£12. Info 01982 552555. Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) Last Of The Summer Wine – Treading The Boards Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. The story of Bill Owen and his son Tom, both of who appeared in the gently rolling BBC comedy of the title. Lleuad Yn Olau Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 10am + 1.30pm, £6. Info 01239 621200. Welsh language kids’ show. In Carmarthen on Mon 8; Newport on Fri 12; Cardiff on Tue 23; Llanelli on Thurs 25. Newport Gang Show Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £10/£7 kids. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 602060. Ro Campbell + Craig Hill + Tom Toal + Henry Paker Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £14.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Roots & Wings Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0800 0147111. (Until Sat 6) Seren Stars Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 1.15pm, £5/£3.50. Info 01874 611622. Variety show featuring pupils from Neath Port Talbot College and Ysgol Penmaes. Stage School Does Monopoly! Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7pm, £5-£7. Info 01970 623232. As in the seasoned board game, which is the basis for various sketches etc in this summer show. On tomorrow also. Striking The Wrong Note Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. ‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £12/£11 adv. Info 01495 227206. The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6) The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) The Magic Flute Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464. Part of Welsh National Opera’s summer season. Time-Lapse The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 3344. One-woman show fusing dance, live music and digital media; Sarah VaughanJones is the main performer. Wilde Without The Boy Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.45pm, £8-£12.50. Info 01646 695267. Dramatic interprettion of Oscar Wilde’s poem De Profundis. SATURDAY 6 Dead Simple New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10.50-£31. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Hiraeth Sherman Cymru,
Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£15. Info 029 2064 6900. Exploring the decline of Welsh tradition and identity through one woman’s struggle to escape and let go. Jeremy Hardy Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £14/£12/£5 Jobseekers. Info 01239 621200. Cypriot music. Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 602060. Pelléas And Mélisande Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464. Debussy’s opera, presented here by WNO. Red Riding Hood Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 12 + 3pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01656 815995. Ro Campbell + Craig Hill + Tom Toal + Henry Paker Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Roots & Wings Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0800 0147111. (Finishes today) Stage School Does Monopoly! Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7pm, £5-£7. Info 01970 623232. The Basil Brush Show The Riverfront, Newport. 2pm, £12/£10 kids. Info 01633 656757. The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) The Sea Show Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 2.30pm, £6.50. Info 01873 850805. Tim Vine + John Archer Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £21.50. Info 01792 475715. On tomorrow also. TJ McDonald + Pierre Hollins + John Scott Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960. Tom Allen + Peter Brush + Andrew Bird Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944. A Manford’s Comedy Club night, of which there is one here each Saturday this month. SUNDAY 7 Gein’s Family Giftshop + Flick & Julie Buffalo, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2031 0312. Presented by Buffalo Comedy. Edinburgh preview shows, because it’s that time of the year again. Jimmy Carr Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £26. Info 029 2063 6464. Opening a book on how many times Jimmy will make a ‘near the knuckle’ reference to the Lady Boys Of Bangkok show taking place outside the venue. And then doing his ‘what? What did I say?’ face. Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday. The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) Tim Vine + John Archer Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £21.50. Info 01792
475715. MONDAY 8 Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn. Lleuad Yn Olau Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. Info 0845 2263510. Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01239 621200. On tomorrow also. The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) TUESDAY 9 Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. Wodehouse is adapted for the stage here by The Goodale Brothers. (Until Sat 13) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01239 621200. Roots & Wings Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 13) The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) WEDNESDAY 10 From The Cradle To The Bin Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £12/£10. Info 029
2039 1391. Comedy presented by A Ship Of Fools. Into The Woods Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Modern update of various Grimm tales. (Until Sat 13) Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 13) Lesser Mortals Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £5. Info 01656 815995. Lunchtime theatre presented by Fluellen. Miramar Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2030 4400. New Cardiff theatre company Triongl present a drama about a recently widowed woman. (Until Sat 13) Roots & Wings Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 13) The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) THURSDAY 11 Clint Edwards Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Comedy Carousel night with more comics TBC. Gower College Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Third year Acting Company showcase. On tomorrow also. Inspector Drake’s Last
