WHAT’S ON GUIDE. JULY 2016
K AIS ER C HIEF S ON THE PITCH THIS MONTH
+ EVERYTHING EVERYTHING WAL ES IN EDINBURGH DAREDEVIL DIRECTOR EURO S LY N HOT 8 BRASS BAND | KLIPH SCURLOCK | CARDIFF FESTIVAL | EISTEDDFOD | WELSH PROMS
july2016
buzz...
04roundup
publisher EMMA CLARK editor LUKE OWAIN BOULT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK film technician (buzz tv) JAYDON MARTIN administration TERESA CLARK designer www.polar10.com contributors KEIRON SELF (FILM), GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF (CLUBS), MICHAEL BELL, LLOYD BEST, LYDIA DE BLANGY, ZOE BROOKES, CHELSEA BROWNHILL, JANE COOK, DENIECE CUSACK, SAM EASTERBROOK, BEN GALLIVAN, EMILY GARSIDE, DAVID GRIFFITHS, LOUISE HEATH, ELOUISE HOBBS, RHIANNON HOLLEY, MARCUS HUGHES, AMANDA HUNT, DYLAN JENKINS, PORTIA JONES, CONOR KNIGHT, MONICA MARTIN, LUCY MENON, DAVID MORGAN, LYNDA NASH, CIARA NELIGAN, DAVID NOBAKHT, KIERAN OWEN, HELEN PAYNE, CHARLIE PIERCEY, RHONDA LEE REALI, ANDREW PAUL REGAN, FFION RIORDAN-JONES, HUGH RUSSELL, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, WILL STEEN, GETHIN THOMAS, LIAM TURNER, BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, HANNAH WILLIAMS, DAVID WYN, GUNDIJA ZANDERSONA phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents EVERYTHING EVERYTHING cover KAISER CHIEFS ©DANNY NORTH
buzzmagwales
“If you want an eye-opener of how farmers in Wales make a living,”
10upfront
Suggestions of things to do on a cricket pitch: watch the Kaiser Chiefs, who play on one in Cardiff this month and who are interviewed in this section. Watch Everything Everything, who play in Cardiff this month and etc. Play a one-day cricket international, which happens this month and etc. Burn a pentagram into the grass (not previewed)
28film
Keiron Self with his normal, clear-headed dissection of the month’s 10 most noteworthy movie releases... oh but what’s this? A halfhearted jab at Donald Trump in the last line of his final review? When will people learn that politics and entertainment simply shouldn’t mix!
30food&drink
News, reviews, columns, eggs and a bulging listicle of places to eat on Buzz’s street, Cowbridge Road East – “home to hipsters”, it says in the intro. I endorse this push to usher in the point where the term ‘hipster’ can mean literally anything anyone wants it to
42reviews
In which editor Luke gives a glowing review to a computer game called Total War: Warhammer. While I myself don’t play computer games, I would happily listen to something called this if it was an album, watch it if it was a movie, drink it if it was a chain pub cocktail or vote for it if it was a policy
47lifestyle
Love to be a part of spreading the good word about online consumer portals with arch names such as ‘Drink Stuff’ and ‘This Is Why I’m Broke’
48sport
Yearly reminder that speedway, which is on in the big stadium this month and previewed herein, is less a sport and more a symbol of working class unity across international lines
55listings
Catch me at the Worm Charming World Record Attempt in St Fagans on Sat 23 July, cheekily uttering a hex which summons no worms but does open up a portal into the depths of hell
78competitions
Q. Why is Kaiser Chiefs’ keyboard played called Peanut? A. It’s not an interesting story. Moving on...
34previews
The Hunting Of The Snark (p.36), huh? Well, you’ve come to the right page! Black Coffee Blues (p.34), huh? Nothing but the bitterest! Low (p.40), huh? Yep, morale certainly is
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BuzzMagUK
buzzmagtv
Buzz Magazine
www.buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ 3
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
EVENT
BRIEFLY
The Royal Welsh Show One of Wales’ most popular summer events, the Royal Welsh Show, is back this July and aims to celebrate the best Welsh livestock, as well as high quality food and drink produced in Wales. It also brings together the wider spectrum of farming and rural life in an attempt to bridge the gap between town and country. At the show, there’s a huge range of events, including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, a sports village and a 12-hour programme of exciting entertainment that continues throughout each of the four days. It’s a perfect time for window shopping as there’ll be more than 7,000 livestock entries and over 1,000 trade stands attending. If you want an eye-opener into how farmers in Wales make a living, get to Builth Wells and make a visit to the Royal Welsh Show.
GOING THE DISTANCE! The annual Tenby Long Course triathlon is popular with competitors and non-competitors alike but beware, it lasts three whole days. Feeling up to the challenge? There’s a 2.4-mile swim, then a 112-mile bike ride, then a 26.2-mile marathon to finish off. Think that’s a piece of cake? You can take part along with 7000 people, or (if you’re feeling a little more sensible) watch or volunteer at the Tenby Long Course on Fri 8-Sun 10 July. Registration: £60. Info: www.longcourseweekend.com
Royal Welsh Show, The Showground, Builth Wells, Mon 18-Thurs 21 July. Tickets: £5£26. Info: www.rwas.wales/royal-welsh-show
EVENT
GlastonBarry More than just a clever play on words, and not to be confused with Glastonbury, on the last weekend of July Barry will be hosting GlastonBarry, south Wales' top tribute band festival. Mack Events are back for their fourth year, having been behind the successes of previous years. Since starting in 2013, the festival has gained a lot of interest, with it expanding into a weekend long event in 2015, which has continued this year. The 18+ event takes place in Barry’s Romilly Park and will feature painfully named tribute bands, like the Rolling Clones, Bon Giovi and the Antarctic Monkeys. Guns N' Roses, Queen and Michael Jackson tributes are the main headliners, with smaller support acts set to play on the acoustic stages. With reasonable pricing and a killer line up, GlastonBarry is a weekend that allows fans to experience their favourite bands’ gigs, without them actually being there.
GlastonBarry, Romilly Park, Barry, Sat 30 + Sun 31 July. Tickets: £23. Info: 029 2023 0130 / www.glastonbarry.com BUZZ 4
COMIC CYMRAEG! A brand-new Welsh language comic for children, Mellten (Welsh for lightning), combines stories, jokes, puzzles and competitions and is also a fantastic idea for second language Welsh learners. Featuring characters like Iron Age warrior Gwil Garw, superhero Capten Clonc and Gari Pêl, the world’s best footballer, Mellten revives some of the charm of comics like the Beano and Dandy, but in a Welsh language context. Annual subscription: £8. Info: www.mellten.com
In The Eyes Of The Animal
MUSIC
Last year, spidery webs covered Bute Park as part of the TAPE installation in partnership with RSPB Cymru and Migrations. The public were invited to view the world through the eyes of a bird, and crawl around what seemed to be a mix between a giant spider web and a bird’s nest, created by the Croatian collective Numen / For Use. More than 10,000 visitors took part in the interactive artwork made out of sticky tape. This year, the London-based company Marshmallow Laser Feast will take over the park to get people to imagine the world through the eyes of an animal, hence the project’s name. Excitingly, the project uses 360° virtual reality headsets to explore the world from the perspective of woodland animals. In an innovative multi-sensory experience, the audience can fly through the trees, skulk through the park as an owl, dragonfly and a frog, all of which are native to the park. In The Eyes Of The Animal, Bute Park, Cardiff, Fri 15 JulyThurs 4 Aug. Admission: free. Info: www.migrations.com
EVENT
Isle Of Fire Last year’s Isle Of Fire was a huge success. So successful in fact, that they’ve decided to set fire to Barry Island on fire again. Instead of the tranquil green gardens of the Island Gardens, there will be a beautiful, fiery landscape for audiences to get swept away in. Not literally, that would be terrifying. If you decide to come down, you’ll be invited to spend time among scorching sculptural trees and glowing floral chimneys. The weekend long event, organised by the Vale Of Glamorgan Council, has previously featured shows like Shadowplay, an enchanting and intimate 30-minute show using silhouette animation, and the Fiery Arch Of Passion, in which you had to walk through an archway of fire-breathing copper flowers. If you’ve got no plans for that weekend, and don’t mind the (hopefully) hot weather with a bit more heat, head to Barry Island. Isle Of Fire, Island Gardens, Barry Island, Sat 23 + Sun 24 July. Admission: free. Info: www.visitthevale.com
Vintage For Victory
EVENT
A new event for Cardiff, the Vintage For Victory weekend allows you to travel back in time and celebrate all things vintage. The Naffi Tent is at the centre of the event and will host live music every day until 10pm, so you can tap your feet to the vintage tunes or get up and dance to acts like Memphis Lee & The Creepers, Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band, Elle & The Pocket Belles, Like The Beatles, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer and more. The event encourages you to dress in a period costume of your chosen era, so perhaps don a smart fascinator hat from the 1940s or a mini skirt from the 60s. A replica Spitfire will be there along with the SOL cinema, the world’s smallest solar movie theatre, where only eight audience members can watch unique performances. If you fancy something a little different, and a sucker for all things vintage, then keep an eye out for this one. Vintage For Victory, Whitchurch Library Gardens, Cardiff, Fri 15-Sun 17 July. Tickets: £5-£25/under-12s free with paying adult. Info: www.vintageforvictory.co.uk BUZZ 5
roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
E U R O S LY N pics: Warren Orchard
Having directed episodes of Doctor Who, Sherlock, Broadchurch, and Daredevil, award winning director Euros Lyn speaks with Jaydon Martin about his recent feature film debut in Y Llyfrgell / The Library Suicides.
How would you summarise The Library Suicides? So, The Library Suicides is a thriller based on Fflur Dafydd’s novel Y Llyfrgell and I’m the director. I got involved with her once she had already written a version of the screenplay and I read it and realised the potential for a great thrilling movie in Welsh was here.
What is the importance of having it in the Welsh language? Welsh is my first language and the language of my culture, so making a film in Welsh has always been an ambition of mine. Getting a script with this much potential and the chance to say something about memories and culture, and the loss of memory was really important to me.
How have genre films influenced the film? I think audiences really enjoy knowing what the genre of the film they are going to see is, and I am very excited by how we, as filmmakers and storytellers, can use genre to surprise an audience. You can use sci-fi, and in the case of The Library Suicides we’ve used thriller but are giving it a deeper meaning and resonance and using it to really say something.
How is directing a film different to a series? When you direct a series, a 10-part series or a six-part series, you’ve got an awful lot of screen time to tell stories and develop characters. But with a 90-minute film, you’ve got to tell it all within those 90 minutes. The biggest challenge in making a film like this, especially one based on a big novel, is just condensing it down to the bare bones and telling the essential story. BUZZ 6
What was your first encounter with the novel, did you read it straight away thinking ‘I have to tell this story’? I’d read the novel and enjoyed it very much, but to begin with I wasn’t entirely certain whether it was suited for a TV series. There are so many characters in the novel, lots of side-journeys, and it takes place over quite a long time. So, working with Fflur, what we did was really concentrate on who the heroes were, what the genre was and what their arc was and how were they heroic characters. That was the main difference between this being a single drama or it being a longer-running TV series.
What was the importance of filming in the National Library Of Wales? The National Library Of Wales is this incredible, neo-classical building in Aberystwyth. It sits on the hill and is this big granite lump with real gravitas and inside the library there are loads of archives and warrens and corridors where dark and dastardly things can happen! In fact, it’s a character in the film and it lends itself to a place where these terrible things happen. Y Llyfrgell / The Library Suicides. On general release on Fri 5 Aug. Info: www.sodapictures.com
The Overtones
HallĂŠ Orchestra
Josh Widdicombe
Last Night of the Welsh Proms Saturday 23 July Sadwrn 23 Gorffennaf
Friday 4 November Gwener 4 Tachwedd
Capital City Jazz Orchestra
Abba Mania
Superstars of Wrestling
Friday 2 September Gwener 2 Medi
Saturday 22 October Sadwrn 22 Hydref
Thursday 21 July Iau 21 Gorffennaf
Friday 7 October Gwener 7 Hydref
Friday 16 September Gwener 16 Medi
National Youth Orchestra of Wales Friday 5 August Gwener 5 Awst
Stewart Lee
Saturday 10 September Sadwrn 10 Medi
BUZZ 7
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
pic: Richardjo53
roundup
BOOK NOW Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Wed 3-Sun 21 Aug Tickets: £16.50-£43.50 Info: 029 2063 646 www.wmc.org.uk Pharaohe Monch Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Fri 12 Aug Tickets: £15 Info: 029 2023 2199 www.clwb.net Hawthorne Heights The Scene Club, Swansea Tue 16 Aug Tickets: £12 Info: www.scenebars.co.uk -
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SOUTH WALES SECRET #67 Porthkerry Beach
Well known for his pop culture portraits made with food and household items, Nathan Wyburn reveals his South Wales Secret. How many of us remember being told off for playing with our food? Apparently not Nathan Wyburn, a Welsh artist who creates rather remarkable portraits using various foods, and has created viral videos online and even reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. “I've had a fascination with faces since I began drawing at the age of eight,” he explains. “I became interested in popular culture and the two just blended naturally. I saw a newspaper headline about Simon Cowell saying ‘love him or hate him’, which made me think of Marmite, so I made a timelapse video of him created with Marmite on toast. It went viral and my career began from there.” Wyburn has used a wide range of materials in his art, but which is the easiest nonconventional item to use when painting? BUZZ 8
“They all work and react to surfaces in different ways. Personally the most ‘paint like’, I'd say, is coffee.” In a way, some of Wyburn’s art, like his toast works, shares the transitory quality of the sand mandalas of Tibetan monks, which are dismantled after creation. How long does such a creation take for Nathan? “A toast painting used to take hours and hours – now, about two!” Nathan then reveals his South Wales Secret. “My South Wales Secret is Porthkerry Beach, Barry! I went there for a project during my geography A-levels and fell in love. The rock formations there are beautiful and it's so tranquil. I can get a lot of inspiration and peace there and visit quite often.” Nathan Wyburn. Info: www.nathanwyburn. co.uk
Arch Enemy Tramshed, Cardiff Tues 23 Aug Tickets: £19.50 Info: 029 2023 5555 www.tramshedcardiff.com Mandela Trilogy Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Wed 24-Sat 27 Aug Tickets: £12.50-£41.50 Info: 029 2063 646 www.wmc.org.uk Status Quo Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli Sat 27 Aug Tickets: £35-£65 Info: 0871 871 8088 www.scarlets.co.uk
BARRY
ISLAND WEEKENDERS 2016
FREE EXCITING FAMILY EVENTS AT BARRY ISLAND 23th & 24th July
The Isle of Fire The award winning event returns to transform Barry Island into a fiery landscape. New for 2016 - fire performance areas, music and the magical flaming cauldron. From 9pm each night.
30th & 31st July
Street Music Weekender Featuring All That Jazz, The Bucket Band, Wonderbrass, The Rumblestrutters, Barry Ladies Choir and more. From 12noon each day.
6th & 7th August
20th & 21st August
Fantastic Street shows from 12noon each day all along the prom. Plus performance of A Midsummers Night’s Dream on Sunday at 6pm at the Eastern Shelter.
Beach sports, Play Village and Arts workshops. Plus Barry Island Prom will host a Continental Market from 17th to 21st August. 11am to 4pm each day.
Street Theatre Weekender
13th & 14th August
Circus Weekender Join No Fit State Circus for workshops each afternoon plus enjoy juggling shows and circus performers on the prom. Samba Galez will also perform on Sunday afternoon. 12noon to 4pm each day.
Sport, Art and Play Weekender
27th & 28th August
Cinema by the Sea Weekender Open Air cinema on the Gardens from 8.30pm each night: Sat – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Sun – Dirty Dancing
All events will take place along Barry Island Promenade or Gardens. Please note events may change at short notice. For more information please call 01446 704737 or go to www.visitthevale.com @visitthevale visitthevale
upfront
K A I S E R C H I E F S Having sold over one million singles and toured the world, Kaiser Chiefs will be performing with Everything Everything and Dizzee Rascal in Cardiff. Keyboard player Nick ‘Peanut’ Bairnes speaks with Luke Owain Boult about their upcoming gig and latest album.
“
It’s different,” starts Peanut when asked about their new album Stay Together. “We’ve taken a different step and it feels good. I hate trying to describe music, but the energy on this record is infectious. It’s got dancefloor vibes, with big songs and big synths.” Parachute, so far the only single released from the upcoming album, indeed sounds different. In a similar vein to Coldplay’s, and a lot of older indie bands’, newer stuff, the song wouldn’t be at all out of place in some clubs, and is very much different from their earlier undeniably indie rock tracks like Oh My God, Ruby and I Predict A Riot. The new record, and their sixth studio album, is set to be released in October and gets its name from the opening track We Stay Together. With the EU referendum dominating the news, what had inspired the song? “A lot of Ricky’s writing on this album is from the personal/political angle. No governments and social observation, but relationships. Something we can all relate to, and lyrically that’s where this song comes from.” With this apparent change in sound, will they be performing many of their older songs when they come to Cardiff? “We’ll be playing plenty. We don’t shy away from playing our hits. We know they’re the songs that make us, so there’s no point in us being funny about it.” The group will be playing on the first day of On The Pitch, sharing the stage with rapper Dizzee Rascal, art rockers Everything Everything, and support from Nature and Cardiff four-piece Tibet. Would this be the first time they’d shared a stage? “We had Everything Everything support us at a show last summer. They’re good guys and it’ll be nice to catch up with them again.
BUZZ 10
I think we were on the same bill as Dizzee a few years ago at V. It’s going to be a great day down in Cardiff.” On the second day of On The Pitch, Simply Red will be performing, with support from singer-songwriters Ben Montague and Nathan Ball. Kaiser Chiefs have a reputation for playing fantastically energetic live shows, having played with Foo Fighters, The Who, and even the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. Out of all the gigs, which had resonated with Peanut the most? “Probably the first time we played Glastonbury in 2005. We’d been away around the world for most of the year. Every time we got news from home it was to say that our music and faces were everywhere. Walking out to 40,000-plus people in front of the pyramid stage in the afternoon sunshine at Glastonbury was the moment of realisation and the feeling was surreal. With every musician or musical hero that I get to meet, I kind of hope they’re going to be awesome and not a dick. I don’t think I’ve actually been too disappointed with anyone so far, although Ricky Wilson is little bit shorter than I thought he’d be.” Lastly, does Peanut have a message for his fans in Wales before the gig? He then naturally turns the conversation to football: “I’d probably say something cheeky about the football and the Euros, but, um, let’s see how the knockout stages go first. I’m clenching my teeth.” Kaiser Chiefs, On The Pitch, The SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. Tickets: £45-£85. Info: 029 2040 9380 / www.glamorgancricket. co.uk
"Walking out to 40,000-plus people in the sunshine at Glastonbury was surreal"
BUZZ BUZZ11 11
upfront WALES IN THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL 2016 Rachael Hutchings previews the Welsh shows heading up to Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
HIJINX THEATRE: MEET FRED When and where: Fri 5-Thurs 25 Aug, 3.55pm, Summerhall. What: Fred is a cloth puppet who measures in at two feet tall and yearns to be a part of normal society and have a job, girlfriend and a life without prejudice. However, when his PLA (Puppet Living Allowance) is threatened, Fred’s life begins to crumble into a descending spiral. Containing strong language and puppet nudity, Meet Fred has been struck audiences with its wit and humour, and promises to be a sublime, moving piece of modern-day puppetry, directed by Clare Williams. How much: £5-£10. Info: www.festival16.summerhall.co.uk/ event/meet-fred or contact the Box Office on 0131 226 0000.
CHAPTER CARDIFF LTD: INTO THE WATER – A FAMILY DANCE ADVENTURE When and where: Thurs 11-Sun 21 Aug, 11.40am, theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall. What: A fantasy dance adventure brought to life by Elaina Gray and Up And Over It; in-your-face, experimental and contemporary Irish dancers who combine tradition with electro-pop and alternative percussion. A fast-paced, lively show set in a magical wasteland, where nothing is impossible and camaraderie and friendship are everything. Commissioned and produced by Chapter Theatre's creative producer programme, Coreo Cymru, Into The Water is destined to be dynamic, irreverent and a whole host of excitement for Fringe guests of every age. How much: £8.50-£11.50. Info: www.edinburghfestival.list.co.uk/ event/565227-into-the-water or contact the Box Office on 0845 508 8515. BUZZ 12
FAMILIA DE LA NOCHE: GULLIVER’S TRAVELS When and where: Wed 3-Mon 29 Aug, 2.15pm, Pleasance Courtyard, Upstairs. What: A magical expedition of discovery and adventure, this whirlwind story takes audiences to places they never knew existed. When clearing out her estranged father’s possessions, Elizabeth Gulliver is struck by reminders of her dazzling childhood and the point at which it all changed. Prepare to meet mad scientists, feeble immortals and talking horses; the reality of paradise and the struggles of power are about to be canvassed in Becca Cox’s extraordinary voyage. How much: £6-£10. Info: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/ gullivers-travels/performances
NEONTOPIA CYF: A GOOD CLEAN HEART When and where: Thurs 4-Sun 28 Aug, 6.40pm, Cowgate. What: An award-winning, bilingual play by Alun Saunders and directed by Mared Swain which focuses on the story of Hefin and Jay; two brothers raised apart in different languages and families. This is a dynamic and moving production that projects the subject matter of fitting in and belonging incredibly sensitively, completed with animated subtitles to make it accessible for speakers of both Welsh and English. This production promises to uncover the true meaning of hiraeth. How much: £7-£12. Info: www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/ whats-on/a-good-clean-heart
BANGOR UNIVERSITY: HOW TO WIN AGAINST HISTORY When and where: Wed 3-Sun 28 Aug, 5.40pm, Assembly George Square Theatre. What: A fierce, fabulous and frolicsome musical-come-costume drama about Henry Cyril Paget, the 5th Marquis of Anglesey by Seiriol Davies and performed by students at Gwynedd’s Arts Centre, Pontio. Based on Paget’s inability to inherit the Empire but instead becoming a bold and bright transvestite, this hilarious take on a classic historical event proves that it’s perfectly suitable to be too weird for the world to handle! How much: £6-£10, with a 2-for-1 deal taking place for tickets purchased for shows on Mon 8 + Tues 9 Aug. Info: tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/howto-win-against-history or contact the Box Office on 0131 226 0000.
GAGGLEBABBLE: WONDERMAN When and where: Wed 3-Sun 28 Aug, 6.05pm, Underbelly. What: Following their debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013, theatre company Gagglebabble are back with their unique take on the adult stories written by legendary storyteller Roald Dahl. Prepare to expect the unexpected, with high-minded imaginings and grisly characters being injected with a foreboding, dark humour and accompanied by an exhilarating score to create a celebration for one of Britain’s most favoured writers in his centenary year. How much: £6-£11 Info: www.gagglebabble.co.uk
Cwmni’r Frân Wen
Meet Fred
Gulliver's Travels
pic: Raphael Chekoun
AUGUST 021 LIMITED: YURI
CWMNI’R FRÂN WEN: FOLLOW ME
When and where: Thurs 4-Sun 28 Aug, 10.10pm, Underbelly. What: As if by an act of fate, when Patrick and Adele find out the saddening truth that they cannot have children, Yuri appears and becomes an integral part of their lives. But who is Yuri? Is he dangerous and should they love him? In a funny and intelligent play directed by Mathilde Lopez about infertility, sex, love and nationalism, the question is raised of whether or not bringing a child into this deranged world is absurd, and the hopes and fears of all involved are revealed. How much: £6-£11.
When and where: Mon 15-Mon 29 Aug, 12.45pm, Pleasance Courtyard. What: This is a charming, innocent and heartwarming performance for young children aged one to seven which follows the worries, trials and tribulations Nansi has when she becomes a big sister for the first time. To escape from all her questions, she steps into an imaginary world and makes the decision to become an elephant like her favourite cuddly toy Cai. Is her best friend able to help Nansi understand the reality of the situation? How much: £6.50.
DIFFICULT STAGE: ALIX IN WUNDERGARTEN When and where: Wed 3-Mon 29 Aug, 7.10pm, Underbelly Med Quad. What: Fresh from Cardiff’s The Other Room, selfproclaimed unique and disconcerting Alix In Wundergarten takes to the stage in Scotland. The story follows a group of actors who get trapped together in a radio studio while trying to do a play, and the reality strikes that everyone in the room is vying and competing for the same status. An interesting and disturbingly bonkers take on the pressures of being a performer, brought to life by a twist of dark comedy and trepidation. How much: £6-£11.
Info: www.franwen.com
ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE: SATURDAY NIGHT FOREVER When and where: Thurs 4 -Mon 29 Aug, 7.10pm, Underbelly Med Quad. What: After gay man Lee’s love life falls apart on a night out in Cardiff, he vows never to fall in love again. However, it only takes some liquid confidence and seven hours at a friend’s housewarming party for Lee to breathe the air of change. Follow Lee on a voyage through the wreckage of past sweethearts and the early stages of promising new love affairs, but remember, of course, that nothing lasts forever. How Much: £6-£11. Info: www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
Info: www.angharadlee.com/alix-inedinburgh
How To Win Against Victory
Info: www.kickstarter.com/projects/ august012/yuri-in-edinburgh
Wonderman
pic: flag ©Andy R
OH HELLO When and where: Thurs 4–Mon 29 July, 12pm, Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17). What: This one man show, written by Dave Ainsworth and produced by the Torch Theatre Company, focuses on the life of Carry On star Charles Hawtrey and his 50 years of working in the film industry. He’s frustrated that no one listens to him, and uses the audience as his confidant as he talks about his rivalry with Kenneth Williams, the departure of his mother, not being given the top billing in the latest Carry On film, and his indiscretions with younger men, while drinking ‘lemonade’. How much: £8-£12. Info: www.assemblyfestival.com BUZZ 13
pic: Mike Massaro
upfront
EVERYTHING
EVERYTHING
Everything Everything’s unique blend of alternative, electronic, math and indie has earned them critical acclaim and a host of nominations for the Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello Awards. Drummer Michael Spearman speaks to Marcus Hughes about their busy summer of festival gigs and writing. I’ve heard you’re in the middle of writing the next album. How’s that been going? The writing’s going well! It’s just the way we’re doing it. Last time we had a year stretched out ahead of us where we needed to make an album. Which obviously we did do, but it was a bit repetitive because we didn’t do any gigs that year. So it’s kind of nice to combine the two things, because then at the weekend it kind of informs the writing by playing. It’s just remembering what it is to do shows rather than just doing the same thing all the time. So what festivals have you been playing? Well, last year we did the main ones, because the record was out a year ago today actually. So we did Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and all of the bigger ones. But this year it’s the smaller ones, apart from Isle Of Wight. We’ve never really done those before, so it’s nice to mix it up really. Everything Everything, Dizzee Rascal and Kaiser Chiefs are playing the SSE SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff. It’s a bit of an unusual line up isn’t it? Yeah, we’re looking forward to it. Outdoors is always good and it’s summer time! I suppose Dizzee Rascal might be the odd one out in a sense, but I think he’s BUZZ 14
so popular he can play those sorts of gigs. Whereas when he was starting out it was quite a niche thing he was doing, but now he has some really big pop songs. We like Kaiser Chiefs as well though. When we were starting out, their songs were all over the charts and it’s good to see a band that’s still doing it at a high level. They came back with a number one record and they’re still relevant, so it’s good to be amongst that.
The lyrics on Get To Heaven contained notable themes of social commentary inspired by what was happening in the news at the time. With everything that’s going on at the moment, is this an area you’re continuing to explore? I don’t think we want to continue in the same vein. We were talking about lyrics last week and unfortunately a lot of themes we were talking about on Get To Heaven are still prevalent and even more so maybe. It’s been a horrible few weeks in the news, so it’s difficult for us to see past those themes. But we’ll get there; we don’t want to repeat ourselves, which is actually quite a difficult task to set. More than ever, we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone.
So have any of the songs you’ve written this year made their way into the set? In general we want to play a lot of these songs live before we record them because we didn’t get a chance to do that last time. It’s a fun thing to do and it helps us with the writing too. We’ve got our own gig in Somerset House so we might play a few there, and last year we managed to play a few whilst we were supporting Snow Patrol, so maybe another opportunity like that might present itself. It’s a fun thing to do and hopefully the fans enjoy it sometimes too.
Everything Everything, On The Pitch, The SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. Tickets: £45-£85. Info: 029 2040 9380 / www. glamorgancricket.co.uk
pic: National Assembly for Wales
upfront
NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD The Welsh festival of literature, music and performance returns, 840 years since its conception, this time in Abergavenny. As one of the oldest arts festivals in the world, its history is created out of myth, legend and sprinklings of truth. The story goes that in 1176 Rhys ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth wanted to create an event where artists could perform and compete, so he called performers to his court in Cardigan. The artists competed for the Lord’s affections, and for the best poet and musician, a chair at the Lord's table was awarded, thus the tradition was born. This annual event remained until the bardic tradition fell out of fashion. The 18th century saw a revival of the long-lost tradition, with many informal eisteddfodau happening across the country. However, it wasn’t until 1861 when the event was formally organised and recognised. It has been held every year since, apart from in 1914 due to the outbreak of World War One. The central competition for the week, the Maes yr Eisteddfod (Eisteddfod field), has evolved to now have events and activities for the whole family, including crafts, books, music and food. At Theatr Y Maes (the Theatre On The Field), there will be music and radio competitions, and also be literature, society and Welsh language music tents. The learners’ tent is set to be really interesting this year. For the second time, five Welsh learners have reached the final of the competition, instead of the usual four, because the standard was so high. During the week, there are three Gorsedd ceremonies to recognise the winners. The winner of the best free meter poet takes part in the Crowning Of The Bard, the winner of the prose competition takes part in the Awarding Of The Prose Medal, and the Chairing of the Bard. Every year, the tradition of the Eisteddfod grows in popularity and fame. It is now known as one of the leading events of the Wales regeneration project which brings people of all ages and backgrounds to a different part of Wales every year. Most of Wales performers have begun their careers at the Eisteddfod, so you never know, you might bump into the next Charlotte Church or Rhian Edwards. ELOUISE HOBBS National Eisteddfod, Castle Meadows, Abergavenny, Fri 29 JulySat 6 Aug. Tickets: £15-£20. Info: www.eisteddfod.wales
There’s nothing better than laughing until your stomach aches, your eyes stream while you’re left capable of only making inaudible noises. Well, the Cardiff Comedy Festival is here to make sure you get your fill of this. Festival highlights include George Orange’s First Lady, a one-man show about the 1992 American election – and, specifically, the Presidential challenge of infamous drag artist Joan Jett Black on the Queer Nation ticket. Orange, his boyfriend, was thus in line to become First Lady of the USA. He’ll be performing on Mon 11 July, in The Other Room at Porters. A ‘reporter’ will also be keeping us updated on the current news. Jonathan Pie, best known for his popular and foul mouthed YouTube channel, will be preforming in The Other Room At Porters on Mon 25 July. This is definitely a must-see for people who care about politics and people who couldn’t care less about politics alike. Faces from the popular Mock The Week will also be gracing Cardiff with their presence. Ed Gamble will be preforming for the first time for Comedy Cardiff Festival, alongside the home-grown Welsh Robin Morgan as they showcase a preview of their upcoming Edinburgh Festival acts. Both will be preforming on Sun 3 July in the wonderful Buffalo Bar. The Comedy Carousel, a creation that won the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Club Show in 2015, is on every Thursday this month in Cardiff Bay's Glee Club. Meanwhile, every Friday and Saturday at the Glee featurers a four-act lineup of some of the best comedy Cardiff has to offer. With acts ranging from well-known faces to the fresh and unknown, there will be a comedy event nearly every evening from throughout July in a variety of venues – so get ready to laugh until your belly aches all month. CHELSEA BROWNHILL Cardiff Comedy Festival, various venues across Cardiff, until Sat 30 July. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: www.cardiffcomedyfestival.com
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pic: Steve Ulathorne
CARDIFF COMEDY FESTIVAL
KLIPH SCURLOCK Former drummer for The Flaming Lips and the new music ambassador for Cardiff’s Welsh language festival Tafwyl, Kliph Scurlock, speaks with Luke Owain Boult about moving to Wales and the Welsh music scene.
W
hat drew you to becoming an ambassador for Tafwyl? I don't know if I have a good answer for that. Someone from the festival asked me and I was surprised and honoured and said yes. There's not much more to it than that, really. I hope that doesn't come off as glib because I am truly thrilled and honoured that I was asked and I’m very proud to be the musical ambassador this year, but it wasn't something I'd considered before I was asked. What made you want to move here? A number of things, really. First off would be the music scene and how much great music is being made here and me wanting to be a part of that. Second, which ties into the first, is it just seemed easier, since I was doing more playing here than I was in the States, to just be here so I didn't have to keep flying back and forth. Also, I’ve made a lot of friends here and I wanted to spend more time with them. And there's just no getting around the fact that I just absolutely fell in love with this place when I came over to do my first tour with Gruff Rhys. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's just something very magical about it. In my travels back and forth, Cardiff transitioned from being this really cool place that I got to go to sometimes to a place that I really missed when I wasn't here, so I figured I should try to move here. Has anything in particular surprised you about Wales? If I'm to look back to the first time I came here, yes, lots of things have surprised me. One of the main ones that still surprises me from time to time is the incredible kindness and warmth people here have. I was in the grocery store the other day looking for water chestnuts. I couldn't find them and asked an employee if they carried them. He wasn't sure, so he asked someone higher up than him who told him that they
would be in an area I’d already scoured. The employee then took me to other places in the store where maybe they could be. They weren't in any of those places, but a customer there overheard us talking and told me where in town I could find them and we ended up chatting for a couple of minutes. You just don't generally get that in the States. I could give more examples, but the point is that the majority of people I've met here are just open and kind and it warms my heart and inspires me to try to be a better and more open person. What was your first ‘wow’ moment musically? My very first one would have happened as a child because I've been a total music nerd my whole life. As my earliest memories revolve around me already being really into music, I'm not sure what the very first one was. As far as my first 'wow' moment with Welsh music, it would be when I first heard the song Merched Yn Neud Gwallt Eu Gilydd by Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. I’d never heard the Welsh language before, and I'd never heard music quite like it. Hearing and falling in love with that song started me on a path of trying to figure out just what was so special about Gorky's, which led me to discovering other Welsh bands. That magic something that I couldn't put my finger on is just something inherent in a lot of the music that gets made here. I still don't know what it is, but my theory is that it's related to the warm souls of the people here and that it just naturally seeps into the music and that's what I'm responding so strongly to. But who knows? How do you really put into words how magical music can be? Tafwyl, Cardiff Castle, Sat 2 + Sun 3 July. Admission: free. Info: www.tafwyl.org BUZZ BUZZ 17 17
upfront
HOT 8 BRASS BAND In the 19th and 20th centuries, Britain’s brass bands were a mainstay in industrial communities, but they’re fading, as depicted in the 1996 film Brassed Off. Over in the US, brass bands are still booming, enjoying prominence with marching bands being traditional in parades and American football games. That’s how Hot 8 Brass Band started, but they’re more than just a brass band. The New Orleans natives have continued to play in second line parades, traditional jazz funerals and local joints, but they’ve also toured internationally, put out four albums, including 2015’s Vicennial – 20 Years Of The Hot 8 Brass Band and the just-released EP Can’t Nobody Get Down. Things haven’t always been so upbeat for the Grammy-nominated band. Death and illness have decimated five past members and if that wasn’t enough, Hurricane Katrina nearly wiped out their beloved home. Founding member and sousaphone player says: “It still affects us to this day. It was kind of the same situation when we lost the band members. Katrina came through, ruined a lot of people’s lives, took a lot of people’s lives. People had to start over with their life, with their living conditions.” But how did they deal with these losses? “In New Orleans, we’re all exposed to music in the culture. When we were young and we started the band, we had a vision and we had a dream to become great musicians and great entertainers and great culture bearers for our culture. We envisioned ourselves playing for thousands of people when we were actually playing for ourselves, trying to learn the music.” Being such a refreshingly different brass band, do they get flak for what they play from more traditional outfits? “Yeah. For a while, they had a mouthful of stuff to tell us. Not all of them, but the majority of them give us flak. You got to understand. The majority of them worked hard. They were working under difficult conditions. Think about the times. It was rougher then. Things were more serious. I mean, you’re talking about slavery and coming out of slavery. It meant a lot to them.” RHONDA LEE REALI Hot 8 Brass Band, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 22 July. Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net
CARDIFF FESTIVAL If you’re looking to be entertained over the summer, the 2016 Cardiff Festival is waiting for you. Set to be a fun-filled bonanza with a bit of something for everyone, you can take your pick from live music, street theatre, family entertainment, food culture and whole lot more. Until Sat 2 July, Pontcanna Fields and Sophia Gardens are hosting the Open Air Theatre for a performance of Into The Woods. Known as one of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest musicals, come along to the woods (or gardens, but there’s still trees – so it counts) and enjoy being taken away by this incredible musical on a relaxing summer’s evening. The Open Air Theatre is also performing ‘Allo ‘Allo’ from Thurs 7-Sat 16 July, Much Ado About Nothing on Wed 20 and Thurs 21 July, Romeo And Juliet on Thurs 21-Sat 30 July and Disney’s Peter Pan on Mon 25-Sat 30 July. On Sat 2 and Sun 3 July, Cardiff Castle is hosting Tafwyl, Cardiff’s annual Welsh language, arts and culture festival. The event will bring some of the biggest Welsh artists, writers, comedians and sports stars to the beautiful Castle grounds, including the likes of Meic Stevens, Plu, and Swnami. It’s also free entry, which is always a plus. If food is the main thing you’re after, the highly acclaimed Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival is returning to Roald Dahl Plass from Fri 8-Sun 10 July. As one of the highlights of the Cardiff Festival program, this event allows you to sample from over 100 local, national and international food stalls, and gorge yourself silly or stock up for the winter ahead. Also returning to Roald Dahl Plass is its very own Beach on Fri 22 July. This handmade seafront has been incredibly popular, and is expected to gain another quarter of a million visitors again this year. With a splashing play area and a child-friendly sandy beach alongside a variety of rides, it’s a great spot for a summer’s day. It’s open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 10pm and Sundays from 10am to 8pm. CHELSEA BROWNHILL Cardiff Festival, various locations across Cardiff, until Sat 3 Sept. Tickets: prices vary per event. Info: www.visitcardiff.com/events/ the-cardiff-festival-2016 BUZZ BUZZ18 18
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upfront
WALES BOOK OF THE YEAR
pic: Sam
Established in 1992 and now administered by Literature Wales, the Wales Book Of The Year award has developed into a prestigious platform for Welsh writers. Tasked with selecting the shortlist from over 90 entries, 2016's English language award judging panel includes Tony Brown, Justin Albert and Caroline Sanderson. Known as the Roland Mathias Poetry Award, the shortlist for the English language poetry prize features Love Songs Of Carbon by Phillip Gross, Boy Running by Paul Henry and Pattern Beyond Chance by Stephen Payne. The creative nonfiction award includes Jasmin Donahaye’s Losing Israel, Woman Who Brings The Rain by Eluned Gramich and Wales Unchained by Daniel G. Williams. The Rhys Davies Trust fiction award shortlist includes debut novelist Thomas Morris for his short story collection We Don’t Know What We’re Doing. Owen Sheers, victorious on two previous occasions, features with his novel I Saw A Man after winning, while Kate Hamer's debut novel The Girl In The Red Coat has already been shortlisted for national book awards. A writer, poet and Radio 1 DJ form the Welsh language panel, with Lleucu Roberts, Llion Roberts and Huw Stephens judging the three categories. Gracing the poetry prize shortlist is Nes Draw by Mererid Hopwood, Gruffudd Owen’s Hel Llus Yn Y Glaw and Eiliadau Tragwyddol by Cen Williams. The creative non-fiction category shortlist includes Pam Na Fu Cymru by Simon Brooks, Dyddiau Olaf Owain Glyndwr by Gruffydd Aled Williams and Is-deitla’n Unig by Emyr Glyn WIlliams. And the final category, the Welsh language fiction award offers Norte by Jon Gower, Y Bwthyn by Caryl Lewis and Rifiera Reu by Dewi Prysor. As well as the judges' own tough decisions, the public can vote online for their favourite shortlisted title to be crowned the People’s Choice Award for the English language shortlist or Gwobr Barn Y Bobl for the Welsh language prize. RHIANON HOLLEY
WELSH PROMS If the previous Welsh Proms are anything to go by, then this year’s should be as spectacular as ever. The week-long classical music event is now in its 31st year, and this year conductor Owain Arwel Hughes has pulled out all the stops, with five main concerts featuring incredible orchestras and soloists, as well as debuts of new work and compositions from renowned artists. This year commemorates many anniversaries, including the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, and the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster. The five main shows are as follows: Verdi: Requiem, The Planets / Shadows Of War, Classical Extravaganza, Brass & Voices, and the ever-popular Last Night Of The Proms. All performances feature popular and well known orchestras and choirs joining together to create unforgettable performances. Choirs, choruses and orchestras from all around the UK are set to perform, but this does not detract from the Welsh talent, with the Welsh National Opera orchestra teaming up with numerous Welsh choirs and four popular Welsh soloists to perform Requiem to mark the first day of the Proms. Other Welsh acts are set to perform alongside the Liverpool and Bournemouth orchestras, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra rounding up the event. The Last Night Of The Proms ought to be spectacular: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra commemorate their 70th anniversary, while compositions set to be performed include Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Star Wars and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, plus a world premiere performance of a celebration of the life of Roald Dahl. Welsh songs are to be played concluding the Welsh Proms, showcasing Wales’ raw musical talent which is continuously reaffirmed each year of the Proms. Additional events are running alongside the main shows, with organ, jazz and family performances appealing to younger audiences and people who want to experience classical music for the first time. This July is full of musical events, but the Welsh Proms is not one to be missed. Owain Arwel Hughes’ directing will be faultless as ever, each year becoming better than the last. BETH GIRDLER-MASLEN The Welsh Proms, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 16-Sat 23 July. Tickets: £7.50-£30.50. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.welshproms.com
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Wales Book Of The Year, Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil, Thurs 21 July. Tickets: £5. Info: 029 2047 2266 / www.literaturewales.org
BRECON JAZZ
WEEKEND 2016 Fri 12 – Sun 14 August VISIT.ENJOY.SHARE
Come hear the music of ‘Brazil’, the sounds of a Big Band with vocals & dancing, join workshops for all ages and levels, in guitar, voice, percussion, and ‘music-making for everyone, there’s a film screening and discussion, exhibitions on music and social contexts around jazz, and so much to do, to taste, to enjoy in the town.
6TH AUGUST 2016 Join us for Newport’s only Bottomless Brunch. Soak up the bubbles with a one or two course brunch starting from £27 per person. The FoodBar’s Head Chef, Rob Evans will serve up medium sized brunch dishes and sharing hot plates to enjoy with all the bubbles. Our Director of Mixology, Christos Kyriakidis will be on hand should you chose the Unlimited package to deliver fine craftsmanship, using the highest quality ingredients and the very best cocktails. Each cocktail has its own story to tell.
1 Course & Unlimited Prosecco - £27pp* 2 Courses & Unlimited Prosecco - £37pp* Unlimited Food, Prosecco & Select Cocktails - £47pp* *pp - per person / Table is yours for 1 hour 20 minutes Maximum of 1 drink at a time per person Starts from 11:30am last orders 3:30pm
Concerts & shows Workshops Young musician showcase Market stalls Street music Town parade Film & exhibitions Sunday jazz service Headline artists include UK national names of jazz, with award-winning young stars of the new generation of jazz talent. Venues include Guildhall, Theatr Brycheiniog, the Cathedral, Muse and Castle of Brecon Hotel, with a full range of Fringe events throughout the town and including the Market Hall
Programme to be announced next week watch your local press!
BOOKMARK & PARITICIPATE
Contact: info@breconjazzclub.org www.breconjazz.com
pic: Malwina Matusiewicz
profile
C L A R E
W I L L I A M S
Clare Williams, Chief Executive of Hijinx Theatre and winner of an Arts And Business Cymru award, speaks with Luke Owain Boult about providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities, and what society can do to be more inclusive.
C
ould you explain to us what Hijinx does? Hijinx is an inclusive theatre company based in Cardiff Bay. Inclusive in this context is that we’re defined by the fact that we always include people with learning disabilities in our cast. We always have actors with Down’s syndrome, autism or other learning disabilities in the work that we make. There are three things that we do: we pioneer the work of people with disabilities, we produce work for people with disabilities and we promote the work of talented disabled people. An example of 'pioneering': if you are a 19-year-old with Down’s syndrome, up until the age of 19, you’ll go to a special school or you might, if you’re lucky, be able to go to a state school. But generally, people with a learning disability will leave school without the qualifications that make it able for them to go to college or to do an apprenticeship, because you need a certain number of points to do that. We also know that there are an awful lot of people with learning disabilities who have a natural talent and charisma, and a real talent for performing. Our ambition is that if you have a learning disability and have talent in Wales, then you can access a Hijinx academy within a 90-minute drive time. Having trained our actors, we then have to create work for them. We make shows which we tour all
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over the UK and Europe. Every summer we’re out on tour throughout Europe with work that we made which includes actors with learning disabilities. We also do another strand where our actors are trained to do roleplay to help others work with people with disabilities. We are completely and utterly serious about really finding job opportunities for our actors. One of our actors, a guy called Martin, has Down’s syndrome. Every Thursday he can be found in Tesco stocking the shelves. But Martin has an international career as a clown. He performs in France, in Germany and in Spain regularly. He is very well known in the festival circuit because he is the most brilliant clown. Of course the people in Tesco, they just see ‘ah look, there’s a man with a disability who's been given something to do to pass the time’. They have no idea that Martin actually has this incredible reputation. So a lot of the work is to help society to overcome certain stereotypes about people with learning disabilities? That’s exactly what we’re doing. We really do prepare our actors for the outside world. The Arts And Business Cymru award was specifically for the work we did with one of our corporate partners, Western Power Distribution, who have a team who work with people who are vulnerable. It might be because their
electricity has gone off or that they’ve lost power, or they’re left frightened, they’re left vulnerable and so they explained to us various scenarios that they have to deal with. We came up with various situations they could try out with our actors. It was enormously successful. It gave the staff at Western Power huge confidence to be able to understand, because a lot of the time they're answering the telephone and can’t even picture the person that’s on the end of the line. What can people, in general, do to avoid coming across as patronising? Nobody wants to patronise somebody with a learning disability. Most people are very, very frightened of appearing to be patronising or appearing to be unsympathetic. What we try and do is that if we can give exposure to people so you can build up a bit of a relationship with somebody with a disability, it really helps next time you come across somebody with Down’s syndrome or somebody with autism. Everybody is an individual, and there is no guide book to teach people, ‘this is how you speak to someone with a learning difficulty’. Hijinx Theatre. Info: 029 2030 0331 / www. hijinx.org.uk
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23/06/2016 BUZZ 13:3323
film
by Keiron Self
GHOSTBUSTERS ****
JASON BOURNE ****
Dir: Paul Feig (12A, 120 mins) Over 30 years after Bill Murray and co. first got slimed, the Ghostbusters are back. Now our supernatural saviours are female and funny and the FX has come on somewhat, but has the story? Melissa McCarthy is always funny when paired with Paul Feig and Kristen Wiig, as Spy and Bridesmaids can attest. Now McCarthy and Wiig are essentially the Murray and Ackroyd of the new team, with Kate McKinnon the rather wild science geek and Leslie Jones bringing sass. Paranormal activity is heightened in New York and these four are the only people equipped to stop it, with the proton packs – don’t cross the streams – and secretary Chris Hemsworth, who finds himself possessed and part of the problem. A lot of favourite moments from the previous film (Ghostbusters 2 was somewhat of a blip) were referenced in the trailer, like Slimer, StayPuft Marshmallow Man, and the spooky librarian ghost, but hopefully this will bring something fresh. The leads have great comedic chemistry, but hopefully it won’t be chock-full of improv and will have a more cohesive structure, something which the original had, along with the good concept. This ‘busting should make you feel good. Opens July 11
Dir: Paul Greengrass (12A, 116 mins) Matt Damon is back as super spy Jason Bourne after somewhat of a hiatus, following 2007’s Bourne Ultimatum. It was a conclusion to a thrilling trilogy that forced a rewrite of the Bond franchise and managed to combine brains with brawn, all under the kinetic direction of Paul Greengrass. After a misfire spinoff in The Bourne Legacy with Jeremy Renner, Damon is back with Greengrass for an extension of the story going beyond Robert Ludlum’s books. The man who can beat people up with a magazine has been in hiding for some time, bare-knuckle boxing in Greece apparently, and is pulled back into the open to battle corruption within the CIA by series regular Julia Stiles. Joining the cast are Alicia Vikander as a CIA specialist embroiled in the search for Bourne, Tommy Lee Jones as the director of the CIA and Vincent Cassel as another special ops weapon to take Bourne down. Business as usual, it would seem, with Damon looking the part and action sequences around the globe. With Greengrass back at the helm and Damon fighting fit, this will be a thriller worth catching, even if it is a retread of the excellence of the past. Opens July 27
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE *** Dir: Mandie Fletcher (12A, 90 mins) Another British sitcom limps to the big screen, packed with star cameos, but does the world need more Absolutely Fabulous? Jennifer Saunders’ comedy ran for 20 years on the BBC, but its quality varied wildly, and in its last run in 2012 it seemed tired. Now, like Dad’s Army, The Inbetweeners, and Porridge, it’s been given a chance on the big screen. The fashion world is very much in its crosshairs, as Saunders’ Edina accidentally pushes Kate Moss off a balcony into the River Thames. Saunders, along with Lumley’s Patsy, head to the south of France to evade the law, the paparazzi and the haters and try to start a new life. John Hamm, Judith Chalmers and half the fashion world pop up for a quick mug, but whether this will be amusing is open to question, dahling. Opens July 1
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE ***
FINDING DORY ****
Dir: Rawson Marshall Thurber (12A, 114 mins) Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart team up in this buddy action comedy that coasts on the personalities of its central duo. Hart plays a mild mannered accountant who hooks up with old schoolfriend Johnson via Facebook. They meet each other at their high school reunion and time has changed them both. In school, Hart was the cool one. Now he’s a bit dull. CGI-faced Johnson was all fat, nerdy and bullied at school, and now he’s a CIA agent built like a toilet that’s outdoors. Trying to bring down some baddies via account hacking and financial wizardry embroils Hart in Johnson’s world, and much slapstick hitting ensues. Support is given by the ace Amy Ryan and Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad, but it’s the central duo that propel this rather ho-hum 80s buddy throwback with transiently entertaining results. Out now
Dir: Andrew Stanton (PG, 103 mins) The blue tang fish with the short-term memory returns, along with all the characters from Pixar’s 2003 fishy mega-hit Finding Nemo. This time out it’s Dory’s turn to find something, her parents, not easy for a fish with a second-long memory. Ellen DeGeneres returns as the adorable voice for the absent-minded swimmer, as does Albert Brooks as Marlin. On her quest, Dory is captured, taken to a marine park and meets a host of new characters, including Idris Elba’s Fluke the seal, Ed O’Neil’s Hank the octopus, and a host of other fishy friends voiced by Bill Hader, Diane Keaton, Ty Burrell and more. The heart of the tearjerking Finding Nemo seems to be present together with the knockabout slapstick, and as Dory rises to find her own identity, the nature of friendship and parenthood is explored in true Pixar fashion. Opens July 29
ALSO RELEASED JULY 2016: THE COLONY (15) Emma Watson and Daniel Bruhl star in this thriller about a woman searching for her husband finding herself inveigled into a cult that no one has ever left. Bit iffy. NOW YOU SEE ME 2 (12A) The magicians on a heist return in another unlikely but enjoyable tale, this time with added Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe as their ‘magic’ nemesis. QUEEN OF EARTH (15) Friends find out they have fallen out with each other at a lake house. Starring Elisabeth Moss and Katherine Waterston, from the man who brought you Listen Up Phillip, it’s another slow burn talky drama.MAGGIE’S PLAN (15) Winning romantic comedy with Greta Gerwig having an affair with Ethan Hawke, who then tries to get him back with a barking mad and very funny Julianne Moore. THE WAIT
STAR TREK BEYOND ****
THE BFG ****
Dir: Justin Lin (12A, 120 mins) With J.J. Abrams jumping franchise to a galaxy far, far away, its left to Fast And Furious franchise helmer to take over directing duties on this new voyage for the Starship Enterprise. The five-year mission to explore new worlds is in its beginnings for Kirk, Spock and the crew, but they soon encounter difficulties, leaving them stranded on a remote planet, the Enterprise compromised and no clear way back home. After the Cumberbatch Khan of Into Darkness, this sequel heads off to pastures new. Kirk has an enemy in Idris Elba’s reptilian Krall and a helper in the athletic shape of Sofia Boutella last seen leaping about in Kingsman. The original lineup all return; Chris Pine as Kirk battling father issues, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana as the lovers Spock and Uhura, and Simon Pegg steps up a notch, reprising Scotty and also co-writing the script. Whether this means there will be more jokes is open to question. A franchise that is forever re-inventing itself and about to launch yet another TV series, the crew of the Enterprise should have a few more outings in them before they need beaming up. Opens July 22
Dir: Steven Spielberg (PG, 115 mins) Roald Dahl’s classic children’s tale comes to the big screen with jaw dropping visuals and crucially a sense of wonder attached. Ruby Barnhill is fantastically engaging as Sophie, a lonely girl in a strangely imagined indeterminately timed London, who one night looks out of her orphanage window and sees Mark Rylance’s motion captured giant. An initially scary encounter soon gives way to friendship as the BFG reveals himself to be just as lonely as Sophie, and tells her in Dahl gobbledygook about his job, dream catching, bottling dreams and putting them in the minds of sleepers. In Giant Country however, the BFG is a runt compared to the nasty meat-eating Bloodbottler and Fleshlumpeater, motion-captured by Bill Hader and Jemaine Clement. Of course, human children are somewhat of a tasty snack for these giants, far tastier than snozzcumbers. Epic in scale with an engaging performance from Rylance, this is Spielberg on family-friendly ground with an adaptation from the late Melissa Mathieson, who also wrote ET. Put together with love and respectful of its source, The BFG is an adaptation worthy of Dahl. Let loose the whizzpoppers! Opens July 22
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN ***
THE NEON DEMON **
THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR ***
Dir: David Yates (12A, 109 mins) “Unk! Unk! Ungowa!” These are probably words that will not be spoken in this incarnation of Tarzan as Harry Potter director David Yates takes on the Ape Man, and the impressively ab-ed Alexander Skarsgard steps into the loincloth. Taking a less racist approach to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ character, this adaptation places us in the Congo Free State in 1858, as Tarzan is called back from London to the jungle where he was raised by apes. He’s now married to Margot Robbie’s spirited Jane, and soon set against greedy Belgian Christoph Waltz, whose mining activities are causing rumbles in the jungle. There’s gorilla vs. man fisticuffs, swinging through trees and lots of shirt-off eye candy. Samuel L. Jackson adds heft as anti-slavery soldier George Washington Williams, and it’s all quite stirring stuff. Make like an ape man. Opens July 8
Dir: Nicolas Winding Refn (18, 117 mins) It’s style over substance once more for Drive and Only God Forgives director Nicolas Winding Refn in this horror, set in the fashion industry. It’s a well-worn tale of impressionable teenager Jesse (an excellent Elle Fanning) going out to LA to become famous, a supermodel in fact. Sending horror chic photos to fashionistas, she is soon picked up by Christina Hendricks’ parasitic agent and plunges into a hedonistic and sinister world, meeting clingy makeup artist Jena Malone, who introduces her to creepy dungeon parties. Fanning’s beauty soon brings her rewards, much to the envy of others, and the attention of dodgy blokes like Keanu Reeves, making a convincing slimeball, and Alessandro Nivola’s fashion guru. It looks ravishing but remains deeply uninvolving despite Fanning’s best efforts. Opens July 8
Dir: James DeMonaco (15, 86 mins) Another instalment in this unlikely franchise puts Frank Grillo’s Sergeant back in harm’s way on the one night of the year when murder is legal in America. He’s now protector of presidential candidate Elizabeth Mitchell, who opposes the annual Purge and will stop it if she gets into power. Thus, on Purge night, she and Grillo find themselves chased by maniacs out to put a stop to her political machinations. They have to survive the night with the help of some and a lot of hindrance from others, who mostly wear animal masks. It’s the same grim violent actioner that the first two were, but with added social sting. The violence is constant, the B-movie exploitation vibe evident, with Grillo and co. battling axe and chainsaw wielding nut cases in a bid to find out who is behind the night of bloodletting. Probably Donald Trump. Opens July 15
(12A) French drama in which Juliette Binoche meets her son’s finance in a lovely villa in Sicily. It’s slow, but nice to look at. ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE (PG) Yes, they are still making these. This one is in space... somehow. KEANU (15) Action comedy from Jordan Peele and Keenan-Michael Key, who find themselves caught up with drug dealers as they search for their missing cat. Hmmm. PRECIOUS CARGO (15) Bruce Willis slums it again for the money in this dull heist thriller. THE COMMUNE (15) Thomas Vintenberg (The Hunt) directs a tale of a Danish commune thrown into chaos with a clash of political ideologies in 70s Denmark. Better than it sounds. MEN AND CHICKEN (15) Bizarre Danish comedy drama starring Mads Mikkelsen as two brothers uncover the awful truth about their family.
food/drink LAMPETER FOOD FESTIVAL The Lampeter Food Festival is a must go for any budding cooks, people wanting to improve their cooking skills and anyone that loves food. The festival presents cooking demonstrations throughout the day from local chefs and if cooking the food doesn’t appeal to you, there are many stalls to sample from, including gluten free options, world foods and beer and wine. Other than food, there’s an entertainment tent with musicians, theatre, belly dancing and bouncy castles and donkey rides for the kids. The festival appeals to a wide range of people and promises a jam-packed day with lots to do and loads to choose from. Lampeter Food Festival, Lampeter University, Sat 23 July. Admission: free. Info: www.lampeterfoodfestival.org.uk
PENDERYN ANNOUNCE PLANS TO OPEN IN SWANSEA
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Ciara Neligan takes a look at one of the biggest foodie events to hit Cardiff, and the food, drink and entertainment on offer. As the summer creeps upon us, why not indulge in the delights that Cardiff Food Festival has to offer? The annual food festival is returning to Cardiff for its 17th year and is one of the biggest events in the Welsh foodie calendar. The festival hosts over 100 stalls filled with local, national and international produce and is renowned as one of the capital’s most popular food events. Visitors are invited to browse an array of stalls, where they can sample and buy produce from independent or family-run businesses. The celebration of street food and homegrown produce is an event which is suitable for all ages, with various bars, craft stalls, live entertainment and a champagne bar based on the water’s edge. This free event lasts three days, with each day offering a Producer’s Fayre, Street Food Piazza, Farmers Market and Craft Stalls, each showcasing a selection of businesses from all over the world. Alongside all of the food aromas which will be filling Cardiff Bay’s Roald Dahl Plass, the sounds from the bandstand are sure to add to the festival vibe. From 12pm up until 9.45pm (Friday and Saturday) expect a selection of musical entertainment from a variety of bands and artists including Cardiff’s Fiesta Resistance, Donnie Joe’s American Swing and Baraka. The festival is proudly part of Cardiff’s Summer In The City events programme, which is a jam packed schedule of events across Cardiff to keep everybody entertained over the summer. Summer In The City includes the Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix, the Welsh Proms and the Cardiff Bay beach to name just a few. Over four months, these events aim to bring tourism to Wales and show just what Cardiff has to offer, with the Food Festival being a highlight for many. Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival, Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, Fri 8-Sun 10 July. Admission: free. Info: www.visitcardiff.com
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Penderyn Distillery has announced plans to open in Swansea, expanding its business by building a new distillery and visitor centre where tourists can come and sample the famous Welsh whisky. Penderyn is working together with Swansea Council and University to build the second distillery, which is estimated to open in 2019. The expansion from the village of Penderyn, in the Brecon Beacons National Park – where the whisky originates – will create more profit for the brand and open up more jobs. The current visitors’ centre is extremely popular, with visitors learning about whiskey production and Wales’ whisky history, and the move would grant Swansea a new tourist attraction. Penderyn Distillery. Info: www.welshwhisky.co.uk/
THE BIG CHEESE The Big Cheese is back in Caerphilly for its 19th year. Over the course of three days, this free event has something for everyone, including food and craft stalls, music and dance, historical re-enactments, funfairs, fireworks and much more. Visitors will get to learn and explore the history and culture of Caerphilly, with the Great Cheese Race marking the end of the first day – if this interests you, round yourself up a team of four and apply online to run in the race (fancy dress optional). Plenty of activities for all ages are available over the weekend and it’s a fun family event to kick off the summer. The Big Cheese Festival, Caerphilly, Fri 29-Sun 31 July. Admission: free. Info: 029 2088 0011 / www.visitcaerphilly.com/ event/big-cheese-festival
OF THE BEST PLACES ON COWBRIDGE ROAD EAST Home to hipsters, and naturally foodies, Cowbridge Road East is witness to many of Cardiff’s finest and most interesting restaurants. Cutting through Canton, the area’s demographic mix is shown through its food, adding to its bohemian feel. Portia Jones takes a look at the best places to grab a bite to eat on the street. BANGKOK CAFE This smart restaurant serves up a range of delicious and traditional Thai dishes that range in spiciness, and are prepared using herbs and spices imported from Thailand. Also using locally sourced produce, and being great value for money, this is the place in Cardiff to get an authentic Thai dish. Try the green chicken curry, you won’t be disappointed. Bangkok Cafe, 207 Cowbridge Road East. Info: 029 2034 0455 / www. bangkokcafe.co.uk
ITALIAN WAY This family-run Italian restaurant was established in 1985 and offers up a wide range of traditional and favourite Italian dishes, including carbonara, bolognaise and meatballs. Its rustic décor makes for an authentic Italian feel, with staff on hand delivering friendly service and happy to recommend dishes. The Italian Way, 157 Cowbridge Road East. Info: 029 2039 6980 / www. theitalianwaycardiff.co.uk
PURPLE POPPADOM Purple Poppadum serve up stylish and contemporary reinventions of classic Indian curries. This multi-award-winning restaurant tucked away in Canton serves exquisitely crafted dishes including tiffin sea bass, Kashmiri rogan josh and saag gosht. They’re all packed with flavour and beautifully presented in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Purple Poppadom, 186a Cowbridge Road East. Info: 029 2022 0026 / www. purplepoppadom.com
HAPPY GATHERING
SPANISH SCRAMBLED EGGS Words MICHAEL BELL www.mikeyandthekitchen.wordpress.com @mikeyandthekitchen Whichever way you like your eggs in the morning, nothing wakes you up quicker – or more deliciously – than spice. That’s why I recommend you start having your morning eggs spiked with Spanish heat so you have a quick and easy cure to all of your morning fatigue.
INGREDIENTS 4 large eggs 1 chilli (sliced) 2 tbsps full fat milk Sea salt and black pepper 110g chorizo (sliced) 2 spring onions (chopped) Handful of coriander (to serve) METHOD 1. Crack the eggs into a large jug before adding the sliced chilli (seeds removed if you want less heat), dash of milk, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2. Using a fork or a whisk, gently combine the jug’s contents. 3. Heat a heavy based frying pan and drop in the sliced chorizo, turning with a spoon for roughly four minutes. 4. Add the chopped spring onion and stir to combine with the chorizo’s paprika oils.
This large Cantonese restaurant has been a firm favourite with Cardiffians for many years Their menu features an à la carte set menu and a fantastic value for money lunch menu. Try the steamed minced pork with salted fish, Cantonese style ribs or the dim sum, which is a Happy Gathering speciality. Happy Gathering, 233 Cowbridge Road East. Info: 029 2039 7531 / www. happygatheringcardiff.co.uk
5. Pour in the chilli egg mixture and lower the heat.
ICHIBAN
7. Continue stirring on a low heat for roughly eight minutes before removing completely off the heat and allowing to sit for two minutes as the pan cools.
Sample Japanese delights like sushi, soups and noodles in Ichiban’s Canton branch. Try their amazing tempura for a tasty treat. Dishes are freshly prepared and really deliver on flavour. Ichiban also offer a takeaway service, should the mood for sushi strike you unexpectedly. Ichiban, 201 Cowbridge Road East. Info: 029 2066 8833 / www.ichibancardiff. co.uk
6. Leave the eggs to rest in the lowering heat (which allows the eggs to begin to set) before gently turning the mixture continuously with a spoon so that the eggs begin to combine into soft but thick cloudy mounds.
8. Serve with some freshly chopped coriander.
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food/drink
J U LY F O O D I E F O C U S Words JANE COOK www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk
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hile the days are long and the nights are warm, this month is all about making the most of the outdoors – kicking off on the first weekend of July with the Tafwyl Festival at Cardiff Castle; a two-day artistic, musical, cultural, and sporting celebration of the Welsh language. Frugal and eco-friendly foodies should make an effort seek out the fabulous Lia’s Kitchen, who will be running a demonstration of tasty and savvy Greece-meets-Wales dishes that make the most of the kitchen leftovers you might have otherwise wasted. For more information, see liaskitchen.com. It’s the big one on the weekend of Fri 8-Sun 10 July, when the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival comes to town. The event, which takes place in Cardiff Bay’s Roald Dahl Plass, boasts over 100 local, national and international producers – take it as the perfect opportunity to stock up on farmhouse cheeses, artisan breads, handmade chocolates and specialist liqueurs for the rest of the summer! For more info, see: visitcardiff.com/events/cardiffinternational-food-drink-festival. Wed 13 July sees the Vegan Pizza Company taking over the kitchen at Brewdog on Westgate Street for a one-night-only pop up. Indulge your inner hipster and grab a pavement seat for an evening of vegan pizza and craft beer, from 5pm until they sell out. For more info, see: www. facebook.com/brewdogbarcardiff. On Fri 15 July, the team at Waterloo Tea are continuing their tradition of local collaborations and have announced an extra special event that will take place within Wyndham Arcade. Combining The Dead Canary, Penylan Pantry, Brod, and Waterloo Tea, the event involves a nine-course collaborative extravaganza which will bring the picturesque Wyndham Arcade to life in the evening. For more info, see: www.waterlootea.com/blogs. Later in the month, Bristol’s newest export opens on Whitchurch Road in the form of Society Standard, a new, 100-cover bar and restaurant boasting a varied menu of comfort food classics and sharing plates. From Thurs 21 July, guests will be able to kick back with a craft beer in their industrial-styled interior, or hang out in the graffiti-covered beer garden. Keep up with the progress before the grand opening at: www.twitter.com/cardiffstandard.
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MOJO T HE FOOD BAR C E L E BRATE BOT T OMLE SS BR UN C H Mojo The FoodBar are celebrating their first year with the launch of its Bottomless Brunch, and will be bringing the best of Dubai to Newport. The event is a style of dining and socialising that’s very popular in Dubai, and combines fine dining brunch dishes and sharing platters with Prosecco and cocktails, both of which are unlimited. Guests can choose one, two or three courses, which head chef Rob Evans has created, featuring a mix of dishes. House mixologist Christos Kyriakidis will be creating unique specially made cocktails for a taste of the extravagance Dubai’s famous for. Mojo The FoodBar co-owners Lewis Lewis and Seng Koh, said: “Our Bottomless Brunch will be a whole lot of fun. It’ll combine fine dining brunch dishes and sharing plates with unlimited Prosecco and cocktails. “It’s a style of dining and socialising which is extremely popular in Dubai. It’s a mainstay in people’s social calendars there, as once a month they gather at specific restaurants throughout Dubai to enjoy the leisurely brunch, drinks and a natter with friends and business associates. We’ll be hosting our first Bottomless Brunch in August and then roll them out once every month after that. We’re confident that the Bottomless Brunch will prove very popular with our discerning customers as much as they are in Dubai.” Bottomless Brunch, Mojo The FoodBar, Newport, Sat 6 Aug. Admission: £27-£47. Info: 016 3344 9948 / www.mojothefoodbar. com
food/drink
AMSER
TRAMSHED: THE WAITING ROOM
Clare Road, Cardiff. 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com/the-waiting-room Food **** Atmosphere **** The all-encompassing Tramshed’s latest launch is The Waiting Room, set up in the bar area downstairs, as a bar/kitchen style eatery serving sliders and small bespoke sides and desserts. The menu is pared down: not a massive choice but straightforward. While downing a pint of one of the artisan beers, you can sample a miniature beefburger, which does exactly what it says on the menu for a mere £3.50 (pick any two sliders and a side order for only £7.50, add an extra slider for only £2.50). The concept is simple – mini-sliders, displayed either in a three-tiered cake stand or presented in a cardboard tray. No fuss, good value, and created to be a complimentary addition to the bar. The Bronx is a beef patty with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion, while the vegan-friendly Patti Smith comprises a brown rice, black bean and beetroot patty with shoestring potatoes, caramelised onions and roast tomato. Even as a non-veggie, this was the one for me. The new-fangled Fizz IQ, a specifically designed carbonation and bottling machine, has also arrived from America, so expect to be dazzled by the steam and puff emanating from the bar, serving up more traditional cocktails: the vodka-based Lavender Collins, cucumber and strawberry fizz, tiki fizz and pineapple scotch soda, and a selection of bourbon based drinks. All are made on site and bottled ready to serve, and will soon be available to take away. The key to the Waiting Room menu is the price – desserts from £2, sides from £1.50 – and it’s genuinely good, too. Open for breakfast with bacon buns and various options (for example, a bun with tea or coffee for £3), the Tramshed’s restaurant Dough Eyes is due to open by the end of summer. With that plus a cinema and media hub next door, the Tramshed is regenerating Grangetown and providing a much-needed alternative venue. ANTONIA LEVAY
The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1BH. 07342 354356 / www.yrhenlyfrgell.wales Food **** Atmosphere **** One of the city centre’s newest eats, Amser, is a real hidden gem on the Hayes. Located in the Yr Hen Lyfrgell building, aka the Old Library, Amser takes a fresh approach to their menu, incorporating local Welsh ingredients with a street food style. Additionally, they serve your meal as if you were back in your school canteen, which is novel and means that there’s no wait on your food – so if you’re in a hurry and want something quick and delicious, it’s perfect. Walking into the Old Library building, you’re met with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect venue to take a group of friends to eat and drink the night away. To start, the spiced crispy cockles, lemon saffron and mayo are crispy explosions of flavour that needs to be experienced first-hand. For the mains I would highly recommend the veggie mac and cheese in a wild mushroom, truffle and crunchy herb crumb, and the buttermilk chicken with sexy slaw, chips and gravy. Both will leave you in a beautiful food coma that you’ll pray not to wake up from. As for the puddings, I think renowned head chef Padrig Jones makes the best crème brûlées you’ll ever taste. There’s nothing quite like cracking the toffee top and scooping out the gooey vanilla insides of one of Padrig’s crème brûlées. All in all, the food is packed full of flavour and really filling; I’d highly recommend checking out Amser with a group of friends. Good food, chilled vibes and value for money: what more can you ask for? JAYDON MARTIN
TIME & BEEF
Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff. 029 2115 8539 / www.timeandbeef.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere *** Café by day but gourmet burger restaurant and cocktail bar by night, Canton’s Time & Beef has provided Cardiffians with some of the city’s best burgers since its opening in March earlier this year. Previously known as the café/bar Time, it was refurbished and has hosted hugely varied pop-up evenings, from gumbo to Indonesian cuisine. The restaurant allows diners to build their own burgers (with local burgers and buns), which may sound liberating, although perhaps some things are best left to the experts. I nevertheless dive in and start with choosing the bun: demi brioche. Not too hard a decision. Next up, the burger itself. While the veggie option of a bean, feta and beet burger is tempting, I go for classic Welsh lamb. So far so good. Now cheeses. Oh God. Erm, stilton? Feta? Halloumi? I start panicking and add them all. I soon go mad with toppings. Pulled pork, chorizo, mushrooms, and chilli. Can’t go wrong with sweet chilli and garlic mayo sauces either. And I’ll need sweet potato fries with that. I sit in the restaurant thinking to myself that my gluttony and inability to choose is everything wrong with Western society, but then the burger arrives. My God. It’s beautiful. Take that Heston Blumenthal, I’m a culinary genius. My creation is a success, but I can’t help but wonder what it would be like in the hands of someone who knew what they were doing. With ample veggie options and indulgent meaty favourites, Time & Beef is a great place to go for a relaxed but satisfying meal. The extensive selection of cocktails makes this a must visit for foodies and boozers alike. LUKE OWAIN BOULT BUZZ 29
art
LEE WILLIAMS: CARGO
Elysium Gallery, Swansea Until Sat 16 July Lee Williams is a visual artist whose latest work, CARGO, is about the relationship between industrialisation and ecology, focusing on the debate around Port Talbot’s steel crisis. Although the area has s heavily polluted atmosphere, containing particulate matter PM10, which means its reaching as high as 9 on the government’s air pollution scale, this local problem is part of bigger and broader issues which Williams expresses in his work. Port Talbot may be a highly polluted area, as it has some of the highest sea acidity level in Wales, but it is also a community which is highly dependent on this steel industry. As well as being an artist, Williams was also a curator and lecturer for over 25 years. Now he’s a course leader at Neath Port Talbot College Group for the foundation diploma as well as being a director for Colony Projects, which is a South Wales based artist led organisation. Along with Williams’s degrees and teaching opportunities, he’s also been exhibited widely throughout the UK and abroad, earning him the title of the main prize winner at the Beep Wales International Painting Prize in 2014. Williams will be giving a talk on his art on Saturday 16 July at 2pm, discussing his art, the intricacies and the background surrounding it. Admission: free. Info: 07980 925449 / www. elysiumgallery.com (MM) BUZZ 30
QUENTIN BLAKE: INSIDE STORIES
National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff Sat 16 July-Sun 20 Nov For more than 40 years, Quentin Blake has been a big part of many people’s childhoods, mostly thought of fondly for his many collaborations with Roald Dahl. Blake was the subject of the inaugural exhibition in the House Of Illustration – where he is also a trustee – in London, the UK’s only gallery dedicated to illustration. This year sees that exhibition, Inside Stories, come to the National Museum Cardiff, as the city celebrates 2016 as the centenary of one of its famous sons: Roald Dahl. Inside Stories celebrates the work of one of the most important and best-loved illustrators. Blake’s illustrations for Dahl’s stories are iconic, whether it’s the avuncular BFG, the grotesque Witches, or Willy Wonka in his purple top-hat. Of course, Quentin Blake is so much more than the illustrator of Dahl’s characters. In recent times he has worked with David Walliams on his children’s books; he’s also illustrated for John Yeoman, Russell Hoban and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen. He has also created his own characters, most famously Clown: a story told completely in illustration about a discarded toy clown who sets out to find a new home for himself and his other discarded toy friends. Outside of illustration, Blake taught English in a London-based French school and taught the Royal College Of Art, where he was also head of the illustration department for eight years. He is also known for his patronage of various societies and charities, including The Nightingale Project which puts art into hospitals; indeed, he's created art for hospitals himself, including a children’s hospital and a maternity hospital in France. Co-curated by Blake himself, Inside Stories has on display more than 100 exhibits, including many pieces of art that won’t have been seen before, such as rough drafts and storyboards. It demonstrates how Blake brings a wide range of media, applied in varying touches to create his distinctive and well-loved characters and illustrations. Presented in storyboard form, it uses original drawings and shows how the process develops from studio drafts through to printing. Admission: free. Info: 029 2039 7951 / www.museumwales.ac.uk CHRIS WILLIAMS
PHILIP MORGAN: BLACK COFFEE BLUES
STICKY INTIMACY
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Fri 8 July-Sun 18 Sept Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff Experimental art is, for better or worse, Fri 8 July-Fri 5 Aug full of unique creations. They can at Cardiff-born Philip Morgan does extremely times change perceptions of what can be cool illustrations. Cooler still is the fact regarded as ‘normal’ in wonderful ways. that he is self-taught; he started drawing Coming to Chapter is Sticky Intimacy, a at a young age and his part time hobby cross-generational project that hosts an has turned into a great career working abundance of conceptual works, where the for Urban Outfitters, Coca-Cola and the artists focus on a common theme of making Big Love Festival. His illustrations are the work absolutely un-monumental, while instantly noticeable; he uses bold bright using a wide range of different materials. colours, words with too many letters Artists Katie Cuddon, Emma Hart and and hands feature heavily in his work to Nicholas Pope have explored the relationship express feelings that sometimes just can’t between different materials and how they be said aloud. His latest exhibition Black can be used in creating artwork. Materials Coffee Blues focuses on the 21st century such as glass, clay and wood have produced phenomenon of how going for coffee has thematic art reflecting the life experiences turned into a national obsession. and emotions of the creators. No matter how Of his exhibition, Phillip said: “Black Coffee awkward, wonky or unclear the symmetry Blues is a series of A4 hand paintings I may be, the ongoing link is that all the pieces created from my love of the black stuff. I are handmade. started working on the paintings earlier in Cuddon touches upon the themes of shame, the year after creating sketches of funny ideas that I had relating to people and their failure and sexuality whereas Hart focuses on the anxieties faced in everyday life. The love or hate of all things coffee. There are exhibit is a chance to open your mind to so many coffee shops now, and it's become everyday occurrences that others face, and quite amusing to me how serious people how experiences resonate deeply within are about how they like to take their coffee. When I had created a handful of paintings I one’s thoughts, and how they can play with decided to see if there was anyone out there rooted emotions. This exhibit was curated by Hannah Firth, and developed with the that might be interested in having my work National Gallery For Contemporary Art. on display inside their coffee shop.” Admission: free. Info: 07933 844234 / www. Admission: free. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org (FRJ) littlemancoffee.co.uk (EH)
WALES IN COLOUR: MIKE JONES
Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay Mon 4 – Sun 24 July Mike, or Mikey, Jones, not to be confused with the Swansea valley based artist, is an exciting young talent from Wrexham. After a long process of travelling around Wales for inspiration, and painting both the best and worst Welsh landscapes on offer, Jones presents Wales In Colour. Jones asked the Welsh public about their favourite and least favourite places in Wales, and his paintings of them document both the breath-taking beauty of Wales, and the harsh realities of a postindustrial economy. As you could probably figure out from the name of the exhibition, Jones’ use of colour features heavily, successfully capturing even gloomy landscapes with vivid colours that leap out at you. Jones’ ability to portray depth is also impressive, and almost drops you directly into the surreal but undeniably Welsh landscapes. Jones travelled extensively around Wales for inspiration, painting everything from Harlech castle, to Cardiff’s foggy skyline. Jones has a notably unique style, and it’ll be interesting to see where he takes it. Admission: free. Info: 029 2087 7959 / www.norwegianchurchcardiff.co.uk (LOB)
FAY E
CHAMBERLAIN
Rachael Hutchings speaks with the Football Association Of Wales' Artist In Residence Faye Chamberlain about her work during the historical campaign.
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ith the rush of Euro 2016, Wales’ football supporters have been getting increasingly excited about the prospects of their beloved team after a near60-year dry spell from this level of competition. No less can be said about the Artist In Residence of the Football Association Of Wales Trust, photographer Faye Chamberlain, who is giddy and animated when discussing her involvement and contribution with us. What does it mean to her to be the Artist In Residence for the FAW Trust at such a pivotal point in football history? “It means the world. It is such an amazing residency. I love football, I love photography, put the two things together and I’m happy! “I’ve got to meet amazing people. I get to see the work of the FAW Trust, which is working with grassroots football, so I get to meet people who love playing football, who have only just discovered it, who are just amazing people and I get to chat to them all and take their pictures.” She smiles as she reflects on the praise she’s received for the Football Focus project she has done in the past, where the reactions of football fans have been captured as they watch World Cup matches.
“I had an exhibition, and as you do when you are a photographer or an artist, I went and stood by my work thinking that nobody would know it’s me and I could listen to all the comments. A man came up and he went ‘Wow! This one is just amazing!’ and I thought ‘I’ve made it.’ And then he goes ‘I remember watching that match!’ and that was it!” Faye grins; it's evident she doesn’t take herself too seriously, but with so much of her work being based on so many different, deep concepts, it was interesting to find out what inspired and motivated her to pursue her talents. “My motivation was that I did A-level art at school and was rubbish at it! They gave us a picture one day and said ‘right, draw that’ and I thought what’s the point in drawing it if somebody has already taken a picture of it, and the picture is really nice! That’s what made me start thinking that photography might be more my way into art than drawing.” She’s very frank, and enjoys explaining to us how there is another side of football she’s aiming to uncover with her residency rather than the traditional concepts that everybody is expecting. “Everybody keeps asking me, ‘Have you been photographing Gareth Bale?’ No! This is about people who are not well known but are heroic in their own
way. And as it is landscapes as well, it’s not going to be a load of people playing football. There probably won’t be any of footballers playing! It’ll just be big sweeping landscapes. It’ll be done all across Wales so it’ll be different areas to those people have may have seen before.” As anybody who is familiar with Faye’s work will know, it encompasses a large variety of subject matter. Is there a link that defines all of her projects and work? “The link is people. Whether it is landscape, whether it is portrait or anything else, it’s always to do with people in the community.” And does she believe that a link also exists between art and sports in this instance? “The connection is, whether you play sport or whether you take pictures, I think for me personally it’s that you get a massive thrill from each of them. I love football, I love the heightened emotions you get from that – and I love taking pictures! I love it when you know you’ve got an amazing picture and I love hunting it out – like hunting the ball down during a game. I think the connection is just implicit.” Faye Chamberlain, FAW Trust. Info: www. fayechamberlain.co.uk BUZZ 31
stage
EVERYMAN FESTIVAL Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Until Sat 30 July The theatre is moving outside once again for the summer months with the return of Everyman Theatre’s run of open-air performances in Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens. Yes, the Everyman Festival is back as stalwart as ever to the heart of the city centre with four different shows to thrill and excite. Attracting an average of over 20,000 visitors a year, the theatre festival is a summer highlight for the city, staging a mix of Shakespeare, musicals, family shows and light entertainment productions. They start off with the mystical tale of Into The Woods (until Sat 2 July), Sondheim’s enchanting musical masterpiece, filled to the brim with a feast of fabled characters, and what happens after ever after. They then transport us to the al fresco setting of wartime France, with Rene Artois and his bungling café staff, to experience the gags and cultural clichés of Brit sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo (Thurs 7-Sat 16 July) once again. Thank the Bard above because the timeless tale of the starcrossed lovers Romeo And Juliet (Thurs 21-Sat 30 July) is next to take centre stage. With a city at the mercy of two feuding families, this is a tale of teenage rebellion, gang warfare and young love. Curtain call, this year, is set to be the ever popular family-favourite Disney’s Peter Pan, itself an adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s novel (Sat 23-Sat 30 July) – a fabulous swashbuckling adventure which tells the tale of the boy who didn’t want to grow up. There will also be an encore, this year, for India Dance with another hypnotic show on Sun 10 July, and an outing for Everyman’s Youth Theatre with the Shakespearian tragedy Richard II (Sun 24 July). And if that wasn’t enough, while you soak in the theatrical delights, you can be sure to munch on an award-winning Dusty Knuckle pizza and wash it all down with an Otley beer. True to its name Everyman Festival is a summer highlight that caters for all. Tickets: £7-£20 (prices vary per event). Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk ZOE BROOKES
CHICAGO
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Mon 25-Sat 30 July If you haven’t already seen Chicago, then you must have been living under a rock in the Outer Hebrides. For one week only, the award-winning musical is back in Cardiff in all its 1920s Windy City glory. The play is based on the real life events in the US during the prohibition of alcohol. Nightclub singer Roxie Hart and her prison rival, Velma Kelly, have been convicted of murdering their lovers, and with the help of their sleazy lawyer, Billy Flyn, the girls fight to stay off death row. Expect mayhem, murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery... and all that jazz. The impressive score includes hits Razzle Dazzle, When You're Good To Mama, and Me And My Baby. Chicago is a musical you’ll remember for all the right reasons. The numbers are infectious, the dancing energetic and the wicked characters create an all round block party atmosphere – you can’t knock sin and debauchery for making good entertainment. This production has an impressive cast and stars Eastenders’ John Partridge as Billy, Coronation Street’s Hayley Tamaddon as Roxie and (for Thursday to Saturday only) X Factor winner and real-life prison warden Sam Bailey is Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. If you haven’t yet seen this raucous stage event, then what are you waiting for? Tickets: £10.50-£52.50. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk (LN) BUZZ 32
COLD/WARM
The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff Thurs 28 July Florence Read, an award-winning playwright, will be having her newest play Cold/Warm performed in Cardiff in July. This dark comedy is a one-man play. The man, who lives with a microwave, fights the creeping process of middleclass people taking over the poor area of Heaven’s Gates Estate. The formerly glorious showpiece for the welfare state is now in disrepair and this last remaining council block, with broken heaters and dependant elderly people, is about to be cleared to make way for a new set of luxury apartments with a rooftop pool and stainless steel kitchens. The area goes from housing the poor, to gratifying the rich. All of which means that our man faces eviction from the local council. This play is about that man’s final stand against this change. Read's first one-man play, Blow, was taken to the Edinburgh Fringe 2015, along with her play Twin Primes. Her pieces have been performed on all manner of stages, from studios like A Town Called Freedom to public parks like Happy Realms. She’s even had her writing preformed in the large professional theatre Children And Animals. Tickets: £8-£10. