WHAT’S ON GUIDE. MAY 2016
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016
PLUS MANIC STREET PREACHERS | FOOD FESTIVALS | BUSTED | KAISER CHIEFS
MEHEFIN 3 – 12 J U N E ’ 16 GYDA \ FEAT URING
J OHN G RA NT ● VA N M ORRISON ● LAURA MVULA ● R UFUS WAINWRIGHT B E N F OL DS ● CHARLOTTE CHURC H IN THE LAST MER MAID ● KEATON HENSON CA N D I STATON ● FATIM A + WYLES & SIMPSON + DAUDI MATSIKO ● JAMIE WOON H OUS E G OSPEL CHOIR ● SCRITTI PO LITTI + ALEXIS TAYLO R (HOT CHIP) J OHN CA LE ● RONNIE SP ECTO R ● FEMI KUTI + MBO NGWANA STAR THE HOT SA RDINES ● ANNA CALVI ● GWENNO A M WY \ A ND M ORE
@Gw yl yLl ais @Fe st i val o fVo ice www. Gwy l y L l ais.cym r u www. Fe st i v a l o f Vo ice .w ale s
Pic: Finn Beales
may2016
buzz...
04roundup
“Two women addicted to smoking... meat that is!”
publisher EMMA CLARK editor LUKE OWAIN BOULT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK film technician (buzz tv) JAYDON MARTIN administration TERESA CLARK designer www.polar10.com contributors KEIRON SELF (FILM), GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF (CLUBS), BEN BARKER, ANNE-MARIE BEAL, MICHAEL BELL, NICOLE CALABRIA, NEIL COLLINS, JANE COOK, ABI DAVIES, SAM EASTERBROOK, BEN GALLIVAN, DAVID GRIFFITHS, ELOUISE HOBBS, AMANDA HUNT, RHODRI JONES, MATT LEE, MONICA MARTIN, DAVID MORGAN, GARETH MOULE, DANIEL MULLER, LYNDA NASH, CIARA NELIGAN, PORTIA NICHOLSON, DAVID NOBAHKT, CHARLIE PIERCEY, AMAZON PHILP, RHONDA LEE REALI, FFION RIORDAN-JONES, HUGH RUSSELL, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, DAN THOMAS, GETHIN THOMAS, CHARLOTTE WELLS phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents HAY FESTIVAL cover ABIGAIL COLLINS, HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN
10upfront
Last month, we gave Ali Campbell from UB40 a full page to “say something outrageous,” Bill Grundy style, and he duly complied. No-one cared. This month, the same task goes to motormouth Nicky Wire, who scandalously claims A Design For Life to be a more popular song than Return Of The Mack. I know, right?! Before that, a bumper 11-page festival guide
32film
I’m sure you’re not bored of reading about my detachment from popular cinema in these contents entries, so here we go again. Keiron Self starts his review of Alice Through The Looking Glass by noting that its predecessor took over one billion dollars at the box office. A BILLION. I genuinely have no memory of it being released
34food&drink
Like the old saying goes, ‘unprotected sex in summer, heavily pregnant in spring’. That means lots of readers with cravings for food combos that would otherwise seem weird or embarrassing, like chocolate chip cookies with ready salted crisps in. We’ve helped you out with a recipe for just that
38previews
When did THIS [photo of Italian trance DJ SHOKK, whose press photo inexplicably features him dressed as internet meme ‘fedora guy’, p.42] become hotter than THIS [Rembrandt’s Portrait Of Catrina Hooghsaet, p.38]?
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BuzzMagUK
46reviews
The email I recently got from a representative of Welsh glam metal band Tigertailz, outlining their umbrage at their song Pipped It Popped It not being selected to represent Great Britain in Eurovision, I felt a twinge of profound sadness. That’s now been partly offset by a review of their new album, which describes the song in question as “catchy”
51lifestyle
Maybe it’s the fact that I’m writing this on St George’s Day and so am pissed beyond help on a cocktail of Bombardier and melted down Jim Davidson videos, but if I saw anyone actually wearing the Welsh flag morph suit pictured on this page, I would report them for sex crimes
52sport/adventure
That’s right – this section isn’t just ‘sport’ any more. Lowri Morgan, a woman whose dictionary has no entry for ‘inclement’, talks about her feats of Arctic and Amazonian endurance, while Ben Barker gabs about Three Peaks Challenges and Velothons
55listings
Worst band names in this issue (I think I am going to make this a regular thing in the contents): The Welsh Guitar Duo, Only Menopause Allowed, Derisive Entity, Wetpainttt, Your Protected, Argyle Goolsby & The Roving Midnight, Ballsdeep, Chocoholics and Grandmaster’s Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Scorpio
78competitions
Q. What is the Welsh word for ‘choir’? A. This is a trick question, there are actually 57 different words
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roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
EVENT
Pic: Keith Yahl
BRIEFLY
Pic: Ben Salter
National Assembly For Wales Election 2016 This month marks the fifth election for seats in the National Assembly For Wales and it looks to be an interesting contest. Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and UKIP battle it out to win their share of the 60 seats in the Senedd. Each registered voter is asked to vote twice: one for their constituency in a first-past-the-post system (to decide 40 AMs), and one for their region (to allocate a further 20 AMs). The AMs then meet in the Assembly to make laws and policy regarding devolved areas, which include agriculture, culture, economic development, education, environment, health, housing, social welfare and the Welsh language. If you want a say in the way your country is run then make sure that you get out and vote. If you don’t, you have no right to complain afterwards, and we all know how much we love doing that.
CRAFTY! Cardiff Craft and Hobby Show will be returning to the Cardiff City Stadium this Sat 21+22 May. Over 50 exhibitors will be showcasing an array of craft items alongside a variety of arts and craft workshops and classes. This event is the largest craft and hobby show in South Wales, with a vast assortment of paper crafts, beading, fabrics, textiles and dashes of glitter. Not only will the weekend be filled with a creative buzz, there will also be a range of catering facilities. Tickets: £4.50 advance, £5 on the door, children under 10 enter for free. Info: www.stallandcraftcreative. co.uk
National Assembly For Wales Election, Thurs 5 May. Info: www.assembly.wales
EVENT
The Romans Return
The Romans return to their previous settlement in the heart of Cardiff city centre for a weekend jam-packed with activities straight from the days of the Roman Empire. Cardiff Castle will be transformed into a Roman fort for guests to roam (no pun intended) and explore. Soldiers will be performing stage drills and in full Roman attire, plus there will be the opportunity for children to become the newest recruits to the kids’ army and enter the gladiator arena. Guests will be taken back 2,000 years to the days where Romans established their fort in Cardiff, and will experience Cardiff Castle in an entirely different way. For an educational and exciting experience suitable for the whole family, grab your swords and shields and step into the past for a day trip to remember. The Romans Return, Cardiff Castle, Sat 14 + Sun 15 May. Tickets: £4-£6. Info: 029 2087 8100 / www.cardiffcastle.com BUZZ 4
DYLAN DAY! Sat 14 May sees the return of Dylan Day, celebrating the life and works of Swansea-born poet Dylan Thomas. Everyone is invited to join in with the day’s activities, celebrating his works through fun and educational workshops held all over the United Kingdom. You can join in the festivities either by attending one of the events held near you or simply using #DylanDay on social media, and play your part in helping the word of Dylan Thomas to be spread. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: www.literaturewales.org/ dylan-day
ART CAR BOOTIQUE
EVENT
Founded in 2011, Art Car Bootique offers up a rather eccentric celebration of art, food, music, vintage fashion and more, highlighting Cardiff’s often unusual creative underbelly. With Eurovision coming up, Wales qualifying for the UEFA European Championship for the first time, and of course the divisive European Union referendum, this year’s European theme is rather fitting then. Chapter and Something Creatives’ joint event is held from 11am in Chapter’s car park, which promises to be transformed into a psychedelic village fete with over 70 pitches for everyone from families to extreme hipsters to explore. After 6pm, the party moves inside with a DJ set until 11:30pm in Chapter’s Caffi Bar. Unlike many other artistic celebrations in Cardiff, Art Car Bootique aims to showcase all of the creativity the city has to offer, regardless of the medium. For a day out that’s sure to entertain, if not confuse, make sure to be at Art Car Bootique come rain or sun. Art Car Bootique, Chapter Arts Centre Car Park, Cardiff, Sun 29 May. Admission: free. Info: artcarbootique.com
EVENT
Stoneskimming Championships Ever fancied trying a new, and more importantly, slightly odd sport? Well this may be for you! Stoneskimming is a game we’re likely all familiar with, and for the majority of us, it’s little more than a beach pastime. However it has now been developed into a rather competitive sport with the win being classified by the distance achieved by the stone. The sport has previously been limited to certain areas due to legal issues regarding the removal of stones; however, this problem has now been resolved by using reconstituted stones, and the sport has taken hold in Wales. Stones are offered in various shapes to suit abilities and the event also provides different categories to give everybody a chance to win. The ‘stoned’ (ahem) category is open for those who have previously won a stoneskimming competition, whilst ‘stoneless’ is open for beginners, with an entry form available online.
Pic: Craig Chew-Moulding
Welsh Singers Competition
Stoneskimming Championships, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sun 29 May. Entry fee: £5. Info: www.green-events.co.uk
EVENT
An event which offers the public the chance to hear the next generation of Welsh opera stars, the Welsh Singers Competition is approaching its final this May. Five young, Welsh opera singers will be competing against each other to be crowned as the winner, and not only will they win a substantial cash prize, but they will also have the chance to represent Wales in BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2017. Competing in this year’s final are mezzo sopranos Eirlys Myfanwy Davies and Sioned Gwen Davies, countertenor Kieron-Connor Valentine and tenors Samuel Furness and Trystan Llyr Griffiths. The finalists will be performing before a panel of five judges and will be accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales. This event is promoted by the charity, Live Music Now, which gives musicians the opportunity to perform to a range of audiences unable to attend concerts. Welsh Singers Competition, St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Wed 25 May. Tickets: £6-£16. Info: www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk BUZZ 5
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
HANG FIRE SMOKEHOUSE Pop-up favourite Hang Fire Smokehouse has created something of a buzz in recent years, offering up beautifully barbecued meat for the people of South Wales. Luke Owain Boult speaks with the girls behind the grill, Samantha Evans and Shauna Guinn, about the art of American BBQ.
How did Hang Fire Smokehouse get started? It’s the brainchild of two women addicted to smoking... meat that is! We quit our jobs in 2012 to travel around the Deep South of America and immediately fell in love with this ancient slow and low cooking style. We even got our name from the process the meat goes through - hang it, fire it, smoke it.
So, what exactly is American BBQ? British BBQ is what the Americans would call grilling. American BBQ is the art and science of hot smoking great hunks of meat. The term 'slow and low' refers to the length of time you need to smoke the meat and the low temperatures used. The main flavour profile, aside from the dry rub, is the flavour the wood imparts during the smoking process, which means different types of wood for different types of meat.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when barbecuing? Most of our friends tend to own grills and not smokers, although that is changing. The most common mistake people make when grilling is starting a raging fire. A lot of people just chuck on loads BUZZ 6
of charcoal and wood and create a massive fire which is super-hot. The skill of the grill is to create a steady fire, banking your coals so there are hotter and cooler parts of the cooker. That’s how to avoid the classic British BBQ experience of burnt on the outside, raw in the middle.
You’ve opened Hang Fire Southern Kitchen recently. What can diners expect?
UBLISHED P , Y A M OUT ON 5 LE £20 L I R D A U Q BY TH
A taste of the deep south in Barry! We decided to name the restaurant the Hang Fire Southern Kitchen to reflect the different types of food we want to specialise in. Expect our award-winning BBQ, handmade burgers and flat iron steaks cooked on our Argentinean wood fired parrilla grill, along with dishes we picked up on our travels around Louisiana. Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, Barry. Info: www.hangfiresmokehouse.com
Return of The Grumpy Old Women
Graeme of Thrones Sunday 8 May Sul 8 Mai
Monday 6 June Llun 6 Mehefin
Jamie Raven
Killer Queen
Craig Campbell
Wednesday 1 June Mercher 1 Mehefin
Thursday 16 June Iau 16 Mehefin
Saturday 21 May Sadwrn 21 Mai
Paul Mason
Tuesday 3 May Mawrth 3 Mai
Festival of Voice
John Cale & Gwenno Friday 3 June Gwener 3 Mehefin
Femi Kuti & Mbongwana Star Thursday 9 June Iau 9 Mehefin
Ronnie Spector
Friday 10 June Gwener 10 Mehefin
BUZZ 7
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
BOOK NOW June 2016 GRUMPY OLD WOMEN St. Davids Hall, Cardiff, Wed 1 June Tickets: £25 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk – BUSTED Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Thurs 2 June Tickets: £48.30 Info: 029 2023 4509 www.motorpointarenacardiff. com – X MUSIC FESTIVAL Bute Park Fri 3 + Sat 4 June Tickets: £49-£69 Info: www.xmusicfestival.com/
Pic: Potamos photography
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SOUTH WALES SECRET #65 Taf Fechan Nature Reserve
Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride organiser Mike Ambler reveals his South Wales Secret. Like many cyclists, Mike Ambler has experienced the brunt of the poor infrastructure and poor driving that threatens so many bicycle users on our roads today. To highlight the often overlooked issue, he participates in the Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride. “Some years ago a car pulled in front of me making a right turn and I ended up on the bonnet. The driver was more concerned with the dent in their front wing rather than to my welfare. It was quite unbelievable. The naked bike rides are designed to highlight these issues. 'Notice us when we're not naked' is a frequent slogan that riders in the naked bike rides paint on their bodies. It's like a happy carnival of liberated souls, but with a strong message to give.” This nude bike carnival snakes 8.5 miles around Cardiff’s Civic Centre and Bay, starting in Sophia Gardens where people decorate their bodies. He continues: “Nudity is by no means essential, though it is encouraged. Some people choose to do BUZZ 8
– STEREOPHONICS, THE VACCINES, BAND OF SKULLS Cardiff City Stadium Sat 4 June Tickets: £44.00- £196.56 Info: www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk – ROD STEWART Cardiff City Stadium Sat 11 June Tickets: £126.00 Info: www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk –
the ride in underwear, swimwear or bikinis, though often people disrobe part way round as courage and adrenalin kicks in! The overwhelming majority of people react favourably. A minority of observers may be shocked, but that is more to do with society's attitude to the naked body. Thankfully in Wales being naked in public is not against the law, though many people don’t realise that is the case.” He then reveals his South Wales Secret: “Taf Fechan Nature Reserve. Once there, you would think you were in mid Wales, not just a couple of miles from the heart of an industrial town.” Cardiff World Naked Bike Ride, Sophia Gardens, Sun 5 June. Info: www. worldnakedbikeride.org
BILLY ELLIOTT Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Tue 14 Jun – Sat 16 Jul Tickets: £18.50- £55.50 Info: 029 2063 6464 www.wmc.org.uk – BILL BAILEY Grand Theatre, Swansea Tue 21 + Wed 22 June Tickets: £25.50 Info: 01792475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk
TASTE BY ST DAVID’S EAT LATE AT OVER 30 RE STAURA NTS A ND CAFÉ S
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016
The sun’s in the sky and the clouds have subsided (mostly), which can only mean one thing: festival season. With the summer sun just poking its head over the horizon, a head-spinning medley of festivals are springing up all over Wales’ fresh dewy fields. To help you decide which ones you’ll be visiting this festival season, we’re providing this handy guide to help you navigate through a melange of musical madness and festivity.
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GOTWOOD FESTIVAL
WYE RIVER VALLEY FESTIVAL
AMSER JAZZ TIME
TREDEGAR HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL
Various venues across the Wye River Valley Fri 29 Apr-Sun 15 May What: Wye Valley River Festival was designed for people to get together to celebrate the joys of life while challenging and inspiring its guests to change the way we view our world. Featuring music, song, story and spectacle, this year’s festival provides a unique opportunity for friends and families to enjoy the activities and entertainment programmes there are to offer while being surrounded by the waters of the Wye. With its central theme of ‘Global Arteries’, this event provokes thought regarding the River Wye, trying to establish connections between its visitors and our mutual, complex, universal relationship with water. Who: Water Ones, Serai and art installations How much: TBC Info: www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff Every Friday until Fri 24 June What: A series of chilled-out, cucumber-cool jazz sessions in the foyer of the home of the prestigious Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, taking place every Friday evening. Presented by the college’s head of jazz, Paula Gardiner, the evenings are an opportunity to listen to some of the best young jazz musicians in the Welsh music scene. Oh, and there’s tapas. Who: up and coming jazz musicians How much: free Info: www.rwcmd.ac.uk
Tredegar House, Newport Fri 6-Sun 8 May What: Dancing to Irish music whilst listening to old folk tales is an annual event for Tredegar. In its 27th running of the Folk Festival, listen to fiddles, guitars and even bagpipes burst into song on a fresh spring weekend. Who: Lowri Evans, Calan, Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies How much: free entry to the site, tickets to events vary from £6-£30 Info: www.tredegarhousefestival.org.uk
BUZZ BUZZ11 11
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016
Pic: Finn Beales
VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL
HAY FESTIVAL Various venues, Hay-On-Wye Thurs 26 May-Sun 5 June What: Hay Festival is a prestigious event, uniting the best writers, poets, comics and musicians to celebrate literature in all its forms. Not only is the Hay Festival a Welsh treasure, it’s a global celebration of the arts. This year, like all the previous events, is steeped in literary talent. In addition to the impressive guests, there is ample opportunity to enjoy a read in a series of workshops, reading spaces and cafes. Surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons, Hay Festival provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet poets, artists, comedians, environmentalists, and scientists from around the world. What was once an idea thought up around a kitchen table in 1987, Hay has now brought people together for 27 years and it continues to attract the most exciting filmmakers, writers, comedians, and musicians from around the world. This summer the Hay Festival will be a 10-day event filled with storytelling, idea exchanging, topic debating, music and laughter that will leave guests to entertained, informed, and inspired. Who: Michael Palin, Dara 0’Brian, David Gilmour and more. How much: Price varies from act to act. Info: www.hayfestival.com
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Various venues across the Vale Of Glamorgan Tue 10-Fri 20 May What: The Vale Of Glamorgan Festival presents and celebrates the music of living composers, a major event in the country’s musical calendar. The festival originally focused on classical music but, since it was founded in 1969 it has transformed into a ‘festival of living composers’ and is now considered to be one of the most adventurous and unique musical events in the United Kingdom. Not only will this year feature many talented acts performing in venues across the Vale, but it will also mark some major birthdays as the founder John Metcalf and musician Peteris Vasks turn 70, and Steve Reich turns 80. Who: BBC NOW, Latvian Radio Choir, Quatuor Tana, Jose Zalba-Smith How much: £3-£15 per event Info: www.valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk
Who: Some of the finest documentary films in Wales How much: price varies per event Info: www.widf.info
WALES INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL Miners’ Institute, Maxime Cinema & High Street Pop-Up, Blackwood Thurs 12-Sat 14 May What: Showcasing the best documentary making over the last year is the Wales International Documentary Festival, scheduled to kick off this May in venues across Blackwood. Being the first of its type in Wales, this event is sure to bring local and international filmmakers together to take part in the many masterclasses, training programmes and networking events. More than 50 films are set to be screened in the cinemas, as well as in various pop-up venues along the High Street. With support from BAFTA Cymru, Creative Europe and Caerphilly Council this one-of-a-kind film festival will offer its guests the chance to celebrate the best in documentary filmmaking, as well as a selection of artistic exhibitions and international food stalls.
Pic: Visit Wales
VALE OF GLAMORGAN WALKING FESTIVAL Various routes across the Vale Of Glamorgan Thurs 19-Sun 22 May What: This four-day walking festival is perfect for the inner rambler inside you. Each walk is vastly different with varying challenges and lengths, but with all the paths you get to enjoy the countryside and Welsh cliff tops. How much: TBC Info: www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk
Credit: Keith Morris
23rd - 30th July Gorfennaf
Orion Orchestra
National Youth Choir of Wales
Tom Poster
Toby Purser
Guy Johnston
Anya Fadina
Gamal Khamis
Solem Quartet
Solem Quartet
Kari Ravnan
Orion Orchestra
Andy Scott
Asdis Valdimarsd贸ttir
David Campbell
Raphaela Papadakis
Sigyn Fosnes
National Youth Brass Band of Wales
Magnard Ensemble
Lisa Nelsen
Arlene Sierra
Kenneth Hesketh
Enigma14
Gwyl ryngwladol wyth n卯wrnod o gyngherddau a chyrsiau. An eight day international festival of concerts and courses.
Archebu/ Booking 01970 623232 www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
www.facebook.com/AberMusicFest
@MusicFestAber
BUZZ 13
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016 THE SURPLUS FEST SPRING GATHERING Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan Fri 20-Sun 22 May What: Fancy a festival that won’t break the bank? The Surplus Spring Gathering is a small camping festival that caters for all the family. The festival also has a varied line up to cater for a range of tastes, with an array of ethical shops and food pop-ups to keep you fed and clothed. Dogs are also welcome. Who: Tarantism, Dan Kemp, Joytown Gypsies How much: £35 Info: www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/surplus
HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN Various venues, Hay-On-Wye Thurs 26 May-Sun 5 June What: This festival is a blend of philosophical speakers and musicians who aim to spread the promotion of big ideas. The Institute Of Art And Ideas created this event to inject intellectual content into the UK festival circuit. This boundary pushing event is great for those to broaden their minds and learn about cultural diversity in Britain. Who: C Duncan, Ghostpoet, King Charles, Natalie Bennett How much: TBC Info: www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv
HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN
MARGAM INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
Pic: Tim Green
FISHGUARD FOLK FESTIVAL Various venues, Fishguard Fri 27-Mon 30 May What: Bringing people together with a unique mix of musical talent is Fishguard’s 17th Folk Festival. This four-day event is filled with local and international artists, both small and well-known performers, as well as endless activities. Set along the stunning Pembrokeshire coast, this friendly festival provides a wonderful day out for people of all ages to enjoy a funpacked weekend filled with music, song and dance. Who: Alaw, Wildgeese, Talisk How much: price varies per event Info: www.pembrokeshire-folk-music.co.uk BUZZ 14
Margam Park, nr Port Talbot Fri 27-Mon 30 May What: For kite-flying of all shapes and sizes, Margam Park hosts a slightly unusual event this spring. Spread over a long weekend, this festival will be a day out for all the family to enjoy. Also, just as a headsup, if you’re thinking about going along on the Monday then don’t forget to dress as your favourite super hero as it’s ‘Super Hero Monday’ (the name does kind of give it away). That way you can fly a kite or... fly without one! Who: kites How much: TBC Info: www.npt.gov.uk
COASTLINE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen Fri 3-Sun 5 June What: Bringing you the best of British and European bluegrass bands, instrumental workshops, open mic sessions and Appalachian dancing, it’s this year’s Coastline Bluegrass Festival. The weekend event will feature performances from local and regional bands, and is to be held at the Royal International Pavilion in the town of Llangollen with the aim of inspiring and encouraging acoustic music across a broad range of ages and abilities.
Who: Cup O’ Joe, Sunnyside, Flats And Sharps, Rip Roaring Success How much: £15-£55 Info: www.coastlinebluegrass.co.uk
FESTIVAL OF VOICE Various venues, Cardiff Fri 3-Sun 12 June What: Festival Of Voice is a major music celebration showcasing national and international artists over 10 days. This summer the event will comprise of a variety of exciting musicians, as well as some rather unique and unusual performances. Founded by Wales Millennium Centre, this event will showcase multiple genres of vocal-led music, taking place in venues across Cardiff including the New Theatre, St David’s Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, Chapter Arts Centre, and the Tramshed. Highlights include Charlotte Church's reworking of The Little Mermaid, and performances from the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Van Morrison, John Cale and Gwenno. This musical spectacular will transform the city into one of Europe’s major festival locations. Who: John Cale, Charlotte Church, Ronnie Spector, Femi Kuti, Bryn Terfel, Manic Street Preachers and Gwenno. How much: price varies per event Info: www.festivalofvoice.wales Kite pic: Michael Pereckas
BIG
GG FAWR
CALLING ALL BANDS AND SINGERS
YN GALW AR FANDIAU A CHANWYR I GYD
SOUTH WALES’ LEADING BAND COMPETITION THE BIG GIG IS BACK
MAE’’R BRIF GYSTADLEUAETH MAE I FANDIAU YN NE CYMRU Y GIG FAWR YN ÔL
APPLY NOW DEADLINE 20 MAY www.cardiff-events.com
YMGEISIWCH NAWR DYDDIAD CAU 20 MAI www.digwyddiadau-caerdydd.com UNIQUE PRIZES / GWOBRAU UNIGRYW
CLWB IFOR BACH TOP MUSIC INDUSTRY JUDGES / BEIRNIAID O FRI O’R R DIWYDIANT Cardiff
16 Festival
20
@CARDIFF_EVENTS @DIGWYDDIADAUCDF
Gwyl Caerdydd
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016 BALTER FESTIVAL The location for this festival is kept secret and will be sent to ticket holders prior to the event, but is in South Wales, and "about an hour from Bristol" according to the organisers. Fri 3-Sun 5 June What: The line-up is huge in this event, with 10 stages to accommodate all music tastes as well as numerous music takeovers. The Caravan is where you can find punk and ska acts; The Drawing Room will be for lovers of jungle, drum'n'bass and free-party 'tek' sounds; Sika Studios will be where all your hip-hop and grime is at. Head to Buckingham Palace for fresh beats and bass, Dutty Disco hosts all your cheese music and there’s loads more besides. Who: Los Albertos, Carny Villains, Hellfish, Slipmatt How much: £100 Info: www.balterfestival.com
Pic: Damon Nofar
FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN CLIFFTOP REGGAE PARTY Secret location near Aberystwyth Fri 3-Mon 6 June What: Three days of deep soulful dub reggae vibes from across the UK in a beautiful location, with an above clifftop view perfect for chilled-out viewing of sunsets. The secret location for this reggae party will be revealed to ticket holders before the event. Who: Solo Banton and The Uppercut Band, Earl 16 & The Gideon Band, Mungos HiFi How much: £70/£35 13-17-year-olds/free under-12s Info: www.skarumbahifi.com
FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN Cwmnewidion Isaf, Aberystwyth Fri 3-Sun 5 June What: In the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains, this small festival contains activities such as a Healing Field, Cafe Peace and a pedal powered cinema. Just a short bike ride from the Aberystwyth coast, Fire In The Mountain is a great opportunity for a relaxed weekend away. Who: Foghorn Stringband, The Gentle Good, Cajun Country Revival How much: £60-£110 Info: www.fireinthemountain.co.uk BUZZ 16
X MUSIC FESTIVAL Bute Park, Cardiff Fri 3 + Sat 4 June What: X Music Festival had a successful first year in the capital in 2015, so with its return to Bute Park, this year comes with some jaw-dropping headliners. The lineup contains some of the summer’s most sought-after acts, including Craig David’s TS5, Annie Mac and grime phenomenon Stormzy. Although a fresher in the festival world, the calibre of UK chart and underground dance acts to perform in the park is astonishing. With three stages, fun fairs and a variety of entertainment tents, a weekend that costs just under £60, this festival is an absolute steal. Who: Hannah Wants, Eats Everything, My Nu Leng How much: £49-£59 Info: ww.xmusicfestival.com
GWYL GREGYNOG
GOWER FOLK FESTIVAL The Greyhound Inn, Llanrhidian Fri 10-Sun 12 June What: The Gower Folk Festival is a one-of-a-kind GOTWOOD FESTIVAL celebration that takes place every June, providing its visitors with three days filled with the finest folk music. The three-day event is held at an award winning GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL public house set on the Gower Peninsula, a location Carreglwyd Wood, Holyhead, Anglesey renowned for its stunning natural landscape, ruined Thurs 9-Sun 12 June castles and wildlife. With a unique assortment of What: When you think of Anglesey, the last thing you live performances, stunning scenery and exciting think of is an electronic rave festival, right? Well now workshops, this festival gives both performers and you do! Gottwood is Wales’ answer to Tomorrowland, the audiences the chance to celebrate together in an with psychedelic themes and dancing all night long. exclusive musical party. Who: Joy Orbison, Sam Russo, Ben UFO, Chimpo Who: Elfen, The Gentle Good, Lady Maisery BTB Buzz £140 135x93 Ad_Layout 1 19/04/2016 10:13How Page 1 £7-£53 How much: much: Info: www.gottwood.co.uk Info: www.gowerfolkfestival.co.uk
Various venues, Powys Thurs 16-Sun 26 June What: The 2016 Gwyl Gregynog Festival: Éire will focus on Welsh and Irish culture, exploring the musical, literature and artistic connections between the two. Combining both classical and traditional music with poetry, drama, films, talks and exhibitions this festival gives life to the myths and stories of the Celtic lands. Gwyl Gregynog is the oldest classical music festival in Wales and musicians, historians, poets and artists will be travelling far and wide to be there. This year’s programme consists of talks from renowned historians, opportunities to learn about the treasures of the National Museum of Ireland and many performances from Irish musicians as well as international artists. The festival will take place in Gregynog Hall, Pennant Melangell, Aberystwyth, Montgomery and Llandinam. Who: Mahan Esfahani, The Irish Consort, Goodman Trio How much: price varies per event Info: www.gwylgregynogfestival.org
Pic: Amy Robertson
BEYOND THE BORDER 2016 WALES INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL ^ GWYL CHWEDLEUA RYNGWLADOL CYMRU ST DONAT’S CASTLE, VALE OF GLAMORGAN, 1-3 JULY CASTELL SAIN DUNWYD, BRO MORGANNWG, 1-3 GORFFENNAF JOIN US FOR A FEAST OF STORYTELLING, POETRY, MUSIC, CIRCUS, PUPPETS & MUCH MORE INCLUDING:
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Meh 27 June - Gorff 3 July
Wales Millennium Centre The Other Room at Porters The Hayes
#HUnityFest Hijinxundod.org.uk Hijinxunity.org.uk
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FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016
and kids, Beyond The Border offers something for everyone. With a vision to "bring the world to Wales, and take Wales to the world," this year’s festival brings writers, readers and families together to celebrate their mutual love of storytelling. Who: storytellers from around the world How much: £10-£120 Info: www.beyondtheborder.com
HIJINX UNITY FESTIVAL
SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
UKULELE FESTIVAL WALES
Various venues, Swansea Fri 17-Sun 19 June What: Swansea International Jazz Festival returns for the third year this June featuring the finest live jazz music in Wales. Fifty events will take place in 12 different venues across the Swansea’s Maritime Quarter featuring music from artists from all over the world. As part of an excitement music programme, Jazz Artists from Europe, USA, and Australia will perform at the Dylan Thomas Theatre along with South Wales Schools Big Band workshops and more. Who: Alan Barnes Octet, Janet Seidel, Jeff Hooper Big Band, Pee Wee Ellis Funk Assembly How much: prices vary per event Info: www.sijf.co.uk
Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea Sat 25 + Sun 26 June What: Want a weekend to celebrate a fantastic and uplifting instrument? Take part in workshops, performances and songs surrounding the music of the ukulele at this summery Swansea festival. Who: Pete Moss, Fflip Fflops, Eddie Cromie How much: £10 Info: www.ukulelefestivalofwales.co.uk
WALES FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION Various events across Wales Mon 20 June-Fri 1 July What: This festival was created to give people a rare insight into the world-leading work of discovery and invention that’s taking place right on our doorstep. It will showcase products and services to potential customers, provide innovators with the opportunity to network with industry experts, and give members of the public a chance to meet the scientists and entrepreneurs who are shaping our future. This festival will intrigue and inspire, uncovering Wales’ amazing contribution to a rapidly advancing world. Who: Sue Bevan, Bill Jones, Wendy Davis, Michael Clark How much: information on how to take part is on their site Info: www.festivalofinnovation.org
EVERYMAN OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Thurs 23 June-Sat 30 Jul What: This festival is perfect for those of you who enjoy the drama of the theatre. Showcasing some of Cardiff’s finest productions, over the course of the month you can enjoy stunning performances in the serenity of Sophia Gardens. This year’s productions include Into The Woods, ‘Allo ‘Allo, Romeo & Juliet and Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. How much: TBC Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk BUZZ 18
HIJINX UNITY FESTIVAL Various venues, Cardiff Wed 29 June-Sun 3 July What: Hijinx is an event that celebrates the best arts, nationally and internationally, by those with learning disabilities. The festival has a varied programme including theatre, dance, music and comedy that can be enjoyed by all audiences. Who: Hijinx Theatre and more How much: prices vary per event Info: www.facebook.com/Unity-Festival
BEYOND THE BORDER FESTIVAL St Donat’s Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan Fri 1-Sun 3 July What: Get lost in a world of stories this summer at Beyond The Border Storytelling Festival. Held in the fairytale setting of St Donat’s Castle, this threeday event will transform, inform and entertain its guests while immersing them in the beauty of the Glamorganshire coast. With nine stages, over 100 performances and guests from around the globe, this magical occasion will bring you storytelling like never before. Featuring loads of activities for both adults
HUMBLE BY NATURE BIG DAY OUT Upper Meend Farm, Penallt, nr Monmouth Fri 1 + Sat 2 July What: There’s one festival this summer that brings people of all ages together to relish the beautiful Welsh countryside and witness life on a real working the farm. Hosted by TV presenter Kate Humble, Humble By Nature Big Day Out is an event held in the heart of Monmouthshire’s Wye Valley that encourages its visitors to leave their modern gadgets at home and get stuck in to some real old-fashioned outdoor fun. Last year guests made donuts around the fire pit with the Fabulous Baker Brothers; got rather scientific about pizza with Dallas Campbell; and enjoyed music from local bands Simon Mu and The Brwmys, along with endless scrumptious food and exciting craft activities. Following 2015’s successes, this year’s event will be double the length with double the fun, filled with even more great music, scrummy food, crafts and skills, the much loved farm Olympics and loads of stuff for the kids as well. The Wye Valley is also renowned for fine microbreweries and cider makers, so there will be plenty of local tipples too. The main festival field will open on Sat 2 July while the keen campers can arrive at 5pm the previous day. The Lambing Shed is where activities will commence on Friday evening and will spread right through to Sunday afternoon. Who: Miles Jupp, Railroad Bill, Remi Harris How much: £35-£40 Info: www.humblebynature.com
BUZZ 19
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016 CAERLEON FESTIVAL Various venues, Caerleon Fri 1-Sun 10 July What: The Caerleon festival is a local project of those proud of the town they live in. The event is full of literary experiences, bands and comedy in a variety of venues. Who: pubs, rock, and literature on the lawn How much: TBC Info: www.caerleon-arts.org
TAFWYL Cardiff Castle Fri 2 + Sat 3 July What: This festival was originated from the demand of Cardiff residents to make the Welsh language more established in the capital. This cultural festival has grown in figures so is now located in Cardiff Castle. Even if you aren’t a Welsh speaker, come along to learn about a vastly growing language. How much: TBC Info: www.tafwyl.org/en/cefndir
TAFWYL WELSH PROMS St David's Hall, Cardiff Sat 16-Sat 23 July What: This event annually hosts luminaries in classical music, with orchestras, conductors and soloists throughout. The Welsh Proms is a celebration of all things classical in our nation. Who: TBC How much: TBC Info: www.welshproms.com
ROYAL WELSH SHOW
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD Various venues, Llangollen Tue 5-Sun 10 July What: Everyone has heard of the National Eisteddfod, but this is the International Eisteddfod, celebrating all arts around the world. Rather than a national celebration, the aim of Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod is to celebrate international peace and friendship through the arts. Who: Jools Holland, Katherine Jenkins, Choir Of The World How much: prices vary per event Info: www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk
Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd Mon 18-Thurs 21 July What: The Royal Welsh Show showcases the best of Welsh livestock and high quality food and drink produced in Wales. Encompassing the wider spectrum of farming and rural life, this festival bridges the gap between city and countryside. This event will put on a variety of activities including crafts, countryside sports, horticulture, as well as a 12-hour entertainment programme that continues throughout each of the four days of the event, making it an occasion for everyone to enjoy. Who: fluffy sheep How much: £24-£26/£5 age 5-16/free under-5s Info: www.rwas.wales
BUZZ 20
Aberystwyth Arts Centre Sat 23-Sat 30 July What: Musicfest is fantastic event that marries future musical talent from a summer school with a seaside music festival. The summer school specialises in violin, cello, clarinet and saxophone disciplines, as well as choral progression. Expect to hear jazz bands and huge chamber ensembles here. Who: Jazz and chamber ensembles How much: TBC Info: www.musicfestaberystwyth.org
THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD
RUDRY FESTIVAL Rudry Parish Hall, Caerphilly Sat 16 July What: Rudry Festival is a one-day event featuring music with folk, Americana and acoustic roots. There will be great food, real ale and optional overnight camping. Tickets will be on sale on Thurs 16 June. Who: Lewis & Leigh, Climbing Trees, Luke Jackson Trio, The Minerals, Maddie Jones, Sion Russell Jones How much: £22-£27.50 (+ £8.80 to camp) Info: www.rudryfestival.com
MUSICFEST
FOLK ON THE LAWN Abbey Mill, Tintern Thurs 21-Sun 24 July What: In the shadow of Tintern Abbey, Folk On The Lawn is a modest festival, primarily run and funded by the locals of Tintern. Who: Avital Raz, Cassia, Leif, Pamela Wyn Shannon How much: TBC Info: www.folkonthelawn.com
Various venues, Abergavenny Fri 29 Jul-Sat 6 Aug What: The National Eisteddfod is Wales’ leading festival held annually for people of all ages and interests to celebrate all things Welsh. This festival is pretty much the pinnacle of the Welsh cultural calendar, commemorating Welsh music, food and language. Spread over an eight-day period with a capacity of up to 160,000 guests, the Eisteddfod offers something for everyone, rejoicing Welsh heritage and culture. Who: Only Men Aloud, Gwawr Edwards, Rebecca Trehear, Caroline Sheen, James Williams How much: £15- £20 Info: www.eisteddfod.wales
MAY 2016
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BUZZ 21
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016
FESTIVAL NO.6
GLASTONBARRY Romilly Park, Barry Island Sat 30 + Sun 31 July What: GlastonBARRY is giving its Glasto sister a run for its money this year. With top tribute acts featuring, including Kazabian and ska specialists 2 Rude, you can listen to world class hits right on the Welsh seaside. Who: Guns 2 Roses, Kazabian, Antarctic Monkeys, 2 Rude Admission: £23-£40 Info: www.glastonbarry.com
FESTIVAL NO. 6
THE GREEN GATHERING Piercefield Park, Chepstow Thurs 4-Sun 7 Aug What: The Green Gathering is a refreshing festival, in as much as it goes back to the roots of channelling hippy philosophy with it being fully powered by wind, sun and human power. This sustainable festival steps away from the commercial saturation of the industry, and has been applauded for ecological management whilst proving to be a family favourite. Who: speakers, philosophy and live music How much: £55-£95 Info: www.greengathering.org.uk
ELEMENTARY DIDGERIDOO FESTIVAL Baskerville Hall Hotel, Hay-On-Wye Fri 19-Sun 21 Aug What: Contemporary world music is brought to HayOn-Wye with the Elementary Didgeridoo Festival. This native Australian instrument is instantly recognisable and trance-inducing, and this events line up is full of international didgeridoo artists. Who: Ab Origine, Akot, The DeadEyes, Zalem How much: TBC Info: www.elementarydidgeridoofestival.co.uk
GLASS BUTTER BEACH Llanbedrog, Abersoch Fri 19-Sun 21 Aug What: Glass Butter Beach is a bit of a secret in North Wales. Initially just an underground wakeboard event, things have stepped up a gear with high profile acts and DJs setting the scene for surfing into the sunset. In addition, the festival will hold the ‘Quadra Crown’, an international competition for wakeboarders to compete for the global title. Who: Kodaline, Wolf Alice, Jamie Lawson, Andy C, Katy B How much: TBC Info: www.glassbutterbeach.com BUZZ BUZZ22 22
GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Glanusk Park, Crickhowell Thurs 18-Sun 21 Aug What: Green Man is the largest contemporary music and arts festival in Wales. Starting off in 2003 as a one-day event with just 300 guests, the award-winning festival returns for its 14th time and has evolved into a 20,000 capacity four-day extravaganza. The unique event is divided into 10 areas, each offering exclusive festival experiences incorporating music, comedy, science, art, allnight bonfires and more. The Mountain Stage is where you’ll find a massive line up of indie, rock, folk and dance music, while being immersed in the rugged landscape of the Brecon Beacons. Made up of three tents is Far Out for the hip-hop, blues and reggae lovers, where you’ll also find late night DJs and even a Cinedrome. Then you’ve got Einstein’s Garden, which, as the name suggests, features all your sciencey stuff as well over 100 performances incorporating theatre, walks and talks, live comedy, and more. With 10 magical zones, this award winning festival encourages you to lose yourself, celebrating art in all its forms. Who: Belle And Sebastian, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Warpaint, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Songhoy Blues How much: £20-£175 Info: www.greenman.net
Portmeirion Thurs 1-Sun 4 Sept What: Portmeirion is a setting that certainly stands out from the rest. This tourist village was built in just 50 years, with distinctive Mediterranean inspired buildings and vibrant coloured dotted around the side streets. Not only is this town special, but so is the annual Festival No. 6 that takes over the town. This festival attracts global icons, making for the most star-studded lineup of any music festival in Wales – but it also prides itself on their bespoke arts and culture line up that feeds through various venues in the town. In the space of just three years, Festival No. 6 has claimed its title as ‘The UK’s Most Unique Music and Arts Festival’. The magical, fantasy setting of this festival is what makes it truly one of a kind, providing a banquet of art and music for all ages to enjoy. This year will have the biggest line-up to date, including an arts and culture programme, comedy, theatre, visual spectaculars and more. Who: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Hot Chip, Bastille, Super Furry Animals, Blossoms How much: £170-£195 Info: www.festivalnumber6.com
ALLROOTS YOGA FESTIVAL Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire Fri 2-Sun 4 Sept What: Need some relaxation time after a hectic summer? Unwind and enjoy the peaceful weekend in the tranquil setting of Pembrokeshire. Namaste! Who: yoga How much: TBC Info: www.allrootsyogafestivals.co.uk
THE GOOD LIFE EXPERIENCE Hawarden Estate, Flintshire Thurs 16-Mon 19 Sept What: Founded by Cerys Matthews and Steve ‘Abbo’ Abbot, The Good Life Experience is a weekend of cultural fun, new books, good food, music and the welsh outdoors. Cerys and co. aim to create a weekend that does exactly what it says on the tin, to experience the simple yet great things in life. Who: Michael Morpurgo, Gordie Mackeeman And His Rhythm Boys, Ben Fogle Admission: £65-£90 Info: www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk
GWYL GYMRAEG CAERDYDD CARDIFF'S WELSH ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL
Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl Fri 23-Sun 25 Sept What: The famous Elvis festival is returning to Porthcawl this September in a unique celebration of the King himself. With over 100 shows over the course of the weekend, this special event is full to the brim with impersonators, fancy dress and world class tribute artists. Who: hundreds upon hundreds of Elvises How much: £6-£21.50 for individual shows / £133.50 VIP package Info: www.elvies.co.uk
Cerddoriaeth, Bwyd a Diod, Llenyddiaeth, Celf, Comedi, Chwaraeon, Ardal Blant Live Music, Street Food, Literature, Art, Comedy, Sports, Kids Zone AM DDIM ∙ FREE ENTRY
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IRIS Various venues, Cardiff Wed 12-Sun 16 Oct What: Cardiff’s international LGBT short film festival Iris is a pioneering festival celebrating the talents of those in the community. The Iris prize is the only award of its kind, where the winner receives £30,000. Who: short films How much: TBC Info: www.irisprize.org
Plus free jazz sessions all weekend Gyda sesiynau jazz am ddim drwy gydol y penwythnos
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PORTHCAWL ELVIS FESTIVAL
Supported by | Cefnogir gan Arts Council of Wales
BUZZ 23
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2016
29. What better way to see in the spring than with a cool refreshing German beer in the sun? Admission: free Info: www.chapter.org
REALLY WILD FOOD AND COUNTRYSIDE FESTIVAL
F OOD FESTIVA L S
Looking for something new to feast your eyes on this May? Why not explore some of the best market food Wales has to offer? Ciara Neligan rounds up food festivals across the country for you to dig into. HAVERFOODFEST
OLD SWAN BANK HOLIDAY BEER FESTIVAL Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major Fri 29 Apr-Mon 2 May Good news for those who appreciate the refreshing taste of a cold beer as the Old Swan Bank Holiday Beer Festival will soon be underway. The historic pub will be serving up a range of beers from around Wales, including the likes of Otley, Tiny Rebel and Purple Moose, while live music will keep you entertained while you drink. Also look out for Knife And Fork’s wine tasting evenings. Admission: free Info: www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk
CAERPHILLY FOOD FESTIVAL Caerphilly town centre Sat 7 May For delicious smells and mouthwatering deals, Caerphilly will be holding its fifth annual food festival. The streets will be filled with over 70 stalls for your enjoyment, browse through local delicacies, watch various food demonstrations and eat to your heart’s content! If this didn’t excite your inner foodie enough, there will be a farmers’ market with over 20 traders bringing fresh produce for you to purchase. To make the day even more exciting, Cadw is offering two-forone entry into Caerphilly Castle to support the food festival. Admission: free Info: www.your.caerphilly.gov.uk/foodfestival BUZZ 24
Picton Centre, Haverfordwest Sat 7 May The brilliantly named Haverfoodfest is returning after last year’s success, with a number local businesses delivering all the best food they have to offer. For this day of foodie fun, expect to see a demo kitchen hosted by some of S4C’s star chefs, a cookery school for children, including a Welsh cake demonstration, ‘The Plaice’ for all you fish lovers and even a Man v Food style competition. There will be over 40 stalls under cover and a selection of street food stalls surrounding the local area. To compliment the food there will be a mix of local singers and songwriters, all in close proximity to a licensed bar. Admission: free Info: www.haverfoodfest.co.uk
CHEESE AND CIDER WEEKEND Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea Sat 7 + Sun 8 May For a fusion of some of Wales’ finest freshly produced cheese and artisan cider, look no further than this weekend. The Gower Heritage Centre welcomes stalls including Carmarthenshire Cheese, Snowdonia Cheese and Mumbles Pate. Visitors this weekend can sample traditionally made cider and authentic cheese from all over Wales. With a great line up of live music and advice on how to make your own apple juice and cider, this weekender is not one to be missed. Admission: free Info: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
MAIBOCK Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Wed 25-Sun 29 May Chapter’s annual springtime German beer festival returns with a wide selection of light, hoppy and season-complementing Bavarian Maibock beers. The event also coincides with the Art Car Bootique on Sun
Pwll Caerog Farm, Berea Sat 28 + Sun 29 May Really Wild Festival is more than just your average food festival. Across this bank holiday weekend there will be walks and talks around the festival site, cooking demos with plenty of food for you to see and try, activities suitable for the whole family and an abundance of exhibitors. With all of this set in the scenic Pembrokeshire national park, this weekend will be fun for the whole family. Admission: £5-£55 Info: www.reallywildfestival.co.uk
GOWER GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea Sun 29 + Mon 30 May The Gower Heritage Centre will once again be holding its successful food event again at the end of May due to popular demand. Showcasing some of South Wales’ best food producers, alongside the food sampling you can take part in various activities such as guided tours of the mill and animal feeding sessions; this family-friendly event has something for everyone. Stalls announced for this event so far include Cefn Gwlad Meats, Dusty Knuckle Pizza, Gluten Free Bakery and Suzy Truffles. Admission: free Info: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
COWBRIDGE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Arthur John Car Park / Vale Forge Car Park / The Old Hall, Cowbridge Sun 29 + Mon 30 May Since 2004, the Cowbridge Food And Drink Festival has provided food lovers with a wide selection of foodie family fun, bringing visitors from all over. Having grown from a one-day event, it now has over 100 exhibitors, food demonstrations and entertainers. With accommodation available in and around the area, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to explore Cowbridge’s finest produce. Admission: free Info: www.cowbridgefoodanddrink.org
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PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED Manic Street Preachers’ lyricist and bassist Nicky Wire speaks with Neil Collins about the agony of second place, football songs and nostalgia. It’s April 1996 and Manic Street Preachers are anxiously awaiting the chart position of their new single A Design For Life. The song is bassist Nicky Wire’s most definitive summation of what the band are all about, and it encapsulates everything they’ve been trying to say since forming in Blackwood in the mid-80s. His words convey a heart-on-sleeve tribute to the resilience of the working class spirit in that no matter how much it’s cheated, manipulated and belittled, it will always fight back and prevail. Reflecting 20 years later, Nicky still believes it was the band’s finest moment: “I probably had that initial confidence, even more than James did. The first time he sang it down the phone to me, and the first time we rehearsed it in a little rehearsal room in Cardiff [Sound Space Studios], everything just clicked into place.” Most crucially, it was the band’s first release since the tragic disappearance of best friend and lyricist Richey Edwards, who vanished from London’s Embassy Hotel in February 1995 and was never seen again. Initially, A Design For Life stormed to the coveted No.1 slot, but its first week sales of 94,000 saw it agonisingly miss out on top spot by 7,000 to Mark Morrison. Yet, for the band it was a relief that they were still going and making such an impact – albeit tinged with such sadness. “It does kind of hurt me that it wasn’t a No.1,” Nicky sighs. “But we’ve been plagued by it throughout our career with four No.2 albums and four No.2 singles. I think people remember A Design For Life more than Return Of The Mack though!” The Manics recently celebrated the magnificence of that single with its reissue on 12” vinyl for Record Store Day, and now they’re also set to release a deluxe version of its parent album Everything Must Go packed with B-sides, rarities and live tracks. Plus, there’s the forthcoming UK tour where the album will be played in its entirety much like the band did with The Holy Bible last year. BUZZ 26
“It was massively hard work to play The Holy Bible,” he says. “I know that sounds a bit sad, but it’s such a riddle of an album to play live. It takes a load of concentration. There’s not much freedom to it, and you have to get into that mind-set and intensity, whereas with Everything Must Go you can wallow in the glory of it. Its pores stretch out, and it gives you that uplifting melancholia that the Welsh are good at.” The curtain comes down on the UK tour with a huge gig at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium. Despite vowing never to play in the city again after an infamous appearance at Singleton Park’s Heineken Festival in August 1993 when the band were heckled and pelted with bottles by a drunken crowd, Swansea generally holds treasured memories for Nicky. “The magic of being in university there tumbling around with Richey, various nightclubs and pubs, kebab houses and Derricks Records. Playing at the Mandela [Swansea Students’ Union bar] and playing for the first time as a four-piece when Richey got onstage with us to do Sorrow 16. That was amazing, as was Brangwyn Hall when I belatedly got my degree presented in 2005.” As well as the tour, another thing making Nicky immensely happy at the moment is the Welsh football team and he’s looking forward to the Euros, but this time without the usual sense of detachment. “I think if we get our best team on the pitch, we’re going to be really hard to beat and could get through to the second round or quarter-finals. Then anything can happen. But for the first time in my lifetime I can celebrate and sit back this summer and think ‘God, we’re actually part of it all!’” The Manics will also be celebrating qualification with the release of the team’s official Euro 2016 song Together Stronger (C’mon Wales) on Fri 20 May. All profits go to the Princes Gate Trust and Tenovus Cancer Care. Everything Must Go 20th Anniversary, Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Sat 28 May. Tickets: £39.50-£55. Info: www.manicstreetpreachers. com
WHAT’S ON/AR FYND May – September / Mai – Medi 2016
CRAIG CAMPBELL 03.05.2016 – 8.00pm
MARTIN & ELIZA CARTHY 31.05.2016 – 8.00pm
“Belonging takes us inside the everyday experiences of people living with dementia. It enlightens, challenges and entertains all at the same time. Prepare for some myth busting!” – Mark Jones, Dementia Care Advisor, The Younger Onset Dementia Service, Cardiff
October 2016 Facebook: facebook.com/ReLiveTheatre Twitter: twitter.com/Re_Live_Org Website: re-live.org.uk
JUAN MARTÍN 21.06.2016 – 8.00pm
Written by Karin Diamond | Directed by Peter Doran Inspiring and moving, Belonging is a powerful new play that follows the lives of two families as they discover that love and laughter don’t have to stop because of dementia. This production is based on Re-Live’s in-depth interviews with people living with dementia, family members and professional carers. Belonging dispels the myths of dementia and shines a light on how a dementia-friendly Wales can be created just by being yourself, being in the moment... belonging. A brand new play written by Karin Diamond and directed by Peter Doran (Grav, Oh Hello!, Who’s Afraid of Rachel Roberts?), Belonging will tour nation-wide during May and June 2016.
