Find out what’s on in South Wales this week
It’s official, we’re now a fortnight into 2015. Hopefully by now you (and your wallet) are fully recovered from last month’s festivities and the Christmas gut is receding. As you enter week two of all those poorly thought out resolutions let us be your shoulder to cry on (No, your new gym membership is not refundable) or guide to a sneaky treat.
Music fans should rush to buy tickets for Swedish Folk Duo First Aid Kit ( St.David’s Hall, Thurs 15 Jan. , 7.30pm. Tickets: £20) in Cardiff this week. Leave any ideas about the live folk at the door as the young sisters combine a youthful urgency with excellent songs to create an energetic live show.
If you like your music obscure yet influential and your vocals slow, go see J Mascis (The Globe, Cardiff, Wed 14 Jan. 7.pm. Tickets : £15 ). Touring in the wake of his new solo album Tied To A Star, don’t miss your chance to see the Dinosaur Jr. Front man in action. Remember to wear your flannel shirt.
Big line-ups, big sound systems, big tunes, big up? If these words mean things to you, you’ll probably know why you should go see MC Mono and the rest at Powercore (Undertone, Fri 16 Jan. 9pm Tickets: £10 online or £15 OTD)
For Hip-Hop heads there’s also The Welsh Beatbox Championships (The Full Moon, Sat 17 Jan, 7.30pm. Admission : free) this weekend. The day will consist of several rhythmic heats and will lead to a grand music finale where the two top beat boxers will battle it out for the winning spot. There will also be special guest appearances from the 2014 Irish Champion Scorch, Beatbox ‘Mr Fresh’ Fozzy and Sid FX.
Those in the capital looking to get involved themselves can take part in an evening of life sized Cluedo (Four Elms, Sat 17 Jan. 7pm. Tickets : £6 ) hosted by NoFit State Circus. As well as helping in a classic case of ‘who dunnit?’ you’ll see experimental work from dancers, musicians and circus artists with more surprises promised.
If you prefer your fun sitting down and educational, the National Museum is hosting a lunchtime talk on glassmaker Almaric Walter (National Museum Cardiff, Frid 16 Jan. Admission : Free) . The collection of glassware features an animal theme and the talk is part of a wider exhibition.
In Newport this week is Hoods (Riverfront, Mon 12 Jan, 7pm. Tickets: free) a play by the Perth National Youth Theatre. Telling the story of three children fending for themselves in an abandoned car park. Cheerful stuff.
If you’re feeling the post Christmas blues (that’s not a music genre, I hope) go and see Beasts : Solo (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 16- Sat 17 Jan. Tickets : £8- £10) The comic trio sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe and are very funny, which probably helped. Also tipped to do big things in 2015. Go see them now and feel smug when your friends talk about them a year from now.
The Night of the Zombie (Swansea Grand Theatre, Wed 14 Jan, 7.30pm. Tickets : £18.50-£ 26.50) comes from the West End to West Wales. Set in a zombie infested London, the critically acclaimed circus show plays for one night only.
Finally, if music about black coffee and A-Level set texts is your jam go and watch emo revivalists Mooseblood (Clwb Ifor Bach, Sun 18 Jan. Tickets: £7) Warning, you will probably end the night looking at photos of your sixth form ex, wondering what went wrong. Also playing are Choir Vandals and Boston Manor both of whom are worth turning up early to see.
words ALEX CORNISH
