AUGUST PREVIEWS

Image by Lucas Christiansen

MUSIC

BBYMUTHA @ THE CLUNY

Words: Laura Doyle

To think that, following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Muthaland last August, 2020 nearly spelled the end of American rapper and entrepreneur BbyMutha’s musical career. After a tremendous slew of banging EPs over a seven year career, the experience of making a full length album was a bit of a letdown for Tennessee-born Brittnee Moore, and she was all set for an early retirement. But the prolific songwriter just couldn’t stay away for too long: once her apothecary was up and running, she decided to make a comeback to the music scene, and she’s already released two EPs this year alone.

BbyMutha has made a name for herself with her own brand of self-assured, no-nonsense hip-hop tracks that aren’t afraid to grapple with everything from her everyday personal struggles as a Black single mother to institutionalised bigoted dogma. BbyMutha is also back on the road for a bit of post(ish) pandemic performance, which sees her drop into The Cluny, Newcastle on Sunday 29th August. Few could spit as many harsh truths without even breaking a sweat as easily as BbyMutha, so whether you need to blow off steam, have a good time, or just really need a new rap music rec, you could do much worse than an evening with Ms Moore.

BbyMutha performs at The Cluny, Newcastle on Sunday 29th August www.soundcloud.com/bbymutha

EVENTS

HARTLEPOOL WATERFRONT FESTIVAL

Words: Claire Dupree

After teasing audiences with a delightful series of bite-sized Little Waterfronts events earlier in the year, Hartlepool’s celebrated Waterfront Festival finally returns this month, with events taking place at the historic marina on Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th August.

The flagship event is a much-loved staple of the region’s events calendar, bringing together communities in a celebration of music and the creative arts. Tickets will be ‘pay what you decide’ and the theme this year is based around ‘Rebirth’, with a wide range of entertainment both in person and online.

Key highlights of the programme, which will be announced in full throughout August, include a performance from everyone’s favourite Mackem rockers The Futureheads, who will perform at the Moon Stage on the Waterfront on Sunday 29th. They’ll be joined by a veritable ‘who’s who’ of North East emerging talent including Jodie Nicholson, bigfatbig, Kay Greyson, Picnic, Amelia Coburn, Michael Gallagher and Mt. Misery. There’s more music the day before as Transatlantic Ensemble perform Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours in full.

In addition, there will be a unique opportunity to view internationally-renowned artist Luke Jerram’s moving artwork In Memoriam on Seaton Carew beach (from Friday 20th-Monday 30th August), an installation which features 120 flags made from NHS bed sheets arranged in the form of a medical logo, intended as a tribute to NHS staff who risked and lost their lives during the pandemic. Much more will be announced over the coming weeks, keep an eye on their website for details.

Hartlepool Waterfront Festival takes place on Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th August www.hartlepoolwaterfrontfestival.com

In Memoriam by Luke Jerram

MUSIC

SQUARMS @ THE ENGINE ROOM

Words: Claire Dupree

Fiercely DIY and as unpredictable as they come, Newcastle-based duo SQUARMS head up a bill at North Shields’ The Engine Room on Thursday 5th August which promises to energise and enliven even the most pandemic-weary ears.

The self-described “cyberspace entities” concern themselves with electronica-fuelled hip-hop with a distinctly dystopian flavour. Embracing the digital age and seeking to subvert conformist agendas, their recent single Dai Jou Bu was released as ‘crypto-vinyl’, on both vinyl and as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), with the express intention of “creating new avenues for independent artists to thrive” and “opening a new ecosystem of value distribution in art”, as they explain on their website. Live, they’re capricious and creative, and in the intimate surrounds of The Engine Room they’ll no doubt produce an incendiary performance.

Joining the crypto-punks on the evening will be two artists who are themselves no strangers to innovating sounds. Experimental hip-hop artist John Dole fuses accessible electronica with effortless flow, while alt. trap/wave artist Xaatu’s multi-layered sound veers deliciously between terrifying beats and thrilling sonic meanderings.

SQUARMS, John Dole and Xaatu play The Engine Room, North Shields on Thursday 5th August www.squarms.bandcamp.com

SQUARMS by Benjamin Scott

EVENTS

BE FORWARD: IDENTIFYING PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Claire Dupree

If you’ve ever followed a band or artist’s trajectory from performing in the back room of a pub right through to getting signed by a cool label and playing massive festivals, you’ll no doubt have wondered just how the heck they did it. If you’re a musician with aspirations for the same, fancy working within the music scene in general, or just an interested music fan, the first ‘in-person’ event from Forward NE aims to provide you with some insight.