CARA DILLON 05.07.2016 – 8.00pm
NATIONAL TOUR:
Tickets £10 | £8 Concessions CARDIFF - CHAPTER May 2nd - 7.30pm *May 3rd to 7th - 2pm & 7.30pm chapter.org | 029 2030 4400 SWANSEA - TALIESIN May 12th & 13th - 10am & 7.30pm taliesinartscentre.co.uk | 01792 602060 CARMARTHEN - LYRIC THEATRE May 17th 2.30pm & 7.30pm theatrausirgar.co.uk | 0845 226 3510 MILFORD HAVEN - TORCH THEATRE May 19th & 20th - 2.30pm & 7.30pm torchtheatre.co.uk | 01646 695267 PWLLHELI - NEUADD DWYFOR May 24th - 2.30pm & 7.30pm gwynedd.gov.uk/neuadd-dwyfor | 01758 704088
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BANGOR - PONTIO May 26th - 2.30pm & 7.30pm May 27th - 2.30pm pontio.co.uk | 01248 382828 HOLYHEAD - NEUADD UCHELDRE May 31st - 2.30pm & 7.30pm ucheldre.org | 01407 763361 CAERNARFON – GALERI June 2nd - 2.30pm & 7.30pm galericaernarfon.com | 01286 685222 BRECON - THEATR BRYCHEINIOG June 8th - 2pm & 7.30pm brycheiniog.co.uk | 01874 611622
LYNCHED 20.09.2016 – 8.00pm
*BSL Interpreted Performances May 6th 2pm & 7.30pm
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KAISER CHIEFS The Brit Award-winning indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs will be performing at Cardiff's SSE SWALEC this summer, with a supporting cast that includes one of the UK’s biggest rappers Dizzee Rascal and indie pop band Everything Everything. Fronted by Ricky Wilson, winning coach on the UK talent show The Voice, the Kaiser Chiefs will headline an open-air show in July, performing hits from their five albums: I Predict A Riot, Coming Home, Every Day I Love You Less And Less, Never Miss A Beat and Ruby, the music that made the band what they are today. Opening the show is one-time Mercury Music Prize winner Dizzee Rascal, bringing his inimitable brand of pop-grime crossover to Cardiff. The chart-topping MC will kick off the event with a barrage of his most celebrated hits including Fix Up Look Sharp (13 years old now and still fresh as a daisy), Bonkers, Dance Wiv Me and Holiday. Accompanying the Kaiser Chiefs and Dizzee Rascal will be indie crossover merchants Everything Everything. The Manchester-based quintet are known for their detailed lyrics, dynamic style and an approach to production and rhythm that essentially steers them more towards r'n'b and glitchy pop than indie rock. They're due to perform after Dizzee Rascal opens the show. This day-long celebration of music will commence at 2pm on Sat 16 July, with doors closing at 10.30pm. Kaiser Chiefs are due to take to the stage around 8.30pm, while stage times for the special guests and additional support acts will be confirmed closer to the date. The event marks a new lease of musical life for this stadium, with Simply Red playing here the following day. The concerts complement Glamorgan's cricket schedule, with games in the Specsavers CC and NWT20 tournaments, and England test games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. ANNA-MARIE BEAL Kaiser Chiefs / Dizzee Rascal / Everything Everything, SSE SWALEC, Cardiff, Sat 16 July. Tickets: £39.50-£45. Info: 029 2041 9315 / www.thesseswalec.co.uk
BUSTED The Busted boys James Bourne, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson are back together once again. After 11 years of absence and with many reports that they will never reunite, they have finally decided to return bigger and better than ever. They set to take on a British Arena Tour, aptly named Pigs Can Fly. Standing outside Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, fans scream and shriek in excitement as Busted pay a surprise visit to the venue. Charlie Simpson says to us, “It’s exciting this time around. We’ve announced some special tickets for people to buy, which means that fans can actually be on stage with us and be part of the production. It’s a world first, never been done before. A completely immersive experience.” Speaking of the fans, it was apparent that there’s a new, younger generation of Busted enthusiasts. Matt Willis muses, “I just met a girl who was born in 2001. We got signed in 2002, so she was one when we signed our record deal.” With the reality of age kicking in, James Bourne says, “I don’t feel old at all. I feel not that different from the last time. I feel like I know more. I’ve experienced more but I feel that I have the same energy.” Charlie: “What’s different this time around is that we have a lot more experience. We were quite naive and young – we were 16 years old when it started – so it was a bit of a whirlwind. It’s nice to come back to it now when we’re all a bit older and a bit wiser.” It’s no great secret that Busted went in very separate directions after their split in 2005 – did they regret this split? Charlie says, “I think me leaving at the time was essential for this to happen now. We did other things; we got a lot of experience in different ways. I think coming back to it now, that experience has brought a lot to the table.” James: “Before the bodies started to decompose, we put it on ice.” AMANDA HUNT Busted, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Tue 24 May + Thurs 2 June. Tickets: £41.50. Info: 029 2023 4500 / www.livenation.co.uk BUZZ BUZZ28 28
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18th May G 2016
YN AGO
18fed Ma R i 2016
See the heads, hear the tales Discover the unexpected wonder of coins at The Royal Mint Experience, near Cardiff.
Mae gan bob darn arian ei stori Darganfyddwch gyfrinachau cudd y ceiniogau ym Mhrofiad y Royal Mint, ger Caerdydd. Book now: Archebwch nawr:
royalmint.com/experience
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profile
DAVE EVANS Dave Evans, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Documentary Festival, speaks with Luke Owain Boult about the new festival and the Welsh documentary scene.
H
ow would you describe the Wales International Documentary Festival?
It’s a documentary festival that aims to bring the best of documentary talent to Wales and particularly to Blackwood. Why in particular was Blackwood chosen? Blackwood is an amazing place really; it’s got an interesting cultural tradition, it’s got the Blackwood Miners’ Institute and it’s held onto that and that is very much the creative and cultural focus of the community, but also it’s got the Maxime Cinema a couple of hundred yards down the road, which is an old cinema that’s been refurbished. It’s a popular place, it’s got five screens. I was looking for a good small place which was well served by transport, but also a little bit off the beaten track. I was thinking of places like Hay, and we are very much inspired by some of these documentary festivals that we’ve been to in really out of the way places in Europe. What’s the aim of the festival? We’d like to give an opportunity to promote documentary film culture in the local area so we can give people an opportunity to see films that are not being shown on direct TV, and also to provide networking opportunities for Welsh film with the rest of the world. The networking
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possibilities are a really important part of the festival, but it also aims to have enough popular products to get the community involved. How can towns like Blackwood thrive in a post-industrial world? That’s a big question. I think by reinventing themselves like the rest of Wales. In some ways, communities like Blackwood are emblematic of the whole country; if we haven’t got coal or steel, what can we do? What we’ve got is a fantastic kind of cultural opportunity and cultural tradition that will allow us to reinvent ourselves. Are there any entries to the festival so far that stand out as favourites for you? I couldn’t possibly say, but I can say that obviously we’re showing No Manifesto, which is the Manic Street Preachers documentary. There’s an amazing Czech film called Always Together, which is about a family that goes off-grid and it’s really worth seeing. We’ve got a Welsh premiere of a film called Mavis, which is about Mavis Staples the soul singer, and we’re also working with the Northern Soul Club in South Wales to put on an afterparty after that. I really like Free, which is a Croatian film about people with learning difficulties leaving an institution and going to live on their own for the first time. I think that’s a really sweet film.
Have you always been interested in documentary film? I’m a documentary filmmaker. For the last couple of years, I’ve had projects going round film festivals around Europe and North America, so I’ve been visiting a lot of festivals and thought that this is something which could really work in a Welsh context. I’m also working with a lot with young filmmakers, so I know there’s a lot of talent coming out of places like the Newport Film School – it’s just another platform for promoting that talent. This really is a kind of golden period for documentary filmmakers – not just in Wales but all around the world, as there’s just so much young talent out there. And a lot of that is coming out of the film schools, from the University Of South Wales, and in Newport film school where Chris Morris, John Bergen, and Tyler Lewis have really created a strong identity for that school over the last couple of years. There’s so much energy and creativity coming from those students, and it’s just another platform for them. Wales International Documentary Festival, various venues, Blackwood, Thurs 12-Sat 14 May. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: www.widf.info
A major new adaptation of David Jones’ epic First World War poem Addasiad newydd mawr o gerdd epig y Ryfel Byd Cyntaf David Jones Book now at wmc.org.uk Archebwch nawr ar yganolfan.org.uk inparenthesis.org.uk World première | Première byd
In Parenthesis Iain Bell 13, 21 May & 3 June 13, 21 Mai a 3 Mehefin
Under 30s £5 ticket offer* Tocynnau am £5 i rai dan 30 oed* Part of
Commissioned by the Nicholas John Trust with 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary Comisiynwyd gan Nicholas John Trust gyda 14-18 NOW, rhaglen gelfyddydau y DU ar gyfer canmlwyddiant y Rhyfel Byd Cyntaf
Registered Charity No | Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 221538
*Please visit wmc.org.uk for more details *Ewch i yganolfan.org.uk am fwy o fanylion
EDWIN OUTWATER Conductor • Arweinydd Presenter • Cyflwynydd CBBC’s Naomi Wilkinson
THE BEST OF • GOREUON
Featuring • Yn cynnwys DJ Mr Switch
GREAT VALUE FAMILY TICKETS AVAILABLE
FAMILY CONCERT • CYNGERDD I’R TEULU
TOCYNNAU TEULU GWERTH CHWEIL AR GAEL
THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC Y CYFLWYNIAD PERFFAITH I GERDDORIAETH GLASUROL
BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales Cerddorfa a Chorws Cenedlaethol Cymreig y BBC
St David’s Hall, Cardiff Neuadd Dewi Sant, Caerdydd SUNDAY • SUL 15/05/16 | 3 pm
0800 052 1812 bbc.co.uk/now @bbcnow
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by Keiron Self
ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS ***
EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! ****
Dir: James Bobin (PG, 99 mins) Alice In Wonderland made over a billion dollars at the box office, despite it being a confused mishmash of abundant CGI imagery and eccentricity from Johnny Depp. Like Lewis Carroll’s books there was little sensible sense, but there was little charm also, and Tim Burton’s epic was more production design centred than plot led. Now comes sequel Through The Looking Glass, whose literary incarnation bears even littler sense than the original. This film, ‘inspired by’ the book, will hopefully be chased down a coherent rabbit hole by Muppets and Flight Of The Conchords director James Bobin. Mia Wasikowska returns as Alice, going through the glass to aid the Mad Hatter and his family, who have fallen foul of Sacha Baron Cohen’s villainous Time. A magic sceptre has to be retrieved and Helena Bonham Carter’s entertaining Queen Of Hearts thwarted from returning to her throne. Lots of the originals return to voice their CGI creations: Alan Rickman’s Caterpillar, Matt Lucas’ Tweedles Dum and Dee and Stephen Fry’s Cheshire Cat. Whether it will all add up to anything more than a cacophony of visuals like its predecessor is anyone’s guess. Opens May 27
Dir: Richard Linklater (15, 116 mins) The director of Boyhood returns with a spiritual sequel to one of his first films Dazed And Confused, and it’s another charming, perceptive and poignant slice of life. Set over the course of one weekend in 1980, the film follows a group of baseball players having a blow out before they return to school, a shaggy dog tale all about characterisation and a moment of captured youth. Blake Jenner plays Jake, a pitcher about to start at a new university in Texas, who moves into his new shared house and meets a variety of different new people, including the arrogant moustachioed Tyler Hoechlin, paisleyed cat nip Finn played by Glen Powell, and niceness personified Dale (J Quinton Johnson) amongst many others. Linklater manages to give the high school ‘types’ hidden depths, from the archetypal jock to the dreamer with winning affection. Often very funny and tremendously evocative both of the 80s and those youthful moments of promise and discovery with added pot smoking and disco dancing, Everybody Wants Some!! is tremendous fun full of characters you’ll enjoy spending time with. A worthy successor to Dazed And Confused, and another illustration of Linklater’s skills with actors. Opens May 13
A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING ***
BAD NEIGHBOURS 2 **
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS ****
Dir: Tom Twyker (15, 97 mins) Tom Hanks stars in the film version of Dave Eggers’ acclaimed novel reuniting with Cloud Atlas director Tom Twyker. Essentially a story about a man lost in a mid-life crisis finding himself again, Hanks plays Alan Clay, a down on his luck businessman, who is dispatched to Saudi Arabia to sell IT, ostensibly a holographic conference system to an uninterested Saudi king. It will be for a new city that is being built, but upon arrival Hanks’ finds the king uncontactable and the city barely constructed. He is aided and abetted by a wise cracking taxi driver (Alexander Balck) and finds himself falling for a doctor who treats him after an anxiety attack, Sarita Choudhury. Its culture clash, fish out of water stuff with a slight political agenda anchored by Hanks’ winning everyman nature. Opens May 20
Dir: Nicolas Stoller (15, 100 mins) More Bad Neighbours? More of the same middling cuss-laden comedy with Seth Rogen and buff Zac Efron? But this time it’s with girls too! Chloe Grace Moretz and Selena Gomez move in next door to parents Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as they are about to sell their house and move to the suburbs. Turns out these girls, far from being demure and quiet, are anything but, staging wild parties and indulging in lewd, crude and noisy behaviour. Rogen and Byrne have to get them out to sell their home, so they turn to perpetually shirtless Zac Efron who they clashed with in the last film for help. The slapstick of the first film (including airbag) is revisited along with predictable gross out sexually charged patter. Rogen and Byrne hold everything together amiably, there are some good lines but this feels like a lazy retread with added oestrogen. Opens May 6
Dir: Stephen Frears (PG, 110 mins) Florence Foster Jenkins was a tuneless New York heiress, a socialite who nevertheless became a household name because of her singing. Stephen Frears' frothy delight delves into the colourful life of a laughing stock who nevertheless entertained many, finally performing for the public in Carnegie Hall in 1944. Meryl Streep plays Jenkins, supported by her husband St Clair Bayfield, the raffish Hugh Grant, and grudgingly aided by Simon Helberg’s pianist Cosme McMoon. This is feelgood stuff, about seizing your dreams no matter what despite the fact that you may be awful. The period detail is exquisitely conjured, Streep is strong as ever and Helberg and Grant are effervescent support. Frears keeps events bubbling along nicely as the Carnegie Hall concert nears, and the darker side of self-delusion barely rears its head in favour of a concoction of flat high notes. Opens May 6
ALSO RELEASED MAY 2016: KNIGHT OF CUPS (15) Terrence Malick’s latest navel-gazing tale of Hollywood with Christian Bale and Natalie Portman. Diverting but not a patch on some of Malick’s other work, or as moss based. THESE FINAL HOURS (15) Impressive Aussie thriller about the end of the world, with 12 hours to go to annihilation one man saves a little girl with uplifting results. ANGRY BIRDS (U) It’s a film based on a smartphone game! The world has gone mad. Let’s hope it’s tolerable, a comically able cast helps, but still... THE DARKNESS (15) Kevin Bacon goes spooky as an evil presence comes back with him and his family after a trip to the Grand Canyon. Lots of people get handprints on them! Argh! MUSTANG (12A) Turkish drama where five girls are punished for playing innocently with boys with
MONEY MONSTER ****
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE ****
Dir: Jodie Foster (12A, 111 mins) A timely thriller set in real time, this return to the director’s chair for Jodie Foster boasts a stellar cast, with a much hyped Black List screenplay. Mr Smooth himself George Clooney puts down his Nespresso to play a slick financial TV host, Lee Gates, whose popular show is produced by Julia Roberts. Irate and crucially, armed, investor Jack O’Connell, bursts into the studio to dispense his own form of justice after he has been left penniless. The hostage situation plays out live on TV as Clooney dons a bomb vest and tries with Roberts to uncover the financial conspiracy that has left O’Connell’s character destitute. It’s a tense setup with some real Hollywood firepower and O’Connell’s star is on the rise, his edgy but righteous plight powering events. Clooney goes from smug to picked to vengeful as Roberts tries to keep it all together. Strong support comes from dodgy Dominic West and police chief Giancarlo Esposito. This should be a gripping thriller from Foster, making her first foray behind the camera since the bizarre hand puppet drama The Beaver with Mel Gibson. This has a lot more going for it, hopefully providing a celluloid payday. Opens May 27
Dir: Bryan Singer (12A, 130 mins) Bryan Singer builds on the epic Days Of Future Past with the largest X-Men film to date, both in scale and destruction. Set in 1983, and without that tricky time travel business of the last sequel, this has the X-Men doing battle with the world’s first mutant, who has lain dormant since the days of Ancient Egypt and comes in the blue skinned, prosthetic shape of Oscar Isaac. This god like creature believes humankind should be eradicated and it’s up to the X-Men to stop him. Many of the revamped X-Men return; James McAvoy finally goes bald, Jennifer Lawrence is back as Mystique and Michael Fassbender returns as Magneto used by Apocalypse as one of his Four Horsemen. The other goodie/baddies are the winged Angel, a young Storm and Psylocke. Singer continues to ask big questions within the comic book structure about the nature of humankind, and here destroys more buildings than ever before, though hopefully not to Zack Snyder Batman v Superman extremes. It should be another entertaining chapter in a weighty series, perhaps overstuffed with characters, but always tightly controlled by Singer and writer/ producer Simon Kinberg. Nightcrawler is back too! Bamf! Opens May 27
GREEN ROOM ****
I SAW THE LIGHT ***
SING STREET ****
Dir: Jeremy Saulnier (18, 94 mins) An unsettling, visceral horror riff, Green Room is a gory cut above most of its similar gutfellows. A tightly wound, effective shocker where conventional horror tropes are flouted and intensity is key. Anton Yeltsin and Alia Shawkat are members of a punk rock band that take an unwise gig at a neo-Nazi bar. All seems to go well until they witness a murder and end up barricaded in their green room, with an excellent Imogen Poots, as skinhead thugs and their leader, a surprising Patrick Stewart, bay for blood outside. And boy do they get that blood. Saulnier’s previous film was {Blue Ruin}, a superior thriller that toyed with a noir revenge template, and here horror expectations are mutilated, quite literally. No one is safe, the violence pulls no punches and tension escalates. Grim and gripping with plenty of look away moments, this is a taut exercise in exploitation. Opens May 13
Dir: Marc Abraham (15, 123 mins) Tom Hiddleston goes full country in this biopic of the short and turbulent life of Hank Williams, a musical genius and inspiration to the likes of Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. This traditional cinematic take on the singer’s life and times starts in 1944, as a 21-year-old Williams marries Elisabeth Olsen’s Audrey and takes us up to his death at 29 from drug and alcohol abuse. Their marriage was a tempestuous one and the film is much more interested in their spats, infidelities and break ups than the music itself, despite coming to life as Hiddleston belts out some of William’s greatest hits, like Lovesick Blues, Move It On Over and Why Don’t You Love Me. There are committed performances from a quirkily cast Hiddleston and Olsen as his bullying wife, but this is by the numbers stuff, the songs are well captured but the film offers no real glimpse into Williams’ talent. No light is seen. Opens May 6
Dir: John Carney (12A, 105 mins) A heartwarming, 80s set, band gets together feel good confection, this latest film from Once And Begin Again writer/director John Carney is another winner. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo plays Conor, a fairly affluent Dublin teenager relocated to a rough school and smitten by an older woman, Lucy Boynton’s Raphina. He decides that the way to a woman’s heart is through music and so despite having little musical talent he sets about making a band. They riff on everything from Duran Duran-esque New Romanticism, to The Cure punk stylings and more. Essentially a love story Carney’s film exudes romanticism, the love story not just between boy and girl but between Conor and his brother Brendan, a charming Jack Reynor. Full of charm, toe tapping tunes and nostalgia as well as a love, Sing Street is worth making a song and dance about. Opens May 20
devastating results. Taut and uplifting. OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (15) Le Carre time again, in a spy thriller with Ewan McGregor as a teacher caught up in government and Russian mafia affairs. Damian Lewis does slight mockney. THE DAUGHTER (15) Solid, involving drama, loosely based on Ibsen’s The Wild Duck. Geoffrey Rush stars as a man remarrying as family secrets spill out of the cupboard. DEPARTURE (15) Juliet Stevenson excels as usual in this drama about a family unravelling in the south of France. Sacré bleu. Le jambon est dans ma poche! THE SILENT STORM (15) Damian Lewis and Andrea Riseborough star in this drama set on a remote Scottish island as forbidden romance rears its head. LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP (12A) Whit Stilman does Jane Austen! Pseuds salivate! Witty, enjoyable class.
food/drink
THIRTYFIFTY WINE TASTING ThirtyFifty are holding wine tasting and wine appreciation courses all over the country so have your glasses for when they come to Cardiff. Wine connoisseur couple Chris and Jane Scott provide the booze throughout the evening as they teach you to swirl, sniff and slurp like a professional. The Scotts believe that just a little knowledge can lead to a whole new level of enjoyment of the drink, so let’s see if your head can keep up with your zinging tastebuds as you learn about grape growing regions and cheese pairings. Don’t worry – they also believe the most important thing is to have fun. 60-62 St Mary Street, Cardiff, Sat 30 AprTue 19 July. Tickets: £29-£89. Info: www. thirtyfifty.co.uk
Pic: Hans Splinter
MEATLESS MAY Nicole Calabria provides a simple guide to going veggie for the month in Meatless May.
N
ational Vegetarian Week officially starts on Mon 16 May, but why not join the many people committing to an entire meatless month? Carnivores choosing to cut out meat for at least one day a week is a trend that is gaining momentum, with movements like Meatless Monday. There are a range of benefits to going vegetarian and it's not just for the animals. Reducing the amount of meat you eat can not only improve your health, but also the environment by helping to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Here are a few suggestions to whet your appetite and get you excited for Meatless May. When cooking at home, you don't have to give up your favourites. Craving spaghetti bolognaise for dinner? Well that's okay, you can still have it! Using meatless mince will have the same texture – and arguably the same taste – when combined with a delicious bolognaise sauce and your choice of pasta. There are also some very tasty veggie sausages available, so you can still have things like bangers and mash, or a 'full Welsh' style breakfast. If you're concerned about protein, there are plenty of ways to get it, including from beans, nuts, eggs and vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.
Pic: Martin Krolikowski
DUSTY KNUCKLE PIZZA COMPANY Cardiff has welcomed a new pizzeria to its streets as Dusty Knuckle Pizza Company have opened the doors to their permanent home in a courtyard tucked away behind Crafty Devil’s Cellar Bar. Listed as one of the top 25 pizzerias in the UK by the Sunday Times, Dusty Knuckle Pizza Company offers a range full of tasty, freshly baked, and delectable pizzas to indulge yourself in. A local beer from Crafty Devil and a freshly baked pizza is a pretty good way to see in the spring in Canton’s bustling foodie scene. Dusty Knuckle Pizza Company, 16 Llandaff Road, Cardiff. Info: www. dustyknucklepizza.co.uk
ALEX COOKS THE BOX
For a fun day out full of the finest veggie fare, make sure to drop by the Cardiff Vegetarian Festival on Sat 14 May. It starts at 4.30pm at Mackintosh Hall in Roath, and will have stalls in the community centre garden as well as inside the hall, with the special addition this year of farmer’s market stalls out the front. Wales has a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan cuisine available, so if you're eating out now is the chance to look past the many meat-heavy options and try some high quality vegetarian food that you might have previously overlooked. Enjoy the chance to get creative while cutting meat out of your diet this month. Who knows, you may never go back...
Every first Thursday of the month, Alex Louise, a Raymond Blanc trained Chef, attempts to instruct everyday people on how to cook real wholesome food. Alex is offering to teach groups of six to 10 people at a time using the ‘use what’s left up in the cupboard’ style of cooking so they don’t always rely on supermarkets. Teamed up with Riverford Organic Farms, Alex has a box of fresh organic ingredients she prepares and cooks right in front of you, which, of course you can sample. The informal intimate evening can take place in the comfort of your own home, or at Alex’s place, with a glass of prosecco awaiting you on arrival. Bon appétit!
Cardiff Vegetarian Festival, Sat 14 May. Admission: free. Info: www. cardiffvegfest.com
Tickets: £35 per head. Info: www. alexssupperclub.com
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TOP Places to go for cocktails in Cardiff
CHOCOLATE CHIP & SALTED CRISP COOKIES
Pic: Kristoffer Trolle
Words MICHAEL BELL www.mikeyandthekitchen.wordpress.com @mikeyandthekitchen
Fancy yourself as a cocktail connoisseur? Whether your tipple is a mojito, Manhattan or a Cosmo, with Cardiff’s impressive range of bars you can sip your way around the city using Portia Nicholson’s round up of the best cocktail spots.
Spring is all about change. It’s about combining the familiarity of the old with the excitement of the new, and these cookies demonstrate this combination perfectly. Crunchy on the outside with a spiky sweet gooey inside, they are the perfect first step into spring. INGREDIENTS ¾ cup of olive oil 125g brown sugar 125g caster sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 190g plain flour 1 tbsp cocoa powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp sea salt 100g good dark chocolate
PITCH Proudly independent, Pitch serves up some pretty innovative cocktails, with a new menu and refurbishing on the way. Award-winning mixologist Natty Sammut is the star barman here, shaking up delightful cocktail concoctions that are enjoyed best in their fabulous outdoor seating area. 3 Mill Lane. Info: 029 2022 8882 / www.pitchcardiff.com
TIME AND BEEF Time And Beef joins the Canton collective of cool new restaurants and bars. Coffee shop by day and burger and cocktail joint by night, it balances both brilliantly. Serving up build your own burgers and a smashing selection of cocktails, including their very own delicious signature range, this is the place to be. 169 Cowbridge Road East. Info: 029 2115 8539 / www.timeandbeef.co.uk
THE DEAD CANARY Spearheading the speakeasy revival, the Dead Canary is a secretive bar that customers will have to seek out for themselves. Wonderfully creative cocktails are crafted by extremely knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to make off menu creations tailored to the individual to be enjoyed amongst the gorgeous décor and an atmosphere that’s dripping in cool. Barrack Lane. Info: 029 2023 1263 / www.thedeadcanary.co.uk
TEN MILL LANE Late night favourite Ten Mill Lane is a discreet little cocktail hideaway. Sink into a booth with one of their inventive cocktails a soak up the sophisticated atmosphere until the wee hours. With an imaginative menu delivering deliciously offbeat cocktails that changes every three months, you will almost never tire of this suave venue. 10 Mill Lane. Info: 029 2015 1015 / www.tenmilllane.com
PARK HOUSE One of Cardiff’s more stylish venues where you can enjoy a well-deserved ‘after work’ cocktail. Sip on a delicious, expertly created cocktail delivered with exceptional service and knowledge. Wine-based cocktails are the speciality here and with an 1800-strong wine cellar on site you will be surely spoiled for choice. 20 Park Place. Info: 029 2022 4343
100g good quality salted crisps METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Mix the olive oil and sugars until combined to a sandy, glossy paste (freehand or with a mixer) before adding the egg and vanilla. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, bicarb, salt and whisk together. 4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until the flour disappears. 5. Place the chocolate into a zip lock bag, bash to bits with a rolling pin and add to the mixture. 6. Follow the same method in the previous step with the crisps and add ¾ of the amount to the cookie dough. Reserve the rest for later. 7. Line a baking tray with some baking parchment and using your hands (or a big teaspoon) scoop out small balls of the dough mixture and place on the sheet, leaving roughly 4 or 5 cm between each ball. 8. Depending on the size of your tray, you should be able to get six balls in each batch. 9. Sprinkle a little of the reserved bashed crisps over the ball before sliding it in the oven and baking for roughly 15 minutes. 10. Remove from the oven and allow to sit on a cooling rack while you proceed to bake the remainder of the mixture. 11. This amount should get you roughly 20 cookies in total.
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food/drink
MILGI M O N T H L Y
MAY FOODIE FOCUS words JANE COOK
www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk
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his month kicks off with the Depot gin festival Gin Stock on Sat 30 Apr and Sun 1 May. Bringing together more than 30 different gins from a variety of UK producers, there will also be a range of gin-infused street food on offer from the likes of The Pork Society and That Fish Guy. Tickets are available from www. depotcardiff.com. Once the gin hangover subsides, it’s all about getting outside and enjoying the warmer weather, starting off with Dusty Knuckle’s new permanent pizza courtyard, which is now open behind the Crafty Devil Bottle Shop in Canton. Choose your favourite tipple in the shop, then head out back for some wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh herbs grown on the premises. Meanwhile, at the newly refurbished Oscars Of Cowbridge, a stylish makeover featuring gold accents and bold colours has given the space a contemporary feel, and a refreshed drinks menu now features a range of local spirits and beers. On the food menu, the brand new Oscars Reuben is a burger for the very hungry – topped with pastrami and pickles, and inspired by the famous sandwiches of Katz’ Deli in New York. If pizza isn’t your thing, a brand new Mexican menu has now launched at the Parc Deli in Victoria Park. From ‘bad boy burritos’ to fresh and zingy quinoa salads, there’s plenty to tickle the taste buds.
M
ilgi is a plant-based restaurant – we only serve foods derived from plants, including vegetables, wholegrains, legumes and fruits, with few dairy products. We don’t serve any meat or fish and we have championed this way of eating since 2010. Our food is natural, nourishing and healthy but our focus is on everyday eating. We are all about creating a sustainable and balanced lifestyle rather than preaching any specific diet and we take pleasure from making food that everyone can enjoy, vegetarian or not. The benefits of eating this way fall into many categories – health, wellbeing, spirituality, sustainability and ethicality – but we’re not really here to preach our moral high ground. Eating Milgi food is good for the soul. We believe in the quality of produce which makes our food taste great. We also believe in aligning our cooking with the seasons, and we also feel passionate about what we do – which radiates through the plates we serve, the ambience, staff and ethos. Although eating a plant-based diet is becoming more and more mainstream, it’s still a daunting prospect. For some, the thought of not eating meat with a meal is challenging but, by taking small steps you’ll soon break the habit and, try to remember to make it fun! Top five tips for eating a plant-based diet: 1. Order a veg box. There are many available but we recommend Blaencamel Box. You’ll receive a selection of seasonal, organic vegetables delivered to your door – get inspired and start feeling the benefits of eating great produce. www.blaencamelbox.com/order-a-box 2. Swap meat for legumes – lentils, peas, chickpeas and beans of all kinds. This is a really easy way to get lots of protein and they are perfect in Mexican chilli, burgers, bolognese and curries as a meat alternative. 3. Try one recipe a week. If you like it, add it to your staple recipes that you eat on a regular basis. 4. Make small changes and stick to them. This can be something as simple as eating dark green leafy vegetables every day or switching to organic veg.
The Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Festival comes to Cardiff on Sun 15 May – another one taking place at the DEPOT. Expect plenty of vegan street food, including vegan fish & chips, fried breakfasts, and liquid nitrogen ice-cream! Entry fee is £1 for adults, free for kids.
5. Consider your wellbeing. Make a note of how you feel after eating a plant-based meal. It can take your body three days to digest meat which requires a lot of energy. You should see your energy levels soar and you should feel lighter and happier all round.
At the end of the month on Fri 27 May, the Lost Lands pop-up cinema starts a summer of rooftop movie screenings with The Beach, accompanied by a themed menu of backpacker-friendly food from the fabulous Brother Thai. Tickets are available from fatsoma.com.
