Buzz May 2015

T’S ON GUIDE. SOUTH WALES WHA MAY 2015

THE COOLEST FESTIVALS FOR 2015

PLUS

KATE HUMBLE | HAY-ON-WYE | FOOD FESTIVALS | MILTON JONES

M u s i c & Lyr i c s a \ a n d r oyaL & d er n g ate n o rth a M p to n y n c y f Lw y n o \ p r es en t

Rodgers & Hammerstein´s

OKLAHOMA!

Cerddoriaeth gan \ Music by RICHARD RODGERS Llyfr a Geiriau gan \ Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Yn seiliedig ar y ddrama \ Based on the play ´Green Grow the Lilacs´ gan \ by Lynn Riggs

Dawnsio Gwreiddiol gan \ Original Dances by Agnes de Mille Cyflwynir trwy drefniant arbennig gyda \ Presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe

GORFF 7 – 11 JUL ’15 www.oklahomatour.co.uk

may2015

buzz... publisher EMMA CLARK editor HEATHER ARNOLD listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER film technician (buzz tv) JAYDON MARTIN administration TERESA CLARK designer POLAR 10 contributors RYAN HEEGER (CLUBS), KEIRON SELF (FILM), SARAH BARLTROP, ALEX CORNISH, DENIECE CUSACK, ELLEN DAVIES, BEN GALLIVAN, DAVID GRIFFITHS, RHIANON HOLLEY, ADAM JONES, MAB JONES, MATT LEE, JENNIFER MAGUEY, ROSALIE MILLER, GARETH MOULE, RACHEL NURSE, DAVID NOBAKHT, CHRIS PEACH, CHARLIE PIERCEY, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, GETHIN THOMAS, phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk advertising marketing@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL cover GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL

04roundup

“Only read ones about me, don’t read any other ones”

10upfront

Milton Jones’ style of comedy, which to my great surprise no bad writer has ever described as ‘punsmithery’ (or if they have, it hasn’t made its way online), is rewarded for his toil with a double page. He doesn’t seem to wring everything out of the persona while offstage, and who can blame him frankly

12festival guide

“You don’t need sex, drugs and rock’n’roll to enjoy a festival,” scolds our multi-page, devastatingly comprehensive Welsh festival guide at one point. The truth is, we want you to have a good time, just not a better one than us – and more than one person in a portable lavatory could upset the equilibrium. THE EQUILIBRIUM!

36film

“Jim Broadbent pops up as the CIA’s top agent. Yes, Jim Broadbent,” gasps Keiron Self in his review of Big Game. Bit disrespectful if you, like me, remember when Jim was offered an OBE in 2002 however declined stating there were more deserving recipients than actors and the British Empire was not something he wanted to "celebrate". [13] [14]

38food&drink

Flamboyant hat tip to Jenny, who is French and has been interning with Buzz for three months. This issue, she’s put together an illuminating guide to the best Welsh wines available. I for one am keen to find out what the punishment for high treason is in France nowadays

42previews

On the clubs page, bass music producer Sukh Knight offers an anecdote about getting wrecked in Cardiff and climbing into what I assume was the Arms Park whilst “buzzing”. A word which, incidentally, we have copyrighted to refer to ‘working on south Wales listings magazine Buzz’

50reviews

The English indie rock band Nai Harvest, whose album is awarded five out of five in this issue, were described to me in a conversation last weekend as, I think, “beta male shite”. Nevertheless, I could have been watching them play live tonight, but am in work getting these contents written instead. Ah well

53lifestyle

I'm writing this part of the contents page on a ferry with only the images from the 'festival fashion' page to look at, minus any indicator of what they're called. It's therefore possible that some of them are culturally appropriative and I don't realise. Playing fast and loose this month

55listings

I finished all the listings about a week earlier than normal this month because I’m going on my first holiday of substance since 2006. So if anything important has missed out because it came in after I’d buggered off, then I’m – to coin a phrase – sorry if you’re offended

78competitions

Q. Which King was born in Monmouthshire? A. Wishful thin-king!

www.buzzmag.co.uk • www.twitter.com/buzz_magazine • www.facebook.com/buzzsouthwales BUZZ 3

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

BRIEFLY

EVENT

ART CAR BOOTIQUE Some boots were made for walking, and other boots were made to be a part of Chapter Arts Centre and Something Creative’s bright and colourful Art Car Bootique. This annual arty event is more than your usual car boot sale: not only will there be over 70 stalls selling artwork, fashion and street food, there will also be live music and performances.

Established in 2011, the Bootique brings together Cardiff’s creative lot: print art aficionados The Printhaus are among the lineup, as are ultimate party throwers SWICA Carnival and outdoor drama lovers Everyman Theatre. This year the Bootique will be celebrated with a theme: 100 years of the Women’s Institute (which was formed in Wales, didn’t you know). Not only will the bootylicious fair be tipping its creative hat to the history of the WI, it will also coincide with Chapter’s Maibock ale festival, so both knitting needles and beer money is welcome.

Art Car Bootique, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Sun 25 May. Admission: free. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org

pic: Lucas Dawson

STAGE

DR WHO SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR

Dum da da dum, da da da dum, da da da dum, da da da dum! Those are the opening lyrics to one of the most iconic TV theme tunes known to mankind (or time lord-kind, come to think of it). The music of the long-running science fiction TV show, Doctor Who, is as iconic as its characters, costumes and monsters - it’s even made its way into the proms.

It also now has its own show in the form of the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular. Centred around the music of Murray Gold (the sole composer of the music for the TV show since its revival in 2005), and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and members of the BBC National Chorus of Wales, the music will go alongside screenings of key Doctor Who moments and visits from the Doctor's enemies (cue Daleks and Cybermen among the other more hide-behind-the-sofa monsters).

Dr Who Symphonic Spectacular, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Mon 25 May. Tickets: £23-£52.25. Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.doctorwhosymphonicspectacular.com

BUZZ 04

DO YOU BELIEVE in ghosts? That there are people with special powers that can reach beyond the realms of this life and into the next? That we can talk to the dead? No, me neither. But with some tricks and showmanship people can make a convincing case. On Mon 18 May sceptic Ash Pryce will be bringing his part-comedy-part-magic show How To Talk To The Dead to Porter’s Bar in Cardiff, and will break down seance tricks with a dose of humour.

Info: www.ashleyjamespryce. wordpress.com

• SOME OF US might consider ourselves pretty decent artists, but how many of us would be capable of creating a great piece of art in just one day? That’s what’s being asked of contestants in the Art Challenge Wales, which takes place in Porthcawl on Sat 6 June.

Artists will be encouraged to set up their easels across the town and hand in their work before the end of the day for their chance to win up to £500, and to have their work displayed in the Kooywood Gallery.

Info: www.artchallengewales. co.uk

• TO CELEBRATE 80 years of walking all over the country, Wales’ ramblers have more events than ever planned for this year’s Big Welsh Walk. It’s not actually one big walk, though, it's lots of walks taking place throughout May. Walks of all sorts of lengths, in all sorts of places and for all sorts of abilities and interests. There are fancy dress walks, workout walks, Welsh language walks, coastal walks, city walks, historical walks, mountain walks, river walks… lots of walks, really.

Info: www.ramblers.org.uk

A STONE’S THROW AWAY The world of competitive sports can seem like it exists in a whole other universe. Not many of us have pole vaulted over a bar, attempted tricks while skydiving or grabbed a rugby ball in the Millennium Stadium. The inclusive world of stone skimming, however, is another story. Only needing a body of water and a decent pebble, most people have skimmed a stone at some point in their life.

This isn’t a sport restricted to slow summer days, however, this pastime has developed into a competitive sport.

The Stone Skimming World Championships are held in Scotland each year but those who give a toss, Green Events, decided to bring the sport closer to home with the Welsh Open Stoneskimming Championships taking place in Llanwrtyd Wells.

So that people of all ages and abilities can get throwing, the championships will have several categories to enrol in, including a ‘Stoneless’ category for skimming newbies.

The open will come to a conclusion when the top three throwers in the intermediate categories battle it out to win the championships, in the final competition: the Toss Off… Welsh Open Stoneskimming Championships, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sun 24 May. Competition entry fee: £5. Info: 01591 610666 / www.green-events.co.uk

ART

EVENT

pic: Chris Potako

ABACUS ART AUCTION AND FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER If films tell us anything, it’s that the only places that get robbed are banks and casinos, and they all deserve it because they are run by thoroughly unlikeable characters. Unfortunately not-for-profit, grassroots arts centres run by passionate volunteers can also become a target for thieves.

The Abacus, the creative space which has now become an important part of Cardiff’s art scene, was targeted by thieves earlier this year but they are making up for what they lost in the only way they know how: with live music, art, drinks and a jumble sale.

To raise some money to cover the cost of the recent break-ins and to make some essential repairs, they will be hosting a festival fundraiser which will include an art auction, creative workshops, an all-day bar (there will also be home brewed chai if you don’t fancy the real ale) and live music from the likes of Junior Bill & The Scallies, The Brwmys, Third Party, One Time Alive, Efa Supertramp and more.

Abacus Fundraiser, The Abacus, Cardiff, Sat 9 May. Admission: donations welcome. Info: www.facebook.com/theabacusrooms

BAROQUE AND ROLL An evening of enchanting, emotive masterpieces written by Bach, Vivaldi, Purcell, Fux and Telemann is set to hit South Wales in a three-stop tour.

Performing in the concert will be Wales' leading chamber orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru, who are under the direction of internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Podger.

The orchestra are in safe hands with Podger; a talented musician who specialises in the Baroque music (for those of us that aren’t brushed up on musical terminology, Baroque is an artistic period that started in the 17th century). She has been praised for establishing the well received Brecon Baroque Festival and for her outstanding performance of Bach’s Violin Concerto In A Minor, which will make a repeat appearance for this production.

STAGE

Sinfonia Cymru & Rachel Podger, Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli, Fri 29 May; Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama, Cardiff, Sat 30 May; The Riverfront, Newport, Sun 31 May. Tickets: £4-£13.

Info: www.sinfoniacymru.co.uk BUZZ 05

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

HOLLIE MCNISH pic: HelmiOkbara

She posted videos about maths and breastfeeding on the internet, now spoken word poet Hollie McNish is performing both in Cardiff and at the How The Light Gets In festival on her new tour. She talks to Heather Arnold about being a nervous geek.

Your tour is about to start – how are you feeling?

Nervous and excited. I’m reciting my poems every minute of the day while I’m cooking dinner!

Everywhere I go I’m reciting them. I’m really excited, I just booked my last flight. I’ve booked my flight home from Belfast to Stanford. The admin is over. Now the actual nice part starts!

Do you ever write poems about the people you meet at your shows?

I’ve not, no. People always say, “oh maybe that will give you a poem, won’t it?”, but I think it would be a bit mean. The best one was at a gig in Leeds last year. I didn’t do a poem that I’d written about breastfeeding – I had loads of poems and I just didn’t do that one and there was a group of midwives that had specifically come for that poem. In the lobby after the gig they literally circled me and were like, ‘right, do it! Do the poem!’. So I stood there and they all surrounded me. And I did it. I was a bit scared.

Do you know what poems you will read?

I’m far too nervous to wing things, too geeky – I like to have things spreadsheet and be organised. I know roughly the shorter poems, I think, but it depends on where I am.

You write about your family a lot – does it feel weird reading them to the public?

I’ve asked all their permission. I know my daughter is only five but I still ask her permission and she is like, “yeah brilliant! Only read ones about me, don’t read any other ones!” I’ve asked my partner, “are you sure? Things like having a slightly worse sex life after having a baby?” but he’s fine. My nan is fine – as long as she doesn’t have to hear it she doesn’t mind, because she gives me loads and loads of stories. I’ll tell her, “I’ve written a poem about you”, and she’s like “alright dear, whatever”.

Some of your poetry has gone viral on YouTube. What is it about your work that you think appeals to people?

I don’t know exactly but my mum says it’s the simple minds – I’m not sure she means it as a compliment! She quite likes poetry but says “I don’t why Mathematics went viral, it’s not one of your best. I guess it’s a female talking about maths and it’s short.” I think that’s part of it.

I was really geeky at school and wanted to learn everything that I could, but went to Cambridge Uni where you have to write two essays a week. I remember getting there and reading the books thinking “why have you written this using words I don’t understand?” and having lecturers quoting Greek myths assuming that everyone has heard of it or that everyone can speak Latin and it was mental.

Poetry, for me, is when I’m trying to work out what I’m thinking about something. I like to simplify things rather than complicate things. People say I cover taboo topics which people don’t talk about, but I don’t think that’s the case. I talk about them with my friends. These are like private conversations but on YouTube.

Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Wed 6 May. Tickets: £10. Info: www.glee.co.uk; How The Light Gets In Festival, Hay-On-Wye, Fri 22 May. Tickets: festival passes £24-£118. Info: www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv BUZZ 6

BOOK NOW YOUNG GUNS Cardiff University Students Union Thurs 4 June Tickets: £12.50 Info: 029 2078 1400 www.cardiffstudents.com THE TIGER LILLIES Grand Theatre, Swansea Fri 5 June Tickets: £18.50 Info: 01792 475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk TIM VINE Grand Theatre, Swansea Sat 6 June Tickets: £21.50 Info: 01792 475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk ELTON JOHN Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Wed 10 June Tickets: £50-£85 Info: 029 2022 4488 www.motorpointarenacardiff. co.uk NOFIT STATE CIRCUS: BIANCO John Street, Cardiff Fri 12-Sat 27 June Tickets: £13.50-£22 Info: 0333 2229000 www.nofitstate.org PAOLO NUTINI Singleton Park, Swansea Sat 20 June Tickets: £42.50 Info: 08442 770700 www.orchardentertainment. co.uk ELVIS COSTELLO St David’s Hall, Cardiff Thurs 25 June Tickets: £40-£45 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk FIM BRITISH SPEEDWAY GP Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Sat 4 July Tickets: £45-£100 Info: 08700 138600 www.millenniumstadium.com

Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Tuesday 19 May

Christy Moore Saturday 16 May

Al Stewart Sunday 10 May

Reginald D. Hunter Sunday 31 May

Rod Woodward Friday 22 May

Pirates of the Carabina: Flown Wednesday 27 - Saturday 30 May

David Sedaris Monday 1 June

Lulu Monday 18 May

Mary Black Friday 15 May

BUZZ 7

roundup

WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.

FILM

WE ARE MANY

pic: Rhys Wynne

?

SOUTH WALES SECRET #54 A secret beach near Llangranog

Many of us may have heard of the treasured war poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, but fewer know the work of Alun Lewis. This year will be the centenary of the Welsh wartime poet’s birth, and a number of writers will be celebrating his work at this year’s Hay Festival. Among these writers is National Poet Of Wales Gillian Clarke, who talks to Matt Lee about the festival and her South Wales Secret.

“I have never missed Hay,” explains Clarke. “Hay is a great meeting-place for writers. Nothing like spending an hour over lunch talking to writers I've never met before, or strolling the boardwalks spotting the famous.”

As the National Poet Of Wales, and more generally as a literature lover, Gillian Clarke seems to be a happily permanent feature of the world-renowned literature and arts festival that descends on HayOn-Wye each year. In 2013 she delivered a talk on The Name And Nature Of Poetry (inspired by scholar and poet AE Housman’s famous lecture); in 2014 she celebrated the works of Dylan Thomas and this year she will read and explore the work of Alun Lewis.

“It is the centenary of Alun Lewis's birth, and I am glad of a chance to focus attention on the work of a rather neglected poet. I'll talk about a handful of BUZZ 8

his poems that I love best. A poem must be wordmusic. Once read or heard, never forgotten.”

Alun Lewis may no longer be a Welsh secret, but Gillian’s South Wales Secret won’t be so easy to learn about, as she keeps the details of its location close to her chest.

“It’s a secret beach to the north of Llangranog – reachable only by boat, on foot along the cliff path, or by taking a sometimes muddy path past a little church, through the woods, past a waterfall, and at last out between coconut-scented gorse to the sea. I love its isolation, its unreachability except to walkers and the likelihood of seeing a seal cub on the beach in September.”

The Gwyn Jones Lecture: Love And War by Gillian Clarke, Oxfam Moot, Hay-On-Wye, Tue 26 May. Tickets: £7. Info: www.hayfestival.com

One day, way back in 2003, up to 30 million people across the world took part in what is thought to be the largest protest in human history. Hoping to halt the imminent Iraq War, it was a protest that, ultimately, failed.

The documentary We Are Many explores the protests that took place that day by talking with activists, high-profile figures and members of the public. The film will be out in cinemas on Fri 22 May, but the day before there will be a live Q&A broadcast with journalist Jon Snow plus comedian (and the film's executive producer) Omid Djalili on the panel.

We Are Many (with live Q&A), Cineworld, Cardiff Thurs 21 May. Tickets: £11.50 / £9.30 conc.

Info: www.cineworld.co.uk EVENT

MUSIC

URDD EISTEDDFOD Want to see Welsh culture at its best? One of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals, The Urdd National Eisteddfod comes to Caerphilly and is more a tradition than a festival to those hopelessly devoted to all things Welsh.

The eisteddfod gives the power to the young people with 400 competitions giving under 25s the chance to compete for impressive scholarships. Expect live music and love for Wales and even if you don’t speak the lingo you’ll be taken in by welcoming Welsh arms.

Urdd Eisteddfod, Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Caerphilly, Mon 25-Sat 30 May. Tickets: £35£220 weekend / £7-£45 day (free under-4s) / £12-£14 evening.

Info: www.urdd.cymru

BIG

GG FAWR

CARDIFF’S PREMIER BAND COMPETITION IS BACK

MAE PRIF GYSTADLEUAETH BANDIAU ^ CAERDYDD YN ÔL

CLWB IFOR BACH

14 - 16 JULY/ GORFFENNAF 2015 WWW.NATIONRADIO.COM CLOSING DATE 15 MAY / DYDDIAD CAU 15 MAI @CARDIFF_EVENTS

upfront

MILTON JONES Equipped with his characteristic crazy hair and colourful shirts, comedian Milton Jones is leaving the comfort of the Mock The Week studio for intrigue and adventure in his new live show Temple Of Daft.

He talks to Heather Arnold about becoming a comedian, writing gags and throwing mud at walls.

You’ve just come back from the Melbourne Comedy Festival where you ran Temple Of Daft. How did it go?

It was interesting to see that some jokes actually work better there and others don’t. I’ve got one or two jokes about the Isle Of Man and they haven’t a clue what I’m talking about, so I needed to cut those out. It takes a couple of shows to understand what TV programmes they get, what references they understand, and then maybe put a couple of local references or political things that are happening there to make it work in your favour.

What can people expect from your new show?

You do a new tour and new show and people want to come and see a similar thing to what they’ve seen on television or heard on radio, but not the same stuff. So I’m doing more of a narrative – that way there will still be hundreds of the same types of gags in it, but it’s actually far more like one of my radio shows.

One of the things about one-liners is that they’re interesting for about 15 minutes, but then you see blood coming out of people’s ears because it’s too much information. You can feel the audience receding a little bit in their concentration.

The story was partly to engage people a bit more using sound and props, anything to vary the angle of attack. I’m quite lucky in that I get a large demographic of 10-to-80-year-olds – so it needs to be accessible but with a little bit for everyone.

So far it seems to be working.

Where did the Temple Of Daft theme come from?

It was literally as weak a link you can get! It came from me realising that I have the same surname as Indiana Jones, and thinking ‘can I actually do anything with that?’ It turns out I had a number of archaeology-type gags and then I sort of worked a story roughly round it. It isn’t a big political point I’m making to change people’s lives, more a case of ‘yes this seemed to fit’ and I hopefully get away with it.

BUZZ 10

Was it easier writing jokes to a theme?

It’s slightly easier to have a theme than just a blank piece of paper. Something about the blank piece of paper means you write nothing because it’s too vague.

If you’ve got a story you can see themes developing in your head and it gets you moving, and I can always go out of my way to incorporate something that I’ve thought of that has nothing to do with it!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

The biggest single thing is seeing people buying tickets for a show that I haven’t written yet! It gives me some adrenaline to get on and do it. When I’m not touring I’m always trying out bits and pieces; constantly looking at books, television and life. Always taking things in my mind and twisting and thinking ‘what’s the worst situation that could happen?’ and then trying to winnow it down to the least number of words. It’s a long process, but the most important thing is to be writing.

I then book myself in for new material nights. There’s nothing like doing something in front of a crowd to see if it works or not. Quite often I do one of these shows and I try out something that doesn’t work but what I improvise off the back of it does. I’d never have got to point B without trying out gag A.

Are you ever surprised by what jokes work?

Even though I’ve been doing it years and years I’m always surprised! I’ll think I’ve created the best joke ever written and no-one gets it, it’s not funny in any way.

And sometimes I’ll throw in something that I wasn’t going to bother with and it brings the house down. So it’s a lot of throwing mud at the wall and seeing what sticks really.

“After 15 minutes of one-liners, you see blood coming out of people’s ears” You’re best known for your one-liner style of comedy, did you always plan to become this type of comedian?

When I started I was quite scared, so I needed to get to the funny bits quickly. If you do that then you end up with a lot of one-liners, and once you start to do oneliners then people come to you, they want to know what you do that is different.

You become a ‘one-liner person’ and you get put on bills with people who are not.

It becomes quite hard to shake that off and you get better at doing it as well. In some ways I’ve made a rod for my own back, in that if I do an 80-minute show, that’s hundreds of jokes I've got to write. But then if I'm doing radio/TV I can get to the funny bits really quickly, whereas someone who has a storytelling type style has to talk around stuff for a minute or two before they get to the joke. Swings and roundabouts really!

Have you always thought you would become a comedian?

No, not at all! It wasn’t the same sort of thing when I was growing up, though, comedians were old blokes who wore bow ties and made jokes about mothersin-law. It’s only in the last 10 years or so that comedy has become a mainstream option for people leaving school. Before that it was always a stepping stone to something else. I always wanted to be an actor originally, probably a comic actor, someone who performed in sitcoms and things. Being a comediancomedian wasn’t really something that I wanted to do. I’ve kind of fallen into it, and I’m glad I have in the long run.

Milton Jones And The Temple Of Daft, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 14 May; Swansea Grand Theatre, Fri 15 May. Tickets: £24-£24.50.

Info: www.miltonjones.com

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015 With spring in full swing and summer round the corner we’ve been distracted by thoughts of festival frolics, but before you start dusting off your wellies and shopping around for the most practical novelty tent you can find, you have to decide what festivals you want to indulge in this summer. There is plenty going on here in Wales and we’ve picked out some of our favourite events to cure that festival fever.

BUZZ 12

UK GREEN FILM FESTIVAL

ATTITUDE FESTIVAL

SURPLUS FEST: THE SPRING GATHERING

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Sun 3-Sun 24 May What: Films can be powerful things. The 1988 Polish film A Short Film About Killing led to the repeal of the death penalty in Poland; the same year, the documentary The Thin Blue Line resulted in the acquittal of an innocent man charged with murder and just six weeks after the release of Super Size Me McDonald’s discontinued the ‘Super Size’ option at all of its locations. The UK Green Film Festival is a testament to this power, as it screens a number of films about one of the most important issues we face: the environment. There will be five films screened at Chapter as part of the festival, including Divide In Concord (about one woman’s campaign to end the sale of plastics), The Endless Summer (in which three surfer friends travel the world in search of the best wave) and Bikes vs Cars (you can probably guess what this one is about).

Who: Cyclists, surfers and greenery How much: tbc Info: www.chapter.org

Merthyr Tydfil Sat 9 May What: Multiple forms of art all come together in Merthyr Tydfil for the exciting, multi-venue, Attitude Festival. American folksinger Peggy Seeger will be performing (as part of her 80th birthday tour), as will fiddle and harp duo DnA and there will even be a silent disco in Merthyr Library.

It’s not just music though as there will be several theatre performance’s (including Tin She Theatre’s suspense filled {An Inspector Calls}) and writing/ dance/music/circus workshops to get hands on in.

Who: Peggy Seeger, National Theatre Wales, Railroad Bill How much: £5-£15/ some events free (but still require wristbands) Info: www.redhousecymru.com

Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan Fri 15-Sun 17 May What: If you’re fed up of feeling out of pocket after festival season, and a little indignant at the amount you had to shell out for on-site beer after you’ve already forked out plenty of money for your ticket, then Surplus Fest’s Spring Gathering might be just what you need. As a non-profit festival with a commitment to underground music, art and culture your money will go far. As well as music there will be fire shows, workshops and even an onsite barbers!

Who: Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Chris da Poet, Nicodemus Reuben How much: £45 adult weekend ticket / under 15s free Info: surplusfest@hotmail.co.uk

GWYL PILI PALA FEST

Uplands, Swansea Fri 15 + Sat 16 May What: A festival of Welsh talent that raises money for a good cause. Pili Pala (which is Welsh for butterfly TREDEGAR HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL by the way) aims to use the festival showcase the Tredegar House & Country Park, Newport music and literature talents of those in Wales. That Fri 8-Sun 10 May means this is a super guilt-free festival as you can be What: There will be plenty to choose from in this supporting local talent and a local charity (the Welsh festival of international dance, music and song. Throw Centre For Action On Dependency And Addiction, to be yourself into a ceilidh, hear some stories, listen to exact) just by attending. This year some of the many some live music and then quench your thirst with bands playing include Maddie Jones, The Echo & The some real ale.

Always and Quiet Marauder, plus Horizons 12 artists Who: Gordie Mackeeman And His Rhythm Boys, Allan Mellt and Violet Skies.

Yn Y Fan, The Ship Band Who: Maddie Jones, Albatross Archive, Violet Skies How much: free How much: £15 weekend ticket / £12 weekend ticket Info: www.tredegarhousefestival.org.uk adv / individual events £5 Info: www.pilipala.org

VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Various locations across the Vale Of Glamorgan and Cardiff Tue 12-Fri 23 May What: In 1969, summer festivals were in their heyday, with plenty of musical celebrations popping up around the UK and Woodstock making history across the pond. As well as the moon landing and John and Yoko’s massive lie-in, the year of ‘69 also saw the start of the classical music-loving Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music, which has been going strong ever since.

The festival is far from stuck in its ways, however, and 20 years in decided to rededicate itself a festival of living composers.

Thos being celebrated this year include Estonian composer Arvo Pärt (whose style is so unique that he even invented his own compositional technique called tintinnabuli), the multi-award winning Richard Ayres (whose new opera Peter Pan, created with the Welsh National Opera, premieres this month) and Grammy nominee Dobrinka Tabakova.

The festival will be about more than these three, however, as there will be performances from both British and international musicians and pre and post concert talks. There will also be new works, commissioned specially for this year’s festival, from a number of young composers.

Who: Nieuw Ensemble, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, David Childs How much: Individual events £8-£20 / individual events conc £5-£16* / day tickets £8-£15* / student day tickets £3* (*available on selected days/events only) Info: www.valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk

BUZZ 13

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015 HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN Hay-On-Wye, Herefordshire Thurs 21-Sun 31 May

pic: Tom Barnes

BIG SPLASH

AMSERJAZZTIME WEEKENDER Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama, Cardiff Fri 15-Sun 17 May What: The Royal Welsh College gets all jazzed up as it hosts performances by renowned jazz musicians and their own talented students (in the form of a free foyer session).

Getting their jazz hands ready this year is the cellophane-mask wearing four piece Get The Blessing, who will be providing some dancetastic jazz grooves; John Taylor (the celebrated jazz pianist and composer, not the bassist from Duran Duran) and the Darius Brubeck Quartet – led by keyboardist and son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck.

Who: Get The Blessing, John Taylor, Darius Brubeck Quartet How much: weekender ticket £30 / individual tickets £12 / foyer performances free Info: www.rwcmd.ac.uk

BUZZ 14

Newport Fri 29-Sun 31 May What: Mix together live music, dance, art, films, parades and a big riverside fireworks display and you get Newport’s Big Splash. There hasn’t been much announced about this year’s festival yet, but 2014 included everything from a caged dance performance to unconventional balloon modelling, so expect the unexpected. One thing for sure is that the festival will finish with a bang with its Sunset Spectacular – where a whole host of local arts companies will combine forces in a blaze of fire, dance and music.

Who: tbc How much: free Info: www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront

VALE OF GLAMORGAN WALKING FESTIVAL Various locations around the Vale Of Glamorgan Thurs 21-Sun 24 May What: You don’t need sex, drugs and rock’n’roll to enjoy a festival as the Vale Of Glamorgan Walking Festival gets you high on life and nature instead. Now in its sixth year, the four-day festival has designed walks that explore all the rolling countryside, towering cliffs, beaches, rural villages and historic market towns the Vale Of Glamorgan has to offer.

Who: Walkers How much: free Info: www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk

What: Though it may be thought of as the little sister of the Hay Festival, How The Light Gets In’s line-up of talks/live music/ shows/discussions/banquets is impressive in its own right. Not only is there an unbelievable amount in the programme (which is over 100 pages long) it’s full of events that bring the exciting ideas of the world of philosophy and combine it with the entertaining world of culture.

Taking place in Hay-On-Wye over 11 days, How The Light Gets In has plenty of events to expand your mind and move your body. This year’s speakers include Pharmageddon author David Healy who will be talking about the dangers of the drug industry; MP Diane Abbott, who will be asking why the chasm between the rich and the rest is growing and Erotic Review founder Rowan Pelling, who will be discussing forbidden fantasies and what sexual acts society deems unacceptable.

The festival is more than just talking, however, as there is plenty of music to move your hearts as well as your minds.

Mike Skinner, the Ivor Novello and Brit award-winning artist behind The Streets, will be hitting the decks, while pinkobsessed producer/singer Femme will be busting out her edgy pop and the Moulettes (a band made up of members of Mumford & Sons and The Holloways) will perform their orchestra-inspired indie-folk.

Who: David Bailey, Mike Skinner, Rae Morris How much: festival passes £24-£118 / individual events priced separately Info: www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv

MARGAM KITE FESTIVAL Margam Castle, Port Talbot Fri 22-Mon 25 May What: This is one festival that that flies high, as the magnificent Margam Castle provides a backdrop to this festival of kite flying. As well as offering the chance to show off your kites and flying skills, there will be kite workshops, a barbeque and you can even camp on the castle’s beautiful lawn.

Who: Kites!

How much: tbc Info: www.margamcountrypark.co.uk

KJIHQPOLNM

THE TIMES

BRECAN BEACONS, WALES

THE INDEPENDENT

ST VINCENT ¥ H�T CHIP ¥ SUPER FURRY ANIMALS GOAT ¥ FATHER JAHN MISTY ¥ TELEVISION ¥ SLAWDIVE ¥ C�URTNEY BARNETT CHARLES BRADLEY ¥ CALEXICO ¥ THE STAVES ¥ MEW ¥ THE FALL PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING ¥ JAMIE XX ¥ TEMPLES SUN RA ARKESTRA ¥ PATRICK WATSON ¥ VILLAGERS ¥ THE ANTLERS MATTHEW E WHITE ¥ STURGILL SIMPSON ¥ NATALIE PRASS ¥ WHITE FENCE WAXAHATCHEE ¥ OWEN PALLETT ¥ SYLVAN ESSO ¥ TELEMAN ¥ DAN DEACON SONGH�Y BLUES ¥ THE WAVE PICTURES ¥ HGKWORMS ¥ THE LEISURE SOCIETY VIET CONG ¥ SON LUX ¥ BEYOND THE WIZARDÔS SLEEVE ¥ THE 2 BEARS MEIC STEVENS ¥ MARIKA HACKMAN ¥ ALL WE ARE ¥ THE PICTISH TRAIL & SWEET BABG EMMY THE GREAT ¥ STRAND OF OAKS ¥ STEVE GUNN ¥ PETER BRODERICK ALASDAIR ROBERTS ¥ SLUG ¥ THIS IS THE KIT ¥ RYLEY WALKER RICHARD DAWSON ¥ MIDLAND ¥ BLACK YAYA ¥ TOM RABINSON ¥ ZUN ZUN EGUI H HAWKLINE ¥ JANE WEAVER ¥ ZEFUR WOLVES ¥ KIRAN LEONARD ¥ THE DRINK LANDSHAPES ¥ ULTIMATE PAINTING ¥ COLORAMA ¥ HOOTON TENNIS CLUB C-DUNCAN ¥ MEILYR JONES ¥ TRUST FUND ¥ ALEX BUREY ¥ HANNAH LOU CLARK COREY BOWEN ¥ SEN SEGUR ¥ DEEP THROAT CHOIR ¥ BENEDICT BENJAMIN TOBY HAY ¥ EMILY DAVIES ¥ PALANCO ¥ DJS: HUW STEPHENS TOM RAVENSCRAFT ¥ NOTHING IS ¥ CHRISTIAN LAING ¥ MIKEY SNGZE

TUMBLE THROUGH TEN WILD LANDS AF LITERATURE, LAUGHS, ART, SCIENCE, MISCHIEF AND MUSIC ÒTHE SUMMER WONÔT GET BETTER THAN THISÓ THE GUARDIAN

2O-23 AUGUST ADULT WEEKEND TICKET FROM £165 STAY FOR A WHOLE WEEK - BOOK A SETTLERÔS PASS GREENMAN.NET ¥ TICKETLINE.CO.UK/GREEN-MAN GREENMANFESTIVAL ¥ GREENMANFEST

BUZZ 15

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015 THE FULL MOON RUM FESTIVAL The Full Moon, Cardiff Fri 22 May-Mon 25 What: In the wise words of Johnny Depp in Pirates Of The Caribbean, we ask “where has the rum gone?”, and this time the answer is “at The Full Moon”. Taking advantage of the bank holiday weekend the festival will include live music, free entry and over 100 different rums. Each night will have its own theme as well, including Cuban, pirate and Caribbean.

Who: Rum lovers How much: free Info: www.thefullmooncardiff.com

FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN Cwmnewidion Isaf, Aberystwyth Fri 29-Sun 31 May What: This magically intimate festival has already sold out its camping tickets but is worth a mention anyway, just in case any of you live in Aberystwyth and fancy attending Locals Day on Sun 31 – which will also be Welsh Culture day, celebrating the country’s culture with Welsh folk music and local food, all in the stunning foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. You lucky Aberystwyth residents!

Who: Bruce Molsky, Gadarene, Ross Ainslee, Jarlath Henderson How much: sold out / Sunday tickets still available for local residents Info: www.fireinthemountain.co.uk

COASTLINE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Llangollen Fri 29-Sun 31 May What: There are so many opportunities to relax at Coastline Bluegrass, you can walk around the cute village and browse the B&Bs or be pulled along a canal by a horse-drawn boat whilst listening to some great music. It’s a quieter and calmer weekend that is still right good fun.

Who: Bakers’ Fabulous Boys, Blossom Hill, Grass Snake How much: £50-£55 weekend / £25 all-day Saturday ticket / £5-£15 evening concerts / under-16s free (when accompanied by a paying adult) Info: www.coastlinebluegrass.co.uk BUZZ 16

CARDIFF FESTIVAL Various locations around Cardiff Thurs 4 June-Sat 5 Sept What: The Cardiff Festival isn’t just one festival: really it’s several festivals (and a few free standing events) joining together. Coming under the Cardiff Festival umbrella is the Welsh Proms (page 22), the Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival (page 20), the Hijinx Unity Festival (page 20) and Tafwyl (page 20).

That’s only the start of the list, however. In Cardiff Bay alone there will be exciting water sports and boat races in the Extreme Sailing Series in June; the Cardiff Harbour Festival in August; a mouth-watering celebration of food at the Cardiff International Food And Drink Festival in July and plenty of vintage indulgences at the Classic Car Rally in August.

The Bay will also have a beach vibe as Roald Dahl Plass gets transformed into an urban beach for the school holidays. Not only will there be lots of sand (literally tonnes of it) but there will also be water-filled play areas and seaside rides.

Back in the city centre the festival will see the return sequence revelry with the Cardiff Carnival (page 24) and historic battle with Joust! and the Grand Medieval Mêlée at Cardiff Castle.

A highlight of the festival will be the ultimate battle of the bands, The Big Gig, in July.

Previous winners of the big title include the piano-meets-electronic-beats duo Albatross Archive, the maddeningly talented Maddie Jones and folk’n’roll band Rusty Shackle. After a series of heats, a grand finale will be held at Clwb Ifor Bach on Thurs 16 July, and the six bands that have survived so far will have to fight each other (musically, of course) to be crowned the Big Gig champion.

The festival will then round off with some more heart-racing activities at the White Water Fest in September. People will be invited down to Cardiff International White Water and encouraged to give everything from canoeing to stand-up paddle boarding a go.

Who: the whole of Cardiff!

How much: individual events priced separately / some events free Info: www.cardiff-festival.com

CAERDYDD / CARDIFF 12 - 27 JUNE / MEHEFIN

BIANCO 0333 222 9000

£13.50 - £22

The Echo

Buzz Magazine

British Theatre Guide

nofitstate.org

Broadway Baby

The Stage

“Breathtaking grace” The Guardian

Sinfonia Cymru & Rachel Podger

Friday 29 May, 7.30pm Gwener 29 Mai, 7.30yh

Bach Suite No 3 in D Major, BWV 1068 Purcell Suite from Fairy Queen Bach Violin Concerto in A Minor, BWV 1041 JJ Fux Ouverture in G Minor, K355 Vivaldi Concerto No 10 from ‘L’Estro Armonico’, Op. 3 Telemann Concerto in D major, TWV 53:D5

Saturday 30 May, 7.45pm Sadwrn 30 Mai, 7.45yh

Violin Rachel Podger

Riverfront, Newport Glan yr Afon, Casnewydd 01633 656757 | www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront

Ffwrnes, Llanelli 0845 226 3510 carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk

Dora Stoutzker Hall, RWCMD Neuadd Dora Stoutzker, CBCDC 029 2039 1391 | rwcmd.ac.uk

Sunday 31 May, 3.00pm Sul 31 Mai, 3.00yh

Tickets/Tocynnau: £4 - £14 sinfoniacymru.co.uk /sinfoniacymru

@sinfoniacymru

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015 GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL Anglesey, North Wales Thurs 11-Sun 14 June What: The last thing you would expect to find on an island off the coast of North Wales is a loud and proud electronic music festival – but one weekend in June that’s exactly what you’ll find. It’s a perfect weekend for over-18s that love liquor, lights and loud music.

Who: Enzo Siragusa, Marc Romboy, Mind Against How much: £125 Info: www.gottwood.co.uk

International Jazz Festival, the venues of the city (including the National Waterfront Museum and the Dylan Thomas Centre) are getting on board again to offer up a number of jazzed-up live performances and music workshops.

Who: The Hamish Stuart, Radio Londra, The Jive Aces How much: £30-£45 day tickets / £10-£15 individual events / workshops free Info: www.sijf.co.uk

ALLROOTS YOGA FESTIVAL Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire Fri 12-Sun 14 June What: Festivals might have a ‘sex, drugs and rock’n’roll’ reputation but there is no high quite like a yoga high. Taking place on a nature reserve you’ll be able to salute the sun on the beaches, the beautiful woods or by a tranquil pond throughout the weekend.

It’s not just yoga, however, as there will also be dancing, singing, circus acts and foods stalls.

Who: downward facing dogs, warriors, sun saluters How much: £95 weekend ticket / £12 child weekend ticket Info: www.allroots.org

SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL Various venues in the Swansea Maritime Quarter Fri 12-Sun 14 Jun What: After the success of the first ever Swansea BUZZ 18

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Wed 24 June-Sat 1 Aug What: It can be difficult to indulge in some stage based storytelling during the summer. As appealing as the show might seem, it requires one to leave the sunshine behind and spend your time in the isolated darkness of a theatre. The Everyman Theatre Festival takes that decision away from you by taking four different productions and putting them on an outdoor stage in Bute Park.

This year’s productions are Blackadder, musical Sweet Charity, Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Beauty And The Beast.

Who: Baldrick, Rosalind, Lumière the candelabra How much: £6-£16 Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk

TAFWYL 2014 Cardiff Castle, various places across Cardiff Sat 4 + Sun 5 July What: Tafwyl is a festival of all things Welsh – Welsh music, Welsh food and everything else Welsh. The two-day festival, held at Cardiff Castle, offers food, workshops, art, drama and music.

Who: The Gentle Good, Kizzy Crawford, Candelas How much: free Info: www.tafwyl.org

GOWER FOLK FESTIVAL The Greyhound Inn, Gower Fri 12-Sun 14 June What: What’s better than enjoying some good music with a good drink in your hand? How about a festival that has been providing both for over 20 years. Set in an award-winning microbrewery, the Gower Folk Festival not only offers up a decent pint and a lineup of live folk music, but also hosts several workshops where you can get hands on and learn some singing, dancing and general music-making.

Who: Calan, Beoga, The Eel Grind How much: £47-£63 adult weekend ticket / £5-£28 adult day ticket Info: www.gowerfolkfestival.co.uk

EVERYMAN OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL

GREGYNOG FESTIVAL

HIJINX UNITY FESTIVAL

Various venues around North Powys Fri 12-Sun 28 June What: The year of 1933 saw the first showing of the original King Kong film, it was the year that both Nina Simone and Willie Nelson were born in and it was the founding year of (what is now) Wales’ oldest classical musical festival. Musicians from across the globe descend on the Welsh countryside to perform pieces inspired by this year’s theme: the French revolution.

Who: Stéphanie d’Oustrac, Xavier de Maistre, Vox Luminis How much: £5-£25 per event / £5-£12.50 conc / some events free Info: www.gregynogfestival.org

Wales Millennium Centre, The Hayes + Tabernacl Church, Cardiff Wed 1-Sun 5 July What: A truly international festival that showcases and celebrates the high quality work created by troupes in which disabled and non-disabled artists work together.

This year there will be dances about the aftereffects of Mozambique’s civil war, circus performances with heavy duty machinery and immersive theatre in a secret location.

Who: Hijinx Theatre, Cirque Inextremiste, Punchdrunk Enrichment How much: Events priced separately / some events free Info: www.hijinxunity.org.uk

after the Second World War, its guests have included Pavarotti and the Queen.

Who: Burt Bacharach, Rufus Wainwright, UB40 How much: £109-£211 week passes (valid Tues-Sat) / £19-£34 day tickets / Burt Bacharach and UB40 priced separately Info: www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

FOLK ON THE LAWN

CAERLEON ARTS FESTIVAL Various locations Fri 4-Sun 13 July What: Caerleon’s festival of arts, crafts and performance has a hell of a lot to offer: literature on the lawn, the Poet Laureate, Shakespeare and the Big Free Weekend on Sat 11 and Sun 12 July where you can enjoy live music, comedy and dance all for nowt.

Who: Carol Ann Duffy, Peel Your Own Spuds, Daniel Llewelyn-Williams How much: tbc / some events free Info: www.caerleon-arts.org

LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD Llangollen Mon 6-Sun 12 July What: Llangollen’s yearly Eisteddfod is the biggest festival you’ve never heard of. Started in 1947, as an international celebration of culture that would help bring together communities from across the globe

Abbey Mill, Tintern Fri 10-Sun 12 July What: Folk On The Lawn is a festival that reflects the humble roots of folk by taking great music and providing to for free in the riverside village of Tintern.

Committed to providing something different to the big festivals, this is a small, free festival whose lineup doesn’t even have headliners, just good artists.

Who: Astrakan Project, Jim Chorley, Soft Hearted Scientists How much: free (voluntary donation encouraged) Info: www.folkonthelawn.com

CARDIFF SCIENCE FESTIVAL Various venues, Cardiff Mon 13-Sun 19 July What: Forget what you remember from your science classes at school, this is a festival that celebrates science and technology with a good dose of humour and entertainment. The lineup hasn’t been finalised yet, but if last year is anything to go by, expect demonstrations, comedy and live (science orientated of course) music.

Who: science lovers How much: tbc Info: www.cardiffsciencefestival.co.uk

Extraordinary performances from disabled and non-disabled artists 1-5 July Wales Millennium Centre AND 4-5 July The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre

FREE

hijinxunity.org.uk

BUZZ 19

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015

WELSH PROMS

BLYSH

St David’s Hall,Cardiff Sat 18-Sat 25 July What: The week-long music festival has extra reason to celebrate this year as it’s now 30 years old! For this special anniversary they will be hosting a whole world full of music from a number of different genres with classical, jazz, brass and choir all represented.

Who: Philharmonia Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Cory Band How much: £7-£36 individual events Info: www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Thurs 23 July-Sun 2 Aug What: Packed with creativity and with a diverse range of productions, Blysh is the Wales Millennium Centre’s festival of creative theatre, circus and cabaret in its most rambunctious form. The line-up for this year’s festival hasn’t been announced yet but if last year is anything to go by, you can expect burlesque, outdoor circus, cabaret, lots of live music and just general quirkiness.

Who: tbc How much: tbc Info: www.wmc.org.uk

BARRY ISLAND WEEKENDERS Barry Island Sat 18 July-Sun 30 Aug What: Barry Island is living for the weekend again this summer as it sees the return of its fun themed ‘weekenders’. Over the course of several weekends there will be fabulous flames, street theatre, live music, sports and outside cinema by the sea.

Who: tbc How much: free Info: www.visitthevale.com

THE GREEN GATHERING Piercefield Park, Chepstow Thurs 13-Sun 16 Aug What: A festival weekend doesn’t have to be powered by sweet tunes, it can also be helped along with renewable energy and a love for the environment. The people behind The Green Gathering aim to teach people how to save energy and show that you can still have a good time doing so with poetry, music and film. There’s even a wood-fired sauna!

Who: Martha Tilston, The Undercover Hippy, Roving Crows How much: £95 adult / £54 under 15s / children under 10s go free Info: www.greengathering.org.uk BUZZ 20

GLASTONBARRY Romilly Park, Barry Sat 25-Sun 26 July What: So GlastonBARRY might not have Kayne West, the Foo Fighters or Patti Smith in its lineup but it does have a pun-tastic name that is revered by many for miles around! The festival, taking place in Barry (see the pun now), will feature top tribute acts Oasish, The Jam’d and Really Hot Chill Peppers.

Who: tbc How much: £25/£20 during May Info: www. glastonbarry.com

MUSICFEST Aberystwyth Arts Centre Sat 26 July-Sat 2 Aug What: Have you ever been to a festival, looked admiringly up at the musicians on stage and wished you could be in their position? The people at Musicfest must have, as their festival combines live music with a summer school. This isn’t like an everyday tuck-inyour-shirt and learn-your-timestables-off-by-heart school, however, as artists, audiences and students work together.