Case Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm. Info 01873 850805. Presented by Abergavenny Theatre Group. (Until Sat 13) Into The Woods Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 13) Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £11-£30. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 13) Mimosa Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 1pm, £8/£6. Info 01982 552555. The story of the Welshpopulated ship which sailed from Liverpool to Patagonia 150 years ago. Miramar Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) Roots & Wings Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 13) The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) The Tommy Cooper Show Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01495 227206. Part tribute act, part portrayal of TC’s life, with Daniel Taylor playing Tommy. On tomorrow also. The Winter’s Tale Thompsons Park, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Presented by Taking Flight Theatre, and touring throughout Wales during June and July. (Until Thurs 18)
pic: Michelle Huggleston
SARAH BRIDGEMAN Comedy @ Café Nissé, Swansea, Fri 26 June Admission: £8/£6 adv. Info: 01792 686914 Get ready to give your laughing muscles a workout, as the 50s-styled Sarah Bridgeman takes to the stage in Swansea. The other comedians accompanying Bridgeman at this month’s comedy night are TBC, but expect them all to tickle your gut. The South Wales-based standup comedian is a regular on Radio Wales and the host of the monthly Comedy@Cafe Nisse; she’s has been performing regularly since 2009 and been a semi-finalist at the Welsh Unsigned Standup Award on three occasions. She uses observational comedy stories with some whimsy thrown in as she tries to figure out life (with her two cats) as she knows it. It will be a night filled with silliness, laughter and with top quality comedy.
BUZZ 67
stage Tudur Owen + Jack Campbell Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.15pm, £8-£12. Info 01834 869323. Comedy Club night. Unknown Pleasures #8: Making Belief Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9/£7. Info 01792 602060. New theatre showcase. On tomorrow also. FRIDAY 12 5 Soldiers Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. Presented by the Rosie Kay Dance Company. On tomorrow also. Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. Performing in a Big Top erected next to NFS’ main building, this is a sort of reprise (there are new performers and acts) of their hit 2014 circus spectacular. (Until Sat 27) Carey Marx + The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue + Joe Lycett + Mark Olver Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £14.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Gower College Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Inspector Drake’s Last Case Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm. Info 01873 850805. (Until Sat 13) Into The Woods Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 13) Jarlath Regan + Jack Barry + Glen Moore Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 01656 815995. Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15-£33. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 13) Lleuad Yn Olau The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5. Info 01633 656757. Miramar Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Today is a bilingual performance. (Until Sat 13) Never Never Land Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7pm, £5-£10. Info 01970 623232. Peter Pan, as presented by Aberystwyth Arts Centre Dance School. On tomorrow also. Roots & Wings Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 13) The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion,
01495 227206. The Winter’s Tale Thompsons Park, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Thurs 18) Unknown Pleasures #8: Making Belief Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9/£7. Info 01792 602060. SATURDAY 13 5 Soldiers Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Bluestocking Lounge Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £12.50. Info 01792 475715. Burlesque, with performers including Havana Hurricane. Carey Marx + The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue + Joe Lycett + Mark Olver Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Chris Washington + Duncan Oakley Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944. Damian Clark + Chris Purchase + Nick Page Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960. Inspector Drake’s Last Case Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm. Info 01873 850805. (Finishes today) Into The Woods Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £15-£33. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Miramar Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Never Never Land Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2 + 7pm, £5-£10. Info 01970 623232. Roots & Wings Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today) The Journey Home Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 12 + 2pm, £9. Info 029 2039 1391. Kids’ theatre. The Lady Boys Of Bangkok The Sabai Pavilion, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £14.50-£34. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) The Winter’s Tale
Rhod Gilbert has used his success as a springboard for charitable deeds, which is nice. On Tue 30 he hosts a live comedy panel show and buffet at Aberdare Coliseum; proceeds go to the Patagonia 150 Trek fund. Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay. 7 + 9pm, £14.50-£32. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 13) The Tommy Cooper Show Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info BUZZ 68
Thompsons Park, Cardiff. 2 + 6.30pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Thurs 18) SUNDAY 14 A Midsummer Night’s