If you’re hungry for more, join the Milgi Tribe for recipes and the inside scoop on everything, from how we make our kombucha to sprouting lessons, recipes, foraging walks and field trips. Get online content delivered to your inbox each month and start making the most of your free time! GABRIELLE KELLY Info: www.milgicardiff.com
BUZZ 36
THE PICKLED RADISH
High Street, Llandaff, Cardiff. 029 2056 4646 / www.thepickledradish.com Food **** Atmosphere **** The significance of this new Cardiff restaurant’s name – likewise its elder sibling in Laleston, Bridgend, open since 2015 – is not made clear. Pickled radishes, though, prove a suitable pairing for red herrings during two fine hours here. The board by the door trumpets a menu sourced exclusively from Welsh produce, but if you anticipate bland patriotism, nothing of the sort results. It’s a Wednesday, aka Pickled Radish steak night, and they’re fully booked as a result: pile ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap? No, it sits at a pleasing intersection of quality and value. My starter (£9), salmon cured with thyme and Brecon – that’s Brecon – gin, is elegant and modishly Nordic in feel, paired with cubes of golden beetroot, mildly charred cucumber and a miniature bottle of fizzy limeade. It isn’t explained, or clear, what you’re supposed to do with the drink, but the salmon is excellent, so hey. A scotch egg made with chicken and a soft yolk (£8.50) is a hit: “nicely crafted without being too ostentatious,” says its recipient. If the bustling room of Llandaff fortysomethings are steaking out their territory, it seems fair to get involved too: a 10oz ribeye or sirloin with two sides, a sauce and a glass of wine is £20, decent value in here. Hailing from close enough to have been walked to the front door, the ribeye is complemented (arguably upstaged) by addictive triple-cooked chips and a salad studded with Frazzles-sweet bacon pieces. Meanwhile, a sea bass fillet (£19.50) comes with a pearl barley risotto, deeply flavoured with a peppery kick. Desserts are mostly £7, with a multi-component popcorn maple brownie drawing praise across the table, and my carrot cake trifle – deconstructed, although they don’t use that word, into jelly, cake, ice cream and biscuit – proving both original in concept and enjoyable in execution. A bottle of Domaine De Seuil Bordeaux (£30, either despite or because of its makers’ Welsh origins) mirrors the food it accompanies at The Pickled Radish: innovative, but familiar in the ways that matter. It deserves to be a resounding, long-term success. NOEL GARDNER
THE STABLE
Ty Admiral, Bridge Street, Cardiff 029 2022 1721 / www.stablepizza.com Food *** Atmosphere *** Plonked right outside St David’s sits The Stable, the company’s first foray into the Welsh market. What strikes the diner first is the oddly specific selection of food and drink on sale: a melange of pizza, pies and cider. Upon arrival, we were quickly seated by smiley staff – well, benched really, as they didn’t have seats, so I was risking exposing my reviewer’s rump to other diners. It was, however, a cosy atmosphere, and even on a weeknight people were flocking to the cosy restaurant for after work drinks and food. Having settled in nicely, I though it time to order from the bar, where I nearly fainted when faced with a huge choice of cider and perry to choose from. Luckily helpful bar staff were there to assist. I start with a Black Rat Perry, which was beautifully sweet and strong. I then order a crispy crust Longhorn Jim pizza, with Longhorn ground beef, local chorizo, mushrooms, and smoked ham. My dining partner orders a Lamb Bam Boogie pie, featuring lamb, rosemary, garlic and honey. Both were enjoyable: good warming soul food for a rainy day. This was followed up by a baked apple and ginger cheesecake and a Nutella Pizza Pudding. Once again, the cheesecake was enjoyable, but the ‘pizza pudding’ was little more than a crispy crepe with Nutella poured over it. The food served is great for a post-work soul comforting treat, but The Stable’s true forte lies in its selection of cider, which is a collection unparalleled in the city. LUKE OWAIN BOULT
VIVO LATINO
Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff 029 2022 0636 / www.vivolatino.co.uk Food *** Atmosphere *** The Cardiff district of Canton is fast becoming a favourite for foodies, housing established highlights like Purple Poppadom and providing pop-ups like Dusty Knuckle Pizza with a new home. One of the newest kids on the block is Vivo Latino, a Latin American bar and restaurant, blending Mexican, Brazilian, Cuban and Peruvian cuisine to create "the authentic taste of Latin America". Upon entry, Vivo Latino’s friendly staff were welcoming and the venue aesthetically pleasing, despite dangerously bordering on ‘quirky’. The knowledgeable bar staff quickly rusted up a few drinks to sample: a canchanchara (like a daiquiri, but with tequila), an old fashioned, and an espresso martini, which was superior to the other lovingly created cocktails. After whetting my whistle, I sat down to dine, having ordered an entrée of habanero king prawns, which little can go wrong with, and a mains of mole poblano, a Mexican dish with chicken thighs cooked in a chilli infused dark chocolate sauce. I was excited to try the dish, and while enjoyable, the sauce was rather weak and the chicken thigh not tender enough. For afters, churros with hot chocolate were served, and while sweet and overall tasty, they were a little too crisp. Overall Vivo Latino shows strong potential. It’s a lovely venue with a great bar and enthusiastic staff, but it feels like Vivo Latino is trying to cover too many types of cuisines by covering a large expanse of Latin America, when they should maybe focus on providing an authentic taste of a specific cuisine that isn’t represented in Cardiff’s food scene. LUKE OWAIN BOULT BUZZ 37
art
REMBRANDT’S PORTRAIT OF CATRINA HOOGHSAET National Museum And Gallery, Cardiff Until 2019 Rembrandt is a name that will leap off the tongue of hordes of art lovers if asked to name a classic artist of the 17th century, but delve a little deeper and it’s probable that many of us will be unable to name any of the Dutch master’s pieces of work. National Museum Cardiff are hoping to change this after acquiring an impressive jewel in the art world’s crown; the three-year loan of what is considered one of Rembrandt van Rijn’s masterpieces, the Portrait Of Catrina Hooghsaet (1607-1685). The portrait, painted in the latter stages of Rembrandt’s life, was included in the critically acclaimed exhibition of his late works held at the National Gallery in London last year and has been widely regarded in the art world as the finest example of his work in Britain. The £35m painting was made the subject of an export ban in 2015, with the government taking the unusual step of preventing the portrait from leaving British shores for abroad. The UK has housed this beguiling example of Baroque art for the past 250 years and it was deemed mission critical that the painting stayed in the country to inspire and engage with future generations of art lovers. Catrina Hooghsaet is a thoroughly captivating subject, even more so when learning of her liberated lifestyle. She was a member of the Mennonite sect, a Christian group famed for shunning flamboyance and was married yet living separately from her preacher husband, a defiant act in itself for a 17th century woman. Her portrait, unusually commissioned by herself, is brooding yet accessible for a work of its stature. Rembrandt has allowed her to be viewed subjectively; she is part ethereal but mostly human, her lined hand slightly clenched and her face gentle yet hinting at a weathered complexion and equally pensive mood. The National Museum of Wales are understandably delighted to display the Portrait Of Catrina Hooghsaet, with David Anderson, the Director General, saying, “This is a very special piece of art, which has great meaning and importance for Wales’ heritage.” Admission: free. Info: 029 2039 7951 / www.museumwales.ac.uk CHARLOTTE WELLS
RUTH THOMAS AND LINDA ALTERWITZ: INSIDE OUT – FROM VEGAS TO WALES Aberystwyth Arts Centre Until Sat 18 June The newest creation from the joint series of exhibitions from Ruth Thomas and Linda Alterwitz focuses on a combination of printmaking and photography. The theme of the environment and current surroundings is a source of inspiration for both here. The marriage of Alterwitz’s suburban photography of the shining and surreal city Las Vegas, with the rural and rugged surroundings of Thomas’ family home in Wales make for a rare yet beautiful collaboration, highlighting the stark contrast between two environments, and the similarities that lie within. The collection showcases layered digital images with organic structures and materials found in their specific locations. Focus is drawn to hidden objects and scenery that the duo believe go unnoticed in rushed day-to-day living. This union of art from both sides of the Atlantic couldn’t be find a more fitting venue to be exhibited in, in a seaside town on the coast. If you are a fan of contemporary art with a rustic feel, head to Aberystwyth for a unique collection celebrating the diverse beauty of natural and man made surroundings. Admission: free. Info: 01970 623232 / www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk (FRJ) BUZZ 38
DALIT LEON: TIME SIGNATURES
Elysium Gallery, Swansea Fri 6 May-Sat 4 June The name Dalit means ‘to draw water’ in Hebrew, so it’s apt that water features abundantly in Dalit Leon’s art. Other elements such as earth and air (sky) also feature quite prominently, along with the moon and sun. Her work can be epic but intimate and dreamlike, too. The Israeli-born Leon says her adopted home has been an influence on her art. “Living in Wales has made an impact on my sense of landscape and the elements – the tides, the rain and the clouds, the wind and changing seasons are at a constant state of tangible movement and change.” At this presentation, she’s branching out with a tactile show. No etchings but there will be oil paintings and work involving the processes of spinning and also felting, which is the technique of shrinking and bonding together of animal fibres such as wool, through heat, agitation and moisture. Leon will be on hand discussing her practice and the exhibition on Sat 4 June at 2pm. She adds, “This body of work continues to explore relationship between the material, perceptual and spiritual world as One; the idea of the passage of time concurrent with the timeless – the signatures of essence and those of transformation.” Admission: free. Info: 07980 925449 / www.elysiumgallery.com (RLR)
LIMEN LOCALE
g39, Cardiff Until Sat 25 June The inspiration for Limen Locale came when artistic duo Thomas-Irvine, who formed in 2008, were on a visit to Portreath, Cornwall. After wondering the rolling hills of the countryside, they stumbled across a collection of strange, abandoned concrete structures. They appeared to have no purpose and stood out from their habitat. This ‘other’ created an energy in the space allowing the structures to become symbolic of the energy of architecture and the destruction of their energy through silence. Further study into the site has revealed that it belonged to RRH Portreath and was known as Nancekuke. The area produced over 20 tons of the chemical weapon sarin before it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Sarin is a nerve agent used in chemical warfare worldwide and is one of the most restricted chemicals in existence. After its closure, the waste from the building was buried in the cliffs or dumped into the sea. Limen Locale is reflective of the Nanckeuke site in every way. The white backdrop creates a sterile cleanliness which is at odds with the old industrial exhibition space. The long-forgotten site, reimagined though the exhibition, highlights the lasting struggle between industry and nature. Admission: free. Info: 029 2047 3633 / www.g39.org (EH)
THE WELSH GROUP: MIXED MATTER
Ceri Richards Gallery, Swansea Fri 13 May-Sat 18 June Established in 1948 to ‘give a voice’ to the artists of Wales, the Welsh Group exhibit and share the work of upcoming and renowned Welsh artists, nationally and internationally. Originally based in South Wales, the group has expanded and now boasts 42 talented artists from across Wales. Artists include Sue Roberts, whose figurative sculptures focus on the female form, while Thomasin Toohie's three dimensional work is inspired by Paris, Venice and 1960s comic books. Jean Walcot mixes both digital and traditional art forms. Inspired by her own physicality, her latest work is focused on duplicating and distorting images of feet. The smaller works uses heated wax on watercolour paper implies movement within the painting. Alan Salisbury’s style is both recognisable yet unfamiliar. He uses a trompe l’oeil technique, taking realistic imagery to create the optical illusion. Inspired by historical sources from European paintings, he takes their ideas and applies post-modern humour and irony. By taking art from the past and adding elements familiar to modern audiences his art creates a diverse story. Admission: free. Info: 01792 295526 / www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk (EH)
The prestigious Arts & Business Cymru awards ceremony will take place once again this May at the Wales Millennium Centre. The black-tie event recognises the individuals and businesses that have contributed significantly to the arts in all its forms. The flagship awards are the highlight of Arts & Business Cymru’s year, celebrating the impact the private sector can have on cultural life in Wales through creative partnerships.
Arts & Business Cymru Awards 2016
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he winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges who have expertise in practical art forms, sponsorship and the aims of the private sector. They will receive specially commissioned works of art from mother and son partnership Sue Hiley Harries and Owen Harris. The categories are Brand Identity, Community, Young People, Small Business, Health, the Environment, Employees, Eversheds Adviser Of The Year, Admiral Business Of The Year, the Hospital Innovations Arts Award and the A&B Cymru Philanthropy Award. The evening is a great opportunity to see the very best examples of work that Arts & Business Cymru undertakes throughout Wales with the two sectors. The Chief Executive of Arts & Business Cymru, Rachel Jones, says: “The partnerships nominated this year show the strength and diversity of the artistic community throughout Wales, and the finalists have all worked hard to develop relationships that extend beyond their sector and enhance the work within private enterprise. These awards are a great
opportunity to highlight the fantastic work that businesses and the arts do together, and I’d like to thank all of our partners, particularly our principal sponsor Valero, for supporting us in hosting these awards yet again. All of the finalists shortlisted should be immensely proud of their achievements, and I hope that this recognition encourages them to continue with their inspiring work.” The Arts & Business Cymru team does a great job by working with a range of arts professionals, from individual practitioners to flagship organisations, and the private sector from micro businesses through to multinational corporations. So why not make a night of it and show your support by attending this prestigious event in Cardiff Bay. Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, Sat 14 May. Info: www. aandbcymru.org.uk
stage
IN PARENTHESIS Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Fri 13 May, Sat 21 May + Fri 3 June This year, the Welsh National Opera is celebrating their 70th anniversary, and in May will unveil a brand new opera inspired by Welsh artist/poet David Jones. This summer we anticipate the impending world premiere of composer Iain Bell’s third opera, an adaptation based on Jones’ First World War poem In Parenthesis. Bell has previously composed operas A Harlot’s Progress and a one-man version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, both very well received. This time Bell will be working with David Pountney the opera’s director, and libretto writers David Antrobus and Emma Jenkins. Much of Jones’ work, including his artwork and poetry, is a reflection of his Welsh heritage and mirrors events that happened in his life. The poem itself, with the length and structure of a novel but the style of a poem, was not published until 1937, a decade after Jones has started writing it. At the time of its publication, it was considered immensely important as a work of literature, and still today continues to be valued as one of the best accounts of the First World War. The poem follows the life of protagonist John Ball and his comrades over seven months, who, like Jones, are serving as infantrymen during the First World War. The narrative then follows the characters to the Somme, in which over one million men were wounded or killed. The opera is rather suitably timed with the 2016 marking 100 years since the Somme, a word which still inspires feelings of horror in the British mindset. With the operatic score in full force behind the production, Bell and Pountney combine traditional Welsh songs with a transcendent score that will bring the figurative description of the Somme in Jones’ tale to life. As David Jones’ depiction of the Somme reflects the theme of regeneration, the adaptation respectfully commemorates the horrifying events described in the poem. Tickets: £5-£41. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk AMAZON PHILP
BIRD
THE BEST THING
OF MICE AND MEN
BLACK STUFF
Birds are fascinating creatures – not only do they have the ability to fly but they have a freedom that humans envy. Teenagers Ava and Tash are not free. Up on a cliff, they watch the birds flocking and think about their future once they leave the care system. Freedom can be frightening if you’ve never had it and the outside world is a big place when you’re alone. Bird, a new play by Welsh playwright Katherine Chandler, is about growing up without a family, about friendship and confronting your past in order to get on with your present. The play stars a line-up of talented actors: Rosie Sheehy as Tash, Georgia Henshaw (Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging) as Ava, and Siwan Morris (Belonging and Dr Who) as Claire. Chandler, writer-in-residence at the Sherman, says: “I’m fascinated by how people cope with the challenges and changes in life without the basic foundations of love and family. Bird explores the absence of those two things and the impact they might have on us.” Bird is essentially a story about hope and as Emily Dickinson once wrote: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tunes without the words, and never stops at all.” Tickets: £8-£16. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermancymru.co.uk (LN)
The UK’s leading full masked theatre company VAMOS is back with another production after last year’s triumphant production Nursing Lives touring both nationally and internationally. This year, the company visit the swinging sixties in their latest production The Best Thing, which explores themes of sexual revolution and heartbreak. Although technically a comedy, the narrative is full of pathos. The production takes its name from the extreme reality of teenage mothers in 1960s Britain, where many vulnerable young women were coerced into giving up their babies up for adoption because it was “the best thing”. While we wait for an outcome from the Movement For An Adoption Apology campaign, this exploration of one girl’s life opens our eyes to the dark side of the free love decade. The Best Thing’s wordless narrative follows 17-year-old Susan, pining for her life to begin. When our protagonist Susan accidentally becomes pregnant, the audience are taken on a 50-year journey with the child Susan is made to give up. This is an innovative and often daring production about a period of history that often gets overlooked, delivered in a creative way. The play can be accessed by both hearing and deaf audiences alike. Tickets: £12.50. Info: 01646 695267 / www.torchtheatre.co.uk (AP)
George and Lennie, the iconic migrant farm workers living in the time of America’s Great Depression, are coming to Cardiff. Of Mice And Men, the story of two unfortunate people working for a dream to build their own house and live peacefully, get themselves into trouble caused by misunderstandings and the inability to explain themselves. The two men have their friendship tested when the past they ran away from follows them to their new life in California. Dudley Sutton will be in this stage performance, playing Candy. Although Dudley is best known for his role in Lovejoy, and is also a fantastic stage actor who started his career in the 1960s. He has starred in many of the famous plays of the time including Joe Orton’s Entertaining Mr Sloane. The lead actors Kristian Phillips (Lennie) and William Rodell (George) are both known for their work in the BBC show Doctors, but they are no strangers to theatre. This stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s landmark novel, considered to be one of the great American literary works, is a tale of hardship and struggle that explores the very nature of true friendship, responsibility, dreams, and tragedy. Tickets: £9-£29.50. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk (MM)
In association with the Wales Millennium Centre, Swansea performance company Volcano bring their production Black Stuff to Cardiff. Set against the unique backdrop of Cardiff Bay, the production in the plaza takes the audience on a journey through the working life of those who day in day out devoted their lives to the coal mining industry, exploring how the industry shaped South Wales. The show’s dark, grimy themes are juxtaposed by the enigmatic architecture around it, igniting the forbidding motifs examined in the production, including life, coal and politics. Volcano have taken inspiration for Black Stuff from The Hangman’s Assistant, a surreal short story from Welsh writer Dai Alexander, and the production endeavours to portray the memories described in the tale. The production uses tools, objects, real coal and real people to help reflect the subjects of the story, and to create an all sensory experience for the audience. The subjects touched upon shovel Welsh history and culture down the mouth of audience members, and 30 years after the miners’ strike there is plenty of pent up information waiting to be absorbed. Dirt and grime at the ready: you might want to wear sensible shoes. Tickets: £12. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www. wmc.org.uk (AP)
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff Fri 13-Sat 28 May
BUZZ 40
Torch Theatre, Milford Haven Thurs 19 May
New Theatre, Cardiff Tue 3-Sat 7 May
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Tue 17-Sat 28 May
presents / yn cyflwyno
rainbow run wales 2016
Barry Island Beach 07 may 2016
June 9 Mehefin Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon 7:30pm / yh June 10 Mehefin Ffwrnes, Llanelli 7:30pm / yh June 11 Mehefin Dora Stoutzker Hall RWCMD, Cardiff Neuadd Dora Stoutzker CBCDC, Caerdydd 7:30pm / yh
rainbowrunwales.co.uk £12 - individuals £9pp - groups
The event is open to anyone 5 years and over
#rainbowrun @tyhafan www.tyhafan.org
Reg. Charity No: 1047912.
aint! more p ns! atio c lo more n! more fu
June 12 Mehefin The Riverfront, Newport Glan yr Afon, Casnewydd 3.00pm / yh
Tickets Tocynnau £16 / £12 (£5 under / dan 27) www.sinfoniacymru.co.uk
ACTIVE supported by... .com
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ACTIVE .com
MONDAY 16 MAY · 7.30pm
NATIONAL THEATRE WALES SC - The Mercury Project Buzz Mag R4.indd 1
FOUR OF COMEDY’S HEAVYWEIGHTS IN THE BIGGEST TOUR OF THE YEAR
19/04/2016 17:29
With Wales millennium centre/gyda chanolfan mileniWm cymru
Before i leaVe sherman theatre, cardiff theatr y sherman, caerdydd Written by ysgrifennWyd gan
Patrick JoNes
27.05.16 – 11.06.16
directed by cyfarWyddWyd gan
Matthew duNster
sherman FEATURING FEA G
BOX OFFICE
029 2087 8889
029 2064 6900 / NatioNaltheatrewales.org / #NtwBefore
BOOK ONLINE
www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk Bookings subject to a Ticketing Service Charge
BUZZ 41
clubs
JOY ORBISON CYNT @ Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Fri 3 June CYNT were at one time Cardiff’s most successful late night proposition. For the last couple of years, though, they’ve dropped the ball a little, with a run of tepid bookings and some unappealing locations. Yet as we approach summer, they’ve returned with a high-powered flurry of decent bookings at decent, varied spots, starting with one of the biggest names in the UK underground, and later in June they have a formidable warehouse party arranged. Peter O’Grady, best known as Joy Orbison, has certainly been responsible for some game-changing tracks. Hyph Mngo was his debut release, and with its clattering beats and vivid synths it embodied the move away from murky, monochrome sub-bass rhythms, becoming the biggest song of the post-dubstep world and bringing O’Grady immediate renown. The next big one was Sicko Cell, made anonymously but strongly believed to be him and Boddika, which hinted at where his music was heading, with expert mastery of tension and control. His creative collaboration with Boddika proved successful; the two share a studio and seem to have an amazing knack for blending house, techno and electro and hitting the sweet spot time and time again. For five years, tracks like Swims, Mercy and Dun Dun have soundtracked countless entries into the world of clubbing, and are technically and conceptually sophisticated to a point where they get played by the world's most cutting edge and DJs, like Blawan, to the most mainstream Ibiza guys, like Wales’ own Jamie Jones. Like his music, his career is full of restraint and intrigue – some of his most effective and requested tunes remain unreleased – GR Etiquette is a prime example, a rollicking, breezy rhythm that licks up the UK garage energy O’Grady was raised on into a pure motion-inducing force. Even with enormous underground success, selling out pretty much every gig he's played since he first became a name, it's fair to say Joy Orbison/Joy O/Peter O’Grady has kept it real – refusing to play crappy superclubs or churn out dross pop remixes. He even sold me a t-shirt last year at his mates’ night. Tickets: £12. Info: 029 2023 2199 GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF
SPACE BALL – ABER SUMMER BALL 2016
Aberystwyth Students Union Fri 6 May Set phasers to chunder for a cosmicthemed uni ball open to all, chocked full of funky, poppy bands, punishing and pop-friendly drum’n’bass, as well as just straight-up pop. This night has been concocted in association with Aberystwyth’s long-running promoter Black House, aka ‘Captain’ Kirk Holland, who branched out of Aberystwyth at the end of April to bring Featurecast to the cleverly named Workhouse Project at Llanfyllin’s Victorian venue. The team have brought down a divisive mix of bands and DJs, but it’s way more than just getting one of the guys from JLS to do a DJ set, innit! At the least appetising end of the lineup, you’ve got Marvin Hume presents Luv Bug (one of the guys from JLS doing a DJ set), and 5ive, or Five, however it’s spelt. But you’ve also got Everything Everything, a very successful and energetic band inspired by Talking Heads in the past and Franz Ferdinand, Foals and Alt-J in the present day. There's a double whammy of highoctane mainstream-crossover DJs in the form of the chart-bothering DJ Fresh and the BBC Radio wiz Jaguar Skills [pictured]. The night is fairly high concept from the sounds of it, with zones called things like the Blackhole, the Launch Pad and the possibly JG Ballard-inspired Inner Space, but who knows how far they will be following it through. Tickets: £40. Info: 01970 621700 (GTDC) BUZZ 42
GERD JANSON & JEREMY UNDERGROUND
Delete @ Gwdihw, Cardiff Sun 29 May The premier pumping, smiling garden rave in the country brings down two wonderful selectors and label owners for the clubnight's sixth birthday. Gerd Janson discovered club music on the dancefloors of Mannheim and Frankfurt in the 90s, and is a massive presence in the underground scene right now thanks to his deep house label Running Back. Janson's long, perspirant sets dig up little-known rhythms from 80s boogie and disco to modern house and techno. Catching him play is a dream for tune-spotters as much as for dancers. The second headliner for this sure-toplease night is highly acclaimed French house dude, this time from France, in Jeremy Underground [pictured]. He’s been a house head through and through since accidentally discovering DJ Deep playing 90s stuff on French radio at the age of 10. His label My Love Is Undergound came through bringing out tracks from longforgotten underground NYC producers like Nate X and Jerzzey Boy, and now pumps out solid house of every stripe. As always with Delete’s garden parties, tickets sold out shortly after being released online. That's the kind of hype every other promoter in Wales must be wondering how to achieve. It definitely involves having a lot of friends and booking excellent DJs in a good spot, but the rest is kind of magic. Tickets: £15 (sold out). Info: 029 2039 7933 (GTDC)
SHOKK
Journey @ Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Fri 20 May We don’t feature a lot of hard dance stuff in these pages – admittedly that’s partly through lack of familiarity; apologies to all the trance-loving Buzz readers. It was kind of where places like Belgium and the Netherlands took hardcore rave in the early 90s when the UK was getting its jungle thing on. The scene hasn’t really changed a huge amount in the last 10 or 20 years (please, write in and correct us if we’re wrong), but there's a healthy demand for it in Cardiff, and 12 years is a long time in clubbing, so the Journey team deserve their props. For their last birthday before teen age, they've booked SHOKK, a respected Italian hard trance duo who make that powerful, dramatic, thumping music that you always hear in film and TV ‘club scenes’. Claudio Pettannice and Marco Guardia started out in the late 90s before parting ways in 2003, before Pettannice picked up the name again with Nicholas Perrottey in 2008. Their first EP together, appropriately titled Renaissance, was signed to Nukleuz, one of the top labels in the hard dance world, and since then the duo have produced a ton of popular bangers. These tracks kick straight to the brain’s pleasure centre, if you’re into epic strings, supercharged kick drums, donkin’ basslines – and lots and lots of massive breakdowns, musically speaking. Admission: £5-£10. Info: 029 2023 2199 (GTDC)
WAREHOUSE PARTY: STRICTLY TECHNO
The Unit, Swansea Sat 14 May Get a headful of hard, with almost a whole rugby team’s worth of Welsh boys smashing out some rippers. There’s no big name guests but plenty of local talent, headed up by a live set from Dan Jones and Matt Griffin, who produce under the name of BLAP. They haven't released any records yet but have a Soundcloud page full of grimacing, black cloud beats which they say are inspired by the likes of Surgeon and Karenn – hopefully Truss too, another hard-as-nails techno crafter who in fact comes from South Wales (not a lot of people know that). On the night, they’ll be recreating the rough stuff on the fly with an array of hardware. Elsewhere on the lineup are Luke Winds, resident DJ at Cardiff’s Holodeck, along with Lewis Elsey, Nicky Hewitt, Sam Balla, Sean Morris and Rhys Jenkins supply the rhythms, not to mention the promoters themselves, Blake Parker [pictured] and Jason Wilkinson. After spending so much time travelling to techno events in the UK and Europe, the pair were inspired to get something off the ground in Swansea, taking a cue from the sounds of contemporary underground techno names like Dax J, Ansome and Stranger, as well as the scene in London and Birmingham. Forward the South Wales techno militia! Tickets: £10. Info: www.facebook.com/ events/1708523832750187 (GTDC)
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live
QUANTIC
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Tue 17 May Those of you who keep abreast of the afrocentric, tropical soundscapes of jazz, funk, cumbia, bossa nova and reggae will likely have caught wind of the British multi-genre music producer Will Holland. If you’ve heard of him then you’ll doubtless be very aware of his primary project Quantic. Under its various guises you’ll also probably be aptly mystified when taking into account the staggering traversal and sheer mastery of different musical territories Holland has explored within the project. The Flowering Inferno iteration sees a prevailing focus on reggae with notable tie-ins to Latin and South American sounds. 2016’s soon to be released 1000 Watts moves into far more traditional roots reggae and dub domains and still maintains an air of innovation. This freedom of focus Holland seems to maintain could at least be partially attributed to his affiliation with Tru Thoughts, a Brighton based independent record label. A cursory glance will tell you that have a significantly eclectic roster of high calibre artists on their books. Holland’s diverse sound is no doubt influenced by his continual globetrotting and international dwellings. Perhaps most tellingly a seven-year stint in Cali, Colombia arguably honed those sun-drenched, tropical qualities of his music. He now resides in Brooklyn so perhaps we can expect a resurgence of jazz flavours in his next releases. Holland has toured extensively with a plethora of different live setups and all are recognised for having top musicians playing a top repertoire encompassing all of Quantic’s different musical angles. Indeed, it seems touring is somewhat of a comfort for Holland as it provides him with the means to revisit previous works and establish a well-rounded, seamless live show. Suitably named the Tropical Elevation tour, there has quite possibly never been a more exciting time to catch one of the finest world music groups to visit the capital than this. Tickets: £16. Info: 029 2023 2199 CHARLIE PIERCEY
pic BBC Introducing
THE CHILLS
The Globe, Cardiff Fri 27 May Following a 20-year absence, New Zealand cult-legends The Chills find their way back to our shores. The return of one of New Zealand’s most respected exports sees a tour bursting with chiming, melodic rock and a whole host of playful punk – all in support of their new album, the first full length showing for two decades. The band, led by singer-songwriter Martin Phillips, started out in 1980, and the outfit has seen its fair share of members come and go – only Phillips has remained at its centre. At the height of their success, John Peel invited then to record a number of BBC sessions, compiled on an album in late 2015. Some serious chart success back home and a worldwide fanbase saw 1990’s Submarine Bells gain critical acclaim. Soft Bomb hit the waves in ‘92, and as they toured the States, the rockers went their separate ways. It wasn’t until some years later that their next album Sunburnt dropped with a new line-up of personnel. The late 90s and early 2000s saw The Chills return to the live scene with new tunes in tow, they subsequently released mini-album Stand By in 2004. New offering Silver Bullets was released in October 2015, and this supporting tour stops off in Cardiff. Expect to hear a tidal wave of dark-edged songs, and a haunting depth to their quirky exterior. Tickets: £18. Info: 07590 471888 (OS)
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HIGHER LEARNING
Tramshed, Cardiff Sat 4 June After five years off the scene, Wales' legendary hip-hop night Higher Learning is finally back. Celebrating 30 years of Welsh rap this summer, in conjunction with Festival Of Voice (which takes place across various Cardiff venues from Fri 3-Sun 12 June), this event will feature one of Cardiff’s biggest ever UK hip-hop line ups. Awarded best DJ at Cardiff Music Awards, DJ Jaffa – the man who started it all in Wales’ capital, three decades ago- will be mashing up new and old skool beats. Then there’s Melo, an incredibly skilled young rapper from Cardiff who’s worked with the likes of Astroid Boys and Elro (and is also the lead vocalist for When Worlds Collide). From further afield, Brit-rap pioneer Rodney P and DJ Skitz will be there, alongside modern day hip-hop pioneers The Four Owls: after hibernating mysteriously for three years, they’re back and are ready to take flight once again. Having recently teamed up with the legendary DJ Premier, while Deformed Wing’s beats remain sharper than ever, The Four Owls are ready to share selections from their two albums, Nature’s Greatest Mystery and Natural Order. Alongside them will be Kojey Radical – an up-and-coming London rapper who features on BBC 1Xtra’s Hot For 2016 list – the Welsh-language Mr Phormula, live band favourites The Mouse Outfit, AAA Badboy (also known as Kaptin, Higher Learning head honcho) and more. Tickets: £20. Info: 0117 9259273 (AMB)
OPEN MIKE EAGLE
The Moon Club, Cardiff Tue 24 May Hot on the heels of the raucous, sold out Saul Williams show they put on in Clwb Ifor Bach in March, local promoters Rockpie are back with another gem of quirky, intelligent hip-hop, in the form of Open Mike Eagle, a California-based, hyper-talented rhymer with a lot to say. Check out Very Much Money (Ice King Dream) from 2014’s superb Dark Comedy, which rails against a system that has left creative, talented young people unable to make a living from their talent. This is a guy who articulates social and personal ills with comedy, whimsy and wit over often spiky and twisted production, which often brings to mind El-P’s landmark work on Cannibal Ox’s Iron Galaxy. He’s also the voice/brain behind the excellent Second Skin podcast, a must-listen for hip-hop fans. Support at the show has been confirmed as the exciting Milo, AKA Rory Ferreira, a Milwaukee (Milwaukian? Milwaukish?) rapper, and former labelmate of Eagle on the influential Hellfyre Club label. Additionally, as with the Saul Williams show, Rockpie are taking the opportunity of the drag of touring names to promote some local underground talent – this time in the form of Bristol’s Mike Dennis, who mixes beats, rhymes, loop pedals and a violin to unique effect. It should be a special night. Tickets: £6.50. Info: info@ thefullmooncardiff.com (HR)
OWINY SIGOMA BAND
The Welfare, Ystradgynlais Sun 29 May The Owiny Sigoma Band is not the vanity project of Swansea City’s latest African Cup of Nations signing moonlighting, rather a Kenyan/London fusion of members of electronica band Elmore Judd, who went on a musical exploration in the Nyanza Province, in West Kenya. There they found Joseph Nyamungo, a master of the nyatiti (an African lyre), and Charles Okoko, a percussionist, both practitioners of lou music hailing from a village called Owiny Sigoma. Since 2009, OSB have made three cracking albums for Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings label, with the most recent Nyanza, arriving last summer. OSB blend traditional percussive West African music with electronica and dub, with members of the different factions taking turns on the mic, so expect to see laptops, two drummers, some quicksilver Nyatiti playing and some interesting dancing. Look out for I Made You, You Made Me, which is like Animal Collective going tribal, and the sunny simplicity of Wires from their self titled and more organic debut. Quite what OSB will make of Ystradgynlais is anybody's guess, though let's hope The Welfare doesn't roll out the welcome mat through serving the new guest ale Changaa – or “Kill Me Quick”, a Kenyan homebrew rumoured to contain jet fuel and battery acid that fuelled one of the OSB's wilder nights in Joseph and Charles' hometown. Tickets: £10/£8. Info: 01639 843163 (CS)
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BUZZ 45
reviews albums
work with. Imagine Fugazi, Captain Beefheart and Aphex Twin getting together, and the result would be this album of detuned guitars, electronics and percussion. Elza’s range of garglings, soothing low and high end notes and tales of sex, domestic abuse and the apocalypse make this album something special. GM
HELEN LOVE ****
BRUCE FOXTON ****
Smash Hits (Alcopop)
Smash The Clock (Absolute)
In a sense, every Helen Love song is about the experience of being in Helen Love, but in naming a song on Smash Hits (their seventh album in 23 years) Yes We’re In A Band That We Love, the Swansea-based preset punx have perhaps delivered their platonic ideal title. Tributes, naturally delivered via the medium of cheap guitar, happy hardcore drum machine and possibly uncleared samples, are also paid to X-Ray Spex's Poly Styrene, The Modern Lovers and late-70s disco act Sheila B. Devotion. NG
During the late 70s and early 80s, there never seemed to be a time when The Jam were not topping the charts, with their onslaught of conscious punk and soul-induced releases. It could be said that The Jam are the missing link between The Beatles and The Smiths. Ex-Jam bassist Bruce Foxton’s albums have a lot to live up to, and it’s good to report that Smash The Clock is as infectious as anything The Jam released. DN
DÄLEK ***** Asphalt For Eden (Profound Lore) Meanwhile, over in Dälek’s world, nothing has changed. Seven albums in and we’re still in a world in which rhymes disappear into the mix, hard to make out over layers of unsettling, industrial beats. This time, there’s a contemporary edge to the words – Masked Laughter (Nothing’s Left) ends with a distorted voice repeating the word “terrorism” ad nauseam, while the phrase “black lives matter” is heard at one point. Dälek are both brilliant and unique. DG
EAGULLS **** Ullages (Partisan) On Ullages, Eagulls have moved away from the postpunk of their debut and have gone for a more expansive indie sound. The vocals remain the same, but you'd be forgiven for almost thinking it was a different band. Not that this is a bad thing, as the album builds on the groundwork laid by the debut and shows a band developing into something much more interesting. Lead single My Life In Rewind stands out and shows them at their best. ML
ELZA SOARES **** The Woman At The End Of The World (Mais Um Discos) Elza Soares is a 78-year-old Brazilian lady who’s had a wild life. This is her 34th (!) album and her backing band has given her expressive voice an unbelievable canvas to
KATATONIA *** The Fall Of Hearts (Peaceville) Spoonerists unite! Katatonia, Swedish purveyors of angst-tinged melodic metal, return with their 10th album. Much like their celebrated peers Opeth, Katatonia have trodden a path away from their doomy roots and into sad-eyed, string-embellished cine-rock. Strikingly similar at times to Tool’s cloying earnestness, this album could do with a few more straight-up belters to break up all the balladeering and chest-beating. The final song Passer, however, mercifully delivers that hoped for belter, leaving behind a decidedly uneven collection of songs. AJ
KATE JACKSON *** British Road Movies (Hoo Ha) Formerly the frontwoman of indie almosts The Long Blondes, Kate Jackson continues to plough the same furrow of influences – endless motorways, European femme fatales, cheap glamour, cigarettes and benefits. The Long Blondes disbanded after lead guitarist and main songwriter Dorian Cox had a stroke, and he may have taken the real killer hooks with him: while British Road Movies is a perfectly reliable runaround of an indiepop album, it does tend to whizz past the windscreen without making a real impression. SE
KATY B **** Honey (Rinse/Virgin EMI) Billed as a “collaborative project”, which could describe everything else Katy B has done to date: her immense appeal lies not just in her rich urbanpop vox and matey demeanour, but a rare skill for selecting producers. Honey, though, has a different one – sometimes two or three – on each track,
and manages to both lend toughness to pop pals (Craig David features on Who Am I) and coax fairly non-commercial types into laying down accessible bangers (Four Tet, Mr Mitch). A winning return. NG
KVELERTAK **** Nattesferd (Roadrunner) Who’s up for some heavy metal? If it’s your cup of tea, then you’re in for a treat. You can always depend on the Norwegians to put together a handy heavy record; and when your band name translates to ‘stranglehold’ in your native tongue, watch out! New tracks Svartmesse and Berserkr show exactly why these guys have already garnered a huge following and are regularly championed by metal heavyweights James Hetfield of Metallica and Slayer. An absolutely savage listen. OS
LONELY THE BRAVE ***** Things Will Matter (Hassle)
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER *** The Things That We Are Made Of (Lambient Light) In keeping with the slower paced, less radiofriendly vibe of her recent records, the US icon’s latest work continues to be a departure from the upbeat country rock which made her a multiaward-winning sensation during her 90s heyday. Central to each track is Carpenter’s soothing vocals and acoustic guitar and taken individually, the contemplative delivery provides genuine calm and reflection. The trouble is that listening to the album in one go is just a bit depressing. GT
THE POSIES **** Solid States (Lojinx)
This Cambridge quartet has been marked as an ‘anthem’ band but I had my doubts when Things Will Matter began with a dirge. Don’t let that put you off, though: it isn’t long before the energy kicks in with the rocking Black Mire and the band start to live up to their reputation. Rattlesnakes and the heavily-Springsteen-influenced Dust & Bones are surefire hits. The songs range from AOR to metal to melodic: rock with depth. Turn up the volume. LN
With drummer Darius Minwalla and bassist Joe Skyward both passing away in the last year, it’s quite a feat that founding members Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow have found the strength to record this, their eigth studio album. The band have penned a dozen songs worthy of comparison to those on their standout record Amazing Disgrace, and they compare very well indeed. The record is understandably downbeat in places but the mid-section including recent single Squirrel Vs Snake is the highlight. BG
LUH ****
SPIDER KITTEN ****
Spiritual Songs For Lovers To Sing (Mute)
Ark Of Octofelis (Undergroove)
LUH (Lights Under Heaven) are an exciting, Amsterdam-based two-piece – Ebony Hoorn, a talented photographer and audio-visual artist, and former Wu Lyf frontman Ellery James Roberts – whose debut LP is an eclectic joy. Roberts’ hoarse, raw throated vocals and Hoorn’s silkier tones are given a platform of warm synths, overlaid over, at times intense and industrial, beats. There is plenty of light to go with the shade: the gorgeous Future Blues, for example, is stripped back and elegant, reminiscent of The xx. HR
There is a handful of good things coming out of Newport, and not just the M4 and A48: after 30-plus records, NP19's Spider Kitten continue to evolve too, tapping into a strong vein of progress to confound their doom metal tag. These eight tracks make their own myth through a rich folklore of pastoral Zeppelin and a touch of Phillip Glass on The Ark, monolithic Sabbath on One From The Heart and maggot-brained Funkadelic over 22 minutes on Feline Will. CS
MANDY *** Universe (Bubblewrap) No strangers to the south Wales music scene, husband and wife Andy and Mel Fung came together in the lead up to Mel’s passing from cancer in October 2014 to create a swansong that’s bizarre and alluring in equal measure. As the title might suggest, the album has an otherworldly quality to it and the cosmic electropop on display certainly transcends the listener to a place far from planet Earth. A few
GAMES REVIEWS STARDEW VALLEY ***** Chucklefish Games This indie farming simulation RPG is like a mix between Harvest Moon, Chrono Trigger, and Minecraft, and takes all of the best qualities of these games. The player takes the role of a character who takes over their grandfather’s old farm in Stardew Valley. They then manage the farm a la Harvest Moon, craft goods a la Minecraft, quest, and interact with the residents of Stardew Valley in an open-ended world. The fact that this viral game was entirely created by one man, Eric Barone, makes it even more impressive. LOB
DARK SOULS III **** FromSoftware The latest in the Souls series, Dark Souls III was hugely anticipated and has surpassed all expectations for the game. As ‘rewarding’ (read difficult) as ever, and with a massive world to explore and in depth lore, there’s enough in this Japanese RPG to keep gamers entertained for centuries. The player battles through the Kingdom Of Lothric to avert the apocalypse using well designed combat mechanics in an attractive setting. However, its difficulty can cause a lot of frustration for less dedicated gamers and lag issues can distract from the stunning game. LOB
BUZZ 46
sittings may be needed, though, to fully appreciate what’s on offer here. GT
SUSANNA *** Triangle (Susannasonata) With self-professed themes of darkness and entrapment, this seemingly confessional piece of work is at times undeniably melancholy. Selling itself as “soul music for lost souls”, the album combines elements of spirituality and hardship to create a complexly emotional and deep sound. Having composed, recorded and produced the album single-handedly, Susanna's ability to layer an intricate range of voice, electronic, piano, violin and tuba is commendable. DM
TIGERTAILZ *** Blast (TT) The first full length album in a decade from the Cardiff glam metallers: following years of turmoil and line-up changes, the band’s dynamic sound is back. Having paid their dues, and shared stages with giants such as Kiss, Mötley Crüe, Whitesnake and Velvet Revolver, this new 12-song album is a welcome addition to their allegiance of followers. The catchy Pipped It Popped It was a rejected UK Eurovision Song Contest entry for 2016, and Dynamite is a very worthy cover of the Mud classic. OS
VARIOUS **** Brown Acid: The Second Trip (RidingEasy) Not strictly as psychedelic as the rather corny
title suggests, the 10 songs on this compilation nevertheless share a damaged wrongness that dedicated collectors prize in the pre-punk, private press American rock underground. Some truly obscure early 70s tackle features here, with originals priced at a premium – so grab the chance to chow down on, among others, Raving Maniac’s glam metal, Spiny Norman’s prog metal and Iron Knowledge’s sludged-out funk metal. Before any of those hybrid genres had turned ghastly, too. NG
VARIOUS **** Close To The Noise Floor (Cherry Red) Spanning four discs and 61 tracks, Close To The Noise Floor is a snapshot of Britain’s late 70s/ early 80s DIY synthesiser music scene. And yes, ‘snapshot’ is the word: there was so much of this stuff being made in bedrooms nationwide, then distributed privately and/or by mail order, that this collection could be quite a few times its eventual size. You’ll only require a working pop knowledge to have heard of some of the acts here: The Human League (with their deathlessly great debut 7” Being Boiled), Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark and John Foxx all appear on CD2, which has the highest proportion of hummable tunes. Throbbing Gristle, Blancmange and Wire (or, strictly speaking, Bruce Gilbert and Graham Lewis of said band) are all amply celebrated too, in a more cult respect. After that, it’s hyperobscurities pretty much all the way down, ranging from bizarro-world pop hits to trippy kosmische keyboard symphonies to hypnotically minimal robot rockers to a tremendous and disrespectful Rod Stewart cover. Highly enjoyable, wholly recommended. NG
YAK **** Alas Salvation (Octopus Electrical) Noisy garage trio Yak have, over the last year, gained the reputation of putting on the most insanely loud and visceral gigs across the UK. Although previous recordings lacked that crashing explosion of sound that characterise their live gigs, the amazing thing about Alas Salvation is that it captures their live sound perfectly. Songs like Victorious, Curtain Twitcher and the title track are all filled with crunching fuzz. JM
singles ELLEN ALLIEN ****
Turn Off Your Mind (Bpitch Control) ‘Functional’ needn’t be a dirty word when it comes to techno, especially techno cooked up in the concrete bunkers of Berlin, Ellen Allien’s literal and spiritual home. Her discography has a wide sound palette, but the two acid-streaked thumpers on this 12” are textbook functional techno, at which she’s a dab hand. NG
FIREWOODISLAND *** Dome (self-released) A venture that started out as a solo project for Cardiff-based Norwegian student Stian Vedøy paved the way for this atmospheric modern pop group. This EP is the next chapter of the quintet’s own brand of self-proclaimed Mountain Pop; apt lyrics, sound harmonies and roaring melodies make this sound a lock-in for a festival environment. OS
ODEKO **** A History With Samus (Gobstopper) Welsh producer Odeko has produced a beautiful four-track EP that plinks, plonks and shimmers towards the rising sun. Titles like Setsuko, Tsundoku and The Yumato Spring clearly pinpoint another UK grime producer turning to the Far East for
influence and inspiration. File next to Yamaneko and Submerse. SE
PHAELEH **** All That Remains EP (Undertow) With ambient and atmospheric tones from the offset, this latest release from Bristol-based producer Phaeleh sees a combination of gently chopped vocals and hypnotic, future garage-like synths and percussion fall neatly alongside the more traditional and sophisticated sounds of piano melody. Ideal for a late night drive. DM
PULCO **** Solid Geometry EP (Prin) There’s sometimes a worry that someone as prolific as Ash Cooke, aka Pulco, is eventually bound to release a dud record, but it hasn’t happened yet. Four tracks presenting 10 fine minutes of humorous and emotional DIY spoken word electronica. Not as niche as it sounds. BG
QUANTIC PRESENTA FLOWERING INFERNO **** A Life Worth Living (Tru Thoughts) Fans will recall Will Holland’s last release under this guise of Quantic, an exciting blend of reggae, and latin music. This time focus has shifted to roots reggae and dub in a move that reveals a more natural sound. Drenched in sunshine, this will surely be a good soundtrack to our yearning for a good summer. CPI
demos DISJOY disjoy.bandcamp.com People from two good bands ccombining to form one good band: it’s a recipe for good music. Which is what features on the first recordings by Disjoy of Cardiff, who are made up of two ex-members of Luvv and one current member of The Death Of Money. Who you probably know, if at all, as The Death Of Her Money, but they changed their name recently. Anyway, the pips are going so I’ll just say that this is great gothic postpunk with noiserock undertones, kinda reminding me of Ceremony. NG
ZED MOTEL facebook.com/zedmotel Zed Motel number two and play blues-rock of the kind that could have been made in any of the last 50 years. Timeless, right? Sure, insofar as this kind of thing is perfectly entitled to exist in 2016. This Swansea pair sound a little too polite and genteel, as if they’re holding back in case a neighbour is woken. Tie Dye has an agreeable Queens Of The Stone Age-type chord progression, while New Pony is longer and has slightly more heft. NG
THIS MONTH’S DVD PICK THE HATEFUL EIGHT 18 (Entertainment in Video) The eighth film by Quentin Tarantino, this claustrophobic epic tells the story of bounty hunters taking shelter from a blizzard in Minnie's Haberdashery. We soon discover this melting pot of post-Civil War figures really shouldn’t be in a room together, and someone might not be who they seem. Ennio Morricone’s masterful Oscar-winning score creates the perfect atmosphere for this bloody snowy romp. *****DM
ROOM 15 (StudioCanal) If Jacob Tremblay got the nomination he deserved, Leo might have lost this year’s Academy Award for Best Actor race to an eight-year-old, but at least his onscreen mother, Brie Larson, won Best Actress. Room is a tale of two sides, detailing the haunting life of a kidnapped mother and son growing up in the confinement of room, before attempting to make a break for the larger world outside. ****DM
SPOTLIGHT 15 (Entertainment One) Winner of this year’s Best Picture at the Oscars, Spotlight tells the gritty true life story of The Boston Globe’s investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by the Catholic Church. Michael Keaton (starring in back-to-back Best Picture winners) heads the Spotlight team along with Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams and Liev Schreiber as they expose a truth darker than any of them imagined. ****DM
THE BIG SHORT 15 (Paramount) Who would have thought a film about the burst of the American housing bubble would work? well, Adam McKay gave it a go. The fantastic ensemble cast (Bale, Carell, Gosling & Pitt) manage to pull off some laughs in this intricate financial drama, but the film doesn’t try to dumb down its economic jargon, so at times you can be left scratching your head. ***DM