The summer school provides courses in a number of instruments (including violin, cello and saxophone) as well as several other disciplines such as composition for television and film, conducting and string chamber music.

There will also be performances from the likes of Anne Denholm (Britain’s leading young harpist), internationally recognised pianist Tom Poster and clarinet player David Campbell, who was described by Jack Brymer OBE as “the finest British player of his generation”.

Who: David Campbell , Guy Johnston, Sachika Taniyama How much: tbc Info: www.abermusicfest.org

NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD Carmarthenshire Fri 31 July-Sat 8 Aug What: Wales’ cultural festival of music, literature dance, theatre and arts has a claim to be one of the original festivals. With an aim to promote Welsh language and culture there will be plenty of performances and activities to get stuck into.

Who: tbc How much: tbc Info: www.eisteddfod.org.uk

BRECON JAZZ Various locations, Brecon Fri 8-Sun 10 Aug What: The enticing world of jazz music has taken over the market town of Brecon every summer for over 30 years, and 2015 is no exception. The festival has come a long way since its founding in 1984, with a budget of just £100, and has had lineups that included Burt Bacharach, Van Morrison and Amy Winehouse.

The big name at this year’s festival will be Ray Davies, former frontman of The Kinks and respected solo artist. With over five decades of experience in the music business, Davies has certainly made his mark, with the hits he wrote in The Kinks not only hitting the charts once, but twice, as several other musicians covered them (just some examples include a cover of All Day And All Of The Night by The Stranglers and Village Green Preservation Society by Kate Rusby).

Other artists taking over the town’s various venues this year are the iconic Dr. John, Grammy-winning jazz pianist and record producer Robert Glasper, Courtney Pine CBE, Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin, multiple award-winning composer and pianist Neil Cowley and the MOBO award-winning British group Sons Of Kemet, to name a few.

Who: Ray Davies, Courtney Pine, GoGo Penguin How much: events priced separately Info: www.breconjazz.com

25th July – 1st August 2015 Meyrick Alexander

Credit: Keith Morris

David Campbell Sigyn Fosnes Guy Johnston

Raphaela Papadakis Tom Poster Solem Quartet The Session

Orion Orchestra

An 8 day festival of over 40 concerts, summer school courses and masterclasses in Aberystwyth.

More information from www.musicfestaberystwyth.org or 01970 612034 www.facebook.com/AberMusicFest

@MusicFestAber

BUZZ 21

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015

pic: Dom Moore

pic: Mathew Pontin

CARDIFF CARNIVAL Cardiff City Centre Sat 8 Aug What: With flamboyant, family-friendly frivolities and costumes galore, SWICA Carnival will be bringing its bright and colourful 26th annual parade through the streets of Cardiff for another year. The parade as ever is based on three weeks of free carnival arts workshops – don't just view it, come and do it!

Who: Carnival lovers!

How much: Free Info: www.swicacarnival.co.uk

GLASS BUTTER BEACH Cardigan Bay, North Wales Wed 12-Sat 15 Aug What: Music. Surfing. Skating. Wakeboarding. BMXing.

Paint fights. Beaches. Sea. Sun (hopefully). What more could Glass Butter Beach Festival possibly offer? An extreme weekend full of music and sports: perfect.

Who: Kosheen, Toguna, Shanty How much: £67-£95 adult weekend / £37.50-£55 adult day ticket Info: www.glassbutterbeach.com

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons Thurs 14-Sun 17 Aug

this is a didgeri-do. Didge Fest is a weekend dedicated to that much misunderstood Australian instrument and has a lineup full of international digeridoo artists.

It won’t only be about the ‘doos though as reggae, Mongolian throat singing and flamenco guitar will all be heard at the famous Baskerville Hall Hotel.

Who: The Rhythmen, Aerodice, Dub Didge How much: £65/£25 child Info: www.elementarydidgefest.co.uk

TALGARTH FESTIVAL Talgarth Sat 29 + Sun 30 Aug What: Talgarth festival offers a completely free way to spend your bank holiday weekend as a family, with wine tasting, music, food and much more.

Who: tbc How much: free Info: www.talgarthfestival.org.uk

THE GOOD LIFE EXPERIENCE

ELEMENTARY DIDGERIDOO FESTIVAL Baskerville Hall Hotel, Hay-On-Wye Fri 21-Sun 23 Aug What: If you’re looking for a festival with a unique twist BUZZ 22

Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Flintshire Fri 18-Sun 20 Sept What: No, this isn’t a whole weekend of tribute acts to the 1970s sitcom, but does feel a little inspired by it. The brainchild of musician Cerys Matthews and her pals, the festival is dedicated to taking a step away from the mindless consumption of everyday and enjoying the best things in life: good food, good music, good stories and good experiences.

What: Sitting at the foot of the breathtaking Black Mountains, Green Man started out life in 2003 as a one-day event with a capacity of just 300 people. Now it’s a weekend extravaganza with 1500 performers and a 24-hour licence (the only festival in the UK with such an accolade), meaning that whatever time and whatever state you wake up in, there will be people ready to party with you in awe of Green Man’s breathtaking mountain views. This is one indie festival with a hell of a lot going for it.

This year the award winning Green Man boasts Welsh heavy weights Super Fury Animals, baroque pop star (and former member of The Polyphonic Spree) St Vincent and electro group Hot Chip as its headliners.

There is more than just music on offer, however, has the festival has 10 entertainment arenas with different acts.

There is Einstein’s Garden For some insightful science, Babbling Tongue for spoken word delights and Fortuna Falls for a beautiful combination of arts and nature.

Who: Super Furry Animals, St Vincent, Hot Chip How much: £165 adult / £140 student / £100 teen/ £15 under-12s / free under-4s Info: www.greenman.net

Featuring Get the Blessing John Taylor Darius Brubeck Quartet Plus a rolling programme of free performances throughout the weekend Yn ogystal a rhaglen o gerddoriaeth rhad ac am ddim drwy’r penwythnos

#amserjazztime

Tickets | Tocynnau 029 2039 1391 www.rwcmd.ac.uk/jazz

AMSERJAZZTIME, PHOTO | LLUN, kIRSTEN McTERNAN

Penwythnos AmserJazzTime Weekender

15 — 17 May | Mai 2015

Supported by Arts Council Wales and the Colwinston Charitable Trust cefnogir gan Gyngor y celfyddydau cymru ac Ymddiriedolaeth Elusennol colwinston

Experience the experience!

Saturday 9th May 10am-10pm Dydd Sadwrn 9 Mai 10am-10pm MERTHYR TYDFIL • MERTHYR TUDFUL

Profi’r Profiad!

Featuring • Gyda

Peggy Seeger

Solo 80th birthday UK tour Taith unigol 80fed Pen-blwydd

Tin Shed Theatre – “An Inspector Calls” Clive Gregson Tân Dance • Railroad Bill DnA • Mal Pope

£15 wristbands • Access all events £5 wristbands • limited events access £0 free wristbands for a number of festival sessions Bandiau Arddwrn £15 • mynediad i bob digwyddiad Bandiau Arddwrn £5 • mynediad i ddigwyddiadau cyfyngedig Bandiau Arddwrn £0 am ddim ar gyfer nifer o sesiynau’r w ˆ yl

Plus Fiona Winter NIA • Silent Disco Make Theatre workshops • Performer Q&A sessions • Make the Singing Ringing Tree with Terry Chinn Ynghyd â Fiona Winter NIA • Disco Tawel • Gweithdai Anturiaethau mewn Gwneud Theatr • Sesiynau Cwestiwn ac Ateb gyda Pherfformwyr Creu Y Goeden Ganu gyda Terry Chinn

Many events FREE - book spaces/get BOOK IN ADVANCE • wristband | Llawer o ddigwyddiadau ARCHEBWCH YMLAEN LLAW AM DDIM - archebwch le/cael band REDHOUSE CYMRU 01685 384111 arddwrn

www.redhousecymru.com

BUZZ 23

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2015

FESTIVAL NUMBER 6 Portmeirion Fri 4-Sun 6 Sept

Who: Ben Fogle, Catrin Finch, Valentine Warner How much: £40-£45 adult / £19.50-£22.50 under-16s / free under-8s / £100 family ticket Info: www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk

PORTHCAWL ELVIS FESTIVAL Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl Fri 25-Sun 27 Sept What: It’s all Elvis. Elvis songs, Elvis impersonators, Elvis-offs and the Elvies: an award show for the best Elvis Tribute Artists. Ah thank you very much.

Who: Lots and lots of Elvises How much: £6-£32.50 individual events / £127.50 VIP package Info: www.elvies.co.uk

DIFFUSION PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL Various venues, Cardiff Thurs 1-Sat 31 Oct What: After a very successful inaugural festival in 2013, Cardiff’s International Festival Of Photography is back! Last time the festival saw photography that explored elderly brothers in rural Norway, Portuguese power plants and high-rise architecture. This year the festival has chosen a theme of ‘Looking For America’ and has encouraged artists to think about what the (now much tarnished) ideal of the ‘American Dream’ means in Wales, across the pond in modern America and the rest of the world.

Who: tbc How much: tbc Info: www.diffusionfestival.org

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IRIS FILM FESTIVAL Various venues, Cardiff Wed 7-Sun 11 Oct What: Cardiff international LGBT short film festival Iris isn't just the only LGBT short film prize in the world that provides its winner with the opportunity to make a new film, it's also a five-day festival of fabulous films and events. There will be the screening of the 30 shot films competing for the coveted Iris Prize, 20 new feature-length films, panel sessions, networking opportunities (for you budding film-makers) and plenty of parties as well.

Who: Lots of films and other events How much: tbc Info: www.irisprize.org

What: There is no place quite like the stunning coastal village of Portmeirion, and subsequently there is no festival quite like Festival Number 6. The village was created in just 50 years, between 1925 and 1975, to the Mediterranean-inspired designs of renowned architect Sir Clough WilliamsEllis. It is perhaps best known, however, as the ‘the village’ in surreal spy drama The Prisoner (in which Patrick McGoohan plays a captured intelligence agent, known only as ‘Number 6’ – see where the festival got its name?)

The festival, however, doesn’t rely on its unique location alone as its exciting lineup of art, music, culture and food is set to impress. This is only the festival’s fourth year and yet it has already hosted guest such as New Order (who won 'Headline Performance Of The Year' at the UK Festival Awards for thier show at Number 6), Beck and the Manic Street Preachers.

This year the lineup looks just as good with much-loved indie band Belle And Sebastian, multitalented Jamaican singer Grace Jones and electronic group Metronmony all set to play. Welsh up-andcomers Catfish And The Bottlemen are also on the lineup.

That is just the music, however: there will also be plenty of talk from the likes of Irvine Welsh (author of Trainspotting and Filth), Dom Joly (of Trigger Happy TV fame) and actress Maxine Peake.

Who: Belle And Sebastian, Grace Jones, Ghostpoet How much: £150-£185 adult weekend / £80-£90 under-15s weekend / under-10s free / £tbc day ticket Info: www.festivalnumber6.com

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PIRATES OF THE CARABINA present

21 March - 1 June

www.artacrossthecity.com Public Art Commissions by Emily Speed, Michael Stumpf, David Cushway, Colin Priest, Graham Dolphin, DJ Roberts, Jeremy Deller, Pete Fowler, Sinta Tantra, Bedwyr Williams, Niamh McCann and more info@artacrossthecity.com | @Locws_Art on Twitter Locws Art on Facebook | www.artacrossthecity.com A LOCWS International Production With Support From:

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‘beautiful and bonkers contemporary circus’

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Suitable for all ages.

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Wednesday 27 – Saturday 30 May Dydd Mercher 27 – Dydd Sadwrn 30 Mai

upfront

FOOD FESTIVALS

For some there is more joy in stuffing your face with well-made food than rocking out, hence the invention of food and drink festivals. Sarah Baltrop gets her chops around the ones taking place this month.

CHEESE AND CIDER WEEKEND

CAERPHILLY FOOD FESTIVAL Caerphilly Town Centre Sat 9 May If you’re bored of food festivals where you do little more than crawl from one stall to the next, eating everything in your path, then this one may be your saviour. If last year is anything to go by, which hosted The Great Caerphilly Cake Off, face painting, pottery and even their own funfair, then this year is set to be a winner; they really leave no stone unturned.

Admission: free Info: www.your.caerphilly.gov.uk/foodfestival/ BUZZ 26

Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea Sat 9 + Sun 10 May Cheese, cider and perry: words that were meant to be put together. This two-day festival spoils you with award-winning produce and amongst the feast there is set to be lots of food stalls, Welsh cream teas in the heritage centre’s tea rooms, apple press demonstrations (on a traditional 1890s travelling cider press) and sweet fresh-pressed apple juice to satisfy the children and/or designated drivers.

Admission: normal Gower Heritage Centre admission prices Info: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

WELSH PERRY AND CIDER FESTIVAL Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire Fri 22-Mon 25 May What began as a small gathering between friends who simply shared a love of cider has now morphed into the 14th annual return of the Welsh Perry And Cider Festival. The festival has become so popular over the years that it’s had to move from its humble beginnings in a pub to an actual castle – just to fit everyone in. Set to host lots of live music, 30 perry and cider producers,

activities for kids and offering the choice to camp the whole weekend (so no need to draw shorts straws for designated driver), this festival is a summer knees-up for the whole family.

Admission: £6-£50 Info: www.welshciderfestival.wordpress.com

SFC_BuzzMag_93x275.indd 1

Seasonal specials, great wines, pie and a pint, bubbly, cheeseboard, delicious desserts, fireside banter. knifeandforkfood.co.uk

THE CONWAY 02920 224 373 THE DISCOVERY 02920 755 015 THE OLD SWAN INN 01446 792 230 THE PILOT 02920 710 615 CATERING 02920 330 585

25/03/2015 09:39

LOCAL IS LOVELY

upfront

THE DISCOVERY BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL

GOWER GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL

The Discovery, Cyncoed Fri 22-Mon 25 May If a bank holiday is anything, it is at least an excuse for a decent drink. Taking full advantage of this fact, The Discovery will be serving a fine selection of local beers and ales – including wares from the likes of Celt, Kite and Otley – across the weekend. You’ll be able to wash your drink down with some live music and eat from the exclusive Beer Festival menu.

Admission: free Info: www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk

Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea Sun 24 + Mon 25 May Summer means being surrounded by the three great Fs: friends, food and festivals. Don’t settle for anything less than the best, and discover the perfect trinity at the Gower Good Food Festival. Presenting the finest selection of aged wines, meats, pâté, cheese and much more, this bank holiday retreat will leave you feeling like artisan royalty.

Admission: normal Gower Heritage Centre admission prices. Info: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

OLD SWAN INN BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major Fri 29-Sun 31 May What do pubs do best? Booze! So the historic Old Swan Inn is celebrating that fact with a weekend celebration of beers and ciders. The festival will have a line-up of different drinks, including lots of local talent from the likes of Otley, Tiny Rebel, Purple Moose and many others. There will also be lots of live music for you to drink and dance along to.

Admission: free Info: www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk

MONMOUTHSHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL COWBRIDGE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Cowbridge Town Centre Fri 24 + Sat 25 May Walking around the streets of a quaint town whilst indulging in the homemade produce of 80 different food and drink stalls certainly sounds like the best way to spend a weekend. With exhibitors offering incredible inventions (such as an ice cream sandwich, I mean that was a stroke of genius) there are definitely some gems to be found here.

Admission: £5 day ticket / £8 weekend tickets / free under-12s. Info: www.cowbridgefoodanddrink.org BUZZ 28

Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire Sat 30 + Sun 31 May This festival showcases the best of Monmouthshire’s cookery talent with demonstrations from their finest chefs (including The Whitebrook’s Chris Harrod and Restaurant 1861's Simon King), a producers market and a ‘look and learn’ area where local foodies (such as Brecon Brewing’s Buster Grant) will deliver talks in their edible area of expertise. It simply exuberates quality, which I’m sure you’ll agree, is the essence of a great food festival.

Admission: £5/free under 12s Info: www.monmouthshirefoodfestival.co.uk

SWANSEA VEG FEST Environment Centre, Swansea Sat 6 June The image of vegetarian food is beginning to change from a boring, bland diet, and is fast becoming acknowledged as a viable option, with meaty meals often standing in their flavoursome shadow.

Cooking purely with vegetables begs you to use your imagination, so if you’re in need of ideas, inspiration and (hallelujah) free samples, VegFest is ready and waiting with a range of tasty meat and dairy alternatives.

Admission: free Info: www.facebook.com/swan.vegfest

BRITISH STREET FOOD FESTIVAL John St, Cardiff Sat 6 + Sun 7 June The public have been given the power in deciding The British Street Food Awards winner, and Cardiff shall be hosting one of the heats. Expect an eclectic mix of food and drink, with the different criteria covering the best burgers, meals to go, vegetarian choices, drinks, desserts and snacks. All I can say is I am eternally grateful to whoever chose those wonderful categories.

Admission: £8/£4/free under-3s Info: www.britishstreetfood.co.uk

get out!

4th july

2o15

www.humblebynature.com/bigdayout

the

big

day out

Food & Drink - Genevieve Taylor "How to eat outside� - HangFire Smokehouse Guyrope Gourmet - Live Music - the bleedin noses - remi harris - glow globes fun on the farm - shearing demo - lamb racing - craft village - felt making - willow weaving - fun for kids - cookery - adventure playground - bushcraft - circus skills

Iguanas.co.uk

Hola swansea! opening 11th May

Castle quarter 1-4 castle square SA1 1DN swansea@iguanas.co.uk

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pic: Finn Beales

upfront

HAY FESTIVAL Every year the greatest minds in art, literature, culture, politics, science and technology get a good helping of Hay Fever which results in the compulsive need to descend on Hay-On-Wye for the world-famous festival of ideas.

GHOST FLIGHT (WITH BEAR GRYLLS) Tata Tent, Sun 31 May. Tickets: £15 The ultimate outdoor survivor launches his new thriller novel Ghost Flight, which tells the tale of an ex-soldier who is sent to hunt for a WWII secret in the Amazon jungle.

T

here aren’t many festivals that could programme shows titled No Such Thing As A Fish, Headscarves And Hymens and A Million Years In A Day in their line-up and not be met with some puzzled looks when potential festival-goers peruse their programme but the Hay Festival gets away with it. And why? Because they can.

The Hay Literature And Arts Festival has not just become a staple of the Welsh arts calendar, but the global arts calendar as well. With its vast programme of intriguing, sometimes funny, sometimes odd, often enlightening shows and discussions, it’s earned its places as one of the ultimate 'festivals of ideas'.

This year some of the big names they have booked in are comedian and presenter Stephen Fry, academic and feminist Germaine Greer and Booker Prize winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. Being popular figures, their shows have sold out, but there are plenty more to choose from in the festival’s lengthy lineup.

On the literature side of life, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh will be talking about his funny and filthy novels; Ben And David Crystal give great insight into the words of The Bard with The Shakespeare Dictionary and War Horse author Michael Morpurgo will be bringing storytelling to life with the help of actress Alison Reid, violinist Daniel Pioro and The Storyteller’s Ensemble.

Writing isn’t all about fiction, however, as Cardiff native Jon Ronson (bestselling author of The Psychopath Test and The Men Who Stare At Goats) will be chatting about his new book which explores public shaming and the potential mob mentality of the internet, while Marcus Brigstocke and other comedians have put the spotlight on the facts and folly in the papers.

BUZZ 30

TOP FIVE HAY FESTIVAL TALKS

Speaking of comedians, the always empathetic ears of Jack Dee are on hand with his agony-aunt style Help Desk, the usually upbeat Mark Watson will be bringing his dark and deeply personal stand-up show Flaws to the festival and British Comedy Award-winner Nina Conti will be In Your Face with her improvised hilarity.

There will be music from the likes of folk-punk star Frank Turner, big haired glam-popper King Charles and alt rockers Texas, who will be playing their 25th anniversary show at the festival.

There are so many events to choose from that just trawling through them is a daunting task but no matter what you end up experiencing at the Hay Festival, you’ll walk away with something new to think about.

Hay Literature And Arts Festival, HayOn-Wye, Thurs 21-Sun 31 May. Tickets: events priced separately. Info: www. hayfestival.com

PROUD (GARETH THOMAS TALKS TO MIKE CALVIN) Good Energy Stage, Thurs 28 May. Tickets: £8 Welsh rugby icon Thomas speaks to award-winning journalist Calvin about his life as captain of Wales and the British Lions, and his fear of having his hidden sexuality discovered.

QI’S GREATEST HITS Telegraph Stage, Sun 31 May. Tickets: £8 If you love the quite interesting facts of QI you’ll love listening to the show’s back catalogue of intriguing discoveries.

GERMAINE GREER TALKS TO MARTHA KEARNEY Tata Tent, Sat 23 May. Tickets: £9 Journalist and broadcaster Kearney talks to the famous feminist about what would make life better.

Should we be striving for equality?

MEERA SYAL TALKS TO SARFRAZ MANZOOR Tata Tent, Sat 30 May. Tickets: £9 Journalist and documentary maker Manzoor talks to comedian and MBE Syal as she launches her new novel.

Roots Unearthed Great Acts, Global Sounds & Relaxing Atmosphere EMILY SMITH Tuesday 12 May, 8pm Time has passed ridiculously fast since Emily was named BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year back in 2002.

CHRIS WOOD Wednesday 24 June, 8pm With humble hymns and sweeping statements, Chris Wood lovingly takes the pulse of his homeland.

AMY WADGE & PETE RILEY Friday 26 June, 8pm Their critically acclaimed debut album Rivers Apart and successful UK tour led Amy and Pete to work on a follow up album Afterglow.

MAHLER 2 SØNDERGÅRD WITH GYDA

Conductor • Arweinydd Thomas Søndergård Soprano Susan Gritton Mezzo Jennifer Johnston Thursday • Iau

04.06.15 – 8pm St David’s Hall, Cardiff Neuadd Dewi Sant, Caerdydd

0800 052 1812

bbc.co.uk/now

9BACH Monday 6 July, 8pm 9Bach are an atmospheric, evocative and emotional hybrid of the Welsh folk tradition and contemporary influences.

MARTIN CARTHY & DAVE SWARBRICK Tuesday 1 September, 8pm Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick each played an important part in the tremendous shake up given to British folk music in the middle to late 60s.

COMING SOON: MARY BLACK, MNOZIL BRASS, SEASICK STEVE, BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

profile KATE HUMBLE’S BIG DAY OUT What do you get when you bring together a working farm, outdoor dining, live music and all the welly-wanging fun of an old-fashioned summer fete? Humble By Nature’s Big Day Out. Kate Humble tells Heather Arnold what they have planned for the farm’s first ever festival.

Talking about The Big Day Out with Kate Humble is a little bit like talking to an extremely eloquent kid about their upcoming birthday. She excitedly lists off all of the local talent (of the foodie, musical and farming variety) and has barely stopped to breathe after talking about one, before telling me with great gusto about the next.

Her enthusiasm is catching and, although the Big Day Out isn’t until July, I’m already dreaming of a day spent stuffing my face, listening to some music and breathing in the outdoors as I wander round all the experiences they have planned.

My imagination can only get me so far, however, as this is the first festival that Humble By Nature have ever hosted. Where, I wonder, did the idea come from?

“The Big Day Out started out, as Humble By Nature things so often did, as something completely different. I was contacted by my great friend, and old colleague, Genevieve Taylor. Genevieve has, since we were together on Animal Park many years ago, become a very well-known and very well respected food writer.

“She called me last year and said she was doing a book called How To Eat Outdoors, and it’s all about the kind of adventure you have when you move your cooking away from the kitchen, and make it something a little bit different and a little bit special.

“She wondered if we might be able to do an event at Humble By Nature to launch the book and I said yes.

So I began talking to all the guys in the office and it morphed from a book launch into a fully-fledged festival.”

Once the ball started rolling it didn’t seem to stop, as the guys at Humble By Nature began to plan more and more.

“The idea is that it is an absolute celebration of the BUZZ 32

great outdoors. We wanted to make it before the summer holidays so that it could be a day that really inspires people of all ages to tuck their tablets under their sofa and to get out into the big wide world and see how great it is. To see what wonderful things that you can do, and maybe that will inspire them to spend more time outside in the summer holidays. We’ve got a lovely mixture of things over the 12 hours, so it’s basically a midday to midnight event at the farm.

“Genevieve is curating all the food, so we’ll have some wonderful food demos from people like the Hangfire Smokehouse BBQ girls, we’ve got the Guyrope Gourmet, we’ve got various people coming to do food demos. To inspire people and show them how easy it is to cook away from their traditional stoves and their kitchen.

"We’ve got the wonderful Graham Waddington who's teaching our charcuterie courses. He’s joining forces with James McCrindle who makes award-winning ciders just down the road and also teaches our cider courses. They are going to introduce to the festival their frankfurter and cider van!

“But we mustn’t forget that we are a working farm, and July is a busy time of year – so we’re fully expecting farmer Tim to be doing a shearing match with some of his friends, seeing who can shear the fastest.

“We’re also planning a tug of war, because I think everyone loves a tug of war. There will be welly wanging and we’re hoping to arrange a gymkhana in which no ponies are allowed to participate in – it will just be humans. We might have a cider handicap, and we thought we might have a leader board and make it a little bit like ‘stars in reasonably priced cars’.

“There’ll be lots of fun things on the farm, and there will, of course, be lots of entertainment. There’ll be lots of singing, we’re encouraging people to bring their guitars and sing round the campfire later. We’ve got live music and we’ve got storytelling with lots of wonderful local authors.

“So we’ve got a real wonderful mixture of things for people to come and as I say, have a really proper big day out.

“I know it sounds a bit cheesy, so forgive me, but there is something special when people come up here and they’re not quite sure what to expect. Then they meet the animals and the sun is shining and they’re out in the fields and you see people visibly relax. You see them taking off their tiredness from the city and everyday lives. There is something a little bit escapist about the farm. I'm really looking forward to just having a really happy group of people enjoying being outside. I can imagine, if I possibly get the chance, just sneaking away and maybe climbing a tree and looking at people from afar and hopefully seeing them having a good time.”

Big Day Out, Humble By Nature, Wye Valley, Monmouthshire, Sat 4 July.

Tickets: £25-£30 adult / £7.50-£10 under16s / free under-4s / £55-£70 family ticket (lower prices refer to early bird tickets).

Info: www.humblebynature.com

Fragile Buzz.qxp_Layout 1 24/03/2015 09:38 Page 1

Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd National Museum Cardiff

Myned am dd iad im Free e ntry

BREGUS? FRAGILE ?

Arddangosfa o Gerameg Gyfoes

An Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramics

18.04.2015 - 04.10.2015

Parc Cathays, Caerdydd CF10 3NP amgueddfacymru.ac.uk #BregusCaerdydd Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP museumwales.ac.uk #FragileCardiff

NATIONAL THEATRE WALES

MOTHER

COURAGE A N D

H E R

C H I L D R E N

BY / GAN BERTOLT BRECHT

in a translation BY Mewn CYFieithiaD gan

JOHN WILLETT

reViseD BY aDolYgwYD gan

ED THOMAS

lYriCs reViseD BY geiriaU weDi’U haDolYgU gan

DAFYDD JAMES & ED THOMAS

DireCtor CYFarwYDDwr

JOHN E MCGRATH

07-22 May / Mai 2015 MeRTHyR LaBouR cLuB cLwB LLafuR MeRTHyR

Box office Swyddfa docynnau 029 2063 6464

#ntwMother

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upfront

PAN OEDD Y BYD Y N FA C H

PAN OEDD Y BYD YN FACH Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach (When The World Was Small in English) is a Welshlanguage play set against the backdrop of the last major miners’ strike in Britain.

In the winter of 1984, a group of friends gather early one morning to show their support, but what starts out as a demonstration of solidarity ends in a shocking act that will change their lives forever.

Written by Sian Summer and directed by Aled Pedrick, the play explores the uncertainty faced by a generation of young men growing up in communities that aren't as stable as they once were. Speaking about the production, Pedrick says that the story of “how political events of the period would shape, colour and transform what it means to be a man from a working class world forever.” Though the play is set during the time of the miners’ strike, the industrial action itself plays a minor role in the story, with the focus being on the miners’ sons - the ‘inbetweeners’ of the 80s as Pedrick puts it. The son of a striking miner himself, the play is close to Pedrick's heart and he says that there is much that will appeal to younger audiences in addition to those who experienced the strike first hand.

The director says that the attitudes of the characters, towards each other and towards life, is relatable for younger audience as “you're misunderstood – whether you're a teenager today or whether you were a teenager in the 80s.”

If you’re not a Welsh speaker then don’t fear. The play will use the Sibrwd phone app developed by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, which provides an English synopsis for non-Welsh speakers and allows them to enjoy an immersive experience without impacting on the performance for those who do speak Welsh.

Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach promises to deliver a new perspective on the miners’ strike and explore of the legacy left behind for the younger generation once the working class identity is taken away. ELLEN DAVIES Gwyn Hall, Neath, Thurs 14-Sat 16 May; Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Tues 19-Thurs 21 May; Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, Tues 2 + Wed 3 June; Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Fri 5 + Sat 6 June; Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Mon 8 + Tues 9 June. Tickets: £5-£22. Info: www.theatr.cymru

NATIONAL THEATRE WALES’ FIVE-POINT PLAN What do you get if you combine alternative locations from around Wales with a stellar lineup? A National Theatre Wales (NTW) production of course!

Since launching in 2010 the company has managed to break creative boundaries with their adventurous productions in unlikely locations. Having already had a taxi ride around Butetown, a walk on the beach and time in an aircraft hangar in the name of theatre, the company present their new five-part season.

First up is Mother Courage And Her Children (Thurs 7-Fri 22 May) – a Welsh re-imagining of Bertolt Brecht’s anti-war play. Adapted for a 21st century audience by Hinterland creator Ed Thomas, the all-female cast of nine will perform in and around Merthyr’s Labour Club.

It’s 150 years since Welsh settlers arrived in the South American region of Patagonia to begin a new life, so it’s timely that NTW and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru will team up for the first time for 150 (Sat 27 June-Sat 11 July). Mark Rees (who created Raw Material with NTW last year) will bring the stories of the settlers and their descendants to life, combining a live performance in the Royal Opera House stores (not usually open to the public), near Aberdare, with a specially commissioned film from Patagonia.

Iliad (Mon 21 Sept-Sat 3 Oct) is a multimedia interpretation of Homer’s account of the last year of the Trojan war. Taking place in Y Ffwrnes in Llanelli, the show will be an innovative take on proceedings: audiences can view the production’s four ‘episodes’ individually or, if looking for a big theatre fix, watch them all in one sitting.

It may only be spring but the festive offering from NTW, at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff, is definitely a diary marker. Not only does the Insatiable, Inflatable Candylion (Wed 16 Dec-Sun 3 Jan) promise candy floss, inflatable fat cats and a Dalmatian on drums, it will be led by Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys.

NTW culminate their programme with Before I Leave (Spring 2016): a musical featuring a choir of people with dementia who clash and bond over the miners’ strike – all from the pen of poet and playwright Patrick Jones. RHIANON HOLLEY Info: 029 2035 3070 / www.nationaltheatrewales.org BUZZ 34

film

by Keiron Self

BIG GAME ***

PITCH PERFECT 2 ****

Dir: Jalmari Helander (12A, 110 mins) A high concept action thriller with an 80s feel, this has the President Of The USA, in the badass form of Samuel L Jackson, being protected by a 13-year-old Finnish boy after Air Force One is shot by terrorists. Directed by Jalmari Helander, who brought us the dark Santa tale Rare Exports, Big Game is big, brash and totally aware that it is popcorn cinema. Onni Tommila shoulders the weight of the film as a young huntsman out to prove himself to his community; instead, he finds himself fighting off terrorists. Jackson chews the scenery as President, anxious to look out for the boy but also needing his help; Ray Stevenson does dodgy secret serviceman whilst Jim Broadbent pops up as the CIA’s top agent. Yes, Jim Broadbent. Felicity Huffman and Ted Levine wring their hands back at the Pentagon as the 12A action occurs in Finland. Tommila and Jackson are the quintessential mismatched buddy heroes, there are plenty of action-packed set pieces and director Helander seems to be having a blast on his big-budget English-language debut. It’s utter nonsense of course, but revels in it.

Opens May 8

Dir: Elizabeth Banks (12A, 100 mins) Pitch Perfect was a surprise hit and a surprisingly enjoyable high school comedy musical: half Glee, half Mean Girls and now with added sequel. Following a rather massive costume faux pas at a concert in front of President Obama, a capella group the Barden Bellas find themselves frozen out of school life and competing.

The only way to save face and the team is to enter a worldwide competition that no American group has ever won to restore their pride. So, off to Copenhagen they go to face off with the likes of the hilariously arrogant German group The Sound Machine. Get those vocal chords warmed up, there’s going to be a lot of singing involved. The same cast return – Anna Kendrick’s Becca, Aussie Rebel Wilson’s Fat Amy, now with an Adam Devine love interest, and new freshman addition Hailee Stanfield (True Grit). Elizabeth Banks, who produced the initial film, steps up as director as well as reprising her role as a capaella commentator Gail.

Pitched at the same level as its predecessor, this will be another feel-good female comedy with something for all.

Opens May 15

MAN UP ****

EVERLY **

ROSEWATER ****

Dir: Ben Palmer (15, 88 mins) A romcom with two people you enjoy to spend time with, Man Up is a well-observed, well-played and crucially very funny examination of relationships. Lake Bell plays serial singleton Nancy who, after a chance meeting with Ophelia Lovibond’s Jessica on a train journey, finds herself on a blind date with Jessica’s intended, Simon Pegg’s Jack. He thinks she’s Jessica, a triathlete and 10 years younger than she really is, Bell just rolls with it, to hilarious effect.

Crackling with comedic chemistry, Bell and Pegg make a winning double act, enjoying each other’s company until finally the penny drops. Nancy is rumbled and the relationship apparently doomed. A smart script from Tess Morris skates over the cliches with witty dialogue, and solid supporting cast members bring their A-game. Bell, an American with a fantastic Brit twang here, holds it all together as a romcom heroine to root for rather than despise. Man Up wears the comedy trousers.

Opens May 29

Dir: Joe Lynch (18, 92 mins) A nasty B-movie exploitation thriller that could have had a feminist streak but instead veers heavily towards misogyny, Everly is a one-room thriller full of splatter and fury rather than fun. Salam Hayek plays the heroine of the title, a Mexican prostitute having to defend herself from a legion of killers, Japanese gangsters, torturers and rubbish coppers. Embroiled in a shoot-em-up, Hayek is sexualised whilst also fighting back against her rapist torturers, a poorly executed Grindhouse scenario without the wit to justify its lascivious premise. Hayek dispatches people with violent gusto, gunning, stabbing and even bazooka-ing with abandon. A shoddy melodramatic script with a distasteful sexist focus abandons any empathy for the central abused character, despite Hayek’s best efforts.

What could have been a female Taken is 90 minutes of unpleasantness, bereft of any real thrills despite its ingenious claustrophobic one-room setting.

Dir: Jon Stewart (15, 103 mins) The presenter of The Daily Show Jon Stewart is used to handing out satirical barbs with a probing intelligence and wit. His debut as a film writer and director is a fine examination of courage in the face of oppression, telling the tale of Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari – kept imprisoned for 118 days on charges of espionage. Gael Garcia Bernal plays Bahari, separated from his pregnant wife in London and filming the Iranian election of 2009.

Captured and psychologically tortured by an excellent Kim Bodina, named Rosewater (after the fragrance that announced him) Bahari escapes into fantasy to keep his sanity and not cave in to the ludicrous charges levelled against him. Stewart keeps events taut, Bodina plays the interrogator with humanity as well as ice and Bernal is strong throughout. The film does not lapse into sentiment and is laced with some well-judged gallows humour. A strong, involving story, well acted and well told.

Opens May 8

Opens May 1

ALSO RELEASED: 8 1/2 (15) Fellini’s masterpiece gets a re-release. It’s very existential and there’s that bit in the fountain with Anita Ekberg. I AM BIG BIRD (12A) Documentary about the man inside the Big Bird suit on Sesame Street, still doing it at 78. MONSTERS: DARK CONTINENT (15) The follow up to Gareth Edwards’ lo-fi monster movie finally gets a release after much delay. This time the action is set in a war zone. The results are solid if not superb. THE AGE OF ADALINE (12A) Blake Lively stars as a woman made ageless after an accident who must decide if she wants to give up immortality for love. Harrison Ford costars in this moving if silly romantic drama. THE COBBLER (12A) Adam Sandler makes shoes, then when he puts them on he can turn into their owners. It’s not a

TOMORROWLAND ****

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD ****

Dir: Brad Bird (PG, 120 mins) Shrouded in mystery, Brad Bird’s latest directorial outing after the best Mission Impossible installment so far, Ghost Protocol, teams him with Damon Lindelof (Lost and Prometheus script-befuddler). Britt Robertson is a science-obsessed teen who finds a pin that transports her to a place called Tomorrowland, which exists somewhere within space and time. She only catches a momentary glimpse, so enlists the help of jaded but brilliant scientist George Clooney – who has also seen Tomorrowland – to get her back there. With a cast that also includes Hugh Laurie and Judy Greer, this should provide some intelligence amidst the sci-fi and enigma. Director Bird has a fine track record, from The Iron Giant to The Incredibles and his first live action, Tom Cruise-starring extravaganza.

While Clooney brings star clout, let’s hope Lindelof’s script doesn’t disappoint: enigmas didn’t pan out brilliantly in Lost and Prometheus. What is Tomorrowland?

Hopefully not the Disney theme park in a hideous product placement exercise, but an enchanting fable for a scientific age, with top-drawer SFX, naturally.

Opens May 22

Dir: George Miller (15, 120 mins) It’s been 30 years since Mel Gibson went Beyond the Thunderdome in the last Mad Max movie. A fourth film in the post-apocalyptic wasteland has been on the cards since then. An adrenaline-fuelled chase sequence that does not let up from start to finish, set in the same bizarre nightmarish desert world of the second and third Mad Max films, the legacy of Max Rockatansky has been preserved in kinetic mayhem. Tom Hardy, who barely speaks, becomes involved with a demented warlord Immortan Joe and his captain Furiosa (played by an excellent Charlize Theron). When Furiosa goes rogue, taking Immortan Joe’s breeders (or rather ‘wives’) with her including a pregnant Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Max goes with them with the disgruntled Joe and his legion of barking mad followers in pursuit. Nicholas Hoult stands out as a white-faced adrenalin junkie Dux who literally runs off other people’s blood, Theron is nails as Furiosa and Hardy holds his own amidst the carnage.

The action set pieces are mindboggling, the stunt work incredible and proceedings are peppered with utterly leftfield moments. Tense and furious indeed: an action film well worth the wait.

Opens May 15

SAN ANDREAS ***

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD ***

UNFRIENDED ***

Dir: Brad Peyton (12A, 120 mins) It’s The Rock vs The Earthquake in this epic disaster movie as the San Andreas does what it is supposedly destined to do and all hell breaks loose. Luckily Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is on hand, as a muscly chopper pilot out to save his estranged daughter (Alexandra Daddario) as California disappears around them. 2012 would seem to have covered all natural disasters with its end of the world scenario, but there will always be an appetite for humanity to see itself destroyed in the name of entertainment, especially if there are some cheesy family issues and star cameos involved. San Andreas is set to be no exception. Brainy boffin type? Paul Giamatti. Oily handsome bloke? Ioan Gruffudd. Sexy wife? Carla Gugino.

And there’s added Kylie Minogue! The Rock will no doubt anchor this extravaganza with steel-jawed conviction and charisma. Blockbuster devastation, with the brain unengaged, it will be hard to, er, fault. Opens May 29

Dir: Thomas Vinterberg (12A, 119 mins) Thomas Hardy’s classic novel gets another cinematic outing but, despite some strong performances, John Schlesinger’s 1967 adaptation takes some beating. Carey Mulligan plays Bathsheba Everdene with a ravishing feistiness and anchors the film and its love quadrangle. A wealthy landowning woman who wants to marry for love rather than business is torn between sturdy shepherd Gabriel Oak (Mathias Schoenhaerts), caddish calvaryman Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge) and Mr Boldwood, played superbly by Michael Sheen. The rural tragedy truly comes alight in the scenes between Sheen and Mulligan; the other two male leads are less successful. It looks functional rather than ravishing, director Vinterberg’s camera is close and personal and the essential character of the Wessex landscape, essential for Hardy, feels lost.

It’s solid, with some good performances but hardly a necessary reimagining. Opens May 1

Dir: Levan Gabriadze (15, 82 mins) A novel gimmick, certain to be copied in a wave of new horror films, Unfriended takes our obsession with digital communication to the max and adds in some cybernatural scares. The film takes place in real time on one character’s computer screen: a teenage girl, Blaire. The screen lights up with her searches, iMessage chats, Skype calls and some weird Facebook messages she starts getting from the account of a girl driven to suicide a year previously because of cyber bullying.

Someone starts manipulating Blaire’s screen, as well as those of her violent and sex-obsessed boyfriend and her posse of other close friends. The various apps and communication outlets turn against their owners as vengeance is extracted on these potential perpetrators of their classmate’s death. It’s cunningly manipulative, makes pertinent points about our web-based culture and also provides some genuine scares. Worth a poke.

Opens May 1 high concept comedy, apparently. GIRLHOOD (15) Another girl gang tale, as a teen struggles to find her own identity amidst oppressive family life and misogyny. Might not end well. HONEYTRAP (15) Brixton-based gang drama, as a 15-year-old girl gets sucked into gang life and sets up her boyfriend to be killed. Grim. SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD (15) Making the transition to the big screen, the excellent BBC spy thriller with a propensity for bumping off its leads gets a bigger budget and Kit Harington running about with a gun. TOP FIVE (15) Chris Rock’s excellent comedy gets a release.

Go see! DANNY COLLINS (15) Al Pacino is in great form as an ageing rock star who discovers a letter John Lennon wrote to him 40 years ago. Annette Bening and Jennifer Garner add more class.

food/drink

pic: Peri Trigkas

THE GREAT ROATH BAKE OFF

STREET FOOD CIRCUS If every circus had slow-cooked US barbeque, crispy fried chicken and Greek street food you would have ran away with it years ago. Now, be happy to stay put as Cardiff’s street food scene joins up with the city’s top circus folks. Heather Arnold has a look at what’s on the menu at Street Food Circus.

It’s become a rite of passage now that any city wanting to be gifted with the ‘cool place to be’ title needs a thriving foodie scene. With the plethora of interesting restaurants, tasty pop-ups and foodfilled festivals in the city, it’s safe to say that Cardiff has earned the title. It isn’t stopping there, though, as it has a new gem in its culinary crown: Street Food Circus.

Street Food Cardiff, a collective of the city’s best independent street food traders, and internationally renowned, Cardiff-based circus company No Fit State Circus have joined forces to create this regular event that brings together the best creative and culinary flairs of Cardiff.

Food trucks, cocktail bars, outdoor BBQs and a circus big top diner for communal eating will all be popping up in the old stable yard on John St, directly behind the NoFit State Circus building each weekend for two months.

The lineup of traders will change each weekend, meaning the Street Food Circus will never be the same twice and giving you a great excuse to return. On the list so far is the high quality Chinese takeaway food of Hokkei (owned and ran

by Masterchef finalists Larkin and Dale), awardwinning chef Anand George representing his award-winning restaurant the Purple Poppadum and BBC Food & Farming Awards finalists Hang Fire Smokehouse. That’s just the start of the list, though: here are a few words from the tasty people involved.

CHUCKS What's your style of food?

We make third wave California-inspired beach burgers with fresh, honest ingredients.

BUZZ 38

What is your signature dish?

You can't go wrong with our bacon and cheese burger. We make every ingredient count. On Sunday afternoons, go for our Bloody Mary Chuck Muffin and you’ll forget the night before.

Grab a rolling pin, prepare your cake tin and don your apron as the annual Great Roath Bake Off returns, proving you don’t have to be Paul Hollywood to get your bake on.

The competition isn’t just for confectionery perfectionists, as it caters for bakers of all ages and abilities. If you want to pick up some top tips you can peruse the stalls, talk to the cooks and watch demonstrations. If you’d rather eat a cake than make one, there’ll be ample opportunity to stuff your face.

The Bake Off will be just as much about the sweet tunes as the sweet treats: the lineup of live music includes The Voice contestant Stephanie Webber, singer-songwriter Ellie Makes Music and 2014 Open Mic UK Champion winner Tom Auton.

The Great Roath Bake Off, St Andrew’s Church, Cardiff, Sat 9 May. Admission: free/£3.50 to enter. Info: www. roathbakeoff.blogspot.co.uk

PATAGONIA What's your style of food?

Strictly beef, all Welsh, all local, done with some Argentinian flair.

What is your signature dish?

It's a toss-up between the classic steak sandwich and the 72-hour short ribs. Fantastic ingredients in the sandwich but the ribs really are something special.

DIRTY FRIED CHICKEN What's your style of food?

Controversial fried chicken.

What is your signature dish?

Brined, buttermilked and secret spice crunchy fried chicken HANG FIRE SMOKEHOUSE What's your style of food?

Slow and low US barbecue with a modern twist.

What is your signature dish?

We'll be launching a brand new bread product, first for the UK street food, so fingers on lips until the big reveal at Street Food Circus. What we can say is expect something new and unique from us to match this amazing new setting.

Street Food Circus, every Fri, Sat and Sun in May and June. Admission: free.

Info: www.streetfoodcardiff.com

URBAN POP UP Back in 2013, Newport's burgeoning Tiny Rebel Brewery decided to step out of the lab and set up their very own craft beer and cider bar: the Urban Tap House, in Cardiff. The pub has repeatedly been mentioned in ‘top watering hole’ lists and had a turnover of a million quid in its third year. It’s safe to say it’s a popular place. Now the brewers won’t be restricting their bar service to the capital, as the drinkers of Newport will now get to enjoy their Urban Pop Up bar throughout May. They will be setting up on Newport’s main High Street, at the front entrance of the Newport Market and serving up not just beers and ciders, but homemade pizza as well.

Urban Pop Up, Newport Market, throughout May, 12pm-12am every day.

Info: www.tinyrebel.co.uk

5 OF THE BEST...

Vegetarian Restaurants In Cardiff

EASY ICE-CREAM words RUTH JOSEPH www.ruthjoseph.co.uk www.veggischmooze.blogspot.com

Taking part in Meat Free May doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life of limp salads and lentils: some people really know what they’re doing when it comes to delicious and nutritious vegetarian food. Jennifer Maguy takes a look at some of Cardiff's best veggiefriendly eateries.

