by @mabjones
If, like me, you are bravely soldiering on with your New Year’s resolutions, and finding it veeeery difficult, then why not put things into perspective for youself by attending an audience with Faulkland’s war hero Simon Weston at Cardiff’s The Gate on Sun 19 Feb. Listen to his story, then, put that into perspective by listening to a fictional fable, accompanied by harp, in the Wales Millennium Centre on Tues 21.
This storytelling event is courtesy of Beyond The Border International Storytelling Festival, who also have a private viewing of David Hockney’s Grimm’s Fairytales etchings in the WMC on Thurs 16. Email [email protected] if you would like a free ticket. Another interesting exhibition is a collaboration between readical ‘red poet’ Mike Jenkins and artist Michael Gus Payne, at the Washington Gallery from the first of the month.
Speaking of poetry, the second annual Books Arts Fayre will be offering up plenty of printed pretties on Sat 25. Peruse the pages of person-penned periodicals; finger the flaps of hard-to-find fanzines, poetry pamphlets, arty annuals, and lots more on offer. Come to Penarth’s Ffotogallery to have a looksee.
The Celtic Women Concert Series continues at the National Botanic Garden Of Wales, with merry music taking place on Sundays 5 and 12. It is also LGBT History Cymru month, with some interesting talks and readings at Newport Museum & Art Gallery on Sat 11 and 25.
I am looking forward to seeing Mr and Mrs Clark at Newport’s Riverfront on Fri 17/Sat 18. Nine is described as a “unique piece of interactive dance theatre”. Should be fun, especially after a few drinks. Strictly Come Dancing (I’m no arty snob!) also high-kick into Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena from Wed 15-Sun 19. Maybe a super-early mother’s day outing is in order…
I am also practically dying to finally see the Boxettes at Span Arts in Narberth on Fri 24. This all-girl beatboxing quartet sounds amazing. I need a lift from the ‘Diff if anyone’s going! The vocally vivacious Webb Sisters are at Pontardawe Arts Centre on Thurs 2, along with Cwtch Cabaret on Fri 24. The lovely Catrin Finch will be conducting a harp masterclass at the Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama on Tues 7.
Amazing perf poet Ben Mellor is on at Tommy’s Bar on Thurs 7, too – only £2, including an open mic! So, I will see you there, at all of the above, probably… Enjoy!