CHRONIC 15 (Curzon Artificial Eye) Tim Roth stars as David Wilson, a hospice nurse for patients with terminal illnesses. Lonely and troubled, David forms intimate relationships with those who are often overlooked by society. The film tackles the taboos surrounding death well, dealing with polemical issues like euthanasia and whether it’s better to know when we will die or not. ***LOB
RAN 12 (Studiocanal) The legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa (Seven Samurai) directed Ran in 1985, and is seen as his final masterpiece. The film is a retelling of Shakespeare’s King Lear set in Japan’s Sengoku period. An ageing warlord plans to divide his kingdom between his three sons, and the three battle for absolute power in this beautifully shot truly epic tale. ****LOB
DADDY’S HOME 12 (Universal) Will Ferrell stars as a gentle stepfather trying to get his wife’s children to like him when all of a sudden their real father, played by Mark Wahlberg, enters the scene to try and win his family back. This is a tale of classic one-upmanship with some funny moments, but it doesn't quite live up to its potential and lacks the truly ridiculous nature of films like The Other Guys that the duo did well. **LOB
ROSEY CALE soundcloud.com/rosey-cale If you like the one teaser song for Rosey Cale’s debut EP that’s on the Pembrokeshire singer’s Soundcloud as I write, the full release is available to order. This will require a taste for makeweight MOR folk-pop pitched somewhere between KT Tunstall and Ed Sheeran. Walked Away, the song in question, is a spirited broadside about an exboyfriend that answers the eternal question – “u ok hun?” – in the affirmative. No relation to John Cale, as far as I can tell. NG
MOJAVE 15 (Signature Entertainment) Thomas (Garrett Hedlund), a violent privileged artist, and Jack (Oscar Isaac), a mysterious drifter, face off against each other in this run-offthe-mill thriller. Jack follows Thomas back to his home and attempts to infiltrate his cosy life, threatening his family and forcing Thomas to confront his past. While there’s little innovation, if any to this film, it’s still a mildly entertaining story. **LOB
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music news EXTRA
Pic: Karen. F
The Fortè Project, a Welsh music development scheme which launched in late 2015 and seeks to benefit the Valleys (give or take people’s personal view on what constitutes that area), has been selected as a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner for 2016. One of 22 similar schemes across the UK, Fortè – like the other 21 – will receive a grant from the Performing Rights Society to continue their work giving new, upcoming and often young south Wales bands gigs, tours and other opportunities. This month, for example, acoustic duo Into The Ark are embarking on a seven-date tour of Wales, with a rotating cast of supports also drawn from the locale Swansea venue The Lemon Factory has closed as of early April, with no plans at present to reopen or relocate. Based on St Helen’s Road and known in a past life as the Underground, the club hosted a mixture of indie and rock bands, both touring and local, plus club nights in a fair variety of genres. According to a statement on their Facebook page, their hand has been forced by essential repairs to the venue’s roof, which they rather than the building’s owners bear the cost of but which they’re unable to afford. Don’t
rule out seeing the curious name pop up elsewhere in the future, though: “This is not the end of The Lemon Factory, just the beginning!” they promise Each of the irregular updates about the future of Cardiff Bay’s Coal Exchange venue takes it further away from something that actually counts as a music-related story, and this one is no exception. Property developers Signature Living are looking to turn the sizeable, 123-year-old building – which thrived as a music venue in recent decades, but is only partially used at present, and in some disrepair – into a hotel with some 200 rooms. It could open before 2016 is out, and has been welcomed by interested parties including campaign group Save The Coal Exchange – although they have warned that any developments need to prioritise the existing structure rather than going for mere swift profit Cardiff is to be gifted a brace of boutique records-and-more shops, adding further credence to that ‘vinyl revival’ you probably read about in some clueless broadsheet article. First off, Outpost: a pop-up venture by two people, Matt
and Sophie, and dealing in the dual pulse-increaser of coffee and vinyl. Aiming to “specialise in Welsh artists alongside independent labels from Wales and beyond,” they launch at the Brewdog bar on Sun 1 May, and will later be at the Crafty Devil Cellar in Canton. Then there’s The Spot Hip-Hop Shop in the Castle Emporium, trading in vinyl, CDs, clothes, hats, films, artwork and “more”; it’s the brainchild of UK rapper BVA and partner Jessica Daly Move aside, Manic Street Preachers – another Welsh band have recorded a song cheering on the brave Welsh sporting heroes as Euro 2016 approaches. They’re called Y Sybs, and they were assembled by Cardiff resident Iestyn Jones [pictured], who also fronts Welsh language band Rebownder. Mint Sôs, the anthem in question, is available with lyrics in both Welsh and English for maximum reach, and combines stirring guitar pop with a few choice bits of commentary dialogue thrown in. While wholly unofficial, Jones hopes it can serve as an equivalent to Fat Les’ 1998 eartapeworm Vindaloo – unless the Manics actually move aside, which as of this sentence they are yet to do
ONE TO WATCH... FFUG
Welsh language punk rock has a rich and interesting history that dates back almost as far as the inception of punk in general: Llygod Ffyrnig’s NCB single was released in 1977. By the time we enter the 90s, though, it’s a highly rare commodity. Young Welsh bands who wished to play loud, hard and fast would inevitably sing in English; conversely, if they were determined to honour thy mother tongue, would probably pootle along in the indie lane. This is what makes Ffug (formerly Y Ffug), a quartet from west Wales with members currently resident in Cardiff, Manchester and Milford Haven, an intriguing proposition. Love Is Stupid, released this month on the Strangetown label (and the opening song on their self-titled debut album, out in August), is a raucous jittery garage punk pile-up. As the title indicates, it’s not sung in Welsh: Ffug’s 10 tracks offer a fairly even split of languages, courtesy of vocalist Iolo Selyf James. The band certainly don’t appear blithe cheerleaders for the culture that raised them; Datblygu, Black Flag and the Manics are among their stated influences, likely for ideological as much as musical reasons. Granted, Ffug isn’t exactly the most ragingly extreme punk record you’ll ever hear. Indeed, they have a pronounced indie element, with songs like Are U With Us and Upside Down veering towards the psychedelia of the Super Furries – who Ffug have just supported on a brief UK tour. The energy and drive is obvious throughout, though, and justifies this group making waves on the Welsh language gig circuit while still all in their teens. www.ffug.co.uk
BUZZ 48
one louder EVERY city in Great Britain has its preservationists, people who advocate for heritages and histories to be honoured. Thank God they do: left unchecked, there would be no limit to the rapaciousness of property developers. This does, though, inevitably raise questions of what’s worth preserving, to whom, and why. How does one differentiate between a campaign on behalf of the community as a whole, and one serving a minority with a niche interest? Several years ago, two people from the Save The Vulcan campaign popped into Buzz, seeking publicity in their efforts to stop the 150-year-old pub being demolished. They brought with them some photos of what they considered its most interesting feature – the oldest men’s urinals in Cardiff. A majestic sight they were too, sort of caramelcoloured with a hint of piss. The campaign was laudable on the whole, and essentially successful, delaying closure for three years before it was delicately disassembled, to be rebuilt at St Fagans. Lavatorial architecture, though, didn’t feature strongly in most people’s case for the defence. Almost as old, far larger and more storied, the Coal Exchange sits in Cardiff Bay in a state of limbo as regards its ownership. I say ‘limbo’ in spite of the fact a buyer has been found [see column left]; for various reasons, it might be prudent not to assume any development is actually taking place until the first hardhatted builder cracks open his first can of breakfast Relentless. Lawrence Kenwright, boss of Liverpudlian hotel specialists Signature Living, reckons this could happen before the end of 2016. Stephen Doughty, Welsh Labour MP and fan of bombing Syria, wants the process to be curbed by a public inquiry into how Signature got the nod from Cardiff Council. At present, it rather seems that there isn’t a single individual with a full picture of what’s gone on: even if it transpires there’s been no skulduggery or corner-cutting in this deal, it’s been opaque enough to make suspicion quite understandable. Accordingly, there’s an (inevitable) online petition titled “STOP CARDIFF COUNCIL DONATING OUR HERITAGE TO DUBIOUS DEVELOPERS”. It’s a textbook example of someone – Dennis Matthews being the given name – purporting to speak for a community at large, but colouring it with their own agenda. Dennis posits that Signature will turn the Coal Exchange into “an alcohol-fuelled haven for stag parties and hen dos”, based on a Liverpool Echo piece in 2013 where Kenwright spoke of taking bookings from such groups when other hotels wouldn’t. Given how popular both cities already are for pre-marital jaunts, it’s clearly nonsense from either angle to suggest they’re persona non grata. It’s unclear, too, what hypothetical pissheads might do to endanger the building, or how it might differ from anything that happened when it used to host house nights until 4am. Kenwright is in many ways an unsympathetic figure to the casual observer, given to rehearsed soundbites and apt to change his story. Which makes it all the more annoying that the petition resorts to conjecture. The thinking behind the sentence, “They will strip [the building] of its character and most of the jobs it creates will be minimum wage zero hours contracts,” appears to be: people who do this are dodgy, this guy seems dodgy, therefore will do this. Which is what annoying internet argue-y people call a logical fallacy. Turn innocent buildings into alcohol-fuelled havens at TACOCAT and OH PALS (Cardiff Moon Club, Thurs 5 May); PALEHORSE, GHOLD and HUNGER ARTIST (Undertone, Sat 7); CHASTITY BELT (Clwb Ifor Bach, same day); SPINNING COIN (Castle Emporium, Tue 17); THE NIGHTINGALES, TED CHIPPINGTON and MWSTARD (Moon Club, Thurs 19); SEPTEMBER GIRLS (Moon Club, Fri 20); POWER TRIP and VENOM PRISON (Bunker, Thurs 26); BOB LOG III (Newport Le Pub, Sat 28) and a drone/experimental charity alldayer called Extraction Music (Chapter Arts Centre, same day). NOEL GARDNER
Monday 9th May
Sunday 22nd May
Tuesday 24th May
Thurday 9th June
PAUL YOUNG
ONLY MEN ALOUD
SUNDARA KARMA
ALIEN ANT FARM
ABERDARE COLISEUM
CLWB IFOR BACH, CARDIFF
Y PLAS, CARDIFF STUDENTS’ UNION
Saturday 11th June
Thursday 7th July
Friday 8th July
Wednesday 27th July
LAURA MVULA
THE ZOMBIES
NOVO AMOR
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE
ABERDARE COLISEUM
BUFFALO BAR, CARDIFF
AIRBOURNE
TRAMSHED, CARDIFF
Y PLAS, CARDIFF STUDENTS’ UNION
Tickets: www.orchardentertainment.co.uk or call 02920 230 130
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books BRET EASTON ELLIS AND THE OTHER DOGS
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Lina Wolff (And Other Stories) It’s not often that you come across a novel as wonderful, alluring and surreal as Lina Wolff’s Bret Easton Ellis And The Other Dogs. Originally written in Swedish but set in Barcelona and the down-andout town of Caudal, the narrator is Araceli, a woman looking back at a period when she was younger. But the narrative isn’t linear as it incorporates a number of vignettes including a short story by Araceli’s neighbour, Alba Cambó. The title comes from the dogs, all named after male writers, kept at the brothel in the run-down town of Caudal. When the men are cruel to the prostitutes they take it out on the dogs by feeding them rotting meat. It’s a throwaway detail at the end of the novel, largely set in Barcelona, but is an idea that runs throughout this impressive book. Men are seen as powerful but also cruel and clueless when it comes to women. They get what they deserve. But rather than simply being a feminist novel, Wolff explores the distance between all people and the way all people can manipulate one another for power regardless of gender. It can often be cynical about human relationships but also explores friendship, motherhood and adoration of others as well as the role of culture and reading, as the title suggests. At times shocking, sad and funny, it’s written in a vibrant and energetic prose. Wolff is a writer to look out for. RHODRI JONES Price: £9.99 paperback / £4.68 Kindle. Info: www.andotherstories.org
INVESTIGATING MR WAKEFIELD
THE PRODIGIOUS PHYSICIAN
Rob Gittins (Y Lolfa)
Jorge De Sena (Dedalus)
If the cult hit Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn left boyfriends and husbands across the globe sleeping with one eye open, Investigating Mr Wakefield by acclaimed scriptwriter Rob Gittins may well leave girlfriends and wives unable to sleep at all. A psychological thriller, the book explores the mindset of a man who has become obsessed with knowing what his partner is doing when he’s not there. Written in first person narrative, it cleverly draws a reader in and introduces the paranoid world of protagonist Jack Connolly in a subtle, gradual way. The first few chapters leave a reader empathising with the war photographer, whose career and social life have been blighted because of one naive decision. However, as the pages turn so does the novel’s tone, and it soon becomes clear that this narrative is anything but reliable. AD Price: £14.99 Hardcover/£6.99 Kindle. Info: www. ylolfa.com
Translated by Margaret Jull Costa, this novella holds the classic foundations of a medieval fairy tale yet told in a modern voice. Three trials, magic objects and an erotic devil are all at play in the ironic story of religion, science and politics. The main character, a man never named and only described by his beauty, was sold to the devil and then lived his life waiting for the invisible lover to caress him, until three maidens told him of their widowed mistress. The funny and erotic play of doubles between the three maidens and the three goddesses creates a wonderful uncertainty of reality and truth. Margaret Jull Costa has done a marvellous job translating the confusion of ownership, ethics, and politics with this intriguing and witty novella. MM Price: £7.99. Info: dedalusbooks.com
PRETENTIOUSNESS: WHY IT MATTERS Dan Fox (Fitzcarraldo Editions) Arguably relevant anecdote: the other day, I went into a shop while carrying this book, put it in my basket and instinctively placed it cover side down so strangers wouldn’t judge me on the basis of its title. Fox, no doubt aided by his job as editor of an art magazine, is acutely aware of the power ‘pretentious’ wields as an insult, whether in the gallery, on the triple-disc concept album or the pages of a book-length essay like his. His case for its defence is robust: people creatively overreaching is an inevitable byproduct of them reaching at all. Many aspects of modern life we take for granted come courtesy of people who studied art, design etc. And the most vocally anti-pretentious are often accidentally pretentious themselves, faux-proletarian and protesting too much. NG Price: £12.99 paperback. Info: www.fitzcarraldoeditions.com BUZZ 50
@mabjones
How The Light Gets In Ghostpoet
May brings a batch of brilliant, spring-time, spring-like literary festivals. First up is one on the art of digital storytelling. This two-day symposium, held at the Atrium in Cardiff, has a theme of ‘storytelling and justice’, and offers keynote speakers, provocations, Q&A sessions, film screenings, and more. That’s from Fri 13 May, details are on the University Of South Wales website. On the Sat 14 we then have the second annual International Dylan Thomas Day. This worldwide festival has readings, walks, workshops, and a whole host of other activities in honour of Wales’ much beloved bard. With events taking place in Perth and Patagonia, Oxford and London, online and all around Wales, there is something for every age and interest. There is also a free to enter Great Poem competition for 7-25 year olds, with 100 lines from the entries being chosen to turn into this year’s ‘Great Poem’ (Cerdd Fawr). See www.literaturewales.org/dylan-day for more information. Finally, How The Light Gets In includes an exciting array of Welsh authors in its literary programme. Expect entertainment and debate, as well as a plethora of creative thinking, and beer. Confirmed names so far include Alastair Reynolds and Jasper Fforde. Apart from these, there are plenty of singular events out there, too. In particular, I’m looking forward to Penned on the Bont in Bridgend, which features Amanda Racktraw and Rachel Trezise. That’s on Mon 23 May and is a snip at £4 a ticket. Find out more from the venue, Carnegie House, or on the Literature Wales website. Enjoy all of these, and do get in touch if you have anything literary planned for next month!
lifestyle
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FESTIVAL SURVIVAL GUIDE
With the festival season fast approaching, it’s about time to started getting packed and prepared. But with festivals becoming increasingly seen as ‘mainstream’, we’re aware that the hipsters among you are screaming for attention. So we’ve dutifully compiled a list of festival essentials to celebrate your inner weirdo.
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BUZZ 51
sport/adventure
LOWRI MORGAN ULTRA-RUNNER
TV presenter, extreme runner and adventurer Lowri Morgan speaks with Luke Owain Boult about running 350 miles in the Arctic circle, losing her toenails in the Amazon, and the meaning of adventure.
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hen Lowri answered the phone she had just got back from doing what she loves most in the world: running. For many, a marathon, consisting of a little over 26 miles, is seen as an almost impossible feat of endurance. However, Lowri goes one step further and is a keen ultra-runner. While the phrase comes straight out of a sci-fi B-movie, she offers an explanation. “Ultra running is anything over a marathon distance basically and up to a thousand-mile race. I did the 6633 Arctic Ultra, which is a 350-mile race that’s classed as an ultra-marathon. It was a non-stop, self-sufficient foot race in the Arctic Circle. After 24 hours I was in fifth place and I came upon the four competitors in front of me who had stopped to sleep, but I decided I wasn’t going to sleep much in this weather with winds of 70mph, so I decided to carry on walking up the mountains in darkness. I did that for 46 hours.” A 46-hour journey on foot sounds hard enough, but the conditions in the Arctic Circle surely add another dimension of difficulty. “It was -72°C with wind, it was always below -40°C,” Lowri continues. “Every time I stopped, my body temperature would just drop instantly and cold air would go through my lungs, which was really painful. With these self-sufficient races, a third is down to your physical strength, a third is down to your mental strength, and the last third is down to BUZZ 52
your personal administration.” With such physical and mental strains, some may be left baffled as to why someone would undertake a challenge like this. “I can tell you there were fantastic moments,” Lowri explains, “these races are very humbling even though you go through dark places and dark times in your head, it also rebuilds the soul and you learn a lot about yourself. I’m constantly amazed at us as humans and how we can adapt with our mental and physical abilities. For example, I fractured my metatarsal and I had tears run down my face, but I thought there’s no point crying and I’d better carry on. “The same thing happened in the Ultra Marathon in the Amazon Forest, where I’d lost most of the toenails on my feet, so I thought I have to slow down and put one foot in front of the other and that’s what I did. Then the pain in my feet just disappeared and this surge of energy came from the soul somewhere and I finished the race with a smile on my face. Some call it a runner’s high, to some people it’s religion, but a lot of ultra-runners go through the same motions and experience the same journey.” The way Lowri spoke about running sounded almost like
meditation. She laughs: “Yes that’s it, some people do see it as mediation. There was a 50mile race and something upset me earlier in the day a while back, but by the end of the race I’d completely forgot about it. I felt so good that I ran back from the Brecon Beacons to Swansea after a 50-mile race, which was 110 miles altogether. That took around 22 hours.” To some, this may sound like an addiction, but she justifies it saying: “I don’t think I can call it an addiction, it’s something that is integral to my life and is good for me physically and mentally. But it’s not an addiction, although there is a fine line.” In recognition of her incredible achievements, Lowri has been designated an adventure ambassador for the Wales Year of Adventure. Adventure is such a vague word, with different meanings to different people, and Lowri explains her view: “Adventure is a state of mind basically; a certain kind of happiness comes with standing on top of a mountain, challenging yourself, and the life changing benefits. Adventure to me is more than a Sunday out, it’s about overcoming obstacles, commitment, goal setting, accomplishments, and feeling alive.” Year Of Adventure. Info: www. visitwales.com
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sport/adventure
Pic: Graham pics1
WELSH THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE Despite being less-known by the greater public than its national siblings, the Welsh Three Peaks challenge still provides breathtaking scenery with a full day’s worth of hiking.
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he Welsh Three Peaks challenge sees walkers scale three of the biggest mountains Cymru has to offer: Snowdon in the north, Cadair Idris in mid Wales, and Pen y Fan in the south, all in the space of 15 hours, with 135 miles worth of driving in between. Participants face a tough test from the very start, with Snowdon, standing tall at 3650ft, first on the list. The highest peak in the country will provide stunning views of the local national park, and is most commonly descended using the Llanberis Pass, which follows the Mountain Railway line. In the midriff of the country, and just south of Snowdonia National Park, sits Cadair Idris at 2930ft high. The mountain has been the focus of much folklore and fiction, and if tales are to be believed, walkers will start their ascent next to the – supposedly – bottomless Tal-yLlyn Lake, and steadily climb higher along the noticeable rock wall of Craig Cau, up to Penygadair. Another legend surrounding Cadair Idris (literally Idris’ chair, named after a giant rumoured to have roamed the land in ancient times) is that if you fall asleep at the top, you will either wake up a mad man, or a poet. At this point, eyes shift further south towards Brecon and the final peak of the challenge: Pen y Fan. The distinctive mountain curves and climbs like a resting snake, but has a fairly direct route, from the Storey Arms Visitor Centre and over the neighbouring Corn Du. If the National Three Peaks is the pinnacle of endurance hiking in the UK, the Welsh counterpart is a worthy feat, whether taken on by the more casual of walkers, or as a warm-up for the UK-wide event. The challenging and unforgettable experience allows walkers to get up close and personal with some of the greatest and most breathtaking areas of Wales. Plenty of fundraising events are held throughout the year, offering guided routes up each peak. BEN BARKER Open Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, Sat 14 May. Admission: £299. Info: www.officialthepeakschallenge.co.uk BUZZ 54
VELOTHON WALES The 140km Velothon Wales cycle race returns to the capital after a successful turn-out at the inaugural event last year.
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nder new management Run 4 Wales, who also host the Cardiff Half Marathon, the organisers anticipate up to 18,000 riders in this year’s event. This year, the shorter 50km race has been dropped due to a lack of demand and to minimise disruption, after previous organisers Lagardère experienced teething problems with local residents unhappy at the lengthy road closures on the race route. Riders will experience stunning scenery to help distract them from burning muscles and tire punctures, as the route twists and turns through some of the most beautiful and grueling roads around South Wales, including 1,826 metres of ascent. Starting out in Cardiff city centre, competitors pedal through Newport, Caerleon, Usk, Abergavenny, Pontypool, and Ystrad Mynach, taking in the seemingly never-ending Tumble, the domineering Caerphilly Mountain, and Unesco World Heritage Site at Blaenavon. A slight change from last year comes on the Usk Road between Caerleon and Usk, where the route travels through Tredunnock and past the Newbridge on Usk. In 2015, the 15,000 people who took part helped the event to become the biggest cycling event in Wales, and organisers anticipate that success to translate into a bigger attendance this year, both in terms of participants and spectators. Onlookers flanked the roads to offer their support last year, giving the event a typical Welsh welcome. Weary legs and wobbling handlebars were cheered on to the next fuelling station with great enthusiasm, with banners and flags. Over £300,000 was raised for charity as a result of the high attendances in 2015. The start/finish line and pre-race village are set up at the Cardiff City Hall civic centre. Those interested in competing in the Velothon Wales 2016 can still register online. BEN BARKER Velothon Wales, Cardiff, Sun 22 May. Entry: £15-£65. Info: www. velothon-wales.co.uk
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THE BIG GIG Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Entries open from Mon 2 May; final on Fri 15 July In what will be its fifth return, the Welsh battle of the bands based talent search, The Big Gig is looking to be a popular draw in Cardiff this summer. The competition will pit artists from across the whole of South Wales against one another for a chance to perform at Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff’s longest running independent live music venue – playing in front of music industry luminaries with a view to winning their favour. Last year’s event saw budding artists compete for one of 12 spots in the live heat, setting what were deemed the highest standards of entries in the talent search to date. The competition is set to heat up even further, as this year only 10 shortlisted acts will perform in front of judges in the semi-finals on Wed 22 and Thurs 23 June – ahead of the final at Clwb Ifor Bach on Fri 15 July. Entries are set to open on Mon 2 May, are open to artists aged 14 and over and will close on Fri 20 May at 5pm. The winner, who will be judged by respected individuals from across the Welsh music industry, will receive a prize package including recording and rehearsal sessions at Music Box Studios with REM studio engineer Charlie Francis, a headline gig to be promoted by New Sound Wales and more. Tickets: £5. Info: 029 2087 3397 / www.cardiffevents.com/biggig
CONTENTS pg 56 pg 58 pg 60 pg 67 pg 75
art clubs events live stage BUZZ 55
art
art Aberglasney House & Gardens
Llangathen, Carmarthenshire. Free. 01558 668998 / www. aberglasney.org Sacred Art International contemporary art exhibition exploring the question, ‘what is sacred now?’ Featured artists include Clive HicksJenkins, Sarah Rhys, Sung Young Park, Soon Yul Kang, Ezio Cicciarella, Jonathan McCree, Joshua May, Jojo Taylor, Joyce Treasure, Carlos Cashiero, Marc Craig, Swci Delic, Johnny, Stucky, Imelda Almqvist and Ingress Vortices. (Until Thurs 5 May)
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre Jenny Hall ‘Hollow’ Hall “explores the creative destruction involved in the act of construction,” specifically regarding a copper mine, by stacking up several dozen cardboard boxes in the gallery and inviting visitors to move them around. (Until Sat 7 May) The Box Film
and video installation works by David Wilson, Alan Holl, Christopher M Smith, Mark Lyken & Emma Dove and Nathan Kaso. (Until Sat 14 May) James Morris ‘Inhabitation’ Photographs showing the buildings on the shortlist for the 2015 Gold Medal For Architecture at the National Eisteddfod. (Until Sat 21 May) Ruth Thomas & Linda Alterwitz ‘Inside Out: From Vegas To Wales’ The collograph prints of Thomas reflect the area of rural Wales where she lives, through use of natural materials and organic structures. Alterwitz often photographs her more urban surroundings. (Until Sat 18 June) Power In The Land video, Photography, sound, sculpture, installation and alternative photographic processes from X-10, an artist group who have been working around the closure and decommissioning of Wylfa, the last nuclear power station in Wales. (From Sat 14 May until Sat 2 July)
Albany Gallery
74b Albany Road, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com Siôn McIntyre & David Porteous-Butler Young Welsh painter McIntyre shares the stage with Kyffin Williams pro-
tégé Porteous-Butler, a wellestablished painter known for his use of the palette knife. (Until Sat 21 May) Tim Fudge & Peter Morgan Two popular Pembrokeshire based artists.Fudge captures the vibrant richness of the landscape whilst Morgan depicts the buildings scattered around. (From Thurs 26 May until Sat 18 June)
Andrew Lamont Gallery (Theatr Brycheiniog)
Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free. 01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk The Picturemakers Spring Exhibition Art collective present new and recent paintings based on close observation of the natural world and contemporary life. (From Fri 6 until Sun 29 May)
Arcadecardiff
Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.arcadecardiff.co.uk Ellie Young ‘Frontiers’ New work inspired by astronauts and cowboys and the intersection between reality and fiction in painting. (Until Sat 7 May) Pip Barrett Continuing this Welsh artist’s “assemblage of a pseudoautobiography,creating a documentation of experi-
ences, memories, thoughts and anxieties.” (From Thurs 12 until Sat 28 May)
Art Central
Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 11am-4pm. Free. 01446 709805. Richard Cox ‘Subterranean Architecture’ Exhibition documenting an unusual aspect of Indian traditional architecture, stepwells, this has already toured India, America and the UK, indeed it’s been in these listings a few times. (Until Sat 4 June)
ArTeas Cafe & Art Hub
591 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Sat 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2115 3927 Paul O’Donnell Original oil paintings and limited edition prints based on the history of Cardiff and south Wales. (Until Sat 14 May)
Art In The Attic
The Factory, Jenkin Street, Porth. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Free. 01443 687080 / www. facebook.com/thefactoryvenue Picture This A selection of work from local photographers celebrating skills and techniques learned in local photography classes. (From Tue 3 until Fri 13 May)
Attic Gallery
37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am4.30pm. Free. 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk
Welsh Landscape Paintings – Three Artists Introducing two newcomers to the gallery – Thomas Haskett and Matthew Wood, who both work ‘en plein air’ – plus Wynne Jenkins, who is a regular contributor. (Until Sat 7 May) Gwyn Roberts Solo exhibition from a painter with over 30 years’ prior experience as an art teacher. His work is inspired by the Snowdonia mountains, with thick layers of paint and geometric strokes. (From Sat 14 May until Sat 4 June)
Barker Gallery / Torfaen Gallery
ARTURAS VALIAUGA: IN TRUST – REFRAMING WALES’ STORIES Ffotogallery, Penarth, until Sun 29 May Admission: free. Info: 029 2070 8870 / www.ffotogallery.org Visits to publically-accessible country houses, such as those overseen by the National Trust, are liable to be soundtracked by the clicking of cameras (or cameraphones) as visitors seek to get a memento of their day out. All well and good, but unlikely to be much of a triumph of documentary photography. That’s where Arturas Valiauga comes in – a Lithuanian working with both the National Trust Wales and the Lithuanian Cultural Institute, he was given access to four Welsh NT properties (two in the north, two in the south) with a view to capturing both the front-ofhouse facade and behind the scenes. The results are subtly captivating, highlighting the schism between authenticity and facade that underpins places like Tredegar House and Dyffryn Gardens.
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Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm. 01495 752036. Colour Vibrations Vision Arts presents a collection of mixed media work by eight well known Torfaen artists: Masae Takeuchi, Mark Medcalf, Jane Dorset, Patricia Clifford, Valerie Stewart, Joanne Price, Gillian Clayton and Aurelia. (Until Thurs 27 Oct)
Blossoms Gallery
Park Avenue, Aberystwyth. info@blossomsgallery.co.uk / www.blosssomsgallery. co.uk Hedgerows Exhibition Participating artists are encouraged to respond to issues of environmental damage in the countryside, via pesticides etc, and explore the intriguing world of the hedgerow. (Until Sat 21 May) Spring Open Exhibition
celebrating the wealth of creativity in West Wales and the Welsh borders. Artwork can be submitted up to Thurs 14 Apr – see the gallery’s website for more. (Until Sat 4 June)
Boundary Art
3 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 029 2048 9869 / www. boundaryart.com Vale Of Glamorgan Artists Local art group with open theme art exhibition, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures and installations. (From Sat 7 until Sat 21 May)
Cardiff Story
The Hayes, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2078 8334 / museum@cardiff.gov.uk Merched Y Wawr Work by a a Welsh medium movement for women which organises social events in the Welsh language, lobbies on issues related to the lives of women and raises money for charities. (Until Weds 25 May)
Chapter Gallery
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free. 029 2030 4400 / www. chapter.org Rose Wylie ‘Tilt The Horizontal Into A Slant’ Paintings worked directly onto large, unprimed canvasses, using cut-up methods and loosely associated trains of thought. (Until Sun 29 May) Steven Shearer ‘Sorry Steve’ Art In The Bar piece by a Canadian artist: a handwritten note blown up to the size of one of Chapter’s walls and replicated on it. (Until Sun 19 June)
Craft In The Bay
The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk Animal Tales Seven artists – Sue Brown, Celia Smith, Jeff Soan, Susan O’Byrne, Helen Thompson, Jan Beeny, Catrin Howell and Suzanne Breakwell – share their unique approach to depicting their chosen animals. (Until Sun 8 May) Graduates of Hereford College of Art, 2015 Spoecifically: Chris Lewis, Melissa Morgan, Ann Beardwood, Josie SeymourJones, Nicola Lillie, Maggie Kingston and Hannah Diane Bowen. (Until Wed 1 June) Katie Scarlett Howard Guest maker with ceramic sculptures inspired by the fishermen and women of Welsh fishing ports in the early 20th century. (Until Sun 26 June) Margo Schmidy Vessels of different sizes created with flat coils of clay whose quiet exteriors contrast with an array of vibrant colour inside. (From Thurs 5 My until Sun 26 June) Beate Gegenwart A new set of inter-related artworks that make links to cloth, the body, movement, the small wearable and to architectural space, created with metal and virtuous enamel. (From Sat 14 May until Sun 10 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 Dalit Leon ‘Time Signatures’ Israeli-born, Wales-based artist will be creating a new body of work seeking to explore the relationship between symbolic and material language and to question overlapping realities of sense perception, cultural and historical readings. (From Fri 6 May until Sat 4 June)
Ffotogallery
Turner House, Plymouth Road, Penarth. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. 029 2070 8870 / turnerhouse@ffotogallery.org Arturas Valiauga ‘In Trust – Reframing Wales’ Stories’ Lithuanian photographer Valiauga visited Dyffryn Gardens, Tredegar House, Plas Newydd and Penrhyn Castle in July 2014 and the images he captured are shown here. (Until Sun 29 May)
Fountain Fine Art
6-8 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. Tue-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www.fountainfineart.com Mike Jones Solo show of new figurative paintings from Wales’ most successful Royal Academy Summer Show 2015 participant. (From Sat 7 until Sat 28 May)
Fountain Fine Art
Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Wendy Lloyd An exhibition of 25 new paintings from travels around Ceredigion. (Throughout May)
Futures Gallery
Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am-4pm. Free. 0845 010 5500 / www. pierhead.org Getting Things Done: Evolution Of The Built Environment In Vorarlberg Touring exhibition showcasing the architecture of the Vorarlberg, a movement with its origins in the late 50s and early 60s. Features more than 230 projects and around 700 photographic illustrations. (Until Fri 6 May)
G39
Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org Thomas-Irvine ‘Limen Locale’ A multifaceted installation that includes architecture, photography, film, and sculptural works, focusing on a mysterious set of minimalist concrete structures in Portreath, Cornwall. (Until Sat 25 June)
art Y Galeri, Caerffili
Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www.ygalericaerffili. co.uk Printers’ Stint Exhibition bringing together artists whose work reflects a genuine passion for the art of printmaking in various guises. (Until Sat 28 May) Louise Collis ‘Forty@Forty’ Forty oil paintings depicting Devon, Cornwall, remote areas of Scotland, The Black Mountains and numerous areas of outstanding beauty around Wales. (From Tue 31 May until Sat 2 July)
Galerie Simpson
222 High Street, Swansea. Tue-Say 11.30am-5pm. Free. 07714 327523 / www. galeriesimpson.com
The Selection Box A specially curated selection of 18 editions by some of the biggest names in the British art world, all created especially for this project and donated by the artists to help support this gallery. There are 50 boxes in total, all available to buy (or, at least, they were when the exhibition launched in late April). (Until Sun 22 May)
Gallery/Ten
23 Windsor Place, Cardiff. Free. www.gallery-ten.co.uk Molly Goldwater ‘Shifting Planes’ New work by painter and printmaker Goldwater, whose pieces here incorporate both traditional printmaking and collage, as well as loose mark-making. (Until Sat 21 May)
The Gate / Y Gat
Pentre Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Free. 01994 232726 / thegate@carmarthenshire. gov.uk Re-awakening Carmarthen Artists’ Network’s spring group show, featuring new work by contemporary West Wales artists. Ceramics, prints, paintings, drawings and sculpture will reveal the artists’ response to the theme of re-awakening. (Until Sat 4 June)
Grand Pavilion
The Esplanade, Porthcawl. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www.grandpavilion.co.uk Lesley Dearn ‘Jazz On The Sands’ Drawings and paintings inspired by, and including, the live sketches she created as Artist In Residence during the 2015 Porthcawl Jazz Festival. (Until Sun 8 May) Art By Jane: Heart To Art South Wales-based painter, foregoing a surname here, offers “paintings which inform the mind, delight the eye and touch the heart.” (From Tue 10 May until Sun 8 July)
King Street Gallery
33 King Street, Carmarthen. Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk Summer Show New and
diverse work by the Gallery’s members. (From Mon 2 May until Thurs 30 June) Adrian Sleeman ‘The World In Black And White’ A photographic journey in, yes, black and white that seeks to capture the essence of life in a variety of countries. (From Fri 6 until Wed 18 May)
Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk From Adams To Zobole: Fifty Years Of Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre A selection of work, old and new from 30 of the most influential artists whose work has been exhibited at the LGAC since it opened in 1966. (Until Sat 14 May) Vicky Lindo Lindo, plus creative partner William Brookes, produce slip cast earthenware pottery using coloured underglazes and slips to illustrate and decorate their tableware and animal figures. (Until Sat 14 May) Leoma Drew Leoma incorporates motifs with solid shapes and stone setting kinto her jewellery for an abstract and contemporary aspect. (Until Sat 14 May) Jantien Powell Work shown in the Cafe Gallery by an artist who paints mostly in acrylics but also loves to use collage and texture to add depth and layers to a painting. (Until Sat 14 May) Rozanne Hawksley ‘Reflections’ A mixture of 3D work and self-portraits, imbued with a personal power and reflections on war and loss. (From Sat 28 May until Sat 16 July)
M.A.D.E. Gallery
41 Lochaber St, Cardiff. Free. 029 2047 3373. Floribunda / Spring Affordable Art Wall Featuring over 20 local artists in all media. (Until Sat 4 June)
Martin Tinney Gallery
18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@artwales. com Karina Rosanne Barrett & Susan Gathercole Barrett lives in Snowdonia and paints the surrounding landscape, citing Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula as her main sources of inspiration. Gathercole works in a small studio overlooking the trees towards the mountains near Llanberis, where she has lived for over 20 years. (Until Sat 7 May) David Jones (1895-1974) Approximately 50 woodengravings, copper-engravings and dry-points from different periods of Jones’ career – one which saw him become of the most acclaimed British artists of the last century. (From Thurs 5 May until Sat 4 June)
Mission Gallery
Gloucester Place, Swansea. Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free. 01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Rebecca Rendell Maker In Focus show from an artist who is interested in exploration and discovery as an artistic
process. (Until Sun 8 May) Jonathan Arndell Work in the [...] space. (Until Sun 8 May) Philip Eglin ‘Slipping The Trail’ Touring exhibition which is the result of a collaboration between the Ceramic Collection And Archive at Aberystwyth University and Eglin himself, one of the major ceramicists in the UK. (Until Sun 5 June)
Monmouth Shire Hall Agincourt Square,
project from the Ethnic Youth Support Team that looks at the diverse food culture in Swansea and how it has been influenced by people from different ethnic backgrounds that have settled here. (Until Mon 30 May) Matt Wright ‘Relics: A Photospherical Reflection On Wales’ Wright captures various historical sites from around Wales. and presents them in a series of 3D photospheres. (Until Sun 19 June) Forget Me Not:
Swansea's Galerie Simpson opens its impressive contact book for The Selection Box, a project where big cheese British artists create bespoke work and put it in one of 18 boxes for purchase. If you're not in the market to buy, you can still view them until Sun 22 May. Monmouth. Fri-Sun 10am4pm. Free. 0844 5611833 / www.iapfineart.com Chris Gollon & Paul Hatton New paintings by acclaimed British artist Gollon and jewellery by master jeweller Hatton. (From Fri 20 until Sun 22 May)
National Museum & Gallery
Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff War’s Hell!’ The Battle Of Mametz Wood In Art Discover the art and poetry created by those who witnessed this battle – one of the bloodiest of World War I – first-hand and the work it later inspired. (Until Sun 4 Sept) The Attraction Of Onlookers: Aberfan – An Anatomy Of A Welsh Village New York-based artist Shimon Attie shows a video installation and photographs of the community, 50 years after the disaster that claimed 144 lives, supporting their desire to move on from this tragic event. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Augustus John In Focus A selection of paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints by this important Welsh artist. It will focus on images of his family, friends and celebrated sitters as well as his fascination with gypsy culture. (Until Fri 30 Sept) Treasures: Adventures In Archaeology Major exhibition showcasing artefacts from Egypt, Rome and more, with some Indiana Jones content to boot. Admission is £7, £5 concessions or free for under16s. (Until Sun 30 Oct)
National Waterfront Museum
Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 638950. Chips, Curry And Cappucino A young people’s
Postcards From The First World War A variety of postcards from the Amgueddfa Cymru collections, made, written and sent throughout that time of unrest. (Until Sun 19 June) Student Exhibitions The annual exhibition of the best work from students on University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Product Design, Automotive Design and School of Glass degree courses. (From Sat 28 May until Sun 19 June)
Newport Museum & Art Gallery
John Frost Square, Newport.Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk Art In The City Local artists displayed large-scale prints of their work in the windows of unoccupied shops in the city centre. This sister exhibition, curated by Barrie J Morgan, will showcase entries from all 23 contributing artists. (Until Sat 7 May) The Grosvenor School Of Modern Art Founded in 1925 by Scottish artist Iain Macnab. the School soon occupied a leading role in the promotion of modern printmaking techniques. All works here are by artists associated with the Grosvenor School and form a part of a larger group of prints collected by Newport Museum in the 1950s. (Until Sat 14 May)
Norwegian Church Arts Centre
Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. Daily 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2087 7959 / www. norwegianchurchcardiff.com Cardiff Childrens Literature Festival Exhibition Work created in 20 local schools in February and March, then exhibited in Cardiff Central Library last month to coincide with said festival. (From Mon 9 until Sun 22 May) Linda Agostini ‘Wild Things (Africa)’ Abstract art “for which the
vibrant colours of the land emerge altogether as one, to create a ‘mystical creature’ within the picture,” says Linda. (From Mon 23 May until Sun 5 June)
Off The Wall
The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2055 4469 / art@ galleryoffthewall.com Eloise Govier & Swci Delic Govier, a Welsh painter based in Bath, creates bright abstract works, applying paint thickly with a palette knife. Swci, from mid-Wales, has gained a fair bit of attention for her psychedelic pop art pieces in the last few years. (Until Thurs 16 June)
The Old Station
Tintern, nr Chepstow. Daily 9.30am-5pm. Free. 01291 689566 / johnsterry@ monmouthshire.gov.uk Kathy Hinde ‘Luminous Birds’ Outdoor art installation by internationally renowned artist Hinde. Part of the Wye Valley River Festival and shown alongside One Thousand Birds, origami birds made by local communities. (From Fri 6 until Sun 15 May)
Oriel Bach
4 Dunns Lane, Mumbles, Swansea. Mon-Sat 11am4pm. Free. 01792 361012 / www.orielbach.com David Hughes Jones Paintings by a local artist. (Until Sat 7 May) Adrian Hughes Paintings from local Gower artist. (From Mon 9 until Sat 21 May) Mike Doyle, Eiona Roberts, Philip Davies & Adrian Hughes Photography, photography, paintings and paintings respectively. (From Mon 23 May until Sat 4 June)
Oriel Canfas
Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk Sarah Lees Slow, carefully worked – sometimes reworked – pieces, that have their origins in still life. “Each mark is a balance between improvisation and certainty,” as the artist herself puts it. (Until Sat 21 May)
Oriel Davies
The Park, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org Eifion Sven-Myer ‘Obscured Light – Misshapen Vistas’ An installation in response to the TestBed space that incorporates the play of light on mirrors, wooden structures and magnifying plastic sheets. (Until Wed 15 June) Oriel Davies Open 2016: Painting Representing the current strength of painting practice by established and emerging talent across the UK and overseas, this show will feature 32 artists, roughly a third of whom are Walesbased. (Until Wed 15 June)
Oriel Joanna Field
Torch Theatre, St. Peter’s Road, Milford Haven. Free. 01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk Helen Stoddart ‘Pembrokeshire Landscapes’ Focusing mainly on scenes from the south of Pembrokeshire (such as Lydstep, Stackpole, Bosherston and Amroth) executed in bold, expressive brush strokes with vibrant use of colour. (From Mon 2 until Sat 28 May)
Oriel Mwldan
Bath House Rd, Cardigan. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free. 01239 621200 / helena@ mwldan.co.uk Jessica Lloyd Jones ‘A Chemical Process’ Responses to geological landscapes such as coal mines, using materials that include coal, iron oxide and plant life as the basis for photographic, sculptural and 2D work. (Until Sat 11 June)
Oriel Myrddin
Church Lane, Carmarthen. 01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Cecile Johnson Soliz ‘Made Up’ Soliz draws, paints and makes sculptural forms, and in combining these processes she creates objects that encourage us to wonder. Techniques such as wrapping, to-ing and fro-ing, knotting, folding, crisscrossing, winding are all present in her latest exhibition. (Until Sat 21 May)
Oriel Q
The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqueenshallgallery. org.uk Welsh Illustration And Design A mixed show by school pupils, students, and professional illustrators in the main gallery and Oriel Fach. Stairs: work by year-12 students from Sir Thomas Picton School. 3D area: assorted ceramics and jewellery by students and well-known artists. (Until Sat 4 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 A Look Inside / Edrychiad I Fewn Group exhibition by BA Art Practice Year 2 students at the University Of South Wales. Showing in the gallery and Brecon building. (From Thurs 5 until Thurs 12 May) Graduate Festival Group exhibition by BA Art Practice Year 3 students at the University Of South Wales. Showing in the gallery and across campus. (From Fri 27 May until Wed 15 June)
Penarth Pier Pavilion
The Esplanade, Penarth. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2071 2100 / info@ penarthpavilion.co.uk Open Art Exhibition Second annual exhibition of this nature here following 2015’s popular debut, this will be drawn from work by “all BUZZ 57
clubs types of artists, craftspeople, designers, film makers or performers” who were invited to submit their works. (Until Wed 11 May) South Wales Art Society 129th Annual Exhibition This year’s showing from Wales’ oldest art society, founded in 1886. (From Thurs 18 May until Sun 19 June)
The Riverfront
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids. 01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Royal Society Of Marine Artists Featuring approximately 70 works by members and associates, all of which are for sale. (Until Sun 12 June)
Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport. Mon-Sat 10am8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Free. 01633 656757. Walking The Dog Photography exhibition, also featuring workshops, that’s part of Gwanwyn – a month-long national festival held across Wales in May, celebrating creativity in older age. (From Mon 9 until Tue 31 May)
Theatr Hafren
St Donats Arts Centre
Tower Gallery
St Donats Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. Free. 01446 779100 / www.stdonats.com
Emily Heard ‘Celebrating Colour’ Bright colours capture a fairytale-like world – vivid, playful, and glowingly expressive yet light-hearted. (From Thurs 5 until Mon 30 May)
Swansea Grand Theatre
Singleton St, Swansea. MonSat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www.swanseagrand.co.uk University of Wales Trinity Saint David Work from BA Hons Graphic Design and BA Hons Illustration graduates. (From Tue 3 May until Fri 3 June)
Swansea Museum
Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 653763 / www. swanseamuseum.co.uk Artists Of Berllan Las Work by a Pontardawe-originated group called the Blue Orchard Group; the artists in question here are Hilary Bryanston, Sue Mann, Phillip Jacobs, Andy Wardrop, Tim Grant, Bruce Risdon and Rhiannon Jones. (Until Sun 19 June) Mining Jsef Herman A display of some of the work which resulted from the collaboration between the Tate’s Transforming Tate Britain: Archives And Access project and The Josef Herman Art Foundation. (From Sat 21 May until Sun 10 July)
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 The Sacred Yew An exhibition of paintings, ceramics and photography by Janis Fry, Valerie James and Paul Greenwood, respectively a painter, sculptor and photographer. They explore the theme of the Yew, also know as the Tree Of Life. (Until Sat 7 May) The Welsh Group A variety of works from artists including Robert Macdonald, Sue Roberts, Alan Salisbury, Thomasin Toohie and Jean Walcot. (From Fri 13 May until Sat 18 June)
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Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / boxoffice@theatrhafren. co.uk Neyla Grady A body of work inspired by the marriage of art and language, Grady invites us to use the words exhibited as a springboard for creative observation. (Until Fri 20 May) 49 High Street, Crickhowell. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01873 812495 / www.towergallery.co.uk Robert Macdonald Paintings and prints from an artist who is currently Chair of the Royal Watercolour Society Of Wales and a director of the Swansea Print Workshop. Also showing work by all members of the Usk Valley Artists’ Co-operative. (Until Sat 7 May) Kay Leverton Original scraperboards, prints and mixed media work from a selftaught artist known for her detailed designs from the natural world. Also showing work by all members of the Usk Valley Artists’ Co-operative. (From Wed 11 May until Sat 18 June)
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. David Haswell One-man show featuring paintings and framed prints of landscapes including the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. (Until Sat 21 May) Janette Goringe & Kate Andrew Joint exhibition from two sisters. (From Fri 27 May until Sat 2 July)
Wales Millennium Centre
Bute Place, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2063 6464 / www. wmc.org.uk *Helen Bur ‘Thinking Caps / Scratching The Surface, 2016’ Exploring the theme of women at work, in reference to the 1940’s era as well as a modern feminist society. (Throughout May)
Workers Gallery
99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff. FriSun 10am-5pm. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail. com Fibre Art Beyond Work from fibre artists Hannah Kemp and Sarah Goodgame
of (Talgarth Mill Crafts). (Until Sat 28 May) Gayle Rogers & Chris Williams ‘Windswept’ Work in progress exhibition featuring installations, plein air sketches and sculptural responses to the changing landscape of the Rhigos Mountain area. (From Thurs 5 until Sat 14 May) Gayle Rogers & Chris Williams ‘Windswept’ Work in progress exhibition featuring installations, plein air sketches and sculptural responses to the changing landscape of the Rhigos Mountain area. (From Thurs 5 until Sat 14 May)
clubs 10 Feet Tall
11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo.co.uk Fridays Soulection 9pm3am, £3 after 10. Soul, boogie and the like from Blue Honey DJs. New night. Saturdays Under A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk, neo-soul and Motown with music from James Morgan-Rees & Alex Moxham. Sundays 10 Feet Tall Industry Night 5pm3am, free. 50% off all drinks for industry staff with this venue’s Industry card, alongside latenight Blue Honey DJs. Sun 1 A Taste Of Kaya 2pm, £6-£10. Hippy dippy festival in Margam Park previewed here with Dub Culture DJs, a Shiko drumming troupe and live sets from Natty Paynter, Tree House Fire, Roughion and The Scribes. Plus Hully Gully DJs until the wee hours.