Forward NE is a network for women, trans and non-binary musicians and creatives in the region, and their event at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Thursday 26th August will be the first of many planned across the North East in the coming months.

Be Forward: Identifying Pathways To Success In The Music Industry will take the form of a talk/Q&A/live music hybrid which will focus on the stories of three successful musicians, promoters and industry experts, with the aim of inspiring and educating women and gender minorities who want to be successful in the music industry. Attendees will hear from Hazel Wilde from Mercury-nominated indie rock band Lanterns on the Lake, Sarah Wilson from Darlington collective Tracks and Noisy Daughters, and Helen Walkinshaw who has a vast range of experience as a DIY musician with Blóm and works as Talent Development manager for Generator. A Q&A will be hosted by NARC. editor Claire Dupree – yep, that’s me! – and the event will be MC’d by BBC Radio Tees Introducing’s Rianne Thompson.

After the informal and informative talk there will be a live stripped-back performance from incisive indie rock artist Holly Rees and her band, and plenty of opportunity to chat with fellow attendees and guest speakers during a guest DJ set. Entry is free and tables can be reserved via the venue – the talk will also be recorded and available to view online after the event.

Be Forward: Identifying Pathways To Success In The Music Industry with Hazel Wilde, Sarah Wilson, Helen Walkinshaw, Claire Dupree, Rianne Thompson and a performance from Holly Rees takes place at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Thursday 26th August www.facebook.com/forwardne

Pui Lee. Something Marvellous. Woodcut and mokuhanga

ART & LIT

LOVE NATURE MORE @ NORTHERN PRINT

Words: Nicola Owen

Founded on the Fish Quay in 1994 and re-homed in the artistic powerhub which is the Ouseburn Valley, Northern Print is the epicentre for printmaking excellence in the North East. Whether etched on copper with acid, created with carved wood blocks or formed through mesh, printmaking is an accessible and fascinating practice which can be appreciated and enjoyed by all.

Northern Print studio artists have created over 60 original pieces for their new exhibition Love Nature More, which runs until September. Inspired by lockdown, during which many people reconnected with and found healing in natural settings, the exhibition seeks to express how the enforced hiatus created a space of uncertainty, observation and reflection on our place in the world. It also acknowledges how we can seek solace in actual, remembered or imagined landscapes and find new ways of living and working that are kinder to nature, and to ourselves.

It’s a beautiful and colourful show, and all prints in the exhibition are for sale (all priced under £100). For those who find a bit of making helpful in calming the unsettled mind, Northern Print also run printmaking courses for absolute beginners, ‘re-learners’ and folks with more experience.

Love Nature More exhibition is at Northern Print, Newcastle until Saturday 11th September www.northernprint.org.uk

MUSIC

NEW SUPER CLUB THE LOFTS OPENS THIS MONTH

Words: Claire Dupree

Dancers and ravers rejoice! Not only are nightclubs open for business and dancing is back on the cards, but there’s a brand new ‘super club’ opening in Newcastle which aims to add further fuel to the fire of the City’s legendary nightlife.

The Lofts is described as offering a “360 visual and sonic experience” in its new home on Newcastle’s Newgate Street. Opening on Friday 27th August with a stellar line-up of big name acts, they’re certainly putting their best foot forward.

BBC Radio 1 legend and industry taste-maker Pete Tong will headline the opening night, alongside subversive disco collective Horse Meat Disco, innovative house DJ Mighty Mouse, underground disco DJ Natasha Kitty Cat, plus Charlie Hedges and Frankie Foncett. Joining them will be local residents John Dance, Jonny Burn and Kev Cannon.

A night at The Lofts promises much more than just music; the venue boasts a state of the art L-Acoustic sound system, while light shows, professional dancers and immersive experiences will be at the heart of what they offer, with a passion for bringing people together through music.

“Our aim is to build on the excellent reputation Newcastle already has and raise its profile still further.” Says co-owner Rob Seaman, who is behind the venue alongside John Dance and Marty Smith. “We are booking international artists from different genres and can mix up the styles on the same night in the different rooms.”

