Felix Dennis:
Poetry Evening & Wine

Critically acclaimed poet Felix Dennis brings his poetry tour to Discovery Museum Newcastle.

Felix Dennis: Did I Mention The Free Wine?

The evening will include poetry performed by the author, as well as free fine French wines and canapés served throughout the evening.

Felix will be reading a selection of poems from his popular collections:
Homeless in My Heart
A Glass Half Full
Lone Wolf
Nursery Rhymes for Modern Times
Island of Dreams
all of which were sell-out books of original poetry.

He will also be introducing his new collection Tales From The Woods, in an exclusive preview ahead of the book’s launch in October.

Tickets: £10 pre-booked online, £12 on the door, £5 concessions

To book online go to www.felixdennis.com

Times:
7.00pm
Date:
Wednesday 6th October 2010

Opening Hours:
Monday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Tuesday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Admission is FREE.

Address:

Discovery Museum

Blandford Square

Newcastle upon Tyne

Tyne and Wear

NE1 4JA

Tel: 0191 232 6789
Discovery Museum Website

FANG ISLAND
+ support

@ The Cluny 2, Byker
Monday September 6th

Fang Island is an incredibly explosive, heavily caffeinated, monster. One likely to seize, besiege, and overpower your senses in a pink/purple spray of Diesel ( does anyone still drink that?) vomit strewn with chunks of riffs, soloing and vocal harmony…yawned straight from the party mouth of Andrew WK.

This is what happiness sounds like!

http://www.myspace.com/fangisland

http://fangisland.com/bio/

Tickets are £7.50 advance available here:
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_northeast&query=detail&event=397242

supports TBC.

Visit the Portions Group (upcoming: Dum Dum Girls, Kissaway Trail, Diane Cluck)
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages#!/group.php?gid=2513172679&ref=ts

Now for some quotes:

“l like some crazy jam session between Fairport Convention and Faith No More, or between the Incredible String Band and Deep Purple as conducted by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, only played by people dressed as human-sized furry cartoon animals because it seemed like a fun idea”
The Guardian

“Fang Island are simply Killer Fun”
Mojo 4/5

“A Joyous, jangling, low fidelity mess of riffs and shout a long choruses”
Vice 8/10

“This music is just honest and life-affirming and infectious, and it’s that rare concentration of directness and simplicity that makes Fang Island so uniquely and wonderfully inclusive”
Pitchfork 8.3/10.

The band have a perpetual smile on their face, a sun shiny, achingly positive mix of Trans Am, The Fucking Champs, Don Caballero and Boston’
Rock Sound

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=141133159230730

What's On in Newcastle upon Tyne for August 2010?