Aberystwyth Students Union
Old College, King Street, Aberystwyth. 01970 621700 / www.aber.ac.uk
Fri 6 Summer Ball 2016
9pm-3am, £40 adv. Apparently anyone can go to this, not just students, so if you fancy seeing DJ Fresh, Everything Everything, Luvbug (aka Marvin Humes), 5ive, Rewire & Varski and Jaguar Skills, with many more acts TBC, step this way. See Clubs.
The Angel Inn
57-59 Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth. 01970 617878. Fri 6 Rhythm’n’Bass 11pm4am. “Extreme bassage” from the Gemini Twins plus many more TBC. Sun 1 Junglist Dub Club 11pm-4am, £3. Jon1st, a DJ who won a DMC title I am informed, headlnes over Fujin, Dark Fada, Neurotik and residents.
Balter Festival
Secret location, Monmouthshire. www. balterfestival.com
Fri 3-Sun 5 June Balter Festival £100 adv. Third
year for this festival of jungle, breakcore, free party/‘tek’ type stuff and other soundtracks to rotting one’s bladder. Here’s the lineup, which took up half of thos page before I formatted it. The Caravan (punk, ska etc): Los Albertos, The Carny Villains, Inner Terrestrials, The Autonomads, Captain Hotknives, Faintest Idea, Ed
Cox, Mad Apple Circus, Jake & The Jellyfish, The Rev Schnider & The Band Of Angels, Chris The Poet and Marmalady & The Pasty Smashers. Jigsore (hardcore and breakcore): Hellfish, Drumcorps, Slipmatt, Detest, FFF, Feyder, Aaron Spectre, Jerome Hill, Mattycore, Monster X, Junglord, Humb, Katch Pyro, Scheme Boy, Vocoda, J Man, Dub Liner, Omen Breaks, Dr..Um, Killabomb, Psykosis, Pants & Socks, Osh Kosh, Spacedocker, E-coli, Default, T-Menace, Raggamortis, Doomham and MC Noia. The Black House Hex: DJ Hazard ft Skibadee, Featurecast, Born On Road vs Chopstick Dubplate Sunday Soundclash (Stivs, Kelvin 373, Gold Dubs & Lion Art vs Aries, Jacky Murda, Sunday Lion & Cheshire Cat), Father Funk, Don Johnston, Mr Traumatik, Sebby T, Boundary, Spectrum and Rogue One. Tremor Soundsystem & Swing N Tings Takeover: Bear Twists, Leo, DIB and Usagi Drop & Offbeat. The Drawing Room (jungle, tek and neuro): Ragga Terror Front & Monkey Business Soundsystem, Wan Bushi, Audiotist, Mr Bad Monkey, Tropmanga, Bman and Els In Wonderland. Amen4Tekno: Mandidextrous, Stivs, C3B, Heatzy, Major Upset, Slinks, Matt:Scratch and Ruff Tek & T-Menace. Bris-Tek: DLR, Amoss, Mikal, Gerra & Stone, Onset, Subtle Element, General Waste, Breakforce One, M1dlet, Danger Marc, Circus Brekovic, Doc, Simply Dread, Vincent Van Sloth, Thrackh, Pixl, Lady Lox, Gizmode b2b Breakwhore, Leeroy and Lemon Girl. Neverlution Soundsystem: Brew Machine, Tapeworm, BooGhost and TMG. Rigurgitate Soundsystem: Ruckus, Shortson, Muzzy, Mole Eyes and DJ Gary Glitter. Balkanical Circus: The Turbans, Buffo’s Wake, Manushka, The Balkan Bandits, Disco Panther, The Rubber Duck Orchestra and The Piratones. 24hr Garage Girls: DJ Luck & MC Neat, MC Kie, Phatworld, Thorpey, Deadbeat, Gash, Cellardore & MC Stavros, Hadean, Fiyahman, Wit!?, Womble, Ali Monsta, Riffs, DJ Shosh, Mustard Gunn, Iller Instinct, Prude LeRude, Wonka & Syn, WamJam, Detrivore, DJ Fukrag, Inflatable Fuhrur and MC Dert Bagginz. SIKA studios: Klashnekoff. SIKA Records Grime Division showcase: Devilman, Skinzmann, Bru C and Danja. SIKA Records Hip Hop Squad showcase: Wordsmiff Flip & Spitfire, Omus One, 420 and Chedeye Knights.RLD showcase: Leaf Dog & BVA, Smellington Piff, Jack Jetson, Team Dreebs, Omni Prezidents, SWMS, K-orse & Basshound, Tea Unit, Last Tree Squad, Holly Flow Lightly, Verbal Highz and Snoopydubz. Irie Bingo (reggae and dub): Mungos Hifi, Solo Banton presents Classic Wonder Veterans, Konquering Soundz, Derw Tha Damaja, Shire Roots & Blazenstein ft Joe Burn, Roots Factory ft. Frankie Dread, Freshly Baked ft Snoopy, Reason Sound, Gwarn Owl, King Bolo, Frenchy, Hezit, Dub Et Al and Rugga & Rusta. BuckyHam Palace: Mood Swings, Jenova Collective, Dephicit & Summer Bright, Extra Spectrum, Shamen, Ezee and Key-lo. Long Live The Animals: AlkM-E, Wonkrete, Alternate and Funkstain b2b Drake Mallard. 12:34 Productions: Monroller Pull Up Collective, Dubtime, Subcriminal, King Long Ting, Earl Grey, Supa Ape, Daddy Long Legs, The Silly Tang, Waggles, Buster, Black Orchid,
Itoa, Ile Flottante, Ivory & Sust, Jungle Jewce, More or Less and Kane & Abels. The Dutty Disco: Chinstroke Records, DJ Detweiler, Armand Van Hard On, Wit!?, The G.S.C, Shut Up FM, Mademoiselle Carousel, Ras Nukem, The Cool Willy Brothers, Gavoc, Minghead, Barry Von Weedhousen and BlueSisters5.
Blind Tiger
49 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 243500. Fridays Shake It Off Alternative anthems, poppunk, hardcore and guilty pleasures. Saturdays Koncept & Friends House, techno and bass music with guest DJs, breaking producers and residents from Wales’ freshest nights.
Buffalo
11 Windsor Place, Cardiff. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-3am, Fri + Sat 11am-4am, Sun until 4am. 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff.com Mondays Bump & Grind 10pm-3am, £4/£3 before 11.30. 90s r’n’b/hip-hop night. Thurs 5 The Manor 10pm-4am, £5 adv. New night of grime, drum’n’bass and bassline from Brummie MCs Sox and Lil Choppa, plus Fielding, Styx and Mr L.A.. Thurs 19 Leng It Down 9pm-3am, £10 adv. Stickylemons present a night of ragga jungle badness (meaning goodness), from Top Cat, Mr Traumatik, Gavin Woo, DJ Truth/Uprising Sound System, Mace, Chew, Bason, Paradoxxx, Joe Blow, Slim Teng, Big Ron and Ben Britton. Fri 6 Aperture 10pm-4am, £5-£10. Hospital Records stalwart Logistics headlines this one, alongside Max Long, Format, Fluidity, Static, Ohms and XL. Saturdays Shindig 10pm4am, £3. Pop, chart, funk and soul from residents over two floors. Drinks deals. *Sun 29 Format 10pm-4am, £5-£12. Berlin-based techno/house fellow Sven Weisemann visits Cardiff for the first time in yonks. Nice one. Kofi Tarris, Scott Kerr, Butch Queen and Ross Anderson back him up.
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. Sun 29 Boxlife 10pm, £8 adv. Alex Arnout, a London
house head with ties to the Hot Creations label, comes to Swaznia on this bank holiday.
Clwb Ifor Bach
Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Thurs 26 Brooklyn Zoo 10.30pm-4am, £3-£5. Current and classic hip-hop alike. Fridays (bottom) Zerox 10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 NUS. A “party jukebox” night. With DJs, though, not an actual jukebox. Fri 13 Bullion 11pm-4am, £13. Big booking for drum’n’bass heads in the form of Logan D and MC Bassman. Fri 20 Journey 10pm, £5-£10. Main room: trance/hard trance classics from S.H.O.K.K, Marc West & Andy Bagguley and Richie Knight b2b Joe Byrne. Room 2: Journey Presents Back To The Vinyl with Hywel Matthews, Tom The Winner b2b Lanie, P.Midi, Franko and Fattman b2b Salted Slug. See Clubs. *Fri 3 June C-Y-N-T 10pm, £12 adv. First showing in Cardiff since, er, a few years ago for genre-shifting UK dance fave Joy Orbison. See Clubs. Saturdays Dirty Pop 10pm-4am, £5. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter's proper disco. Sun 1 Slice 10.30pm, £4/£3. Another instalment of this pop-punk house party. Although they called it a pizza party last time. You used to be able to buy pizza in this venue, a very long time ago. Sun 29 Cellar Door 10pm-4am, £10. Another bank holiday house and techno party from regular indulgers in such things.
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 Sunday Sessions DJs til late and the weekend’s sports highlights.
Dempseys
Castle Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 9253 / www. dempseyscardiff.com Thursdays (downstairs) Twisted By Design 9.30pm2am, free. Weekly night along the lines of the Saturday lineups. 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 4 June Fabulous 9pm-2am, £4. Mod, ska, reggae, indie, R&B, funk, boogaloo and northern soul, running here for the mods since the 90s.
Face 11
105 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff. 029 2022 8221 / www.face11.co.uk Fridays DJ 45 Free. Funk, soul, hip-hop and more, or “poppin’ funk and funkin’
clubs pop” as the tagline goes.
Fuel
5 Womanby Street, Cardiff. 07970 063107 / www. facebook.com/fuelcardiff Thursdays FUBAR 10pm2am. Rock, metal and alternative clubnight. Fridays + Saturdays Rock and metal anthems each weekend, plus special guests when such types are in town. Sun 1 May Bank Holiday Party 9pm4am, £4. This will feature pole dancers and burlesque performers apparently.
The Full Moon / The Moon Club
Womanby Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3022 / info@ thefullmooncardiff.com Wed 18 Brian Wilson Pre/ Afterparty 5pm, free. DJs Shelley Norton and Liam Curtin play classic and rare Beach Boys vinyl. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Free. DJ Puddlefunk with bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between. e down for a session tonight. Sat 14 Killing Moon 11pm, £4. Nght celebrating 80s alternative music. Sat 21 The Hold Up 9pm, £6.50 adv. Monthly hip-hop night, with its May lineup TBC right now.
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). Fridays Smack. 9pm-3am. This night has moved from, er, some other Cardiff club, I can’t be arsed looking up which one. Saturdays Vanity 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed. Sat 14 has Kenzie out of Blazin’ Squad as the special guest. Sat 7 Glam Rooftop 4-11pm, £15 adv. Cadenza Records’ house maestro Andrea Oliva, who helms a big night in Ibiza (aren’t they all), plays this venue’s first rooftop rave of 2016. It looks to be sold out though. Sun 1 The Mayfair Sessions 9pm-3am. First bank holiday Sunday is a house crowdpleaser, with DJ Russke, CJ iDJ and Darrell Privett. Sun 29 Kisstory 9pm-3am. With special guests Romeo and Harvey out of So Solid.
The Globe
125 Albany Road, Cardiff. 07590 471888 / www. globecardiffmusic.com Fri 6 DJ Yoda 8-11pm, £6 adv. Audiovisual hip-hop cutup goofball returns to Cardiff. Don’t know the specific details of his set yet but there's usually a kind of theme I think?
Gwdihw
6 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk Fri 13 Superchango Takeover 9pm-2.30am, £4/£3 adv. With a classic funk set this month. Fri 20 Cafe A Go Go 9pm, £4. Groovy mod sounds of all types plus a live set from Red Jam. Fri 27
Pleasuredome 9pm-2.30am, £5/£3 before 11. Conroy, Deemo and Teoman play the electronic music of the 80s. Sat 7 Blue Honey 9pm, £3. Modern disco and electro from Van Pelt and Veto. Sat 14 Awesome Tunes From Africa 9pm, £4. Live music from Darbuka plus Sure Shot, Fat City and Club Tropicana DJs. Sat 21 Mise En Bouche 9pm. DJing from Gidge and Toclifrench. Sat 28 Hully Gully v Hashtag Unity 9pm, £4. With Dolenz and Dan Jose representing from the latter group. Sun 29 Delete 1pm, £15/£12. See Clubs for more on this soldout day of house and techno. Gerd Janson and Jeremy Underground are the special guests; Matt Owen, Marc Parsons and Lee Graves the residents.
Jacob’s Market
West Canal Wharf, Cardiff. 029 2039 0939. Sun 29 Babylon Rooftop Party 3-10pm, £15 adv. Annual student-centric event offers a day of tunes from residents and guests; special cocktails; face painting and an afterparty somewhere thrown in with the price. All sold out sorry.
Ladybird
41 St Mary St, Cardiff. 029 2066 5500 / info@ ladybirdcardiff.com / www. ladybirdcardiff.com Wednesdays Cheeky 10pm-4am, £2. Tickets are £2, drinks (some of them) are £2 and there are two rooms of music. Thursdays Propaganda 10pm-4am, £4. UK-wide indie night’s Cardiff wing. You can tell it’s the Cardiff one becuse they list Stereophonics first on the list of bands likely to be played. Fridays Mi Casa 10pm-4am. House and techno every week, often with some pretty big names. They never announce them in time for these listings though. 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. Sun 1 is a bank holiday special, whatever that may entail.
The Lounge
6 Market Street, Newport. 01633 259144 / www. facebook.com/ theloungenewport Fridays Flashback Signature cocktails and a selection of retro-centric grooves from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Saturdays Live:Lounge Air guitar anthems and indie classics, along with live bands whose names you can hopefully find in the Live Music listings. Sun 1 The Meze Reunion: May Ball Alternative, drum’n’bass, indie and rock featuring a DJ set by members of the band Hacktivist.
Mary's
89 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am. 029 2066 8647 / www.maryscardiff. co.uk
Sundays Mary’s Mad Sundays 12pm-1am, free. Cabaret and cocktails with Mary Mac.
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 Freespirit 9.30pm-3.30am, £3 with flyer before 10.30pm. Drinks promos, no dress code. Rock, punk, metal and alternative beats. Saturdays Cherry Bomb 9.30pm3.30am. Indie, electroclash (!) and good time rock’n’roll.
Minskys Show Bar
Cathedral Walk, St David’s Centre, Cardiff. 029 2023 3128 / www.minskysshowbar.com Fridays & Saturdays 8pm1am. Dancing and cabaret with regular drag acts including Tina Sparkle, Miss Babs and Jolene Dover.
Missoula
84-86 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 1315 / www.missoulabars.co.uk/ missoulacardiff Fridays Unfunkinbelievable Half price drinks from 5-10pm. What I find ‘unfunkinbelievable’ is that there’s a club night called ‘Unfunkinbelievable’ in the year 2016. Saturdays ‘Miss’ Behaviour Music, cocktails, party. All these things are found here.
The Neon
Clarence Place, Newport. 01633 533666 / www. theneon.co.uk Sun 29 Hed Kandi 9.30pm3am, £8 adv. Featuring DJ sets from Kisch and Tom Da Lips, plus hundreds of women who look exactly like the drawings on the Hed Kandi compilation albums. Or your money back.
Penarth Ex-Servicemens Club
69 Windsor Rd, Penarth. 029 2070 7530 / www. penarthexservicemensclub. co.uk Sat 21 Penarth Soul Club 7.30pm-12.30am, £3 adv. A night of classic soul, northern soul etc, at this venue every other month (July, September and November are still to come).
Popworld
96 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Mon, Tue + Thurs 9pm3am; Wed 8pm-3am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 1pm-3am. 029 2023 5825. Mondays Candy Pop Karaoke 9pm, free. Does what it says in the tin I guess. Wednesdays Giggle Free before 12. Student night. Thursdays Poptails. 9pm-3am. Non-stop pop with DJ Lyndon and 2-4-1 cocktails deals. Fridays + Saturdays Until 3am. Drinks deals from 5-11pm (Fri) and 3-8pm (Sat).
Popworld
Wind Street, Swansea. MonFri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676. Tuesdays 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 Fridays + Saturdays 10pm3am. 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 10pm4am. 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.
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. Fridays + Saturdays 9pm3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.
The Robin Hood
16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 029 2037 8829 / www. robinhoodbar.co.uk Sat 7 + Sat 4 June Totally Mod For It Free. Every first Saturday of the month, DJ 45 presents an evening of 60s/70s beat, rhythm & blues, soul, ska, 80s/90s Britpop and 2-tone.
Room 112
3-6 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 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.
Mocka Lounge
Mill Lane, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 11am-late. 029 2022 1295 / www.mockalounge.com Thursdays The Social Affair 9pm-3am. Over-25s night with chart hits through the ages. Fridays Timeless DJ Dan Nicholas plays r’n’b, funk, disco and old skool. Just old skool. Saturdays Decorum Soulful and upfront house, plus funk, disco etc, from Sinky and Styles. Sundays VIP Chris Evans (My Playhouse) plays club classics, funky house and r’n’b.
Monkey Bar
13 Castle Street, Swansea. 01792 480822 / www. monkeycafe.co.uk Wednesdays Drop 10pm4am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, house, garage, jungle and grime. Fridays Dime 10pm6am, £5/£3 before 12 or with a Kon Tiki stamp. Hip-hop, grime, house and drum’n’bass. Saturdays Get Busy £3 with a Kon Tiki stamp. Funk, soul, hip-hop, Motown, boogie and party. Sat 7 has Fatman Scoop shouting in the headline role (£13.50 adv/£10 early bird).
Mozarts
Walter Road, Swansea. 01792 649984 / www. mozartsswansea.co.uk Fri 6 Hip-Drop 8pm-3am. Mod, Stax, reggae and northern soul. Fri 13 Yum Yum Club 8pm-3am. Funk, soul, reggae, disco and hip-hop. Sat 7 Rewind 8pm-2.30am, free before 12. Nineties revival night.
AL KENT Groove Theory @ Undertone, Cardiff, Fri 6 Feb Tickets: £8. Info: 029 2022 8883 / www.10feettallco.uk Among the many disco edit specialists whose star has risen in the last decade or so, Glaswegian Al Kent commands a high level of respect. He’s also a producer and label owner, putting dozens of 12”s out on his Million Dollar Disco label since the late 90s, as well as two artist albums with whomping kitchen-sink production. In recent years, he’s become more renowned for his collection, and his ability to tinker with it – his mixes of classic-but-obscure disco gems are plentiful online and prized on CD, while the edits he’s committed to vinyl mostly go for tidy sums. And now Groove Theory are having him play Cardiff for the first time, and they promise he’ll be a solid gold crowdpleaser with a box of both rarities and mega-famous classics.
BUZZ 59
events events@thesceneclub.co.uk / www.thesceneclub.co.uk Sat 7 + Sat 4 June Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month. Sun 29 Delusion 10pm-4.30am, £15/£12 adv. Trance classics in room 1 from Big Al, Rob Davies, Rhys Thomas, Jonny Griffiths, Callan Christie and Nic Lawson; house and techno in room 2 from Jamie Hernandez, Paul McLoughin,
Way, Sounds Of Harlowe, Dephicit & Summer Bright, The Inexplicables, Mount Nakara, Solana, Manushka, Mr Tea & The Minions, Captain Accident & The Disasters, Lounge Cat Ideals, Kieran & The Iguanas, Offbeat, D.I.B (aka Trafic & Twitchee), Habitus And Osmo. DJs: Distro & Twitchee, Gerra & Stone, Ed Cox, Leeroy, Vinyl Junkie, Rachael Ec, Father Funk, Sharkman, Phibes, X-ray Ted, Broken Eye, Marcus Allen, Kotch, Bear Twists, Selecta J-Man, Pull
The soul (and related genres) cratediggers known as Penarth Soul Club have five nights lined up in the Ex-Servicemens Club, Penarth, during 2016. This month's instalment is on Sat 21 May, with Shelley Norton and Liam Curtin behind the decks.
Liam Evans and Lloyd Haines.
Sin City
Dilwyn Street, Swansea. 01792 468892 / www. sincityclub.co.uk Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am, £3/£2 before 12. Funk, soul, Motown and hip-hop. Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm-3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30. Indie in room 1, metal in room 2. Saturdays Sink 10pm-3am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South.
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. Wednesdays Replay 10pm, £5/£4. The official sports night of the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Thursdays Clique 10pm, £4. New night promising the hottest r’n’b and dancefloor fillers. Saturdays Soiree 9pm4am. 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.
Subsonic Festival
Location TBC, Usk. www. subsonicweekender.co.uk
Fri 6-Sun 8 Subsonic Weekender £70/£65. This
used to be called Gearfest and professes to offer funk, soul, reggae, ska, folk, balkan, house, techno, old skool. disco, breaks, drum’n’bass, old skool, glitch-hop, acid house, hiphop, electroswing, psybreaks, jungle and psytrance. Yikes! Here’s who’s playing. Live: Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, First Degree Burns, Magnus Major, Crinkle Cuts, Ushti Baba, Will Tun & The Wasters, Million BUZZ 60
Up Collective, King Long Ting, Octo Pi, Cantle Ft. Trafic Mc, Shosh Osh Begosh , Wamjam, Ned Kelly, Das Butcher, DJ Hiphoppopotamus, Omega Flight, Itoa, Stitch, Hookline & Sinker, Pedeadstrian, Blokeye, Effigy, Error One, Weeeble, String Live b2b Bates, Worm Disco Club, Mobility, Jon Birch, Digital Danboi, Royal, Circe’s Diner, Only Takes A Day, The Happy Few, And Benny B (hosting Poetry Slam. MCs: Remidy, Trafic, Twitchee, Y Dott and Dirt Bagginz.
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. Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 10pm3am, £5/£3.50. Exclusive midweek student party, now transferred from Revolution. You don’t need NUS to get in though. 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. Sun 1 Shotgun Rules Old Skool Bank Holiday Sunday 10pm-3am, £4 adv. They claim that “Prices are slashed back to what you would expect from decades ago” but this is basically untrue even if the number of decades in this case is one.
Tramshed
Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff. 0117 9259273 / www.tramshedcardiff.com Sun 1 Shangri-La 2pm12am, £20 adv. House promoters with a hefty lineup for their bank holiday alldayer: Joris Voorn, Yousef, Kydus and residents Nic Saunders, Lee Charnock, Adam Carey,
Caracal & Eben Rees, James Coughlin & Josh Green, Josh Thomas, Dave Eaves and Puff Richards. Room 2: The Lighthouse Project present Tom Francis, Stu Gray, Ben Fowler, Nicky Cursio and Lewis Elsey.
Undertone (basement of 10 Feet Tall)
11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Fri 6 Groove Theory 10pm, £8 adv. With a headline set by Al Kent, disco edit don. Fri 13 Castles Nights 10pm, £5. Techno from Edu Franco (Spain), Corey Lewis and Dai Murder. Fri 20 Selecta 11pm, £7/£5. Leeson, Onslaught and Woo Ha serve up classic garage and grime. Fri 27 Temple 10pm-4am, £7 adv. Monthly drum’n’bass night, launching the Outlook Festival in some context but with a TBC lineup. Sat 7 Zanzibar 10pm, £7. The guys behind Temple launch a new night with Jus Now, a UK/ Trinidad duo who combine drum’n’bass, UK bass music and soca, if you can imagine that. Sat 14 Gangster’s Paradise 11pm, £5/£3 before 11.30. Pre-2010 hip-hop and r’n’b night. Sat 21 Rotary Club 10pm-4am, £5/£3 before 12. Disco, house and boogie. Sat 28 Cardiff’s Finest 10pm-4am. House and techno from Matt Bailyes b2b Adam Ward, Dale Rankmore, Masy, Manifest and Matthew Griffin. Sun 1 + Sun 29 Move On Up 10pm, £5/£4. Funk, soul, Motown, disco and swing.
Unit
Neath Road, Swansea. www.facebook.com/ events/1708523832750187
Sat 14 Strictly Techno Warehouse Party 8pm-3am,
£10 adv. Featuring sets from Blap (live), Luke Winds, Blake Parker, Jason Wilkinson, Lewis Elsey b2b Nicky Hewitt, Sam Balla b2b Sean Morris and Rhys Jenkins, plus a quality soundsystem. See Clubs.
The Vaults
The Old Natwest Bank, 113116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents.com Sun 1 Memorex 10pm5am, £15-£25. The Martinez Brothers headline the main room for this big house bank holiday banker. Haematoma, Scott Kerr, Sinky and JV are also in there; room 2 has Lucas Alexander b2b Incus, Griff b2b Pat Hickey, Masy b2b Drew Watkins, Josh Tarrant b2b Alex Taylor, Ryan Howells b2b Kurtis Simpson, Ross Powel b2b Gatesy and Teri Simmonds. The Banking Hall has Gareth Hopkins, Terry Hardwicke and Mike Touhey. This looks to be sold out though.
Warehouse 54
Cambrian Rd, Newport. 01633 259144 / www.wh54. com Friday Aloha! Live sessions and drinks deals early on; club classics from residents later. Saturdays Old Skool Saturdays R’n’b, hip-hop and urban classics from Mr Ifsta and others. Sun 1 The May Ball Featuring a guest set from Radio 1’s dancehall selector Seani B.
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 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.
X Music Festival
Bute Park, Cardiff. www. xmusicfest.com
Fri 3 + Sat 4 June X Music Festival 2016 £44-
£64. Second year of a dancecentric festival which looked a bit shakey, shall we say, in its preamble last year, then actually did OK in the end, and is back for 2016. Pretty strong lineup too (schedule TBC): Annie Mac, Craig David’s TS5, Flume, Stormzy, Andy C, Hannah Wants, Eats Everything, Snakehips, Blonde, Redlight, Shy FX, 99 Souls, Barely Legal, Big Narstie, D Double E, Preditah, TQD (aka Royal T, DJ Q and Flava D), B Traits, Bodhi, Friction, Jackmaster, Jasper James, My Nu Leng & Dread MC, Waze & Odyssey, Astroid Boys, Dellux, Digital Farm Animals, Kideko, Nvoy, Uniiqu3, Culture Shock, Dimension, Hazard, The Prototypes, Rene Lavice and Sasasas.
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. Runs until Mon 23 May; no classes on Mon 2 May. Bharatanatyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting The Plum Tree, Canton, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. A friendly social group offering the chance to “liven up your social life and meet new friends” through a varied events programme including theatre, live music, walks, badminton, table tennis and pub nights. More info at www. cardiffivc.org.uk. Cardio Climb Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. High intensity workout combing cardio and climbing. Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff. 7.4510.45pm, £7/£5 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. Sessions for a
dance style billed as a combo of salsa, ballroom, hip-hop, tango and jive. Runs until Mon 23 May; no classes on Mon 2 May. Children’s Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 4-7.30pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Ages 4-6 4pm; 6-8 4.45; grade 1 5.45; grade 3 6.45. Runs until Mon 23 May; no classes on Mon 2 May. 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. 6-7pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com. Every Monday. India Dance Wales Classes Highmead House, Lisvane, Cardiff. Info 029 2075 1158. For Grade 3 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. Making Music The Gate, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £7-£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. Runs until Mon 23 May; no classes on Mon 2 May. 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. Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 7.30-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285. One of the largest badminton clubs in South East Wales. Monday club nights have coaching with Carissa Turner, the current Ladies Welsh number one, for juniors and then senior club members. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today features Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 4.30-6pm); Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 5-6pm); Flying Trapeze L3 (6-8pm); Aerial Hoop L3 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L3 (6-8pm); Aerial Yoga (6.15-7.45pm); Aerial Hoop L2 (8-10pm); Flying Trapeze L1 (8-10pm); Static Trapeze L4 (8-10pm) and Flexibility (8-9.30pm). Taking place in a new venue for 2016. 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 Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745 / info@burlesquecardiff.co.uk. Mixed ability class with Steph;
please bring your own mat. Pilates The Gate, Cardiff. 10.30am-1.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Gentle fitness for the first hour, general for the second two. Runs until Mon 23 May; no classes on Mon 2 May. 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. Begins on Mon 11 Apr.. Ruff Folk Dance Club St Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Birchgrove, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2051 3440. With Ian Lewis. Salsa Classes Mischiefs, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/ intermediate. St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm. Info 01446 799100. Choir rehearsals. 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. Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. On tomorrow also. Yoga With Valerie Price St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-9.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works.co.uk. 6.30-8pm: intermediate; 8.109.30pm: beginners.
EVERY TUESDAY
A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-11pm. Info 01495 243252. Acrobalance The Gate, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £7/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Combining elements of partner lifts, poses and transitions that involve two and sometimes more people. Runs until Tue 24 May. Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday. Advanced Belly Dance Cardiff Central Youth Club, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 5.306.45pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745. With Steph. 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. Runs until Tue 24 May. Beth’s Buns Pilates Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Bring It Pong 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. New weekly session of table tennis, with two tables in the main bar (little known fact: table tennis is
events one of the best games to play while drinking). Circus Skills The Riverfront, Newport. 7-8.30pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. For ages 14 and up. Contemporary Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £5-£6.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8. Runs until Tue 24 May. Extend The Gate, Cardiff. 11am, £2.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Exercise to music, aimed at over-60s and people with a disability. Runs until Tue 24 May. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm. Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk. Boxing-based highintensity 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 – Bharatanatyam Classes Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5-6pm. Info 07410 977427. Beginners’ class. India Dance Wales Classes Rubicon Dance, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to grade 2 and for all ages and abilities. Irish Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 5.15-8.15pm, £6.50/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Kids 5.15-6.15; adult beginners 6.15-7.15; adult advanced 7.15-8.15. Runs until Tue 24 May. 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. Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www.sparklylaughter.co.uk. “No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers. Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style JK Club, Neath Rd, Briton Ferry. 8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted by Frank, who also runs a similar class in Pencoed each Thursday. Lessons are from 8-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. Life Drawing 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5.30-7pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. There’s also an irregular meetup session afterwards where you can all go to the cinema (Capitol Centre) for £3. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea. 6-10pm. Info 01792 475147. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Ground Skills – Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Youth Circus Padawans (age 9-11, 4.306pm); Hula Hoop (6-7pm);
Performance (7-9pm); Circus Mishmash (6-8pm); Beginners Aerial L1 (8-10pm) and Static Trapeze L2 (8-10pm). 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. Pilates And Stretch Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 8-9pm, £6/£25 for five sessions. Info 07872 306745 / info@burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Steph; bring your own mat please. Pilates: Beginners The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Begins on Tue 12 Apr. Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk. Salsa Classes Kapu, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners’ class starts 7.30pm; improvers 8.30; bachata 9.30. Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £5. Info 07949 270618. Every Tuesday. Beginners 7.15-8pm; Improvers 8.30-9.30pm; dancing 9.45-10.30pm. 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. 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, £9. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi. Yoga Share M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 5-7pm, £4 (suggested donation). Info 029 2047 3373. Led by Ashtanga practitioner Sarah Cleary. Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday and Wednesday. Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth. 8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@ yoga-works.co.uk. Mixed level class. Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Fairwater Social & Athletic Club, Cardiff. 6-7pm. Info 07891 712344. Led by Irene Davies, as is... Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes St Faith Church Hall, Llanishen, Cardiff. 8-9pm. Info 07891 712344.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048
4880. A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252. Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm, £30 (five weeks). Info 01633 656757. Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea. 7.45pm-12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Contemporary Dance Youth Session The Gate, Cardiff. 5pm, £3-£6. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Wed 25 May. Creepy Carmarthen The Guildhall, Carmarthen (starting point). 7pm, £7.50/£5. Info 01267 231557. Take a trip through Carmarthen’s ‘horrible history’ and meet murderers and their victims; visit the sites of grisly executions; discover dark secrets from bygone days - and find out where ghosts walk. Every week until Sept 28. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Wake Up Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.15-8am, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com. 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 Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Acrobatics Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Adult Acrobatics (6-8pm); Creative Aerial L3+ (8-10pm). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Pilates The Gate, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Advanced fitness session. Runs until Wed 25 May. 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, 1-2.15pm + 7-9pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. Yoga Trwy Gyfrwng Y Gymraeg Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works. co.uk. Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea. 5.30pm, £3.50. Info 07914 683534. Zumba Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 6pm, £4. Info 07949 270618.
EVERY THURSDAY
Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Alexander Technique & Yoga M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16/£80 for six sessions. Info 029 2047 3373. Art Club Penarth Pier Pavilion. 4.15-5.15pm, £5. Info 0844 8700887. Creative fun for 5-11-year-olds with tutor Becky. Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Children 6-11 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4-5pm, £4.95. Info 07837 937351. Bingo Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Biodanza Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £6/£5. Info antoinette@ biodanza4all.com. “A fusion of music, movement and feeling” taught here by Antoinette Lorraine. Breakdance The Riverfront, Newport. 6.15-7pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. Learn break dancing styles, uprock, freezes and power moves. For ages 8-18. Ceroc Dance Class Lysaght Institute, Newport. 7.3010.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252.
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. Hard Côr Japan Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Join the Centre’s urban choir who blend choral singing with hip-hop. Every Thursday and Saturday; contact takepart@wmc.org.uk for further details. Hatch The Riverfront, Newport. 4.30pm, £8 per session/£60 per term. Info 01633 656757. New youth theatre programme organised by the Tin Shed Theatre Co. Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style Pencoed Rugby Club. 8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted by Frank. Lessons are from 8-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. Newport Badminton Club Newport Active Living Centre. 7.30-9.30pm. Info 07789 965285. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Flying Trapeze L1/2 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L2 (6-8pm); Ropes & Silks L2 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L3 (8-10pm); Ropes & Silks L3 + 4 (8-10pm).
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 / sarasclasses4@ gmail.com. Every Thursday. Salsa Buena Class Little Shop Of Calm, Cowbridge. 8.30-10.30pm, free. Info 07800 565651. Beginners 8.30pm; improvers 9.30. Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5. Info 07949 270618. Beginners 7.158pm; improvers 8.30-9.30pm; Rueda 9.45-10.30pm. 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. Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, Parc-Le-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more. 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
TY HAFAN RAINBOW RUN Eastern Promenade, Barry Island (registration point), Sat 7 May Entry fee: £12 (free to spectate). Info: www.rainbowrunwales.co.uk Following a triumphant set of Rainbow Runs in 2015, which saw upwards of 4,000 charitable folk perambulate around a 5km course getting doused in powder paint, Welsh children’s hospice Ty Hafan are doing much the same this year. The first Rainbow Run took place in Swansea last month, and prior to events in Tredegar and Pendine (July and September respectively), the seaside vistas of Barry Island will be brightened up on the first Saturday in May. Don a white t-shirt, one which you don’t mind being subjected to a Technicolor spattering; raise at least £50 in sponsorship beforehand (or £20 if you’re under 16); turn up at 11.30am to register and you’re good to go.
BUZZ 61
events
Things are definitely looking up on the live music scene this month and, with the plethora of good music on offer throughout the month, dedicated gig goers will be a whole lot poorer by the time June comes around. May also marks the unofficial start of the festival season and here in Wales there are a few to choose from including the Tredegar House International Festival Of Music & Dance, featuring among others, Calan, Jez Lowe and Lowri Evans (Fri 6-Sun 8) and The Fishguard Folk Festival (Fri 27-Mon 30) whose guest include The Hut People, Alaw and Blackbeard’s Tea Party. Popping up at various venues throughout the month are two of the most influential musicians of their respective generations, father and daughter Martin and Eliza Carthy. One of folk music’s greatest innovators for more than four decades, Martin Carthy’s skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. With over 40 albums under his belt (including 10 solo works) he’s a tireless champion of traditional music who’s equally at home in an intimate folk club or large concert hall. Raised immersed in the world of traditional music, Eliza Carthy is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation. Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize and winner of innumerable other awards, Eliza has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists, including Paul Weller, Rufus and Martha Wainwright and Pere Ubu, and more than most, she’s revitalised folk music with her charismatic and boundary-crossing performance. Both Martin and Eliza have pursued successful solo careers and have also performed together as part of Waterson:Carthy, the groundbreaking band that also featured Martin’s wife/Eliza’s mum Norma Waterson. Perhaps surprisingly, the two of them had only occasionally worked as a duo before the release of their 2014 album {The Moral Of The Elephant}, the critically-acclaimed collection of largely traditional material that won them a Best Album nomination at last year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and which they’ll be featuring on a handful of gigs, culminating at the Roots Unearthed series at Cardiff’s St. David’s Hall on Tue 31 May. Buzz also recommends Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker. Award winning duo. Acapela Studio, Capel Horeb, Pentyrch, Cardiff. (Sat 7) Eric Bibb. Top quality contemporary guitar-driven blues. Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. (Sat 28) Sam Lee. Folk songs and stories from this highly rated performer. Rock Park, Llandrindod Wells. (Sun 29) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@ buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 6767
BUZZ 62
6042. The Alexander Technique M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16. Info info@yogaskies.co.uk. Small group class hosted by Mike Young. Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7.15 + 7.158.30pm, £8/£6.50. Info info@ yogaskies.co.uk. Hosted by Mike Young. Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 7-8am + 1-2.30, 6-7.15 + 7.30-8.45pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www. omstudio.co.uk. 11am: Mums & Baby yoga; 7.30pm: Pregnancy yoga.
EVERY FRIDAY
Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. 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. Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai. co.uk. Cardiff Table Tennis Community Club Upper Hall, Sport Wales, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. 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. 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 Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Aerial Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Aerial Conditioning (6-7.30pm); Flying Trapeze Taster (6-8pm). 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 712344. With Irene Davies.
EVERY SATURDAY
African Drumming Sessions Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10.30-11.30am, £5. Info 0844 8700887. Ballroom Dancing Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am kids / 11am adults, £4 per class. Info 01685 384111. 10am: kids; 11am: adults; 12pm: private tuition. Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Clwb Drama The Riverfront, Newport. 11.30am-12.30, £5. Info 01633 656757. Welsh language drama group for ages 7+. Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Family Saturdays Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops for kids and parents. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 9.30am. Info www.funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Hard Côr Sony Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Mini Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 10-11am, £5. Info 01633 656757. Run by Defying Gravity, professional tutors will teach ballet and drama to kids aged 3-6. Breaking for half term on Sat 20 Feb. NoFit State Circus: Youth Circus Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 10.30am-12pm, £7/£6 per session. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 10-11.30am); Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 10.30-11.30am); Youth Circus Padawans (age 9-11, 11.30am-1pm). Performance Academy Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-1pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Offering professional theatre and performance coaching in dance, acting, musical theatre and singing. Roath Real Food Market Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff. 9.30am-1pm, 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. Sewing Workshops Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 10am-1pm. Info 01633 673739. Hosted by Ellery Design – see www. ellerydesign.com for details of how to book and/or contact them. St Mary Street Cardiff Market St Mary Street, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2019 0036. Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and bric-a-brac.
Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 8-9.30am, £8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio. co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi.
EVERY SUNDAY
Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351. 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. Cabaret And Showgirl Dancing For All Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am12.30pm. Info 07872 306745. With Steph. Beginners and mixed ability class. More info at www. cardiffcabaretclub.com. Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Hosted by Ben Cooper. Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 1.30-3.30pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Farmers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Welsh producers sell their wares every week at this brand new market. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre. 6-10pm. Info 01792 863722. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth All Skills Jedi (11+, 12-2pm) and Youth Performance Jedi (11+, 2-4pm). 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.
SUNDAY 1
Arty Party Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 6-9pm, free. Info 029 2022 8221. A social hosted
by Jessy Zee and Lilu.Lily for the creative folk from Cardiff, featuring live music, live painting and stalls. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. On every month this year. On tomorrow also, and on the last weekend of May.
Boxing: Junior Youth Champs Sport Wales
National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 11am-7pm. Info 0300 3003129.
Bringing In The May National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. May Day weekend of merriment, music and the raising of the maypole. On tomorrow also. Cardiff 5K Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 6pm, £15/£13 to enter. Info raceforvictory@cardiff5k. com. A Race For Victory event going through route going from Whitchurch Village, Llandaff North Village, Whitchurch Common and back into Whitchurch. Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400. Cardiff’s Vintage Home & Furniture Market City Hall, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, £2/free under-12s. Info 029 2087 1000. Hosted by the same folks who do Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair. Forget Me Not Postcards National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Make your own card using embroidery or colouring techniques, with Sally Pointer. On tomorrow also. Fortress Wales Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 10am-5pm, £10/£5. Info 01291 420241. Multi-period re-enactment event in the Castle Country Park with highlight shows in the arena. On tomorrow also. Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Generating electricity using bottles, balloons, dominoes, water and even the energy from a breakfast. On tomorrow also, as it’s a bank holiday. (At weekends until Sun 22) Gin Stock The Depot, Cardiff. 1-11pm, £5 adv. Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk. Second of two days for this bank holiday fest, featuring over 30 gins plus street food etc. Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Get yourself educated about Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, aka the Gas Giants. On tomorrow also, as it’s a bank holiday. (At weekends until Sun 22) Lambing In The Brecon Beacons Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £40/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Billed as “A no holds barred day with a farmer and his family during lambing time,” however please be advised that despite the turn of phrase, wrestling is discouraged on this farm. Make A Star Wars Art Sculpture Swansea Museum. 10am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 01792 653763. With sculptor Jonathan Anderson. Makers’ Market National
events History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also, and at the end of the month. Masterclass Special: Classic Fish Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-4.30pm, £195. Info 01443 222716. An Angela Gray Cookery School class, as is everything here this month unless noted. Outpost Sunday Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. Outpost being “a brand new vinyl and coffee pop-up specialising in Welsh and independent artists”. Piggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Take a pair of friendly Kune Kune pigs (from New Zealand, look a bit like Ewoks) for a walk, then return to the smallholding for refreshments. Also on Sun 8 and Tue 24. Rugby League: SSE SWALEC Finals Day Principality Stadium, Cardiff. 1pm, £10/£5. Info 08442 777888. Three Welsh rugby matchups, following on from the Judgement Day IV tournament the previous day. The Full Moon Rum Festival The Full Moon, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Third of three rummy days. With live music from Captain Accident & The Disasters. Welsh History Forum National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. An exhibition and informal talks by various Welsh history groups. On tomorrow also. Welsh National Scooter Rally 2016 Rugby Club, Tenby. £13 adv weekend. Info mail@mojoking.co.uk. Annual event featuring a custom scooter show, various stalls, and DJs. Started on Fri 29 Apr and finishes today.
MONDAY 2
Animal Magic Family Fun Day Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10am, £7/£5. Info 01639 881635. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959.
Bringing In The May National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Charity Family Funday Shopping & Craft Event Manor Park, Clydach. 10am4pm. Info amie_1985@live. co.uk. Craft & Gift Fair Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. £40/£25 to set up a table. Info 01639 881635. Also on Mon 30. Forget Me Not Postcards National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Fortress Wales Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 10am5pm, £10/£5. Info 01291 420241. Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Gwd Mondays: Musical Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff.
7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Party Like It’s AD 99! National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am4pm. Info 029 2057 3550. Join our Romans to celebrate a spring time festival, with food, drink and competitions. Rumours that the museum employee who came up with this event name punched the air with glee when news of Prince’s death broke are unconfirmed at present. Poetry Open Mic The Capel, Bargoed. 7-10pm, free. Info 01443 830272. With guest reader Julie Ann Pritchard. First Monday of every month. Yoga Classes Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6-9.15pm, £6.50. Info 01633 673739. With Mia. Every Monday this month until May 23. Welsh History Forum National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. 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 3
Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am. Info 01792 463980. This month’s theme is ‘historical novels’. Also on Tue 10, 17 and 24. Knife & Fork Food Wine Club The Conway, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2022 4373. First in a series of wine tasting events – there’s one elsewhere in Cardiff on Tue 31 – celebrating ‘The Forgotten Wines Of France’ as they deem them. Making It! Lloyds Enterprise Suite, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1-5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Creative scripting and performance workshops for women over 55 based on Women’s Archive Of Wales’ oral history project, Voices From The Factory Floor. Also on Mon 9. Roath Writers The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3 suggested donation. Info 029 2048 3344. A space for writers of all levels to write, develop, and share their work in an informal workshop environment. First and second Tuesday of every month. Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995. Also on Tue 17.
WEDNESDAY 4
Beginners Belly Dance
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5.30-6.45pm, £6/£30 for six weeks. Info 07872 306745. Class with Steph. Also on Wed 11.
Pop Up Produce Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. 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 18. Seed Sowing National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Tea Dance Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30pm, £5. Info 0845 2263510.
to have either finished or is called something else), this is on every Friday and features street food, a wheel of fortune and “rubbish prizes”. Browse Curiosity Fair Mozarts, Swansea. 4pm, free. Info 01792 649984. “Local artists, quirky gifts, rare and exquisite clothing & homewares and lovingly crafted cakes and treats.” are on offer here. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel,
12-4pm, free. Info www. wyevalleyaonb.org.uk. This annual festival runs in total until May 15, although some of it is in smelly old England. Today features River characters visiting Monmouth town centre; Articulture’s Arts and Landscape Conference in Shire Hall (book in advance please); The A&E River Health Check Laboratory in Blestium Street and the Caravan of Fact and Wonder outside Shire Hall. On tomorrow also.
SATURDAY 7
Visit Cardiff's Little Man Coffee Co. on the evening of Wed 11 for a tutorial in 'household hacks', or 'repairs' as they are more commonly known. Noreen and Green City Events will show you how to fix things in your home and save £££.
What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Open mic night incorporating music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, cabaret etc. Also on Wed 18.
THURSDAY 5
Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Tue 10 and Wed 18.
New Poetry & Fiction Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400. With guest Lynne Hejlmgaard. Skill Builder: Hot Wok Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716. Storytelling Suppers Kemi’s, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7pm, £14. Info 029 2037 2055. Stories by Andy Johnson of Liverpool. Price includes food.
FRIDAY 6
An Evening With Chris Packham Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7pm, £9. Info 01600 772467.. Art Lunchtime Talk: The Battle For Mametz Wood, July 1916 National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Professor Chris Williams. Art Quiz: Win A Gallery Takeover Workers Gallery, Ynyshir, Rhondda. £10 per team of four. Info 01443 682034. Like it says – the prize for winning the quiz is an exhibition in the main gallery here later this year. Best brush up on those drawing skills in that case. Beer & Film Festival Cinema & Co, Swansea. 6pm-12am, £2. Info info@ cinemaco.co.uk. Welsh beers, live music, fine wines and classic films for three days. (Until Sun 8) Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. No relation to Gwdihw’s ‘Northern Lingo Bingo’ (which seems
Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership). Info 07526 141392 / www. cardiffivc.org.uk. Meeting here on the first Friday of each month. Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. Info 01685 725106. Quality produce from no more than 50 miles away, on the first Friday of each month. Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 9.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Also on Thurs 19 and Fri 27-Sun 29. Little Mice Club: Plants & Flowers National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am12pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Enjoy bilingual play, song and crafts and meet Morys the Museum Mouse. Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 13, Sat 14, Fri 20, Sat 21 and Thurs 26. Purple Poppadom PopUp 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5-9.30pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Top rated Indian restaurant gifts this venue a spring menu for six evenings this month (tomorrow, Fri 20, Sat 21, Fri 27 and Sat 28). The Harlem Globetrotters Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15-£45. Info 029 2022 4488. Fictive basketballers show their disrespect for the basic tenets of the sport and are showered with money and adulation for it. Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £5 (adults). Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly day for toddlers with a special theme each month, February’s being ‘Marvellous Minibeasts’. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10. On tomorrow also, and every Friday this month. Wye Valley River Festival Various locations, Monmouth.
A Day In The Life Of Gareth David Lloyd The Gate, Cardiff. 11am, £12/£8. Info 029 2048 3344. Charity event, in aid of this venue specifically, helmed by him off Torchwood and his producer James Goss. Adult Craft Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Monthly event. Book in advance please. Beer & Film Festival Cinema & Co, Swansea. 12pm-12am, £2/free before 6pm. Info info@cinemaco. co.uk. (Until Sun 8) Bushcraft & Survival Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £90. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event.
Caerphilly Food Festival Caerphilly town centre. 10am-5pm, free. Info 01443 866390. Over 70 stalls, cookery demos, kids’ activities and more. Cheese & Cider Weekend Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea. 10am, free. Info 01792 371206. Tasters from a large selection of locally made cider and cheese, plus live music. 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 Fair Rhiwderin Village Hall. 12-3pm, £5 to set up a table. Info jjewels7@tesco.net. Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@hotmail. co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. Dewch Y Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Sessions for Welsh learners. Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic. crafters@gmail.com. Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month. Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Millennium Centre, Barry. 10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149. Experimental Felt Techniques Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. Football: Sky Bet Championship – Cardiff City v Birmingham City Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 12.30pm. Info 0845 3451400. This may well be Cardiff’s last game of the season, but mmmmaybe won’t. Listings entry written as of Mon 4 Apr. General Yoga With Tori Seligman Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Bay. 3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Glanusk Welsh Stallion Show Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. 9am. Info www.glanuskshow. co.uk. One of Wales’ most popular shows for Welsh horse breeds. Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Handmade Arts And Crafts Market Tabernacl Chapel, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-4pm. Info uniquefairs@gmx.co.uk. Haverfoodfest County Hall / Picton Centre, Haverfordwest. 10am-6pm, free. Info haverfoodfest@ aol.com. Featuring over 40 stalls od produce plus live music etc. Judo: Cadet And Under Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am5pm. Info 029 2033 4945.
Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609. A walk through woodlands, ruins and graveyards. Every Saturday this month, plus Fri 27. Melody Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. Performance poetry and song from Jemima Foxtrot. NABBA Wales The Riverfront, Newport. 12 + 6.30pm, £10/£5 under-14s (daytime); £10/£10 under14s (evening). Info 01633 656757. Welsh bodybuilding contest, with leading muscle hunks vying for a place in the national finals. The judging is in the daytime, then there’s a show in the evening. Open Haus The Printhaus / The Boneyard, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly open studios here, an opportunity to meet the artists and makers in this creative community. On the first Saturday of every month. Parkour Workshop Sony Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11.30am, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am-4pm, free. Info enquiries@pigstreetcrafts.co.uk. Selling original arts and crafts. Also on Sat 28. Pump Action Doll House Pop Up Cinema The Roath Park, Cardiff. 7pm. Info padhcardiff@gmail.com. Free Comic Book Day fundraiser for Riverside Refugee Community Kitchen. Film screening TBC. Purple Poppadom PopUp 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5-9.30pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Quilt Club National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am1pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Spring Italian Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. The Two Mikes Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £22.50 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Also known as Mike Graham and Mike Parry off Talksport. Going to put my BUZZ 63
events
BAFTA CYMRU As Sherlock and The Collection film in South Wales, we will be looking forward to celebrating some other new projects that have been shot in Wales as part of our May programme of events. Our first event will be a preview of the new Russell T Davies adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a Q&A with Russell, the producers, director and some of the cast. The preview, held in partnership with BBC Wales, will offer our members a sneak peek at the new feature length drama appearing on screen in May. A few public tickets will be on sale for the event through our What’s On page. We will be screening a new Welsh thriller at Chapter Arts Centre on Wed 11 May. From British horror producer Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent), Dark Signal is a terrifying and blood-curdling thriller shot on location in Snowdonia with a Welsh cast and crew, including Siwan Morris (Doctor Who, Wolfblood), Gareth David-Lloyd (I Am Alone, Torchwood) Joanna Ignaczewska (The Scopia Effect, Phometrica) and James Cosmo (Game Of Thrones, Braveheart, Trainspotting). It is director Edward Evers-Swindell’s feature film debut. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director, and the producer Jonas Babics. Also on Wed 11 May, we will be announcing our British Academy Cymru Games Award nominees – the games that our jury have chosen for the 4th Cymru Award for Best Game and the commendations for Technical Achievement, Gameplay Design, Sound and Music and Technical Achievement. The Award and commendations will be presented at the annual Wales Games Development Show, which will take place this year at the Tramshed on Sat 18 June. We will also be supporting the new Wales International Documentary Festival in Blackwood with a panel of commissioners from VICE, Channel 4, ITV, S4C and BBC discussing the type of projects they are looking for, and offering 1-2-1 sessions for those interested in making contact. We’re also still accepting membership applications for students, career starters and branch members – find out more on our website. Info: www.bafta.org/wales
BUZZ 64
neck on the line and predict a bout of blokey banter. Ty Hafan’s Rainbow Run Eastern Promenade, Barry Island (registration point). 11.30am, £12 to register. Info events@tyhafan.org. See boxout. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Wye Valley River Festival Various locations, Monmouth. 12-4pm, free. Info www. wyevalleyaonb.org.uk. Featuring three outdoor arts commissions by Articulture on the streets of the town, plus buskers and river characters; the Wye Serai on Vauxhall Fields; and there will be a show in the evening, also on Vauxhall Fields, with a performance by the Festival Choir.
SUNDAY 8
Beer & Film Festival Cinema & Co, Swansea. 12pm-12am, £2/free before 6pm. Info info@cinemaco. co.uk. (Finishes today) Cheese & Cider Weekend Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea. 10am-6pm, free. Info 01792 371206. Craft Fair LC2, Swansea. 10am-4pm, £25 to set up a table. Info cottagecraftfairs@ gmail.com. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Worcestershire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. We’ve been told that the SSE SWALEC Stadium is now to be merely called the SSE SWALEC, by someone whose job it is to tell people things like this. (Until Wed 11) Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Merry May’s Vintage & Handmade Fair National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Fashion and accessories from the 1930s to 80s. Morris Minor Mania! National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. With the South Wales branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club. Piggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Pride Cymru & Cardiff Marriott’s Wedding Fayre For All The Marriott Hotel, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, £2. Info cath@pridecymru.com. Featuring a catwalk show, a fundraising raffle and a glass of something fizzy when you arrive. Wales Hair & Beauty Show Cardiff & Vale College City Centre Campus, Cardiff. £5/£3 NUS. Info visioninbeauty@ gmail.com. Featuring 50-plus stalls, product demos and a competition area. Willow For The Garden Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Melanie Bastier.
MONDAY 9
Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Worcestershire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 11) Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class Plasnewydd YMCA, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £5. Info elliecoptor@hotmail. com. Second Monday of every month. Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054. On the second and fourth Monday of every month. Making It! Lloyds Enterprise Suite, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1-5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. The Transit Of Mercury On The Museum Steps! National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Join experts from the School Of Physics And Astronomy, Cardiff University and National Museum Cardiff to view this rare phenomenon safely. Yoga Classes Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6-9.15pm, £6.50. Info 01633 673739.
TUESDAY 10
Blaenavon Spring Fair Town centre, Blaenavon. 10am-3pm, free. Info 07542 187137. Featuring Welsh dancing, live music, a craft fair, food, history, face painting and some other things. Carmarthen Storytelling Caffi Iechyd Da, Carmarthen. £3. Info 07752 438901. Monthly event featuring guest storytellers and tales from the floor. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Worcestershire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 11) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am. Info 01792 463980. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092.
Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Roath Writers The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3 suggested donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Spirituality Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Second Tuesday of every month.
WEDNESDAY 11
Beginners Belly Dance
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5.30-6.45pm, £6/£30 for six weeks. Info 07872 306745.
Conservation Lunchtime Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Emily O’Reilly, Paper Conservator. That is actually her official job title! Not for her one of your typical jobs, like ‘listings editor’. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Worcestershire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Finishes today) Curators Walk And Talk Penarth Pier Pavilion. 2pm, free. Info 0844 8700887. Bob, the curator, will be discussing the selections for this year’s Open Art exhibition. Household Hacks & DIY Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff.
6.30-9pm, £10. Info hannah@ greencityevents.co.uk. Green City Events present a guide to everyday household repairs, with tutor Noreen. Nataly Churchill Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil (starting point). 7.30pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Spirit medium. Skill Builder: Knife Skills Chicken Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716.
THURSDAY 12
Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984. Poetry open mic, every second and third Thursday of the month. In Conversation With The WNO National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Composer Iain Bell and librettist Emma Jenkins discuss the process of turning David Jones’ epic poem In Parenthesis into an opera. It’s My Shout Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 6pm. Info 01685 384111. All “actors, film-makers, designers, hair and makeup enthusiasts of Merthyr” are invited to get on-set film experience – this is where you find out how to get involved. Jamie Carragher Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel And Spa, Cardiff. 6-11pm, £25/£45 meet and greet. Info 029 2043 5000. Liverpool FC player turned uninspiring TV pundit (a busy category in itself) with his “highly acclaimed live show”. Tickets from www.5times.co.uk. Royal Institution Of Soth Wales Annual Summer Outing St Helen’s Recreation Ground, Swansea (starting point). 9.15am-5.30pm, £30. Info www.risw.org.uk. This year the morning will be spent at Nantgarw China Works and Museum; the afternoon at Fonmon House near Barry. Sewing Clinic Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6-8pm, £15. Info 01633 673739. With Avril Kerr. Also on Thurs 26. SWDFAS Lecture: Dale Chiluly – The World’s Foremost Glass Artist Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Lecture by Charles R. Hajamach. Wales International Documentary Festival Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. £6.50 adv. Info 01495 227206. Over three days, this new festival promises to screen over 50 films; host networking events, masterclasses and training programmes; and celebrate the best in documentary filmmaking over the last year. Today’s events are under the heading ‘Pathways'. More at www.widf.info. (Until Sat 14)
FRIDAY 13
2016 All Star Golf Day Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 10am, £995 per team of three. Info 01633 413000. Lots of sporting types play golf. I assume you can spectate but I can’t find the ticket prices. Art Lunchtime Talk: An Introduction To ‘War’s Hell!’ – The Battle Of Mametz Wood In Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029
2039 7951. By Beth McIntyre. Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. Cinema Under The Stars – Rocky Horror Picture Show Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 8pm, £8. Info 01291 420241. Bring your own chair. Fancy dress is optional. Don’t let Rocky Horror fascists tell you what to do. Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month. Lunch Club Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-2.30pm, £37. Info 01443 222716. Murder At The Museum! National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 6.30-10pm, £25 adv. Info 01792 463980. Interactive murder mystery thing. Prices includes a drink and some snacks. Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 10pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. The Art Of Sustainability: Rivers, Local Meets Global Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, The Nurtons, Tintern. 6-8pm, free. Info www.wyevalleyaonb. org.uk. Featuring a live link to Brazil and Professor Henrique Chaves in conversation with Simon Evans from the Wye & Usk Foundation. Book in advance via Eventbrite please. The Tenth Annual George Ewart Evans Centre For Storytelling Symposium The Atrium, Cardiff. 12.30pm. Info 01443 668547. Two-day symposium (on tomorrow also) with a digital storytelling strand on the theme of ‘storytelling and justice’. Confirmed keynote speakers include: Dr. Lina Dencik (Cardiff University) and Dr Marta Minier (University Of South Wales). Under Milk Wood Twitter Exchange #5 Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Celebrate the anniversary of the first stage performance of Under Milk Wood by presenting conversations from the residents of Llareggub via Twitter. Wales International Documentary Festival Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. £6.50 adv. Info 01495 227206. Today’s events are billed as ‘Networking & Production’. (Until Sat 14) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.
SATURDAY 14
Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month. Cardiff Vegetarian Festival Mackintosh Institute, Roath, Cardiff. 4.30-12pm, free. Info cardiffveggie@mail.com. Annual event of food and stalls. Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £5 per session.
events Info 029 2048 4611. With Suzen Millodot every month. Dylan Day Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Annual event which this year features poet and performer Rhian Edwards leading a workshop with the DTC’s Young Writers Squad (10am12.30pm) and a family drop-in session where you can help make a model 3D Llareggub village (1-4pm). Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. On tomorrow also. Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month. Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Kidsmarkets Family Sale Cowbridge Leisure Centre. 11am-12.30pm, £1/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 38 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items. Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609. Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles. 9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month. Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month. Nimble Fingers Craft Fayre Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 07790 298913. On the second Saturday of every month. Penydarren Steam Loco National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. See a working replica of the world’s first steam locomotive. Saturday Morning Kitchen Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am12pm. Info 01443 222716. Scooter Rally Redhouse + Penderyn Square, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01685 384111. Featuring stalls, displays and a custom show. Plus a gig in the evening – see the Live Music listings. Spoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm, £3. Info 0845 2263510. Stargazing & AstroPhotography Evening Dark Sky Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £55. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sat 28. Table Tennis: Senior Nationals Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754. On tomorrow also.
Talk At 4 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Exhibition tours hosted by Richard
Higlett and Thomas Williams. Also on Sat 21(in Welsh) and Sat 28. The Romans Return Cardiff Castle. 10am-4pm, £2-£6. Info 029 2087 8100. See Roundup. On tomorrow also. The Tenth Annual George Ewart Evans Centre For Storytelling Symposium The Atrium, Cardiff. 12.30pm. Info 01443 668547. The Wye Serai Various location, Llandogo. 12.30-10.30pm, free. Info www.wyevalleyaonb. org.uk. Theatre, music and food in the daytime; torchbearers, musicians and choirs in the evening. SeaFall Mackintosh Institute, Roath, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07929 264165. A BoomSwinger Bluegrass Club gig. Wales International Documentary Festival Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. £6.50 adv. Info 01495 227206. Today’s events consist of masterclasses. (Finishes today) Wales On Wheels National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Automobile show. Welsh Longbow Championships Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. Have a look at www.margamarchers.net for more info on this, maybe.
SUNDAY 15
Absolutely Fabulous Vegan Festival Cardiff The Depot, Cardiff. 11am-4pm. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. Lots of vegan street food stalls and other relevant produce. Cardiff Creative Writers Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 07830 381930. An open forum to discuss work, new reads, author news etc. Third Sunday of each month. Edible Adamsdown Seedling Swap Adamsdown Community Garden, Cardiff. 2-4pm. Info hannah@ greencityevents.co.uk. Hosted by Green City Events. Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Manchester City Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004. Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Introduction to Canine Scent Training Dark Sky Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £35. Info 01874 749092. Dog training day for owners and their dogs. A Good Day Out event. Table Tennis: Senior Nationals Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 07754 525754.
The International Dylan Thomas Prize 2016 Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01792 602060. Award ceremony for writers under 40. Features music by Burum. The Romans Return Cardiff Castle. 10am-4pm, £2-£6. Info 029 2087 8100. See Roundup. On tomorrow also. Weber American Barbecue Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £129. Info 01443 222716. A Grill Academy
course. Wye Valley River Festival Grand Finale Chepstow Racecourse. 2-10.30pm. Info www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk. Interactive games; a Beast Feast; an evening performance of the Wye Serai; a performance by the Festival Choir, a river shaped fire sculpture, lanterns in the woods; water stories and the final servings from the Samovar.
MONDAY 16
Behind The Scenes: Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. In the Paper Conservation Studio with Emily O’Reilly. Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 19) Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758. Yoga Classes Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6-9.15pm, £6.50. Info 01633 673739.
TUESDAY 17
Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am. Info 01792 463980. Lecture: Recovery As An Issue Of Social Justice University Of Wales, Trinity St David’s Halliwell Centre, Carmarthen. 6pm, free. Info 029 2025 7075. By David Best, Professor Of Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University. Norway’s Constitution Day
Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am, free. Info 029 2087 7959. Annual celebration by the Welsh Norwegian Society of said nation’s own declaration of independence, in 1814. It presumably follows that they had some kind of bicentennial two years ago, but I didn’t hear anything about it. If I had I would have celebrated, perhaps by paying £7 for a pint of lager.
Philosophy Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Second Tuesday of every month. Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 19)
WEDNESDAY 18
Bike First Aid Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £10. Info hannah@ greencityevents.co.uk. Presented by Green City Events and Cycle Training Wales. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092.
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. Velotech Cycle Training
Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 19) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.
THURSDAY 19
Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 10.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Golf Day Whitchurch Gold Club, Cardiff. 1-8pm, £225 for a team of four. Info info@ gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event. Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984. In Conversation With Shimon Attie National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 4-5pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. The artist behind our new exhibition The Attraction Of Onlookers talks to Stephanie Delcroix. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Finishes today)
FRIDAY 20
Advanced Road Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £95. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. A Spring Evening With The Lonely Crowd Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 07830 381930. Readings from the spring issue of The Lonely Crowd, featuring Robert Minhinnick, Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch, Leila Segal, Bethany W. Pope, Susie Wild, Marie Gethins & Zelda Chappel. Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. Cooking On A Wood-Fired Oven Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am4.30pm, £95. Info 01600 714595. Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 10pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Purple Poppadom PopUp 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5-9.30pm. Info 029 2022 8883. So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Wrestling: The Chikara Special The Neon, Newport. 6.30-10.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01443 490390. Zany US wrestling division returns to south Wales as part of a three-date UK tour.
SATURDAY 21
Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm. Info 01495 753782. Cardiff Craft & Hobby Show Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £5. Info 07841 013609. On tomorrow also. Cardiff Gung Ho Seriously Fun 5k Bute Park, Cardiff. 9am, £40-£60. Info www. begung-ho.co.uk. A charity fun run/fun walk with the addition of several huge inflatable obstacles. If we
write about this and the copy doesn’t include a joke about “letting yourself down” I will be furious. Cardiff Spring/Summer Foraging Course Bute Park, Cardiff. 12-3pm, £30/£15 under-16s. Info 07971 411875. Hosted by Wild Food UK. Cookstart: Level 2 Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-1pm, £50. Info 01443 222716. For ages 10+. Craft & Gift Fayre Whitchurch Gold Club, Cardiff. 10.30am-3.30pm, free/£20 to set up a table. Info info@ gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event. Creative Crafts Cardiff Gwdihw, Cardiff. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. In aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Felt Hats Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Mandy Nash. Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 22) Guto Dafis Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2030 4400. Local storyteller (with added musical backing). Gwanwyn Writing Workshop Carnegie House, Bridgend. 10am, free/£3 for reading. Info 01656 815757. Playwright Carmen MedwayStephens for a day of writing as part of Wales’ Gwanwyn festival, celebrating creativity in older age. In the evening there will be an informal reading of all the stories by professional actors. Gymnastics: Trampoline Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127. On tomorrow also.
Herbivore Meets The Real Junk Food Project Uptown Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info simon@theherbivore.co.uk. Five courses of
National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Nantgarw Craft Fair Nantgarw China Works. 11am3pm, free. Info deb_0001@ hotmail.co.uk. Every third Saturday of the month. Natural History Open Day National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Celebrate International Day Of Biodiversity with Museum scientists. Purple Poppadom PopUp 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5-9.30pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Spring Fair Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. £13 adv/free under16s. Info 01982 553683. Annual family event, “a celebration of smallholding and rural life” they call it. On tomorrow also. Spring Gift & Craft Fair St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Cardiff. 10.30am3.30pm, £20 to set up a table. Info christine.chandler@ gthc.org.uk. Talk At 4 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Talk: Isambard Kingdom Brunel National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Talk by Stephen Jones; organised by the Historical Association Swansea Branch. Weaving: Explore Weft Floats Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £65. Info 029 2048 4611. With Laura Thomas.
SUNDAY 22
Bushcraft: Family Day Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 910am-4pm, £45/£30 kids. Info 01600 714595. Cardiff Craft & Hobby Show Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £5. Info 07841 013609. County Fair Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar. 10am-6pm, £30 to set up a table. Info 01495 355920. Dogs, ducks, falcons and ferrets will all be present in the park. It’s
South Wales plays host to another bout of high-octane and just a lil' bit lolrandom American wrestling, with representatives from the Chikara division returrning. This time they're at recently-opened Newport venue Neon, on Fri 20. creative vegan cuisine improvised around donations to the Real Junk Food Project. Book in advance please. Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609. More Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Museum Ghost Walk
unconfirmed at press time whether you’ll be required to transport one of each, plus a bag of corn, across a river. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 25) Generation Game Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) BUZZ 65
events Gymnastics: Trampoline Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127.
Harmonica Workshop YMCA, Swansea. 12.30-4pm, £5. Info 07947 363441. With Liam Bennett. Holy Hiatus 9 Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 4-10.15pm, free. Info 01239 615952. Six-hour experimental performance event by Lou Laurens. Make Art From History Swansea Museum. 10am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 01792 653763. Sue Mann teaches you how to paint using egg tempera. Masterclass Special Butchery Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-4.30pm, £195. Info 01443 222716. Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Spring Fair Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. £13 adv/free under16s. Info 01982 553683. The Coleridge In Wales Festival: Piercefield Walks Various locations, Chepstow. Info 01291 625981. Four-day event looking at different aspects of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s life and work, starting with a walk around the same paths he took while in this part of the world. Hosted by Chepstow Museum; more info at www. coleridgefestival.org. (Until Wed 25) Wheelchair Basketball: Cardiff v Coventry University Of South Wales Sports Centre, Caerleon Campus, Newport. 3pm. Info www. cardiffwheelchairbasketball. co.uk.
MONDAY 23
Art Talk: Olwen Thomas Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7pm, £4.50 adv. Info 01656 815995. Ceramic artist talks about her craft. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 25) Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054. Penned On The Bont Carnegie House, Bridgend. £4 adv. Info 01656 815757. Literaure Wales event featuring Amanda Racktraw and Rachel Trezise. The Coleridge In Wales Festival: Piercefield Walks Various locations, Chepstow. Info 01291 625981. (Until Wed 25) Yoga Classes Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6-9.15pm, £6.50. Info 01633 673739.
TUESDAY 24
10 Feet Tall Presents... A US Office Quiz 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2 to play. Info 029 2022 8883. Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 25) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am. Info 01792 463980. Piggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. The Coleridge In Wales BUZZ 66
Festival Tintern Village Hall. 7.30pm. Info 01291 625981. Discover aspects of Coleridge’s life with introductions by Prof John Clarke, Tintern Philosophy Circle, readings, music and images. (Until Wed 25) The Coleridge In Wales Festival: Piercefield Walks Various locations, Chepstow and Tintern. Info 01291 625981. (Until Wed 25) Tracy Evans: Birthing Words Carnegie House, Bridgend. Free. Info 01656 815757. Evans will be the Artist In Residence here for four days and hopes to speak to as many women as possible who have given birth in their lifetime, as well creating highly charged collective performance spaces. (Until Fri 27)
event about design-related topics. Film And Television Quiz Night Penarth Pier Pavilion. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 0844 8700887. Hay Festival 2016: Day 1 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 11.30am-11pm. Info 01497 822629. The full programme is at www.hayfestival.com, you’ll have to make do with highlights from Buzz I’m afraid. Today this includes Steve Herington talking to Matthew Engel, Francine Stock, Dara Ó Briain and a Battle Of The Bands. (Until Sun 5 June) How The Light Gets In: Day 1 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 7pm. Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. The opening day of this nowestablished “art and ideas” festival, covered in greater
Sessions, one hosted by (sigh) Neil Strauss; music from Tobias Ben Jacob, The Rockabella, Admiral Fallow, Rachael Dadd, Kate Simko, C Duncanm, Tom Robinson and Ghostpoet; comedy from Tiff Stevenson, Ahir Shah and Masud Milas; and DJ sets from The 2 Bears and Lyndsey Evans. (Until Sun 5 June) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2075 5015. Bank holiday special showcasing some of the best local brewers including Tiny Rebel, Otley and VOG. Don’t worry, you don’t have to use a knife and fork to drink the beers – that’s the name of the company who own the pub. And the one below. Features live music from Frazer Downie and The Spokes Duo.
WEDNESDAY 25
Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Finishes today) Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class Plasnewydd YMCA, Cardiff. 8-9pm, £5. Info elliecoptor@hotmail. com. Last Wednesday of every month. Games Wales 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly social meetup for video-games developers. Maibock Beer Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info 029 2030 4400. Annual German beer festival offers a load of light German beers straight out the damn keg. (Until Sun 29) Natural History Lunchtime Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.Adventures in tropical entomology by Adrian Plant, Entomology Curator. Open Mic Spoken Word Extravaganza Ye Olde Murenger, Newport. 7.30pm, £5/£3. Info 01633 263977. Featuring Mike Jenkins and Marc Harshman. Fundraiser in aid of the Cwtsh Arts Centre. Skill Builder: Indian Summer Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716. The Coleridge In Wales Festival: Spin, Lies And Deception – Coleridge’s Triumph On Malta Shire Hall, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 01600 710630. Talk by Coleridge scholar Barry Hough of Portsmouth University. (Finishes today) Tracy Evans: Birthing Words Carnegie House, Bridgend. Free. Info 01656 815757. (Until Fri 27) Will Willard Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £16/£15. Info 01239 621200. Fella from BBC Two programme Hunters Of The South Seas talks about that stuff he does.
THURSDAY 26
Boxfull Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Variety show for actors, writers and directors. Cheerleading Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 4-7.30pm. Info 029 2087 3997.
Design Stuff 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly social
Volcano's space in the Iceland Building in Swansea, so named because it used to be an Iceland store, hosts a Comic & Gaming Convention on Sat 28. Among the attractions is a cosplay competition. detail in this month’s festival guide, features a Philosophy Session with Eileen Barker and “comedian and Dawkins collaborator Ariane Sherine”, plus live music from Kizzy Crawford, Climbing Trees and Afrocluster. (Until Sun 5 June) Maibock Beer Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sun 29) Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Taith Iaith National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Monthly session for Welsh learners. Tracy Evans: Birthing Words Carnegie House, Bridgend. Free. Info 01656 815757. (Until Fri 27)
FRIDAY 27
Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. 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. Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 10.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Hay Festival 2016: Day 2 Various venues, Hay-OnWye. 9am-11pm. Info 01497 822629. Highlights today include Barbara Erskine, Robert Service, Dai Smith, Frank Gardner, Joanna Yarrow, David Gilmour and Polly Samson, Ben Miller, Dara Ó Briain (again) and Willow Robinson. (Until Sun 5 June) How The Light Gets In: Day 2 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 7pm. Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. Today features two Philosophy
(Until Mon 30) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. Same deal as The Discovery. Features live music from James Kennedy and the Andy Lewis Duo. (Until Mon 30) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609. Maibock Beer Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5pm-12.30am. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sun 29) Margam International Kite Festival Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. See the festival guide Upfront for some vague spiel about this. (Until Mon 30) Purple Poppadom PopUp 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5-9.30pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Sewing Clinic Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 6-8pm, £15. Info 01633 673739. That Outdoor Fest Glanusk Estate, Brecon Beacons. £49.50 weekend/£25 age 13-17/£10 under 13. Info www. thatoutdoorfest.com. Describing itself as “a place where the whole family and groups of friends could get involved in a relaxed and fun environment,” this features rock climbing, tag rugby, tai chi, keep fit classes and yoga in the daytime, plus a twmpath and other entertainment in the evening. This basically looks like if the parody Twitter account ‘Peanut-Free Mom’ did a festival. (Until Mon 30) Tracy Evans: Birthing Words Carnegie House, Bridgend. Free. Info 01656 815757. (Finishes today) Tracy ‘TJ’ Higgs Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm. Info 029 2070 0721. Spirit medium. Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle &
Country Park. £8/£6.50 adv (£30/£25 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival.wordpress.com. Over 100 ciders and perries from across Wales (plus a few from outside). Plus live music each day. (Until Mon 30) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.
SATURDAY 28
Boutique Gift Markets
Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Mon 30)
Claw Hammer Banjo Workshop Blossoms Gallery, Aberystwyth. 4.5.30pm, £25. Info info@blossomsgallery. co.uk. Blossoms Blues Festival event. Craft Fayre St Mary’s Church, Swansea. 10.30am4pm, free. Info ariancrafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Dress Up St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Check out the buildings and their inhabitants, with the invitation to come along in historical costume. Presumably it is permissible to do this at any other time, though. (Until Mon 30) Fire & Ice Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Discover what happens when things get really hot and, conversely, really cold. (Until Tue 31) Floribunda Fundraiser Plant Sale M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2047 3373. Herbs, border plants and shrubs for sale, donated by local growers. Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 9.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Gymnastics: Aerobic Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127. On tomorrow also.
Hay Festival 2016: Day 3 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 8.30am-11pm. Info 01497 822629. Highlights today include Roberto Saviano, John Kampfner, Shirin Ebadi, Wayne Hemingway, Ben Okri, Joan Bakewell, Sam Mendes, Melvyn Bragg, Marlon James, a Letters Live session with guests TBC, Chris Packham, Simon Armitage, Shami Chakrabarti, Boyd Tonkin and Marcus Brigstocke. (Until Sun 5 June) How The Light Gets In: Day 3 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 9am. Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. Today features multiple Philosophy Sessions from 9am-12am, plus live music from Feelgood Experiment, Boat To Row, Pete Josef, Gwenno, Rachel Sermani, Tankus the Henge, Jane Weaver, Yael Naim, King Charles and Fairport Convention; a DJ set from Justin Robertson; comedy from Ivo Graham and Loren O’Brien and magic from Romany Diva Of Magic. (Until Sun 5 June) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2075 5015. Features live music from James Kennedy and the Tomos Lewis Duo. (Until Mon 30) Knife & Fork Beer Festival
The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. Features live music from Thoby Davis and The Spokes Duo. (Until Mon 30) Maibock Beer Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12pm-12am. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sun 29) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sun 5 June) Margam International Kite Festival Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. (Until Mon 30) Margam Model Boat Show Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. (Until Mon 30) Morse Code Beady Beacelets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Create a secret code message hidden in a cool bead bracelet. (Until Tue 31) Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am4pm, free. Info enquiries@ pigstreetcrafts.co.uk. Pure Joy Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 6.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01239 615952. Someone named Guy Barrington offers you a Conscious Dance Party, featuring world fusion DJ sets, a chillout zone, gong baths and a raw food cafe. Guy looks like someone who would wave his hands very expressively while telling you that your wife is leaving you for him. Purple Poppadom PopUp 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5-9.30pm. Info 029 2022 8883. Smallholding For Beginners Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 9.45am-4.30pm, £120. Info 01600 714595. Stargazing & AstroPhotography Evening Dark Sky Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £55. Info 01874 749092. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die. (Until Tue 31) Swansea Comic & Gaming Convention Volcano @ The Iceland Building, Swansea. 10am-6pm, £2.50. Info www. scgc.org.uk. Featuring games to play and buy, workshops, panels, prizes and a cosplay competition. Talk At 4 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. That Outdoor Fest Glanusk Estate, Brecon Beacons. £49.50 weekend/£25 age 13-17/£10 under 13. Info www. thatoutdoorfest.com. (Until Mon 30) The Battle National History Museum, St Fagans. 6-9pm, £10/£5 under-16s. Info 029 2057 3500. Reenactment of the Great Outdoor Fight that took place between 11,000 men in St Fagans in 1648. On tomorrow also. The Collection Painting Swansea Museum. 10am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 01792 653763. Produce a piece of art with the help of artist Hilary Bryanston. Suitable for all ages. Vertigo Pro Wrestling: Tale The Power Back The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5-£15. Info 029 2048 3344. Featuring a championship bout between
live music Dave Mastiff and Chris Brookes, plus Eddie Dennis, ‘The Wonderkid’ Jonny Storm, Panda Cub, Bishop and more. Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £10/£8.50 adv (£30/£25 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival.wordpress.com. (Until Mon 30)
SUNDAY 29
Art Car Bootique Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am11.30pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Annual jamboree of stalls, food, live music, DJs etc. This year has a European theme, a nod to UEFA 2016, the EU elections, Eurovision etc. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Mon 30)
Cowbridge Food And Drink Festival 2016 Arthur John Car Park / Vale Forge Car Park / The Old Hall, Cowbridge. 9.30am-5.30pm, £5/£8 both days. Info 07875 290428. Annual weekender, billed as one of the jewels of this well-to-do l’il town. On tomorrow also. Derek Acorah Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01633 868239. Dress Up St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Mon 30) Fire & Ice Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Tue 31) Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 9.15pm, £15. Info 07538 878609. Gower Good Food Festival Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea. 10am-5.30pm, free. Info 01792 371206. Featuring stalls of local producers, plus guided tours of the mill and animal feeding sessions. On tomorrow also. Guided Tour: Dylan’s Swansea Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea (starting point). 10.30am-12.30pm, £4-£10. Info 01792 463980. Presented by Fluellen. Gymnastics: Aerobic Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127.
Hay Festival 2016: Day 4 Various venues, Hay-OnWye. 10am-11pm. Info 01497 822629. Highlights today include Bridget Kendall, AC Grayling, Tom Bower, Lionel Shriver, Howard Jacobson, Russell T Davies, Mervyn King, Michael V Hayden, Salman Rushdie, Hollie McNish, Bruce Robinson, Horatio Clare, Isy Suttie, Irvine Welsh, Suzanne Vega and Sara Pascoe. (Until Sun 5 June) How The Light Gets In: Day 4 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 9am. Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. Today features multiple Philosophy Sessions from 9am-12am, plus live music from Sifaka, Danielle Lewis, Claire Northey, Nzca Lines, Nerina Pallot and The Correspondents; DJ sets from Zero 7 and Annie Nightingale; comedy from Damian Clark, Bourgeois & Maurice, Rob Carter, Jonny Pelham and Tania Edwards and a screening of Professor Green’s film
on suicide. (Until Sun 5 June) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2075 5015. (Until Mon 30) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. (Until Mon 30) Learning Space Drop-In Day Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Self-led activities, with books, crafts, writing activities, puppets, dressing-up costumes and more. Maibock Beer Festival Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-11.30pm. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sun 5 June) Margam International Kite Festival Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. (Until Mon 30) Margam Model Boat Show Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. (Until Mon 30) Morse Code Beady Beacelets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Tue 31) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Tue 31) That Outdoor Fest Glanusk Estate, Brecon Beacons. £49.50 weekend/£25 age 13-17/£10 under 13. Info www. thatoutdoorfest.com. (Until Mon 30) The Battle National History Museum, St Fagans. 6-9pm, £10/£5 under-16s. Info 029 2057 3500. Welsh Open Stoneskimming Championships Llanwrtyd Wells. £5 to enter. Info 01591 610666. Sponsored by the Heart Of Wales Brewery, this is the first Green Events competition of 2016, presaging many more marginal rural challenges (bog snorkelling, man v horse racing etc). Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £10/£8.50 adv (£30/£25 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival.wordpress.com. (Until Mon 30)
MONDAY 30
A Day In The Wild West Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10am, £7/£5 kids. Info 01639 881635. Among the attractions here are “Running Brave and his Native American Magic Show”. Adventure Week National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. Get back to basics learning some survival skills, such as lighting fires, making a den or using a bow drill. (Until Fri 3 June) A Wild Whitsun – The Coity Tip Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. Get out and about for half term and explore the Coity Tip with a week full of activities for children of all ages. (Until Fri 3 June) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. (Finishes today)
Cowbridge Food And Drink Festival 2016 Arthur John
Car Park / Vale Forge Car Park / The Old Hall, Cowbridge. 9.30am-5.30pm, £5/£8 both days. Info 07875 290428. Craft & Gift Fair Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. £40/£25 to set up a table. Info 01639 881635. Discover Origami Frogs And Butterflies! Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 11am4pm, £3. Info 01639 881635. Kids’ event. Dress Up St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Finishes today) Drop-In Family Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Craft workshop and face painting, with activities tailored to suit a range of ages. Fire & Ice Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Tue 31) Fleece To Felt Day Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £45/£30 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Help shear a sheep, then learn the process of taking the wool and create a felted picture or object. A Good Day Out event. Gower Good Food Festival Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea. 10am-5.30pm, free. Info 01792 371206. Hay Festival 2016: Day 5 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 10am-11pm. Info 01497 822629. Highlights today include Simon Sebag Montefiore, Anna Pavord, Jonathan Coe, Tippi Hedren, Timothy Garton Ash, Juan Gabriel Vazquez, Ruby Wax, Yanis Varoufakis, Carol Black, Germaine Greer, Susan Calman, Sarfraz Manzoor, Turin Brakes and Jess Robinson. (Until Sun 5 June) How The Light Gets In: Day 5 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 9am. Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. Today features multiple Philosophy Sessions from 9am-12am, plus live music from The Hummingbirds, Luke Concannon, Eska, Rosie Lowe, Monster Ceilidh Band, Slow Club and Stealing Sheep; DJ sets from Gilles Petersen and Bill Brewster; comedy from Chris Stokes, Rachel Parris and Alex Kealy and a screening of what is billed as Henry Kissinger’s “final interview”, which is a bit weird given he’s still alive but hey. (Until Sun 5 June) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2075 5015. (Finishes today) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. (Finishes today) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sun 5 June) Margam International Kite Festival Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. (Finishes today) Margam Model Boat Show Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Info 01639 881635. (Finishes today) Morse Code Beady Beacelets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Tue 31) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047
5475. (Until Tue 31) That Outdoor Fest Glanusk Estate, Brecon Beacons. £49.50 weekend/£25 age 13-17/£10 under 13. Info www. thatoutdoorfest.com. (Finishes today) Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £8/£6.50 adv (£30/£25 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival.wordpress.com. (Finishes today)
TUESDAY 31
A Dinosaur Encounter Cardiff Castle. £4. Info 029 2087 8100. Take a close look at dinosaur models, bones and eggs and meet a T Rex. On tomorrow also, but it’s all booked up. Adventure Week National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. (Until Fri 3 June) Art & Craft Day Cardiff Castle. 10.30am-3.30pm, £1. Info 029 2087 8100. Drop-in sessions. A Wild Whitsun – The Coity Tip Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. (Until Fri 3 June) Bat Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 9pm, £5. Info 029 2057 3500. After-dark journey around the Museum to find bats. Wear sensible clothing and bring a torch. Clay Fridge Magnets Mission Gallery, Swansea. 11am-2pm, £6. Info 01792 652016. Workshop led by artist Megan Leigh. Creative Writing Workshop For Young People Aged 10-16 Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-12pm, free. Info 01792 463980. With Emily Hinshelwood. Book in advance please. Explore Your Archives Family Open Day: Find, Hold And Keep National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Join Museum staff and discover their secrets for preserving stories of discovery and adventure. Fire & Ice Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finihes today) Hay Festival 2016: Day 6 Various venues, Hay-OnWye. 9am-11pm. Info 01497 822629. Highlights today include David Crystal, Esther Rantzen, Ifor Ap Glyn, Thomas Keneally, Vince Cable, Gillian Clarke, Humphrey Burton, Rosie Boycott, Alison Weir, The Comedy Store Players and Sam Lee. (Until Sun 5 June) How The Light Gets In: Day 6 Various venues, HayOn-Wye. 9am. Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. Today features multiple Philosophy Sessions from 9am-12am, plus two poetry readings from four poets at a time; a lecture on intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw; a performance of the play Last Train To Oxford; live music from Jake Isaac, Colm Mac Con Iomaire and This Is The Kit; a DJ set from Justin Robertson; comedy from Carl Donnelly and Robin Ince and more poetry from John Agard. (Until Sun 5 June) Instructor Training Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £350 (four days). Info www.cycle-
trainingwales.org.uk. (Until Fri 3 June) Knife & Fork Food Wine Club The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2075 5015. Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sun 5 June) Morse Code Beady Beacelets National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Finishes today) Printmaking Workshops National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Take inspiration from the powerful images and poetry on display in Battle Of Mametz Wood exhibition and make your own print. (Until Thurs 2 June) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today)
live SUNDAY 1
9Bach + Twelfth Day Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3-£14. Info 01239 621200. Before The End Fest The Parrot, Carmarthen. 2.30-11pm, £10. Info 01267 231012. Hardcore, metalcore etc featuring sets from High Hopes, Death Remains, Zephyr, Arizona, Dream State, Old Boy, Disparity, Into The Depths, Without Shores and Calling Apollo. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band The Potters, Newport. 7pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 01633 223311. Bryan Adams Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7pm, £42.50/£35. Info 029 2022 4488. This might be sold out. Calan Mai National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Bands and performers from across Wales, plus the chance to try out clog dancing. Dizzy Lizzy The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £6 adv. Info 01685 387925. Thin Lizzy tribute. Ensemble Cymru Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30pm, £3-£9. Info 01970 623232. Gigspanner Millennium Memorial Hall, Laugharne. 7pm, £16 adv. Info 01267 236885. Popular UK folk group, performing here as a quintet. Guns Or Roses + Flew Fighters The Welfare, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info odintickets@hotmail.com. Tribute bands. Indoor Music Festival The Bunker, Cardiff. 2pm. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. This is of course an alldayer, not a music festival, but either way it features both original acts and covers bands, as well as food stalls. London Concertante: The Four Seasons Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £21-£26. Info 029 2063 6464. Chamber orchestra perform Vivaldi. Mermaid Quay Music Fest
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2048 0077. Four days of gratis live music, further details TBC. On tomorrow also. Terri Bramah & Steve Payne The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. The Bohemians Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 0300 3656677. Queen tribute band. The Wurzels + Skimmity Hitchers The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Went to Bristol a few weeks ago to see earsplitting noise group Consumer Electronics. As part of the, er, stage banter Philip Best mentioned a Wurzels album which says it’s “dedicated to westcountry terrorists” in the sleevenotes. This doesn’t actually exist, right? Twrw Trwyr Dydd Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 4pm-3am, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 2199. Featuring sets by HMS Morris, Castles, Anelog, Ysgol Sul, Cpt Smith, Alun Gaffey, Chroma and DJs Elan & Mari. Welsh National Opera Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £7.50-£48. Info 029 2087 8444. Wonderbrass Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.
MONDAY 2
Atrium Live Music Night Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Every Monday. Calan Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 7.30-9.45pm, £12 adv. Info 01239 841387. Welsh folkies, in Ystradgynlais on Fri 6, Tredegar House the day after that and Brecon on Sun 22. Grown Up Music The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Jam session presented by Pi & Hash. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Every Monday. Live Original Music Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Presented by U&I Radio. Every Monday. Mermaid Quay Music Fest Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2048 0077. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Local singersongwriters perform in the main bar every week. Perpetua & Perception Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 07970 063107. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings.
TUESDAY 3
Acoustic Tuesday South Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers. 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. Into The Ark + Luna BUZZ 67
live music Tides + Alex Stacey Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £6 adv. Info 01633 221477. First of six local dates in May for this acoustic duo. La Mouche Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. French jazz combo. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Now on every Tuesday. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Every Tuesday. Phil Wall’s Jazz Cardinals Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. The Erato Piano Trio St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444.
WEDNESDAY 4
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. Every Wednesday. Adam Parsons Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Frontman of skapunk band Captain Accident. Atmospheres 2016 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 11am, prices vary. Info 029 2039 1391. Oneday series of performances
as follows: Anthony Webb: Songs from Nature & Jason Savory, Songs Of Mortality (11am, £7/£5); Elinor Evans, The Craighouse Suite (12pm, £7/£5); Harriet Grainger, Crosspaths (1.15pm, £7/£5); Tic Ashfield, The Collier’s Son (2.15pm, £7/£5); Amanda Stuart, Lost (3pm, free); Sion Parke Sturrock, Sound + Form (4pm, £7/£5); Kina Miyamoto & Roanna Castle, Spirit Stories Double Bill (5pm, £7/£5); David Harris & Lewis Furber, Baroquiem (8pm, £7/£5) and Robert Singer, We Will (9.30pm, free). Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” Also on Fri 20. Bella & Gareth + The Rifleros + Smokestack Lightnin’ NosDa, Cardiff. 8.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2037 8866. A U&I Radio night.
Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Smooth/ mellow jazz while you eat your tea, every Wednesday this month. Chepstow Community Big Band Whiteheads Sports
& Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Icaris Duo Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £5.50 adv. Info 01656 815995. Into The Ark + Delyth Mclean + Bryony Sier Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 8pm, £6. Info 0800 0147111. Jazz Night Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7pm. Info 01443 491424. First Wednesday of every month. Jazz Wednesdays Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144. In-house live jazz band every week. Mandolin Orange + Josh Oliver + Aled Rheon Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Matt Ridley Quartet Jazzland, Swansea. 8.3011pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Maverick Sabre Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 01792 468892. Unplugged set by a hip-hop crossover guy who I vaguely recall having a hit once. Mostly James Taylor + Scuffed Up Boots Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £8.50 adv. Info 01656 815995. Cover artist, supported by non-cover artist. Always makes me irrationally
live review DIM SWN
Various venues, Cardiff, Sat 9 Apr This year’s Dim Swn couldn’t have fallen on a better day, with the sun beaming down from the sky as you walked from venue to venue. Indiegrunge three-piece Pipedream filled Undertone to capacity early on, before Benedict Benjamin, Luk and PARCS all kept the afternoon bumping along. While Welsh-language psych-pop band Ysgol Sul laid down some sweet melodies, Estrons’ rumbling guitar feels like an uncontrollable run down a steep hill. The Big Moon were the day’s highlight, Juliette Jackson’s vocals drawing me in and never letting go. Coves’ melodic vocals and instrumentals offered a stylish close to a phenomenal day – an excuse for Cardiff’s gig lovers to see the very best of the Welsh music scene with a few drinks in the sun. words JAYDON MARTIN photo DAVID GRIFFITHS
annoyed when I see a lineup like this. Should probably get over it, I know. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Wednesday. Expect to hear jazz, blues, rock or ska here. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday. Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama Jazz Students Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Also on Tue 10. Sadie & Jay Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7pm, £35. Info 029 2022 4488. One of the two warring factions of UK popreggae hitmakers UB40. As of Fri 15 Apr no-one has complained about the incredibly offensive turn of phrase used by Ali Campbell in the interview we ran last month. Water & Wine + Newton Country + The Man In Washington + Sally Robin Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. A Folk In The Owl’s Nest night.
THURSDAY 5
Hackensack Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2038 7026. Pay scale is based on how generous you’re feeling. No pressure, like. Into The Ark + Rebecca Hurn + Kaycee Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest band is Sicknote Steve. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Every Thursday except when there’s a guest on. REPCo: Profile Piano French Music Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£3. Info 029 2039 1391. Soviets + Stay Voiceless + Bandicoot + Kamino Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 07970 063107. *Tacocat + Oh Pals + Neurotic Fiction The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Daytrip and the Joy Collective with a gig headlined by Seattle womenz with a recently released (and good) album. The Johnny Cash Roadshow Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £19. Info 01873 850805. The Skints The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 07590 471888. This is rescheduled from March, when the band had to cancel due to an issue with the power... something that happens to many of us in Tory Britain, folks! As a result I’m not sure if there are tickets on sale. Ring them your bloody self. Tigana + Silver’s Got Strings + Desert Fevers + Yellowcaek Gwdihw, Cardiff.
7.30pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. Presented by Xpress Radio and Juxtaposed. Voes + Jon Lilygreen + Tobias Robertson Le Pub, Newport. 7pm, free. Info 01633 221477.
FRIDAY 6
999 + Ten Plus One + The Guardians Of Public Morality The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £9 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Benjamin Francis Leftwich Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Sold out. Benn Willis The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Bruce Anderson Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Danny Vaughn & Dan Reed Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 07970 063107. Calan The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 01639 843163. Frank Kelleher Prize Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 3pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2039 1391. Galactic Funk Militia The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. With a name like that these guys should make pounding high concept Detroit techno. I’m going to put my neck on the line and guess that they don’t. Inc.A + Solana Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £5/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. A night of what Gwdihw call Balkan Boogie. Into The Ark + Ofelia + Bryony Sier Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 01792 468892. Jack The Biscuit Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Jason Donovan St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £32.50/£28.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Touring his 1989 debut album Ten Good Reasons. Lewis Cook And His Swing Trio Urban Bar And Kitchen, Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel And Spa, Cardiff. 6.30-8pm, free. Info 029 2043 5000. Also performing here on Fri 13 and Fri 27. Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month. Neat Mentals The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm. Info 01495 213300. German band who proclaim to play “Punk/Punkrock 77/Punk Schwedenrock”. Oh, What A Night! Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01633 868239. The New Jersey Boys present a tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night. Pentreffest Noz St Fagans Village Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2970. Monthly folk night, having a fundraising event here. Rob Barbour The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947.
Showaddywaddy Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £22. Info 01646 695267. Chart botherers from the 70s here for a faintly bizarre three-night residency, as a result of which they will miss their hometown side Leicester City’s crucial and/ or triumphant game at home to Everton tomorrow. That’s showbiz. In Llanelli on Fri 13, Neath on Sat 14. (Until Sun 8) Steady Hands + Helen Chambers + Kelly Kemp Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Steve Finn The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Suns Of Thunder The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07730 432166. Swansea stoner rock band who have a new split 7”, with Desert Storm. The Billy Joel Songbook Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £22.50/£20. Info 01656 815995. Performed by Elio Pace. The Burning Crows + Fireroad +The Attix + Hide Your Eyes The Welfare, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £10/£8 adv. Info odintickets@hotmail. com. The Happy Creatures Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Thoby Davis Duo West Coast Arts, Penally, Tenby. Free. Info 01834 219128. Tredegar House Folk Festival Tredegar House, Newport. £30 weekend/individual performances vary in price. Info 01633 246241. Folk dance, song and music over three days. Running order TBC but this is who’s playing: Calan, Jez Lowe And The Bad Pennies, Lowri Evans, Will Pound & Eddy Jay, Winter Wilson, Barron Brady, CairnsHowarth, Flats And Sharps, Morfa, Phil Millichip and Roy Zeal. Dancing displays come from teams including Alingsas Folkdansgille (Sweden) and Veselka (the Ukraine). (Until Sun 8) Unplugged Acoustic Monthly Group Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3. Info 07818 056599.
SATURDAY 7
Andy Lewis Duo Pontyclun RFC. 7.30pm. Info 01443 226892. April Greenhalgh + Carly Holmes + The Welsh Guitar Duo Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Poetry and music. Bal Du Printemps Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 8pm, £10. Info 01239 841387. An evening of French dance and music. BBC NOW: Symphonic Stories Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12.50-£18. Info 01792 475715. Otto Tausk conducts a programme of Dvorák, Bartók, Smetana and Kodály. Ben Willis The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Chastity Belt + Tuff Love Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7-9.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Seattle-based mil-
JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JUNE: THE ZOMBIES (Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Sat 4) DAN PATLANSKY (The Globe, Cardiff, Tue 7) WHEATUS (The Scene Club, Swansea, Tue 7) NORMA JEAN (The Scene Club, Wed 8) ALIEN ANT FARM (Cardiff University, Thurs 9) YAK (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thurs 9) BEACH SLANG (The Globe, Tue 14) SWANSEA JAZZ FESTIVAL (various venues, Swansea, BUZZ 68
live music lennial grrrls headline. Choir Of The Year 2016 Auditions St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 9.30am + 2.30pm, £12/£8. Info 029 2087 8444. Darkside Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £17 adv. Info 01600 719401. Pink Floyd tribute. Dawson Smith & The Dissenters Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £8/£6 members. Info 01633 483238. A Borough Blues Club gig. Deadwood The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm. Info 01495 247178. Dominic Kirwan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £18.50/£17.50. Info 01874 611622. Eduardo Niebla St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £14/£13. Info 01446 799100. Flamenco guitar whiz. Emma Ruth The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Gwanwyn’s 10th Year Celebration Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12-6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Featurin these performers: Ukulele Nights (12pm), Only Menopause Allowed (1pm), Heavy Quartet (2pm), Renè Griffiths (3pm) Tystion (surely not the Welsh language rap group????) (4pm) and Kitty’s Little Big Band (5pm). Huw M + Ysgol Sul + Adwaith The Parrot, Carmarthen. 7.30pm. Info 01267 231012. Into The Ark + Ofelia + Danielle Lewis Castle Inn, Newport, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, free. Info 01239 820742. James Kennedy The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Jonathan Parkin The Gate, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 3344. Guitar recital. Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Award-winning folk duo. Kazabian The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Kasabian tribute. Maddie & The Pandas Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Metal To The Masses South Wales Heat 4 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107. Featuring sets from Proscenium, A Broken Dynasty, Magnu, Dethias and Junk DNA. Mountgomery County Festival Choir Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £12/£6 NUS. Info 01686 614555. Motorkill + Mr Hate Ebbw Vale Institute. 7pm, £11 adv. Info 01495 708022. Motörhead tribute band jump in Lemmy’s grave. Owen Money’s Jukebox Heroes Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01495 227206. On tomorrow also. *Palehorse + Ghold + Hunger Artist Undertone, Cardiff. 6-9pm, £6. Info 029 2022 8883. Noisy sludge metal type stuff, with two bands from London and one from
Bridgend. Presented by Lesson No.1 and FYB. Please note the early start and finish time! Powerslaves Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01443 682388. Iron Maiden tribute. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Every Saturday. Ruby & The Valentines The Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. Showaddywaddy Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £22. Info 01646 695267. (Until Sun 8) Smiling Ivy The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Superfreak Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Brew + Butterfly Collective + Evil Turkeys Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2025 0731. Ska type bands play a benefit gig for the Specialized Project. The Johnny Cash Roadshow Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20.50/£18.50. Info 01792 475715. Tom Hingley Cwtch Coffee, Pembroke Dock. 6.30pm. Info 01646 687635. Inspiral Carpets bloke. Tredegar House Folk Festival Tredegar House, Newport. £30 weekend/ individual performances vary in price. Info 01633 246241. (Until Sun 8) UK Subs + Department S + Foreign Legion + Pizzatramp Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Punk veterans. Vails + Hail Zilla + Gulah The Moon Club, Cardiff. 9pm, £3. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Headliners are launching a new record, which is nice as I quite like them.
SUNDAY 8
Benjamin Creighton Griffiths, Tatiana EvaMarie & Adrien Chevalier
Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. Gypsy jazz and swing concert.
Cerebral Effusion + Omnipotent Hysteria + Sodomized Cadaver + Atonement + Vile Inscription + Derisive Entity + Body Harvest + Dread Bolt Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 4pm, £8 adv. Info 07970 063107. Death metal and the like. Elasea + Ghosts As Alibis + Writing On The Skyline + Celestial + Within Asteria The Scene Club, Swansea. 6.30pm, £4 adv. Info 07730 432166. Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Also on Sun 22. Into The Ark + Delyth Mclean + Bryony Sear Llys Meddig, Newport, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, free. Info 01239 820008. Owen Money’s Jukebox Heroes Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01495 227206.
Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama Students National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Lunchtime concert. Sarah Smith Trio Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £5/£4 musicians. Info 029 2038 7026. Hot Cluv Swing night. Showaddywaddy Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £22. Info 01646 695267. (Finishes today) Spiro Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£17.50. Info 029 2089 0862. Bristol folk veterans. The Bennies + Throwing Stuff + Pizzatramp + Trivial Dispute The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £6 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Punk bands. Throwing Stuff is quite an amusing name. The Blueswater + Kirk Morgan & The Docktown Pearls Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 029 2039 7933. The Heavy Quartet The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Tredegar House Folk Festival Tredegar House, Newport. £30 weekend/ individual performances vary in price. Info 01633 246241. (Finishes today)
MONDAY 9
Atrium Live Music Night Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. David Cooper-Orton The Sanctuary, University Hospital Of Wales, Cardiff. 1.10-1.55pm, free. Info david.c.orton@gmail.com. Lunchtime concert by experimental/ambient guitarist from Penarth. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Live Original Music Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Mal Pope Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. Songs and stories from Welsh songwriter. The true story behind the stage show Cappuccino Girls is promised – finally an end to all those filthy lies. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Paul Young Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Eighties smooth-popster plays the hits, with Orchard the promoters here. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.
TUESDAY 10
Artesian Quartet St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Il Divo Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £26-£126. Info 029 2022 4488. The top tier price is “up close and personal”. Latvian Radio Choir All Saints Church, Penarth.
7.30pm, £15/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. First event of the Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music 2016, which runs until Fri 20 in various venues. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s,
Pontypridd. 7pm. Info 01443 491424. Second Wednesday of every month. Jazz Wednesdays Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144. Kristian Borring & Bruno Heinen Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.
Apparently Tom Hingley out of the Inspiral Carpets has formed an Inspiral Carpets tribute band, with him singing. Bit weird. He's also got a solo career on the go, and plays Cwtch Coffee in Pembroke Dock on Sat 7. Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Preservation Rhythm Kings Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama Jazz Students Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Ryan McGarvey + Texas Flood The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 07730 432166. Promoted by a new name on the block, House Of Rock’n’Blues, and that is what you can expect from this gig music-wise. Spartan + King Leviathan + Hostile UK Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 07970 063107. The Rumjacks The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £14 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Celtic folk-punk from Australia apparently. Wetpainttt + Zed Motel + Lucas Woodland Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3 NUS. Info 029 2039 7933.
WEDNESDAY 11
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@ thebunkercardiff.com. Alice Neary And Matthew Jones: Music & Silence St Illtud’s Church, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £15/£3 NUS. Info 029 2039 1391. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. Billy Ocean Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Eighties chart soul hitmaker, now white of hair and terse of email interview. Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Burum The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Folkinfluenced jazz with a Welsh flavour. I like these guys. Dave Morris & The Knock Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Evening In Paris Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Folk Night Clwb Y Bont,
Mass Collective Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Milk Teeth + Black Foxxes + Eat Me Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Monmouth Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands. plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Tim & Rhona Dalling Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725.
THURSDAY 12
Band Of Friends The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16 adv. Info 07590 471888. The music of Rory Gallagher, played by pals and ex-bandmates. BBC NOW Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £12/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. Edwin Outwater conducts a programme of music by Mark David Boden, Guto Puw and Peteris Vasks. Burum Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Digital Criminals + Crisis Talks Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144. Eliza Neals & The Narcotics + Gentleman Joe Kelly’s Pharmacy 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Bluesrock. *Future Of The Left + The St Pierre Snake Invasion + Adam Betts Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Harriet Earis Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £8/£6. Info 01970 623232. Jazz Jam Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Presented by Dan Messore. Also on Thurs 19. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany
Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is Wide Open Spaces. John Nicholas + Kirk Morgan + Jack Ellis Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Acoustic fellows. Magnum Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Hard rock survivors. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Open Mic Night The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 7.30pm. Info 01495 763752. This month’s edition of the Open Hearth Acoustic night, on the second Thursday of every month. Russell deCarle Angel Hotel, Llandeilo. £12 adv. Info info@llandeiloacoustic.com. Tibetan Monks: Sacred Dance & Music St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £11. Info 01446 799100. Tim Garland Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£12. Info 029 2030 4400. UK jazz saxophonist launches a new album. Try The Pie + Two White Cranes + Winter Coat + They Is They Is They Is The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Indiepop and lo-fi jollies.
FRIDAY 13
Andreas Borregaard & Quatuor Tana Bay Art, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, £8/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. Aubrey Parsons The White Horse, Coychurch, nr Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 652583. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Ebbw Vale Institute. 8pm, £13.50 adv. Info 01495 708022. Caves + Personal Best + Doe + Shit Present The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Punk and indie bands from round the way. Chris Kelly Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Clay Gods + Magnu + Stay Voiceless The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com. Danielle Lewis + Eve Rowlands Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. A ChapterLive gig. ESP The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Gerry Cross The Mersey Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18.50-£20.50. Info 01656 815995. Gerry out of the Pacemakers songs songs and tells stories. Lazy Habits + Pretend Poets + Jango Haze The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07730 432166. Lewis Cook And His Swing Trio Urban Bar And Kitchen, Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel And Spa, Cardiff. 6.30-8pm, free. Info 029 2043 5000.
Fri 17-Sun 19) GBH (Clwb Ifor Bach, Sat 18) HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF (The Globe, Tue 28) KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS (The Globe, Wed 29) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JULY: PLEASE MIND YOUR HEAD VII (Clwb Ifor Bach, Sun 3) THE MACCABEES (Cardiff University, Wed 13) ROBBEN FORD (The Globe, Wed 13) PETER BRUNTNELL BUZZ 69
live music Magenta The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Welsh proggers. Meilyr Jones + Accu Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Former frontman of the band Race Horses headlines. Mike Dennis The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Octave Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. Musical theatre live in the Grieg Room.
Oques Grasses + Grace Hartrey & The Garden Party Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2030 4400. Catalan reggaepop crossover band headline; Newsoundwales promote. Owen Money’s Jukebox Heroes Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 0800 0147111. Paul Dark The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Pull The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Russel deCarle Trio Cwtch Coffee, Pembroke Dock. 8-10.30pm, £14/£12 adv. Info 01646 687635. Showaddywaddy Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £21/£19.50. Info 0845 2263510.
The Burning Hell + Simon Love & The Old Romantics Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. TBH’s latest album was reviewed in Buzz’s last issue. Simon Love was (and occasionally still is) the frontman of The Loves. The Happenings Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Harriet Earis Trio Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 01792 863722. Welsh harpist who recently released a nice EP with American psych-folkie Sharron Kraus. The Jive Aces Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01874 611622. The Siren Sisters Pontardawe Arts Centre. 2pm, £7. Info 01792 863722. Tim Crahart Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Troy Redfern Band The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. Blues. Upbeat Sneakers Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Wicked Faith + Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters + In Requiem Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07970 063107.
SATURDAY 14
A Gala Evening Of Music Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £15. Info 01873 850805. With opera artists Fflur Wyn, Richard Allen and David Kempster, pianist Jeannette Massocchi at the piano and male voice choir Synergy. Atomic Blondie + UK Ramones The Neon, Newport. 8pm, £16/£14 adv. Info 01443 490390. Brace of punk-era tribute bands. Burum Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 01239 615952. Cedar Hill Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060. American bluegrass ensemble. Chris John The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Côr Curiad Llanelli + Collabro Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm. Info 0845 2263510. Charity show in support of Ty Brygnwyn Hospice, Llanelli. Darbuka Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. playing as part of the Awesome Tunes From Africa night. Ensemble Cymru Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £10/£8/£3 NUS. Info 029 2030 4400. Featuring guest harpist
PAUL YOUNG Tramshed, Cardiff, Mon 9 May Tickets: £20. Info: 0117 9259273 / www.tramshedcardiff.com For a truly immersive trip into a 1980s wormhole, you could do worse than checking out Paul Young’s Twitter page, where you’ll find him fielding compliments on his new album Good Thing from Martin Kemp and cooing with Richard Marx over Prince live footage. For a louder, more interactive but no less nostalgic experience, why not visit the Tramshed this month to see the 60-year-old Young plus backing band belt out the hits live? Plus a few selections from Good Thing, you’d assume. Emerging in the early 80s British pop scene, for a while Young’s smoother-than-smooth brand of blue-eyed soul made him one of the biggest solo stars in the UK, and he’s maintained a career ever since, including with his Mexican-themed band Los Pacaminos.
Elizer Netzer. Fell Out Boy + 182 The Globe, Cardiff. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Fall Out Boy and Blink 182 tributes. Firewoodisland The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Band with an EP reviewed in this issue. Future Sailors + The Riff + The Moonbirds Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £6.50 adv. Info 01685 384111. Afterparty for the Scooter Rally that took place earlier today (see Events listings). Gabriel Marshall The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com. Performing the songs of UB40 and Bob Marley Grant Sharkey & Friends The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. *Half Man Half Biscuit Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273. God damn I love this band so much. You know all those ‘musical comedy’ acts, well their collected output has less amusement than one HMHB album. Junior Conservatoire Foyer Concert Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. Lazy Habits + Skunkadelic + Dirty Alex 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Live hip-hop presented by Starving Artists. Malcolm Holcombe & Jared Tyler West End Club, Barry. 8pm, £12.50/£10 adv. Info 07561 143114. Folk and blues. Marc Angel The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Metal To The Masses South Wales Semi Final 1 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107. Featuring sets from the winners of previous heats. The next semi-final is on Sat 21. Miss May & The Magic Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Mr Hate The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm. Info 01685 387925. Rock covers. Owen Money’s Jukebox Heroes Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01495 355800. Paul Dark The Pontygwindy, Caerphilly. 9pm, free. Info 029 2088 4321. Quatuor Tana & Andreas Borregarrd Ewenny Priory, nr Bridgend. 7.30pm, £15/£3 NUS. Info 029 2039 1391. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event featuring workd by Steve Reich, Kalevi Aho and Peteris Vasks. Recreations + Sean McGown + Rob Lynch Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £6 adv. Info 01633 221477. Recreations used to be called Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Sam Crow The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm. Info 01495 247178. Showaddywaddy Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £19. Info
0300 3656677. Slipknowt + Helldown The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 07730 432166. Slipknot tribute. Stephen Simmons & Tamsin Quin + Blind River Scare Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 7.30pm, £6. Info 01633 673739. A Down By The River night of music. Steve Finn The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Tashi Lhunpo Monks Queens Hall, Narberth. 6.45pm, £11 adv. Info 01834 869323. Chants, mantras, music and dance from Tibet. The Andy Lewis Band Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Blades The Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. The Dublin Legends Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £21-£24. Info 01656 815995. Featuring a bunch of people who were in The Dubliners. The People The Poet + The Broadcasts + Vince James Undertone, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2022 8883. The Sixteen Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2087 8444. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival event. The Smiths Indeed Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Tribute act. Willow Robinson Band The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. Blues.
SUNDAY 15
Andy Black + Creeper Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £18 adv. Info 0117 9259273. This is the singer from Black Veil Brides, supposedly on an 80s goth tip. Dan James The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Glas The Bridge, Ebbw Vale. 3pm, free. Info 01495 302171. Chapter Four Jazz Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar. Naomi Rae + Harri Davies + The Strands Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. Penarth Chamber Music Festival Launch Concert Penarth Pier Pavilion. 11am, £10. Info 0844 8700887. The festival itself is in July; tonight Lucy Gould, David Adams and Alice Neary will be performing Mozart’s Divertimento in Eb k.563 for string trio. That’s What I Call Pop Music! Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 6pm, £8 adv. Info 01633 868239. Presented by the Katie Vallis School Of Music. The Best Of BBC Ten Pieces St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 3pm, £15-£35. Info 029 2087 8444. Highlights from a project aimed at inspiring a generation of children to get creative with classical music.
MONDAY 16
Atrium Live Music Night Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Emma Pollock + Laura Elizabeth Johnson The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Headliner used to sing in Scotch indie winners The Delgados. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Live Original Music Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. The Collective Big Band Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.
TUESDAY 17
Ben Thomas & Julian Martin Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £7. Info 01874 611622. Trumpeter and pianist play music from films and telly. Brecon Jazz Club gig. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Huw Warren Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Josh Groban Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £50. Info 029 2022 4488. Pleasant pianist plonks away. Landscapes + Capsize + Giants Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 07970 063107. Memory Of Elephants + Esuna + Your Protected + Twisted Ankle Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. New Orleans Hot Potatoe Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Quantic + Matuki + Hipicat Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. See Music. Simon Lewis & Sharon Richards St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 3pm, £6.50. Info 01446 799100. Cafe concert. Sinfonia Cymru Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 3pm, free. Info 0845 2263510. String quartet recital. Spinning Coin Castle Emporium, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07961 257529. Scottish indiepop band, presented here by The Joy Collective and Max out of Joanna Gruesome. It's BYOB too, and one of the Bs stands for Buckfast.
WEDNESDAY 18
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@ thebunkercardiff.com. As It Is + With Confidence + Jule Vera The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £11/£10 adv.
(The Moon Club, Cardiff, Thurs 14) KAISER CHIEFS + DIZZEE RASCAL + EVERYTHING EVERYTHING (SSE SWALEC Stadium, Sat 16) MOSTLY AUTUMN (The Globe, Sun 24) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST: LOW (Tramshed, Tue 2) HAYSEED DIXIE (The Scene Club, Tue 9) MINISTRY + DEVILDRIVER (Tramshed, Tue 16) DEVVO (The Globe, Sun 21) THROWFEST 2016 BUZZ 70
live music Info 07730 432166. Bella Collins & Gareth Evans Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7pm, £18 inc buffet. Info 029 2062 0415. Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. *Brian Wilson St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8.15pm, £55/£45. Info 029 2087 8444. Sold out I believe. Bryan Corbett with Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Capital City Jazz Orchestra Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Ensemble MidtVest All Saints Church, Penarth. 7.30pm, £15/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. Gwd Jams Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3/free for performers. Info 029 2039 7933. Monthly open jam session. Jazz Wednesdays Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144. Moscow State Symphony Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£39.50. Info 029 2087 8444. My Name Is Ian Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Nap Eyes Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Robert Court & Jose Zalba-Smith St Augustine’s Church, Penarth. 1pm, £8/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. Ross Leadbeater’s Great British Songbook Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01495 227206. Welsh singer/pianist and exOnly Man Aloud. World Service Project Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.
THURSDAY 19
Broadway By The Bay Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. A selection of South Walian musical theatre performers sing an array of Broadway songs. (Until Sat 21) Classic Rock USA Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £18.50/£17. Info 01874 611622. Hits by the likes of Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, who is not from the USA. Daoirí Farrell + Chris Jones Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3-£10. Info 01239 621200. Folk singers from Ireland and Wales. Empire + We Are Carnivore + Stay Voiceless + Unforgottable Adventure Days The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 07730 432166. Garrett Klahn Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv.
Info 029 2023 2199. Former frontman of mid-90s emo faves Texas Is The Reason. Glass Giants Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Ian Skelly & Jose ZalbaSmith Penarth Pier Pavilion. 1pm, £8/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. Jazz Jam Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is All Else Fails. Konstantinos Zikos Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Local Enemy + Discount Columbo + Luna Tides Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. Martin & Eliza Carthy Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 8-10.15pm, £15 adv. Info 01239 841387. In Pontardawe tomorrow. Normanton Street + Junior Bill + Frankie Stew + Harvey Gunn 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£8. Info 029 2022 8883. A QM Records takeover, featuring DJ sets after from Normanton Street and Blue Honey. Old Strafford The Brunswick, Swansea. Free. Info 01792 465676. Parmela Attariwala & Shawn Mativetsky Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, £15/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. The Aguilar Blumenfeld Project The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. The Freewheelers Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth. 8pm, £4-£7. Info 01834 869323. A Spanjazz night. The Moreton Roadshow Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night. *The Nightingales + Ted Chippington + Mwstard! The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Veteran British postpunks headline, suported by infamously obtuse alternative comedian and excellently upbeat Pembrokeshire punk band (one of them is promoting this gig). Great!
FRIDAY 20
1000 Scars + Helldown + Ironclad The Duke, Neath. 8pm, free. Info 01639 643892. A Death To The Duke night of metal bands. 3amp Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Argyle Goolsby And The Roving Midnight + Cryptkeeper 5 + Magnu + Dominic Nation & The Dirty Dead Crowleys Rock Bar, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 07981 684142. Punk rock and death rock. Two top-billed bands are from the States. Ballsdeep + Among The Dead + Beneath The Divine + Fallen God The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.
com. Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. BBC NOW Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £15/£3 NUS. Info 0844 8700887. Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event, indeed the last one for this year. Edwin Outwater conducts a programme of music by Peteris Vasks and John
8pm, £6 adv. Info 07970 063107. Whitesnake tribute band. Red Jam Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. Playing as part of the Cafe A Go Go night. Robin & Bina Williamson Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Ruz Guitar’s Blues Review Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.
The Strange Daze Festival is a new Cardiff weekender, taking place in the Moon Club, the Full Moon and Fuel from Fri 27-Sun 29. It mixes up punk, psych, indie and other bizarro sounds, with Gulp, Spectres and Mugstar among the highlights. Metcalf. Bobby Jo The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Broadway By The Bay Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sat 21) ESP The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Featherjaw + Homes + The Doublecross Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Fort Hope Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 01792 468892. Newish UK rock band who have what might be the cheesiest press biog I’ve ever read. And I’ve read thousands of these things. John Nicholas The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Juan Martin Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £16/£15. Info 01792 602060. Flamenco guitarist. Keith James Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £13/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Performing songs by John Martyn and Nick Drake. Kings Ov Leon The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute band. Legend Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 8pm, £15. Info 01633 868239. Bob Marley tribute, playing one month too late to ‘toast’ the famous date of 4/20. Which it is on the day I’m typing this. By total coincidence. Limehouse Lizzy The Garage, Swansea. 9pm, £13 adv. Info 01792 475147. Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £18/£16 adv. Info 01792 863722. Night At The Opera Ty Mawr, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2075 4456. Owen Money’s Jukebox Heroes Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £15.50 adv. Info 01656 815995. Paul Ashton The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Quitesnake Fuel Bar, Cardiff.
Samoans Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Local alt-rock faves unveil a ‘clutch’ of new songs in this rare headline show. Sebastion Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. *September Girls + The Echo And The Always + Artefact The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. An Irish shoegaze indie treat for you from the headliners. Squirrel Hillbillies The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. Valley Folk Club night. Strut Your Stuff The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm, £20 adv (two days). Info 01685 387925. Two days of funk and R&B, with Brother Strut, Antimatador and The Moon Birds playing live today. Surplus Fest Presents The Spring Gathering Porthkerry
Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £35 weekend/£20 age 12-17/free under12s. Info surplusfest@hotmail. co.uk. Welsh hippy/free festival spirited folks do a weekender in the VoG, a sort of precursor to their larger event in July. Bands playing over the weekend (schedule TBC): Tarantism, Kilnaboy, The Majestic, The Firepit Collective, Mercurius Rising, Dub The Earth, Joytown Gypsies, Dantanna, Skunkadelic & DJ Veto, Garden Folk, JC’s Hopeless Sinners, Captain Accident And The Disasters, Flat Stanley, Tree House Fire, John Player Specials, Dope Biscuits, Thoby Davis, Lou Noble and Turna Phrase (main stage); Doozer Mcdooze, Dan Kemp, Brewer’s Daughter, Chuck SJ Hay, Joe Yorke, Cosmo, Efa Supertramp, Taffy Twp, Dead In The Water and a free jam session/open mic (Stumble Inn acoustic stage). (Until Sun 22)
The Bee Gees Story: Nights On Broadway Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £16.50. Info 01686 614555. The Jazz Envoys The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 8.30pm, £10. Info 01495 763752. Playing this venue’s monthly jazz night.
The Kast Off Kinks Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £20/£19. Info 01495 227206. Tribute band. The Kate Bush Songbook Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. The Riff The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 07730 432166. T Rexstasy Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £19.50/£17.50. Info 01873 850805. Tribute band.
SATURDAY 21
9Bach The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 07590 471888. Welsh folksters. ABACAB Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 01443 682388. Genesis tribute. Abba Mania Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £18.50/£17.50. Info 0845 2263510. Tribute act. An Evening With Elvis Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01873 850805. Or, more truthfully, Keith Davies from Abegavenny pretending to be Elvis. Balsamo Deighton Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Bon Giovi + Just For Kicks The Welfare, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info odintickets@hotmail.com. Bon Jovi tribute band. Broadway By The Bay Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. (Finishes today) Celtic Pride The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm. Info 01495 247178. Chris John The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Chris Kelly The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Cory Band Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £14. Info 029 2039 1391. Dave Bilbrough Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £6.50 adv. Info 01685 384111. Christian rock/worship music fella. In Abergavenny tomorrow. Deadbeat Deluxe The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Devauden Festival Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden, nr Chepstow. 6.30-11pm, £10 adv/£5 kids/free under-5s (£10-£16 both days). Info devaudenmusicfest@gmail. com. First of two days of this mini-fest, with sets by Rusty Shackle, Little Folk, Ofelia, Morfa, Chwarae Teg and Big Sky. On tomorrow also. Dictaphone Devil The Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. Dire Streets Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 01495 243252. Dire Straits tribute. Dorje Le Pub, Newport. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 221477. Rock band from Brighton. Ensemble Midtvest Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01792 602060. Fort Hope + Go Primitive + Nineteen Fifty Eight Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30-
10.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. Glen Darren & The Krewkuts Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 7pm-12am, £7. Info 029 2025 0731. Playing South Wales Rock’n’Roll Club’s Rock’n’Roll Dance. Into The Ark + Alex Stacey + Ofelia + CWCW Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £6. Info 01495 227206. Julie Murphy Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01239 615952. Welsh folk musician launches a new album, Every Bird That Flies. Killer Queen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Tribute band. Limehouse Lizzy Queens Hall, Narberth. 8pm, £14.50 adv. Info 01834 869323. Metal To The Masses South Wales Semi Final 1 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107. Outspaced: A Celebration Of 21 Years Of Super Furry Animals Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Featuring No Thee No Ess, Titus Monk, HMS Morris and Gindrinker covering SFA songs. There’ll also be appearances from DJ Guy, Ric Rawlins and Harvest DJs, plus an afterparty somewhere TBC until 3am. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. SeaFall Mackintosh Institute, Roath, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07929 264165. A BoomSwinger Bluegrass Club gig. Seven Stories High The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07730 432166. EP launch gig. Sophie Hansen The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Strut Your Stuff The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8.30pm, £20 adv (two days). Info 01685 387925. After Dark Fonksters and the Bayside Boogiemen play live today. Surplus Fest Presents The Spring Gathering Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £35 weekend/£20 age 12-17/free under12s. Info surplusfest@hotmail. co.uk. (Until Sun 22)
The Big What!? Band Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. The Kenny Driscoll Band Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Will Young Chepstow Racecourse. 3.30pm, £39 adv. Info 01291 622260. That price gets you a day of races, two drinks and a set by Youngy, right after the last race. Hopefully they won’t take him round the back and shoot him if he sings a bit off key.
SUNDAY 22
Andy Nowack Trio The King’s Arms, Abergavenny. 7.45pm, £10/£8. Info 07958 612691. A Black Mountain Jazz night. Belleville Swing The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Bring Him Home Gala
(Clwb Ifor Bach, Sun 21) HUB FESTIVAL (various venues, Cardiff, Fri 26-Sun 28) SPACE (Clwb Ifor Bach, Sat 27) STATUS QUO (Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli, Sat 27) BEN KLOCK (Tramshed, Sun 28)
BUZZ 71
live music Concert St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20. Info 029 2087 8444. With Osian Wyn Bowen, Jodi Bird, Liz Tiley and Morgan Westcott, all of whom have starred as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Calan Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £12. Info 01874 611622. Dave Bilbrough Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 6pm, £6.50. Info 01873 850805. Devauden Festival Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden, nr Chepstow. 11am-11pm, £1from £7 (£10-£16 both days). Info devaudenmusicfest@gmail. com. Today features sets by The Neville Staple Band, Grace Hartrey, Vince James, Gentleman Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy, Cwcw, Gwent Music Celtic Band, The Bug Club, Taffy Was A Thief, Clyde Jefferson Band, The Echo & The Always, Hot Knife Club, The Rumble, Devon Castells, Maddie Jones and a Rock Choir. Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. JP Hoe Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30-10.30pm, free. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. Only Men Aloud Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 5pm, £23/£18. Info 0800 0147111. Surplus Fest Presents The Spring Gathering Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £35 weekend/£20 age 12-17/free under12s. Info surplusfest@hotmail. co.uk. (Finishes today)
Toundra + Scumbag Familiar + False Hope For The Savage Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Spanish postrockers headline.
MONDAY 23
Atrium Live Music Night Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Live Original Music Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Rae Spoon + Truly Kaput + Eirlys Rhiannon + Amo Rex Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 07830 381930. Singersongwriter from Canada, who I recall first playing Cardiff nine or so years back, headlines. Birkenstomp present. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.
TUESDAY 24
Beth Porter & The Availables Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. Busted + Wheatus + Emma Blackery Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £41.50. Info 029 2022 4488. Chris Rand 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. BUZZ 72
Issues Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. US metalcore band. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Open Mike Eagle + Milo + Mike Dennis The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6.50 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. See Music. Sundara Karma + Inheaven Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. The New Georgia Jazz Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.
WEDNESDAY 25
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@ thebunkercardiff.com. Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues Night Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7pm. Info 01443 491424. Last Wednesday of every month. Bright Light Bright Light Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. InMe + Press To Meco + Orca The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 07730 432166. Jazz Wednesdays Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144. Judith Nijland Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, free. Info 07802 912789. A jazz tribute to the music of Abba would you believe. Juliette Bell + Sleepy House + The Bakestones The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8.30pm. Info 01685 387925. A U&I Radio gig. Little Arrow Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Ollie Brice Quintet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. The Hot 8 Brass Band Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01792 468892. The Hut People Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. The Magic Of The Musicals Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 1pm, £6. Info 01633 868239. Welsh Singers Competition St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.25pm, £5-£16. Info 029 2087 8444. See Roundup.
THURSDAY 26
Blaze Bayley The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm, £5. Info 01685 387925. Chaos Trigger Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144. Dancing Years + Why We Love + Parcs + Daniel Eagle Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7933.
Gareth Roberts Quintet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is The JimJam Band. Murder Murder + Darren Eedens Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4. Info 029 2022 8883. Headliners are a Canadian bluegrass band who sing murder ballads. Fun! Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. *Power Trip + Venom Prison + Deceit + Judgement + Interrogation The Bunker, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £10. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. Headliners are a crossover thrash band from Texas whose last album was on Southern Lord. This should be pretty blistering. Prolong The Agony + A Plea A Promise + Faces Of Eve + Giving In To Ghosts
Children Of The Gravy Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 07512 237983. Black Sabbath tribute. Dave Bowen The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. ESP The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Fishguard Folk Festival Various venues, Fishguard. 6-11pm, free. Info judy. whitehouse@gmail.com. The first day of the 17th edition of this fest features free performances from Fishguard Folk Singers (Ffwrn), Gale Force (Ship Inn), Owainsdottir (Ship Inn), Mike Greenwood (Pendre Inn), Wild Geese (Yacht Club), The Vagrants Crew (Ship Inn), Quarto (Ffwrn) and Mike Chant (Ffwrn). (Until Mon 30) Jive At Five Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Leeroy Stagger + The Redlands Palomino Company + Joe Kelly
Julie Murphy is a Welsh folk musician who's been around since the 90s, making beguiling records and guesting on a recent Robert Plant album. Her new LP, Every Bird That Flies, is launched at Cardigan Small World Theatre on Sat 21. + Doomcrow The Parrot, Carmarthen. 7.30, £5. Info 01267 231012. That’ll Be The Day St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20-£25. Info 029 2087 8444. Nostalgia song and dance variety blah. The Paper Moon Band Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.50 adv. Info 01656 815995. Jazz Club night. Tobias Robertson’s Jam Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Veronica Spergia & Max Di Bernadi with Toni Cresci Angel Hotel, Llandeilo. Info info@llandeiloacoustic.com.