The Lofts launches on Friday 27th August with Pete Tong, Horse Meat Disco, Mighty Mouse, Natasha Kitty Cat, Charlie Hedges, Frankie Foncett and more www.theloftsne1.co.uk

Leddie MC

MUSIC

LEDDIE MC RELEASES NEW SINGLE, PUSHING 30

Words: Claire Dupree

Continuing an impressive release schedule which has seen Middlesbrough rapper Leddie MC release a new single practically every month this year, her new track Pushing 30 might be a tough listen for anyone who’s driven up that hill and is coasting down the other side (not me, obvs *ahem*).

“Before you know it you’ll be 30, you’ll be almost middle aged” she spits, as she uncovers some of the rumours about growing older. Approaching the subject matter with her tongue firmly in cheek, a pinch of humour (“they say you’re past your prime, on the turn with sagging tits...”) and worldly wisdom (“they’re the best years of your life, stop wasting your chances, it’s an honour to grow old never take it for granted”), Pushing 30’s backed by a funky soundtrack making it a catchy ear-worm.

“You need to start trying to conceive babies before you are too old, nothing will ever be good ever again, your back and knees ache for absolutely no reason (that bit is true!)” She explains about the track. “The upside is, you seem to give a fuck a lot less than you did in your 20s...”

Leddie MC’s only live date this year will be at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Thursday 12th August, as part of their Summer Sessions shows. Given the incredible creative spurt Leddie’s undergoing right now, it’s certain to be a performance filled with fresh sounds and her trademark biting wit.

Leddie MC releases Pushing 30 on 27th August. She performs at Middlesbrough Town Hall supporting The Lulas on Thursday 12th August www.facebook.com/LeddieMC1

COMEDY

HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB @ THE FORUM MUSIC CENTRE, DARLINGTON

Comedy clubs both new and established are coming back swinging, and the long-running Hilarity Bites is no exception. Like the culture-savvy friend you can trust for a heads-up on the next big gig, this club is always on hand to deliver the finest in rib-tickling, hot and fresh on our doorstep.

It’s Darlington’s turn on Saturday 7th August, when stand-up and songwriter Duncan Oakley takes to the stage with his harmonica and whimsical charm, to put thoughts big and small to the catchiest of tunes. Whether singing about frying pans or what it means to leave a legacy behind, Oakley will ensure no-one leaves without a sillier, funnier and naughtier lens on the world. The cherry on the cake this night is Josh Pugh who, having only performed his first gig in 2014, is a shiny new cherry too, and already clanging with awards like Midlands New Act of the Year 2015 and English Comedian of the Year 2016. Like James Acaster with a slight dark twist, Pugh is impossibly likeable, with a soap-bar purity to his persona and one foot in the delightfully unusual. If you like your comedy excellently observed, you’re all set.

Duncan Oakley and Josh Pugh perform at The Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Saturday 7th August www.hilaritybites.co.uk

Louise Young by Mark Howe

COMEDY

LAUREN STONE & LOUISE YOUNG @ THE GLOBE

Words: Claire Dupree

As if starting a brand new comedy collective during a pandemic wasn’t pioneering enough, Felt Nowt have since branched out into launching their own comedy club in an actual real-life physical space at Laurel’s in Whitley Bay. It’s clear nothing but full-on North East domination will do, and they’re gradually kicking off new regular events at a variety of venues across the region which aim to put North East comics front and centre.

Felt Tips is one such new endeavour; a new act/ new material night at The Globe and Bobik’s in Newcastle, each event will feature an experienced headliner trying out new material alongside an MC and six short spots for new acts to develop their comedy skills. Thursday 26th August will see a particularly tasty line-up take to the stage at The Globe featuring headliner Lauren Stone, whose time away from live performance will no doubt have provided fresh comedic fodder to suit her dead-pan style, while Louise Young’s razor-sharp wit will be an excellent fit as she takes on MC duties for the night.

Lauren Stone, Louise Young and more perform at The Globe, Newcastle on Thursday 26th August www.feltnowt.co.uk

MUSIC

ISLE OF TYNE @ THE TYNE BAR

Words: Laura Doyle

Festivals are tentatively returning this summer, and with it our hopes that the music industry might just about bounce back after over a year out. And, like the dove appearing over the horizon with an olive branch, our first sign of better things within reach is the triumphant comeback of the all-day bank holiday extravaganza, Isle of Tyne.