VEGETARIAN FOOD STUDIO 115-117 Penarth Road, Cardiff. 029 2023 8222 / www.vegetarianfoodstudio.co.uk Vegetarian Food Studio [pictured] has cult status in the minds of many Cardiffians, as well as recognition beyond Wales’ borders. This establishment serves authentic and delicious Indian dishes using fresh vegetables, herbs and spices. You can also choose a large range of freshly made traditional Indian sweets, handmade snacks and Indian chutneys. Served in generous portions by friendly staff (who are more than happy to explain the intricasies of the menu), you can either eat your food in the restaurant or order takeaway, and all at reasonable prices.

MILGI 213 City Road, Cardiff. 029 2047 3150 / www.milgilounge.com Milgi is a popular and lively multicultural vegan restaurant and cocktail lounge that puts the extra effort into creating dishes inspired by the foods of the world, whilst keeping seasonal eating in mind. You can explorer their creative dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfy sofas, flamingo wallpaper, retro neon lights and other colourful quirky things. Milgi also organises a variety of events including live DJs, interactive art exhibitions and poetry sessions in the Yurt out the back.

So you might come for the food but stay for everything else.

CRUMBS KITCHEN 33 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. 029 2039 5007 / www.crumbskitchencardiff.co.uk Crumbs Kitchen is a long established vegetarian restaurant that serves up healthy dishes from from breakfast to dinner. Their menu is vast with various soups, jacket potatoes, good salads, a selection of curries, chillies, spicy chickpea pie, falafel and sweet potato pakor all included. Most gourmands will find all they could wish for in this quaint arcade café, especially with their range of homemade desserts, cakes, date and apple slices.

CANTEEN ON CLIFTON STREET 40 Clifton Street, Cardiff. 029 2045 4999 / www.canteenoncliftonstreet.com Canteen On Clifton Street brings tasty flavours from around the world using fresh ingredients to create regularly changing vegetarian and vegan menus (every two weeks!). Though it has a casual atmosphere, Canteen On Clifton Street certainly takes its food seriously and serves up high quality dishes for decent prices.

pic: Kim Becker

May is a glorious month and often the sunshine beckons you out of the kitchen. You need something quick and what’s better than my daughter Sarah’s virtually instant ice-cream.

Made in seconds, no additives and mouthwateringly refreshing.

As she said, "I invented it one afternoon with my daughters when a load of spotty bananas smiled at me from the fruit bowl. It’s so delicious and super-healthy. This is the easiest ice-cream ever made."

And although this ice-cream was invented for children, it would be fabulous served at an intimate dinner. Then think of making a light berry coulis or sauce, on the side, by whizzing freshly hulled strawberries – use the slightly squashy ones – with a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice and icing sugar to taste and a crisp macaroon on the side.

SARAH’S BANANA, STRAWBERRY AND COCONUT EASY ICE-CREAM INGREDIENTS three ripe bananas / 250g hulled strawberries, fresh or frozen / 2 tbsps water / 2 tbsps coconut milk or cream

CAFE ATMA

PREPARATION

40 Crwys Road, Cardiff. 029 2039 0391 / www.cafeatma.weebly.com Friendly Hare Krishnas run this vegetarian cafe, which is cheap and tasty. This veggie spot is healthy for both the body and the soul. On the menu you’ll find sandwiches, snacks and meat-free Indian/ Pakistani meals. Whether you are spiritual or slightly curious, Krishna proposes us self-help classes of yoga, discussion and meetings around meditation and faith workshops.

• Cut bananas into slices and freeze along with the strawberries.

• When frozen place all the ingredients in a bowl and blitz.

• Serve immediately and enjoy xx

BUZZ 39

food/drink

ETHICAL EDIBLES MEAT FREE

MAY

WONDERFULLY WELSH WINE The end of May doesn’t just mean bank holiday weekend, it also means Welsh Wine Week. Jennifer Maguy suggests it’s time to discover the wonderful vineyard South Wales has to offer.

Benjamin Franklin once said “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy,” and if that’s so then Wales certainly has some divine blessings, as the country enjoys a number of award winning vineyards. Already known for producing top quality cheese, wine was the next logical step.

With Wales' growing reputation as a nation of dedicated and enthusiastic viticulturists who really care about creating great wines, it can be difficult to know which bottles to buy and what vineyards to visits. So here’s a little overview of just some of Wales’ top wine producers.

First is the multi-award-winning vineyard Ancre Hill Estates, in Monmouth, which specialises in quality sparkling wines produced in the true champenoise style. If you fancy a nosy around the winery then visitors are encouraged to visit the cellar door, browse the shop and enjoy a cheese platter lunch.

Equally renowned is the White Castle Vineyard in the village of Llanvetherine, Abergavenny. This five acre vineyard has 4000 varieties of vines producing quality red wine (Pinot Noir, Regent, Rondo), white (Phoenix, Seyvial Blanc and Siegerrebe), rose and sparkling wine.

ONLY FOOLS AND THREE COURSES BUZZ 40

Penarth Vineyard is not actually in Penarth but in Powys, Mid Wales. All of their wines have been produced using traditional methods and they are specialise in the production of red, white (Blanc de Blanc chardonnay) and sparkling white. Their award-winning Pink Sparkling Wine deserves a particular mention, refreshing in mouth with delicate tannins of soft berry fruit, this summer wine does not leave you indifferent!

And finally, The Sugarloaf Vineyard finds it home in an area of breathtaking natural beauty in the Brecon Beacons National Park and has envious views of the Usk Valley. They have seven varieties of high quality, award-winning wine including white and special blends of red, rose and sparkling wine. Wines sold include Sugarloaf Blush Rose from 2011, Welsh Sparkling White Wine from 2010, Madeleine Angevine Dry White from 2011, and many others all as delicious as each other.

Info: www.ancrehillestates.co.uk / www.whitecastlevineyard.com / www.penarthvineyard.co.uk / www. sugarloafvineyard.co.uk

An Only Fools And Horses-themed dinner? Lovely jubbly! Bringing together dinner and theatre, the people at Comedy Dining have shows based around a number of classic British sitcoms – including Fawlty Towers and Absolutely Fabulous as well as Only Fools And Horses.

Taking place at the luxurious Thistle Parc Hotel, you will be invited into a sophisticated Gala Dinner by your hosts, cheerful Marlene and her second-hand car dealer husband Boycie. It’s likely the evening won’t end up being the elegant soirée they hoped, however, as Del Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert are also invited.

Only Fools And Three Courses, Thistle Parc Hotel, Cardiff, Fri 8 May. Tickets: £39.95 (including a three-course meal).

Info: 03336 663366 / www.comedy-dining.co.uk

words RUTH JOSEPH www.ruthjoseph.co.uk www.veggischmooze.blogspot.com pic: Mr. TinDC Many of us are worried about our weight and the growing cost of our food and, although we are aware of climate change and want to help, personal problems leave little time to give more than a cursory thought to more major issues. One way of tackling burgeoning bills, plus bulging waistlines, could be to include a few meatless meals in your weekly menus.

Concentrate on using cheaper local seasonal foods, cook them simply without rich sauces, and your pocket and your waistline will benefit hugely.

Think of lusciously filled Spanish omelettes, solid with peppers and onions, flavoured with a little grated parmesan, with a side of oven-baked sweet potato wedges (flavoured with a little smoked paprika or classic barbecue spices).

Or maybe pasta moistened with a light tomato sauce and heightened with a generous kick of chilli flakes, chopped basil and crushed garlic to brighten the taste. Or sauté a crisp chopped hispe cabbage with a little onion, plus a teaspoon of mustard seeds and sesame seeds, topped with freshly poached eggs: this tastes divine, is very filling and nutritious and will easily make a light lunch or supper.

At this time of the year the fresh vegetables are so tempting. So relish the first runner beans and broad beans, straight out of the pot. Enjoy them lightly cooked, then dressed simply with a little salt and pepper. Try growing a few tomato plants in a grow bag of soil, water regularly and discover the difference in flavour and perfume of a fresh tomato. Perfect.

Finally, think soup. Recent research has proved that having soup as part or all of a meal will help weight loss. But avoid the pitfalls of those creamy tinned and packeted devils – instead, make your own. This is not as difficult as it may seem. All you need is a large pan, a chopping board, a sharp knife and determination to make the the best soup in the world. Of course, you cannot live on soup alone, but if you vary your meatfree meals, avoid fatty cheeses and pastries, and concentrate on low-fat veggies you will be delighted with the results.

Hopefully, by adding the odd veggie or meatless meal to your diet, you will cut the cost of your food and lose a few pounds in weight. Plus the planet will thank you for lessening the drain on resources.

food/drink

THE BISTRO

Stanwell Road, Penarth. 029 2070 9600 / www.thebistropenarth.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere **** This new partnership between the current owner Cheryl Day, renowed chef Padrig Jones, formerly of Le Gallois, and Joanne Nuwar, one of the founders of Pier 64, is now truly underway. Gone is the objets d'art and busy interior, now replaced with fresh white walls and a complete de-clutter.

More in keeping with a French bistro, this re-vamp has a feeling of a quaint little cafe in the middle of Provence. Our visit coincided with one of many themed evenings to come, tonight being Steak & Lobster. Having experienced a regrettable evening at Burger & Lobster, never to be repeated, I have since been slightly wary of the combo platter.

However, after correctly ignoring my request for a well-done fillet with half a lobster, my main arrived superbly dressed and executed in every sense. The lobster was succulent and delicate and the steak probably one of the best I’ve had, which my partner echoed. With a choice of three starters and main, one is not left dithering in a state of panic of what to choose. Expect to see Roquefort soufflé, steak frites, divercaught scallops and wild mushroom risotto on the menu. The fact that Padrig is such a legend means you feel totally safe in his hands, knowing he will deliver quality and style every time. The menu is updated with seasonal ingredients and the menu reflects this. All vegetables, meat and fish are sourced from local suppliers, as is the wine, which from a diner’s point of view is perfect.

Gone are the days of humongous portions of inexpensive yet low-quality food: welcome back artisan suppliers and educated chefs and restaurateurs who are passionate about their chosen careers. The Bistro has all these qualities and I’m afraid you may have to book up in advance very soon, if not by the time this hits the streets.

ANTONIA LEVAY

pic: Morgan Divine

FISH AND FIELD

Wedal Road, Cardiff.

029 2048 1700 / www.fishandfield.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere *** The classic combination of ‘surf and turf’ is getting an upmarket makeover in the restaurant-formerly-known-as-Scalini’s. Ross Williams, former head chef at Pier 64, and Gareth Farr, former head chef at Bully’s Restaurant, have joined forces to do what ‘Fish & Field’ says on the tin: serve up thoughtful, high quality meat and seafood dishes.

Walking into the restaurant you are hit with its brilliantly higgledy-piggledy charm.

It looks like it’s been decorated excitedly by two guys who have gotten a little overeager on their shopping trip ("let’s get these cow paintings! And these giant forks!

And a fish tank!") but I loved it. We’re not here to talk about décor, however, we’re here to talk about food. To start I went for the bresaola: the earthy flavour of the thinly cut beef was paired nicely with the sharp flavours of the rocket salad served with it, while my partner had the mussels (which we were assured were local). The soft mussels were delicious, and cooked perfectly in a buttery, garlicy sauce that we both guzzled down.

For mains he chose the Cornish brill, which was served with a variety of steamed vegetables. We couldn’t quite put our fingers on what the fish was seasoned with, but it smelt like popcorn and tasted delicious. I couldn’t resist choosing the halibut with vanilla sauce to see if it would be an interesting and inventive combination, or a novelty dish gone wrong. Thankfully it was the former and I was met with a perfectly cooked dish covered in a subtle sauce that was pungent (it had an air of custard) but paired well with the fish and bed of sweet potato mash.

Desserts, a creamy but not too heavy blueberry crème brulee and a deliciously pancake-like banana tart, were a fantastic final act to a top quality meal.

HEATHER ARNOLD

pic: Morgan Divine

BILLS

Pilotage Building, Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay. 029 2049 9957 / www.bills-website.co.uk Food *** Atmosphere **** I loathe the majority of chain restaurants, with their uniform menus, cheery spiel that drips from the mouths of youths on work experience and the expected feeling when you depart that you have been well and truly shafted. Personal feelings aside, I do actually have a fondness for Bills: in particular, their olives in a can and their tasteful smattering of ever-so-popular shabby chic décor. The fact that it was actually started by a genuine food lover from a grocery shop, to a cafe and eventually to a successful chain of restaurants, does elevate it from the hordes of identikit chains in the UK. As with most things, it’s a case of trial and error, and as the menu suggests it has been honed over the years. The potato and rosemary bread with olive oil and balsamic is a favourite, as is their marinated olives. Diving straight in, we had a couple of bramble mojitos and Bill’s beers, before being presented with Bill’s BBQ platter: a half-rack of BBQ ribs, mojo chicken skewer, Cumberland sausage, smokey beef and bean chilli topped with yoghurt, onion rings, fries, watercress with a comp beer. Yes, that was one meal. I assume it was satisfactory as my partner demolished it fairly quickly.

On a lighter note, I started with marinated chicken skewers with cous cous, salad with tzatziki and warm piadina bread. Pan-fried sea bass also arrived in a sea of caper salsa and a parsley potato rosti. Desserts were shared by the gang: treacle tart and a pecan pie with four spoons.

Never a bad meal to be had at Bills: service is polite and professional and dining in a comfy shabby chic/vintage junk shop/tea room ensemble is always a pleasure, if that’s your thing. ANTONIA LEVAY

BUZZ 41

art

INTRINSIC Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay Fri 8 May-Sun 5 July Do you remember the days you used to spend learning how to cross-stitch with your nana? Well, with a whole lot of movement within the textiles world, the sewing scene has moved forward quite a way since then. Intrinsic is a collaboration of textile jewellery from a group of six individually selected artists. Behold an exhibition that demonstrates the experimentation and exploration that this area of art was crying out for. It will explore a new wave of textiles that you won’t believe was created by the same implement behind that trusty cross-stitch.

This exhibition displays work from six forward-thinking artists, hand-picked by Mandy Nash: a textile artist in her own right, and key member of the Makers Guild at Craft In The Bay. If you’ve never seen textiles in this way before, banish your old connotations of a conservative knitting club. Think moulded wire, meshed felt and recycled materials, mixed with semi-precious metals. Textile jewellery has become an art in itself, moving away from the restricted technology lessons at school, where making a regimented juggling ball was the norm; textiles now incorporates the abstract beauty of art, expressing freedom and movement, rather than relying on the straight, predictable lines of the sewing machine.

Pieces feature from Liz Willis, who takes inspiration from the landscape seen whilst running and uses this variety to fabricate an exciting collection of jewellery made from gold and silver wire, silk and pearls. Work from Julia Usel will also be included the exhibition. Usel confesses her virgin status of working with some materials, yet, like Nash, uses it as an opportunity to develop a new technique, pattern or style within the artistic process.

These guest artists push the boundaries of the imagination, and are managing to re-brand textiles with the 21st century reputation it deserves. SARAH BARLTROP Admission: free. Info: www.makersguildinwales.org.uk

pic: Andy Paradise

DRAWING 2015

Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen Sat 2 May-Sat 27 June When people think of great art they often think of grand paintings, intricate sculptures and intriguing fashion. They imagine canvasses heavy with paint and materials that needed moulding, but there is also a lot of beauty to be found in the humble art of drawing. After all, even the most famous paintings and greatest designs were once sketches.

In this exhibition, several artists have been asked to doodle, sketch and draw in whatever way they like. Anna Barratt will be doodling surrealism in her pictures and animations inspired by the adventurous games of her son; Stephanie Tuckwell will be sketching the fleeting moments experienced on the edges of the air, land and sea, while Julia Griffiths Jones will be drawing in three dimensions.

Other artists involved include David Begley and his shadowy animations, Robert McPartland's detailed pictures of inanimate objects and Helen Booth and her monochromatic landscapes.

One of the wonderful things about drawing is that it’s a medium that everyone can relate to. Even if you don’t consider yourself a drawer, your life will be full of stick figures, doodles, scribbles, badly drawn directions/ instructions and (sometimes) attempts at something more artistic. Oriel Myrddin’s Drawing is bringing professional artists back to a medium anyone can understand, appreciate and even have a go at. Admission: free. Info: www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk (HA)

BUZZ 42

DANIEL TRIVEDY AND DAVID COURTIER: MIGRANT X

FRAGILE?

National Museum, Cardiff Until Sun 4 Oct Elysium Gallery, Swansea Art is fragile, we all know that. That’s why Fri 8-Sat 16 May Did you read about the tragic death of 300 there are red ropes separating you from paintings and ‘do not touch’ signs next migrant workers in the Mediterranean Sea, in October 2013? Your answer to that to sculptures. All those precautions make you want to interact with the art even may be yes, but did you also know that around 3,500 migrants died following that more, but the rules are there for a reason (I mean, imagine what would happen to route in 2014? This isn’t just ‘last year's news’, either: another boat, thought to be the Mona Lisa if everyone started stroking her face). Could you say the same for the carrying 700 migrants, hit the headlines in April after capsizing off the coast of an more durable world of ceramics, however?

In Fragile?, four local artists have been Italian island. chosen to go under the gaze of subjective It can be easy to see migrants as ‘others’ eyes, in an attempt to challenge and to whom we have little connection, but when tragedies like this occur our links to change your perception of ceramics. them deserve to be acknowledged. That is They play with the idea that art is a force where Swansea-based Daniel Trivedy and to be interacted with, and is not, as the exhibition name may suggest, as fragile as David Courtier come in; their innovative art aims to bring the issue of our personal, we always think it is.

The featured pieces look to be refreshingly local and global connections to the varied. Adam Buick uses Korean Moon surface.

Jars as a forum to express the coastal The work acknowledges the origins, landscape with a serene feel, whilst developments and intricacies of our Claire Curneen expands on the idea of connections: whilst they briefly consider mythology which she presents through relationships with friends and family, it clay, incorporating dashes of gold, which has a specific focus on the anonymous give an elegant edge. Pieces from the migrant. Through the contemporary highly accredited Phoebe Cummings, medium of photography, object and film, Clare Twomey and Keith Harrison have Trivedy creates pieces which provide also been commissioned, which attempt viewers with an exploratory and emotive to actively encourage your interaction perspective, whilst Courtier adds to the with the art. Twomey even tells visitors to approach with his large-scale collages.

This is an exhibition that asks why we are walk over her crisp, understated works, to so intrinsically linked to others, especially acknowledge the role that people have in the destruction of art. in this increasingly connected world.

Admission: free. Info: 029 2057 3185 / Admission: free. Info: www. www.museumwales.ac.uk (SB) elysiumgallery.com (SB)

VIVID: THE EXPRESSION OF VITALITY

Boundary Art, Cardiff Bay Thurs 7 May-Sun 14 June With South Wales’ recent dose of sunshine you would think that we had jumped to summer and sprung past, er, spring. But here to remind everyone of the season we are actually in (it's spring, in case you all forgot again) is the second exhibition to come to budding new art venue Boundary Art in Cardiff Bay. Vivid: The Expression Of Vitality thinks of the season as a source of revival and rebirth, full of energy, vitality and new elements (I’m pretty sure our spring cleaning comes under all of those). The exhibition will use vivid colours that stimulate you into a blossoming frenzy, but it will also aspire to do much more than that by using those colours as a technique for discussion and encouraging spoken word into the art.

Almost an expansion on the Boundary’s opening exhibition, Communication And Innovation: The Fusion Of Art And Culture Between East And West, they aim to create an art love affair between the western and eastern artists during this rather passionate season where things blossom and bloom like nobody’s business.

With the way Boundary Art itself has been created, they allow you to have a face-toface opportunity of communication with the artists, which gives the whole gallery an interactive feel for something that is very personal to an individual, and when it’s time to retire you’ll be sure to leave with a spring in your step (that’s the last one, I promise). Admission: free. Info: www.boundaryart.com (RM)

Bring the studio into the street!

Can you Paint, Draw, Sculpt or Sketch to create a piece of artwork in just one day?

On Saturday 6th June hundreds of artists will come to the seaside town of Porthcawl to compete for a prize. Art Challenge Wales invites you to take part or just to come along and view the artists at work.

1st prize £500 2nd prize £300 3rd prize £200 The People’s Choice – £200

Plus fantastic prizes for Highly Commended

www.artchallengewales.co.uk Get in touch and REGISTER 01656 772222 info@artchallengewales.co.uk

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IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT

stage

Sherman Cymru, Cardiff Fri 8-Sat 16 May Greek mythology and a Cardiff suburb are an unlikely coupling, but this month they will be united as Sherman Cymru hosts the world premiere of Iphigenia In Splott. Based on the Greek myth of princess Iphigenia and incorporating a modern twist, the play centres around Effie – whose life is a mix of drink, drugs and drama that society ignores.

“Effie is a tough, bright and extremely brave girl that people would be quick to judge,” explains Welsh actress Sophie Melville, who plays the lead role in this dramatic onewoman play. “The play and the character struck a chord with me because I know that world so very well.”

For most of us, standing in front of a crowd for a spot of karaoke on a night out is daunting enough but having already played a lead role in the Sherman’s production of Romeo And Juliet last year Sophie is taking it all in her stride: “I’m filled with a real need to tell this story and hopefully get people thinking about what is right under our noses and is often ignored.”

The story will be conveyed with a mix of poetry and the intrinsic dialect of teenage Cardiff, but if you’re expecting a dense Greek mythology lecture, you should think again. Adapted for a modern-day audience by Gary Owen, one of Wales’ most successful contemporary playwrights, and directed by Rachel O’Riordan, Iphigenia In Splott deals with themes that resonate in today’s society as much as they did in the distant past. “People shouldn’t arrive expecting a one-woman Greek tragedy with long names that are hard to pronounce,” says Sophie. “The link between the two plays is sacrifice.” RHIANON HOLLEY Tickets: £6.50-£15. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermancymru.co.uk

pic: Earthfall

pic: Sheila Burnett

FAUST

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, Wed 6 May; Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Thurs 28 May There are no winners when making a pact with the devil: if we’ve learnt anything from centuries of storytelling it is that you can’t trust Lucifer with a deal. It didn’t work for Washington Irving’s Tom Walker, it didn’t work for Dorian Gray and it didn’t work out for Brendan Fraser in Bedazzled. They should have all known better as well, as they were all preceded

by Faust.

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Swansea City Opera (SCO) will be telling the tale of an ageing scholar who laments his life of academia. He regrets spending his days studying when he could have been satisfying his more earthly desires and decides, in his despair, to take his own life. Before he manages to do so, however, he encounters Méphistophélès (the Devil) who offers him a deal: eternal youth and the fulfilment of all his worldy pleasures, in exchange for his soul.

Written by Charles-Francois Gounod, Faust is a gloriously Gothic opera that was often top of the bill in its heyday and, in 1862, was being performed all over the world in several different languages. For the last few decades it has become somewhat of a forgotten relic, however, and the SCO’s English-language production is set to put the spotlight back onto the opera that is often regarded as Gounod’s finest work.

Tickets: £20/£18. Info: www. swanseacityopera.com (JM) BUZZ 44

PIRATES OF THE CARABINA: FLOWN

St David’s Hall, Cardiff Wed 24-Sat 30 May If you’re expecting a corseted Keira Knightley, a sword-wielding Orlando Bloom and a rum-filled Johnny Depp, then you read the title of this preview wrong.

No, these pirates aren’t swashbuckling sea criminals but, as acrobats and aerial artists, they aren’t exactly landlovers either. Instead of roaming the wild waves of the Caribbean, these pirates are instead conquering the world of carabiner clips.

Pirates Of The Carabina’s Flown is a show within a show – the company’s acrobats, aerialists, musicians and stuntmen are all there, but the show has started before any of them are ready.

Humour, mishaps and arguments ensue as the performers just try to make it through the performance.

South Wales is spoilt for circus at the moment. Last month both Quebec-based troupe Cirque Eloize and local troupe Mary Bijou had shows on, while in June NoFit State brings back its show Bianco. This all means that Pirates Of The Carabina will have their work cut out for them if they want to leave a lasting impression, but their promise of both laughs and gasps is a assuring prospect.

Tthat and the fact the show won the Total Theatre Awards for Physical/Visual Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013.

Tickets: £10-£14.30. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk (HA)

STORIES FROM A CROWDED ROOM

Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Tues 5 + Wed 6 May; The Riverfront, Newport, Wed 13-Fri 15 May Award-winning theatre company Earthfall have reached their 25th anniversary, and in celebration, have created their largest production to date, Stories From A Crowded Room. Their aim? To transform the image of theatre from a medium that performs to a passive crowd, to one that actively invites the audience to engage with the arts.

The performance shall incorporate energetic dance, music, text and film, presented through a self-contained digital box which encircles both the audience and the performers. This isn’t the usual ‘stage here’ and ‘seats there’ setup.

Earthfall intends for the audience not just to see the show but to smell it, touch it and hear it as well. They will be invited to walk through the room whilst displays from eight skilled dancers and two live musicians ensue around them.

The journey to the venue will even form part of the performance as, if you are seeing it at the Riverfront, the show won’t actually take place at the theatre – it is in fact a site-specific piece that will make its home in Ballet Cymru’s warehouse space.

A bus can be considered a ‘crowded room’, however, and the storytelling will start there – proving that you can make a stage out of anywhere. Or, at least, Earthfall can.

Tickets: £8-£12.50. Info: 01633 656757 / www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront (SB)

TO KILL A MACHINE

Arad Goch, Aberystwyth, Wed 6-Fri 8 May; Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Sat 9 May; Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Tue 12 May; Blackwood Miners Institute, Wed 13 May, Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Fri 15 May; Miners Theatre, Ammanford, Fri 22 May The last few years have been kinder to Alun Turing, the ‘father of theoretical computer science’ who was credited with deciphering Nazi war-codes and helped win the Second World War, than the last few years of his life.

Last year Turing was given the Benedict Cumberbatch treatment in the film The Imitation Game, while the year before that the Queen signed a pardon for his conviction for ‘gross indecency’; 2012 was dubbed ‘Alun Turing Year’, no less. Now, in 2015, theatre company Scriptography Productions will bring the story of Turing’s life to the stage.

The show will look at Turing’s work for the secret service, his love life and his complicated relationship with family, friends and colleagues. It won’t just be about the characters of Turing’s life, however, as it will explore his ideas as well.

Turing famously wrote ‘Can machines think?’ and questioned whether the freedom to think is where we draw the line between humanity and machinery – a concept that becomes particularly potent when seen in hindsight of the persecution of Turing for ‘homosexual acts’.

Tickets: £5-£12. Info: www. tokillamachine.co.uk (HA)

DISCOVER NEW LANDSCAPES THROUGH OPEN GROUND WRITING

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Written by

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BUZZ 45

clubs

OLIVER HELDENS

The Color Festival, Splott Warehouse, Cardiff Sat 6 June To get a feel of what The Color Festival is all about, take a look at one of the many videos online of people lobbing handfuls of coloured powder at each other while partying. If that’s enough of a hook for you then you’re in for a good craic, with a lineup of DJ talent including High Contrast and Spinnin’ Records’ Oliver Heldens.

“I’m really looking forward to The Color Festival,” says Rotterdam’s Oliver. “I think it looks so cool, with everybody covered with the coloured powder, so I’m ready to turn it into a crazy party. I’ll be bringing a set that will make you dance for sure. Maybe I’ll even do a little dance on the booth! The sound that I make is a crossover between tech-house, the deeper house stuff and EDM. It’s an uplifting sound that has a lot of power and groove to it.”

Helden’s 2013 breakthrough track Gecko was picked up by Tiësto and put him firmly on the circuit of DJs to book for events such as these. “I play Gecko a lot, it’s an Oliver Heldens classic,” jokes Oliver.

“But I also play a lot of new tracks at the moment. I really like the Jack U sound, so you’ll hear them in my sets for sure. I love the music from Mr. Belt & Wezol, so you should definitely look out for those guys.”

Tickets: £40/£30. Info: info@the-colorfestival.com (RH)

BUZZ 46

CUTHEAD

Memorex @ Undertone, Cardiff Fri 29 May There are numerous strings to Cuthead’s bow beyond music, with one of them being his eclectic, self-produced videos that marry perfectly with his brand of otherworldly hip hop, dub and wonky. He is one of the main names at Dresden’s Uncanny Valley imprint, where he has been a part of their success through a diverse range of genres including house, electro and acid.

“In general, I really like sample-based music with a nice, melancholic 70s vibe,” he explains. “I always try to produce groovy, danceable music without being just functional club music with cliché elements. I am influenced by a lot of different music styles like disco, soul, jazz and world music and my productions jump between these styles, sounds and also in BPM. When it comes to the drums I like jackin’ drums with a nice shuffle. Everything a bit off the grid and distorted so that it gets a good groove. When I play I want people to have a good time, but also present a diverse selection of music.”

He is part of Kunst:stoff Breakz, the notorious Dresden crew known for their anarchic parties at ever-changing locations and altercations with the local authorities. When he’s behaving himself in the studio he also finds time for innovation through collaborations.

“On Uncanny Valley we had an idea for a new EP series,” says Cuthead. “For this, an UV artist gathers his favourite producers and friends and does an EP together with them.

Each artist does a track. In my case it was Max Greaf, Moony Me from Austria, S3A from Paris, and myself. We would like to show the musical background of some UV artists and also give them the chance to compile the sound they like. My episode will come out in the next month. I’ve also just released a new EP on S3A.” Last year’s Total Sellout was his first long player, although it was more a compilation of the best tracks from earlier releases he gave away for free rather than a studio album.

Also on the line-up are The Organ Grinder, Scott Kerr, Sinky and JV. Tickets: £5-£10. Info: 029 2022 8883 RYAN HEEGER

THE PRODIGY & UNOFFICIAL AFTERPARTY

Motorpoint Arena & Undertone, Cardiff Fri 8 May This will be my fourth time seeing The Prodigy at Cardiff Arena, and in fairness the last time they were here (April 2009) was one of the best gigs I’ve been to at the venue. That was largely due to the success of their long-anticipated last album, Invaders Must Die, along with the frenzied enthusiasm of the up-for-it audience, who were gurning and swinging from the rafters. Their follow-up, last month’s The Day Is My Enemy isn’t quite the balls-out assault of its predecessor, but it has enough of their classic, schizo sounds to make this a similar affair.

They’ve come a long way from their days of the free party scene and cracking heads with police, but they hopefully still have enough fire in their bellies to work a room.

There will probably be an official afterparty you’ll struggle to get into, but the scuzzier option will be to head over to Undertone, where the DIY ethics of the Dragon Era crew will be in full effect thanks to Jilted, their unofficial afterparty.

Celebrating their third birthday this year, Dragon Era’s roster of underground DJs includes local heroes Svntreader, Little Eris and Tribal Hooligan. The latter of those will be joined this evening by Stereoripe, Bassmonkey, Ben-Jah and Wowza.

Tickets: £37.50 gig/£3 afterparty. Info: 029 2022 4488 / 029 2022 8883 (RH)

RUSS WINSTANLEY

Swansea Scooter Society @ Pontardawe Arts Centre Sat 30 May Tonight is all about northern soul, the genre that everyone has a degree of respect for even if they’re not fully clued up on the history or concept. Organisers Swansea Scooter Society, on the other hand, are fully immersed and encourage others to come along and find out why.

“There are two aspects to it,” explains organiser Russell of northern soul and mod cultures. “First, it is an entirely working class movement that was, from its inception, untouched by the commercial mainstream. Second, it is a subculture within which there exists a homology between the music, the dancing, the fashion that makes it ‘a way of life’. This is why it will never die.”

Choosing the tunes will be Russ Winstanley, one of the original pioneers of the movement.

“What set the Wigan Casino apart from all the other venues was that it was all about the dancing,” says Russell. “This is what Russ Winstanley understood – the soul of ‘northern’ was on the dancefloor. This is why in 1978 America’s Billboard magazine voted Wigan Casino the best disco in the world and Winstanley the world’s number one soul DJ. For anyone out there who is even remotely interested in the genre, this is your chance to see a true legend.”

Admission: £7.50/£5 adv. Info: swanseascootersociety@gmail.com (RH)

SUKH KNIGHT

Submerge @ The Moon Club, Cardiff Fri 8 May “One time after a rave, one of my friends from Cardiff and I climbed into a rugby stadium while we were buzzing – ha ha!

That was a crazy night.” As Sukh Knight explains, his many trips down the M4 from London so far have been fairly eventful.

When he’s not storming stadiums and playing discerning nights like this around the country, he’s also busy in the studio.

“I’ve got a whole load of releases lined up,” he says. “I’ve been working on my album as well which I’m looking to release at the end of this year. Since I left [dubstep/ grime crew] True Tiger, I’ve had a lot of time to get back to working on my sound again and can't wait to get all the tunes out. I’ve been working on some hip-hop stuff as well which I’m excited about.”

Said album will most likely contain a cross-section of his sounds, which also includes garage and drum’n’bass.

“I knew I needed to do something different to get noticed,” explains Sukh, “so that’s when I started adding loads of Asian samples to some of my tunes, as I grew up listening to that music, having an Asian background. I also had loads of Asian music to sample from. I was always into grime from when that first started coming about, so I think naturally my tunes started being a bit grimey as well.”

Admission: £7/£5 adv. Info: 029 2037 3022 (RH)

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live

pic: Alex Lake

MANIC STREET PREACHERS

Cardiff Castle Fri 5 June The Manic Street Preachers started their career at the beginning of the 1990s by claiming that they would make only one album, that it would sell more copies than Guns N’ Roses and that they would then split up. They never sold more copies than Guns N’ Roses, and they never did split up, but they did make one indisputably great album. Just over 20 years ago, with their third effort, The Holy Bible, the Manics recorded what is arguably the greatest album of the 90s, and one of the best British rock albums ever.

Although the lyrical content of the album appeared to have a romantic nihilism about it (lines such as “I know I believe in nothing but it is my nothing” appeared to be precision engineered to appear on sixth-formers’ pencil cases) it was a genuine exploration of mental illness and despair. Musically, James Dean Bradfield had moved the band away from their straight-up rock roots and into more dissonant territory. From the frenetic and screeching guitars of Faster to the metallic despair of The Intense Humming Of Evil, there was nothing else like this in mid-90s British rock.

Since then the band have weathered the likely-never-to-be-solved disappearance of Edwards and the kind of success and fame that they bragged about achieving in their early interviews, but probably didn’t think they would gain. While musically they may have mellowed somewhat in the intervening years and lost some of the fire they had in the early days, they are still one of the most vital bands that the UK has produced, and are still capable of putting on fierce live performances.

Playing what amounts to a homecoming gig at Cardiff Castle in June, they are playing the entirety of The Holy Bible, along with songs from their most recent album, Futurology.

Given the genuine affection in which the band are held in Cardiff this is almost certain to be an electrifying performance, and one of the highlights of the summer concert calendar.

Tickets: £37.50 (sold out – check box office for returns). Info: 029 2087 8100 / www. cardiffcastle.com DAVID GRIFFITHS

pic: myles pattengill.com

GAZ COOMBES

The Gate, Cardiff Sat 23 May There was a time about 20 years ago when you couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing Supergrass’s summer-defining hit Alright. Whereas much of British indie of the early to mid-90s had taken an introspective turn, Supergrass were singing songs about having fun and being young. Their debut album I Should Coco helped to kickstart the Britpop movement, and whatever your feelings about this, it would be a churlish person indeed who could resist entirely the charms of the early Supergrass.

Despite recording another five albums, the band never really recaptured the excitement of their debut, and about five years ago they called it a day. Lead vocalist Gaz Coombes, however, is still plugging away, and although he might not be as young as he once was (and his teeth might not be as clean) he’s still going strong. Coombes’ second album Matador was released at beginning of this year, and received critical acclaim.

Not wanting to simply relive the glory days, he’s moved away from the youthful exuberance of Supergrass towards a sound that is both softer and darker, with strong experimental leanings. Playing his solo songs, with the odd Supergrass fan favourite thrown in, Coombes has garnered good reviews for his live performances and this is sure to be an interesting gig.

Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2048 3344 (DG) BUZZ 48

OWEN PALLETT

Portland House, Cardiff Bay Wed 3 June Much to the relief of the eclectic music fan, this show has been moved from its original date. With One Direction and Manic Street Preachers playing the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle respectively on Fri 5 June, it frees up one’s time to experience an innovative and incredibly underrated artist in the form of Owen Pallett. How the 35-yearold Canadian has managed to hover under many people’s radar for so long is something of a mystery, given his Grammy and Polaris Music Prize wins as well as a recent Oscar joint-nomination for scoring Spike Jonze’s Her. Over the past decade, he has offered his services to other indie mainstays such as Grizzly Bear, as well as dipping into the poppier end of the market; Robbie Williams and Taylor Swift also have him on their books.

However, Pallett’s solo albums are a mustlisten. Formerly releasing music under the moniker Final Fantasy, his records are full of songs built around looped strings, minimalist percussion and vocals akin to those of Beirut’s Zach Condon. His latest, In Conflict, is a triumph: amalgamating the best attributes of the previous three albums and cramming them into an hour of blissfully stunning compositions. Don’t pass up this opportunity, this is one hell of a booking.

Tickets: £18. Info: 029 2048 7602 (BG)

PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Fri 8 May The heaps of musicality this group possess has led to their frequent referral as the ‘Steely Dan of rap music’. In this author’s opinion, it additionally reflects their status as a revolutionary force in the genre.

The duo is made up of Californian hip-hop veterans Thes One (Christopher Portugal) and Double K (Michael Turner). Their beginnings date back to 1996-97 when sampling, DJing and MCing were at the foreground of the subculture. Adopting a DIY strategy towards these musical concepts, the group amassed a wealth of critical respect and success which didn’t always extend to a mainstream audience but has always been met with high praise amongst devotees of hip-hop.

Perhaps their focused and avid attention towards their craft combined with the alleged reason behind their name (hiding under the stairs to focus on their music) is the reason they have such an underground following. The duo have also been met with acclaim from many more recognized artists including Ice-T, De La Soul and George Clinton – who at some stage have found themselves involved with the highly capable twosome across their many well received recordings and tours. This month they appear alongside local hip-hop/Afro-funk enthusiasts Afro Cluster, DJ Veto and Mansfield Green.

Admission: £12/£10 adv. Info: 029 2023 2199 (CPI)

THE STRYPES

Paget Rooms, Penarth, Wed 20 + Thurs 21 May Sin City, Swansea, Fri 22 May If you like feel good, feet tapping, jiggingin-your-seat type of music, then you should give The Strypes a listen. They feel like a breath of fresh air in a time when our airwaves are infiltrated by the same style of constant, never-ending, thumping electronic beat. Don’t get me wrong, house music has its bonuses, but when each track begins to monotonously fade into the last, and I’m left feeling like the artist has become lazy and content at taking the same approach to every song, this Irish quartet come as a welcome change. They take the approach of making an array of get-out-of-bed-and get-to-work (and have a bloody good day) songs.

The rhythm and blues band originates from County Cavan in Ireland, and will grace Wales with their presence for a generous three nights, as part of their Flat Out tour of the UK. For the past 18 months they have been playing their Chuck Berry, and Howlin’ Wolf-inspired music to festivals and willing crowds across the country, and it seems their efforts have been worthwhile; now fans of The Strypes are in the respected company of Jeff Beck and Paul Weller. It’s almost certain that their careers are only on the rise from here on out.

Tickets: £12.50. Info: 029 2070 0721 (Penarth) / 01792 468892 (Swansea) (SB)

New album 22 Strings released 26 May 2015 Albwm newydd 22 Strings i gael ei ryddhau 26 Mai 2015

On Tour May/Ar Daith Mai 2015 12

Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan / Aberteifi

14

RWCMD, Cardiff

15

Wyeside, Builth Wells / Llanfair ym Muallt

16

Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth

17

Taliesin, Swansea / Abertawe

mwldan.co.uk 01239 621 200 rwcmd.ac.uk 029 2039 1391

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With support from Gwyneth Glyn Gyda chefnogaeth gan Gwyneth Glyn Cyd Gynhyrchiad Theatr Mwldan | Seckou Keita | Salsolo Productions Co-Production

MAY 2015

buzz publishers ltd

reviews albums ALABAMA SHAKES ****

Sound & Color (Rough Trade) The newly bequiffed Murphy teases the Shakes sound into unexpected directions on their follow up to the gargantuan Boys & Girls. Used as a tester, you might not think it goes with the furniture, but daub it across the walls of your mind and you'll soon feel at home, heck you'll even develop some damp patches. The spacey vocals and languid guitar solo of Gemini revamp Funkadelic's cosmic slop psych, Over My Head is a silken paean to allconsuming love, and The Greatest is The Ramones with Blues Brothers boogie. CS

CRAZY P **** Walk Dance Talk Sing (Walk Don’t Walk/K7) I’m still struggling to forgive them for shortening their name from Crazy Penis – wusses! – but we won’t let that hinder this review of their seventh album, which is rather good. As always they offer a diverse range of disco-laden tunes, from outright chart attempts (Like A Fool and the title track) to more strippedback and deep offerings like closer Witch Doctor.

Danielle Moore’s bluesy vocals are the linchpin, and they continue to be one of dance music’s most consistent live acts. RH

DELE SOSIMI ***** You No Fit Touch Am (Wah Wah 45s) Arguably the most important exponent of the genre today, Sosimi delivers an Afrobeat masterclass with his first full-length album in nearly a decade.

A vibrant amalgamation of complex funk grooves, traditional Nigerian sounds and African percussion, the latest offering is everything you’d expect from such an aficionado of this music style. In keeping with Afrobeat tradition the record overflows with a stirring and provocative socio-political commentary, yet remains fun and infectiously danceable. A real gem this one. GT

DJANGO DJANGO **** Born Under Saturn (Because) More musically diverse this time around, on their second album Django Django are making use of a wider palette than on their previous release.

New single First Light hints at electro-pop and is reminiscent of fellow neo-psychedelic types Alt-J, while High Moon’s synth-led melancholia sounds like a forgotten folk melody. There’s much to like here, and if it’s not as stylistically cohesive as their first album then that’s the price of experimentation. DG

ESKA ** Eska (Naim Edge) Hints of folk, soul, psychedelia and electronica form the foundation to Eska’s debut self titled album. The London-based vocalist has created quite a buzz, garnering support from industry figures including Lauren Laverne and Laura Mvula. This first full offering lacks the killer edge that would entice mainstream success, but is guaranteed to appeal to a vast majority of the easy listening folk. Not my cup of tea, but she’s sure to pop up on the new series of Later... OS

THE FALL *** Sub-Lingual Tablet (Cherry Red) It’s reasonable to suggest that The Fall aren’t now held to quite the same exacting standards as less venerable, influential bands. The old piss, vinegar and energy still being audible counts for a lot, even if the songs aren’t classics. That’s a fair summary of Sub-Lingual Tablet, which finds Mark E. Smith growling and muttering with peak inscrutability over hobnailed garage punk (Stout Man), woozy Michael Rother guitar excursions (Auto Chip 2014-2016) and wonky electronica (Dedication Not Medication), highlights among a fair whack of chaff. NG

GEORGE FITZGERALD *** Fading Love (Double Six) Having established his name in the greyscale area somewhere between bass music and buttoned-up techno, FitzGerald here drafts in tepid vocal duties

GAMES REVIEWS GOZZLE *** Magma Mobile This neon-looking game has the essence of a jigsaw puzzle but, instead of moving pieces into the right places, you move yourself to make all the parts line up into one singular image. It’s a game with a simple core concept, and lots of levels to keep you interested, but it’s not mind-blowingly fun. JM

FINAL FANTASY RECORD KEEPER * DeNA Corp Unless you’re an unconditional fan of Final Fantasy and nostalgic of each release, this game may not please you. With well-known characters you can create all-star teams and battle away. The tutorial was tediously long, however, and when I got to the game I found it repetitive and dull. JM

FOLLOW THE LINE 2 ** Crimson Pine Games A finger-runner game where you needs stay inside the, randomly avoiding traps and obstacles as much as possible. The more you play the faster it move, making things more and more difficult (and rage-inducing).

Patience and agility are essential qualities to go up levels of this dexterous game. JM

BUZZ 50

from Lawrence Heart. The instrumental songs prove most effective, allowing the producer space to stand toe to toe with recent success stories: Shards is redolent of Todd Terje’s atom-smashing disco while Knife To The Heart has the makings of a future Walking With Elephants. Detailed, pointillist synth-work of this calibre is only let down by uninspired lyrical turns. AJ

HOT CHIP ** Why Make Sense? (Domino) Once upon a time, Hot Chip were exciting. Sadly, the sublime bedroom pop of {Bring It On} was over a decade ago and what we’re presented with here is a very uninspiring selection of disco/funk numbers from a band that seem to be running out of ideas. A couple of good tunes (lead single Huarache Lights and the title track) act as bookends to some pretty average fare, with Alexis Taylor’s falsetto sounding wearier as the record goes on. Drab. BG

MEW **** + - (Play It Again Sam) Eschewing the reductive bombast of their last studio effort, the Danish outfit revisit a formula of alternative-tinged progressivity that characterised And The Glass Handed Kites and Frengers. Lead single Satellites sees Bo Madsen’s guitar wizardry slickly combine with the piercing vocals of Jonas Bjerre, less robust moments such as Making Friends doing little to taint a sixth album that represents an effective return to form. The four-piece will be making an appearance at Green Man later this year. CP

MG ***** MG (Mute) MG is Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore. It does not come as a complete shock for Gore to make a purely instrumental electronic record himself, as since debut Depeche Mode album Speak & Spell he has penned many an instrumental B-side or album track. MG is aimed more at the head and heart than the dancefloor. In fact, this album could be a great soundtrack to a real sci-fi epic, rather than an imaginary one: Blade Runner 2 maybe? DN

NAI HARVEST ***** Hairball (Topshelf) Following up on the success of 2013’s Hold Open My Head comes the Sheffield duo’s latest offering. Faster and more focused, Hairball sees the band’s cult brand of guitar punk pushed further from the 90s emo revival scene that birthed them without ever totally abandoning it. With a new found confidence, vocalist Ben Thompson’s voice sits comfortably in the midst of a skilfully crafted mess of sound that veers from emo through to Britpop and indie. AC

NICK CAVE AND WARREN ELLIS **** Loin Des Hommes OST (Goliath Enterprises) Stepping away from their day jobs with the Bad Seeds and Dirty Three, the duo of Cave and Ellis return with this mournful film soundtrack. There’s a quiet and foreboding calm throughout, created by looped violin motifs, pulsing electronics and gloomy drones. This is a recorded document of your thoughts as you drift off into the

unknown space between wakefulness and sleep. It’s an example of how accomplished they’ve become as songwriters and artists to paint such vivid pictures using sound alone. GM

PALMA VIOLETS * Danger In The Club (Rough Trade) Having enjoyed the simple thrills of 180, Danger In The Club can only refer to the perils of sitting in someone else's vomit, as that is the unwelcome sensation I felt while reviewing this mocktail. The Farfisa that drove their effervescent sound on 180 is largely relegated to texture here, and the muddy production can't hide the godawful songwriting and tuneless football terrace choruses. Even Glenn Hoddle would be ashamed of singing this, and he's spouted a lot of shit in his time. CS

THE PRE NEW ***** The Male Eunuch (3 Loop) Lots of great recent music has captured a certain kind of mundane-yet-weird Britishness (if you want to call it ‘Englishness’, I’ll understand), without sounding parochial or otherwise cringeworthy.