What's On	Venue	Town	Date
Exhibition: North East Beat - Venues, Bands and Fans	Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens	Sunderland	29/05/2010 -12/09/2010
Exhibition: Building Bridges	Discovery Museum	Newcastle upon Tyne	12/06/2010 -30/01/2011
Exhibition: DinoMites	South Shields Museum and Art Gallery	South Shields	12/06/2010 -26/09/2010
Exhibition: Takhti - A Modern Iranian Hero	Hatton Gallery	Newcastle University	24/06/2010 -21/08/2010
Exhibition: Craftivism	Shipley Art Gallery	Gateshead	10/07/2010 -07/11/2010
Exhibition: William Armstrong	Discovery Museum	Newcastle upon Tyne	10/07/2010 -16/11/2010
Exhibition: Build It!	Monkwearmouth Station Museum	Sunderland	17/07/2010 -26/09/2010
Gateshead Summer Flower Show	Gateshead	Newcastle upon Tyne	30/07/2010 -01/08/2010
Canoeing for Beginners	The Customs House	South Shields	31/07/2010 -07/08/2010
Joe Pasquale	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	01/08/2010
Flat Racing Day	Newcastle Racecourse	Gosforth Park, Newcastle	04/08/2010
Oliver - Stage Experience	Sunderland Empire	Sunderland	05/08/2010 -07/08/2010
FREE Saturday Art Classes	Laing Art Gallery	Newcastle upon Tyne	07/08/2010
FREE Talk: Picture of the Month - August 2010	Laing Art Gallery	Newcastle upon Tyne	07/08/2010
Summer Soirees	The Customs House	South Shields	09/08/2010 -27/08/2010
Mad Hatters Tea Party	Bede's World	Jarrow	12/08/2010
The Ken Dodd Happiness Show	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	12/08/2010 -13/08/2010
Northumbrian WaterAid Raceday	Newcastle Racecourse	Gosforth Park, Newcastle	13/08/2010
Fame - The Musical	The Customs House	South Shields	13/08/2010 -14/08/2010
FREE Talk: Picture of the Month - August 2010	Laing Art Gallery	Newcastle upon Tyne	14/08/2010
Dominic Kirwan	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	14/08/2010
Tynemouth Book Fair	Tynemouth Station	Tynemouth	15/08/2010
Romeo and Juliet	The Customs House	South Shields	18/08/2010 -22/08/2010
Guess How Much I Love You - Live on Stage	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	19/08/2010 -21/08/2010
Seven Stories Birthday Party with Jaqueline Wilson	Seven Stories	Newcastle upon Tyne	19/08/2010
FREE Talk: Picture of the Month - August 2010	Laing Art Gallery	Newcastle upon Tyne	21/08/2010
The Importance of Being Earnest	Preston Hall Museum and Park	Stockton on Tees	21/08/2010
The Importance of Being Earnest	Mount Grace Priory	Northallerton	22/08/2010
Friends of Shipley: Kate Brindley	Shipley Art Gallery	Gateshead	26/08/2010
Simone Felice	Cluny2	Newcastle upon Tyne	26/08/2010
Bootleg 60s	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	26/08/2010
Beer & Curry Racenight	Newcastle Racecourse	Gosforth Park, Newcastle	27/08/2010
Chess	Theatre Royal Newcastle	Newcastle upon Tyne	27/08/2010 -11/09/2010
Fireman Sam	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	27/08/2010 -29/08/2010
Silversmith Demonstrations by Les Howe	Bede's World	Jarrow	28/08/2010 -30/08/2010
Kielder Foot Festival	Kielder Water	Northumberland	28/08/2010 -05/09/2010
FREE Talk: Picture of the Month - August 2010	Laing Art Gallery	Newcastle upon Tyne	28/08/2010
Glee Club	The Customs House	South Shields	28/08/2010 -29/08/2010
The Texas Tenors	Whitley Bay Playhouse	Whitley Bay	28/08/2010
Blaydon Races Family Fun Day	Newcastle Racecourse	Gosforth Park, Newcastle	30/08/2010
Doctor Who Day	Seven Stories	Newcastle upon Tyne	30/08/2010

She’ll be touring Outlaster, her first record since 2007′s You Follow Me, the collobaration with Jim White of Dirty Three.

if you aren’t familiar, think chamber pop /folk in the mould of:
smog, bonnie prince billy, mark kozelek, vashti bunyan, diane cluck, isobell campbell, laura marling

or check out the new single here:
http://fat-cat.co.uk/fatcat/release.php?id=315

Here’s steve albini on the debut record he engineered:

In the process of making a record, you hear it so many times that the charms of even the best of them can wear off through over-exposure. On rare occasions, records I’ve worked on have withstood this scrutiny and ended up being personal favorites. Nina Nastasia’s ‘Dogs’ is a record so simultaneously unassuming and grandiose that I can’t really describe it, except in terms that would make it (and me) sound silly. Of the couple thousand records I’ve been involved with, this is one of my favourites, and one that I’m proud to be associated with.”

tickets are £10 advance available here:
http://www.safeconcerts.com/gigs.asp?gn=120498

supports

Pilgrims:
www.myspace.com/dictaphonesongs

Dark Sky Singers:
http://www.myspace.com/thedarkskysingers

Join the Cluny Newcastle on Facebook 

The Cluny
www.theheadofsteam.co.uk
Ouseburn Warehouse Workshops
Lime Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tyne And Wear
NE1 2PN
United Kingdom
0191 230 4474 

Friday 7th May 9.00pm

Friday 14th May 9.00pm
GREG TAYLOR
Classic Rock

Friday 21st May 9.00pm
JACK BURNESS & THE CORNERBOYS
Acoustic Folk & Country Blues

Friday 28th May 9.00pm
THE SLEEPWALKERS
Old Time Acoustic Blues & More

Traveller’s Rest Witton Gilbert on Facebook

Venue Information:

Travellers Rest
Front Street
Witton Gilbert
Co. Durham
Tel: 0191 3710458

 

The Newcastle Mela 2010, the Newcastle Asian Arts and Music Festival is on Saturday 31st July 2010 and Sunday 1st August 2010

Newcastle Mela 2010
Exhibition Park
Town Moor
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2

Festival Times: 12noon to 7.00pm both days, entry is FREE to this Newcastle event, and perfect for the whole family!

About the N.A.A.M.

Newcastle Asian Arts and Music is a voluntary organisation that was formed in April 1993. Its main aim is to promote Asian arts, music and culture within Newcastle and the North East region.

The main emphasis in N.A.A.M activities is upon the provision of a safe and supportive environment, therefore allowing the opportunities for all the community members to fully participate in events such as the Mela.

What is Mela?

‘Mela’ originate from the Indian sub continent: the word Mela comes from the Sanskrit “to meet” and is related to the word  “milana”. It is commonly used to describe a large gathering of people celebrating artistic, religious or political events – a fair or a festival.

In the same way that many fairs or holidays in Europe would begin on the feast days of saints, Melas in south Asia have their origins in religious gatherings such as Eid Vaisakhi or Diwali.

Celebrations form an immeasurably important part of the sub-continent’s fabric. Melas are feasts of sights, smells, sounds and tastes and will often feature bazaars, folk troupes, traditional and contemporary and modern music and dance.

Newcastle Mela attracts 30,000 people every year.

The Mela is a free event based around Punjabi, Pakistani, Bengali, Hindi and other South Asian cultures, and is open to anyone who wants to learn more, be entertained and meet new people as well as enjoy different music, art and food in the heart of Newcastle.

With a line up including the hottest contemporary Asian acts as well as traditional displays of music and dance it’s an event likely to appeal to all ages and races.

Taking place in Exhibition Park, the Mela promises to be weekend full of fun with music, games, stalls and exhibitions to help everyone have a great weekend! With a stage playing host to musicians and dancers, hundreds of stalls selling arts and crafts and food and drink and a children’s programme to help the kids learn, make friends and have fun; there’s plenty to do whatever your tastes.

Further details as soon as they become available!

Newcastle Mela Website

AT THE RECENTLY REFURBISHED BEAMISH MARY INN

No Place (Near Stanley) Co. Durham

GEORGE WELCH & MISSPENT UKE

plus support from JACK B. BURNESS

A NIGHT OF LIVE MUSIC AND DAFT CARRY ON!

Tickets £3.00 from the pub or reserved from Jack by phone, Tel/text: 07831 425 857 or email: jbburness@yahoo.co.uk

Venue Information:

The Beamish Mary Inn
 
No Place
Beamish
Stanley
County Durham
DH9 0QH

0191 370 0237

 
The O2 Academy on the Westgate Road in Newcastle city centre has something to entertain revellers virtually every night of the year: Newcastle was crying out for such a venue for a long time after the Mayfair shut its doors on Newgate Street for redevelopment of the area, and duly got what it craved when the Bingo Hall on the same premises shut its doors a few years ago!

Since then, the Academy has been packed out night after night showing the very best musical talent available in the UK, becoming an established part of the UK touring scene for leading and upcoming bands.

With a slightly more independent feel than that other famous venue the City Hall, and more intimate than Newcastle Arena, the academy is a firm favourite amongst Indie music fans and fans of upcoming talent on Tyneside.

Furthermore, it includes a smaller separate space within the venue, called Academy 2, holding about 400 people that specialises in putting on up and coming local acts.

Over recent years the Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Hard Fi have all played the venue and the Academy continues to put on great bands throughout the year.

The great thing about the O2 Academy is its location – you don’t have to trek off to the edge of town somewhere to see the gig you want like in some other cities!

It is centrally located and easy to get to from the Central Station Metro or Monument Metro.

Being Newcastle upon Tyne, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants in the area to start your night off, or if you still have the energy, to finish it!

Address:
O2 Academy Newcastle
Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1SW

Tel: 0191 260 2020
Website: O2 Academy Newcastle

The Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne

The Theatre Royal is one of the most famous and well known theatres in Newcastle and the Tyne and Wear area, owing to its rich history and amazing shows.

The Theatre Royal in Newcastle stands as a proud and dominating feature in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne’s Grainger Town; it is a Grade 1 listed building in a neo classical design that stands out even among its Georgian neighbours on Grey Street.

Grey Street itself has been voted by Radio 4 listeners (on more than one occasion) as the most beautiful street in the UK, and even amongst this strong competition the Theatre Royal catches the eye, being regarded widely as having one of the most beautiful theatre facades in the country.
 