Dream Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 6-8.15pm, £8. Info 01239 841387. Presented by Quantum Theatre. Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 3pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. The Winter’s Tale Thompsons Park, Cardiff. 2 + 6.30pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Next one is on Wed 17. (Until Thurs 18) MONDAY 15 Roots & Wings Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £13.50/£12.50. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 17) Welsh Unsigned Standup Award: Heat 4 The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Featuring Ali Hancock, Mike Reed, Frank Foucault – that can’t be his real name – Ben James, Gary Hooley, Lewis Cook, Emily Broad and Alex Mahoney. Heat 5 is on Mon 29. TUESDAY 16 Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Grounded Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £10.50/£8.50. Info 01792 475715. Tent of Xerxes presents an award-winning play about terrorism and military drones. On tomorrow also. Mrs Brown’s Boys Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22.50-£39.50. Info 029 2022 4488. Heard you were going to this wearing a false nose and glasses in case anyone sees you. (Until Sat 20) Roots & Wings Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £13.50/£12.50. Info 01495 227206. (Until Wed 17) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Stage version of a movie which despite being hugely popular in the early 90s, an extensive survey (of two people) has found to be unheard of by those born in the early 90s. Alexandra Burke is the lead in most of these performances, including this one; Zoe Birkett is the lead in the others. (Until Sat 27) WEDNESDAY 17 Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Cinderella Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £8-£15.50. Info 01646 695267. Presented by Ballet Cymru. Grounded Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £10.50/£8.50. Info 01792 475715. Lleuad Yn Olau Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6pm, £6. Info 01970 623232. Kids’ show in Welsh, presented by Theatr Arad Goch. On tomorrow also. Mrs Brown’s Boys Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22.50-£39.50. Info 029 2022 4488. (Until Sat 20) Nunsense Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm,
£12.50/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. Nun-based comedy. Nunneries really are a bottomless pit of amusement aren’t they. (Until Sat 20) Oh! What A Beautiful Evening Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01873 850805. Concept players present songs from the musicals. Pasha Kovalev Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01792 475715. Topless dancer. Not that kind, though! A bloke off Strictly whose promo pics feature a dearth of shirt. Romeo & Juliet Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Amateur performance presented by Boom Productions. (Until Sat 20) Roots & Wings Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £13.50/£12.50. Info 01495 227206. (Finishes today) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £17.50£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) The Winter’s Tale Thompsons Park, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Thurs 18) THURSDAY 18 Annie Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm. Info 01685 384111. Presented by the CAST Theatre Company. (Until Sat 20) Beauty & The Beast Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £8. Info 01495 355800. Presented by Blaenau Gwent Young Stars Musical Theatre Company Junior Section. (Until Sat 20) Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Finding Frank The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01497 821762. The story of a relationship forged through music between an elderly man with extreme anxiety disorder and a young music facilitator, using the testimonies of people living with mental health issues. (Until Sat 20) Lleuad Yn Olau Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 10am + 1pm, £6. Info 01970 623232. Mrs Brown’s Boys Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22.50-£39.50. Info 029 2022 4488. (Until Sat 20) Nunsense Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 20) Rob Delaney Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £20 adv. Info 0871 4720400. American comedian who become popular by writing jokes on social media, which naturally translates to also being funny on a stage with hundreds of people looking at you. Romeo & Juliet Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 20) Roots And Wings Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £12-£14. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 20) Roy Chubby Brown Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01646 695267. On tomorrow also. The Birthday Party Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm,
£9. Info 01600 772467. Production of the gloomy Pinter play. By a truly incredible coincidence, today is actually my birthday! Will I be in Monmouth for it? Actually, if I decide to skip town for the weekend I will probably pass through. Truly incredible. (Until Sat 20) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £17.50£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) The Winter’s Tale Thompsons Park, Cardiff. 12 + 6.30pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Young Artists Festival The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Three-day showcase for young theatre writers, although all further details are currently TBC. (Until Sat 20)
Stand Up & Rock! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £25.50. Info 01792 475715. In which Jasper Carrott does a standup set, then introduces his showbiz rock pals (Bev Bevan from ELO and... others) who play some music. The Birthday Party Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £9. Info 01600 772467. (Until Sat 20) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £21.50-£57.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) The Jungle Book St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 779100. Presented by Stage Door 1 Youth Theatre. (Until Sun 21) Young Artists Festival The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. Info info@porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 20)