The second studio album by London’s The Pre New is among the very greatest. Running together perverted junkshop glam, cheap Pet Shop Boys choruses, unvarnished DIY electronics and a treacherous desecration of Elgar’s Jerusalem, with highly quotable lyrics about overdrafts and Elbow, The Male Eunuch offers a remarkably original voice, much like Sleaford Mods and The Pheromoans do. NG

THE PROCLAIMERS *** Let’s Hear It For The Dogs (Cooking Vinyl) Is it possible to dislike these guys? I can’t help but crack a smile when you hear their singing Scottish accent. Proclaimers studio album number 10 follows them spending two of the last three years on tour. Conjuring up a trademark collection of emotional, political and witty tunes, identical twins Craig and Charlie Reid continue to etch a mark on the world of power-chord guitar based folk pop. A tale of varied tempos makes for an easy listen. OS

STEVE AOKI * Neon Future II (Dim Mak/Ultra Music) Countless musicians have abandoned their punk rock ethics over the years, but none with as much birdbrained chutzpah as Steve Aoki. Having founded Dim Mak Records 19 years ago to release marginal emo bands, his music now evokes a girl called Krystal hurling racist abuse at a security guard who caught her shoplifting in Hollister.

This album features Linkin Park, Snoop ‘Lion’ and Rivers Cuomo, contains the most pedestrian, uninventive EDM imaginable, and overall didn’t match up to the last Dim Mak record I enjoyed, the self-titled Das Oath album from 2004. NG

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS **** Mwng (Domino) On its 15th anniversary; this classic, well loved, yet out of print album gets the Deluxe Edition treatment – just in time for the summer festival revival of Gruff Rhys and co. Reissued on CD, LP and digitally, the groundbreaking sound still sounds as eclectically haunting as it did at the turn of the millennium, with the addition of 17 extra tracks.

Mwng was the band’s only long player recorded entirely in Welsh, and remains the biggest selling Welsh language album of all time. OS

THE VACCINES *** English Graffiti (Columbia) If you're a Vaccines fan expecting festival sized anthems such as Wetsuit and Post Break-Up Sex then you may be disappointed. This album is not

an instant winner, it being one you have to listen to six or seven times before you feel comfortable with it. Dream Lover will be the first release and is probably the only song on the album reminiscent of The Vaccines’ previous work. Want You So Bad, 20/20 and Radio Bikini stand out from the rest. DC

YOUNG KATO *** Don’t Wait ‘Till Tomorrow (Republic Of Music) Cheltenham six-piece Young Kato’s debut album takes heavy inspiration from Australian electropop, which is fair enough, although I have no knowledge of the genre so can’t confirm if this is true. What I can tell you is that it’s mostly decent, inoffensive indie-pop of the kind the BBC broadcast live from Glastonbury, which won’t do their careers any harm. Tracks like Drink, Dance, Play have been around since at least 2012 and cross over into dancier territory. RH

ZERVAS & PEPPER **** Abstract Heart (Zerodeo) Album number three from the Cardiff duo features more sun-drenched Americana with Celtic undertones – Celticana, if you will (but you more than likely won’t). The songs have developed nicely with plenty of pleasing hooks which, together with their definitive 1970s style, invoke a sort of mellow anthemic quality. Standout moments come from foot-stompers Miller, Foolish Dreamer and We Are One as well as the hazy Indian-imbued Celestial Friend. This is a stunning addition to their repertoire and well worth your time. CPI

singles BEN KHAN ***

1000 EP (Blessed Vice) Unusually for an electronic EP, the four tracks here are positively fiscal, given its running time of just 10 minutes.

Ben Khan remains confident and uses that time wisely however, with inspired nuggets of vocal excellence, including the title track, which gallops along while combining electro and soul. RH

JOSH WINK **** Denial EP (Ovum) Josh Wink’s tireless output doesn’t always hit the mark, but when he’s truly immersed in the dirty acid for which he made his name, no one else comes close. Such is the case here, with the original mix of Denial, which is best enjoyed at 5am in a small dark club. RH

JUNIOR BILL AND THE SCALLIES **** Som Do Brasil (self-released) A dub/punk/reggae EP in English and Portuguese recorded in Cathays Community Centre is not necessarily the type of thing I’d pick up, so thanks to Buzz for giving me this. Java/Cheer Up starts out as Augustus Pablo-style dub before upping the pace. Cop Pacificação, a bossa nova track about the Brazilian World Cup, is the highlight of the EP. Recommended. DG

THEE MANATEES **** EP01 (self-released) Thee Manatees have been a refreshing sight

and sound in the venues of South Wales over the last year. The quartet of songs on their first release sees the trio inadvertently penning the soundtrack to a film that has yet to be written.

A seriously stripped-down Ennio Morricone orchestra. BG

THIS MONTH’S

DVD PICK

THE MILK RACE *** E P O (ESN) The post-punk furore of this EP might baffle the uninitiated listener, yet this specific brand of noise has particularly palatable characteristics.

The roguish charm of their lyrics and the revelation that harmony and musicality aren’t dropped in lieu of anarchy make each track memorable, despite the singer’s imprudent, shouty approach to melody. CPI

THE SCHOOL **** All I Want From You Is Everything (Elefant) The School are a Cardiff band who make the sort of perfectly crafted 60s pop that Phil Spector used to aspire to. All I Want From You Is Everything is musical sunshine – just putting it on makes the world seem a little bit brighter. DG

TRACEY THORN **** Songs From The Falling (Strange Feeling) A while ago, film-maker Carol Morley chose Barry Adamson to provide the soundtrack to the rather harrowing Dream Of A Life. More recently, Morley has chosen Tracey Thorn to provide the score to her new film The Falling.

Thorn’s dreamy and atmospheric folk songs match the film’s subject matter perfectly. DN

demos VAILS

www.facebook.com/vailsband Moving the goalposts like Scotland football fans at Wembley circa 1977, I’m calling VAILS’ debut CDR a demo because that’s what I thought it was when I bought it. I’d just seen this Swansea duo ply their meaty, blood-and-thunder trade at a gig, and dug their super-amped precision sludge: the incestuous legacy of Melvins, Karp and Big Business was upheld impressively over five songs. It’s actually on a label, When Planets Collide, although you can also hear two earlier tracks on their Bandcamp. NG

VOES www.facebook.com/voesofficial Not to be confused with VAILS, Voes play extremely polished box-ticking piano pop which is kind of arm-wavey and dramatic, but never in a remotely abrasive way. I mean, Kate Bush is the grandmother of all this stuff (see also Florence, Marina et al – that’s my way of saying Voes have a woman, one Harriet Whitehead, on vocals), but as accomplished as these five songs are, they sound designed by focus group and wholly uninterested in stepping outside the lines. NG

GRAND TRADITION www.grandtradition.co.uk Of the three members currently in this group – I say ‘currently’ because one of them contributes beatbox FX in lieu of drums, which they’d presumably be willing to change – two names ring a bell from Cardiff's acoustic/jazz standards/covers circuit. Grand Tradition, however, finds Anthony Wickham, Harri Davies and Jon Constantine penning smooth, muso-y jazz-pop originals, and making a fair fist of it. The proclaimed Steely Dan influence rings through, although for my money they could do with more of the Dan’s cynicism and less borderline Spin Doctors moments. NG

THE DECENT ONE 15 (Artificial Eye) A documentary about Heinrich Himmler that uses his personal diaries, letters and cor-respondence and blends them with stock footage to build a horrifying picture of the author of 'The Final Solution'. Vanessa Lapa’s meticulous film chronicles his life, from the sickly child to the man obsessed with racial purity, head of the SS and monster who recommended the death of millions of Jews. The words provide chilling insight, Himmler’s family life, holidays and so on, running tandem with the Nazi terror. A haunting, important watch. ****KS

STILL LIFE 12 (Artificial Eye) Eddie Marsan is on mesmeric, heartbreaking form in this deeply affecting drama. Marsan plays a council worker, whose job is tracing relatives or significant others of those who have died alone. He is meticulous in his work, too meticulous and finds himself fired with one last case to finish, which brings him to Downton Abbey’s Jo-anne Froggat and possible new beginnings. Superbly directed by Uberto Pasolini, this is a wonderful, richly human story, moving without being sentimental, that will cause even the hardest of hearts to melt. A quiet masterpiece. ****KS

KON-TIKI 15 (Soda Pictures) A survival tale against all odds, based on fact, with moments of great tension and great beauty, Kon-Tiki is Scandanavia’s most successful film. Charting the journey of adventurer Thor Heyerdahl and five other brave souls who sailed 5000 miles from Peru to Polynesia on a balsa wood raft, it's an engrossing, epic and brilliantly shot tale. Shark attacks, storms at sea, a leader who cannot swim and some alarming Nordic beards feature heavily. The directors Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg are currently directing Pirates Of The Caribbean 5: let’s hope it’s half as good as this. ****KS

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12 (Warner Home Video) The final part to Peter Jackson's three-movie adaptation of one book The Hobbit comes to a climax, as all the building up of the last two films finally concludes. Having convinced the big gold-loving dragon Smaug (devilishly voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) to leave the Lonely Mountain, the rag-tag crew quickly have to save the folk of Laketown from his fiery wrath. Dragons aren’t their only problem, however, as the Smaug’s absence creates an opportunity to take back the mountain and all the kingdoms want it for themselves. ****RB

BIG EYES 12 (Eiv) Tim Burton tries his hand at this true story of American artist Margaret Keane, who husband fraudulently claimed credit for her iconic ‘big eyed’ paintings. Despite a captivating story and a fantastic central performance from Amy Adams, the film often suffers from awkward lines, lapses in performances and an odd choice of narrator. Some silly decisions ruined what could have been a great film. ***HA

THE WILD ANGELS 15 (Orion) The movie that launched a thousand direct-to-camera scowls, in the medium of Easy Rider and other ‘biker movies’, in 1966 The Wild Angels was undoubtedly pretty badass. Its cavalcade of denim, beer cans, fights and nihilism now seems clichéd, but its subsequent cult status is deserved. The lingering shots of Harleys (ridden by real Hells Angels!) powering through California are kinda beautiful; star turns Peter Fonda and Nancy Sinatra even more so. ****NG

PREDESTINATION 15 (Signature Entertainment) Based on the novel All You Zombies, by the ‘dean of science fiction’ Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination tells the story of a secret agent (played fantastically by Ethan Hawke) who specialises in using time travel to catch criminals. When he’s given his last assignment, to go back to 1975 and stop a terrorist known only as the ‘Fizzle Bomber’ from setting off a bomb in Manhatten, when he meets a young man (played even more fantastically by Sarah Snook) in a bar. The man shares his life story and everything changes from there. ****RB

BUZZ 51

MUSIC NEWS EXTRA

Twelve Welsh acts have been announced as the beneficiaries of the Horizons scheme for 2015-16. Organised by BBC Cymru Wales and the Arts Council Of Wales, the Horizons patronage will see these bands and solo artists will be given promotional boosts through various BBCrelated channels: radio play, a recording session at their Maida Vale studios and slots at various festivals, including the Machynlleth Comedy Festival on the first weekend of May. The lucky dozen comprise, in alphabetical order, Aled

Rheon (Cardiff), Cold Committee (Rhyl), Cut Ribbons (Llanelli), Dan Bettridge (Ogmore), Delyth McLean (Merthyr), Yr Eira (Bangor), Hannah Grace (Bridgend), HMS Morris (Cardiff), Mellt (Aberystwyth), Peasant’s King (Pontypridd) Y Reu (Caernarfon) and Violet Skies (Chepstow)

Houdini Dax, a Cardiff band whose music intersects indie, garage and mod-rock, have just finished their tenure as a Horizons act for the 2014-15 season,

and were set to sign off with a gig in Manchester on Tue 31 Mar. However, they woke that morning to find that all their equipment, which they’d stored overnight in their van in Grangetown, had been stolen. With a cumulative market value of some £10,000, with added sentimental importance thrown in, the theft was quite a body blow, but the group have set to work raising funds, via busking, a gig in Clwb Ifor Bach and a Gofundme page. At the time of writing, though, the gear – a full list of which can be found on Houdini Dax’s Facebook page – is still at large

The fifth album by Cardiff solo-artistplus-friends-who-frequently-lend-a-hand, Sweet Baboo [pictured], is due in August on the Moshi Moshi label. A teaser track from it, Sometimes, is released officially on Mon 18 May, and is available to hear now. Featuring strings arranged by Paul Jones, who’s played in a couple of bands with Baboo aka Steve Black over the years, it upholds the stated Van Dyke Parks influence, and suggests the album will boast his richest production values yet, despite being titled The Boombox Ballads.

Other collaborators on the 10-song album include Laura Bryon (aka Tender Prey, last month’s chosen One To Watch act) on You Got Me Time Keeping and Cate Le Bon, who wrote I Just Want To Be Good with Black in mind

A documentary about the emo-rock and metal scene which sprung up in the south Wales valleys around the turn of the millennium is nearing the latter stages of production. Massive has a tentative release date of January 2016, and is looking for Kickstarter funding (which will be completed, one way or another, by the time you read this) to nudge the two-thirds completed film over the finish line. It’s set to feature interviews with all the most popular bands of that scene, with the glaring if understandable exception of Lostprophets, plus several who didn’t travel much beyond Local Band status but are nonetheless fondly recalled by some.

Massive was directed by Jamie Black with extra directional input from Mark Butler, while most of the interviews were conducted by Lais Martins-Waring

ONE TO WATCH...

ESTRONS

Making quite a noise both in the literal and the figurative sense, Estrons have upped their game and left a palpable profusion of excitement in the wake of their new single Aliens released last month. Pitched as a reflection on human flaws, this four-minute adrenaline fuelled whirlwind of a song is very easy on the ears.

Since humble beginnings on summer sands in Aberystwyth, this band of ‘misfits’ – as they put it – strive to bring refreshingly bold brilliance to the Welsh alternative rock ethos.

Their first single C-C-CARIAD! garnered considerable attention, most notably from the likes of S4C, BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru as well as other national media outlets and since then it’s been customary for them to fill music venues across the country, delivering untamed, high octane performances to ever expanding droves of devotees.

Undoubtedly capitalising on the interest they’ve received, they were met with further kudos at the much revered one-day edition of Swn Festival (officially titled Dim Swn) which serves as the hors d’oeuvre to the main event later this year. With whispers of a new single later this month and an EP on the horizon, you’d do well to keep your wits about you as this four-piece powerhouse goes from strength to strength. twitter.com/estrons_music CHARLIE PIERCEY

BUZZ 52

one louder WELCOME to a column which is actually an expansion of something mentioned back and overleaf, in my review of the excellent second album by The Pre New. They are one of several currently extant acts whose lyrics, subject matter and general presentation employs imagery which is uniquely and identifiably British. This kind of thing has a bit of a chequered history, so it’s important to note that these acts are all interesting and amusing as well.

Other artists I’ve folded into this, and who have released one or more great albums in the last three years, include Sleaford Mods, a Nottingham duo whose songs mention Tiswas, the singer from Razorlight and the 40mph zone on A-roads; Richard Dawson, who namechecks Pepperamis, Peter Beardsley and the Metro in his home city of Newcastle; punk band Good Throb, who also invoke the Metro (the free newspaper) and post office queue jumpers; The Pheromoans – “Let’s sort things out / Over a nineitem breakfast / Watford had no music scene” – and Half Man Half Biscuit, who formed in the mid-80s and are the progenitors of this whole ethos. Obviously, they weren’t the first people to reference the United Kingdom while playing some kind of rock music – but they approached this task with a zeal far outstripping (for example) Lonnie Donegan, The Kinks, Cockney Rejects or Billy Bragg.

The baseline issue here is that the default language of rock’n’roll is American. Most British bands’ lyrics conform to this – sometimes cynically so, written to be as widely accessible as possible, but I suspect more often unwittingly. Even bands who made it their business to reflect on British culture have tended to employ phrasing which wouldn’t unsettle the average Stateside listener: Pink Floyd, The Clash, Iron Maiden, the Manic Street Preachers and Oasis all fall into this bracket. All of those bands were forthright in their wish to become popular on a grand scale; time spent listening to the first six bands I bigged up will make it plain this isn’t the case with them, although HMHB regularly draw crowds several hundred strong, and Sleaford Mods are currently enjoying a burst of unlikely infamy. Their lo-fi rants about myriad mundane minutiae have struck a nerve with a lot of folks, it seems.

There are a few wrinkles to consider here which make smooth, sweeping generalisations a bit foolish. Firstly, Britpop of the pre- and post-millennial kind: Blur and The Libertines, especially, did pretty well selling the public their quasi-patriotic attempts to reaffirm national identity.

Secondly, the evolution of black British music from reggae to hip-hop, garage and grime. This probably hasn’t overtly influenced any bands mentioned here, and again would be worthy of its own, longer article, but its lyrical development alongside that of black British slang throws up a bunch of interesting examples, not just Roots Manuva rapping about cheese on toast.

Finally, I’ve been saying ‘British’ throughout this column, but apart from the Manics everyone I’ve mentioned is English. If you are reading this, you probably live in Wales, and maybe have some opinions on how Englishness and Britishness are often treated as interchangeable. They aren’t, clearly, but to me these bands are talking about things which are just as profound no matter which part of this septic isle you happen to dwell in. I speak as someone who has lived pretty much half his life in England and Wales respectively, making me an enemy to all.

WOODEN ARMS and IVAN MOULT (Dempseys, Cardiff, Fri 1 May), JON LANGFORD (Le Pub, Newport, Sat 2), UGLY DUCKLING (The Garage, Swansea, Sat 2; Gwdihw, Cardiff, Wed 13), MOSS (The Moon Club, Thurs 7), PRETTY HURTS, CHAIN OF FLOWERS, ARTEFACT and ALIMONY HUSTLE (Abacus, Wed 13), SWERVEDRIVER (Clwb Ifor Bach, Thurs 14), ZEFUR WOLVES (Sherman Cymru, Sat 16), PITY SEX, DOE and CARAMEL (Clwb Ifor Bach, Tue 26) and THE FALL (The Globe, Sun 31) might have opinions on all this, or not.

NOEL GARDNER

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breconjazz.com

IN THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF THE BRECON BEACONS...

“SPIRIT OF SATCH” DR. JOHN INTERPRETS LOUIS ARMSTRONG ROBERT GLASPER TRIO RAY DAVIES AND BAND KENNY BARRON DAVE HOLLAND DUO ANDREA MOTIS & JOAN CHAMORRO

CAPITAL CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA

COURTNEY PINE PRESENTS ‘SONG (THE BALLAD BOOK)’ FEATERING ZOE RAHMAN DIGBY FAIRWEATHER’S HALF DOZEN JULIAN ARGÜELLES TETRA

GOGO PENGUIN

PARTISANS

PHRONESIS

SONGS FOR QUINTET

SONS OF KEMET

TARAF DE HAÏDOUKS

WINSTONE / GESING / VENIER

JULIA BIEL PIGFOOT

TAILS FOR WALES

SCOTT HAMILTON QUARTET

TIMO LASSY BAND

PLUS MUCH MORE...

books TREGIAN'S GROUND Anne Cuneo (& Other Stories)

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Originally published in French, Tregian's Ground won the prestigious Prix Des Libraries Award for the best novel and sold over 120,000 copies across Europe. Translated into English by Louise Rogers Lalaurie and Roland Glasser, it explores the life and adventures of the gentleman Francis Tregian, copyist and compiler of the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book – which has long been recognised for its significant contribution to the musical canon.

The novel recreates Tregian's eventful life and journeys across Renaissance Europe (including his friendship with Shakespeare). Set during a time of political and religious unrest in which Europe's royalty battle to maintain their thrones, Tregian is caught at the centre of a debate about religious autonomy and the rights of subjects to follow the religion of their own choosing. Catholic by birth but with a Protestant Queen, Tregian finds himself in an awkward situation only his unique musical talent can help him to escape.

Tregian's Ground is not an easy read, loaded as it is with historical context and biographical detail. The beginning of each chapter features a quote from Renaissance ballads popular at the time, adding to the historical authenticity of the work. The abundance of historical material can, at times, detract from the story. The same can be said for the bibliography at the back of the novel which makes the reader feel as though they were reading an academic text rather than a work of fiction. A novel best suited for the serious historical fiction reader. ELLEN DAVIES Price: £10 / £5 eBook. Info: www.andotherstories.org

SIGNIFICANCE

THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT

Jo Mazelis (Seren)

Kate Hamer (Faber & Faber)

Beginning with a runaway, Lucy, and continuing with those who are affected by her subsequent murder, Jo Mazelis’ powers of empathy and imagination allow us to become engrossed in a narrative that is concise, clever, and extremely compelling. Part of the novel’s fascination comes from the multiplicity not just of its characters, but of their musings (we ‘head-hop’, and within these heads, we concept-hop, too). This is expertly done, with each character, and their complexity of thought/feeling – standing out as a stark testimony to Mazelis’s powerful empathic skill.

Intricate, incisive, and taut with tension, these scenes are interwoven with blood-filled veins, arbitrary interaction, and the complex fetters of emotional attachment. Significance creates an investigation not just into a murder but into its impact, effects, and outcomes. It is an engrossing, and highly recommended, read. MJ Price: £9.99. Info: www.serenbooks.com

The debut novel from Cardiffbased author Kate Hamer is an intriguing tale of a young girl’s unexpected journey. Attending a storytelling festival with her mum, eight-year-old Carmel is taken by a man claiming to be her estranged grandfather. It’s difficult to explain the plot without giving too much away, but the ensuing developments are told in an effective dual-narrative from mum Beth and daughter Carmel’s viewpoint.

Dealing with themes of love, loss and intricate family relationships, there are elements of a fairy tale to the overall sense of the story. A compelling and enriching read, I was gripped from the start. It’s difficult not to immerse yourself in the novel, desperate to discover Carmel’s fate. RH Price: £12.99. Info: www.faber.co.uk

CRIME CORNER It's amazing! You wait for ages for a book you can't put down, then, like buses, three arrive at the same time. So, here they are, and strictly in alphabetical order by author.

Firstly, The Killing Lessons by Saul Black (Orion, H/B £12.99) where a pair of serial killers haunt the US highways on a murder spree, leaving clues only one of them understands. In charge of the case is a lonely, bitter, frustrated, semi-alcoholic female cop who must put herself in the killer’s head to solve the puzzle.

Secondly, from one of my favourite authors, and featuring one of my favourite serial characters, Charlie Parker, is John Connolly's latest novel A Song Of Shadows (Hodder&Stoughton, H/B £14.99). Charlie is convalescing in a small Maine township by the sea from injuries both mental and physical from his last adventure, when he meets a young woman and her daughter who he suspects are on the run, but from what or whom? Charlie tries to help, but to no avail, and tragedy strikes. Connolly perfectly combines crime and fantasy as always. I couldn't wait to finish this one, was sorry when I did, and can't wait for the next one.

The final book, and what will probably be the most successful of the trio, is the second in a new crime series

by Tony Parsons. The Slaughter Man (Century, H/B £12.99) featuring Detective Max Wolfe on the trail of a murderer who killed a wealthy family inside a gated community in north London. Sometimes it's a bit police procedural by numbers, but that doesn't detract from its readability. Like boxing, that looms large in the plot, the novel throws some feints, some body punches, and at least one knockout blow. MARK TIMLIN

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@mabjones Thurs 14 is the first Dylan Day/Dydd Dylan (Info: www.literaturewales.org/dylan-day), a new international day to celebrate the life and work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Many events are planned and if you are in Cardiff then Theatr Silures is planning a programme of extracts from Dylan’s Under Milk Wood at Y Mochyn Du. From Tue 19, the UK-wide Enemies project (Info: www.theenemiesproject.com) will be bringing together five poets working in or from Wales – Nia Davies, Joe Dunthorne, Zoe Skoulding, Eurig Salisbury and Rhys Trimble, along with curator SJ Fowler. With readings in Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Hay-on Wye, this is a tour very much worth seeing.

At Ye Olde Murenger House in Newport on Wed 20 the Open Mic Spoken Word Extravaganza brings us Leon Charles and Christina T, as well as an assortment of enthusiastic readers from all over South Wales.

Another poet, Mike Jenkins, has a couple of events planned. Firstly, Red Poets, a loose collective of leftist poets in Wales, will be in Townhill, Swansea on Fri 1. Then he’ll be hosting the monthly open mic event at the Imperial Hotel in Merthyr on Thurs 21.

The guest author this time is Frances Presley. The first event will be a poetry blast; the second more of a literary mull. Both are highly recommended, as is Mike’s new book, Shedding Paper Skin, from which this issue’s feature poem is taken.

A POEM CANNOT BE GRADED A poem cannot be graded: it is not a 1 or an A*, or even a 5 or a U. It sticks its two fingers up at all examiners, ultimately refusing to be dissected.

Even if you put it on the wall it will come alive after closing and hare down corridors.

A poem can have no criteria to box in assessment: emerging like a dream embodied.

It can be googled for meaning, caught in the net and pinned; but its words will grow new limbs, so it jumps through open windows into the rain, snow or sunlight, tearing off its uniform as it goes.

Mike Jenkins

lifestyle FESTIVALS FOR LIFE Festivals aren’t just for summer, they can be a way of living. Festival food, festival music and festival fun don’t have to be regulated to one weekend in June, you can enjoy them as part of your everyday life. That’s why festival fever has spilled out from our guide and into our Lifestyle section.

The first step to embracing the festival lifestyle is to look the part, and we get you started with our festival fashion guide…

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FESTIVAL FLY AWAY BUZZ 55

travel Ireland France

Edinburgh As we spring into May, the sun comes out (a bit) and we all look forward to the coming months because summer means summer holidays. As Cardiff Airport has recently announced flights to several new destinations, we have a look at where you can fly off to – and in honour of our annual festival guide, we’ve also thrown in some international festival suggestions for you.

GERMANY The popular Rhine region in north-west Germany is an idyllic getaway where you can sail along the river and take in the breathtaking landscape of striking mountains and sprawling countryside surrounding it. It’s a place where you can enjoy fine wines and wander old towns with fairytale castles. It isn’t all green pastures, however, as the region also contains the city of Dusseldorf. Known as Germany’s fashion capital, this city of intriguing architecture is home to a quirky art scene and some of the country’s best nightclubs. Or how about Munich? Where you can wander through the streets, viewing some art in one of the city’s world-class galleries or visit the royal palace, The Residenz. It’s the best place for a decent beers as well, as the city is famed for its Oktoberfest beer festival. This is held annually and provides the perfect opportunity to experience the warmth hospitality of German culture.

Festivals in Germany: Tollwood Sommerfestival (Wed 24 Jun-Sun 19 Jul), Oktoberfest (Sat 19 Sept-Sun 4 Oct), New Fall Festival (Thurs 29 Oct-Sun 1 Nov)

SCOTLAND If the Commonwealth Games proved anything, it was that Glasgow's cultural delights are abundant. You will be spoilt for choice with the variety of museums, art exhibitions and historical landmarks on offer. It was one of the first cities to be named as European Capital Of Culture in 1990 and since then it has always lived up to its name. The city is a great choice for a city break with a loved one, or even a holiday away with the family, as it is able to cater to any interest.

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Then there’s Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, which makes an extraordinary city break because it is the perfect mix of old and new. There is its iconic castle, which towers over the city as an ancient protector, juxtaposed with stunning Georgian architecture that blends seamlessly with modern shops and attractions.

Festivals in Scotland: Glasgow Jazz Festival (Wed 24-Sun 28 June), T In The Park (Fri 10-Sun 12 July), Edinburgh International Festival (Fri 7-Sun 31 Aug)

IRELAND Dublin’s fair city is a friendly capital that will offer you a very warm welcome. There will be plenty to experience, from memorable evenings in one of their many pubs to discovering Dublin’s rich history of Vikings and Celtic tribes. This history will be difficult to ignore as the city is packed full of striking cathedrals from the 18th century, a medieval castle and some magnificent Georgian buildings. You can learn more about Dublin by taking a walking tour or visiting one of their many museums. Once you have exhausted the sights of the city, there will be a pint of Guinness and some tasty boxty waiting for you to enjoy.

Cork is Ireland’s largest county and lies near the mouth of the River Lee, surrounded by mountains and a striking coastline. Home to a beautiful landscape, Cork has the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities or relaxing walks along the coast, while its city centre is a cosmopolitan and vibrant destination.

Visitors will find streets of trendy boutiques, exquisite restaurants and the chance to experience a range of festivals that celebrate everything from food to literature.

Festivals in Ireland: Howth Midsummer Literary & Arts Festival (Fri 5-Sun 7 June), Shandon Street Festival (22 Jun), Longitude (Fri 17-Sun 19 July)

PORTUGAL The Algarve is situated on the southern region of mainland Portugal and is a popular tourist destination for those seeking sun, sea and surf. The beaches are picture postcard-perfect, with golden sands and sparkling seas nestled underneath an epic coastline. The landscape is just the beginning of the Algarve as you will soon discover its range of activities, from a championship golf course to diving opportunities and a vibrant nightlife. Algarve’s capital Faro is a hidden gem, many tourists skipping its hospitality for the resorts on the outskirts.

Festivals in Portugal: Concentração Internacional de Motos (Thurs 16-Sun 19 July), Ria Formosa Festival (Thurs 30 July-Sat 1 Aug), FolkFaro (Sat 15-Sun 23 Aug)

FRANCE Whether you are a regular or first-time visitor to Paris, the city always delivers a unique experience.

Paris is constantly changing and adapting, with new restaurants and galleries opening throughout the year. That said, famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the River Seine will always offer some familiarity!

Festivals in France: Taste Of Paris (Thurs 21Sun 24 May), Paris Jazz Festival (Sun 7 JuneMon 27 July), Festival Of Music (Sun 21 June) All flights available from Cardiff with Flybe. Prices: from £24.99. Info: www. flybe.com

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Fares are one way including taxes and charges, only available on Flybe.com, subject to availability. Advance purchase may be required. Headline fare does not apply to all routes. Selected flights operational from 01.06.15. See website for full schedule details. Available for travel until 24.10.15. Not all flights operate for the entire travel period. Route information correct at time of going to print.

No debit card fees apply. Bookings made by credit card or PayPal will incur a fee of 3% of the total transaction value, with a minimum charge of £5.00 per booking.

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FESTIVAL FASHION Festivals aren’t always the easiest places to look your best, with a lack of showers, mud and day-long drinking all taking their toll. Fashion is all about faith, however, and if you go into the fields armed with excitement, some dry shampoo and a bright selection of summer clothes you can look just as good packing up your tent as you did when you were setting it up… almost. Here are some fashionable suggestions for your festival wardrobe.

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LIFESTYLE COVER: WHAT A MELON TENT, Field Candy, £295, www.fieldcandy.com / 1. INCA JEWEL TORQ NECKLACE, Accessorize, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, £22 / 2. INDUSTRIALIZE BLUE LARGE BRAVO FRONT PRINT T-SHIRT, Blue Inc, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, £14.99 / 3. MULTI-COLOURED JEWEL SANDALS, Kurt Gieger, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, Bridgend, £49 (RRP £75) / 4. 1970S FRINGED KNITTED CARDIGAN, M&S, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, Bridgend, £49.50 (RRP £29.50) / 5. FESTIVAL BAG, Accessorize, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, £25 /6. 1970S BROWN ROUND SUNGLASSES, French Connection, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, Bridgend, £69 (RRP £21) / 7. LIMITED EDITION SUMMERHAT, M&S, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, £18 / 8. PINK CONTRAST STRAP ANKLE WELLIES, New Look, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, £17.99 / 9. SMILEY DENIM SHORTS, Primark, St David’s Centre, Cardiff, £12 / 10. DENIM DELUXE GAP DENIM PLAYSUIT, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, Bridgend, £42.99 BUZZ 58

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WELSH NATIONAL OPERA: SUMMER SEASON Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sat 16 May-Sat 25 July Tickets: £5-£40. Info: 029 2063 5000 www.wno.org.uk Have you ever actually taken a second to think back to the warped sense of reality that our beloved fairy tales loved to portray? Our naivety not allowing us to question the seemingly twisted stories, our versions of life were based upon princesses who put all of their trust in the belief that an unknown (handsome) prince would find the time to stumble upon them, and set them free. What a way to promote stranger danger...

Innocence can invite manipulation, and likewise can mask it, with skin-deep purity leading unsuspecting victims astray.

This intriguing untold approach is why ‘A Terrible Innocence’ has been chosen as the Welsh National Opera’s summer theme. Artistic Director David Pountney enthuses: “Our summer season, like the heady nights of summer itself, pulsates with the seductive power of apparent innocence – submit, be seduced, enjoy – but beware!”

Headlining productions include Richard Ayers’ Peter Pan and Debussy’s Pelléas And Mélisande – both of which attempt to acknowledge the darker side of the fairy tale coin and, through music, transform the tales far beyond their recognisable image as a quaint night-time story. Pelléas incorporates the majestic influence that water and light had upon Debussy’s music, and takes inspiration from the critically acclaimed production of Lulu; whilst Peter Pan, one for the whole family, shall see Marie Arnet return to the stage, accompanied by counter-tenor Iestyn Morris. The JM Barrie adaptation shall grace not only Birmingham and the Welsh stage, but will also be performed in Covent Garden, as part of the WNO’s three-year contract.

CONTENTS pg 60 pg 62 pg 63 pg 69 pg 75

art clubs events live stage BUZZ 59

art

art The Abacus

18-20 Wood Street, Cardiff.

Free. modernalchemists@ gmail.com / www. theabacusroom.wordpress. com Graphic Moves Film, sculpture and sound created by young artists from Merthyr focusing on their relationship with their town and landscape.

(From Fri 1 until Sun 3 May) This Is Not A Ticket An illustrated gig poster show for imaginary bands that should probably exist – I deem this a good idea – brought to you by Cardiff illustrator Alternative Aesthetics. (From Thurs 7 until Sun 17 May) Photopia A group of students graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University who have curated an exhibition of their photographic work. (From Wed 20 until Wed 27 May)

Aberystwyth Arts Centre University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre Britain From Above Royal

Commission exhibition drawing on The Aerofilms Collection, an archive of one million aerial photographs dating from 1919 to 2006. (Until Sat 16 May) The BO Portrait Award 2014 Works on display include the winner of the £30,000 first prize as well as the work of the BP Young Artist 2014 and the BP Travel Award 2013 winners. (Until Sat 30 May) Inside Welsh Homes Images drawn from the Royal Commission’s visual archive of the architecture and archaeology of Wales, offering a glimpse inside Welsh homes over time.

(Until Sat 6 June) The Hot Pot Project Evolving exhibition of ceramics from the Ann Carr Collection, a major donation of Michael Cardew and Wenford Bridge pottery. (Until Sun 14 June) British Wildlife Photography Categories of work given awards here include animal behaviour, urban wildlife, habitat, animal portraits and marine life; there are also junior and school awards.

(From Sat 23 May until Sat 18 July)

Steve Alport, Dai David & Muriel Delahaye Alport is a Cardiff based artist and dog portraiture, mainly in charcoal, features strongly in this exhibition. David’s portraits, landscapes and group studies hve been acquired by the BBC, the British Army and the Vatican, so if paintings could talk I daresay his would have appeared in court as witnesses. Delahaye is inspired by the Cardigan Bay coastline and shows how the changing movements of the sea convey real life situations.

(Until Sun 23 May)

74b Albany Road, Cardiff.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com

Arcadecardiff

Albany Gallery

Andrew Lamont Gallery (Theatr Brycheiniog)

Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk Patricia Mears, Joan Hughes & Pat Johnson ‘Triskelion’ Textile and mixed media work. (Until Sat 16 May) Anthony Rhys ‘When The Dark Comes’ Pontypridd artist who paints small, haunting portraits of Victorian society.

(From Fri 22 May until Sun 14 June) Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.

arcadecardiff.co.uk Geraint Evans ‘A Hermit in Suburbia’ Paintings, drawings and animations by Swanseaborn, London-based artist, depicting the manicured and fabricated landscapes of suburban green belt land. Recall thinking this was really neat when it was shown somewhere before. (Until Sat 9 May) Nicola Dale ‘Not So Firm As Faded ink’ Presented in conjunction with Mark Devereux Projects. Not totally sure of the prospective content of this but maybe www.nicoladale.com will tell you more. (From Fri 15 until Sat 23 May) Nicola Ellis Also in conjunction with Mark Devereux Projects, these new works will be created on site during a week’s residency at Arcadecardiff leading up to the show. (From Sat 30 May until Sat 13 June)

Art Across The City

Various locations, Swansea.

Admission free. 01792 468979 / www.artacrossthecity.com Locws International: Art Across The City Popular annual showcase of temporary and permanent public art by a diverse range of artists. This year features artists Michael Stumpf, Graham Dolphin, Emily Speed, Colin Priest and David Cushway; respectively, they bring you balloons, Wild West monuments, Joe’s ice cream, land speed attempts and tap dancing boulders. (Until Mon 1 June)

Art Central

Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 11am4pm. Admission free. 01446 709805.

National Photographic Federation Annual competition highlighting the very best of Welsh photography.

Selectors choose the best 250 photographs submitted by photographers from clubs and federations in Wales. (From Sat 2 until Sat 30 May)

Attic Gallery

CHRIS GRIFFIN AND PAUL REES The Attic Gallery, Swansea, Sat 16 May-Sat 6 June Admission: free. Info: 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk With the declaration that “contemporary art being produced in Wales was as good as any to be found in the United Kingdom”, The Attic Gallery present a showcase compiling two local artists, Chris Griffin and Paul Rees, who simply complement each others’ work and raw talent. Their difference in years of experience is not palpable, with both excelling in their ability to create a richness and depth within their paintings. Griffin takes influence from the landscape and rural beauty of Wales, resulting in uninterrupted paintings based on colour, rather than form. First Class honours Swansea graduate Rees incorporates the theatre, and brings to his paintings the nostalgia and emotion that it makes him experience. Both appear established, focused and undeniably talented.

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37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am4.30pm. Free. 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk Karel Lek, George Little & Gareth Thomas Lek: a painter and drawer of “modest people in modest situations”. Little reflects on the colour, texture and shape brought about by the decay of various heavy industries. Thomas “is fascinated by the effect of light on colour” in places including Wales and Provence. (Until Sat 9 May) Chris Griffin & Paul Rees The drama of colour in Griffin’s dynamic Welsh landscapes plays alongside the shadowy, secretive world of the theatre revealed in paintings by Rees. (From Sat 16 May until Sat 6 June)

Barker Gallery / Torfaen Gallery

Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm.

Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm. 01495 752036.

Figure Four Long-term show of works by four local artists: Mary James, Louella Gwillim, Kay Lawrence and Tony Tribe.

Works on show include life studies, landscapes, sketches and sketchbooks, water colours, interior views and portraits.

(Until Mon 26 Oct)

Blaenavon Heritage Centre

Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen. Tue-Sun 9am-5pm.

01495 742333.

Vibrant Colours Under the

umbrella of Vision Arts, 10 artists who work in various media but nonetheless have created an exhibition with a coherent feel. (From Mon 4 until Sat 30 May)

Boundary Art

3 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 029 2048 9869 / www.boundaryart.com Vivid: The Expression Of Vitality Spring-themed exhibition looking to establish a communicative platform for both western and eastern artists, showing their different experience and feeling of ‘vividness’.

(From Thurs 7 May until Sun 14 June)

Butetown History & Arts Centre

4/5 Dock Chambers, Bute St, Cardiff Bay. Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am4.30pm. Free. 029 2025 6757 / www.bhac.org Avtarjeet Dhanjal ‘Power Of Silence’ Work from a multimedia artist who has exhibited extensively in the UK and internationally, while living in Indiam East Africa and London.

This exhibition will feature landscape photographs with and quietly stated uninhabited vistas, in black and white and pared-down, muted colour.

(Until Sun 24 May)

Chapter Gallery

Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free. 029 2030 4400 / www. chapter.org Richard Woods ‘Inclosure Acts’ Well known for his innovative architectural reinventions, for this commission Woods has created new works in the Gallery and for the lightbox inspired by Chapter’s history (sited on a former cattle market) and by the Inclosure Acts of 1604-1914, which transformed open fields and common land. (Until Sun 14 June)

Craft In The Bay

The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611.

Alan Perry West Wales-based artist and blacksmith specialising in making ironwork of contemporary design, while utilising many of the traditional hot forged techniques. (Until Mon 4 May) Tilleke Schwarz Internationally recognised embroidery artist from the Netherlands whose work shows a mixture of contemporary influences including graffiti, icons, text and traditional imagery. Her work often has a narrative element. (Until Sun 10 May) Mari Thomas Members’ Showcase from Guild member and jeweller.

(Until Sun 10 May) Hand Held: Hand Made A display of medals which have been made by Second Year students studying on the Artist Designer: Maker course at Cardiff School Of Art and Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University. (Until Sun 10 May) Intrinsic An exhibition of textile jewellery from Hannah-May Chapman, Joanne Haywood, Yu-Ping Lin, Kathryn Partington, Liz Willis, Julia Usel and Mandy Nash. (From Fri 8 May until Sun 5 July) Transience Members of the Fibre Art Wales group present works inspired by one or more of the words Silence, Stillness, Presence, Absence, Tranquil and Transience. (From Sat 16 May until Sun 12 July)

Dylan Thomas Centre

Somerset Place, Swansea.

Daily 10am-4pm. Free. 01792 463980 / dylanthomas.lit@ swansea.gov.uk / www. dylanthomas.com Love The Words Ongoing, permanent exhibition dedicated to Dylan Thomas, with lots of interactive features and voiceovers from people including Prince Charles and Richard Burton.

Elysium Gallery

16 College Street, Swansea.

Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www. elysiumgallery.com Daniel Trivedy ‘Migrant X’ Initiated following the death of 300 migrants near Italy in Oct 2013, this exhibition’s primary focus is the construction of migrant identity through the media, with emphasis on the dehumanising effect statistics and headlines can have on the subject. (From Fri 8 until Sat 16 May)

Fountain Fine Art

6-8 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff.

Tue-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www.fountainfineart.com Andrew McCutcheon Solo exhibition of new abstract paintings from this Carmarthenshire-based painter.

(Until Sat 16 May) Urban Landscape Exhibition Artists include Sheridan Ward, Sarah Hopkins, Mark Samuel, Anthony Evans, Michael Monaghan Robert Harrison and Sarah Richards. (From Sat 23 May until Sat 13 June)

Fountain Fine Art

Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Spring Group Show Mixed exhibition from artists including Ceri Richards, Donald McIntyre, Gareth Thomas, Martin Llewellyn, Karen Pearce and Wendy Murphy. (Throughout May)

G39

Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff.

Saturdays 11am-5.30pm.

Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@ g39.org Bedwyr Williams ‘The Starry Messenger’ Exhibition which first showed in 2013, coinciding with the Venice Bienniale, concerning amateur astronomy and the enduring power of hobbyism. Bedwyr Williams is great. (Until Sat 13 June)

Y Galeri, Caerffili

Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 029 2086 1433 / www.ygaleri.co.uk Bill Swann ‘The Colour Of India’ Exhibition of impressions of travel through West Bengal, Uttah Pradwsh & Rajasthan from Porthmadog glass artist Swann. (Until Sat 16 May) Jane Malvisi Welshthemed work by Bridgend-based ceramicist. Includes a life sized bust of Dylan Thomas plus Raku fired freestanding and wall-hung Welsh ladies. Also on display is a mixed exhibition of work by Welsh artists and old and new. (From Tue 19 May until Sat 20 June)

Gallery/Ten

23 Windsor Place, Cardiff.

Free. www.gallery-ten.co.uk Ceramic Exhibition Featuring ceramic artists TBC. (From From Fri 8 May until Sat 6 June)

Gas Gallery

Park Avenue, Aberystwyth.

Mon-Sat 11am-5pm. Free.

01974 261279.

Open Exhibition To include

art 2D and 3D work in a variety of media, artist Clive HicksJenkins will be selecting work for this exhibition (deadline has passed for submissions sorry). There will also be a Visitor Choice Prize: the exhibitor who has the most ‘visitor choices’ will be given a surprise gift. (From Sat 9 May until Sat 20 June)

The Gate

Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm.

Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@ thegate.org.uk The Stroke Association Presenting seven to eight artists, each of whom have provised a selection of pieces to raise awareness of this charity’s work. (Until Fri 8 May) Nkini Pulei & Katherine Holmes Debut exhibition for people involved with TAVs Art, a Roath-based group who meet weekly. (From Wed 13 May until Fri 5 June)

Grand Pavilion

The Esplanade, Porthcawl.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Trinity Art Group The group have been working together for nine years (it says here) and have had successful exhibitions in a variety of locations.

(Until Sun 10 May) Jean Floe ‘Moving On’ An exhibition of new work by a local artist before she moves on to pastures new.

(From Tue 12 May until Sun 21 June)

King Street Gallery

33 King Street, Carmarthen.

Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk Turning Points The second exhibition from second year Fine Art students at Carmarthen School Of Art comes in two parts, with each week long exhibition showcasing the work of nine of the 18 artists involved. (Until Thurs 7 May) Julian Brown An artist well known for his landscape paintings as well as architectural works, Brown taught at Carmarthen School of Art in the Stained Glass and Graphics department. (From Fri 8 until Thurs 21 May) Carmarthen School Of Art Photography Department Nine second year photography students bring together work covering wildlife, portraits, street life, landscape and nighttime images. (From Fri 22 until Thurs 28 May) Andrew Douglas Forbes & Mick Morgan Collaboration between multi-talented Carmarthenshire painter Forbes and ceramic guru Morgan.