The folks at Wandering Oak and the Tyne Bar seek to make up for lost time with a free entry event on Bank Holiday Sunday that will blow the inaugural event out of the water. Samba reggae is on the menu thanks to an appearance from masked Afrobeat punk outfit Ponyland; with more progressive beats and industrial grind than a Carnegie steel mill, STRAIGHT GIRL will undoubtedly go wild on stage to their electro punk hits; and fresh from their debut album Today’s News…Stay Happy, Behold A Pale Horse will be grateful for the opportunity to get back on stage and show it off more than they were able pre-pandemic. Electronica can be morbid too: Crimewave are on a mission to show how to manipulate your sound to make it as bone-chilling as possible; while Ibero-Geordie synth-poppers Twist Helix do excellently on record, but the stage is where they really have a chance to shine. Dancers rejoice, for Stranger Than Horses host a DJ set for anyone who wants to simply get lost in soulful melody. See you at the bar, then?

Isle of Tyne takes place at The Tyne Bar, Newcastle on Sunday 29th August www.facebook.com/wanderingoakuk

Image by Malcolm Johnson

COMEDY

JONNY & THE BAPTISTS @ THE STAND

Words: Nicola Owen

Comedy folk duo Jonny & The Baptists bring their trademark blend of silly and joyful songs, deadpan stand-up and riotous storytelling to The Stand, Newcastle on Tuesday 3rd August as part of a nation embracing tour this Summer.

Dance Like It Never Happened is touted as a show about grief and loss and feeling utterly bereaved. But with laughs. The lads learn to accept and engage with their grief, telling the story of anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance and finally finding meaning, beauty and humour in the hardest part of life. As they say themselves: “In 2019, we lost another election, our place in Europe and, worst of all, a dearly beloved friend. We are no strangers to grief, but it hurt. Then in 2020, we all lost the world as we knew it. Our decades-long system of ‘dealing with emotions’ (ignore them, drink heavily and make jokes) finally broke. We finally broke.”

The Times, The Guardian and Metro have all lavished Jonny & The Baptists’ work with four star reviews using Scrabble staples such as “funny”, “irresistible” and “fuzzy”. The lads have a podcast and blog on their website for those hooked on the idea of unconquerable optimism and keen to find out more.

Jonny & The Baptists perform at The Stand, Newcastle on Tuesday 3rd August www.jonnyandthebaptists.co.uk

Biscuit Head And The Biscuit Badgers

MUSIC

MISH MASH FESTIVAL @ MARKET SQUARE, DARLINGTON

Words: Kate Murphy

With last year’s in-the-flesh Mish Mash snatched from us, it’s only right that this summer we get to enjoy a double supply of the something-foreveryone festival: not one, but two days of musical celebration, all thanks to Tracks Darlington, Darlington Borough Council and Tees Valley Festival Recovery Fund.

The party bursts into Darlington Market Square on Saturday 28th August for an opening day of air-punching local pride, with ethereal indie pop from ETHR; chart-topping reggae/ska heaven from The Skapones; the sublime Cortney Dixon – rightly named one of BBC Music Introducing in the North East’s Top Ten Tips, with a one-of-a-kind voice and a smoky-bar style; funk and summer in a bottle from Middlesbrough’s Moon Wax; joyous Latin acoustic from last year’s Mini Mish Mash headliners Los Capitanes; and soul-pleasing funk and dance from headliners Weekend Sun.

Sunday 29th sees more music from folk punkers Bubamara, foot-stomping blues from The Dead Seat and classic funk and soul sounds courtesy of Groove Nite, plus all families’ prayers will be answered thanks to non-stop good times from rock ‘n’ roll folk pirates Blackbeard’s Tea Party, clever daftness from Biscuit Head & The Biscuit Badgers, party-starting African/hip-hop fusion from headliners K.O.G. & The Zongo Brigade and more, not to mention family musical crafts presented by BIG Little Gigs and free music and dance workshops. Missed Mash? Us too.

Mish Mash Festival takes place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th August at Darlington’s Market Square www.tracksdarlington.co.uk

Ben Crompton

COMEDY

FELT NOWT COMEDY CLUB @ LAUREL’S, WHITLEY BAY

Words: Kate Murphy

Born out of circumstances no comedian would wish for, Felt Nowt is a comedy company founded by North East stand-ups themselves during the pandemic. With sharp thinking from its founders, Felt Nowt not only became a new contact for those hiring the hottest local talent, it also ensured the top-notch stand-up we’re used to could come to us online as well as in person.