FRIDAY 19 Andrew O’Neill’s History Of Heavy Metal Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info mail@ givemefuel.co.uk. Local metal bar turns comedy club for this night of metal-themed comedy. Andrew’s routine will include music, played on his own Flying V guitar no less. Annie Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm. Info 01685 384111. (Until Sat 20) Beauty & The Beast Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £8. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 20) Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Brendon Burns + Jimmy McGhie + Glen Wool + Rob Rouse Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £14.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Duncan Oskley + Gavin Webster + Rob Hughes + Dan Thomas Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £11/£9 adv. Info 01982 552555. Wyeside Comedy Club night. Finding Frank The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01497 821762. (Until Sat 20) Ignite Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Dance showcase for students from Coleg Sir Gar and University Of Wales Trinity Saint David. Mrs Brown’s Boys Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22.50-£39.50. Info 029 2022 4488. (Until Sat 20) Nunsense Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 20) Rod Woodward Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 8pm, £18/£16. Info 01874 611622. Romeo & Juliet Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 20) Roots And Wings Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £12-£14. Info 01656 815995. (Until Sat 20) Roy Chubby Brown Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01646 695267.
SATURDAY 20 Annie Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm. Info 01685 384111. (Finishes today) Beauty & The Beast Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £8. Info 01495 355800. (Finishes today) Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Brendon Burns + Jimmy McGhie + Glen Wool + Rob Rouse Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Chuckles Of Oz Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2pm, £14.50. Info 01792 475715. It’s the Chuckle Brothers’ latest show, and it’s based on The Wizard Of Oz. Finding Frank The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 3pm, £8 adv. Info 01497 821762. (Finishes today) Merlin Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2.30pm, £7.50. Info 01646 695267. Family show based on Arthurian legend. Mrs Brown’s Boys Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £22.50-£39.50. Info 029 2022 4488. (Finishes today) Nunsense Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Ray Peacock + Mike Wozniak + Gav Webster Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944. Reflect 2015 Showcase & Awards Evening Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Celebrating the talent of the Mark Jermyn Stage School. Romeo & Juliet Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Roots And Wings Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £12-£14. Info 01656 815995. (Finishes today) The Birthday Party Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £9. Info 01600 772467. (Finishes today) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £21.50£57.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) The Jungle Book St
stage Primary Partners Grand Theatre, Swansea. 6.30pm, £4.50. Info 01792 475715. (Until Thurs 25) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27)
CHALKIE DAVIES: THE NME YEARS National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff, until Sun 6 Sept You may not know who Chalkie Davies is, but he is as important to the vibrant pop culture of the late 70s and 80s as The Smiths, The Clash or even David Bowie. Working as a photographer for the NME when they held the minds of every punk rocker and art student in London, Davies took some of the most iconic images of rock stars and helped propelled the punk and new wave culture into the mainstream. Davies has come back to his country of his birth to hold his first photography exhibition at the National Museum. Pulling most of the exhibition from the shoe boxes under his bed, music fans get a chance to peruse never-beforeseen photos of musicians like the Sex Pistols, Lenny from Motörhead and Elvis Costello. The opening of the exhibition, on Thurs 14 May, was packed with both old rockers and young art students in denim jackets. The stunning black and white photos hung on the walls export you back to the romanticised version of the 70s and 80s that young hipsters fantasise about. It’s definitely a mustsee if you are a lover of music – and even if you’re not, the imagery evokes so much energy you’ll be buzzing as you leave the Museum. words and pics JAYDON MARTIN Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 779100. (Until Sun 21) The Winter’s Tale Parc Cwm Darran, Caerphilly. 4pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Tim Clark + Joe Bromehead + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960. Young Artists Festival The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. Info info@porterscardiff.com. (Finishes today) SUNDAY 21 Aladdin Gwyn Hall, Neath. 3pm, £15/£12. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Ballet Theatre UK. Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 3pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. The Jungle Book St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 779100. (Finishes today) The Winter’s Tale Hilton Court and Gardens, Haverfordwest. 7pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Tue 23. MONDAY 22 The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until
Sat 27) This Is How We Die Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Theatr Iolo presents a surreal collage of spoken word and storytelling, written by Christopher Brett Bailey. On tomorrow also. Victoria-George Veale School Of Dance Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. TUESDAY 23 Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Piste Off Comedy Club Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8221. Here on the third Tuesday of every month. Or the fourth Tuesday in this case. Lleuad Yn Olau Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10am + 1pm, £6. Info 029 2063 6464. Primary Partners Grand Theatre, Swansea. 6.30pm, £4.50. Info 01792 475715. A celebration of music-making, featuring pupils from primary schools across the City and County of Swansea. (Until Thurs 25) That Is All You Need To Know Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Theattrical celebration of Alan Turing
and the other WWII codecrackers of Bletchley Park. The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) The Shakespeare Revue Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £5/£2. Info 01600 772467. Songs and sketches by the likes of Alan Bennett, Noel Coward, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Maureen Lipmann, Cole Porter, Monty Python and Victoria Wood. All inspired by William S, s’posedly. The Winter’s Tale Hilton Court and Gardens, Haverfordwest. 12.30 + 7pm, £5-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. This Is How We Die Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. WEDNESDAY 24 Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Bring It On Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £11. Info 01633 263670. Musical presented by Young Venture Players. (Until Sat 27) Comedy Club Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £11. Info 01792 475715. Machynlleth Comedy Festival Showcase Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. With standups TBC.
THURSDAY 25 Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Bring It On Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £11. Info 01633 263670. Next performance is on Sat 27. (Until Sat 27) David Trent + Mae Martin + Ian Smith Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £10. Info 01970 623232. Comedy Club night. Judy New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11.50-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. UK premiere of a Judy Garland-themed musical. Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft features in this, as does Ray Quinn. (Until Sat 27) Lleuad Yn Olau Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. Info 0845 2263510. Primary Partners Grand Theatre, Swansea. 6.30pm, £4.50. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today) The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £17.50£53.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) FRIDAY 26 Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Until Sat 27) Comedy Shed The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12.50. Info 01633 656757. With standups TBC. Highs & Lows Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7pm, £5.50. Info 01874 611622. Dance production by Theatr Wildcats. Javier Jarquin + James Dowdeswell + Ed Gamble + Tom Stade Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £14.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Jimmy Cricket Penarth Pier Pavilion. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 0844 8700887. It’s not easy paying the bills when you’re attempting to be a relatively high-minded art venue. Good on Jimmy for coming down to perform his evergreen Irish comedy, should pack ‘em in. Judy New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11.50-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 27) Little Shop Of Horrors Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Rookwood Close, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8 kids. Info www.shinecreativearts. co.uk. Musical presented by the Shine Theatre Group. (Until Sun 28) Phil Wang + Steve Bugeja + Ahir Shah + Robin Morgan Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 8pm, £12. Info 01639 763214. Comedy Club night. Pirate Jenny Cabaret Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. Variety show. Sarah Bridgeman Cafe Nisse, Swansea. 7pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 01792 686914. Monthly comedy night hosted
by Bridgeman, with other standups TBC. The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £21.50-£57.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 27) Twelfth Night Cardiff Castle. 6.30pm, £9-£16. Info 029 2087 8100. Open air theatre performed by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. On tomorrow also. Wales Dance Platform Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30 + 8.15pm, £10 per show/£15-£35 for three days. Info 029 2063 6464. Join independent dance-makers from across Wales as they share their latest ideas via performance, exhibitions, films and conversation. In Cardiff (Chapter) tomorrow; Newport on Sun 28. Full lineup of performances can be found on www. walesdanceplatform.co.uk. SATURDAY 27 {150} Royal Opera House Stores, Abercwmboi, Aberdare. 7pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. New National Theatre Wales production, in conjunction with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Marc Rees and S4C. Here for a fortnight, albeit not on Sundays. See Stage. (Until Sat 11 July) Allyson June Smith + Freddie Quinne + Andy White + Colin Manford Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944. Are We There Yeti? Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 12.30pm, £6/£4.50. Info 01792 475715. Lunchtime theatre presented by Fluellen. Bianco NoFit State, John Street, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £22/£18. Info 0333 2229000. (Finishes today) Bring It On Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £11. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Cinderella Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Presented by Ballet Cymru. Comedy Club 4 Kids Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2pm, £7/£6. Info 01495 227206. Dance Blast Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 2 + 7pm, £6/£4. Info 01873 850805. Kids’ dance showcase, grouped into ages 4-7, 8-11 and 12+. Javier Jarquin + James Dowdeswell + Ed Gamble + Tom Stade Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £16.25/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Jethro Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01656 815995. Judy New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11.50-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Little Shop Of Horrors Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Rookwood Close, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8 kids. Info www.shinecreativearts. co.uk. (Until Sun 28) Paul McCaffrey + John Newton + Slim Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960. Stick Man Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 2pm, £12. Info 01639 763214.
Puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves combine in a show for kids aged 3+. The Bodyguard Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £21.50-£57.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Twelfth Night Cardiff Castle. 6.30pm, £9-£16. Info 029 2087 8100. Wales Dance Platform Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 1-10pm, £10 per show/£15£35 for three days. Info 029 2030 4400. SUNDAY 28 Little Shop Of Horrors Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Rookwood Close, Cardiff. 2pm, £10/£8 kids. Info www. shinecreativearts.co.uk. (Finishes btoday) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Wales Dance Platform The Riverfront, Newport. 12pm, £10 per show/£15-£35 for three days. Info 01633 656757. MONDAY 29 {150} Royal Opera House Stores, Abercwmboi, Aberdare. 7pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 11 July) Rhythm Of The Dance Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20-£26. Info 01792 475715. Welsh Unsigned Standup Award: Heat 5 The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Featuring Phil Westcott, Trevor Williams, Col Howarth, James Dunn, Gareth Hunt, Rob Thomas, Andrew Rutledge, Dom Farelli and Chorley Wankman, who if this was an election (I’m writing this listing on polling day, OK) would be tipped to lose his deposit. TUESDAY 30 {150} Royal Opera House Stores, Abercwmboi, Aberdare. 7pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 11 July) And Then There Were None New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10.50-£27. Info 029 2087 8889. Presented by the Agatha Christie Theatre Company. (Until Sat 4 July) Beneath The Streets Sequel Secret city centre location, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. First event of 2015’s Hijinx Unity Festival, this performance has been devised by experimental theatre faves Punchdrunk, plus Hijinx themselves. Rhod Gilbert’s All You Can Eat Panel Buffet Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 8pm, £32.50/£25. Info 0800 0147111. Rhod plays quizmaster to celebrity guests TBC from the world of sport and comedy. All proceeds go to his Patagonia 150 Trek charity fund. On tomorrow also. Welsh Unsigned Standup Award: Heat 6 The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Featuring Mat Troy, David Arnold, Dai Williams, Dave Little, Luke Biddle, Costas Lukaris, Chris Kelly and Jamie McGowan. BUZZ 69
competitions FREE GREEN CITY WORKSHOP The all-things-eco-loving social enterprise Green City is an organisation run by people who are happy and enthusiastic about saving the planet. Not only that but they are helping others to help as well, with their many sustainable living workshops. If you want to go to one of their sessions for absolutely nowt then just answer the question below and let us know which of the following workshops you’d like to attend, before Fri 19 June. Chose from the following workshops: Sustainable Fashion (with Zoli ethical clothing) on Wed 24 June / Seed Saving And Unusual Edibles (run by Eirlys Rhiannon of Eating Our Gardens) on Wed 15 July / Wild Food Forage (with Edible Landscaping’s Michele Fitzsimmons) on Sat 12 Sept / Make Your Own Mead (with the Chairman of the Cardiff Vale and Valleys Beekeepers Association, Dinah Sweet) on Wed 7 Oct / Willow Decorations (with experienced willow worker Nancy Evans) on Wed 21 Oct / Introduction To Chicken Keeping (run by Hannah from Free Range Learning) on Wed 4 Nov / Upcycled Gifts And Decorations on Wed 11 Nov. Q: What are the names of the three hens that will be assisting Hannah at Green City’s Introduction To Chicken Keeping?