(From Fri 29 May until Thurs 18 June)

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre

St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Free. 01633 483321 / www. lgac.org.uk John Selay ‘Trans Iberia’ Retrospective exhibition looking at at this esteemed painter’s 50 years depecting the Peninsula.

Selway was part of a generation at the Royal College of Art that included David Hockney, Alan Jones, and Barry Bates (Until Sat 9 May) Sue Binns Craft showcase. Binns’ inspiration comes from Mediterranean pottery, Japanese fabrics and ceramics but mainly from 1950s Rye Pottery. (Until Sat 9 May) Jelka Quintelier By fusing jewellery and product design, fashion and illustration Jelka Quintelier work’s questions

adornment, wearability and how we relate to objects and materials. (Until Sat 9 May)

Martin Tinney Gallery

18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@artwales. com Sally Moore ‘Creature Comforts’ Barry-born painter who has been winning awards for her intricate style, depicting dramatic and intriguing stories of everyday life, since the 1990s; her exhibitions are infrequent (this one contains 18 new paintings) but a rarer treat for this. (Until Sat 9 May)

Mission Gallery

Gloucester Place, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free.

01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Cork Craft & Design Nuala O’Donovan, Lesley Stothers, Anne Harrington Rees and Tuula Harrington have work showcased in the Maker In Focus space. (Until Sun 10 May) Sean Puleston An attempt to create a sublime experience for the viewer through seemingly simple combinations of abstracted colour, light, space and sound.

(Throughout May) Paul Emmanuel & Craig Wood ‘Right Now!’ Exhibition which brings together again a group of Goldsmith’s graduates who, in 1988, presented a show titled Current at the Mission Gallery.

(Until Sun 7 June) Angela Maddock Maddock is particularly interested in how we might use craft practice, especially knitting, to question ideas about relationships. (From Tue 12 May until Sun 14 June)

National Botanic Garden Of Wales

Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. Daily 10am-6pm. £8.50/£7 OAP/£4.50 kids/free under-5s.

01558 668768.

Barcode Sculpture Located outdoors here, new work from nine artists from Sculpture Cymru. Each has made a response to the DNA barcode research by the Garden’s Head of Science & Research Dr. Natasha De Vere. (Until September)

National Museum & Gallery

Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff Maurice Marinot ‘A Passion For Glass’ French sculptor Marinot (1882-1960) was a pioneer in the development of glass as a studio art form. This exhibition will bring together 44 pieces of glass from various collections, including this museum’s own. (Until Sun 7 June) Cedric Morris Portraits A small display bringing together some of the extraordinary portraits by Morris (1889-1982) in the collection. (Until Sun 28 June) Fragile? Exploring the artistic and expressive possibilities of ceramic as a material, including the contradiction between two of its inherent qualities – durability and fragility. Includes various keys works from this museum, plus installations commissioned from Phoebe Cummings, Clare Twomey and Keith Harrison.

(Until Sun 4 Oct) *Chalkie Davies: The NME Years Welshman who came to prominence in the 70s as one of the UK’s top rock photographers, as the artform was developing. We

gave him four pages last month, and the cover. (From Sat 9 May until Sun 6 Sept)

National Waterfront Museum

Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 638950.

Sandfields: A Community Built On Steel A history of the Sandfields estate in Port Talbot, built to house the growing workforce of the steelworks. A collaborative project between pupils from Sandfields Comprehensive School, Swansea University, West Glamorgan Archive Service and the Museum. (Until Sun 14 June) Adriano Candelori Italian-born, Llanelli-based sculptor is honoured with a retrospective exhibition which will focus on the two series of Craftsman At work which he produced mainly in terracotta.

(Until Sun 12 July)

Newport Museum & Art Gallery

John Frost Square, Newport.

Tue-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport. gov.uk Feibusch’s Figures Preliminary drawings for a series of murals which Newport Council commissioned Feibusch to paint in Newport Civic Centre in 1960. Featuring 12 panels depicting the development of Newport, the council has so far resisted the urge to destroy them, which is nice.

(Until Sat 30 May)

Oriel Canfas

Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk Alun Hemming ‘Backwaters 2’ Sculpture, photo-digital and painted works. (From Sat 2 until Sat 23 May)

Oriel Davies

The Park, Newtown, Powys.

Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Free.

01686 625041 / enquiries@ orieldavies.org Craig Wood ‘Dear Olivia...’

New works which range from large-scale sculptural installation and video projection to delicate paper necklaces and painted maps, and address issues of nationalism, the individual and shifting power. (Until Wed 13 May) Sterly & Snell ‘Sounds Books’ Exploring the book as an object and the way it engages the senses. “Crack the spine. Strum the pages. Play the fragments of memories,” urge the artist duo. (Until Wed 13 May)

Oriel Joanna Field

Torch Theatre, St. Peter’s Road, Milford Haven. Free.

01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk Mark Griffiths ‘South Of Landsker’ Photography depicting the region which houses the Landsker line, an invisible but definite line which has been present for nearly a thousand years and divides the southwest corner of Wales from the rest of the country. (From Mon 4 until Sat 30 May)

Oriel Mwldan

Bath House Rd, Cardigan.

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free.

01239 621200 / siobhan@ mwldan.co.uk Cherry Pickles Self-portraits which incorporate roleplay, Pickles posing as writers including Thomas and Burroughs, and calling to attention such popular perceptions as the

heroic stature of the male artist. (Until Sat 16 May) Mark Eaglen: The Ethereal Closet Of Spacetime Mark Eaglen explores the relationship between art, science, technology and nature. This exhibition will include drawings, sculpture, digital and video works, alongside opportunities to interact

May) Open Art Exhibition Inaugural exhibition of this type here, featuring artists from both around the country and around the corner. (From Wed 20 May until Thurs 25 June)

Project Space

147 Commercial Street, Newport. Wed-Fri 10am-2am, Sat 10am-4pm. Free. 01633

The Project Space in Newport is found on Commercial Street and occupies one of the regrettably large number of boarded-up shops in the city, aiming to make lemonade from lemons via exhibitions and other arty happenings. From Mon 11-Fri 15 May, Justin Cliffe and Peter Farago host a communityinspired digital installation project there, entitled Hidden Cities. with the pieces. See Art for more. (From Sat 23 May until Sat 11 July)

Oriel Myrddin

Church Lane, Carmarthen.

01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Drawing 2015 Showcase for artists who use drawing as a primary method: Anna Barratt, David Begley, Kelly Best, Helen Booth, Julia Griffiths Jones, Anne-Mie Melis, Robert McPartland and Stephanie Tucknell. (Until Sat 27 June)

Oriel Q

The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www.orielqueenshallgallery. org.uk Tim & Sarah Williams Animation, film, music and installation. Main gallery 3D area: assorted ceramics and jewellery by students and well-known artists. (Until Sat 6 June)

Oriel Y Bont

University Of South Wales, Pontypridd. Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5.30pm, Fri 8.30am5pm. Free. 01443 480480 / www.gallery.southwales.ac.uk Valerie Coffin Price & Philip Gross ‘The River Next Door’ Collaborative exhibition of contemporary artwork by artist Price, with words by award-winning poet Gross, in response to the Taff Valley – accompanied by their new book published

by Seren. (Until Fri 15 May; closed on Fri 3, Mon 6, Tue 7 Apr and Sun 4 May) Ronald Lawrence & Anthony Stokes ‘From Coast To Valleys’ Contemporary photographs depicting Rest Bay, Porthcawl, and various locations in the Valleys. Stokes’ images feature in his book The Valleys (Seren, 2007). (Until Fri 15 May; closed on Fri 3, Mon 6, Tue 7 Apr and Sun 4 May)

Penarth Pier Pavilion

The Esplanade, Penarth.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2071 2100 / info@penarthpavilion.co.uk Penarth And The Barbarians Exhibition celebrating the 125th anniversary of the formation of Barbarians Football Club in 1890. (From Mon 27 Apr until Sun 17

656638 / www. theprojectspacenewport. wordpress.com/ Justin Cliffe & Peter Farago ‘Hidden Cities’ Communityinspired digital installation project in which Cliffe and Farago will collect memories, stories and recordings of people’s Newport-based memories, then create short pieces of video animation to correspond with the stories. (From Mon 11 until Fri 15 May)

Redhouse

Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com The Welsh Group Exhibition Showcasing a wide cross-section of conceptual approaches in contemporary visual arts practice and a range of working media. (Throughout May)

The Riverfront

Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Free. 01633 656757.

University Of South Wales Art Psychotherapy Exhibition The end of year exhibition for first and second year Art Psychotherapy students from said university.

(Until Mon 11 May) Creative Mindz Work by a not-forprofit organisation based in South Wales, encouraging young people to embrace their creativity. (Until Wed 27 May) USW School Of Art & Design 2nd Year Photographic Art Student Exhibition (From Fri 15 until Wed 20 May)

St Donats Arts Centre

St Donats Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. Free. 01446 779100 / www.stdonats.com The Physical The Metaphysical & The Astrophysical Hilary Bryanston, Ian Glendenning and Phillip Jacobs present a cross artistic disciplinary enterprise exploring various aspects of living and working in Wales. (From Wed 6 until Tue 26 May)

Swansea Grand Theatre

Singleton St, Swansea. MonSat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk

University Of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Swansea Showcasing work from the Graphic Design, Illustration and Surface Pattern Design and Textiles courses. (Until Fri 29 May)

Swansea Museum

Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 653763 / www. swanseamuseum.co.uk Rhiannon’s Legacy – For The Love of Horses Exhibition reflecting the close relationship that has developed between horse and human over 5,000 years, how the horse has shaped civilisation, and the local legacy of partnerships with the horse which survive today.

(Until Sun 21 June)

Taliesin Arts Centre

Singleton Park, Swansea.

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 12pm-6pm and performance evenings 6pm-8.15pm. Free.

01792 295526 / www. taliesinartscentre.co.uk The Watercolour Society Of Wales And France Following a successful joint show in Paris in 2013, this followup exhibition shows the contrasts and similarities of art from two great traditions of European culture.

(Until Sat 16 May) Michelle Scragg, Caroline Rees & Katie Allen Three established Swansea artists come together for an exhibition of vibrant paintings and delicate papercuts. (From Fri 22 May until Sat 4 July)

Tenby Museum & Art Gallery

Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids.

01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Connected Threads Featuring textile wortk from Laura Thomas, Julia Griffiths-Jones, Anne Sutton, Debbie Smith and Sian O’Doherty. (Until Sun 17 May)

Theatr Hafren

Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / boxoffice@theatrhafren.co.uk TACT Showcasing the artistic talent of young people in Wales who are in the care of TACT foster carers. This project began in 2011, when a TACT staff member started up a small arts group in Mid Wales and invited young people in care to join and express themselves through painting and drawing. (Until Sun 10 May)

Third Floor Gallery

102 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Wed-Sun 1-7pm. Free. 029 2115 9151 / cardiff. thirdfloorgallery@gmail.com Peter Jones ‘Welsh Farming Community’ Jones, a farmer and photographer in equal measure, has been working on this project since 1967, when he was 20. The project consists of photographs which have been made within a small area of Ceredigion and it shows how the Welsh countryside appears from an insider’s point of view.

(Until Sun 17 May)

Tower Gallery

Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc. co.uk Rhys & Janet Daniel ‘Tir/ Land: A Celebration Of Pembrokeshire’ Rhys studied art in Cardiff and Swansea, and has exhibited in Britain and abroad. Janet has written poetry, short stories, travel, BUZZ 61

clubs memoir, plays and a book about the year spent working in the Shetland Isles. Here, they’ve produced artwork and poetry inspired by the land and issues they feel passionate about.

(Until Sat 30 May)

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.

Lizzie Spikes Debut solo exhibition by an artist who paints mostly on driftwood. (Until Sat 30 May)

Wales Millennium Centre

Bute Place, Cardiff Bay. Free.

029 2063 6464 / www.wmc. org.uk Jon Pountney ‘Something Must Be Done’ A new body of work by a photographer who first exhibited at the Centre in 2012 with his Cardiff Before Cardiff project. This looks at the decline of industry and deptivation in south Wales, and is described in the press material as “essentially a biased and unfair reflection” of the region. (From Sat 9 May until Tue 9 June)

West Wharf Gallery

Jacobs Market, Cardiff.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. westwharfgallery@gmail. com Group Exhibition Featuring work from Richard Cox, David Gould, Tom Piper and Adrian Metcalfe and Eirian Llwyd, amongst others. (From Fri 15 May until Mon 15 June)

The Winding House

Cross Street, New Tredegar, Caerphilly. Tue-Sun 10am5pm. Free. 01443 822666 / windinghouse@caerphilly. gov.uk Our Duty To Bear: The First World War And Caerphilly County Borough Exhibition exploring how WWI affected men, women and children in this area. It will explore the impact of the war on the local area through objects, images, film and sound. (Until autumn TBC)

Workers Gallery

99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff. FriSun 10am-5pm. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail.com Glyn Brimacombe Mostly working with acrylic paint on canvas, Glyn’s work also features the use of ultraviolet reactive paint. This show is supported by Making Minds, an organisation that promotes the role of art and creativity in mental health, and will be in Porth next month. (Until Sun 17 May)

Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens

Off Penterry Lane, St. Arvans, Chepstow. Wed, Sat + Sun 11am-6pm. Free (charity donations welcomed). 01291 621242 / www.wyndcliffecourt.co.uk Spring Sculpture Show Talented local sculptors including Philippa MacArthur, Miranda Michels and Martin Duffy; new artists’ work including Joe Szabo, Andrew Findlay and MissFire. (Until Sun 27 Sept)

BUZZ 62

clubs The Angel Inn

57-59 Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth. 01970 617878.

Fri 8 Roughwood Records Presents The Alternate May Ball 9pm-4am. Co-hosted by local promoters Funk’d, the lineup for this is still TBC.

Bassment

Stow Hill, Newport. 01633 252252 / www. sixfeetunderclub.com Sun 3 Void 10pm-6am, £5/£3 before 12. Jungle, drum’n’bass and ragga from Lion UK, Inijungle, HC Crew, The sloth, Un-Cloned b2b Accuzation, Brownie, Riff Raff and Mcs Chew, Lektra and Fernquest.

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, which recently relocated to here from Undertone. *Thurs 28 Butterz 10pm-3am, £8 adv.

Top rated grime kinda label Butterz Records with a night featuring Kano (first time in Cardiff for ages) plus Elijah & Skilliam (first time in Cardiff ever maybe?). Nice. Saturdays Shake Shake 9pm-4am, £4/ free before 12. “Cocktail makin’ basslibe quakin’ booty shakin’ best credible Saturday night party!” Their words.

The Canadian

143 Pearl Street, Splott, Cardiff. 029 2045 3141.

Fridays DJ 45 Free. Rock, blues, metal, Americana and alt-rock spanning the decades, all played from the original vinyl.

Cardiff University Students Union

Park Place, Cardiff. All listings apply to term time only.

029 2078 1458 / studentsunion@cardiff.ac.uk Wednesdays YOLO 9pm-2am, £4/£3 adv/free before 11. New midweek club night promising both your favourite tunes and great offers. Good name, really on trend. Fri 1 Treatment 9pm-4am, £17-£27. With a large lineup of dance champs. Main room: Dusky, Waze & Odyssey, Paleman and SG Lewis. Side room: Lunacy, Preditah, NYTA, Klose One and Woo & Comfort.

Back room: MTA, TCTS, Kokiri, Fono and Signature DJs. Saturdays Flux 9pm-2am, £5/£4 NUS. Chart, dance and pop.

Cellar Door

Cardiff city centre venue TBC. 07977 131320 / cellardoorcardiff@hotmail. co.uk Sun 3 Cellar Door 10pm-4am, £10 adv. No longer in the Vaults down the bay, local house and techno favourites have found a new 1,000-capacity venue in town somewhere. You’ll have to wait until the day to find out where though. Mysterious!

Undercover DJs will take control of your bank holiday.

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. Fri 1 Society 10pm. Hardstyle, hard trance and other stuff that one day I will admit is better than the shit music I listen to. Lineup TBC. 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.

Clwb Ifor Bach

Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Fridays (bottom) Xerox 10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 NUS. A “party jukebox” night. With DJs, though, not an actual jukebox.

Fri 15 Roots 10pm-4am, £8/£5. New club night promising both quality music and strong, memorable visuals. It’s hosted by local house duo Bodhi, who’ll be playing a two-hour set and will be joined on the bill by Ifan Dafydd. Fri 22 Bullion 10pm4am, £8-£12. Drum’n’bass courtesy of Serum, Bladerunner and more TBC. Fri 29 Brooklyn Zoo 10.30pm-4am, £3-£5. Current and classic hiphop alike, selected by Patrick Nazemi. Saturdays 10pm4am, £5/£4 NUS. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter's proper disco. Sun 3 Time Flies Bank Holiday Allnighter 10.30pm5am, £10-£15 adv. Featuring Sonique (interviewed in the April issue), John Kelly, Craig Bartlett, Shane Morris, Dave Eaves and Jason King in room 1; Footlong DJs, Dave Jones and Uptonogood in the middle room. Sun 24 Lamerica 10.30pm-5am, £13.50 early bird.

Three floors of house and that.

Top floor: Joey Negro, Craig Bartlett, DMC and Mike Reed.

Ground floor: 30 years of house classics from CJ Mackintosh, CN Williams and Gareth Hopkins: Discopup bar (middle floor): Joey Negro will play a disco set and CJ Mackintosh will play an ‘anything goes’ set, plus Darren Stewart will be in there somewhere too.

KANO + ELIJAH & SKILLIAM Lunacy ft. Butterz @ Buffalo, Cardiff, Thurs 28 Tickets: £8. Info: 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff.com Butterz, arguably the eminent grime label to emerge since the genre’s mid00s heyday, is taking itself on tour late this month. Kano you’ll surely know if you had so much as a passing affiliation with grime: for a while, before Dizzee and Wiley started to have actual chart smashes, he looked as likely as anyone to be a breakout star. It didn’t happen, but he stuck to his guns, and is still a much-loved ambassador for the scene. He visits Cardiff (one of five UK dates) alongside Elijah & Skilliam [pictured]: a brace of DJs/producers who arrived on the scene circa 2008 as it was entering a slump, but helped to revive it by starting up Butterz Records. Many of its releases are essential, and E&S’ mix albums for Fabric and Rinse are worth hearing too.

The Color Festival

Splott Warehouse, Cardiff.

Info www.the-color-festival. com.

Sat 6 June The Color Festival 2pm-12am, £40/£30.

With a full lineup of young person-friendly DJs to go alongside the carefree chucking around of coloured dye bags, from where the name derives.

Oliver Heldens, High Contrast, Alex Adair and The Golden Boy are the names announced so far, plus resident DJs from CYNT, Purrmotions and New City Sound.

Courtyard

48 Cambrian Road, Newport.

01633 213161.

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Upfront dance anthems and “Urban Vibes”.

Fridays The Kickstart / Terrace Session Classic anthems, downstairs, Mr Ifsta plus allstar residents up on the roof terrace. Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy. Sundays The Sunday Session Upfront urban sounds from Courtyard residents.

DC / Maddison

71-74 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

029 2039 9399 / www. maddisondc.com Fridays Smack. 10pm-3am, £5/£4 before 10.30. Hit student night, helmed by residents Lawrence Jones and Mozafari, with all the associated zany activities and modern floorfillers that the clientele love.

Saturdays 9pm-5am, £5.

Dance anthems from various special guests and residents.

Dempseys

Castle Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 9253.

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 30 Twisted By Design 9pm2am, £3.50/£3 NUS. Monthly event with Gary playing the best in indie choons – Belle & Sebastian, Bowie, Cure, Dead Kennedys, summat like that.

This is its 15th birthday party.

Ruminate on THAT if you’ve been going from the start.

The Duke

8 Old Market Street, Neath.

01639 643892.

Sat 9 Converge 8pm, £8 adv. House and techno with headliners Truth Be Told, a Liverpudlian house duo, as well as Dean Morgan, Sean Morris, Sam Balla, Jason Wilkinson and Callum Gillings.

Fuel

5 Womanby Street, Cardiff.

0845 6430032 / www. givemefuel.co.uk Thursdays FUBAR 10pm2am. Rock, metal and alternative clubnight. Fridays +

Saturdays Rock and metal anthems each weekend, plus special guests when such types are in town.

The Full Moon / The Moon Club

Womanby Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3022 / info@ thefullmooncardiff.com Thursdays Hullabalooza 10pm-4am, free. Alternative party tunes. Fri 8 Submerge 10.30pm, £5. Featuring a headline set from London bass whomper Sukh Knight. See Clubs. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Free. DJ Puddlefunk with bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between. Sat 9 Before Diana Died 10.30pm-3am, £3.

The return of this intermittent 90s nostalgia night which plays both massive chart hits and things which fell through the cracks of credibility. Sat 23 Ultimate Power 10pm-4am, £4 adv. Power ballads-themed club night.

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).

Wednesdays HUMP 10pm3am, £3.50. This is billed as the most outrageous night ever to come to Cardiff, which they will achieve via drinking games and celeb DJ sets. Thursdays

Trend 9pm-3am, £4/£3.50. DJs Giggsy, Jordan Valleys, Sole and Willow play chart, indie and student anthems; r’n’b, house and old skool. This has replaced Propaganda I guess. Fridays Antisocial 9pm-3am. Level 1: r’n’b, hip-hop and mash-ups from DJ Sole and DJ Pro. Level 2: house, electro, dubstep and drum’n’bass from Ian Davies and DJ Rewire. Saturdays Vanity 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed.

Sat 30 features a guest DJ set from Danny Howard of Radio 1; Sat 6 June is a Mayfair Sessions special with Kenzie (the one who was in Blazin’ Squad) and Guy D’Angelo. Sun 3 Mayfair Sessions Bank Holiday Special 10pm-3am, £5-£10.

Featuring sets from hip-hop duo Krept & Konan.

The Globe

125 Albany Road, Cardiff.

07590 471888 / www. globecardiffmusic.com Fri 15 David Rodigan 8pm, £14 adv. Oxford’s most esteemed reggae selector tips up for what looks set to be a packed night.

Gwdihw

6 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff.

029 2039 7933 / www. gwdihw.co.uk Fri 1 Sure Shot 9pm, £3. “Rhythms rom the four corners” are promised courtesy of Harmonics. Fri 8 Superchango 9pm, £4/£3.

This month’s subtitle is “funk

events from the films”. Fri 22 Signor Funk 9pm, £3. This month’s guest DJ is Ben Potter. Fri 29 Pleasuredome 9pm-2.30am, £5/£3 before 11. Conroy, Deemo and Teoman play the electronic music of the 80s. Second of these nights, first was a success. Sat 2 The Mixtape 9pm-2.30am. House, disco and electro from Cardiff University’s Xpress Radio. Sat 9 Fat City & Sure Shot 9pm, £3. May’s headliners are Adam & Cuth, a soulful hip-hop duo. Sat 16 Péchés Mignons Presents Mise En Bouche 9pm, £3.

Featuring J Star, Shanti-Squire and MC Little Tree. Sat 30 Hully Gully 9pm. Featuring guests TBC. Sun 24 Delete 1pm, £15 adv. Toasting five years of nights, here’s a party happening in the day. Three out-of-town guests – Jovonn, Point G (live) and Lazare Hoche – are joined by Matt Owen, Marc Parsons and Lee Graves.

Jacob’s Market

West Canal Wharf, Cardiff.

029 2039 0939. *Fri 6 June Teak & Studio 89 Miami Vice Party This is hot off the presses as I write so all I can tell you is that it’s a daytime/evening affair, it follows a similar event last year which also had a Miami Vice theme, and Tornado Wallace and DJ Nature are the headliners, which is great.

Kuku Club

Park Plaza Hotel, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. Members’ club.

029 2011 1177 / www. kukuclub.co.uk Fridays Kuku is available for private hire on Friday evenings.

Get in touch with them via the website if you want to take advantage of this. Saturdays 10pm-4am, £5/free members (10pm-1am); £10/£5 members (after 1am). With DJs TBC. Sun 3 Sugar & Spice 10pm3am. “Vintage r’n’b” night for the bank holiday.

Ladybird

41 St Mary St, Cardiff. 029 2066 5500 / info@ ladybirdcardiff.com / www. ladybirdcardiff.com Fridays C-Y-N-T 10pm-5am.

Student clubbing favourites take up residency in a new venue. Residents: Josh Thomas, Andrew Watkins, Elliot Mitchell, Batesy, Tom Rees, Van Pelt, Highforthis and Gavin Woo. Saturdays Solution 10pm4am. A night whose flyer has a

Lava Lounge

The Old Brewery Quarter, Caroline Street, Cardiff. 029 2038 2313 / www. lavaloungecardiff.co.uk Fridays Circus Circus 9pm3am. “The best music from the best DJs in town” and, perhaps more importantly, cheap drinks. Saturdays 9pm-3am.

Commercial chart music and the best of the 80s and 90s is promised, as are various two for £6/three for £5 drinks offers.

Sundays Industry Sundays 9pm-4am. Folks in the bar, club and hotel industry can come here after work and party to the selections of DJs Rhys Lewis and DJ George.

The Lemon Factory (formerly The Underground)

37 St Helens Road, Swansea.

07969 671379 / www. lemonfactorybar.co.uk/ Fri 1 Dirtbox 9pm-5am, £10.

Featuring Kutski, Rob Davies, D-Grove v Rusty Nuttz, MCP, L3gendz, Chop & Change, D-Linquants, Abyss, Krypton, Madame Twisted and Ben Astill, plus hosts K-Ner and Skywalker.

Metros

Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates 9pm-4am, £5. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Fridays Subversion 9.30pm-3.30am, £3 with flyer before 10.30pm.

Drinks promos, no dress code.

Rock, punk, metal and alternative beats. Saturdays Slacker 9.30pm-3.30am. Wherein Hywel plays alternative and new music.

Meze Lounge

Market Street, Newport.

01633 213161.

Fridays Party Hard! 10pm5am. Party bangers across the spectrum of heavy sounds, courtesy of Aaron Lille and Megatron Tom. Saturdays 10pm-5am, £3-£5. Eclectic beats, indie anthems, Latin, hip-hop, reggae etc.

Minskys Show Bar

Cathedral Walk, St David’s Centre, Cardiff. 029 2023 3128 / www.minskysshowbar.com Fridays & Saturdays 8pm1am. Dancing and cabaret with regular drag acts including Tina Sparkle, Miss Babs and Jolene

The attempts of the Perc promotional crew to bring quality house and techno to Newport has secured them a loving audience. In the last year (approx), they’ve been throwing parties in warehouses and other unconventional (but classically rave) spaces. On Sun 24 May, you can find them at 108 Lower Dock Street for a great-sounding night headlined by Aussie techno bod Sebastian Bayne. 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.

Dover.

Mocka Lounge

Mill Lane, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 11am-late. 029 2022 1295 / www.mockalounge.com Thursdays The Social Affair

9pm-3am. Over-25s night with chart hits through the ages.

Fridays Timeless DJ Dan Nicholas plays r’n’b, funk, disco and old skool. Just old skool.

Saturdays Decorum Soulful and 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.

Perc

108 Lower Dock Street, Newport. www.facebook.com/ perc.newport *Sun 24 Perc 2-11pm, £8/£5.

Stealth techno action in a venue without a name. Australian DJ Sebastian Bayne will headline with a set of sweeping big room techno; Paul Blandford, Owen Kilby, Billy Jordan, Chris Cain and Richie Moulton complete the lineup. There’ll also be an afterparty (for ticket-holders) at Rift & Co on Griffin Street.

Pontardawe Arts Centre

Herbert Street, Pontardawe.

01792 863722 / www. pontardaweartscentre.com Sat 30 Swansea Scooter Society 8pm-12am, £7.50/£5 adv. A night of Northern soul with one of the most esteemed spinners from the genre behind the turntables: Russ Winstanley, who bossed the Wigan Casino during the 1970s.

Popworld

Wind Street, Swansea. MonFri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676.

Mondays Rock’n’Roller 9pm3am. Student night. Roll the dice and win a round of drinks.

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 8pm3am, £2-£4 (Fri)/£3-£5 (Sat).

Pryzm (formerly Oceana)

Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. 029 2023 3854 / www.pryzm. co.uk/cardiff Mondays BASS 10pm-3am, free before 11.30. Student night. on an urban tip and also featuring live acts. TFridays + Saturdays 10pm-3am. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff. Saturday is in conjunction with Jongleurs comedy club, which also takes place here.

Pulse

3 Churchill Way, Cardiff. 029 2064 1010 / www. pulsecardiff.com. Gay venue.

Wednesdays Warped 10pm4am. Join DJ Craig W on a journey through time with the best hits from the last two decades.

Fridays Pulsetastic 10pm5am, £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.

Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 9pm-3am. Exclusive midweek student party. You don’t need NUS to get in though. Fridays Nouveau 9pm-3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.

There’s also deep house and mashups from Sarah Louise and DJ Snooze, respectively.

Saturdays Saturday Mix Session Party in style with

table bookings.

Room 112 (formerly 411 Bar)

3-6 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Open Thurs 9pm-3am, Fri + Sat 10pm-4am. 029 2066 7996 / www.room112.net Fridays Bedrock 9pm-4am, £10/£5 before 12. R’n’b, hip-hop and dancehall. Saturdays Pillow Talk 9pm-4am, £10.

Old skool r’n’b, hip-hop, house and decadent partying is this night’s deal.

The Scene

Plymouth Street, Swansea.

07730 432166 / www. thesceneclub.co.uk Fri 1 + Fri 5 June Night Train 10pm-3am, £3. Swansea Scooter Society DJs play R&B, mod, soul, jazz etc on the first Friday of every month. Sat 2 + Sat 6 June Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month. Used to be in Sin City, is now in here.

Sin City

Dilwyn Street, Swansea.

01792 468892 / bookings@ alternativeswansea.com Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm3am, £3. Student night, back for the new term. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm3.30am, £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. Sun 3 Delusion 10pm-4am, £10 adv. Trance party-throwers bank on making your holiday euphoric. Main room: Ilan Bluestone, Genix, Ben Joseph, Callan Christie and Nic Lawson. Room 2: Detached present Wayne Hannigan, Teri Simmonds, Luke Tainton, Salty & Saunders, Kieran Lansley & Benny Lew and Owain Lawrence.

Soda Lounge

St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www.sodalounge. co.uk Tuesdays Cartel £4/£3.50.

UK-wide student night. Mr. Mozafari will be playing vocal house and electro upstairs; DJ Wallace will supply r’n’b and chart in the Soda Lounge.

Thursdays Clique 10pm, £4.

New night promising the hottest r’n’b and dancefloor fillers.

Saturdays Soiree 9pm-4am.

Three rooms including the Attic which is “the social playground for the high flyers and social elite, really the only place to be seen.” Imagine catching your reflection in the mirror just after writing that.

Tiger Tiger

Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-12.30am. 029 2039 1944 / www.tigertiger-cardiff. co.uk Every Day Lucky Voice Karaoke From £2.50 per session. The UK's leading private karaoke experience each day of the week. Fridays Koosday 10pm-3am, £7/£5. Something that has lots of decor, smoke machines etc and describes itself as an “Arrogantly Premium Clubbing Experience”. How depressing. Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc.

Troyfest

Baskerville Hall, nr Hay-OnWye. info@troyfest.co.uk / www.troyfest.co.uk Fri 1-Sun 3 Troyfest £89.50 (three days). Now established on the boutique festival calendar, here’s what Troyfest’s mix of live acts and DJs has for

you this year, with many more TBC. Mr. Scruff, Gilles Peterson, Molotov Jukebox, Bodhi, Bam (Jungle Brothers), Too Many T’s, DJ Moneyshot, By The Rivers, Smerin’s Antisocial Club, Pink Oculus, Zen Hussies, Big Swing Soundsystem, Smokey Joe & The Kid, Subculture Sage, Ratcatcher, Kaptin Is Dead, Hermigervill, Madame Electrifie, Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Cut Capers, The Future Dub Project, Clare James, Afro Cluster, Dave Little, Monty Carlo and Neil Navarra. Plus all manner of theatre, art, burlesque etc

Undertone (basement of 10 Feet Tall)

11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Mon 11 + 25 Indie Pop 10pm, £3. New fortnightly night offering indie, pop, alt-rock & experimental music from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Tue 5 + 19 Jams 10pm, £4/£3 before 11.

New fortnightly night of pop hits old and new, with drinks deals. Tue 12 + 26 The Mixtape 10pm-3am, £3 adv.

Eclectic tunes mixed by up and coming Cardiff DJs, presented

by Xpress Radio. Thus 14 Selecta 10.30pm-3am, £5/£3 before 11.30/£2 guestlist.

“Classic garage backed with a bit of big beat,” is what this new night promises. Is there a big beat revival in the offfing...?

Fri 1 Ritual 002 10pm-4am, £5. Multi-genre dance party from DJs Beekay, Rory Fisher, Varndell, Chips, Math Cosmic Girl, Link, Bootson-Caston and Kon-Next. Fri 8 Jilted 10pm, £3. This is the unofficial Prodigy afterparty and will feature DJs Stereoripe, Tribal Hooligan, Bassmonkey, Ben-Jah and Wowza playing sets which loosely complement what the raverock veterans have to offer. See Clubs. Fri 15 Castles Nights 10pm-4am, £7/£5. Techno from DJs MéndezisMz, Murder and Silver Red. Fri 22 Aether 10pm-4am, £3/£2 before 11.

Babadook, Haematoma and Gus Young are at the controls for the second party in this series.

Fri 29 Memorex 10pm-4am, £5-£10. Cuthead, The Organ Grinder, Scott Kerr, Sinky and JV are the men delivering the house jams for what I think is Memorex’s first night in this venue. See Clubs. Sat 2 Memorex Bank Holiday Basement Party 10pm-4am, £5 before 11. Marc Parsons, The Organ Grinder, Scott Kerr, Sinky and JV control things on Memorex’s first night of May, which I’ve listed after the second one because that’s how our formatting works. #dealwithit Sat 16 Release 10pm-4am, £5. House, electro and techno from Mathew O’Keefe, Vishaun & Trampy, Madame Twisted, Steve Howells, Dan 3Man and Corey S & Vinnie G. Sat 23 No Dange 10.30pm-4am. New night from the people behind City Bass, focusing more on grime, dubstep, garage and so returning to the stuff they were booking when they started, I guess. Not sure who’s billed at this one but their April night was fun as hell. Sat 30 Temple 10pm-4am, £7. New monthly night bringing biggish name drum’n’bass DJs to this venue.

Lineup TBC right now though. *Sun 24 Groove Theory 10pm-4am, £10 adv/£8 early bird. Chicago selecter Rahaan headlines tonight with three hours of rare disco, boogie, house and soul. Residents will be trying their best to keep up. Sun 31 Simple 10pm, £1.

Local DJs from varied genres showcase their talents.

Warehouse 54

Cambrian Rd, Newport.

01633 259144 / www.wh54. com Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Matt Kirke mixes up club-influenced beats from reggae to rock, d’n’b to dancefloor-led house. Friday Warehouse54 Live! A free festival-inspired mix of bass and live bands every week.

Saturdays The NPclubhop Soulful selections from the WH54 Soundsystem, alongside live guests and special events on selected dates.

Wow Bar

4 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

Gay venue. Free all day SunThurs; 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.

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. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

Bharata Natyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158.

Bingo Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Hosted by Jack Cooper.

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Churchill’s Hotel Bar, Llandaff, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. A friendly social group offering the chance to “liven up your social life and meet new friends” through a varied events programme including theatre, live music, walks, badminton, table tennis and pub nights. More info at www.cardiffivc.org.uk.

Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff. 7.4510.45pm, £7/£5 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. Sessions for a dance style billed as a combo of salsa, ballroom, hip-hop, tango and jive. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

Ceroc Dance Class Odyssey Nightclub, Swansea. 7.4510.45pm, £5. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-9pm. Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Sessions Cornwall Street Church Hall, Cardiff. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07952 752823. Led by Pauline Down and taking place most Mondays; ring ahead to check.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga Kings BUZZ 63

events Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.30-8.30pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@ hotmail.co.uk. Every Monday and Friday.

India Dance Wales Classes Highmead House, Lisvane, Cardiff. Info 029 2075 1158.

For Grade 2 to vocational level.

These classes are by special application only at various points in the month – not on specific days, hence listing them here. To apply write to admin@indiadancewales.com with previous dance experience and reason for wanting to join India Dance Wales.

Japanese Taiko Drumming The Riverfront, Newport. 4-7pm, £20 (four weeks). Info 01633 656757. 4-5pm: retired people; 5-6: stage 2 for 7-14-year-olds; 6-7: stage 1 for 7-14-year-olds.

No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

Making Music The Gate, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £7.50-£9.50 per session/£4 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Learn to play improvised rock and pop and basic chord sequences. Beginners 6-8pm; intermediate 8-10. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

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. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today features Youth Circus Ewoks (4-5 + 5.15-6.15pm, £6 per session); Youth Circus Wookies (4.306pm, £7 per session); Flying Trapeze (6-8pm, £12/£10 per session); Aerial Yoga (6.307.30pm, £11/£9) and Flexibility (7.45-9.15pm, £9/£7 per session).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Tours of the centre running daily for one hour. Advance booking recommended.

Pilates The Gate, Cardiff.

11.30am-1.30pm, £5.50-£7.50.

Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners for the first hour, intermediate for the second. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

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. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

Salsa Classes Mischiefs,

Cardiff Bay. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/intermediate.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine.

Info 029 2022 7227 / www. seewales.com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Monday, Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, ParcLe-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more.

St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm. Info 01446 799100. Choir rehearsals.

Tai Chi: Moving 5 Elements Qigong Glyndwr Community Hall, Penarth. 10.30-11.30am.

Info 029 2020 6042. New daytime class.

Tango Dancing Argentine Barocco, Cardiff. 8-10.45pm, £3/£1. Info 029 2023 7332.

Tang Soo Do Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 7-9pm.

Info 07734 557767. Learn traditional Korean karate; beginners welcome.

Welsh Lessons The Gate, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info 029 2048 3344. Every Monday afternoon and Tuesday evening.

Email info@learnwelsh.co.uk for more deets. No classes on Mon 4 or Mon 25.

SPRING, AUTUMN, SUMMER, WINTER: POP-UP LOVE PARTY Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 29 + Sat 30 May Tickets: £20. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org Love food? Love theatre? Love Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter: Pop-Up Love Party; the hint is in the name. This Intangible Studio and Zuppa Theatre production combines the delicate creation of a seven-course taster menu with remarkable theatre performances, extending a dinner invitation to all of your senses. It aims to recreate the days of Plato, when great minds came together; ate; drank; and contemplated new concepts. Daniel Burns is the Michelin-starred man behind the meal, and was the developer of new items on the Momofuku menu, a top Asian fusion restaurant in New York, so this evening will be anything but ordinary. This shall be accompanied by theatre curated by names such as James Tyson and Valmai Jones, and promises to be an indulgent affair.

BUZZ 64

Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. On tomorrow also.

Yoga With Valerie Price St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-9.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works.co.uk.

6.30-8pm: intermediate; 8.109.30pm: beginners.

Zumba Dance Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30-6.30pm, £5/£4.

Info 029 2087 7959.

EVERY TUESDAY

A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-11pm. Info 01495 243252.

Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm.

Info 07790 167560. Every Tuesday and Friday.

American Line Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 2.45-4.45pm, £3.

Info 029 2048 3344. No classes on Tue 26.

Belly Dance Classes Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.30-8pm, £6. Info 07872 306745. Mixed ability class with Steph.

Beth’s Buns Pilates Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

7.15-8.15pm, £8.50. Info 029 2048 4880. New class here every Tuesday.

Cardiff City Table Tennis Club – Student Session Cardiff City Table Tennis Club, Cathays, Cardiff. 8.30-10.30pm, £1. Info lawrenceccttc@gmail. com. New student night aiming to focus on the social aspect of table tennis.

Circus Skills The Riverfront, Newport. 7-8.30pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757.

For ages 14 and up. No class on Tue 26 Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday.

Contemporary Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8.30pm, £4.50£6.50/£2.50 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8.30. No classes on Tue 26.

Extend The Gate, Cardiff.

11am, £2.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Exercise to music, aimed at over-60s and people with a disability. No classes on Tue 26.

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 Classes Rubicon Dance, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to next level and for all ages and abilities.

Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717.

All instruments and ages welcome.

Kizomba Tango Classes 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Learn African samba here.

Life Drawing Sketching Session 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff.

6-7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea. 6-10pm. Info

01792 475147.

Little’ns Music The Riverfront, Newport. 9.4510.30am + 1.30-2.15, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757.

Introduction to rhythm and singing for babies, plus a chance to practice nursery rhymes. No classes on Tue 26.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (ground based skills, 4-6pm, £7 per session); Youth Circus Padawans (4.306pm, £7 per session); Hula Hoop (6-7pm, £7); Circus Mish Mash (6-8pm, £5) and Beginners Aerial (8-10pm, £11/£9).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Pied Piper Music The Gate, Cardiff. 10.15-10.45am + 1.302.15pm, £4.50 (morning)/£5 (afternoon). Info 029 2048 3344. Songs, games and music making for toddlers (morning) and pre-schoolers aged 3+ (afternoon). No classes on Tue 26.

Pilates And Stretch Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 8.15-9.15pm, £6. Info 07872 306745. With Steph; bring your own mat please.

Pilates: Beginners The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5.50£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. No classes on Tue 26.

Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk.

Salsa Classes Bar 44, Cowbridge. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5/£4.50 NUS. Info 07949 270618. Every Tuesday. 7.15pm beginners; 8.15pm improvers; 9.15pm intermediates.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Every Tuesday and Friday. This one visits Big Pit Mining Museum of Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park (including BBNP visitors centre).

Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm. Info 029 2020 6042. 6.30-7.30: Tai Chi Health Qigong – Ba Duan Jin; 7.45-9: Rattan Bo Tai Chi Qigong (Chi Kung).

Vassia’s Pilates M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff.

4-5.30pm, £5/£6.50 taster session. Info 029 2047 3373.

Welsh Lessons The Gate, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 029 2048 3344. No classes on Tue 26.

Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30-6.30 + 6.45-8pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 7.309pm, £8/£6.50. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

With Kalavathi Devi.

Yoga Share M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 5-7pm, £4 (suggested donation). Info 029 2047 3373. Led by Ashtanga practitioner Sarah Cleary.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

6-7pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth.

8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@yogaworks.co.uk . Mixed level class.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Fairwater Social & Athletic Club, Cardiff. 6-7pm.

Info 07891 712344. Led by Irene Davies, as is...

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes St Faith Church Hall, Llanishen, Cardiff. 8-9pm. Info 07891 712344.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252.

Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm, £30 (five weeks). Info 01633 656757.

No classes on Wed 27.

Ceroc Dance Class Dinas Powys Parish Hall, Cardiff. 7.3010.45pm, £5. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga Wake Up Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.15-8am, £7£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@hotmail.co.uk.

Life Drawing Sketching Session The Project Space, Commercial Street, Newport.

6.30-8.30pm, £5. Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.15-6pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.155pm; 14-18: 5-6pm. No classes on Wed 27.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (acrobatics, 4.15-6pm, £7); Acrobatics (6-8pm, £9/£7) and Handstands (8-9.30pm, £10/£8).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pilates The Gate, Cardiff.

6-8pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Concentrating on General Fitness. Beginners for the first hour; advanced for the second. No classes on Wed 27.

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). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Wednesday and Saturday. This one visits Caerleon, Caerwent, Tintern Abbey, the Wye Valley, Abbey Mill Craft Centre and Raglan Castle.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am + 7-9pm, £8/£6.50. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio. co.uk..

Yoga Trwy Gyfrwng Y Gymraeg Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works.co.uk.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

6-7pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea. 5.30pm, £3.50.

Info 07914 683534.

Zumba Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 6pm, £4. Info 07949 270618.

events EVERY THURSDAY

Ab Attack Class Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff.

6-6.30pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880.

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. No classes on Thurs 28.

Ceroc Dance Class Odyssey Nightclub, Swansea. 7.4510.45pm, £5. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com.

Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252.

Circuits Class Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6.457.45pm, £8.50/£8 NUS. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Thursday.

Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880.

Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 6pm.

Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk.

Hand Drumming Group Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff.

6-6.50pm, £15 (five weeks). Info 01446 401209. Hosted by Laura Bradshaw.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Handstands (6-7.30pm, £10/£8) and Performance (7.30-9.30pm, £10/£8).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pilates Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.157.15pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@hotmail. co.uk . Every Thursday.

Salsa Buena Class Eclipse, Penarth. 7.30-9.30pm, free. Info 07800 565651. New class, free for a limited time. Also features a Latin disco after the class.

Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5/£4.50 NUS. Info 07949 270618. 7.15pm beginners; 8.15pm improvers; 9.15pm Rueda.

Salsa Dancing Classes Revolucion De Cuba, Cardiff.

8-10pm, £6/£5 NUS. Info 029 2023 6689. Salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine.

Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Albert Road Church & Community Centre, Penarth.

6.30-9.15pm. Info 029 2020 6042. With Christie Butterick.

6.30-7.30: The 18 Movements Of Shibashi Tai Chi/Qigong; 7.459.15: Tai Chi Short Form.

Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi St Fagans Village Hall. 12-1pm.

Info 029 2020 6042.

Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff.

6-7.15 + 7.30-8.45pm, £8/£6.50.

Info info@yogaskies.co.uk.

Hosted by Mike Young.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 7-8am + 1-2.30, 6-7.15 + 7.30-9pm, £8/£6.50. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

EVERY FRIDAY

Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm.

Info 07790 167560.

Boys’ Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.45-5.30pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757.

Taught by Rubicon, for ages 6-12. No classes on Fri 29.

Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm. Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai.co.uk.

Children’s Tap/Ballet Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 10.30-11.30am. Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.4511.45am, £72/£48 (12 weeks).

Info 01446 401209.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.30-8.30pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@ hotmail.co.uk.

Little’ns Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 9.4510.25am + 10.30-11.15am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757.

No classes on Fri 29.

Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm. Info 01633 400685.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (aerial, 4.15-6pm, £7); Aerial Conditioning (6-7.30pm, £10/£8); Flying Trapeze Taster class (fortnightly, 6-8pm, £15).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464.

Older Adult Dance/Exercise The Riverfront, Newport.

11.15am-12.15pm, £2.80. Info 01633 656757. Low impact dance and exercise class aimed at the over 50s. No classes on Fri 29.

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. 7.308.45pm, £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

Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 9.30am.

Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk.

NoFit State Circus: Youth Circus Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff.

10.30am-12pm, £7/£6 per session. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. 10.3011.30am: Ewoks; 11.30am1pm: Padawans; 10-11.30am: Wookies.

Roath Real Food Market Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff. 9.30am1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine.

Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

St Mary Street Cardiff Market St Mary Street, Cardiff.

11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2019 0036. Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and bric-a-brac.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

8-9.30am, £6.50. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

With Kalavathi Devi.

Youth Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 12.45-3.15pm, £28 (seven weeks)/£25 (six weeks).

Info 01633 656757. For ages 8 to 16, across two classes (youngest first). No classes on Sat 30.

EVERY SUNDAY

Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50.

Info 07837 937351.

Ballet For Beginners Dance Studio, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2-3.30pm, £6/£15 for three classes. Info info@ burlesquecardiff.co.uk. Hosted

by Stephanie of Burlesque Cardiff.

Bridgend Undercover Car Boot Sale Multistorey Car Park, Bridgend Town Centre.

7am-12pm, free (selling cars £6; selling cars with trailers £10).

Info 01656 661338.

Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £12. Info 029 2048 4880.

Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £12. Info 029 2048 4880.

Farmers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans.

10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Welsh producers sell their wares every week at this brand new market.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre.

6-10pm. Info 01792 863722.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Prince Of Wales Building, John Street, Cardiff.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Jedis (mixed circus skills, 12-2pm, £7) and Youth Circus Jedis (performance, 2-4pm, £7).

Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine.

Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Sunday Board Games Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Weekly session featuring a mixture of competitive and co-operative games.

FRIDAY 1

Art Opinions Service National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

2-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Bring in a piece of art for opinions/referrals by the Art Department.

Baby Mice Song Time National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am, free. Info 01792

463980.

Beer & Cider Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. Eclectic summer ales from (mostly Welsh) craft breweries, plus refreshing ciders, are promised here over four days. (Until Mon 4) Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership). Info 07526 141392 / www.cardiffivc. org.uk. Meeting here on the first Friday of each month.

Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. Info 01685 725106. Quality produce from no more than 50 miles away, on the first Friday of each month.

Fragile? In Conversation National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Julia Manser talks about an exhibition currently on here.

Get Quizzical The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 01497 821762. Pub quiz on the first Friday of every month.

Gymnastics: Aerobic Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am5pm. Info 0300 3003127. (Until Sun 3) Lecture: Josef Herman’s Artist Contemporaries In Wales The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 7pm, free. Info 01639 843163. Annual lecture

by Dr Ceri Thomas.

Little Mice Club: Plants & Flowers National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609. A walk through woodlands, ruins and graveyards, on every Friday and Saturday this month.

Museum Late Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. Until 9pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. New monthly venture in which people will be able to explore the museum and have a pint (at a pop-up bar) while they’re doing it.

Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Teaming up with NoFit State Circus, the collective of foodie sorts who held a residency at the Depot late last year are back, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May and June.

Tenovus Zipwire Experiments St Davids Hotel and Cardiff Bay. 9am-4pm, £35 to enter. Info 029 2031 3051.

Charity event organised by Tenovus.

Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £5 (adults). Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly day for toddlers with a special theme each month, May’s being the circus.

SATURDAY 2

Bank Holiday Windsocks National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Make a colourful windsock. (Until Mon 4) Beer & Cider Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. (Until Mon 4) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Mon 4) Cardiff Zombie Walk The Ernest Willows, Roath, Cardiff (starting point). 12pm. Info www.zombiesw.co.uk. Are you bored of zombies yet? No? Then this is the event for you!

Starting in the Wetherspoons on City Road, a common haunt of

the undead all year round, the walk meanders into town and finishes in the evening with a charity gig at the Full Moon.

Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island. 10am-3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111. Every first Saturday of the month.

Craft Fair Community Hall, Neath. 10.30am-3.30pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail.co.uk.

Craft Workshops Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

10am-12pm + 2-4pm. Info 01792 463980. Creating a craft project inspired by Dylan Thomas’ work, with tutor LisaMarie Evans. Adults’ session in the morning; kids in the

original arts and crafts, also on Sat 30.

Raising The Maypole National History Museum, St Fagans. Free. Info 029 2057 3500. Folk dancing on Gwalia Green.

Red Route March Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil (starting point) to Roath, Cardiff (finishing point). 10am, free. Info 01685 384111. “An artist-led march for our right to arts and culture,” say organisers Made In Roath.

On tomorrow also.

Roath Spring Street Food Night Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 7982. Not much specific info on this yet, but it’s a

From Fri 22-Mon 25 May, Cardiff’s Full Moon venue has a Rum Festival. As in a celebration of the alcoholic spirit rum, not a festival which is a bit dodgy. The chaps at the venue claim they’ll be getting over 100 guest rums in, which is a pretty vast haul by anyone’s standards, and there’ll be music by reggae, Cuban-styled and pirate-themed bands.

afternoon.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Stoke City Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Don’t give Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune the gasface, take a closer look at them in this show.

(On weekends until Sun 17) Gymnastics: Aerobic Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am5pm. Info 0300 3003127. (Until Sun 3) Handmade Craft & Gift Market Tabernach Chapel, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-4pm. Info uniquefairs@gmx.co.uk.

International Dawn Chorus Day National History Museum, St Fagans. 5.30am, £8. Info 029 2057 3500. See what St Fagans is like reet early in the morn.

Price includes breakfast.

Lambing On An Organic Farm Farm venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £40/£20 kids. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Mon 4 and Sun 10.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Meet The Woodcarvers National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Mumbles Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea. Info brmakinson@ ntlworld.com. Also on Sat 23.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

8.45-10.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Thurs 7, Thurs 14, Fri 15, Thurs 21 and Sat 30.

Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am4pm, free. Info enquiries@ pigstreetcrafts.co.uk. Selling

followup of sorts to a night the Cardiff Farmers’ Markets team did in Riverside in December, so will probably be a bit like that.

Seed Sowing National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

Go with the children (under-7s, specifically) on a treasure hunt in space to find a big red spot, to ride on a comet’s tail and ride a moon buggy. (On weekends until Sun 17) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Welsh Encontro 2015 Various locations, Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay. Info 07460 571388. The folks behind Samba Galez present three days of percussion, dance and carnival arts workshops; street performances; and a gig in Portland House on Sun 3. More info at www.sambagalez.info/ encontro2015. (Until Mon 4) Wyndcliffe Court’s May Charity Ball Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens, St Arvans, Chepstow. 7.30pm, £25 adv. Info 01291 621242. Charity event in aid of Help For Heroes.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

Find out why skin becomes spotty, why noses get snotty and why we go to the potty in this bodily emissioned-based show.

(On weekends until Sun 17)

SUNDAY 3

Bank Holiday Windsocks National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Until Mon 4) Beer & Cider Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. (Until Mon 4) Beer Fest West End Club, Barry. 5pm. Info 07561 143114.

Featuring 16 guest beers, five ciders and a live set from The Flares.

BUZZ 65

events

AFTER a couple of lean months gig-wise, May is shaping up to be good for roots music lovers, with a plethora of gigs featuring artists from near and far. There’s also plenty of evidence that summer is on its way with the festival season getting into full swing; and there are several of those to be enjoyed over the coming weeks.

Things kick off in considerable style with the free Calan Mai Folk Festival (Fri 1-Mon 4) at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay with some of Wales’ finest: among them Rag Foundation, Gwyneth Glyn and Robin Huw Bowen. That’s closely followed by Newport’s Tredegar House Folk Festival (Fri 8-Sun 10) with Pete Coe, Steve Tilston and Allan Yn Y Fan. The Attitude Festival in Merthyr Tydfil (Sat 9) has Peggy Seeger and Clive Gregson, while Fishguard Folk Festival (Fri 22-Mon 25) is host to The Urban Folk Quartet, Calan and The Hut People.

Festivals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and if the idea of spending a weekend in a field with the great unwashed fills you with dread there are plenty of more civilised alternatives. Among them is the welcome return of Scottish singer Emily Smith to Cardiff.

Emily Smith’s early childhood was spent dancing at ceilidhs before she started out on piano, and later piano accordion, at the age of seven. But it wasn't until her late teens that she discovered her singing voice. Moving to Glasgow in 1999 to study at the Royal Scottish Academy Of Music and Drama, in 2002 she was named BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician Of The Year. The accolades continued as she won the USA Songwriting Competition in 2005, Scots Singer Of The Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2008, and was nominated twice in the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Last year Emily released her fifth album Echoes to great critical acclaim. A return to her love of traditional song, it highlights her gift for finding a personal connection in these passed-down, anonpenned words that lie at the heart of her craft.

Featuring her regular accompanists plus guests including Jerry Douglas, Kris Drever, Tim Edey and Natalie Haas, it’s an album that’s unshakably Scottish but which also has much wider horizons as you’ll discover when she takes to the stage at St. David’s Hall on Tue 12 May. Buzz also recommends BELLA HARDY WITH THE DAWN BAND Acclaimed singer and band. The Welfare, Ystradgynlais (Thurs 7) SECKOU KEITA Award-winning kora player.

Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. (Fri 15) CLIVE GREGSON Superb singer-songwritery. The Angel Hotel, Llandeilo (Thurs 21) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 7677

BUZZ 66

Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Mon 4) Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400.

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 6) Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran.

1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. On tomorrow also, as it’s a bank holiday. (On weekends until Sun 17) Gymnastics: Aerobic Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-5pm. Info 0300 3003127.

(Finishes today) Healthy Food Pop-Up Restaurant Pen-Y-Lan Pantry, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £45. Info info@realfrankfood.com.

Presented by Romy of Real Frank Food. The evening also includes health teaching.

Introduction To Canine Scent Training Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event.

Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair City Hall, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, £2/under-12s free. Info www. thevintagefair.com.

Made In Spring Plasnewydd Road, Roath, Cardiff. Free.

Info 029 2045 5473. Made In Roath’s annual mini festival celebrating all things springtime, promising “events, artist interventions, stalls, food, celebration and ritual”.

Red Route March Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil (starting point) to Roath, Cardiff (finishing point). 10am, free. Info 01685 384111.

Rugby Union: SSE SWALEC Finals Day Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. 1pm, £10/£5 under-16s. Info 08442 777888.

Featuring three Welsh club rugby finals: the SSE SWALEC Bowl (1pm), the Plate Final (3.15) and the SSE SWALEC Cup Final (5.35pm).

Settle Into The Landscape – An Intimate Tour Of The Beacons Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event.

Also on Sun 24.

Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092.

A Good Day Out event. On tomorrow also, and on Sun 31.

Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Again, on tomorrow also.

(On weekends until Sun 17) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Welsh Encontro 2015 Various locations, Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay. Info 07460 571388. (Until Mon 4) Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. On tomorrow also, also.

(On weekends until Sun 17)

MONDAY 4

Bank Holiday Windsocks National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. (Finishes today) Beer & Cider Festival The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. (Finishes today) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Finishes today)

Cowbridge May Fair The Bear Field, The Broad Shoard, Cowbridge. 10am-5pm, free/£20 to set up a stall.

Info 0845 8336763. Charity/ community event organised by Llantwit Major & Cowbridge Lions Club.

Craft And Gift Fair Margam Park Orangery, Port Talbot. £40/£25 to set up a stall. Info 01639 881635.

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 6) Cystic Fybrosis Cardiff Bay 5 Mile Run Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4pm, from £5 to enter. Info 029 2166 0790.

Floralia National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon.

11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3550. Celebrate a Roman festival with eating, drinking, games to play, fighting to watch and contests.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Lambing On An Organic Farm Farm venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £40. Info 01874 749092.

May Day Carnival Whitchurch Common, Cardiff.

11am-5pm, free. Info www. welshhearts.org. Family event organised by, and in aid of, the Welsh Hearts charity.

Northern Lingo Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. This is a night which seems to feature people playing bingo and speaking in Yorkshire dialect.

Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092.

Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Welsh Encontro 2015 Various locations, Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay. Info 07460 571388. (Finishes today) 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.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17)

TUESDAY 5

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 6) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980. Come along to discuss authors and books old and new. Also on Tue 12 and 19.

Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences Gallery Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995. Also on Tue 19.

WEDNESDAY 6

Ask The Gardener: Pricking Out Seedlings National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Finishes today) Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sun 10, Tue 26 and Sat 30.

Pop Up Produce Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3-8pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Monthly market highlighting the wares of local food producers.

Psychic Sally St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £23.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. Sally Morgan is investigational and the show is for the purpose of entertainment.

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 20.

Stories By Gaslight Gas Gallery, Aberystwyth. 8pm, £5.

Info peterstevensonart@gmail. com. Monthly storytelling club, this month featuring Peter Stevenson, Elsa Davies and Ceri Owen Jones.

Surrealist Parlour Games Gas Gallery, Aberystwyth. 7.3010pm, £3. Info 01974 261279.

Each session features a different combination of activities involving collective and joyous improvisation, based on parlour games that the Surrealists played and classic theatre warm-up exercises.

THURSDAY 7

Cardiff Animation Nights 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.

Screening screenings of short animated films Oh Willy, The Obvious Child and Two Films About Loneliness.

First Thursday Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400. New poetry, fiction and memoir sessions, this month featuring readings from Damian Walford Davies, Lesley Saunders and Joao Morais.

Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Every Thursday this month.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45-10.45pm, £15.

Info 029 2057 3500.

Online Influence Conference 2015 City Hall, Cardiff. 8am-7pm, £199 early bird. Info 0845 8057345. Wales’ largest social media and new technology event returns for its second year.

Pick’n’Mix Allsorts Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2039 7933. Multi-discliplinary creative arts showcase, presented

by Cwtch.

Quiz In My Pants The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Pub quiz, also on Thurs 21.

Quiz Night Hobo’s, Bridgend.

7.30pm, £1. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Weber Grill Academy Essential Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £100.

Info 01443 222716. Presented as part of Angela Gray’s Cookery School, this takes you through grilling, roasting, smoking and baking techniques; it’s on tomorrow also, plus three dates in June.

FRIDAY 8

Art Lunchtime Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Talk by Emyr Davies, Senior Conservator of Furniture. He’s talking about an 18th century sideboard.

Clare Whistler: Meadowbook Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 7pm, free. Info 01239 615952.

Performance art event featuring poetry reading, dancing

and a flute score.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Niall McCann Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01874 611622. Tv explorer talks about his various feats of derring-do.

Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Weber Grill Academy Essential Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £100.

Info 01443 222716.

SATURDAY 9

*Abacus Fundraiser Day The Abacus, Cardiff. 1pm-1am, pay by donation. Info 07934 011061. This venue is great, and deserves a financial legup to keep it ticking over, not least because it got broken into twice recently. Here’s an alldayer to aid that. It features an art auction, workshops, a jumble sale, food, chai and live music from Junior Bill & The Scallies, The Brwmys, Third Party, One Time Alive and Efa Supertramp.

Adventures In Cheese And Wine Pen-Y-Lan Pantry, Cardiff.

7.30pm. Info 07854 724980.

An evening offering “a flight of five grilled cheese sensations, carefully paired to a flight of three wines.”

Attack! Pro Wrestling: Now That’s What I Call Wrestling 37 Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff.

3pm, £17.50. Info 029 2037 3144. This will be sold out by the time you see this, at least the Attack! guys reckon so.

Attitude Festival Redhouse, Penderyn Square, Theatr Soar and Merthyr Library, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-10pm, £15. Info 01685 384111. Music-and-more festival organised by Geoff Cripps and Allan Yn Y Fan. Hightlights among the lineup include June Watkins, Peggy Seeger (only date in Wales), Railroad Bill, a National Theatre Wales Scriptwriting Workshop and Delyth & Angharad Jenkins (DnA).

Caerphilly Food Festival Caerphilly town centre. 10am5pm. Info 01443 866390. Food stalls, cookery demos, kids’ activities, all business.

Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm.

Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow.

8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Craft Fair St. John’s Church Hall, Cymmer, Porth. 10am3pm, £10 to set up a stall. Info audmorgan19@aol.com.

Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly.

9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month.

Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

10.15pm, £14. Info 07538 878609. Also on Thurs 28 and Fri 29 this month.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Jewellery: Pewter Casting Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Mandy Nash.

Judo: Welsh Open Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff.

9am-6pm. Info 029 2033 4945.

Kidsmarkets Family

events Sale Ararat Centre For The Community, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 11am-12.30pm, £1/ kids free. Info 07760 802088.

Featuring 26 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items.

Lino Printing Workshop M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £40. Info 029 2047 3373. Learn how to create an original lino print from an image of your choice with printmaker Eleanor Whiteman.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Martyn Crucefix & Richard Gwyn The Drill Hall, Chepstow. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info www.poetryontheborder. org. A Poetry On The Border event.

Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

Nimble Fingers Craft Fair Victoria Hall, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 07790 298913. On the second Saturday of every month.

Quilt Club National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am1pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) South Wales Lacemakers National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Sowing The Meadow / Family Fun In The Meadow National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Sow poppy seeds and survey the bug life.

Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Talk At 2 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Richard Higlett and Thomas Williams talk about the exhibition currently showing here (see Art listings).

Also on Sat 23.

The Great Roath Bake Off 2015 St Andrews Church Hall, Wellfield Road, Cardiff. 10am4.30pm, £3.50 to enter. Info wayne_courtney@hotmail. co.uk. Fifth consecutive year for this popular baking competition.

Treasure Chest Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Kids’ activities.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17)

SUNDAY 10

Football: Wales Veterans Cup Finals Ystrad Mynach Sports Centre. 2pm (over-45s) / 4pm (over-40s). Info hernij@ gmail.com.

Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Gin & High Tea Tasting 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, £20.

Info 029 2022 8883. For your crisp twenty you’ll get to try five fancy gins and have cakes, sandwiches etc.

Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092.

Lambing On An Organic Farm Farm venue TBC,

Brecon Beacons. £40/£20 kids.

Info 01874 749092.

Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10am-3pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Merry May’s Vintage & Handmade Emporium National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Morris Minor Mania National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

The Nurture Show QE High, Carmarthen. 10am-3pm, free.

Info 07904 018490. Birthing and parenting show which emphasises a natural and positive approach to fertility, pregnancy, birth and parenting in West Wales.

Traditional Afternoon Tea Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, £12 per person. Info 029 2087 7959. Taking place on various dates all through the year. A minimum of two people need to book.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17)

MONDAY 11

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.

TUESDAY 12

Behind The Scenes: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Music Matters Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 entry. Info 029 2039 7933. Pop quiz, held every month.

Poetry Night Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Info 01792 863722. Hosted by Glyn Roberts and with special guest Richard James Jones.

WEDNESDAY 13

Ask The Gardener: Staking Perennial Plants National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Chinwag Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £2.50-£5. Info 01970 623232. Open mic event featuring poetry and prose Love Your Bike The Abacus, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £20. Info hello@greencityevents.co.uk.

Bike maintainance course, hosted by Green City Events.

What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 8883. New open mic night incorporating music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, cabaret etc. Also on Wed 27.

THURSDAY 14

Bad Biddies Bingo 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2. Info 029 2022 8883. “Hello dears, Vera and Dilys here – freshly rejected from the WI and here with a brand new bingo night held every second Thursday of the month at 10 Feet Tall...” you get the idea.

Booklaunch: Richard

Owain Roberts Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Launching a collection of stories, All The Places We Lived, published by Parthian.

Celebrity Golf Day Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff. £200 to enter (team of four). Info info@gthc.org. uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event; price includes breakfast and dinner.

Your four-person team “can include a celebrity”.

Dylan Day Activities Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

10am-4pm. Info 01792 463980.

Featuring two guided tours and the fourth edition of the Under Milk Wood Twitter Exchange.

Dylan Day Fun Mochyn Du, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 07989 591874. Extracts from Under Milk Wood, presented

by Theatr Silures.

Football: Cardiff Academicals & Wales Veterans International Tournament University Playing Fields, Ball Road, Llanrumney. Info hernij@ gmail.com. Visiting teams from the Czech Republic and Germany join the Academicals and Wales Veterans in a short game tournament. (Until Sun 17) Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45-10.45pm, £15.

Info 029 2057 3500.

SWDFAS Lecture: The Art Of The American Civil War Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

2pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400.

Lecture by Tricia Passes.

The Full Moon Against Humanity The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. A session playing the wilfully offensive card game Cards Against Humanity.

FRIDAY 15

An Afternoon With Kev Johns Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 2pm, £8. Info 01792 475715.

Art Lunchtime Talk: An Introduction To Chinese Jades National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. Talk by Penelope Hines.

Football: Cardiff Academicals & Wales Veterans International Tournament University Playing Fields, Ball Road, Llanrumney. Info hernij@ gmail.com. (Until Sun 17) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45-10.45pm, £15.

Info 029 2057 3500.

Museums At Night Science Special National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 6.30pm, £3.50. Info 01792 463980.

Open Mic Night The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £2. Info 01495 355800.

Sessions The Riverfront, Newport. 5-11pm, £1. Info 01633 656757. Boutique market and open mic night.

So You Think You’re Smart?

Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7pm, free. Info 01495 243252.

Quiz night, every third Friday of the month.

Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Toddler Day Foyer, Wales

Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Wine Tasting Evening National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 7pm, £15/£12.50.

Info 01792 463980.

SATURDAY 16

Boutique Gift Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also.

Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm. Info 01495 753782.

Bushcraft & Survival Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £90.

Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sun 31.

Cardiff Vegetarian Festival Mackintosh Hall, Roath, Cardiff. 6pm-12am, free. Info cardiffveggie@mail.com.

Return of this annual event. live music is in the offing, as well as vegetarian and vegan food stalls.

Creative Industries Careers Day National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Football: Cardiff Academicals & Wales Veterans International Tournament University Playing Fields, Ball Road, Llanrumney. Info hernij@ gmail.com. (Until Sun 17) Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Global Village Festival Various locations, Merthyr Tydfil town centre. 11am, £3-£15. Info www. merthyrtydfilglobalvillage.org. uk. Annual event aiming to give “newer and longer-term residents of Merthyr the opportunity to engage in physical and art based activities, draw on Merthyr’s rich heritage, learn from each other, foster community cohesion and show another side of the borough.”

Gwyl Gwanwyn Festival Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. Annual festival celebrating creativity in old age. On tomorrow also.

Hawk Walk Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £45. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sat 30.

Kidsmarkets Family Sale Cowbridge Leisure Centre.

11am-12.30pm, £1/kids free.

Info 07760 802088. Featuring 40 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items.

Lia’s Kitchen Bring Your Own Jar Cooking Workshop & Lunch The Abacus, Cardiff.

11am-2pm, £35. Info 07870 131558. Three hour workshop teaching you how to sterilise your own jar, preserve lemons and cook an easy vegetarian tagine dish.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Nantgarw Craft Fair Nantgarw China Works. 11am3pm, free. Info deb_0001@ hotmail.co.uk. Every third Saturday of the month.

Penydarren Steam Loco National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Roller Derby: British Championships double Header Cwmbran Stadium.

Info riotcityravens@gmail. com. In which Bath Roller Derby Girls take on Bridgend Roller Derby and, hosting team Riot City Ravens face Wiltshire Roller Derby.

Roman Weekend Cardiff Castle. 10am-5pm, £2-£6. Info 029 2087 8100. Offering a vivid flashback to 2,000 years ago when the Castle was a Roman fort. On tomorrow also.

Royal Welsh Show Spring Festival Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £14/£12 adv/£5 kids. Info 01982 553683.

The number one event for smallholding, gardening and sustainable living, they reckon.

There’s a dog show too. And lots of horses. On tomorrow also.

Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Talk: For Empire, Glory And Religion – The Great Siege Of Malta 1565 National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Talk by Helen J Nicholson.

Tenovus Cancer Care Goodnight Walk Cardiff City Stadium (starting point), Cardiff. 8pm, £12. Info 029 2076 8860. Charity walk of either five or 10 miles.

Registration starts at 8pm, the walk itself at 10pm.

Vintage & Craft Fayre Bethel Baptist Church, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 10.30am3.30pm, free. Info info@gthc. org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event.

Wales On Wheels National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Vehicles of all kinds gather at the Museum.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (On weekends until Sun 17)

SUNDAY 17

Boutique Gift Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Developing Stitched Text Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £30. Info 029 2048 4611. With Lisa Porch.

Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Manchester City Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 1.30pm.

Info 0870 400004.

Football: Cardiff Academicals & Wales Veterans International Tournament University Playing Fields, Ball Road, Llanrumney. Info hernij@ gmail.com. (Finishes today) Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Gwyl Gwanwyn Festival Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am, free.

Info 029 2063 6464.

Hedgerow Forage With A Wild Food Guru Venue TBC, Talybont-on-Usk. £15/£10 kids.

Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event.

Roman Weekend Cardiff Castle. 10am-5pm, £2-£6. Info 029 2087 8100.

Royal Welsh Show Spring Festival Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £14/£12 adv/£5 kids. Info 01982 553683 Space Hunters Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Step Out For Stroke Newbridge Fields, Bridgend.

Free/£10 donation to set up a stall. Info jolene.davies@ stroke.org.uk. Annual event in

aid of the Stroke Association, featuring performances throughout the day, children’s carnival and a Community Fair.

Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff. 2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Sunday Sunday Gwdihw, Cardiff. 2-6pm, £3/£2 kids.

Info 029 2039 7933. New family-friendly event with live music and food.

Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758.

Yucky You! Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 18

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380.

(Until Thurs 21) Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

How To Talk To The Dead Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. A part comedy, part magic show fronted by Ash Pryce as part of a UK tour, and hosted by Skeptics In The Pub. Science Cafe: Hilary Rogers Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. On “the fleeting beauty of flowers”.

TUESDAY 19

Behind The Scenes: Art National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380.

(Until Thurs 21) Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

10.30am, free. Info 01792 463980.

Script Cafe Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Info 01792 863722. Monthly night.

Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995.

WEDNESDAY 20

Ash The Gardener: Late Spring Care Of Roses National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380.

(Until Thurs 21) Netball: Primary Schools Final Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 0300 3003125.

Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr.

8pm. Info 01495 753629.

Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info 07429 598414. A chance for you to go along and see what you might get out of this adventure, activity, sports and social group.

The Troll Quiz 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Jordan Brookes, this is a new quiz with no winners or losers.

Unusual Edibles The Abacus, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £20. Info hello@greencityevents.co.uk.

Eirlys Rhiannon of Eating Our Gardens will introduce you to many exciting possibilities.

Hosted by Green City Events.

THURSDAY 21

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Essex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380.

(Finishes today) Golden Years Tea Dance Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 1.30pm, £4. Info BUZZ 67

events 01792 475715.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 1 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 10am. Info 01497 822629. As ever, there’s no freakin’ way we can list everything that’s happening here, so go to www. hayfestival.com for a full fix. You can have a look Upfront as well.

Highlights today include several daytime discussions with an ecological/environmental/philosophical slant, plus a Battle Of The Bands in the evening which Bethan Elfyn is hosting. (Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 1 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 6pm.

Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. The opening day of this now-established “art and ideas” festival, covered in greater detail in this month’s festival guide, features a Philosophy Session with Oliver Burkeman, Erwin James and Helen Lederer, plus live music from Sion Russell Jones, Serafina Steer and Tankus The Henge. Go to the website for a full list... sorry pompous celebs for not listing you here, I need the space to tell people which pubs cover bands are playing in.

(Until Sun 31) Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

8.45-10.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Music Geek Monthly 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly album listening sessions, now in a new venue.

Music Networking Event Dempseys, Cardiff. 7pm, free.

Info 029 2023 9253. If you are involved in music and feel the need to network, email liz@ fizzievents.com to book a place.

Nia Ann will also be playing a short set here.

Quiz In My Pants The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, £2. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Rhyme & Reason Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Regular monthly event in which a range of people come together to exchange ideas, words and their favourite poems.

Special Interest Day: Patrons Of Opulence Cardiff Castle. £35. Info 029 2087 8100.

Day of lectures about the Butes of the 19th century.

FRIDAY 22

Beer & Cider Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2075 5015. (Until Mon 25) Cricket: T20B – Glamorgan v Essex SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 2 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 10am. Info 01497 822629.

(Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 2 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 7pm. Info www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv.

(Until Sun 31) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Murder Mystery Evening Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm.

Info 01685 384111.

Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

The Full Moon Rum Festival The Full Moon, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Fourday event featuring over 100 BUZZ 68

rums, which I’m pretty certain is more than I’ve ever seen in one place. There’ll also be live music, today from Fiesta Resistance, which is the best possible name a band playing a rum festival could have. (Until Mon 25) Untitled: Holy Hiatus 8 Small World Theatre, Cardigan.

4-10.15pm, pay by donation.

Info 01239 615952. Six-hour performative event with movement practitioner/visual artist Maura Hazelden; her previous collaborator on this, singer/ sonic artist Lou Laurens, died last year.

Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £7.50/£6 adv (£25/£20 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival. wordpress.com. Over 100 ciders and perries from across Wales (plus a few from outside).

Gotta drink ‘em all. Today also features music from 4th Street Traffic and Elvis Preseli. (Until Mon 25)

SATURDAY 23

Art & Craft Fair Old School Hall, Sully. 2-6pm, £20 to set up a stall. Infohelenbailey876@ yahoo.co.uk.

Beer & Cider Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2075 5015. (Until Mon 25) Big Hunt On The Big Tip Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 11.30am-1pm & 2pm-3.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3650. Discover what lives on Coity Tip and take part in an OPAL Citizen science survey.

Book & Plant Swap National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. On tomorrow also.

Book Club National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am1pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

This month’s book is Border Country by Raymond Williams.

Cardiff Craft & Hobby Show Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, £4.50. Info 07841 013609. On tomorrow also.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow.

8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370.

Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Draw what you’d like to see in a new Natural Sciences Gallery. (Until Sun 31) Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. This half term, find out what happens when things get really hot and, conversely, really cold.

(Until Sun 31) Garden Trugs Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am4.30pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Melanie Bastier.

Gymnastics: Welsh Trampolining Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am6pm. Info 0300 3003127. On tomorrow also.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 3 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 10am. Info 01497 822629.

(Until Sun 31) Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092.

How The Light Gets In: Day 3 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am.

Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. (Until Sun 31) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Mumbles Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea. Info brmakinson@

ntlworld.com.

Natural History Open Day National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

Meet lots of interesting nighttime animals in this show for under-7s. (Until Sun 31) Sow A Seed National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. On tomorrow also.

Stargazing With An Astronomer Venue TBC, nr Brecon. £55. Info 01874 749092.

A Good Day Out event.

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 Sun 31) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Talk At 2 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400.

The Full Moon Rum Festival The Full Moon, Cardiff. 12pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. today features live pirate music.

(Until Mon 25) Vintage Fayre Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 01685 384111.

Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £9/£7.50 adv (£25/£20 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival.wordpress.com.

Today features music from The Bakestones and one more TBC. (Finishes today) Welsh Wrestling Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7.30pm, £10/£8 under-16s. Info 01446 738622.

Yachting: IOCA Team Racing Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. 10am2pm, free to spectate. Info 029 2087 2087. (Until Mon 25)

SUNDAY 24

Art Car Bootique Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am-6pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Lots of local creative folks will sell you things, plus there’s live music, DJs, performance, food etc.

Hosted by Something Creatives.

Beer & Cider Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2075 5015. (Until Mon 25) Book & Plant Swap National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

11am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Cardiff Craft & Hobby Show Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.

10am-4pm, £4.50. Info 07841 013609.

Ceramic Buttons Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-1pm, £55. Info 029 2048 4611. With Gill Oakley.

Cowbridge Food And Drink Festival 2015 Arthur John Car Park, Cowbridge. 9.30am5.30pm, £5/£8 both days. Info 07875 290428. Posh food for posh people. Nah, I’m just messin’ with ya, you can go. Maybe put a nice shirt on or something. On tomorrow also.

Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Sun 31) Dylan’s Swansea Guided Tour Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea (starting point).

10.30am, £4-£10. Info 01792 463980. Presented by Fluellen and finishing in the No Sign Wine Bar. Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Gymnastics: Welsh Trampolining Championships Welsh

Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am6pm. Info 0300 3003127.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 4 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 9.15am. Info 01497 822629.

(Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 4 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am.

Info www. howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. (Until Sun 31) Laced 2 Boiler House Graffiti Gallery, Cardiff. £3. Info 07977 138587. Featuring sneakers/ trainers stalls/displays, clothing stalls, live hip hop, art, film, graffiti, b-boys, bmx/fixies, locally sourced food and drink and an onsite barbers.

Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Sow A Seed National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

The Full Moon Rum Festival The Full Moon, Cardiff. 12pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. today features live music from The Barefoot Bandit. (Until Mon 25) 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 2015, presaging many more marginal rural challenges (bog snorkelling, man v horse racing etc).

Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £9/£7.50 adv (£25/£20 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival. wordpress.com. Today features music from The James Clode Band, The Bleedin’ Noses, Ragsy, Steve Wurzel & The Scrumpy Swillers, Calum Ross & The Scarlets and Tobias Robertson. (Until Mon 25) Yachting: IOCA Team Racing Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. 10am2pm, free to spectate. Info 029 2087 2087. (Until Mon 25)

MONDAY 25

Bank Holiday Super Hero Family Fun Day Margam Country Park, Port Talbot.

10am, £6/£4 kids and OAPs. Info 01639 881635.

Beer & Cider Festival The Discovery, Lakeside, Cardiff.

Free. Info 029 2075 5015.

(Finishes today) Cowbridge Food And Drink Festival 2015 Arthur John Car Park, Cowbridge. 9.30am5.30pm, £5/£8 both days. Info 07875 290428.

Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Hay Festival 2015: Day 5 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info 01497 822629. (Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 5 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv.

(Until Sun 31) Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome).

Info 07412 346054.

Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Slings & Arrows National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-3pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. Make a working model of a catapult and have

a go at archery in the garden.

(Until Fri 29) South Wales Dog Charity Fun Day Fonmon Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9am, £10 per car.

Info fonmoncharitydogshow@ gmail.com. Presented by Cardiff Canine Citizens.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) The Full Moon Rum Festival The Full Moon, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. today features acoustic music and DJs as whatever rum that’s left is polished off. (Finishes today) Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. In [current prime minister]’s Britain that’s all we’ll be able to afford, folks!

(Until Sun 31) Vintage Bank Holiday Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-9pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Activities for children, dance lessons, live performances, vintage films and cars and much more.

Welsh Perry & Cider Festival Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £7.50/£6 adv (£25/£20 adv for four days). Info welshciderfestival.wordpress.com. Today features music from The Skimmity Hitchers, Fight The Bear, Chris Summerill, iPlod and Dan James. (Until Mon 25) Yachting: IOCA Team Racing Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. 10am2pm, free to spectate. Info 029 2087 2087. (Finishes today)

TUESDAY 26

All Hands On Deck Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. Half term activity in which kids can make a giant ship out of cardboard and paper. (Until Sat 30) Behind The Scenes: Archaeology National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Sun 31) Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Food In War National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Find out about what people ate during WWI and have a go at making some yourself.

Also on Thurs 28 and Fri 29.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 6 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 9.30am. Info 01497 822629.

Today features Rachel Podger, Amitav Ghosh, Gillian Clarke, Jonathan Sacks, Alexander McCall Smith, Per Petterson, Gerbrand Bakker, Mary Portas, Anthony Holden, Melissa Cole, Terence Blacker and Catrin Finch. (Until Sun 31) Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092.

How The Light Gets In: Day 6 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am.

Info www.howthelightgetsin. iai.tv. Today features Frank Field, Brooke Magnanti, Salena Godden, Julian Baggini, the inevitable conversation between Alan Yentob and Salman Rushdie, Doon Mackichan, Michael Horovitz, Climbing Trees, Polly & The Billets Doux, Labi Siffre and Tania Edwards.

(Until Sun 31) Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Poetry Launch: Ellen Davies Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info

029 2039 7933. Launching a pamphlet called Accent.

Slings & Arrows National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-3pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. (Until Fri 29) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 31)

WEDNESDAY 27

All Hands On Deck Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Appalachian Jack Tales With Alan Hoal Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £4.25£8.50. Info 01970 623232.

Spoken words/storytelling from a geezer from southwest Virginia Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 31) Boxfull Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Multimedia comedy/improv night hosted by Dan Mitchell.

Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Sun 31) Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Free Family Drop In Workshops Mission Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm. Info 01792 652016. Produce art inspired by artist Angela Maddock’s installation, Mothers Are Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing. (Until Fri 29) Fringe Fest Folk Workshops Murchfield Community Centre, Dinas Powys. 10am, £3 adv.

Info 07765 513424. Part of the Dinas Powys Fringe Festival, which runs here until Sat 30.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 7 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 10am. Info 01497 822629.

(Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 7 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv.

(Until Sun 31) Natural History Lunchtime Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. ‘The history of life in Wales in 10 fossils’ by Dr Caroline Buttler.

Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Slings & Arrows National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-3pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. (Until Fri 29) Spoon Carving Woodland Day Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons National Park. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) St Fagans Heritage Craft Festival National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 31) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2022 8883.

THURSDAY 28

All Hands On Deck Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30)

live music Booklaunch: Contemporary Welsh Plays Porter’s, Cardiff.

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Hosted by The Other Room, the book is edited by edited by Tim Price and Kate Wasserberg.

Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 31) Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Sun 31) Diane Lazarus Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01874 611622.

Dragon Tales Cardiff Castle.

10am-5pm. Info 029 2087 8100.

Kids’ activities.

Eddie Argos The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com. A spoken word set by the singer of indie band Art Brut. The strapline says he’ll be “telling you how to form a band and get famous”. Cynics might suggest that he has only actually done the first of those. He seems fairly self-aware though so that might be part of his point, or something.

Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Food In War National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Free Family Drop In Workshops Mission Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm. Info 01792 652016. (Until Fri 29) Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

10.15pm, £14. Info 07538 878609.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 8 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 10am. Info 01497 822629.

(Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 8 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv.

(Until Sun 31) Meet The Gardener National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Slings & Arrows National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-3pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. (Until Fri 29) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Taith Iaith National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. Monthly session for Welsh learners.

Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 31)

FRIDAY 29

All Hands On Deck Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Beer & Cider Festival The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major.

Free. Info 01446 792230.

Featuring a “plethora” of different ales and ciders, many of local provenance. There’ll be bands playing as well. (Until Sun 31) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 31) Cricket: T20B – Glamorgan v Hampshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380.

Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Sun 31)

Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Food In War National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

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.

Free Family Drop In Workshops Mission Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm. Info 01792 652016. (Finishes today) Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

10.15pm, £14. Info 07538 878609.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 9 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info 01497 822629. Today features John Crace, Ben Okri, the Elias Quartet, Marcus Brigstocke, Nicola Barker, Steve Punt, Dan and Peter Snow, Frank Turner (talking to Bethan Elfyn and later playing live), Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, Neil Gaiman, Clive Anderson, Harvey Goldsmith and David Mitchell (the novelist). (Until Sun 31) How The Light Gets In: Day 9 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am.

Info www.howthelightgetsin. iai.tv. Today features Berit Brogaard, Julian Barber, Eileen Barker, Robin Hitchcock, Rupert Sheldrake, Alfie Connor, RSVP, Moulettes, Pat Cahill, Luke Sital-Singh and That Pair. (Until Sun 31) Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8.45pm, £10.

Info 07538 878609.

Merthyr Rising Merthyr Tydfil town centre. Info 01685 722176.

Back for a second year and now on for three days, this fest marks the rising of 1831 with “a series of events featuring inspiring thinkers and thoughtprovoking speakers and debates will be held alongside talented artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers.” George Galloway is here at some point too. (Until Sun 31) Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Parrot Pandemonium Cardiff Castle. £3. Info 029 2087 8100.

Featuring macaws, cockatoos, African greys and a kookaburra, during timed slots all day.

Slings & Arrows National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-3pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. (Finishes today) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

Talk: Traditional Fishing In Wales National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

The Big Splash The Riverfront and nearby locations, Newport.

8pm. Info 01633 656757. First of three days of this annual Newport family festival. This evening starts with live music on the cafe terrace and a cabaret show in the main theatre from Slightly Fat Features.

(Until Sun 31) Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 31)

SATURDAY 30

All Hands On Deck Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Beer & Cider Festival The

Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major.

Free. Info 01446 792230. (Until Sun 31) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 31) Craft Fair Cowbridge Town Hall. 9.30am-4.30pm, £22 to set up a stall. Info phil@walespictures.com.

Craft Fair St Mary’s Church, Swansea. 10.30am-4pm, free.

Info ariancrafts@hotmail.co.uk.

Creative Use For CDs & DVDs Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £30. Info 029 2048 4611. With Helen Foroughi.

Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Sun 31) Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 31) Fleece To Felt Day Farm venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £45/£30 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event.

Hawk Walk Brecon Beacons National Park. £45. Info 01874 749092.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 10 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info 01497 822629. (Until Sun 31) Heavy Metal Mayhem Science Show National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

1 + 3pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Hosted by The Blowfish, a “heavy metal marine biologist” who appears in CBBC. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092.

How The Light Gets In: Day 10 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. Today features (Until Sun 31) In Conversation: Paul Emmanuel & Craig Wood with Jonathan Watkins Mission Gallery, Swansea. 2pm, free. Info 01792 652016.

Iron Age Food National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. A seasonal look at what our ancestors in the Iron Age would have eaten at this time of year. On tomorrow also.

Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point).

8.45pm, £10. Info 07538 878609.

Merthyr Rising Merthyr Tydfil town centre. Info 01685 722176.

Live music today comes from The Barry Horns, States and Empires, Mr. Phormula, Henry’s Funeral Shoe, Finger Trap, Chapel Row and Paint Happy.

(Until Sun 31) Museum Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

8.45-10.45pm, £15. Info 029 2057 3500.

Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth. 10am4pm, free. Info enquiries@ pigstreetcrafts.co.uk.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Until Sun 31) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

5-11pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

The Big Splash The Riverfront and nearby locations, Newport.

12pm. Info 01633 656757.

(Until Sun 31) Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sun 31)

Vintage Art And Craft Fair Plough Chapel, Brecon. 11am3pm, £12.50/£10 to set up a stall. Info helenbailey876@ yahoo.co.uk.

SUNDAY 31

A Safe Summer Afternoon With Giovanni Giovannis Restaurant, Park Place, Cardiff.

2pm, £25 adv. Info 029 2002 0685. Charity event hosted by the SAFE Foundation and featuring a prosecco reception, live music from the Jazz Soul Patrol band, magician Kieron The Mighty, a three course Italian dinner, an auction and raffle and DJ Liam Curtin, plus celebrity guests to be confirmed.

Beer & Cider Festival The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major.

Free. Info 01446 792230.

(Finishes today) Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-5.30pm.

Info 029 2087 7959. (Finishes today) Bushcraft & Survival Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £90. Info 01874 749092.

Cardiff Geek Party Gwdihw, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Monthly gaming night focusing on retro consoles.

Cricket: CC2 – Glamorgan v Northamptonshire SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 3 June) Design Your Science Gallery National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Finishes today) Fire & Ice Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Finishes today) Food & Craft Market Llanyrafon Manor, Cwmbran.

11am-3pm, free. Info 01633 648562.

Funkypump Fitness: World Record Attempt Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. Info chris@ funkypumpfitness.co.uk. This is an attempt to break the record (1.165 people as things stand) for the most people doing this exercise craze in one place at one time. It’s in aid of Velindre Cancer Care.

Hay Festival 2015: Day 11 Various venues, Hay-On-Wye. 9am. Info 01497 822629. Today features (Finishes today) How The Light Gets In: Day 11 The Globe Hall and surrounding area, Hay-On-Wye. 7pm. Info www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv. (Finishes today) Iron Age Food National History Museum, St Fagans.

11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Merthyr Rising Merthyr Tydfil town centre. Info 01685 722176. Live music today comes from The Plan, The Dole Age, Moonbirds, Plasterscene, Kid Crimson and Florence Black.

(Finishes today) Night & Day Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Finishes today) Scratch Platform Dempseys, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2023 9253. A platform for performing artists of all live disciplines who want to test out new works and need an audience.

Email rowan@fizzievents.com to book a place.

Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092.

Sing For Water Cardiff Oval Basin, Cardiff Bay. 12.30pm, free. Info info@singforwatercardiff.org. Hundreds of singers from choirs all over Wales (and further afield) will gather together to sing and raise money for WaterAid. The day will start with a session of busking around the Bay, followed at 2pm by the mass choir singa-

long on Roald Dahl Plass.

Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475.

(Finishes today) Street Food Circus Old Stable Yard, John Street, Cardiff.

2-10pm. Info info@ somethingcreatives.com.

The Big Splash The Riverfront and nearby locations, Newport.

11am. Info 01633 656757.

Various fun activities in three zones along the riverbank, funfair rides, activities celebrating urban arts etc. For the first time this year, it’s also teaming up with the Maindee Festival, which will include a street parade starting at 11am.

(Finishes today) Three Cool Things To Make With A Lolly Stick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12.30-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Finishes today)

live music FRIDAY 1

Amy Wadge & Pete Riley Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.45pm, £8.50-£14. Info 01646 695267. Welsh acoustic rock duo. In Swansea on Fri 15 and Sat 16.

Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Calan Mai The Old Market Tavern, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2037 1263. Folk session.

Calibiri Soul Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144.

Climbing Trees + Jodie Marie St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7pm, £10/£8 adv. Info www.newsoundwales. com. Local acoustic rock/ pop acts, presented by New Sound Wales. This church is extremely close to their house, which I know because it’s even closer to mine. Keep it quiet when leaving please. *Colin Currie Group St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16.50. Info 029 2087 8444. The world’s leading interpreters of Steve Reich’s music (it says here) tackle four of his works.

Daz Cortina The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

ELO Again Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £20 adv. Info 01600 719401. A tribute to ELO. Ffli Stock The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, from £2.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Three-day festival in aid of Shauna Griffiths. Today features Reconcile, Deaf Horse, Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux, Digital Criminals, Last Vendetta, Dodgem-X and Glass Giants.

(Until Sun 3) Final Fling + Grim Citizen The Garage, Swansea. 8pm, £3 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Gareth Evans & Bella Collins Duo The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195. Live music is now here every Friday.

Glas Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Gospel Concert Extravaganza Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7pm, £3. Info 01792 602060.

Helen Whitmore Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 1pm, £6.

Info 01633 868239. Lunchtime recital.

Johnny Cash Roadshow

Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.

7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01633 868239.

Kantref St Fagans Village Hall. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2023 2970. Pentreffest Noz folk session.

Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month.

Nights + Paint Happy Le Pub, Newport. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01633 221477.

Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com.