History of Theatre Royal Newcastle

The Theatre Royal is based in a Grade I listed building and opened its doors on the 29th February 1837, with a wonderful performance of The Merchant of Venice.

Unfortunately in 1899 a huge fire tore through the theatre damaging the building greatly, but this damage did not stop the Theatre Royal as it was redesigned inside and reopened on New Years Eve of 1901.

In the late 1980’s the theatre went under refurbishment and restoration to bring the theatre back to the glory of when it was first opened.

There is a story that the Theatre Royal is frequented by a ghost of a nineteenth century lady called “The Grey Lady” who reportedly committed suicide: although the ghost has not been seen recently and information of the ladies suicide seems difficult to find, many people are interested in the paranormal activities of this grand theatre.
 
Since it’s opening more than 170 years ago some of the finest actors, plays and shows have graced its stage: it is reportedly Ian Mckellen’s favourite theatre, and is also the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company alongside London and Stratford upon Avon.

The Theatre Royal doesn’t just stick to classic plays however, and puts on a variety of shows including opera, musicals, dance and contemporary productions.

Theatre workshops are run for adults and children at the theatre, covering all aspects of theatre productions from drama to makeup, movement, lighting and props. The spring term runs from January to March and is £40 per term – these are very popular and places tend to get filled up fast!

There are also Shakespeare drama classes for 14 to 18 year olds at the same price per term; these classes are focused exclusively on the drama and acting side of stage craft, and there are further classes aimed at school groups as well as classes training people on the purely technical side of the theatre.

The Theatre Royal offers a huge amount to Newcastle in its productions and education and has done so for many, many years. 

How To Find The Theatre Royal Newcastle

By Car: the theatre is within a gentle ten to fifteen minute walk from any of the car parks found around the city.

By Public Transport: the theatre is in easy walking distance from both the Newcastle Railway Station and the Manors Railway Station.

From the Newcastle Railway Station: turn right out of the station and walking up Neville Street, continuing as it turns into Collingwood Street then Mosley Street. Take the fourth exit on the left as you walk up the road and this will be Grey Street. The Theatre Royal is located a short distance up on the right hand side.

From Manors Railway Station: turn right onto Pandon Bank before turning right onto Melbourne Street and continuing as it turns to City Road. You will come to a large roundabout, take the second exit straight ahead on to Mosley Street and then take your first right onto Grey Street. The Theatre Royal is a short walk up Grey Street.

Address:
Theatre Royal
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6BR

Tel: 0191 244 2500
Box Office: 0844 811 2121
Website: Theatre Royal Newcastle

RIVERS: KAFFE MATTHEWS, JANA WINDEREN, LEE PATTERSON

Sunday 14 March 2010, 3.00pm

Tickets available from www.thesagegateshead.org or 0191 443 4661

According to leading electro-acoustic composer Kaffe Matthews, a salmon remembers the taste of the River Tyne and uses that memory to find its way back from Greenland.
Performing alongside fellow musicians Jana Winderen and Lee Patterson, Rivers presents the majestic musical roar and unheard underwater sounds of rivers across Northumberland.
Three world premiere performances by leading experimental musicians; followed by a Q&A with Mike Harding (Touch).

CLOSING NIGHT GALA: ENGLISH JOURNEY REVISITED

ALAN MOORE, IAIN SINCLAIR, STEPHEN O’MALLEY, FM EINHEIT, SUSAN STENGER, GRAHAM DOLPHIN

Sunday 14 March 2010

Tickets available from www.thesagegateshead.org or 0191 443 4661

Award-winning authors and psycho-geographers IAIN SINCLAIR and ALAN MOORE (Watchmen, V for Vendetta) undertake a new journey across England.
This special North East world premiere draws on influences including ghosts on Lindisfarne, Morden Tower poets, the paintings of John Martin and Jimi Hendrix busking in Newcastle – invoking and re-animating these spirits and memories.
It is underscored by a specially commissioned soundscape performed by musicians:
FM Einheit (from influential 1980s German band Einstürzende Neubauten)
Stephen O’Malley (founder of leading drone doom bands Sunn O))), KTL, Gravetemple)
Susan Stenger (leading performer of music by John Cage and Christian Wolff and co-founder of Band of Susans)

The Sage Gateshead
St Mary’s Square
Gateshead Quays
Gateshead
NE8 2JR

External Links:

www.avfestival.co.uk

www.thesagegateshead.org ‎