Now here we are, in a world where the dreamed-of is now tangible, and the comedy now comes with the nearby smell of tapas if you wish. After its debut in July, Felt Nowt is hitting the stage again at Laurel’s: the theatre, bar and Mexican and Geordie tapas establishment which is now its proud home every Friday and Saturday. August sees the treats keep coming, with local favourites Hal Branson, Si Beckwith, Lee Kyle and Sammy Dobson taking turns hosting three fellow huge names a night, including Lauren Pattison (Friday 6th and 13th), Steffen Peddie (Saturday 7th and 14th), Omar Abid (Friday 20th and Saturday 21st) and George Zach (Friday 27th and Saturday 28th), to name just a few. As we carefully leave the sit-down world, it’s good to be back in the stand-up one with those who do it best.

Felt Nowt Comedy Club takes place every Friday and Saturday at Laurel’s, Whitley Bay www.laurelswhitley.co.uk

Dennis Rollins by Darren Cowley

MUSIC

NEWCASTLE JAZZ FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Michael O’Neill

The Toon’s premier festival of all things jazz returns after a pandemic-enforced break to pick up where 2019’s marvellous revival left off! For almost fifty years the Newcastle Jazz Festival has long been a showcase of both local, national and international talent (from Ronnie Scott right through to Art Blakey) and this year’s stellar line-up is no exception.

Across the weekend of Friday 13th-Sunday 15th August, three venues (Tyne Bank Brewery, Newcastle Civic Centre and Flat Caps Café) will host performances from fifteen diverse and enthralling acts (including acts specially paired for the festival), ensuring NJF is guaranteed to be a strong testament to the constantly evolving and varied jazz community both in the North East and further afield.

Headliners include the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band & Alice Grace (paying tribute to the broad songbook of Ella Fitzgerald), Tyneside’s empress of the blues Mo Scott and Jay Phelps (who, in an illustrious career, has collaborated with the likes of Courtney Pine, George Benson, Jean Toussaint and even Amy Winehouse). Add into the mix the plethora of local acts including Not Now Charlie, Abbie Finn Trio and Swing Manouche among others, and it’s clear that the pandemic’s effect on live events has done little to stop the North East jazz scene from evolving and continuing to be both exciting and innovative.

Newcastle Jazz Festival takes place at Tyne Bank Brewery, Newcastle Civic Centre and Flat Caps Coffee in Newcastle from Friday 13th-Sunday 15th August www.newcastlejazzfestival.co.uk

MUSIC

SALT HOUSE LAVISH RELEASES NEW ALBUM, FRATERNISECOLLABORATE

Words: Michael O’Neill

Following on from the success of his previous Quarintent series of releases, local producer/ multi-instrumentalist Salt House Lavish returns with Fraternise-Collaborate, a sprawling and enthralling LP which finds the artist, shuttered off from the ordinary modes of collaborating with artists due to the pandemic, drawing on the most unlikely source for inspiration: the deep rabbit-hole of royalty-free vocal samples, upon which he crafted a suite of themes for imaginary TV shows.

It’s an enticing conceit, and one which is fully-realised throughout the LP’s astonishing and diverse eight tracks. The resulting music immediately calls to mind the relentless creativity and sonic trickery of The Avalanches and The Bomb Squad, with vocal samples not simply being used for crafty gimmickry, but also to create jaw-droppingly complete and masterful pieces of music. From the slinky funk of lead single Alley Cat, through to the profoundly moving Something To Distract Me, the precision-engineered-for-the-Top-40 might of Why and the enthralling, breakbeat laden climax Do Not Follow Them, Salt House Lavish draws on a rich and broad sonic palette to craft a truly astonishing and unexpectedly moving collection of phenomenal songcraft from the most unlikely of sources.

Salt House Lavish releases Fraternise-Collaborate on 20th August www.facebook.com/salthouselavishmusic

Image by Chris Almeida

MUSIC

ALABASTER DEPLUME @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

Words: Claire Dupree

Newcastle-based promoter Wandering Oak prove their excellent good taste once again with this co-pro with Gosforth Civic Theatre’s Jazz Club – themselves becoming expert spotters of local and national talent.