A Valley Folk Club night. Also on Fri 29. *Red Sun Festival The Moon Club, Cardiff. 6pm, £20 adv (three days). Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. The wide pantheon of heavy guitar music is represented here, with some 50 bands spread across three days. Running order is still TBC as I write but here’s who’s on: Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, Opium Lord, Thought Forms, Bast, Diesel King, BongCauldron, Hogslayer, Spider Kitten, Bismuth, Lifer , The Death Of Her Money, PIST, Anta, Steak, Art Of Burning Water, Prosperina, Trippy Wicked & The Cosmic Children Of The Knight, Desert Storm, Thorun, Oblivionized, Human Cull, Atomck, Siege Mentality, Suns Of Thunder, Nomad, Towers Of Flesh, Grand Collapse, Baron Greenback, Repo Man, Isolation Tank, This Ends Here, The Brackish, Vena Cava, Blind Haze, Akb’al, Grifter, Alunah, Blue Collar Decade, Lacertilia, Ten Foot Wizard, Tides Of Sulfur, Valfader, Gulah, Teef, Haast’s Eagled, Gung Ho, Heil Zilla, Widows, Boss Keloid, King Beef, The Air Turned to Acid, Goat Leaf, VAILS, Arke, Clay Statues, Elephant Tree, Dead Shed Jokers, The Cosmic Nod, Pizzatramp, Not Since The Accident, Attercopus, Godbomber, Conjurer, The Judas Cradle and Tradish.

(Until Sun 3) Rhydian Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £27. Info 0800 0147111. In Blackwood on Sun 10.

Rock Factor Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375.

Sacred Voices 2: Cardiff University Chamber Choir – The Bach Family Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, £8/£5/free NUS. Info 029 2087 4816. John Hugh Thomas conducts a programme of music by several members of the Bach family.

Slackjaw Kiwis, Cardiff.

9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. *Super Furry Animals + The Magic Numbers Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £30 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. First of three dates on noted Welsh group’s return quest. All three are sold out.

(Until Sun 3) The Brotherhood feat.

Taylor & Bongo Pete Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672. First of the weekly Friday gigs at this bar during May; this band are also here on Fri 29.

The Deitrich Letters Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01600 772467. The songs of Marlene Deitrich, sung

by Marina Laslo.

The Duke Basie Experience The Yard, Cardiff. 9.15pm, free.

Info 029 2022 7577.

The Elvis Years Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £16.50-£21.50. Info 01792 475715. Featuring Mario Kombou as the big E. The Fureys Theatr Hafren, BUZZ 69

live music

LATE NIGHT MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff, Thurs 21 + Thurs 28 May Tickets: £5. Info: 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/cardiff If you’re looking for a cultured evening, something to make the sprint finish to the weekend more of a jog, then these two gigs may be for you. They aim to let you experience the museum in a new way, providing you with live music entertainment to accompany your exploration through the wealth of exhibitions and collections. Thurs 21 and 28 will be headlined by alternative rock Cardiffians Threatmatics, and electronic avant-pop artist Gwenno, respectively. The first evening will also have supporting acts Ratatosk and AAH, whilst the second will see Junior Bill & The Scallies and Mike Dennis.

You get the unique opportunity to see some homegrown talent, whilst being surrounded by art, culture and history: a nice change from the four walls of a dark bar.

Newtown. 8pm, £18/£17. Info 01686 614555. Irish fare.

The Last Of Us The Patriot, Crumlin. 7.30pm. Info 01495 247178. In Neath tomorrow.

The Searchers Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £20/£19. Info 01656 815995. In Blackwood tomorrow.

Trwbador + Little Arrow The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3-£5. Info 01497 821762.

Will & The People Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 01792 468892.

Wooden Arms + Ivan Moult + Dusty Cut Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Acoustic indiefolk stuff.

Zervas & Pepper The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Local Laurel Canyon-styled acousto-rockers who we gifted a page of editorial to last month.

SATURDAY 2

Adam Khan & Michael Bochmann Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

12.30pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0845 2263510. Llanelli District Music and Drama Club performance.

Aubrey Parsons The Sycamore Tree, Cowbridge. 9pm, free. Info 01656 652827.

Beyond The Marches Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £8.75-£17.50. Info 01970 623232. Elan Rhys, Patrick Rimes, Georgia Ruth Williams, Archie ChurchillMoss, David Gibb and Lucy Ward all feature in this celebration of new Welsh and English folk. In Cardiff tomorrow.

Calan Mai Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Featuring, in order: Dawnswyr Bro Taf & Dawnswyr Nantgarw, Gwyneth Glyn, Gareth Bonello & Richard James, Dawnswyr Bro Taf & Dawnswyr Nantgarw and Rag Foundation. (Until Mon 4) Calan Mai National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Featuring a set by Lowri Evans.

Caroline Cooper The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

CC Smugglers The Yard, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Celebration Gala Concert Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

6.45pm, £10-£20. Info 01792 475715. Charity gig for the Dementia Supportive Community in Swansea, featuring Rebecca Evans, Ariosa Singers, Pontarddulais Male Choir and the Muscial Memories choir.

Ffli Stock The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 12pm, from £2. Info

gigs@thedragonffli.com. Today features Black Water Chemistry, Jack Ellis, Valentine Roots, Signal Flare, Them Dead Beats, The Johnstown Flood, AmericA, Nova, Big Sky, Rob Pennington, Jamme Summers and Kieran Marsh. (Until Sun 3) Groove-A-Matics New Panteg Rugby Club, New Inn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £10/£8 members. Info 01633 483238. A Borough Blues Club gig.

Home Service Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £18/£16. Info 01873 850805.

Folk-rock.

Houdini Dax + Tree Of Wolves Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7.50. Info 029 2089 0862.

Howl Griff + Sling Shot + The Mams + Ceri James The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £3. Info 01267 231012.

Jon Langford + The Hurriers + The Meg Cox Band Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01633 221477. Ya boy from The Mekons and other good ventures headlines.

Killer Queen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Queen tribute band.

Last Vendetta The Patriot, Crumlin. 7.30pm. Info 01495 247178.

Manu Delago Homemade + Tryfan + Albatross

Archive Dempseys, Cardiff.

8pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 9253.

Mike Peters The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

This is sold out. *Red Sun Festival The Moon Club, Cardiff. 5pm, £20 adv (three days). Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Until Sun 3) Street Cardinals Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Super Furry Animals + The Magic Numbers Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £30 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. (Until Sun 3) The Big What Band Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

The Boogilators Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 07818 056599.

The Last Of Us The Duke, Neath. 8pm. Info 01639 643892.

The Searchers Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £18/£17. Info 01495 227206.

The Special Brew Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 01443 682388. Bad Manners tribute band, presented by Born Events.

Ugly Duckling + Triple Dot Beast + Niel Savvy The Garage, Swansea. 10pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 475147. Japey US old-skool hip-hop group. In Cardiff on Wed 13.

SUNDAY 3

2 Rude The Globe, Cardiff.

3pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

This will feature a full day of bands playing, but they’ve not said who yet.

Belle & Sebastian + Dum Dum Girls St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25. Info 029 2087 8444. Indiepop royalty who we wrote about in the April issue of Buzz. DDG are a keenly chosen support band.

Beyond The Marches Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11.50-£13.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

Boot Led Zeppelin The Garage, Swansea. 9pm, £12 adv.

Info 01792 475147. Zep tribute band faithfully replicate their 1975 Earls Court gig.

Calan Mai Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1-6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Featuring, in order: Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Robin Huw Bowen, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Triawd and René Griffiths, Dylan Fowler & Edward Jay. (Until Mon 4) Dustin Kensrue Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £18.50. Info 0871 4720400. Frontman of the band Thrice.

Feels Like Summer Festival Gwdihw, Cardiff. 2pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Punk and indie fodder over two stages. Outdoor Stage: Johnny Foreigner, Kutosis, Mutiny On The Bounty, Samoans, Wasters and The Spills. Indoor Stage: My Grey Horse, Uncle Luc (Stagecoach), How I Faked The Moon Landing, Esuna, Enquiry and Rough Music. Plus Grl Tlk DJs after until 3am.

Ffli Stock The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 12pm, from £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Today features Bag Of Bones, Venus Mountains, Burnthru, Freeway Mad, The Chasing Dark, Live Rounds, Black Forge, Ghosts As Alibis, Magnu, 3MPH, Tobias Robertson and Georgia Paterson. (Finishes today)

Mayfield The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Mike Pilley The Yard, Cardiff.

9.15pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Peasant’s King + Valleyers + Chris Ridgeway Dempseys, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2023 9253. *Red Sun Festival The Moon Club, Cardiff. 5pm, £20 adv (three days). Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

(Finishes today) Retrospect Kiwis, Cardiff.

9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Rock’n’Restoration Mini-Fest Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. £5 adv. Info 07512 237983. Lots of bands (Otherside, Now And Then, Dodgem-X, Plasterscene, Smokestack Lightnin, Devil At The Roadside, The Accused – there’s already a band called this, lads – and Wormhead) play a charity gig, this venue itself being the charity. They need to fix their roof, see.

Super Furry Animals + The Magic Numbers Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £30 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. (Finihses today) Twrw Trwy’r Dydd Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 4pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Welsh language alldayer featuring Y Ffug, Sen Segur, Palenco, Mellt, Ysgol Sul, Carcharorion, Sgilti and DJs Elan & Mari.

Welsh Encontro 2015: Showcase Portland House, Cardiff Bay. Info 07460 571388.

Featuring live sets from AfriBrazilian music proponents Juba do Leão, Banda Afro Eri Okan and dance/percussion duo Raz Jayasuriya and Marcia Magliari.

MONDAY 4

Alkinoos Ioannidis Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15£25. Info 029 2039 1391. Greek singer-songwriter, accompanied here by Yorgos Kaloudis.

Big Joe Bone + Thee Manatees + Toriah Fontaine & Rich Rython 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3.

Info 029 2022 8883. Playing this month’s edition of the Monday Blues night.

Calan Mai Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1-4pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Featuring, in order: Gildas, Gwenan Gibbard and Little Arrow. (Until Mon 4) Donnie Joe’s American Swing Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026.

Grown Up Music The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Jam session presented by Pi & Hash.

Gypsy Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Every Monday, promoted

by Big Scott and broadcast live online simultaneously.

Today features Bryony Seir, Remembering August, Delyth McLean Band and the James Clode Band.

Now, Voyager + Lay Siege The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm. Info 07730 432166. This gig is sponsored

by Monster Energy AND Jagermeister. Two great tastes that go together... even... greater.

Stealing Sheep + Gwenno Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Indieish ladies who have a new album out.

The Thomas Nicholas Band The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. The guy from American Pie, plus his band.

The Warlocks The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

American psych-rock band.

Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday.

TUESDAY 5

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.

Texas St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £28.50-£45.50. Info 029 2087 8444.

The Memphis Six Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

WEDNESDAY 6

Adam McLoughlin Quartet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5.

Info 029 2023 9253.

Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.”

Chepstow Community Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport.

8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig, also featuring Phill Lee Thomas & Grace Harrhy.

Cloudstreet with Emma Nixon Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Coltrane Dedication The Queens Head, Monmouth.

8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767. Playing A Love Supreme all the way through.

First Wednesday The Riverfront, Newport. 1pm, £5.50/£4.50. Info 01633 656757.

Lunchtime recital.

Funk & Pepper + He Was Eaten By Owls + Chiyoda Ku Undertone, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2022 8883. Zen Presents are the promoters.

Hollie McNish + Vanessa Kisuule Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £10. Info 0871 4720400.

Poetry and music combined.

See Upfront.

Jack Ellis + The Dukes Of Hafod + Kyle Taylor Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2039 7933. A Folk In The Owl’s Nest gig.

James Cottriall The Garage, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6/£5 adv.

Info 01792 475147.

Lee Goodall & The Dave Price Trio The Dingle Hotel, Narberth. 8pm, £7/£6. Info 01834 869323. A SpanJazz night.

Lewis & Leigh + Matthew Frederick Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JUNE: CW STONEKING (The Globe, Cardiff, Fri 5) DUB PISTOLS (The Globe, Sat 6) ELTON JOHN + BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wed 10) THE GODFATHERS (The Globe, Thurs 11) SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL (various venues, Swansea, Fri 12-Sun 14) GRIMETHORPE BUZZ 70

live music 2087 7959.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Every Wednesday.

Pinkshinyultrablast + Flyying Colours + Threatmantics Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv.

Info 029 2023 2199. Headliners are Russian and play shoegazey stuff. This gig is downstairs.

Skinny Lister + Sean McGowan Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Stornoway + Keston Cobblers Club The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Earnest folk-rock sorts.

The Texas Flood + High Stakes + Kid Crimson + Whiskey Lies The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm, £2. Info 07969 671379.

THURSDAY 7

Bella Hardy The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £14/£12.

Info 01639 843163. British folk favourite.

Blaze Bayley + No Glory Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv.

Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

The guy from Iron Maiden (during the wildnerness years) and Wolfsbane keeps troopin’ on.

Cakehole Presley + Bella Collins Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£10. Info 029 2089 0862. This is an election night special, with “fun and games” promised on a night which will at best offer hollow victories and fleeting schadenfreude. There’ll also be a shuttle bus running from here to central Cardiff and Canton.

Cellini Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth. 7.30pm, £10-£13.

Info 01834 869323. A Span Arts Classical Music Series performance.

Fearless Vampire Killers + Annisokay + Myth City Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Hackensack Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Imogen Rourke The City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5258.

InMe + The Dirty Youth + Ashes The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. *Moss + Monolithian + VAILS The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. This will probably be the fourth election night gig I’ve gone to since 2001. The others were Queens Of The Stone Age in Newport, Virus Syndicate in the Toucan and Damon & Naomi in the CAI. They all had crap turnouts.

Hopefully this won’t.

Octave Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £8.50 adv. Info 029 2087 7959.

Musical theatre, live in the Grieg Room.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Every Thursday except when there’s a guest on.

Open Mic Night Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375.

Piano Profile Series Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£3. Info 029 2039 1391.

Slowly Rolling Camera Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023

9253. Trip-hoppy jazz locals.

Tenplusone + Last Vendetta Undertone, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.

Info 029 2022 8883. Punk bands presented by Beevents.

Their Music Lives On Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £10.

Info 0845 2263510. Musical nostalgia show.

The Mass Collective Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

The Midweek Revival Sin City, Swansea. 8pm, £3 adv.

Info 01792 468892. Album launch gig.

The Vamps + Union J Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.

6.30pm, £9.50-£39.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

Uriah Heep Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union.

7pm, £22 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Hard rock wizards.

We’ll Meet Again Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2.30pm, £13.50/£12.50. Info 01656 815995. Wartime nostalgia revue.

FRIDAY 8

Claire Jones Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £6-£14. Info 01982 552555.

Harpist.

Clash Of The Bands Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly.

7pm, £2. Info 07512 237983.

Creedence Clearwater Revived Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01792 863722. Tribute band.

Dai Faulkner & The Copper Thieves Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Dead Possum + The Golden Age Of Reason + Hana Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 01443 682388.

Dragonfly Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2039 1391. Chamber music ensemble.

Fishboy + Bicycle Thieves + Araby Le Pub, Newport.

8pm, £3. Info 01633 221477.

Headliner is a bloke from Texas playing indie-rock.

Fleetwood Bac The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Fleewtwood Mac tribute.

Forestears + The Tripp Ensemble Dempseys, Cardiff.

8pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2023 9253.

Graffiti The Yard, Cardiff.

9.15pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Jet Setter + The Cradles Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.3010.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. Downstairs.

John Adams The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195.

John Nicholas The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

Midnight Hour Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Occasional Brass Ensemble The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Only Men Aloud Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

7.30pm, £26 adv. Info 01639 763214.

People Under The Stairs + Afro Cluster Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm-2am, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. See Music for more on this. Charlie who wrote the preview is in the support band, so I said he wasn’t allowed to mention it.

Ruthless, that’s me. DJ Veto and Mansfield Green are on DJ duties as well.

RWCMD Conductors Showcase Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2039 1391. Featuring the Royal Welsh College Showcase Orchestra.

Showaddywaddy Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18-£21. Info 01656 815995.

The Bottom Line + Storyteller + Since Jupiter The Scene Club, Swansea.

7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 07730 432166.

The Cavern Beatles Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £17/£15. Info 0845 2263510.

The Creation St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£32. Info 029 2087 8444. Choral work inspired by various bits of the Bible and Paradise Lost among other things.

The Empty Space Project Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Combo of improv music and live art.

The Prodigy Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £37.50.

Info 029 2022 4488. See Clubs.

The Sea Slugs Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144.

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.

Today includes a ceilidh and a set from Steve Tilston (presented by Newport Folk Club).

There’ll be lots of additional music and dance displays too.

(Until Sun 10) Tree Of Wolves + The Tates The Parrot, Carmarthen.

7.30pm. Info 01267 231012. EP launch gig.

Trigger’s Broom Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672.

Wetpainttt + The Plan + The Drains The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm. Info 01495 213300.

Wille & The Bandits + Will Varley The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

SATURDAY 9

An Evening With Elvis Borough Theatre, Abergavenny.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01873 850805. Keith Davies literally IS Elvis.

Barb Jungr St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01446 779100. Interpreting the songs of Dylan and Cohen.

Bear Bones Craig Cefn Parc Village Hall. 7.30pm. Info 07891 538163.

Ben Creighton Griffiths Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£9. Info 029 2089 0862. Jazz.

Ben Jovi + Surreal Panther + Van Heenan The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm. Info 07730 432166. UK prog band perform one acoustic and one electric set.

Children Of The Gravy The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, £5.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Black Sabbath tribute band.

Chris Summerill The Yard, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Constrictor Hobo’s, Bridgend.

7.30pm, free. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Diamond Dogz Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv.

Info 01443 682388. Glam rock tribute act.

Dick Valentine + Massive Horse The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. The guy out of Electric Six. Dictaphone Devils Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Dub Pistols Sin City, Swansea.

7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 01792 468892. Big beat survivors.

Gareth Pearson + JC’s Hopeless Sinners Dempseys, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £8. Info 029 2023 9253.

Heavyball The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Keith James Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7pm, £18 inc buffet. Info 029 2062 0415.

Performing the songs of Nick Drake.

Metal 2 The Masses Heat 3 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk. Third of six local heats to determine who gets to play at this year’s Bloodstock festival. Today we have sets from Within War, Attercopus, Lacertillia and Inferno Ortum. Also on Sat 16, 23 and 30.

Music In The Vale Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Combo of improv music and live art.

Swingcopation Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.30pm, £20.

Info 01633 263670. Featuring music from the Chepstow Community Big Band, plus a hog roast. I don’t mean the hog roast is playing music. That would be absurd.

The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace Theatr Hafren, Newtown.

7.30pm, £12/£6. Info 01686 614555. Part of the Montgomery County Music Festival.

The Bleedin Noses + The Johnstown Flood Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01633 221477.

The Boss UK Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £16/£15.

Info 01495 227206. Springsteen tribute act. Seems there aren’t many of these, maybe because you’re expected to play for so long.

The Fortunes Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £16. Info 01633 868239. Beat group of a 60s vintage.

The Grippers The Royal Exchange, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free.

Info 029 2056 4068.

The Trio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Toby Hay Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01982 552555. Wyeside Young Promoters gig curated by Hay, who is an acoustic guitarist from mid-Wales on a Fahey, Jansch, Basho tip apparently.

Guess I should check him out.

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.

Today includes Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer (playing afternoon and evening sets), Meg Cox Band, Allan Yn Y Fan, Gordie MacKeeman And His Rhythm Boys, Juice with caller Dave Parsons, and various sessions and workshops. (Until Sun 10) UK Subs + Bad Sam + Pizzatramp Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Punk veterans.

Wetpaint + Atlas + Tom Martin + Handd The Garage, Swansea. 9pm, £3. Info 01792 475147.

SUNDAY 10

Al Stewart St David’s Hall,

Cardiff. 8pm, £32.50/£28.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. Al will be playing all of his Year Of The Cat album, available in the bargain bins of second-hand record shops everywhere.

Ashley John Long The Yard, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Calan Mai National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Featuring a set by DnA. Easy Street Jazz Quartet Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Elvis In The Chapel Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£10.

Info 029 2089 0862. Not one but TWO tributes to E. Presley, courtesy of Juan Lozano and Dean Mack.

Michael Bush + Owen Hackett + Joe Merriweather Gwdihw, Cardiff. 4-8pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Sundae Sessions gig.

Panic Room The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 07730 432166. Tributes to various hard rock bands. This evening also features a show

by The Lawless Girls, who do dancing which involves fire somehow – be that a “sexy hot flame show, coyote styled dance performance or even simple promotional.”

Red River Blues The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free.

Info 01600 712767.

Rhydian Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £26. Info 01495 227206.

Set It Off + Brawlers + Decade Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

The Sound Of Song Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7pm, £5.

Info 01600 772467. Americana, folk and blues from varous local performers.

Timeshares + Pure Graft + Dividers + Question The Mark Undertone, Cardiff. 8pm, £8/£7 adv. Info 029 2022 8883.

DIY Cardiff gig headlined by New York band.

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. Today includes Jaywalkers, Bob Fox, Pete Coe & Alice Jones, free dance displays and a procession in the evening.

(Finishes today)

MONDAY 11

As It Is + This Wild Life + Seaway + Boston Manor Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Presented by GB Live.

Top two bands on the bill are co-headliners.

Bryan Ferry St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £35-£65. Info 029 2087 8444. Roxy Music icon and top shagger tours his album of late 2014.

Groucho Club Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Gareth Howatson, Kyle Taylor and the Matt John Band.

Vennart Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. New band fronted by Mike Vennart from Oceansize (and Biffy Clyro, in a live capacity). He calls his music “vocal uplifting bouncy

house progressive death indie”.

Very droll, Mike.

Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Voca People Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20.50/£17.50. Info 01792 475715. In which people dress in alien costumes and sing/ beatbox various popular songs.

Seems it’s big business.

TUESDAY 12

All That Jazz Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Atmospheres – New Music Day Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. £15/£12 (day); £8/£6 (individual events). Info 029 2039 1391. First event of the Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music 2015, which runs until Sat 23 in various venues. “World premieres from immersive sound environments, electronic interventions and formal chamber concerts” are promised.

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk.

Emily Smith St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £14/£13 adv.

Info 029 2087 8444. A Roots Unearthed gig.

Evening Concert With Christoph König Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11.50-£13.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

Mark Bebbington St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £4.75-£6.75.

Info 029 2087 8444. Concert pianist.

Robert Mitchell Solo Piano Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5.

Info 029 2023 9253.

S Club 7 Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £45/£35. Info 029 2022 4488. Don’t get who the audience is for this. Take That’s second wind makes a nostalgic sense but it never felt like kids were obsessed with S Club, they just liked them because they were there.

Seckou Keita + Gwyneth Glyn Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan.

7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01239 621200. Senegalese kora player plus Welsh folkster.

Terry Reid The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Hard rock guitarist.

WEDNESDAY 13

Extinction + Helldown The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm, £2. Info 07969 671379.

Funkdom! The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Gypsy Fire Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £14. Info 01600 772467.

Julie ‘Sheds’ Croad Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01443 226892. Llantrisant Folk Club showcase night featuring a Pontyclun poet with an intriuging nickname.

Nieuw Ensemble All Saints Church, Penarth. 7.30pm, £3-£15. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. *Pretty Hurts + Chain Of Flowers + Artefact + Alimony Hustle The Abacus, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07934 011061. Post-punk, goth, shoegaze and indie all in the mixer for cheap (more so because it’s

COLLIERY BAND (Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village, Sat 13) HOLY BOREDOM FESTIVAL (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Sat 13) LEO & ANTO (Grand Theatre, Swansea, Thurs 18) ALDIE BOE + COLLABRO + REBECCA FERGUSON (Singleton Park, Swansea, Sun 21) JACK SAVORETTI (All Saints Church, Llandaff North, Cardiff, Thurs 25) BUZZ 71

live music BYOB). Headliners are German and have a tape called Make Graves; the promoter is Max from Joanna Gruesome, no strangers to an indie pun either.

Strictly Acoustic Open Mic Night Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £2/free for performers. Info 01685 384111.

The Button Band Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Jazz guitarist Andrew Button with a country/ folk/Bill Frisell-influenced project. Sounds good.

The Hotelier + Emperor X Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

The Woolmer Music Group Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

Tom Baxter The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Singer-songwriter who seems to have been around forever, and always seems to be photographed in black and white.

Tribute To The Great Ted Heath Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig featuring Chris Dean and the Capital City Jazz Orchestra.

Ugly Duckling + Turna Phrase Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Presented by Starving Artists and also featuring DJ Jaffa.

Voulez Vous Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £18.50/£17.50. Info 01646 695267. The ultimate Abba tribute band, says the blurb.

THURSDAY 14

Bully Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. This is either a young Nashville four-piece blasting out of the gates with high-powered grunge punk reminiscent of the beginnings of indie rock, or the person who bullied you at school, waiting in the venue to revisit old times.

Gemma Hayes The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Singer-songwriter.

Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £13/£12.

Info 01239 621200. Old timey roots music from Canada. In Pontardawe tomorrow.

Highs + My Name Is Ian + Instructions Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2023 9253.

James Chadwick Trio 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.

Native Braves The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £3 adv.

Info 07730 432166. “Towering, melancholic post-indie,” say this band of their music. Really not sure about that name at all, lads.

Nieuw Ensemble Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.15pm, £3-£8. Info 029 2039 1391. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event.

Rachel’s Dream Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.

Info 01656 815995. Jazz.

Rose Among Thorns The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 763752. An Open Hearth Acoustic night, on the second Thursday of every month.

Sarah Trickey & Robin Green Dyffryn House, St Nicholas. 7.30pm, £3-£15.

Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event.

Seckou Keita + Gwyneth Glyn Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2039 1391.

Sunjay Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night with a folk/blues guitarist who has won some awards.

Swervedriver Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv.

Info 029 2023 2199. Oxford shoegaze-meets-rawk band, of a 90s vintage but reformed for a few years now, play their first Cardiff date since, well, I don’t know because I would have lived elsewhere at the time.

The Magic Of Motown Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £22.50. Info 01792 475715.

The Novus Duo Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £7.50 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. Featuring Tom Howells (clarinet) and David Arthur (piano).

TIBET + Hana + Evan Gardner Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

TIR: Cerys Matthews & Catrin Finch Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15-£25. Info 029 2064 6900. Two Welsh musicians of note team up with Ballet Cymru for a mixture of live music and live ballet.

FRIDAY 15

Albino Frogs Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Amy Wadge & Pete Riley The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15. Info 01792 473276. This is already sold out, but is on tomorrow also, and not sold out (at the time of writing).

Arlington Heights + Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters + Avarice The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, £2.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Aubrey Parsons Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 0844 8246171.

BBC NOW: Vive Le Swansea Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7pm, £10-£16. Info 01792 475715.

Xian Zhang conducts violinist Chloë Hanslip alongside the Orchestra.

Bombs + Three London Planes + Grand Tradition The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Cardiff Foodbank Benefit Gig The Full Moon, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

With bands TBC (it says The Oppressed and The Phucks on Facebook but I’m not certain that’s still the case). You are probably expected to donate some food and/or cash.

Cheatahs + Chain Of Flowers + Luvv Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8-10.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Fuzzy indie and punk delights. Chain Of Flowers and Luvv share members, who’ll presumably be putting in a double shift.

Chris Kelly The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195.

Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog Pontardawe Inn. 8.30pm, free.

Info 01792 864949. A Gigs Y Gwach night.

Chris Summerill Band Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029

2039 8965.

Elvis Desley Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 07818 056599.

Enuff Z Nuff + Estrella + Beautiful Strangers + Peacemaker, Die The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £14.50 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Enduring hard rockers headline.

Fretwork St Augustine’s Church, Penarth. 7.30pm, £3-£15. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event, featuring a band equally inspired by contemporary and 16th century music.

Get The Blessing Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv/£30 weekend. Info 029 2039 1391.

First of three gigs in RWCMD’s AmserJazzTime Weekender, the other two being on Sat 16 and Sun 17.

Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm. Info 01792 863722.

Gwyl Pili Pala Fest The Garage, Swansea. 12pm, £12 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Featuring, over two days: Albatross Archive, Anguz, Broken Fires, Cara Pierce, Clockwork Radio, Cut Ribbons, Daniele Lewis, Darren Eedens, Delyth McLean, Denim Snakes, Homes, Idiotbox, Inscape, Joe Bayliss, Les Frotteurs, Little Arrow, Maddie Jones, Mellt, My Name Is Ian, Nia Ann, Parcs, Quiet Marauder, Remembering August, Right Hand Left Hand, Sarah Passmore, Sweet Benfica, The Echo & The Always, The Effect, The States, Valleyers, Violet Skies, Wasters and We’re No Heroes. In aid of the Welsh Centre For Action On Dependency And Addiction. On tomorrow also.

Highlives + Cardinals Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Pop-punk stuff.

Hoobastank + P.O.D. + Alien Ant Farm Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £22 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. I guess this marks the point where music which was contemporary to me growing up, in this case nu-metal, goes the way of the package tour, a la those gigs headlined

by Mud or The Swinging Blue Jeans or whoever.

Inc.A Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm.

Info 029 2039 7933.

James Hickman & Dan Cassidy The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.

James Kennedy The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

Jazz Soul Patrol Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672.

Mary Black + Sharon Shannon St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £29.50/£27.50.

Info 029 2087 8444. Irish folkster on her last tour ever.

Nineteen Fifty Eight Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info www.hobosmusicvenue.com.

Only Men Aloud Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £26. Info 01600 772467.

Seckou Keita + Gwyneth Glyn Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 7.30pm, £14/£12.

Info 01982 552555.

Surplus Fest Presents The Spring Gathering Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £45 weekend/ free under-16s. Info surplusfest@hotmail.co.uk.

Welsh hippy/free festival spir-

ited folks do a weekender in the VoG. As well as workshops and a kids’ area, there’ll be an onsite barbers. Looking forward to everyone leaving with Kim Jong-un haircuts on Monday morning. Anyway, main stage lineup today: Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Afro Cluster, X-Ray Junction and Chris da Poet. Levitation Stage: Lacertilia, Suns Of Thunder and Funke & The Two Tone Baby.

(Until Sun 17) The Earth + Tibet + Zac White Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. Presented by Newsoundwales.

The Eggmen Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375.

The Loudhailers The Yard, Cardiff. 9.15pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

The Rum Slingers Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Tree House Fire Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm.

Info 01633 259144.

Triaxis Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £5 adv. Info mail@givemefuel. co.uk. Album launch gig.

SATURDAY 16

A Band Apart Kiwis, Cardiff.

9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

ACAB The Yard, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Amy Wadge & Pete Riley The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15.

Info 01792 473276.

Animal Brothers The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Ashestoangels + Vanity Kills + Drakenwerks The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £3 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Ben Huws The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

Calan Mai National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Featuring a set by Pibu Tawe.

Christy Moore St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £35/£32.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Another Irish folk icon.

Edward Scissortongue The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £6.50 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Playing as part of The Hold Up hip-hop night.

Enuff Z’nuff + Estrella The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info theglobevenue@ gmail.com.

Francoise-Green Piano Duo Penarth Pier Pavilion. 1pm, £3-£8. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event, featuring works

by Arvo Pärt and György Kurtág among others.

Girl Band Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff. com. New addition to this bar’s list of regular live acts. Not to be confused with the Irish indie group Girl Band, who had the name first but are (wait for it) actually guys.

Gwyl Pili Pala Fest The Garage, Swansea. 12pm, £12 adv. Info 01792 475147.

J. Cole + Jhené Aiko + Pusha T + Bas + Cozz & Omen Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7pm, £30.50. Info 029 2022 4488. US rap/r’n’b guy with a large supporting cast.

John Taylor Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv/£30 weekend. Info 029 2039 1391. Jazz pianist plays an AmserJazzTime gig.

Larry Miller Beaufort

Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800.

Blues.

Metal 2 The Masses Heat 4 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5.

Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Tonight features Abyssal Zone, Thorun, Devils Answer and A Vulgar Picture.

Only Men Aloud Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £26.

Info 01686 614555.

Paddy James + Grim Fawkner Dempseys, Cardiff.

8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 029 2023 9253.

Paper Aeroplanes Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£12.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Surplus Fest Presents The Spring Gathering Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. £45 weekend/free under-16s. Info surplusfest@ hotmail.co.uk. Main stage: Dub The Earth, Kilnaboy, Lost Tuesday Society, Turna Phrase, Gizmo Varillas, Taffy Twp, Frag Fletcher and Ria Merrin.

Levitation Stage: Tarantism, Quercus Burlesque, Doozer McDooze, The White Hand Band, Big Red, Ratface UK, Dead In The Water and Rufus.

(Until Sun 17) Tree House Fire Hobo’s, Bridgend. 8pm, free. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Two Piece Sweet Poets Corner, Roath, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2045 8714.

Wilson + JFK + Pembleton Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £3. Info 01633 221477. Tuneful punkers.

Winter Villains + HART Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2030 4400.

Album launch gig.

Wonk Unit + Greazy Rats + Trigger McPoopshute The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, £5.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Punk bands.

Zefur Wolves + The Golden Age Of Reason Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2064 6900. Foyer Sessions gig featuring Cian ‘out of’ Super Furry Animals’ other band.

SUNDAY 17

Darius Brubeck Quartet Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv/£30 weekend. Info 029 2039 1391. Last of three AmserJazzTime Weekender gigs.

Eddi Reader Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £21. Info 01239 621200. Former singer of Fairground Attraction. Feels like only yesterday I remembered her name after about 20 seconds, while in the pub. In fact it was the day before yesterday.

Glen Manby Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar.

Kitty’s Duo The Yard, Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Lunchtime Concert National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Courtesy of RWCMD students.

Seckou Keita Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £14/£13. Info 01792 602060.

Surplus Fest Presents The Spring Gathering Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. £45 weekend/free under-16s. Info surplusfest@ hotmail.co.uk. Main stage: Who Killed The Bear, Mad Dog Collective, Poetic Justice, Iron Eye, Fountainhead, Efa Supertramp and Nicodemus Reuben. Levitation Stage: Firepit Collective, Wil Tun &

The Wasters, Belleville Gypsy Jazz, Flat Stanley, Two Man Ting, Joe Yorke and Matt Slackjaw. (Finishes today) Taffy Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

8pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Jangly indie band from Japan. They could be named after the antiquated slang term for Welsh people, or what Americans say instead of toffee.

The Migrant + Albatross Archive + Maddie Jones The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

The Three Phantoms City Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £27/£22. Info 0845 8057345. Solos, duets and trio selections from three vocalists who have enjoyed West End starring roles in The Phantom Of The Opera previously.

Will Killeen The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free.

Info 01600 712767.

MONDAY 18

Attic Folk Sessions 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2022 8883.

Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Adam Parsons, Harri Davies and Leighton Jones.

Lulu St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £28.50-£45. Info 029 2087 8444. I always forget Lulu is Scottish.

Portrait Of Billie Holiday Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026.

Single Mothers Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Presrnted by Jealous Lovers Club and Fuelled By Spite.

The Collective Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Tomy Harris Quartet Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360.

Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

TUESDAY 19

Brunon Heinen & Kristian Borring 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.

Daddy Long Legs + The Johnstown Flood + The Rumblestrutters The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Blues/rock kinda stuff.

Delyth McLean + Thee Manatees + Arron Martin Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. A Songbook night.

Emily Saunders With The Dave Cottle Trio Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 8pm, £6.

Info 01874 611622. A Brecon Jazz Club gig, also a CD launch. *Harry Smith Tribute Night The Lansdowne, Canton, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 1312. In which a bunch of local folk-inclined musicians perform selections from the seminal American Anthology Of Folk Music which Harry Smith compiled. Great idea! Chances are you’ll know more of these songs than you think.

Jim Fryer Quintet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Stiv Cantarelli & The Silent Strangers The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR JULY: ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW (The Riverfront, Newport, Fri 3) ONLY MEN ALOUD (Pembroke Castle, Sun 5) PLEASE MIND YOUR HEAD 5 (Clwb Ifor Bach, Sun 5) 9BACH (St David’s Hall, Mon 6) THE OVERTONES (St David’s Hall, Tue 7) BROTHER STRUT (The Globe, Fri 10) EXTREME NOISE TERROR (Le Pub, Newport, Fri 31) BUZZ 72

live music info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

Italian postpunk guy.

Students Of Atlantic College St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 3pm, £6.50. Info 01446 779100.

The Hearts Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Local polished indie types.

Think Floyd Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20.50. Info 01792 475715.

Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£42. Info 029 2087 8444. Performing works by Beethoven and Szymanowski.

WEDNESDAY 20

21 Against + Uberchop + Static Fires + Pretend Poets The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7pm, £2. Info 07969 671379.

Beans On Toast + Benjamin Folke Thomas Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Wacky singer-songwriter ukelele bloke headlines.

This gig is upstairs.

Blood Brothers The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18 adv.

Info theglobevenue@gmail. com. This band are connected to goth rockers The Mission somehow. Loads of people on my Facebook thought it was the American band when this gig was announced, and were then disappointed. I’m sure the opposite has also been true in the past.

Brian Peters & Jeff Davis Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Copperwood Bluegrass Band Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9. Info 01656 815995.

Fireworks + Dave House + American Graffiti Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv.

Info 029 2023 2199.

Hans Chew Cafe Nisse, Swansea. 7.30pm, £7.50.

Info 01792 686914. Country/ rock’n’roll presented by Born In Americana, who are new promoters.

Liberty Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@ dancebands.plus.com. South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Lunchtime Concert Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £5.

Info 01656 815995. Presented

by Live Music Now. Matt Griffith Trio Dempseys, Cardiff. 9pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Nia Ann + Tendons + Pik-C Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3/£5 inc copy of EP. Info 029 2039 7933. EP launch gig for headliner.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Opera Boys Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18. Info 01792 475715. They’re boys, or more accurately young men, and they sing opera.

Soloists From China’s National Centre For The Performing Arts Orchestra St Illtud’s Church, Llantwit Major. 1pm, £3-£15. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event. In Cardiff Bay on Fri 22.

The Hearts Sin City, Swansea.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 01792 468892.

The Strypes Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv.

Info 029 2070 0721. Blues-rock youths, playing here tomorrow also and then in Swansea on Fri

22. See Music.

Carpenters tribute band.

THURSDAY 21

FRIDAY 22

Brwydr Y Bandiau Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv.

Info 029 2023 2199. Some sort of battle of the bands.

Catrin Finch Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01239 621200.

Clive Gregson Angel Hotel, Llandeilo. 8pm. Info info@ llandeiloacoustic.com.

Cymbient + The Gentle Good + Richard James + Paul & Abby Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £7. Info 029 2087 7959.

Album launch gig for Arced, the fourth Cymbient album.

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir All Saints Church, Penarth. 7.30pm, £3-£15. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event, featuring several Arvo Pärt and Dobrinka Tabakova works.

Hollow Log Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £2.50-£5. Info 01970 623232. Blues meets poetry.

Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123.

Kevin Figes Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Lazy Habits The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Monuments + No Consequence + Murdock Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

Open Mic Night Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375.

Sunrise Celebration Piercefield Park, Chepstow. £115/£70 teens/£25 kids. Info info@sunrisecelebration.com.

Second year in Chepstow for this festival. Here’s the bigger names confirmed so far, stages and running order TBC: Omar Perry & Homegrown, Sam And The Womp, GMS, Huey Morgan (DJ set), Sian Evans (Kosheen), Will & The People, Laid Blak, Lazy Habits, King Porter Stomp, Morten Granau, 1200 Mics, (DJ set), System 7, Krafty Kuts, The Egg, Deekline and Ed Solo.

(Until Sun 24) The Blues Brothers Experience Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18. Info 01792 475715.

The Brwmys The City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5258.

The Rumblestrutters + Bear Bones Pontardawe Arts Centre. 8pm, £6. Info 01792 863722. An Acoustic Meeting Ground night.

The Strypes Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv.

Info 029 2070 0721.

Threatmantics + Ratatosk + AAH National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv.

Info 029 2039 7951. First of two Music In The Museum evening gigs this month, the other being on Thurs 28. You can have a look around the place while you’re there, too. If you like.

Through The Looking Glass + Death By Disco + Fairview + Clear The Auditorium Gwdihw, Cardiff.

8pm, £3. Info 029 2039 7933.

We’ve Only Just Begun Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £17-£19.50. Info 01656 815995.

Apple Tree Theory Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672.

A Smiths Tribute The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info 07969 671379.

Bronze Age Boats Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £4. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Catrin Finch Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £7.50-£15. Info 01970 623232.

Chris James Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Daniel Romano + Christopher Rees + Daniel Eedens The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

De-Cyphers Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144.

James Kennedy The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195.

Junior Bill & The Scallies The Yard, Cardiff. 9.15pm, free.

Info 029 2022 7577.

Legend Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £17.50/£14.50.

Info 01792 475715. Bob Marley tribute.

Only Men Aloud Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7.30pm, £27 adv. Info 0800 0147111.

Pate’s Grammar School Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Choral, orchestral and jazz music.

Scott Lee Andrews Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £3. Info 01633 221477. Solo gig – his first ever in fact – by the vocalist of Midasuno and, currently, Exit_International.

Soloists From China’s National Centre For The Performing Arts Orchestra Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £3-£15. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event.

Sunrise Celebration Piercefield Park, Chepstow. £115/£70 teens/£25 kids. Info info@sunrisecelebration.com.

(Until Sun 24) *Tender Prey + Heavy Petting Zoo Undertone, Cardiff. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. Album launch gig for Tender Prey, who was in last month’s One To Watch section. Also features Jet Black Machine DJs. The All-Nighters The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Northern soul night, also featuring DJs playing the same.

The Helena May Trio Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

The Lushtones Kiwis, Cardiff.

9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Mae Trio + The Lonesome Stampede Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5 adv. Info 029 2023 9253.

Melbourne folk act headline.

The Original Jukebox Heroes Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £17-£19.50.

Info 01656 815995. Glam-era tribute band.

The Strypes Sin City, Swansea.

7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 01792 468892.

Transit + Such Gold + Crooks Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Melodic punk stuff.

T. Rextacy Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £18.50/£16. Info 01873 850805.

Wild Boar Blues Festival

Green Valley & Miners Hall, Upper Cwmtwrch, Brecon. £5/£20 weekend. Info 0333 9000919. Three days of blues from the following (schedule TBC): Jo Harman & Company, Swing-Jazz-Blues Orchestra, Swampgrass, Sicknote Steve, Smokestack Lightning, Guy Maile, Glas, Joe Kelly, Electric Revelators, John Fiddler (Medicine Head), Blues Train, Jelly Roll Jones, Luke Doherty Band, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Maharaja Blues, The Rumblestrutters, The Astros, Andrew Baseley and The Delta Breaks. (Until Sun 24)

SATURDAY 23

Calan Mai National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Featuring a set by Olion Byw. Capsize + ‘68 + Casey The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 07730 432166.

Hardcore or at least hardcoreish bands with appealingly short names.

Cory Band Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Cosines + Shiny Tiger Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2023 9253. Bloopy indiepop band headline.

Darren ‘Graceland’ Jones + Dean ‘Buzz’ Jones Newport Centre. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 01633 656757. Tributes to Elvis and Tom Jones.

Gaz Coombes The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2048 3344. See Music.

Gypsy Jazz Special Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£10.

Info 029 2089 0862.

Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove Gwdihw, Cardiff.

9.30pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Mankala The Yard, Cardiff.

10pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Manumit Hobo’s, Bridgend.

7.30pm, £4. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Metal 2 The Masses Heat 4 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5.

Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Superchango Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff. com.

Talon Theatr Hafren, Newtown.

8pm, £20. Info 01686 614555.

The Darling Buds + Tree Of Wolves Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 01633 221477.

Minor indie stars of the late 80s/early 90s play a rare hometown gig, warming up for a set at New York City Popfest.

The Eggmen Kiwis, Cardiff.

9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

The Oasis Experience The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv.

Info theglobevenue@gmail. com. Tribute band.

The Sixteen Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff. 8pm, £15325. Info 029 2087 8444. Choral performance conducted by Harry Christophers.

Tredfest Venue 1, The Red Lion, The Bush, The Snooker Hall & The Cam, Tredegar.

1pm-1am, £10/£5 outer stages only. Info 07884 071414. Multivenue fest out in them valleys.

Main stage (Venue 1), from 5pm: Henry’s Funeral Shoe, Gwenno, John Mouse, Fjords and Tobias Robertson. Second Stage (Red Lion): Fireroad, Eric Unseen, No Glory, Not To Fall, Plasterscene, The Johnstown Flood and Dirty Bob. The Bush Stage: Mixalydia, A Fool & His Money, The Dole Age, The Bakestones, The Dead End Friends, The Broadcasts and Chris Phillips. The 2p Stage (Red Lion): Quiet Marauder, Dead Fashion, Sleepy House, Them Dead Beats, Sweet Benfica and 4 Brothers.

Acoustic Stage (Venue 1): Calum Duell, Owen Hackett, Lee Owen, Jamee Summers and Grace Hartrey. Snooker Hall: The Attix, Life In Cold Climates, Red Tongue Dogs, The Streetlights, Eady Crawford, Longknives and Julian Gardner.

The Cam: Les Frotteurs, Silurian, Tarion, McCarthyism and more TBC. Two Piece Sweet The Royal Exchange, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free.

Info 029 2056 4068.

The Lansdowne pub in Canton, Cardiff, which the bods of CAMRA recently voted one of the best around, has a folk night on Tue 19 May. It’s been organised

by Richard James (ex-Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci member, has a new album out) and will be playing songs off Harry Smith’s Anthology Of American Folk Music. Cracking idea.

Tonight features Kryophere, Magnu, Vile Inseption and Malum Sky. Robin Green St Illtud’s Church, Llantwit Major. 1pm, £3-£8. Info 0844 8700887. A Vale Of Glamorgan Festival Of Music event.

Special Brew + Beneath The Reef The Garage, Swansea. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Sunrise Celebration Piercefield Park, Chepstow. £115/£70 teens/£25 kids. Info info@sunrisecelebration.com.

(Until Sun 24)

Wild Boar Blues Festival Green Valley & Miners Hall, Upper Cwmtwrch, Brecon. £10/£20 weekend. Info 0333 9000919. (Until Sun 24)

SUNDAY 24

Artillery Kiwis, Cardiff.

9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Jane Pearl / Thad Kelly / Lyndon Webb The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free.

Info 01600 712767.

Kyle Eastwood Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15/£14. Info 01792 602060.

Acclaimed jazzer plus band.

Megan Thomas Duo The Yard, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Scott Cooke & Jez Hellard + JC’s Hopeful Sinners The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Sing With Us St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £10. Info 029 2087 8444. Thousand-strong singalong in aid of Tenovus.

Sunrise Celebration Piercefield Park, Chepstow. £115/£70 teens/£25 kids. Info info@sunrisecelebration.com.

(Finishes today) Sworn In Hobo’s, Bridgend.

3pm, £8.50 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com.

Headlining an alldayer of metal/ hardcore etc.

Wild Boar Blues Festival Green Valley & Miners Hall, Upper Cwmtwrch, Brecon. £15/£20 weekend. Info 0333 9000919. (Finishes today)

MONDAY 25

Afternoon In Paris Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510. Jazz.