BIANCO TICKETS
{150} TICKETS
SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX TICKETS
IT FOLLOWS ON BLU-RAY
Jaw-dropping skills and elegance is set to occur over, across and around you as Cardiff’s internationally renowned circus company NoFit State bring back their show, Bianco. It’s been given a refresh, and will have new performers, new acts and new designs. To win a pair of tickets to the opening night (Fri 12 June) of this stunning production, just answer this question by Fri 5 June. Q: In what country will you find the town Bianco?
Want to watch people speed through four racetrack laps in less than a minute on 500cc single-geared machines with no brakes? The fourth round of British FIM Speedway Grand Prix is taking place at the Millennium Stadium on Sat 4 July, and we’ve got five pairs of tickets for you to win. Just answer this question before Fri 26 June. Q: What is the only type of fuel that is used to fuel the speedway bikes?
OKLAHOMA! TICKETS
A cowboy and the girl of his dreams travel down the extremely bumpy highway of love in the bootstomping feel-good musical Oklahoma!, featuring a live orchestra and a selection of well-known songs. To win a pair of tickets for the opening night, Tue 7 July, answer the following question by Tue 30 June. Q: In what year does the storyline of the play Oklahoma! take place?
A COPY OF THE SMARTEST BOOK IN THE WORLD
Written by the ever-so-charming know-it-all and stand-up comedian Greg Proops, The Smartest Book In The World is “a lexicon of literacy, a rancorous reportage and a concise curriculum of cool.” To win a copy of the book “that proves you’re more inquisitive than all your bored friends,” answer this question. Q: What is the name of the character Greg Proops played in a famous sci-fi franchise?
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National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s join forces this month to tell the story of 150 Welsh men, women and children who settled in Patagonia in 1865. The show will take place in the Royal Opera House from Sat 27 June to Sat 11 July. To win a pair of tickets for any night of your choice (subject to availability), answer this question before Fri 19 June. Q: There’s a Welsh language school in Patagonia – what is it called?
A 19-year-old is haunted by visions and an inescapable sense that something is following her, after what seemed to be an innocent sexual encounter. To win one of four copies of It Follows on Blu-ray, answer the following question. Q: What did the director mainly base the film on?
G & TEA MEAL FOR TWO
Hendrick’s G & Tea is the newest edition to Park Plaza’s popular afternoon tea at their Laguna Bar. The meal will not only include Hendrick’s elderflower gin cocktails, but also an array of mini sweet and savoury treats. To win a free meal for two, any weekday between 2.30 and 5.30pm, all you need to do is to answer this question. Q: In what country was the first Park Plaza hotel built?
BRITISH STREET FOOD FESTIVAL TICKETS
The public have been given the power in deciding the British Street Food Awards winner, and Cardiff’s John Street shall be hosting one of the heats on Sat 6 and Sun 7 June. Expect an eclectic mix of food and drinks as well live music, crazy golf and the world’s first aroma DJ. To win a free pair of tickets to the festival tweet the answer the following question to @BritStreetFood before Wed 3 June. Q: Where did street food originate?
Please email your answers, name, address, Twitter username (if you have one) and contact number to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by Wed 1 July unless otherwise stated. T&Cs: WE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE COMPETITIONS TO BE REPLICATED OR SHARED ANYWHERE ONLINE.
Come and see us at one of our Open Days ‌ Interested in studying at Cardiff Met? Then why not come and see us at one of our forthcoming Open Days. This is your chance to speak to staff about your course interests, talk to current students about their experiences and take a tour of our facilities and accommodation. Open Day Dates by Academic School Cardiff School of Art & Design: Saturday 3rd June 2015 Cardiff School of Education: Saturday 6th June 2015 Cardiff School of Health Sciences: Saturday 13th June 2015 Cardiff School of Management: Saturday 13th June 2015 Cardiff School of Sport: Saturday 6th June 2015 To book onto any of our Open Days please visit: cardiffmet.ac.uk/opendays You can also take a tour of campuses, facilities and accommodation at: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/virtualtours #cardiffmet BUZZ 71