FRIDAY 27
Alaw Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £5/£13. Info 01873 850805. Alexander O’Neal Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £22.50 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Soul icon performing with a full live band. Babajack Blossoms Gallery, Aberystwyth. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info info@ blossomsgallery.co.uk. First event of the Blossoms Blues Festival, which is in fact three blues gig here over the weekend. Bella Collins Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. Blind River Scare + Tom Crow Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. A ChapterLive gig. Calypso The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381.
Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Canadian singer-songwriter headlines. Lewis Cook And His Swing Trio Urban Bar And Kitchen, Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel And Spa, Cardiff. 6.30-8pm, free. Info 029 2043 5000. Men On The Chessboard Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2023 2199. Single launch for local pop-rockers. Organ Recital National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Solid Gold 70s Show Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715. *Strange Daze Festival The Full Moon / The Moon Club / Fuel Cardiff. 6pm, £10/£25 weekend. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Great new Womanby Street weekender spanning psych, punk and less categorisable noisy stuff. Today these acts are playing: Bob Log III, Sly And The Family Drone, Mugstar, Lacertilia, Woven Skull, Totem Terrors, My Name Is Ian, Cybernetic Witch Cult, The Sonny Bonds Duo, Eugene Capper & Rhodri Brooks, Melltith, Akb’al (acoustic) and DJ Owen Gigantic. (Until Sun 29) Tecwyn Ifan Ty Tawe, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 456856. The Big Tav Chill Uplands Tavern, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 458242. Three-day festival, today featuring (in chronological order) Steve Williams Trio, Phil Cooper, Padraig Lalor and Juzu Kings.
(Until Sun 29) The Cellar Bards Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. The Chills The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18 adv. Info 07590 471888. New Zealand jangly indie veterans, part of the first wave of Flying Nun Records bands in the early 80s. See Music. The Lushtones Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Woodentops Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Semi-popular 80s indie band, who had a ‘dance element’ pre-Stone Roses too, back on the circuit. Could be a bit of clash with The Chills, this. Tonepot + Eulogy + Static Fires The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Trampolene The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07730 432166.
SATURDAY 28
Alaw + Les Barker Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. 3.30pm, £10 adv. Info judy. whitehouse@gmail.com. A Fishguard Folk Festival concert – the first of two today, then there’s another on Sun 29 and Mon 30. Back To November The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £3. Info 01685 387925. Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Bob Log III + John Mouse Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £7 adv. Info 01633 221477. Weirdo blues-rock dude, around for over 20 years in various forms, headlines. Bulletfest The Dolls House, Abertillery. Free. Info 01495 213300. Two-day metal fest for nowt. Today features Lifer, Line Of Fire, A Vulgar Picture, The Darkhorse, Crowsaw, Eyes Of The Raven, Beneath The Divine, Ironclad and Democratus. On tomorrow also. Chris Summerill Band Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Dan Walsh Blossoms Gallery, Aberystwyth. 7pm, £8-£12. Info info@blossomsgallery. co.uk. Blues. Eric Bibb Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £25.50£27.50. Info 01656 815995. Blues-rock big shot. *Extraction Music Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2-10.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. Various noise/ drone/improv acts with a gig in aid of a refugee charity. Sets from Yol, Kevin Sanders, Form Constants, Clive Henry, Marlo De Lara, Deej Dhariwal, Murray Royston Ward, Seth Cook & Dominic Lash and Howlround. DJ sets from Charlie Romijn, The Joy Collective and Celestial Communications. Fishguard Folk Festival Various venues, Fishguard. 10am-11pm, free. Info judy. whitehouse@gmail.com. Featuring Heb Enw Morris & The Vagrants Crew (Town Square), an open mic session (Ffwrn), HiJinx (Ship Inn), Mike Greenwood (Yacht Club), Wild Geese (Ffwrn), workshops with Rapsqullion and Kitty Greenwood
(Skirmisher), Polly Morris Band (Ffwrn), Puffin Brass (Ffwrn), Sandwitch (Pendre Inn and Yacht Club), Rob Lear (Ffwrn), Polly Morris (Ship Inn), Rapsquillion (Yacht Club), Fiddlebox (Ffwrn), Vagrants Crew (Ffwrn), Gary & Helen Hopwood (Ship Inn) and Mike Chant (Ffwrn). (Until Mon 30) Ian Cal Ford Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Maia Queens Hall, Narberth. 8pm, £6-£12. Info 01834 869323. Span Arts with a band who claim to have invented “sci-fi folk”. Manic Street Preachers + Super Furry Animals + Public Service Broadcasting Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 5pm, £55/£39.50. Info 0844 8156665. See Upfront. Matt Cook The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Milford Haven Town Band 2016 Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £10/£7. Info 01646 695267. My Name Is Ian West Coast Arts, Penally, Tenby. Free. Info 01834 219128. Never Found Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30-10.30pm, £5 Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com. Night At The Opera Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2070 0721. Queen tribute. On The Rocks The Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Section Boyz Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Breakout grime crew given the double-edged sword that is the approval of Drake. Son Of Man + Deke Leonard + Bigfeat The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 07730 432166. Welsh prog survivors. Steve Doolan The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Steve Finn The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. *Strange Daze Festival The Full Moon / The Moon Club / Fuel Cardiff. 4pm, £10/£25 weekend. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Today features Spectres, Yucatan, Hippies Vs Ghosts, Cleft, Hipicat, David Mysterious, Lux Aeterna, Homes, Scott Howells, Stearica, Purple Heart Parade, Nevsky Perspective, Soundwire, Silent Forum, Boris a Bono, Sous Les Paves, Disjoy, Lupo Rosso and special headliner announced on the day. Ooh! People from Daytrip, Holy Boredom, Cosmic Cauldron and Five Dollar Shake DJ. (Until Sun 29) Superchango Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. The Big Tav Chill Uplands Tavern, Swansea. 12pm. Info 01792 458242. Outside stage from 12pm: Swansea String Band, Lazarus Carpenter, Sian Richards, Cornfield & Keally, Steve Hollis, Paul Rees, Siwan Thomas Howells and Ben & Niomi. Inside stage from 7pm: Chris Chapel, Sicknote Steve,
stage Little Folk and Johnny Seven. (Until Sun 29) Thee Damage Done The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. The Hut People + Bright Season Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. 3.30pm, £10 adv. Info judy.whitehouse@gmail. com. A Fishguard Folk Festival concert. The Jokers The Patriot, Crumlin. 8pm, £3. Info 01495 247178. Welsh Beatbox Championships Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 12pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. The list of details for this is approaching novel length, but here’s the crux: “Beatboxers will battle it out to compete to become The Welsh Beatbox Champion in the following categories: Main Solos, Loop Station, Tag Teams (2 vs 2 simultaneously).”
SUNDAY 29
AC/DC UK + Powerslaves The Globe, Cardiff. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. AC/ DC and Iron Maiden tribute bands. Alaw Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£15. Info 029 2089 0862. Aubrey Parsons Atlantic Hotel, Porthcawl. 12pm, free. Info 01656 785011. Bulletfest The Dolls House, Abertillery. Free. Info 01495 213300. Today features Left For Red, Black Bullets, Pizzatramp, Ded Orse, Master Charger, Smiling Tigers, The Day Of Locusts, Bag Of Bones and Scarsun. Deadwood The Welfare, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £10/£8 adv. Info odintickets@ hotmail.com. Twin tribute to Metallica and Iron Maiden. Fishguard Folk Festival Various venues, Fishguard. 11am-9pm, free. Info judy. whitehouse@gmail.com. Featuring a walk led by Gary Jones (starting at the Town Square), a workshop led by the Foxglove Trio (Skirmisher), Gale Force (Ship Inn), Nick Scott (Ffwrn), Vagrants Crew (Yacht Club), HiJinx (Transitions Cafe), Rapsquillion (Ffwrn), a bluegrass session (Bennett’s Navy Tavern), Caffl (The Railwaymen’s Club), Three Legg’d Mare (Ffwrn), The Foxglove Trio (Ffwrn), Rapsquillion (Ship Inn), Mike Greenwood (Pendre Inn), The Meadows (Ffwrn), Owainsdottir (Yacht Club), Dave Jones & Ashley-John Long (Peppers) and Gary Jones (Ship Inn). (Until Mon 30) *Owiny Sigoma Band + Albert Bisaso Ssempeke The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 01639 843163. See Music. Public Image Ltd Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £26.50 adv. Info 0117 9259273. John Lydon and bandmates bring revived postPistols project back to Cardiff. Red River Blues The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Rich Cottell Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £10. Info 0871 4720400. Westcountry singer-songwriter. So You Want Punk???? You
Got It!!!! The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 4pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Featuring Wonk Unit, Trigger McPoopshute, Pizza Tramp and many more TBC. *Strange Daze Festival The Full Moon / The Moon Club / Fuel Cardiff. 4pm, £10/£25 weekend. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Today features Flamingods, Shit And Shine, Gulp, Houdini Dax, Arrows Of Love, The Proper Ornaments, Thomas Truax, Charles Howl, Threatmantics, Tender Prey, Milk, The Dharma Violets, Masts, Jemma Roper, Beach Fatigue, Hodad, Albatross Archive, Mute Group(s), Dead In The Water and Head Noise. People from Lesson No. 1, Harvest, God Is In The TV and Five Dollar Shake DJ. (Finishes today) Sunjay Blossoms Gallery, Aberystwyth. 7pm, £8-£12. Info info@blossomsgallery. co.uk. Last gig of the so-called Blossoms Blues Festival. Talisk + James Findlay Ffwrn, Fishguard. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info judy.whitehouse@ gmail.com. A Fishguard Folk Festival concert. The Aguilar Blumenfeld Project Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. American blues-rockers. The Big Tav Chill Uplands Tavern, Swansea. 12pm. Info 01792 458242. Outside stage from 12pm: Eleri Angharad, Tansy Rees, Jordan Shamsaee, Jack Beynon, Gethyn Leaves, Abbie Jebbers and Tom Emlyn. Inside stage from 7pm: Chocoholics, Jerris And The Beats, Sarah And The Coppertops, Curious Orange and Up The Creek. (Finishes today)
MONDAY 30
Atrium Live Music Night Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Blackbeard’s Tea Party + Rheged Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard. 12pm, £10 adv. Info judy.whitehouse@gmail. com. A Fishguard Folk Festival concert. Fishguard Folk Festival Various venues, Fishguard. 11.30am-4.30pm, free. Info judy.whitehouse@gmail.com. Featuring The Vagrants Crew (Library), Sandwitch (Library) and a closing ceremony at the Ffwrn. (Finishes today) Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Live Original Music Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. *Shellac + Helen Money Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Cardiff residents, at least the ones unwilling to travel the short distance to Newport to see them in 1994, have been waiting 23 years for Shellac to play here. Now their wishes have been answered in the form one of three UK dates for the esteemed Chicagoan urrock trio. I’m going to knock into you at this. The Hunna Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. UK rock band who sold out their recent gig here. This one doesn’t appear
to be sold out at the time of writing, however. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.
TUESDAY 31
Alex Davies Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 01686 614555. Acoustic local. Dan Messore 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. David Ian Roberts + Toby Hay Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. Folk. Donnie Joe’s American Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Jazz Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 8pm, £3. Info 029 2048 3344. Last Tuesday of every month with the venue’s professional house jazz trio. Jazz Jam Session Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, free. Info 07802 912789. Also featuring a drum workshop by Clark Tracey beforehand. Lowri Porter & Lada Valešolvá St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75. Info 029 2087 8444. Violin and piano duo. Martin & Eliza Carthy St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £17/£16 adv. Info 029 2087 8444. A Roots Unearthed gig. New Year’s Day Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Sugarhill Gang + Grandmaster’s Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Scorpio Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 0117 9259273. It’s not entirely clear to me which origninal members of these two pioneering rap groups feature in their current lineups. Melle Mel and Scorpio, I suppose, but Grandmaster Flash doesn’t, despite the name. Hmm. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. The Ronnie Scott’s Allstars Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £16.50-£21.50. Info 01792 475715. Zebrahead + Junior The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 07590 4718
stage SUNDAY 1
Adrift Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 07830 381930. A play by George Infini about three sailors lost at sea. Presented by KILN. Caitlin Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 6 + 8pm, £13/£11. Info 01873 850805. Eddie Ladd and Gwyn Emberton’s acclaimed dance production about Dylan Thomas’ wife. Fusion Dance Showcase Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 4pm, £7.50. Info 01633
868239. On tomorrow also. Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday. Studio One: Musicality Mashup Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 6pm, £13.50. Info 029 2064 6900. An uplifting evening of dance and song. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2pm, £8/£7. Info 01970 623232. Kids’ show. Tom Price + Jenny Collier + Dan Kiss + Costas Lukaris + Nick Hiscott + Robin Morgan Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2031 0312. Presented by Buffalo Comedy.
MONDAY 2
Belonging Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. New play by Re-Live, looking at experiences of people living with dementia. In Swansea on Thurs 12 and Sat 13; Carmarthen on Tue 17; Milford Haven on Thurs 19 and Fri 20. (Until Sat 7) Fusion Dance Showcase Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 2pm, £7.50. Info 01633 868239.
TUESDAY 3
Adrift The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2048 3344. George Infini’s play, performed in the Cafe Bar. Belonging Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 7) Crafty Laughs The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952. Free standup comedy of the night every first Tuesday of the month. This one features (deep breath) Jethro Bradley, Owen Niblock, Drew Taylor, Ali Hancock, Liam Jones, Steffan Evans, John Gilmour, Alex Perkes, Andrew Rutledge and Kris Davies. Craig Campbell St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2087 8444. We interviewed him last week, while he was sitting in traffic. The sort of thing you’ve come to love about super soaraway Buzz, indeed regional magazine journalism in general. Mark Steel Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £15. Info 01239 621200. Standup comedian/activist type with a new show, about his efforts to meet his mother for the first time. In Milford Haven on Thurs 5; Monmouth on Sun 8; Newtown on Sat 21. Mrs Reynolds A’r Cena Bach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01970 623232. Welsh translation by Meic Povey of Gary Owen’s play, Mrs Reynolds And The Ruffian. On tomorrow also; in Newtown on Fri 13. Of Mice And Men New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Great Depression-era novel hits the stage. (Until Sat 7) The Chepstow Singing Club Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2pm, £7 adv. Info 01633 263670. Musical variety show. Youth Theatre Drama Showcase Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £4/£3. Info 01495 355800.
WEDNESDAY 4
Belonging Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 7) Blue Remembered Hills Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £8/£6. Info 01792 475715. Dennis Potter play presented by Shoreline Theatre. On tomorrow also. Mark Steel Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £15. Info 01982 552555. Mrs Reynolds A’r Cena Bach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01970 623232. Of Mice And Men New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 7) Peppa Pig’s Surprise Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1 + 4pm, £10-£16.50. Info 01792 475715. On tomorrow also.
THURSDAY 5
Belonging Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 7) Blue Remembered Hills Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £8/£6. Info 01792 475715. Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Hosted by Clint Edwards and featuring Paul McCaffrey and Eric Lampaert. Grease Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. Amateur production of noted musical. (Until Sat 7) Mark Steel Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 8pm, £15. Info 01646 695267. Mark Watson Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £17. Info 01686 614555. Rescheduled date for third comedy Mark, doing his I’m Not Here show. Meet Tommy Atkins Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. The story of a WWI Private, presented by Beyond Eternity. Of Mice And Men New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 7) Peppa Pig’s Surprise Grand Theatre, Swansea. 10am + 1pm, £10-£16.50. Info 01792 475715. Redeemed Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 01633 263670. One-act plays about choices, changes and chances, it says here. (Until Sat 7) Simon Emanuel Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm, £3. Info 01633 259144. Standup comedian. The Fire Of London Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01239 621200. Presented by Cardigan Theatre, to note the 350th anniversary of the fire in question. (Until Sat 8) The Importance Of Being Earnest The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2048 3344. Presented by The Pantaloons. The admiring quote they’ve used in the blurb comes from the Rotherham Advertiser, coincidentally the only organ whose approval Oscar Wilde craved while alive. Tonto Evans The Met, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800. Frank
Vickery comedy play. On tomorrow also.
FRIDAY 6
A Night Of Dirty Dancing Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £21.50. Info 01874 611622. Bye Bye Baby Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01792 475715. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons musical. Club Cairo The Riverfront, Newport. 8pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 01633 656757. Live music, dance and theatre, presented by The Arabian Fantasy Dance Theatre. Crash Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£15. Info 029 2064 6900. Welsh premiere for a play about a trader easing back into his high-pressure job following a personal tragedy. On tomorrow also. Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 20. Grease Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Until Sat 7) JoJo Smith + Rob Hughes + Paul McCaffrey + Eric Lampaert Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. La Bohème Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£18. Info 01792 602060. Presented by Swansea City Opera. Nest Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2030 4400. Dance piece featuring Anushiye Yarnell and her four-year-old daughter Hepzibah. On tomorrow also. Of Mice And Men New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 7) Redeemed Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 7) Soul In The Machine The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£7. Info 029 2048 3344. New play by Saltmine Trust, based on the tale of a country boy who comes to London in the 1840s. ‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 8pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 01495 227206. With standups TBC. The Fire Of London Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01239 621200. (Until Sat 8) Tonto Evans The Met, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800. Vikki Stone + Nick Revell + Tiernan Douieb Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. Comedy Club night.
SATURDAY 7
A Night Of Dirty Dancing Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01633 868239. Tribute show of some kind. Associates Gala Extravaganza Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £25. Info 029 2063 6464. Performance by the The National Dance Company Wales’ Youth Ensemble, raising funds for them to perform in Aberdeen this summer. Belonging Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. BUZZ 73
stage
THE GLEE CLUB Lights, laughter, action! There’s more to a good comedy night than you think… If you speak to any stand-up comedian they’ll tell you that the environment in which they perform is just as important as the people they perform to and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to get wrong. The stage is the centre of attention and should be treated that way. Ideally seats should face the stage and be fairly close together, it sounds simple and may please taxi drivers, but watching over your shoulder just isn’t as fun. There’s safety in numbers and also a lot more laughs: if you spread out the audience you’ll lose some of the atmosphere. Lighting should be simple spotlights with atmospheric lighting either side of the stage to bring warmth and not make it feel like the blitz. Comics in the past have had to battle with blaring TVs, fruit machines and even pool tables all in the same room they’ve had to perform in and there’s nothing funny about that. Lower ceilings are ideal for comedy as it stifles the sound in the room and emphasises the intimacy created within there. The top New York comedy clubs are all in basements and cellars and the best UK clubs have taken note. Although not as cosy as some basement clubs, Cardiff Glee is a good example of a space that can hold 450 people but still retain the intimacy of smaller pub gig. A comic’s voice needs to reach everyone in the room and a simple, good quality P.A system and mic will do this. It’s so simple but you’ll be surprised at how many comedians have turned up to be welcomed by a pallet and a couple of mag-lites. Now you just need the night to be funny... The comedians, of course, have to be of a certain calibre and the night ordered and structured to compliment this. Throughout the night you’re likely to see the opener, the middle act, the closer and the compere. Typically the last comic on is the most revered and established but a good line-up shows no cracks and is solid throughout. The best nights are the ones that remind you why live entertainment is so great. It’s unscripted, it’s chaotic and it’s a bunch of strangers laughing together for one night only. Combine all the ingredients to get it just right and you have a perfect recipe for laughter. Info: www.glee.co.uk/cardiff-comedy
BUZZ 74
(Finishes today) Cerys Nelmes + Chris Turner + John Ryan Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Crash Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £7.50£15. Info 029 2064 6900. Disney’s Camp Rock Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. Dynamite & Poetry Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £10/£5. Info 0300 3656677. Acrobatic dance performance. Grease Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Finishes today) It Snows + Takeaway + The Musicians Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.15pm, free. Info 01970 623232. This town’s contribution to the nationwide National Theatre Connections festival, showcasing new plays. Three different ones are on tomorrow. JoJo Smith + Rob Hughes + Paul McCaffrey + Eric Lampaert Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Laffty Devil Comedy Night Crafty Devil Cellar Shop, Llandaff Road, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@ craftydevilbrewing.co.uk. Third in a series of monthly comedy nights in this Canton bottle shop. Features a ‘comedy speakeasy’ where the audience talk about whatever the audience suggest. Llaeth Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2030 4400. Experimental live movement/dance piece which attempts to explore the relationship the male body once had with that of the Mother’s body. Mark Steel Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £15. Info 01600 772467. Nest Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £6 adv. Info 029 2030 4400. Of Mice And Men New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Redeemed Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Rob Beckett Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 8pm, £14/£12. Info 01873 850805. Signature Showcase 2016 Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £6. Info 01495 355800. Presented by Signature Show Chour & Signature Jnr. The Elite Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £10/£9 kids. Info 01792 475715. Showcase by Dani Dee Dance. The Fire Of London Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01239 621200. (Until Sat 8) The Naked Truth Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £22/£20. Info 0845 2263510. Someone called Dave Simpson has written a play where five women take up pole dancing for charity. Not only that, but Faye from Steps is playing one of the women. What’s yer secret, Dave? How did you get so charming?
SUNDAY 8
Blackout + I’m Spilling My Heart Out Here + What Are They Like? Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
6.15pm, free. Info 01970 623232. This town’s contribution to the nationwide National Theatre Connections festival, showcasing new plays. Three different ones are on tomorrow. Graeme Of Thrones St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Game Of Thrones parody type thing, previewed last month. Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. The Fire Of London Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01239 621200. (Finishes today)
MONDAY 9
A Sunny Disposition The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Nicola Reynolds’ debut play, exploring the nature of addiction and denial. (Until Sat 14) Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn. Dinosaur Park Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01495 227206. A whimsical spin on Jurassic Park, set in Lyme Regis. Johnny & The Baptists Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Musical comedy duo. Not as funny as Half Man Half Biscuit, despite the latter not thinking of themselves as a comedy act. Musical Theatre Showcase Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2039 1391. On tomorrow also.
TUESDAY 10
A Sunny Disposition The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 14) Blavatsky’s Tower Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. Moira Buffini’s play, presented by 3 Crate. In Merthyr on Fri 13. Boxy & Sticky Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 5pm, £5/teachers free. Info 0800 0147111. Theatrical adventure for ages 3-5. On tomorrow also. Goodnight Mr Tom New Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £11£27. Info 029 2087 8889. David Troughton off of The Archers is in this one. (Until Sat 14) Only Fools & Three Courses Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.30pm, £41. Info 01792 475715. Eat a meal while theatre, based on a similarly-named UK sitcom, takes place around you. This is done by the same people who do Faulty Towers, except that now seems to be called Basil’s Restaurant because John Cleese has finally got wind of their operation and is suing them. In Pontardawe on Thurs 26. The Best Thing Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Presented by Vamos Theatre in a cocommission with London International Mime Festival. Not certain if there’s any miming in this however. The Graduate Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm,
£12.50 adv/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. Performed by Newport Playgoers Society. (Until Sat 14) When We Are Married Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £8/£5 under-16s. Info 01639 643462. (Until Sat 14)
WEDNESDAY 11
A Sunny Disposition The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 14) Boxy & Sticky Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 10am + 1pm, £5/ teachers free. Info 0800 0147111. Bridget Christie Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £16. Info 0871 4720400. Possibly due to be featured in this issue, if she answers the questions we sent her (or her management), and if she treats them with less disdain than the ones Cardiff Life asked her. Follies Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01646 695267. Musical performed by Haverfordwest Operatic Society. (Until Fri 13) Goodnight Mr Tom New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10-£27. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 14) Nunsense Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £9/£8. Info 01495 355800. Musical comedy presented by Ebbw Vale Operatic & Dramatic Society. (Until Fri 13) Roy Chubby Brown Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £21.50 adv. Info 01639 763214. Just before Christmas, someone I’m Facebook friends with put up a photo of their Secret Santa gift, which was an original 1979 demo tape by the metal band Venom. This would be awesome enough by itself but it had also been taped over a live recording of Chubby Brown at Wallsend Social Club. Fantastic. The Graduate Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50 adv/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 14) Tonto Evans Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. Another ribald valleys-based Frank Vickery comedy. (Until Sat 14) Ventoux The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 01633 656757. Cycling-based theatre, specifically a look at the race between DRUG CHEATS Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani in 2000. When We Are Married Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £8/£5 under-16s. Info 01639 643462. (Until Sat 14)
THURSDAY 12
Annie The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.15pm, £10/£9. Info 01443 490390. Presented by Pontypridd Theatre Company. (Until Sat 14) A Sunny Disposition The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 14) Belonging Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 10am + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 602060. On tomorrow also. Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871
4720400. Hosted by Clint Edwards and featuring Andrew Stanley and one more TBC. Damian Clark Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01834 869323. Span Arts comedy night. Follies Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01646 695267. (Until Fri 13) Goodnight Mr Tom New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7pm, £10-£27. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 14) Nunsense Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £9/£8. Info 01495 355800. (Until Fri 13) Roy Chubby Brown Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01633 868239. On tomorrow also. Taffy Shakespeare Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 1 + 7.15pm, £6-£10. Info 01792 475715. Kevin Johns plays Ianto Pugh, who claims to have written Will S’ plays. The Graduate Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50 adv/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 14) Tonto Evans Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 14) When We Are Married Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £8/£5 under-16s. Info 01639 643462. (Until Sat 14)
FRIDAY 13
An Evening Of Dirty Dancing Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01600 772467. Annie The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.15pm, £10/£9. Info 01443 490390. (Until Sat 14) A Sunny Disposition The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 14) Belonging Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 10am + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 602060. Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7-£14. Info 029 2064 6900. Premiere of a play by Katherine Chandler which has scooped an award for its playwriting. It concerns friendship and growing up outside a family. (Until Sat 28) Blavatsky’s Tower Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. Carl Donnelly + Josh Howie + Andrew Stanley + Jo Enright Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Ceri Dupree The Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon, Swansea. 7.15pm, £10 adv. Info 07790 864217. A Comedy Cow night of standup. Damian Clark + Jimmy James Jones + Carl Donnelly + Paul Revill The Function Room, Pontyclun. £10. Info 07510 329537. Follies Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01646 695267. (Finishes today) Goodnight Mr Tom New Theatre, Cardiff. 7pm, £12£29. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 14) In Parenthesis Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£41. Info 029 2063 6464. WNO present the
stage world pemiere of Iaina Bell’s opera. Also on Sat 21 and Fri 3 June. King Of Shadows Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01970 623232. Shakespeare (and time travel)-themed play presented by the Youth Theatre here. On tomorrow also. Mrs Reynolds A’r Cena Bach Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.45pm, £8/£7. Info 01686 614555. Nunsense Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7pm, £9/£8. Info 01495 355800. (Finishes today) Puckoon Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01873 850805. Play set in Ireland circa 1922 and based on Spike Milligan’s book. I read it when I was too young to get any of the jokes so should probably revisit it. In Swansea on Thurs 19; Blackwood on Mon 23. Roy Chubby Brown Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01633 868239. The Graduate Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12.50 adv/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 14) Tonto Evans Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 14) When We Are Married Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £8/£5 under-16s. Info 01639 643462. (Until Sat 14)
SATURDAY 14
Allan O Diwn Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. One-man show by a Welsh mimic who was in an 80s pop group, Y Ficar. Annie The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.15pm, £10/£9. Info 01443 490390. (Finishes today) A Sunny Disposition The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. (Finishes today) Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7-£14. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Carl Donnelly + Josh Howie + Andrew Stanley + Jo Enright Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Ed Aczel Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £12. Info 01600 772467. Another set of ‘anti-comedy’, a show called The Random Flapping Of A Butterfly’s Wing. Goodnight Mr Tom New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £11-£29. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) King Of Shadows Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01970 623232. Kiss Me Quick Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, £14/£12 adv. Info 01495 243252. Burlesque show with a seaside theme. Scott Gibson + Thanyia Moore + Luke Toulson Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. The Croft & Pearce Show The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12/£10. Info 01633 656757. Sketch comedy duo whose Radio 4 show of the same name debuted in March. The Graduate Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30pm, £11 adv/£8.50 NUS. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes
today) Tonto Evans Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7.30pm, £10£15. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today) Under Milk Wood Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Presented by Theatr Silures. When We Are Married Little Theatre, Neath. 7pm, £8/£5 under-16s. Info 01639 643462. (Finishes today)
SUNDAY 15
Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Woody Sez Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £15/£13.50. Info 01874 611622. A musical based on the life and work of Woody Guthrie.
MONDAY 16
Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7-£14. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Gary Delaney + Pete Firman + Jarred Christmas + Sean Hughes New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20. Info 029 2087 8889. It’s the All-Star Stand-Up Tour 2016.
TUESDAY 17
Belonging Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. Volcano present an offsite production about coal mining and its legacy. (Until Sat 28) Brief Encounter Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Noel Coward’s screenplay, adapted here by Everyman Theatre. (Until Sat 21) Dancing In The Streets Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £27/£25. Info 01792 475715. Motown-themed song and dance extravaganza. Not sure why the singular street of the song it’s named after has been pluralised but I’m guessing some daft legal cobblers. In Cardiff on Thurs 19.
WEDNESDAY 18
Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Brief Encounter Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 21) Gower College Swansea Contemporary Theatre Showcase Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. On tomorrow also. Legally Blonde Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12 adv. Info 01633 263670. Presented by WAWWA. (Until Sat 21) Relatively Speaking Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01600 772467. Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy, presented here by Off Centre. (Until Sat 21) Sister Act Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £10/£9. Info
029 2070 0721. Stage version of the 90s movie. (Until Sat 21) Swap! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9.50-£16. Info 01792 475715. Wacky British farce set on a Spanish holiday. (Until Sat 21) The Producers Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510. Mel Brooks’ musical comedy, presented by Llanelli Musical Players. (Until Sat 21) The UK’s Worst Serial Killers Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01874 611622. The latest prurient performance by exdetective Trevor Marriott. In Blackwood tomorrow.
THURSDAY 19
A Deadly Incentive Little Theatre, Neath. 7.30pm, £2. Info 01639 643462. Murder mystery directed by Carol Powrie. A Murder Is Announced Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Leslie Darbon adapts an Agatha Christie tale for the stage. (Until Sat 21) Belonging Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01646 695267. On tomorrow also. Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Brief Encounter Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 21) Dancing In The Streets New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11-£29. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 21) En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. A new version of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy Of The People, directed by Andy Whyment and presented by the Richard Burton Company. (Until Sat 28) Forbidden Nights Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £23.50/£20. Info 01633 868239. Male strippers. Gower College Swansea Contemporary Theatre Showcase Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Laughing Leek Comedy The Old Library, Caerphilly. 7.45pm, £7.50/£5 adv. Info 029 2088 5243. With standups TBC. Legally Blonde Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 21) Make Or Break Mix Tape The Gate, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2048 3344. Live musical comedy helmed by Paul Richards. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Richard Bean’s play, directed here by Eleanor Rhode and presented by the Richard Burton Company. (Until Sat 28) Puckoon Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060. Relatively Speaking Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm,
£10. Info 01600 772467. (Until Sat 21) Simon Evans Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £14/£12 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Sister Act Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £10/£9. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sat 21) Swap! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9.50-£16. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 21) The Best Thing Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £8-£12.50. Info 01646 695267. Family puppetry show presented by Vamos. The Producers Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 21) The UK’s Worst Serial Killers Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01495 227206.
FRIDAY 20
A Murder Is Announced Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 21) Annie Jr St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 2 + 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 799100. (Until Sun 22) Belonging Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01646 695267. Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029
2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Brief Encounter Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 21) Dancing In The Streets New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12-£30.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 21) Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Ffin Dance – Ten The Met, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01495 355800. Jimmy McGhie + Ro Campbell + Cerys Nelmes + Mark Maier Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Legally Blonde Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 21) Laughing Leek Comedy Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.45pm, £5 adv. Info 01495 708022. With standups TBC. Lewis Shaffer Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, free. Info 01874 611622. US comedian performs his Free Until Famous set, where you can pay what you think it was worth at the end. Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm,
£10-£14. Info 01633 656757. Roald Dahl’s take on these two stories have been adapted by Ballet Cymru. On tomorrow also. Naz Osmanoglu + Matt Winning + Dan Thomas Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info 01656 815995. Comedy Network night. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Pupa Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2030 4400. See boxout. On tomorrow also. Relatively Speaking Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01600 772467. (Until Sat 21) Simon Evans Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 8pm, £14/£12. Info 01239 621200. ‘Token’ ‘right-wing’ comedian who is still ‘credible’ in the eyes of ‘tastemakers’. Sister Act Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £10/£9. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sat 21) Swap! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9.50-£16. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 21) The King Of The Sky Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7pm, £5/£3. Info 01792 863722. Family theatre. The Producers Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 21)
PUPA Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 20 + Sat 21 May Tickets: £9/£7.50/£6 carers. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org Pupa, the latest piece of dance theatre from Theatr Ffynnon, follows on from M:Brio and Larvae, which debuted in 2014 and 2015 respectively. If you’ve detected a theme, indeed a pattern, in those various titles, you’re onto something: Pupa takes its place in a four-part series, Metamorfoza, an interpretation of the different stages of human development (although the names more normally reference butterflies – the final part will be called Imago). The performance tackles adulthood, the development of relationships with friends and family, and the emotional connections thus made. Like all Theatr Fynnon productions, it’s made with learning disabled performers, with an aim to promote understanding and challenge perceptions. The two performances in Chapter will both be accessible with integrated BSL interpretation.
BUZZ 75
stage The Rover Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Aphra Behn’s play, and presented by the Richard Burton Company. (Until Sat 28)
SATURDAY 21
Acting Alone Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 0845 2263510. Play by Ava Hunt, inspired by the people she met on a visit to the West Bank and Tel Aviv. A Murder Is Announced Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. (Finishes today) A Night Of Burlesque The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Featuring Dainty Dorine, Yasmine Rae, Tallulah Rouge, Luna C. Fur, Hadria Hellbound and Kitty La Purr. Annie Jr St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 2 + 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 799100. (Until Sun 22) Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Brief Encounter Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Dancing In The Streets New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £11-£30.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Gwanwyn Dance Night Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 029 2063 6464. Dance showcase. In Parenthesis Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£41. Info 029 2063 6464. Jimmy McGhie + Ro Campbell + Cerys Nelmes + Mark Maier Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. John Ryan + Dan Thomas + Karen Bayley + Sully O’Sullivan The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01443 490390. Standup comedy night. La Boheme Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £7-£19.50. Info 01646 695267. Puccini’s opera, presented by Swansea City Opera. Legally Blonde Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £10-£14. Info 01633 656757. Mark Steel Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 8pm, £15. Info 01686 614555. Mickey Sharma + Leroy Brito + Brian Higgins Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Neil Sands: 90 Glorious Years Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 2pm, £10.75 adv. Info 01639 763214. The 90 years in question are those of the Queen, for whom Sands has decided to tug his forelock in the form of some sort of song-stuffed variety show. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music BUZZ 76
& Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Pupa Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £6-£9. Info 029 2030 4400. Relatively Speaking Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01600 772467. (Finishes today) Sister Act Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £10/£9. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sat 21) Swap! Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7.30pm, £9.50£16. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today) The Producers Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today)
SUNDAY 22
Annie Jr St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 2 + 7pm, £8/£6. Info 01446 799100. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. The King Of The Sky Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2pm, £8/£7. Info 01970 623232. Musical theatre aimed at ages six and up. Welsh Open Dance Championships 2016 The Muni, Pontypridd. 10am, £5-£10. Info 01443 490390. Aimed at ages 4-18.
MONDAY 23
Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Puckoon Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £15/£15. Info 01495 227206. Your Choice Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2030 4400. A night combining performances of personal clinical trial stories with roleplay games.
TUESDAY 24
American Idiot Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 1.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01685 384111. Green Day musical. Presented by students at Merthyr Tydfil College. (Until Thurs 26) A Midsummer Night’s Dream New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Presented by The Royal Shakespeare Company and Everyman Theatre. (Until Sat 28) Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Blavatsky’s Tower Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Written by Moira Buffini, writer of Handbagged, this is a play about what could happen if we never left our front door. Presented by 3 Crate. (Until Sat 28) Carousel Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 263670. Rogers & Hammerstein musical. (Until Fri 27) En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe The Riverfront, Newport. 8.15pm, £21-£25. Info 01633 656757. Two Strictly dancers go through their repertoire. In Aberystwyth tomorrow;
Carmarthen on Fri 27; Cardiff on Sat 28. Menopause The Musical Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19-£23.50. Info 01792 475715. Selfexplanatory theme with a department store setting and Linda Nolan. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) The Rover Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28)
WEDNESDAY 25
American Idiot Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01685 384111. (Until Thurs 26) A Midsummer Night’s Dream New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 28) Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28)
£7.50-£10. Info 029 2070 0721. Comedy presented by Little Wander.
THURSDAY 26
FRIDAY 27
American Idiot Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01685 384111. (Finishes today) A Midsummer Night’s Dream New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7.30pm, £9-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 28) A Salute To The 1940s – The Dad’s Army Variety Show Special Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2.15pm, £15.50. Info 01792 475715. Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Carousel Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Until Fri 27) Cavalleria Rusticana + Pagliacci Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm,
Ed (or Edward) Aczel has become a cult favourite in comedy circles for his style of 'anti-comedy', which involves flip charts and purposeful awkwardness. He's at Monmouth Savoy on Sat 14. Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Blavatsky’s Tower Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 28) Carousel Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Until Fri 27) Comedy Club Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £11. Info 01792 475715. En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8.15pm, £25/£23.50. Info 01970 623232. Jeremy Hardy Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 8pm, £14/£5 unwaged. Info 01873 850805. Jordan Brookes Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2039 7933. Local comedian previews his upcoming Edinburgh show. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) One O’Clock From The House Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. Frank Vickery comedy, presented by Llanelli Little Theatre. (Until Sat 28) Tell Me On A Sunday Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £25.50-£30.50. Info 01792 475715. Jodie Prenger takes the starring role in this Lloyd Webber musical. The Rover Royal Welsh
£5-£41. Info 029 2063 6464. Welsh National Opera double bill, with two operas that are frequently performed together. Also on Sun 29, Wed 1 June and Sat 4 June. Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Hosted by Clint Edwards and featuring Mark Olver and Kai Humphries. En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Lift Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £7/£5. Info 01792 602060. Dance showcase from the official dance company of NPTC Group Of Colleges. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) One O’Clock From The House Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 28) Only Fools & Three Courses Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £49.85. Info 01792 863722. The Gruffalo & Friends Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 4.30pm, £12/£9 under-16s. Info 01600 772467. The Rover Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Tom Wrigglesworth + Pierre Novellie + Ingrid Dahle + Fin Taylor Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.15pm,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 28) Before I Leave Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£20. Info 029 2064 6900. Patrick Jones’ play, set in the Valleys, about a choir with dementia and Alzheimer’s (Until Sat 11 June) Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 28) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 28) Blavatsky’s Tower Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 28) Carousel Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Comedy Shed The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12.50. Info 01633 656757. With standups TBC. En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Greg Foot The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £16/£13. Info 029 2048 3344. Live science-based theatre for all the family. Haha Standup! Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £4. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com. Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 8.15pm, £22/£21. Info 0845 2263510. Ignite Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10/£6. Info 0845 2263510. Showcase of BA Dance students at the University Of Wales Trinity Saint David. Kai Humphries + Danny McLoughlin + Mark Olver + Joel Dommett Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) One O’Clock From The House Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 28) Opera Scenes Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18. Info 029 2063 6464. Fully staged scenes from various operas. The Dreamboys St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £15.50£25.50. Info 029 2087 8444. The King Of The Sky Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 1 + 7pm, £8.50/£7. Info 01792 602060. Kids’ show. The Rover Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 28) Willam & Rhea Litre Mary’s, Cardiff. 7pm, £22.29£32.84. Info 029 2066 8647. Drag show with two contestants off RuPaul’s Drag Race.
SATURDAY 28
Alice In Wonderland Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10/£8 kids. Info 01633 263670. Courtesy of Sharon Higgins’ musical theatre class. On tomorrow also.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream New Theatre, Cardiff. 1.30 + 7.30pm, £10-£26.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Before I Leave Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£20. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 11 June) Bird Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£16. Info 029 2064 6900. (Finishes today) Black Stuff Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Blavatsky’s Tower Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Cefn Colau Grand Theatre, Swansea. 12.30pm, £6/£4.50. Info 01792 475715. Lunchtime theatre presented by Fluellen. En Folkefiende Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £26. Info 029 2063 6464. James Redmond + Kane Brown + Colin Cole Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Kai Humphries + Danny McLoughlin + Mark Olver + Joel Dommett Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Little Red Riding Hood + The Three Little Pigs Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01495 227206. Double bill of dance from Ballet Cymru. One Man, Two Guvnors Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today) One O’Clock From The House Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Pasha Kovalev Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18.50-£24.50. Info 01792 475715. Dancer off Strictly. The Rover Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. (Finishes today)
SUNDAY 29
Alice In Wonderland Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10/£8 kids. Info 01633 263670. Cavalleria Rusticana + Pagliacci Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£41. Info 029 2063 6464.
MONDAY 30
Before I Leave Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£20. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 11 June)
TUESDAY 31
Before I Leave Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 11 June) Groundswell Showcase Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £8/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Contemporary and street dance. The King Of The Sky Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2pm, £8 adv. Info 0800 0147111. Family-friendly theatre production about an Italian boy coming from Rome to the valleys to open a café with his family in the 1920s.
APRIL WINNER
SMILES: BY DAVID BANFIELD
Next month's theme is 'Excess'.
are you a photographer? want to showcase your work? go to: www.buzzmag.co.uk
buzz online photography competition
Buzz’s photography section is an initiative to showcase Welsh photographers and their work. Photographers are invited to submit galleries by emailing (or sending via Dropbox) 5-15 pictures, numbering in the order they would like them to be displayed, along with a title of the gallery, and a subtitle. If you want more direction, please take a look at previous galleries on our site. Selected photographers will win exhibition space at a renowned gallery, a feature in Buzz and be featured as our Facebook and Twitter cover pictures. This month's theme was 'Festivity'. If you have any queries, please email editorial@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ 77
TWO TICKETS TO GREEN MAN
With a line up including Belle & Sebastian, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes and James Blake, Brecon Beacons’ Green Man looks set to be as fantastic an addition to the Welsh festival scene as ever. Let’s just hope the weather holds out from Thurs 18-Sun 21 Aug. To make your friends green with envy and win two tickets, answer the following question: Q. When was Green Man founded?
TWO TICKETS TO KAISER CHIEFS In what has to be one of the most bizarrely eclectic line-ups of the year, mid2000s favourites Kaiser Chiefs are playing Cardiff’s SSE SWALEC on Sat 16 July with support from grime MC Dizzee Rascal and hipster artpopsters Everything Everything. Heck, with such a mix I predict a riot (I am so sorry). For your chance to win a pair of tickets, answer the following question: Q. Who is the lead singer of Kaiser Chiefs?
A COPY OF THE HANG FIRE COOKBOOK
No no no, you’re doing it all wrong. Stop barbecuing Britishly on that weird coal slab thing you bought from Tesco, you idiot. The Hang Fire girls have written a book on how to master the art of American slow and low barbecue cooking just in time for the summer. To win answer the following question: Q. In which, now closed, Splott pub did Hang Fire Smokehouse hold their first pop up?
TWO TICKETS TO BEFORE I LEAVE Before I Leave is a celebration of the growing number of dementia choirs in Wales, a new production by National Theatre Wales. For your chance to win tickets to see the play at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre from Fri 27-Tue 31 May, answer the following question by Wed 25 May: Q. What is the Welsh word for ‘choir’?
TWO TICKETS TO FESTIVAL NO. 6
Super Furry Animals, Bastille and Noel Gallagher pitch their tent in Portmeirion from Thurs 1-Sun 4 Sept. One of the most unique festivals in Wales, Festival No. 6’s location makes it feel like a slice of the Mediterranean in the middle of Snowdonia. For your chance to win tickets, answer the following question: Q. Who designed Portmeirion?
TWO TICKETS TO BALTER FESTIVAL
Shhh, it’s a secret. Well the location is anyway. Featuring a mix of punk, jungle, ska, drum’n’bass and more, this is a lively festival ideal for party lovers. For your chance to go on Fri 3-Sun 5 June, answer the following secret question: Q. Which newspaper was raided by police in an effort to stop publications of leaks from former NSA contractor Edward Snowden?
TICKETS TO THE BEST IN LIVE STAND-UP COMEDY
Every Friday and Saturday in May, Glee Club Cardiff are hosting nights to showcase the best in live stand-up comedy, featuring four critically acclaimed comics each night. For your chance to go, and perhaps discover something new, answer the following question by Fri 13 May: Q. Which Australian comedian is performing at the Glee Club on Fri 20 May?
Please email your answers, name, address, Twitter username (if you have one) and contact number to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by Tue 31 May unless another date is stated. T&Cs: WE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE COMPETITIONS TO BE REPLICATED OR SHARED ANYWHERE ONLINE. BUZZ 78
IMAGINE DESIGN SKETCH EDIT MOULD FORGE PAINT THINK MAKE CHANGE. cardiffmet.ac.uk/csad BUZZ 79
ST E BE F TH HE UKÒ O E NT ÒON LS I TIVA UZZ FES B
RDIA THE GUA
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AUG
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BUZZ 80
GREENMAN.NET
BRECON BEACONS, WALES