Alabaster dePlume is a musician of unwavering talent who has garnered considerable praise for his “cheerfully uneasy” sound which magically interweaves jazz, folk and poetry. 2018’s album The Corner of a Sphere, Alabaster’s fourth, is themed around greed, division and unity and effortlessly fuses poetic lyrical meanderings with instrumentation which veers from sparsely beautiful to bombastically effusive. His most recent album, To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1 is a collection of instrumentals taken from early releases and is intended to serve as a calming release which brims with atmosphere and majestic performances from Alabaster himself alongside percussionist and composer Sarathy Korwar and Dan Leavers, aka Danalogue from jazz rockers The Comet Is Coming, among others.

A singular talent, Alabaster’s work doesn’t stop short of music; he’s also an accomplished short film maker, curator and purveyor of sensitively created and inclusive work which never fails to be impressive. At his Gosforth Civic Theatre performance on Friday 27th August he’ll be joined by one of the North East’s own absurdly talented songwriters (and this month’s cover star!) Ceitidh Mac, whose transformative cello playing and beguiling songcraft will be as enthralling to watch as the headline act. A special night indeed.

Alabaster dePlume and Ceitidh Mac play at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle on Friday 27th August www.alabasterdeplume.com

Roxy Girls

MUSIC

ROXY GIRLS RELEASE NEW EP, ROXY GIRLS ARE IN THE DRINK

Words: Luke Waller

Post-punk band Roxy Girls are due to drop their latest release on 27th August via Moshi Moshi. Roxy Girls Are In The Drink features four new tracks by the Mackems, and it’s ‘all killer, no filler’ in a short, punchy EP of just under nine minutes. True masters of the two-minute ditty, …In The Drink showcases every reason there is to join the crowd amassing behind the band.

…In The Drink displays more sophistication than has been in evidence on previous releases: the irregular yet infectious rhythms of opening track Like A Buoy; the carefree, lively Sister Fatima; the punky, more chaotic In The Drink and the circling, discordant waltz of My New Home all ably demonstrate Roxy Girls’ trademark stabby, angular style, with each track offering a new view of the band’s work.

Roxy Girls release Roxy Girls Are In The Drink on 27th August via Moshi Moshi www.roxygirls.bandcamp.com

MUSIC

THE TEESSIDE ARCHETYPES @ ARC

Words: Laura Doyle

Stockton is as underestimated as it is fantastic. The Teesside market town gets a bad rep, as so many Northern areas do, for unfair stereotypes surrounding working class areas. But that’s never stopped it from doing its own thing – be that becoming a rich cultural hub for the North East with some superb music venues, a place of unexpectedly reasonably priced eateries, or that time in 1933 when 2,000 of its townspeople came together to kick out a small bunch of Mosley’s fascist black shirts who’d decided on the town for one of their demonstrations.

There is perhaps no one who better appreciates Stockton than Wildcats of Kilkenny’s Mike McGrother. He’s embarking on an ambitious year-long stint at ARC to pay tribute to his beloved home town with 12 monthly performances, each focusing on one of Jung’s Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious. For those not psychologically savvy, that basically means a system of categorisation for the people in the world around us. The first event on Friday 20th August focuses on The Explorer, with subsequent archetypical characters – The Caregiver, The Outlaw, The Magician, The Creative, The Innocent, The Ruler, The Sage, The Hero, The Lover, The Jester and The Everyman – following each month. Expect special guests, musical collabs and definitely a surprise or two.

The Teesside ARChetypes: An Exploration of Stockton is at ARC, Stockton on Friday 20th August www.arconline.co.uk

Your Aunt Fanny by Jessie’s Whimsical Photography

COMEDY

YOUR AUNT FANNY @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Leigh Venus

After 18 dry months, comedy sketch group Your Aunt Fanny returns for an evening gushing comedy on The Cumberland Arms’ terrace with their cannily titled show, Your Aunt Fanny: The Cum Back on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th August.

Their first show, Minge Unhinged, received multiple five-star reviews leading to commissions from Live Theatre, Channel 4 and the BBC, and actress and one-seventh of the group Katie Powell can’t wait for the fannies to be exposed to an audience again.

“We are so excited! The Cumberland Arms is a much-loved venue and the ideal friendly place to make our comeback and try out brand new work. We are buzzing to be in front of an audience and show everyone a good time.”

Katie assures us that fans have even more content coming too via brand-new podcast, Match Made in Seven. “We hilariously probe each of the seven deadly sins and what it means to be a young womxn partial to one or more of them, each week looking at a different sin and hosted by the Fanny most invested in it!”

As always, expect sharp sketches and frank talk from both the new show and podcast as Your Aunt Fanny vividly capture a night on the town with your wildest, filthiest friend.

Your Aunt Fanny perform at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th August www.facebook.com/yourauntfanny

MUSIC

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETING @ BOBIK’S

Words: Ali Welford

If expression is defined as “the conveying of feeling in a work of art and/or performance” (which it is), then improvisation surely represents its purest, least filtered musical form.

Fortunately, thanks to institutions such as TUSK, The Old Police House and Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music, the North East not only sports a healthy improv scene, but also one that’s susceptible to further enrichment… Enter Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting! Hosted by Thomas Dixon (of Dilutey Juice fame) at excellent Jesmond venue Bobik’s, WNPM is a new free space for musicians to collaborate, horizons to be broadened and all present to share in the collective, unpredictable and often thrilling spills of impromptu performance. Taking place on Wednesday 4th August (and the first Wednesday of each month thereafter), this pay-as-you-feel event promises to be – in the best sense possible – a complete free-for-all. Anybody and everybody is welcome, with no genres, backgrounds, instruments or perceived levels of ability excluded.

What’s more, each night will feature a range of esteemed guest performers (John Pope, of Archipelago and his own John Pope Quintet, is among those booked in this month), and with just a basic drum kit and the venue’s PA for starters, there’s no telling where sessions could head. Whether performing or simply turning up to listen, it’s time to reintroduce a dash of spontaneity in our lives!

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting takes place at Bobik’s, Newcastle on Wednesday 4th August www.bobiks.com

Scott Michael Cavagan by Brian Nicholson

MUSIC

SCOTT MICHAEL CAVAGAN LAUNCHES NEW EP @ LITTLE BUILDINGS

Words: Michael O’Neill

Prolific anthemic pop rock songwriter Scott Michael Cavagan returns with a new EP, To Be Someone, along with a stellar launch gig to celebrate its release.

A companion piece to his 2019 LP 21st Century Love, the EP finds the solo artist, backed by his live band, further exploring his penchant for widescreen, arena-ready cerebral rock that goes to task on the state of the world and more introspective matters. Heavy on energy, drive, buzzsaw guitars and colossal walls of sound, To Be Someone doesn’t waste a second, with the likes of Escape The Void and I Feel Alive When I Sleep immediately standing toe-to-toe with the recent work of Manic Street Preachers (with some cheeky guitar moves straight out of The Holy Bible in the latter track), but carrying enough confidence and conviction to stand as the work of a gifted and talented artist with an impeccable knack for churning out colossal choruses.

On Friday 6th August, the same day as the EP’s release, Cavagan will lead a phenomenal bill at the divine Buckybomb emporium and regional treasure otherwise known as Little Buildings, with support from scuzz merchants Dunes and the (in their words) “textural sophisto-rock superpower trio” Tankengine.

Scott Michael Cavagan launches To Be Someone EP at Little Buildings, Newcastle on Friday 6th August with support from Dunes and Tankengine www.scottmichaelcavagan.bandcamp.com

EVENTS

LOVE IS THE MAP @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Claire Dupree

A celebration of community, music and creativity will be held at The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle on Saturday 7th August, as North East collective Love Is The Map encourage people to connect, build confidence and reimagine what community means to them.

A host of entertainment is promised, including Curious Monkey Theatre’s story-sharing Curious Caravan, the Coalescence Sound System, an eclectic mix of tunes throughout the day from DJs, plus arts and crafts activities and the opportunity to find out about local groups and campaigns. Joyful celebration is at the heart of Love Is The Map’s ethos, as founder Beth Coverdale explains: “We think it is important to put on an event that will help build confidence as well as be an enjoyable festival with music, creativity, dancing, learning and fun. We want to inspire a collective sense of purpose and raise aspirations, helping to bring back a sense of collective community.”

Beth continues: “Through this event we hope to bring together and foster understanding amongst people from diverse communities, and of different ages, abilities and life experiences. The activities will offer opportunities to have fun, learn new things and start planning next steps post-Covid – acknowledging the struggles people have faced over the last year and aiming to create space for community-led change. Mainly it will be a chance to celebrate everything that is incredible about our communities and neighbours.” It’s not just a day of fun though; Love Is The Map have raised £2,000 to benefit communities in the East End of Newcastle, and the event itself will be free to attend (book a table via the venue).

Love Is The Map takes place at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Saturday 7th August www.instagram.com/loveisthemap