Catrin Finch Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £10£15. Info 01646 695267.

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 2 + 6.30pm, £20-£47.50. Info 029 2022 4488.

This will have lots of Daleks and Cybermen onstage as well, or possibly on a screen.

Dominic Norcross Quartet Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 447360.

Easy Street Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £3/£2.50. Info 029 2038 7026.

Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933.

Homeboy Sandman + Joe Dirt + Nicodemus Reuben & The Doc Blackdawho The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. NYC rapper, presented here by Rockpie.

Jam Session Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.

Live Original Broadcasts The Brewhouse, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 9913. Today features Ward Palmen, Kinky Boots, Jack Ellis Music and more TBC. Ukulele Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.

Wetpainttt + The Plan + Jonestown Flood + The Drains Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Various local indie bands.

TUESDAY 26

Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk.

Dub FX The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

One man and a loop station playing dub music of some kind.

Mardi Jug Band The Brunswick, Swansea. Free. Info 01792 465676.

Only One Direction Grand Theatre, Swansea. 6pm, £14.

Info 01792 475715. Tribute band.

Pity Sex + Doe + Caramel + ¡Ay, Carmela! Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7 adv.

Info 029 2023 2199. Jealous Lovers Club and Fuelled By

Please send listings to listings@buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 7677 BUZZ 73

live music Spite, the promoters, have come together here, with Pity Sex the result. Musically, expect indie/ punk/college rock shenanigans.

Rachel Cohen Quartet Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5.

Info 029 2023 9253.

The Lafontaines Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199.

Presented by GB Live.

Two’s Company Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

WEDNESDAY 27

Dan Messore Band Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5.

Info 029 2023 9253.

Dennis Ellsworth Cafe Nisse, Swansea. 7.30pm, £6.50. Info 01792 686914. Folk, country and rock’n’roll presented by Born In Americana.

Heaven’s Basement + Glamour Of The Kill + Ashes The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Hard rockers.

Lady Nade + Rumour & Rumble Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933.

Mavron Quartet The Gate, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344. Half-term concert.

Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. Free drink for performers.

Last Wednesday of every month.

Richie Ramone + Venrez + Generation Graveyard The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07730 432166.

The drummer for The Ramones during a decent chunk of their career, if not their best remembered chunk.

Slipstone + Andy Clarke & Steve Tyler + Tom Fitton Murchfield Community Centre, Dinas Powys. 6.30pm, £6 adv.

Info 07765 513424. Dinas Powys Fringe Festival folk gig.

The Attix + Alex Stacey The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm.

Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com.

Young Fathers Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £13/£10 adv. Info

029 2023 2199. Leftfield hip-hop from Scotland. They won some sort of prize a while back, but I’d prefer to give off an air of coolness by making out that that’s unimportant.

THURSDAY 28

Big Girls Don’t Cry Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12.50-£24. Info 01792 475715.

Musical tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seaons. (Until Sat 30) Billy Bottle & Martine, Sion Russell Jones Murchfield Community Centre, Dinas Powys. 6.30pm, £6 adv. Info 07765 513424. Dinas Powys Fringe Festival gig. Billy Bottle is a great name, even if it’s not his real one.

Crystal Balloon + Midnight Drive Undertone, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2022 8883.

Dingus Khan + Heil Zilla + Wall The Moon Club, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Georgia Ruth Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Welsh folk sort. She won a prize a while back too, just like Young Fathers.

Greta Isaac + Joe Bayliss The Plan, Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. 7pm, £6/£5 adv (£12/£10 adv with food). Info 029 2039 8764. An Encôr At The Plan night.

Gwenno + Junior Bill & The Scallies + Mike Dennis National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2039 7951.

Jimjam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123.

Juliet Russell The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Llyr Williams Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £18/£16. Info 029 2039 1391. Performing four Beethoven piano sonatas.

Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.

Otis Redding III Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15. Info 0871

4720400. Son of Otis Redding II, who you probably know as Otis Redding.

Paper Anchor Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2039 7933. This is the first of a series of gigs called Friday Night Specials, but seems to be on a Thursday.

Rob Griffin Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

The Jazzbows Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

FRIDAY 29

3amp Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Austeros + Janowski + Question The Mark + Alaska! Alaska! Le Pub, Newport. 7.30-10.30pm, £4. Info 01633 221477.

Bella And The Blue Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

Beverley Craven Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £14-£18.

Info 01834 869323. Like Young Fathers and Georgia Ruth, except about 20 years prior, Bev once won a prize for her music.

Big Girls Don’t Cry Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12.50-£24. Info 01792 475715.

(Until Sat 30) Children Of The Gravy + The Accused Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 07512 237983. Just reminding The Accused again that a band with that name already exists.

Colibri Soul Salt, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, free. Info 029 2049 4375.

Colum Regan The North Star, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2062 4050.

Derisive Entity + The Dweller + Ferinus + Embodiment + Illicit + Neither Gods Nor Men The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 6pm, £2.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Various extreme metal bands.

Fernhill Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 01239 615952.

Fire In The Mountain V Cwmnewidion Isaf, Cnwch Coch, Aberystwyth. 12pm, £95 weekend/£80 NUS/£50

teens/£20 2-12-year-olds. Info www.fireinthemountain.co.uk.

Small but cutely formed festival which leans towards folk, bluegrass etc, and emphasises jam sessions, workshops etc. It’s already sold out with hardly any of the lineup announced; Bruce Molsky, Gadarene and Ross Ainslee & Jarlath Henderson are confirmed as headliners though. (Until Sun 31) Goldfinger + Survay Says + States & Empires The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail. com. Ska-punk troopers.

Gypsy Fire Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01646 695267.

Lewis Clayton & The Cyclones Murchfield Community Centre, Dinas Powys. 6.30pm, £6 adv. Info 07765 513424. Dinas Powys Fringe Festival gig.

Limehouse Lizzy The Garage, Swansea. 9pm, £12 adv. Info 01792 475147.

Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night.

Organ Recital National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951.

Regime Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 259144.

Rocket Joe Joe & The Old Time Bangers The Yard, Cardiff. 9.15pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Sinfonia Cymru & Rachel Podger Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510.

Slipknowt + Eleventh Hour + The Eighth Bridge Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £7 adv.

Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Slipknot and Lamb Of God tribute bands, both of whom are in Swansea tomorrow.

Son Of Dave The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com.

The Brotherhood feat.

Taylor & Bongo Pete Henry’s, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 4672.

The Echo & The Always Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info

029 2023 2199.

Two Piece Sweet The Cottage, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 7195.

Wright Hear Wright Now Bella Capri, Caerphilly. Free.

Info info@bellacapri.co.uk.

SATURDAY 30

182 Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. Blink 182 tribute band.

Aubrey Parsons Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot. 9pm, free.

Info 01639 864500.

Barry Sutton + Drew Norton The Lemon Factory, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07969 671379. Barry was in The La’s, Cast, The Stairs and Smaller. He’s known around Liverpool as “the guy who’s never been in The Real People”.

Big Girls Don’t Cry Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12.50-£24. Info 01792 475715.

(Finishes today) Big Scott Radio Live By the River NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, £3. Info 029 2037 8866. With acts TBC. Calan Mai National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm, free.

Info 01792 463980. Featuring a set by Bronwen Lewis.

Burry Port Town Band Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £10/£5. Info 0845 2263510.

Caerphilly Male Voice Choir + Côr Merched Cwm Llynfi Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7.30pm, £8. Info 01495 227206.

Canute Kiwis, Cardiff. 9.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965.

Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7.50. Info 029 2089 0862.

Fire In The Mountain V Cwmnewidion Isaf, Cnwch Coch, Aberystwyth. 12pm, £95 weekend/£80 NUS/£50 teens/£20 2-12-year-olds. Info www.fireinthemountain.co.uk.

(Until Sun 31) Impulse Theory + The Marks Cartel + Inscape + Static Fires The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm. Info 07730 432166.

John Barrowman Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £25-£45.

Info 029 2022 4488.

Limehouse Lizzy + The Candy Skulls Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 01834 869323.

Martin Carthy Little Theatre, Neath. 8pm, £15 adv. Info 01639 643462. Folk icon.

Mentallica The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Metal 2 The Masses Heat 4 Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5.

Info mail@givemefuel.co.uk.

Tonight features Hand Of Daedra, Democratus and Blind Divide.

Miss May & The Magic The Yard, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Rocket Joe Joe & The Old Time Bangers Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Shambolique The Full Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.

Sinfonia Cymru & Rachel Podger Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.45pm, £4-£13. Info 029 2039 1391.

Siren Rhondda Hotel, Porth.

7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 01443 682388. Female-fronted rock band with an inventive name.

Slipknowt + Eleventh Hour + Fall Of Cronus Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 01792 468892.

Wright Hear Wright Now Poets Corner, Roath, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2045 8714.

SUNDAY 31

Bruce Molsky The Greyhound Inn, Oldwalls, Gower, Swansea.

8.30pm. Info 01792 850803. A Halfpenny Folk Club night.

Chris Quinn The King’s Arms, Abergavenny. 8pm, £10/£8.

Info 07958 612691. A Black Mountain Jazz night.

Dan James The Queens Head, Monmouth. 8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Electic Soul Duo The Yard, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7577.

Fire In The Mountain V Cwmnewidion Isaf, Cnwch Coch, Aberystwyth. 12pm,

live review BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Wed 22 Apr For those of you lucky enough to attend the 16th annual Radio 2 Folk Awards in Cardiff, the evening was not only a celebration of the luminaries in the folk world but a huge nod to the wealth of talent we have in Wales, which was aptly reflected in the performances and nominees. The highlights of the show, of which there were many, included a captivating performance by Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker (winners of Best Duo) and the mesmerising rendition of Ewan MacColl’s The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Elbow front man Guy Garvey, accompanied on guitar by Ewan’s sons Callum and Neill. A breathtaking and fitting tribute to a legend of folk, which concluded with MacColl inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Billy Bragg presented Peggy Seeger with her Best Original Song Award: you can catch Peggy perform at The Attitude Festival this month.

Other notable winners include the very entertaining Loudon Wainwright III, who took to the stage to perform I Knew Your Mother and Double Lifetime. Welsh boy David Gray gave a detailed introduction to Yusef/Cat Stevens and he graciously accepted his award and talked passionately about his career and love of folk and gave a memorable performance which (of course) included Moon Shadow. Nessa, aka Ruth Jones from Gavin & Stacey, presented the Folk Singer Of The Year Award which went to an extremely happy Nancy Kerr, whether or not Nancy agreed to a beer with Nessa is another story. Rising Welsh stars 9Bach, won Best Album (for Tincian), the first Welsh act to win in its 16-year history. They closed the show with a rousing performance with a Welsh male voice choir. An evening of brilliant music, touching memories and a glimpse into the future of folk music in the UK. words EMMA CLARK photo BBC/BRIAN TARR

BUZZ 74

stage £95 weekend/£80 NUS/£50 teens/£20 2-12-year-olds. Info www.fireinthemountain.co.uk.

(Finishes today) Jayne Sarah & Dan Phelps Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

2.30-4.30pm, free. Info 01656 815995.

Monsieur Doumani Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01792 602060.

Cypriot trio.

Sinfonia Cymru & Rachel Podger The Riverfront, Newport. 3pm, £4-£12. Info 01633 656757.

The Fall The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £20 adv. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

The Fall’s not-bad 31st studio album is reviewed in this issue.

They might play some songs from it at this gig, or it might be a big mess. Apparently this is part of the appeal of seeing the band live.

stage FRIDAY 1

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Brand new bilingual play by Alun Saunders, a coming of age story about two brothers raised apart. (Until Sat 16) Between The Crosses The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01633 656757.

Play tackling the difficulties of being a survivor, of our links to our past and the strange feeling when an event passes from our living memory. On tomorrow also.

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £13/£11. Info 01874 611622.

Frapestus Productions’ new comedy based on the Rugby World Cup. In Aberystwyth on Tue 5; Swansea from Wed 6-Sat 9; Cardiff from Wed 20-Sat 23.

Dalloway Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 01873 850805. One-woman stage adaption of Mrs Dalloway

by Virginia Woolf.

Disney On Ice: Magical Ice Festival Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 1, 3 + 7pm, £15.50-£40.

Info 029 2022 4488. Everything is better on ice. (Until Sun 3) Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 15.

Les Miserables School Edition Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 6pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 355800. On tomorrow also, then Wed 6-Sat 9.

Machynlleth Comedy Festival: Day 1 Various venues, Machynlleth. 5.30-11pm, £7-£12 per show. Info hello@ machcomedyfest.co.uk. A full programme can be viewed and downloaded on the festival’s website and, as much as would love to list it all here (not least because I already spent a good half an hour typing it out), we don’t have the space. It’s top drawer though. (Until Sun 3) Martin Mor + Tom Allen + Sally-Anne Hayward Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 0845 2263510. Comedy Club night.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11.50-£28.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Followup to The Play That Goes Wrong, another meta ‘production about a production’ type thing. On tomorrow also.

Return Of The Grumpy Old Women The Riverfront, Newport. 8pm, £23. Info 01633 656757. In Swansea on Sun 3.

Ron Vaudry + Jen Brister + Tom Toal + Rob Collins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

On tomorrow also.

Seagulls The Iceland Building, High Street, Swansea. 6.30pm, £12/£6. Info 01792 464790. This is the second show Volcano have created for this venue, which as the name suggests used to have an Iceland store in it. It’s an inventive version of Chekhov’s The Seagull. On tomorrow also.

Singin’ In The Rain Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12.

Info 0845 2263510. Amateur production presented by The Academy. On tomorrow also.

‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners’ Institute, Blackwood.

7.30pm, £12/£11 adv. Info 01495 227206.

The Addams Family Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £11/£9.50. Info 01633 263670.

Musical. On tomorrow also.

The Fork In The Road Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £6-£10. Info 029 2063 6464. Theatre production about a refugee facing a bleak future.

The Mill On The Floss Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £4.25-£8.50. Info 01970 623232. Aberystwyth Arts Centre Youth Theatre adapt George Eliot for the stage.

Verve Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

Physical theatre presented

by National Dance Company Wales.

SATURDAY 2

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Between The Crosses The Riverfront, Newport. 2.30 + 7.45pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01633 656757.

Disney On Ice: Magical Ice Festival Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 11am, 3pm + 7pm, £15.50-£40. Info 029 2022 4488.

(Until Sun 3) Freddie Quinne + Paul McCaffrey + Bren Riley Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944.

A Manford’s Comedy Club night, on every Saturday.

Les Miserables School Edition Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 11am + 4.30pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 355800.

Machynlleth Comedy Festival: Day 2 Various venues, Machynlleth. 11am-12am, £7-£12 per show. Info hello@ machcomedyfest.co.uk. (Until Sun 3) Maureen Younger + Tudur Owen + Ignacio Lopez Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £11.50-£28.50. Info 029 2087 8889.

Pitschi, The Kitten With Dreams Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 11am + 2pm, £4.

Info 01686 614555. Kids’ show whose story originates from Switzerland. In Aberystwyth tomorrow.

Return Of The Grumpy Old Women Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £23. Info 01792 475715.

Ron Vaudry + Jen Brister + Tom Toal + Rob Collins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £17.50/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Sara Rees: Democracy The Project Space, Newport. 10am-

5pm. Info reessara@hotmail. com. In which Welsh artist Rees talks to shoppers on Newport’s Commercial Street while standing in this vacant shop space, which for this event has been done up to look like... a shop.

Seagulls The Iceland Building, High Street, Swansea. 6.30pm, £12/£6. Info 01792 464790.

Singin’ In The Rain Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £12.

Info 0845 2263510.

South Powys Dance Festival Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon.

7.30pm, free. Info 01874 611622. Featuring various schools in the area.

The Addams Family Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £11/£9.50. Info 01633 263670.

SUNDAY 3

Aladdin Junior Dolman Theatre, Newport. 6pm, £8/£6.

Info 01633 263670. Performed by the Mini Venture Players.

On tomorrow also.

Disney On Ice: Magical Ice Festival Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 3 + 7pm, £15.50-£40.

Info 029 2022 4488. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday.

Machynlleth Comedy Festival: Day 3 Various venues, Machynlleth. 1-11pm, £7-£12 per show. Info hello@ machcomedyfest.co.uk.

(Finishes today) Paul Merton’s Impro Chums St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £21. Info 029 2087 8444.

Phil Jerrod + Dan Mitchell + Alex Mahoney + Dan Coughtrey + Robin Morgan Buffalo, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £6 adv.

Info 029 2031 0312. Presented

by Buffalo Comedy.

Pitschi, The Kitten With Dreams Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2pm, £4-£8. Info 01970 623232.

MONDAY 4

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Aladdin Junior Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01633 263670.

TUESDAY 5

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £7-£14. Info 01970 623232.

Midir & Etain: The Love Of One Thousand Years Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. Theatrical storytelling with live music by Sianed Jones. Presented by Beyond The Border.

Stories From A Crowded Room Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £7.50-£14.50.

Info 01646 695267. Dance production presented by Earthfall, which is 25 this year. On tomorrow also.

The Woman In Black New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9.50-£26. Info 029 2087 8889.

Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, from the novel by Susan Hill.

(Until Sat 9)

WEDNESDAY 6

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) An Inspector Calls Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030

4400. Presented by Tin Shed Theatre. On tomorrow also.

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9.50-£15.

Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 9) Les Miserables School Edition Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 6pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 9) Faust Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £20/£18.

Info 01873 850805. Performed

by Swansea City Opera and sung in English. In Swansea on Thurs 28.

Return Of The Grumpy Old Women Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £23. Info 01792 475715.

Gladiator Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7.30pm, £10/£8.

Info 01495 243252. See Stage for more on this story of the first racing bike. Presented

by Chainworks; subsequently touring to Milford Haven (tomorrow), Swansea (Fri 8), Abergavenny (Wed 13), Porthcawl (Thurs 14), Carmarthen (Fri 15) and Newport (Sat 16).

Stories From A Crowded Room Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £7.50-£14.50.

Info 01646 695267.

The Woman In Black New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £8.50-£26. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 9)

THURSDAY 7

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) An Inspector Calls Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7.30pm, £9.50£15. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 9) Gladiator Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £5-£10.

Info 01646 695267.

Kevin Bridges Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £17.50. Info 01982 552555.

Sold-out gig, in which Kev will be doing a work in progress set.

Just having a look at his Twitter now. Biggest numbers in recent months: nearly 7,000 retweets for a joke which he stole from a (local to this area) standup (and Guardian writer), which wasn’t especially funny to start with. In Llanelli on Sun 24, Cardigan Mon 25, Milford Haven Tue 26.

Les Miserables School Edition Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 6pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 9) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16.

Info 029 2063 6464. See Upfront for more on National Theatre Wales’ spin on this Bertolt Brecht play. Here for a fortnight, abeit not on Saturdays or Sundays. (Until Fri 22) Rough Diamonds Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £4. Info 01792 602060. Works by writers on Swansea University’s Creative Writing course.

The Beggar’s Opera The Gate, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £5-£15. Info 029 2048 3344.

Presented here by Opera’r Ddraig. (Until Sat 9) The Woman In Black New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £8.50-£26. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 9)

FRIDAY 8

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@

porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Boon Shy No Mutley Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Spoken word, magic, costume and song combine in this curious-sounding four-man performance. On tomorrow also.

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9.50-£15.

Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 9) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. £8.50-£14. Info 01633 656757. Presented by Ballet Cymru. On tomorrow also; in Blackwood on Sat 16; Abergavenny on Fri 29.

Ffin Dance: The Power Of 3 The Met, Abertillery. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 01495 355800.

George Egg + Roger Monkhouse + John Hastings Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Gladiator Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060.

How The Koala Learnt To Hug Gwyn Hall, Neath. 1.30pm, £5-£7. Info 0300 3656677.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.

Info 029 2064 6900. Gary Owen’s new adaption of a Greek myth, set in Cardiff with a delinquent teenage girl as its protagonist. See Stage. (Until Sat 16) Les Miserables School Edition Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 6pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 355800. (Until Sat 9) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Sex Cells Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 01239 621200. A play about motherhood, relationships etc presented by Cardigan Theatre.

On tomorrow also.

Shaun Of The Dead Live Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

8pm, £15. Info 01600 772467.

Zombie comedy is adapted for the stage, and encourages audience participation. On tomorrow also.

The Beggar’s Opera The Gate, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £5-£15. Info 029 2048 3344.

(Until Sat 9) The Woman In Black New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9-£26. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sat 9)

SATURDAY 9

Adam Rowe + Penellor Mellor Tiger Tiger, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944.

Agatha Crusty And The Murder Mystery Dinner Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £6. Info 01834 869323. Parodic comedy presented by Clarbeston Road Players.

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) A Night Of Burlesue Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth. £10 adv. Info www.afterhourscabaret.co.uk. Featuring performances from Raven Noir, Talulah Blue and Aurora Blu. Presented by After Hours Cabaret.

Boon Shy No Mutley Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7.30pm, £9.50-£15. Info 01792 475715.

(Finishes today) Cinderella The Riverfront, Newport. £8.50-£14. Info 01633 656757.

Dansation XII St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£11.

Info 029 2087 8444. Dance showcase.

Elis James Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2039 1391. Standup of Welsh extraction.

George Egg + Roger Monkhouse + John Hastings Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £17.50/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

How The Koala Learnt To Hug Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 2.30pm, £7.50. Info 01792 602060.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 16) Les Miserables School Edition Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 11am + 4.30pm, £6 adv. Info 01495 355800.

(Finishes today) Sean Percival + Chris Henry + Philberto Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960.

Sex Cells Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £7 adv. Info 01239 621200.

Shaun Of The Dead Live Savoy Theatre, Monmouth.

8pm, £15. Info 01600 772467.

The Beggar’s Opera The Gate, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £5-£15. Info 029 2048 3344.

(Finishes today) The Woman In Black New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9-£26. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) To Kill A Machine Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12/£19. Info 01874 611622.

New play, written by Catrin Fflur Huws and about the life of Alan Turing. In Milford Haven on Tue 12; Swansea on Fri 15; Ammanford on Thurs 21; Newtown on Fri 22.

SUNDAY 10

How The Koala Learnt To Hug Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

3pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01656 815995. Kids’ show.

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Stickman Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 2.30pm, £7.50.

Info 01873 850805. Kids’ show.

MONDAY 11

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 16) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22)

TUESDAY 12

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 16) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) To Kill A Machine Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 01646 695267.

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr Foyer, Wales BUZZ 75

stage Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464.

WEDNESDAY 13

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Beyond Dreams Of Aberystwyth Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8-£12.

Info 029 2030 4400. One-woman show, Emma Decent being the one woman in question.

Blackadder Goes Forth Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. The play of the TV series. Unofficial, I assume.

(Until Sat 16) Broken Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 8pm, £15/£13.50.

Info 01874 611622. Dance production by Motionhouse. In Newport on Thurs 21.

Gladiator Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 01873 850805.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 16) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Revuesical Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.15pm, £11. Info 01633 868239. Musical theatre

tribute. On tomorrow also.

Sex In Suburbia New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £10-£26. Info 029 2087 8889. Did you know that Claire Sweeney writes plays nowadays? Well she does. This is one. It’s about dating, men and finding Mr Right. Three main topics in one play is pretty bold for sure. On tomorrow also.

The Body Of An American Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £10.50/£8.50.

Info 01792 475715. Drama whose starting point is “the moment when a single, stark photograph of the body of an American soldier dragged through the streets of Mogadishu reshaped the course of global events then and now.”

On tomorrow also.

THURSDAY 14

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Blackadder Goes Forth Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 16) David Trent + Anthony King + Karen Bayley Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.15pm, £8-£12. Info 01834 869323.

Comedy Club night.

Footloose Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.45pm, £5. Info

01686 614555. Dance showcase.

Gladiator Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £12/£11.

Info 01656 815995.

Hiraeth Memorial Hall, Newport, Pembrokeshire.

7.30pm. Info 01239 821176.

Exploring the decline of Welsh tradition and identity through one woman’s struggle to escape and let go. In Lampeter tomorrow; Rhossili on Mon 25; Deri on Wed 27 and Newtown on Fri 29. All thsse shows will also feature a twmpath performance at the end of the show.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 16) Liam Williams Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Occasionally-on-TV standup comic presents a new show, Capitalism.

Milton Jones St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £24. Info 029 2087 8444. See Upfront. In Swansea tomorrow.

Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 1 + 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Murder On The Nile Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.45pm, £5-£10. Info 01970 623232. Presented by Aberystwyth Arts Centre Community Theatre. (Until

Sat 16) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7.30pm, £5-£10. Info 0300 3656677. New play by Siân Summers about betrayal, loyalty and becoming a man, set during the miners’ strike. In Cardiff from Tue 19-Thurs 21.

Revuesical Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.15pm, £11. Info 01633 868239.

Sex In Suburbia New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.45pm, £10-£26. Info 029 2087 8889. Did you know that Claire Sweeney writes plays nowadays? Well she does. This is one. It’s about dating, men and finding Mr Right. Three main topics in one play is pretty bold for sure. On tomorrow also.

The Body Of An American Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £10.50/£8.50.

Info 01792 475715.

The Picture Of Dorian Gray Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Presented by the European Arts Company.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company In The Complete History Of Comedy (Abridged) Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14/£12.

Info 01495 227206.

USW Performing Arts Showcase The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £7.50/£5.50.

Info 01633 656757. On tomorrow also.

When We Are Married Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. JB Priestly’s comedy, presented by the Phoenix Theatre Group of Llanelli. (Until Sat 16)

FRIDAY 15

THE LADY KILLERS Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Tue 19-Sat 23 May Tickets: £8-£10. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org Graham Linehan’s adaptation of The Lady Killers is anything but a simple reminisce of an old family favourite film. Everyman Theatre presents Linehan’s latest venture into the realms of comedy, and here can find yourself alongside other creative minds, in search of something other than the latest calculated box office release. The stage performance takes an endearing and funny approach to the 50s classic, and follows Professor Marcus, along with his faux-musician friends, as they manipulate their landlord unsuspecting Little Miss Wilberforce, whilst planning their route inside the one-way doors of a bank vault. It’s for you to discover whether they’ve mistaken her kindness for weakness.

BUZZ 76

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Until Sat 16) Blackadder Goes Forth Dolman Theatre, Newport.

7.15pm, £12.50/£8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 16) Broadway By The Bay Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11 adv.

Info 029 2087 7959. Featuring a host of musical theatre performers and accompanied by David George Harrington. On tomorrow also.

Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400.

Gladiator Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £14/£12.

Info 0845 2263510.

Hiraeth Theatr Felinfach, Lampeter. 7.30pm. Info 01570 470697.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Until Sat 16) Jethro Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.30pm, £19.50. Info 01686 614555.

John Moloney + Dave Johns + Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolf III + Nathan Caton Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Milton Jones Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £24.50. Info 01792 475715.

Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Murder On The Nile Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.45pm, £5-£10. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sat 16) National Dance Company Wales Spring Tour 2015 Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £7.50-£16.50. Info 01646 695267.

Phil Wang + Adam Hess

+ Frank Honeybone Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 01656 815995. Comedy Network night. Hess has been described as “the UK’s Rob Delaney” by Graham Linehan.

As I suspected, this means that he tweets way, way too much relative to how funny his tweets are.

To Kill A Machine Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 602060.

USW Performing Arts Showcase The Riverfront, Newport. 7pm, £7.50/£5.50. Info 01633 656757.

When We Are Married Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 16)

SATURDAY 16

A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. (Finishes today) Andrew Lawrence Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01239 621200.

“Ignoring the war, the Nazis were actually the best thing to happen to Germany.” Not my words, or Andrew Lawrence’s, but those of Matty Stewart, commenting underneath Andrew’s infamous “I sure do hate those liberal comedians” Facebook post last year.

Blackadder Goes Forth Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.30 + 7.15pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Broadway By The Bay Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £11 adv.

Info 029 2087 7959.

Cinderella Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £10-£14.

Info 01495 227206.

Clwb Kaboom! Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £8. Info 0845 2263510. Burlesque from Tickety Boo, Dee Riley. Poppy Raine, Lilly Laudanum and hosts DeeDee DeLa Rouge and Dawn.

Gladiator The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £6-£10. Info 01633 656757.

Iphigenia In Splott Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15/£13. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Finishes today) Jethro Blake Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £19.50.

Info 01600 719401. I mean, Jethro never felt the need to unleash a social media jeremiad about how lefty complacency is ruining comedy. He just gets on with stuff. OK, he did call one of his videos Bullocks To Europe.

John Moloney + Dave Johns + Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolf III + Nathan Caton Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £17.50/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Kane Brown + Freddy Quinn + Jeff Innocent Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960.

LC3 Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, free.

Info 029 2063 6464. London Contemporary Dance School’s third year touring company present a gratis programme of dance.

Murder On The Nile Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.45pm, £5-£10. Info 01970 623232. (Finishes today) Nursing Lives Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622.

Theatre production set during WWII. Peter Pan Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464. Part of Welsh National Opera’s summer season, which you can read

more about on the front page of this listings section. Also on Sat 23 and Sun 31.

Phil Walker + Will Duggan + Rob Deering + Colin Manford Tiger Tiger, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944.

Seann Walsh Pontardawe Arts Centre. 8pm, £15. Info 01792 863722. Comedian.

Sing-A-Long-A-Frozen Grand Theatre, Swansea. 11.30am, 3pm + 6pm, £15.50/£10.50 kids. Info 01792 475715.

Star Struck Performing Arts School Annual Open Day Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 11am, £6.50/£2.50 kids. Info 01792 475715.

When We Are Married Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 0845 2263510.

(Finishes today)

SUNDAY 17

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

MONDAY 18

Michael McIntyre + Paul Tonkinson Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £23. Info 01792 475715. New material tryout sesh for Mikey M. Will probably be sold out by the time you read this.

MonologueSlam The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info theglobevenue@gmail.com.

Presented by Triforce and National Theatre Wales.

Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22)

TUESDAY 19

Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15-£22. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 21) The Ladykillers Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2030 4400. Everyman Theatre present Graham Linehan’s play about an old lady and her master criminal lodgers. (Until Sat 23)

WEDNESDAY 20

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9.50-£17.50.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 23) Comedy Den Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@porterscardiff. com. With acts TBC. Ghost Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. WAWWA The Musical Theatre Company presents a musical based on the film. (Until Sat 23) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Nelson – The Sailor’s Story Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

7.30pm, £8-£12.50. Info 01646 695267. “Ocean-going action, surprise and song about the infamous Nelson,” says the description. I would call him famous rather than infamous, I think. Hard to say precisely what the difference is though.

Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15-£22. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Thurs 21) Thanks For The Music The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £9/£8.

Info 01495 355800. Musical revue presented by Abertillery Operatic Society. (Until Fri 22) The Ladykillers Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm,

stage £10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23)

THURSDAY 21

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9-£17.50. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sat 23) Broken The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £8-£12.50.

Info 01633 656757.

Ghost Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 23) Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 1 + 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Fri 22) Pan Oedd Y Byd Yn Fach Sherman Cymru, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15-£22. Info 029 2064 6900. (Finishes today) Rich Hall Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 8pm, £16. Info 01874 611622.

Roots & Wings Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800. On tomorrow also.

Thanks For The Music The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £9/£8.

Info 01495 355800. (Until Fri 22) The Ladykillers Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) The Wizard Of Oz Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510.

Presented by Carmarthen Amateur Operatic Society.

(Until Sat 23) To Kill A Machine Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510.

FRIDAY 22

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9.50-£17.50.

Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 23) Burlesque Cardiff Unplugged 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, £10. Info 029 2022 8883. Featuring Barri Islande, Miss Poppy Raine, Flossie & Boo and hostess Foo Foo Labelle.

Comedy Shed The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12.50. Info 01633 656757. With standups TBC. Ghost Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 23) Kai Humphries + Michael Fabbri + Holly Walsh + Keith Farnan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Mother Courage And Her Children Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club. 7.30pm, £10-£16. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Rod Woodward St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £18.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Welsh standup comedian. In Swansea on Wed 27.

Silky + Karen Bayley + Harriey Dyer Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. 8pm, £11/£9 adv. Info 01982 552555.

Wyeside Comedy Club night.

Thanks For The Music The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £9/£8.

Info 01495 355800. (Finishes today) The Ladykillers Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) The Magic Flute Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464. Part of Welsh National Opera’s summer season. Also on Sat 30 and Fri 5 June.

The Wizard Of Oz Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510.

(Until Sat 23)

To Kill A Machine Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 7.45pm, £10/£8. Info 01686 614555.

Trevor’s House The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£7. Info 029 2048 3344. Bob Rogers’ comedy about a south Wales valleys family.

USW New Writing In Newport The Riverfront, Newport. 2 + 7.45pm, £5.50£3.50. Info 01633 656757. A double bill of best student work, The Roots That Bind by Beatrice Dear and If The Jacket Fits by Emma Jo Berry. On tomorrow also.

SATURDAY 23

Alan Carr Grand Theatre, Swansea. 8pm, £30.50. Info 01792 475715. This will probably be sold out by the start of May. Angie McAvoy + John Ryan + Sean Meo Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960.

Bred In Heaven – The Road To Twickers New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9.50£17.50. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Finishes today) Encounters With Dance Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £11.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Presented

by National Dance Company Wales. On tomorrow also.

Freddie Starr Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01633 868239.

Ghost Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £12. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Kai Humphries + Michael Fabbri + Holly Walsh + Keith Farnan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £17.50/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Larry Dean + JoJo Sutherland Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944.

Peter Pan Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.30pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464.

Pure Joy Conscious Dance Party Small World Theatre, Cardigan. 6.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01239 615952. Featuring the transformative dance process of Ruth Lawson, music from DJ Shanna, a raw food cafe and a gong bath.

Rich Hall Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £16. Info 01600 772467.

The Ladykillers Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400.

(Finishes today) The Wizard Of Oz Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Through The Eyes Of Wales Parc Penallta Events Area, Caerphilly. 6pm, £5. Info 01495 227206. “A fun way of looking at Wales using song, comedy, poems and sketches,” they say.

USW New Writing In Newport The Riverfront, Newport. 2 + 7.45pm, £5.50£3.50. Info 01633 656757.

SUNDAY 24

Encounters With Dance Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £11.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

Kevin Bridges Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm. Info 0845 2263510. Sold out.

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

MONDAY 25

Hiraeth Rhossili Village Hall.

7.30pm. Info 01792 391509.

Kevin Bridges Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £17.50. Info 01239 621200.

Welsh Unsigned Standup

Award: Heat 3 The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £5. Info info@porterscardiff. com. Featuring Payton Quinn, Neil Davies, Alicia Roberts, James Fenn, Dorian Gomer, Tony Davidson, Liam Jones and The Death Hilarious.

TUESDAY 26

Arabian Nights Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.45pm, £7/£6. Info 01834 869323. Family show.

Aspects Of Love Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10.

Info 01633 263670. STC Musical Society presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. (Until Sat 30) From The Cradle To The Bin Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.15pm, £12.50/£9.50.

Info 01792 475715. Theatre presented by Ship Of Fools.

Kevin Bridges Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £7.50.

Info 01646 695267.

Piste Off Comedy Club Face 11, Cathays, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2022 8221. Here on the third Tuesday of every month.

Or the fourth Tuesday in this case.

Princess Nest Cardigan Castle.

12 + 2pm. Info 01239 615952.

Small World Theatre present a bawdy puppet show for all the family. This strikes me as a contradiction in terms.

Roots & Wings Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800.

Frank Vickery comedy. On tomorrow also; in Cwmbran from Thurs 28-Sat 30.

WEDNESDAY 27

Aspects Of Love Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 30) Comedy Club Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £11.

Info 01792 475715.

Hiraeth Parc Cwm Darran Visitor Centre, Deri, Bargoed.

6pm. Info 01443 875557.

My Son Pinnochio Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 01656 815995. Presented by Bridgend Youth Theatre. On tomorrow also.

Pirates Of The Carabina – Flown St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2087 8444. See Stage. Opening night cheap price BTW. (Until Sat 30) Rod Woodward Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19.

Info 01792 475715.

Roots & Wings Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01495 355800.

Starlight Express Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510. Musical, presented by Llanelli Musical Players.

On tomorrow also.

The Wizard Of Oz New Theatre, Cardiff. 72 + pm, £9.50-£21. Info 029 2087 8889.

Musical of note, presented by Orbit Theatre. (Until Sun 31) Wot? No Fish!! Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7-£14.

Info 029 2064 6900. Play telling the true story of a Jewish family living in London between the 1920s and 1980s. (Until Sat 30)

THURSDAY 28

Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland The Met, Abertillery. 2pm, £5. Info 01495 355800. (Until Fri 22) Aspects Of Love Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 30) Comedy Club Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.45pm, £5-£10. Info 01970 623232.

Comedy Sheep Dempseys, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 9253. Standup night with acts

TBC. Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

Nick Payne’s adaption of this very old tale. (Until Sat 6 June) Faust Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£18. Info 01792 602060.

Land Of The Dragon Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 2.30pm, £8/£6 kids. Info 0845 2263510.

Newtown. 7.30pm. Info 01686 614555.

Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. Play about the women who survived in the Sonderbau, the first brothel for Buchenwald concentration camp prisoners.

(Until Sat 6 June) Lift Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5. Info

Fri 15 May sees the regular Comedy Network night at Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion burst into life again. There’s three comedians confirmed: Welshman Frank Honeybone, who I’ve always assumed doesn’t use his real surname; London’s Phil Wang, who I’ve always assumed does; and Adam Hess, who Graham Linehan described as a British Rob Delaney.

My Son Pinnochio Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2 + 7.30pm, £6-£12. Info 01656 815995.

Pirates Of The Carabina – Flown St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

2 + 7.30pm, £18/£14.30. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 30) Rob Newman Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£10.

Info 029 2030 4400. New show claiming to offer opposition to “the mindless claims of neurobabble” from one-time student comedy favourite.

Roots And Wings Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £13/£12. Info 01633 868239.

(Until Sat 30) Ruby Wax Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20. Info 029 2064 6900. Another airing for her one-woman show Sane New World.

Starlight Express Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £12. Info 0845 2263510.

The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12.

Info 029 2039 1391. Presented by the Richard Burton Company.

(Until Sat 6 June) The Wizard Of Oz New Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £9.50-£21. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 31) Universarama Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 2pm, £7/£6. Info 01495 227206. Stage show looking at the mysteries of the solar system.

Wot? No Fish!! Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2.30pm, £7-£14.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30)

FRIDAY 29

Al Murray The Pub Landlord Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm. Info 0845 2263510. Sold out. In Newtown tomorrow, apparently not sold out.

Aspects Of Love Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sat 30) Cinderella Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7.30pm, £6-£13.

Info 01873 850805.

Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

(Until Sat 6 June) Groundswell Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £8/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Dance showcase.

Hiraeth Theatr Hafren,

01792 602060. Presented by Neath Port Talbot College‘s dance department.

Paul Thorne + Gordon Southern + Andy Robinson + Lloyd Langford Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.

Pelléas And Mélisande Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£40.

Info 029 2063 6464. Debussy’s opera, presented here by WNO and also on Sat 6 June.

Pirates Of The Carabina – Flown St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £18/£14.30. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 30) Roots And Wings Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £13/£12. Info 01633 868239.

(Until Sat 30) Sarah Bridgeman + Dan Thomas + Chris Chopping Cafe Nisse, Swansea. 7.30pm, free. Info 01792 686914.

Monthly comedy night hosted by Bridgeman.

Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter: Pop-Up Love Party Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9.30pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2030 4400. Group show performance presented by Intangible Studio, reflecting on philosophy and raising a glass to love. Price includes a seven-course taster menu and wine. On tomorrow also.

The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12.

Info 029 2039 1391. (Until Sat 6 June) The Ted Bundy Project Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400. One-man show based on the exploits of noted serial killer Bundy and performed

by Greg Wohead. On tomorrow also. “Strictly not suitable for under-18s,” we’re warned, and indeed whoever heard of a serial killer-obsessed teenager.

On tomorrow also.

The Wizard Of Oz New Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £9.50-£21. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 31) Wot? No Fish!! Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7-£14.

Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30)

SATURDAY 30

Al Murray The Pub Landlord Theatr Hafren,

Newtown. 7.30pm, £25.50. Info 01686 614555.

Aspects Of Love Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £10.

Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Electra Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391.

No show tomorrow. (Until Sat 6 June) Honk! Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8. Info 01633 263670. The Ugly Duckling, but for kids. Wait, that can’t be right.

Jason Paterson +Patrick Monahan + Rhodri Rhys Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £15. Info 08700 111960.

Joy House Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

7.15pm, £6-£12. Info 029 2039 1391. No show tomorrow. (Until Sat 6 June) Lesser Mortals Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 12.30pm, £6/£4.50. Info 01792 475715.

Presented by Fluellen.

Milkshake! Live Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 1 + 3.30pm, £12/£10 kids. Info 0845 2263510. Kids’ show.

One Night Only Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12.50/£10. Info 01874 611622.

Variety show.

Paul Thorne + Gordon Southern + Andy Robinson + Lloyd Langford Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £15/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400.

Pirates Of The Carabina – Flown St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

2 + 7.30pm, £18/£14.30. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today) Reginald D Hunter Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

8pm, £24 adv. Info 01639 763214. In Cardiff tomorrow.

Roots And Wings Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £13/£12. Info 01633 868239.

(Finishes today) Scott Bennett + Rachel Parris + David Trent + Jojo Smith Tiger Tiger, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2039 1944.

Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter: Pop-Up Love Party Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9.30pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2030 4400.

The Duchess Of Malfi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6-£12.

Info 029 2039 1391. No show tomorrow. (Until Sat 6 June) The Magic Flute Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464.

The Ted Bundy Project Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

The Wizard Of Oz New Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 7pm, £9.50-£21. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Until Sun 31) Wot? No Fish!! Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £7-£14. Info 029 2064 6900.

(Finishes today)

SUNDAY 31

Captain Flinn & The Pirate Dinosaurs Theatr Brychieniog, Brecon. 2.30pm, £8.50. Info 01874 611622. Kids’ show.

Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Peter Pan Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 4pm, £5-£40. Info 029 2063 6464.

Reginald D Hunter St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £24. Info 029 2087 8444.

The Wizard Of Oz New Theatre, Cardiff. 2pm, £9.50£21. Info 029 2087 8889.

(Finishes today)

BUZZ 77

competitions TICKETS TO FESTIVAL NUMBER 6 With an impressive line-up already announced, including Belle And Sebastian, Mark Ronson and Years & Years (who were recently voted BBC Sound Of 2015 by the way), Festival Number 6 is earning its stripes to be a big festival contender. Set in the fantasy land that is Portmeirion, North Wales, the Italian-style architecture set to the backdrop of mountains and full forests creates quite a surreal world that lends itself perfectly to the uniqueness of this bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture. This isn’t just a festival, this is a magical weekend away that is a far cry from those muddy festival fears, and you can win a pair of weekend tickets (Thurs 3-Sun 6 Sept) by answering the following question before Thurs 27 Aug. Q: What award did Festival Number 6 win at the UK Festival Awards last year?

FREE CD AND TICKETS TO SEE SECKOU KEITA

There aren’t many people who could play a 21-string lute-bridge-harp (a kora), let alone with charisma, but Seckou Keita somehow manages and is now on his way to becoming the most influential kora player of his generation. His new album 22 Strings has international aims as it explores what it means to be a modern global citizen. To win a copy of the album and two tickets to any 22 Strings show in Wales, answer the following question before Tue 5 May. Q: At what age did Seckou start learning the kora?

TICKETS TO SEE ROD WOODWARD

Award-winning Welsh comedian Rod Woodward is back in Cardiff at St David’s Hall on Fri 22 May for The Journey Starts Here tour (well not literally the start, this is the fifth stop). Tipped for stardom, Rod already has some pretty impressive notches on his belt including the London Palladium, so if you fancy a pair of tickets to see what all the fuss is about, just answer this question before Fri 15 May. Q: Which power couple did Rod perform in front of at last year’s Royal Variety Performance?

TICKETS TO SEE J COLE

American rapper J. Cole is in town bringing his 2014 Forest Hills Drive tour to Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Sat 16 May. His previous album outsold Kanye's Yeezus, with Kendrick Lamar giving Cole a big nod of admiration for his lyricism. If you want two tickets to catch this guy just answer the following question before Sat 9 May. Q: Which fellow rapper draped Cole with his chain during a Madison Square Garden concert on Cole’s 29th birthday?

TICKETS TO SEE THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK

Party like no other, show like no other, girls like no other... The Ladyboys Of Bangkok are back performing their new show Beauties And The Beats at the Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay from Thurs 4 June. If you fancy bagging yourself a pair of opening night tickets, just answer the following question by Thurs 28 May. Q: Which year did the Ladyboys make their first appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe?

BUZZ 78

TICKETS TO MONMOUTHSHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL Fear not, foodies, for the Monmouthshire (or should I say nom-mouthshire) Food Festival is back for another year on Sat 30 and Sun 31 May at Caldicot Castle. If you can’t resist the temptation of food, then I suggest you answer the following question before Sat 23 May to win yourself a pair of tickets!

Q: Which King was born in Monmouthshire?

BIG EYES ON DVD

Big Eyes is the true story of the art fraud that shocked America in the 60s, where Walter Keane made millions off an art career without painting a single stroke. With some saying this is Tim Burton’s best work since Ed Wood, Big Eyes has got some big love from film critics and audiences alike. Want to find out for yourself? Answer the following question to win yourself a copy.

Q: Which Cartoon Network series is influenced by the ‘Big Eyes’ art style and even features a Ms. Keane?

TICKETS TO PIRATES OF THE CARABINA: FLOWN

Forget running away with the circus; fly away with contemporary circus company Pirates Of The Carabina and their award-winning show Flown – which is coming to St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Already in its fourth year of touring, the chaotic comedy is back giving you a behind-the-scenes look into the magical madness of contemporary circus life. To win two tickets to the opening night on Wed 27 May simply answer the following question by Fri 15 May. Q: The word carabiner is a shortened form of what German term?

Please email your answers, name, address, Twitter username (if you have one) and contact number to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by Mon 1 June unless otherwise stated. T&Cs: WE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE COMPETITIONS TO BE REPLICATED OR SHARED ANYWHERE ONLINE.

Come and see us at one of our Open Days ‌ Interested in studying at Cardiff Met? Then why not come and see us at one of our forthcoming Open Days.

This is your chance to speak to staff about your course interests, talk to current students about their experiences and take a tour of our facilities and accommodation.

Open Day Dates by Academic School Cardiff School of Art & Design: Saturday 3rd June 2015 Cardiff School of Education: Saturday 6th June 2015 Cardiff School of Health Sciences: Saturday 13th June 2015 Cardiff School of Management: Saturday 13th June 2015 Cardiff School of Sport: Saturday 6th June 2015 To book onto any of our Open Days please visit: cardiffmet.ac.uk/opendays You can also take a tour of campuses, facilities and accommodation at: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/virtualtours #cardiffmet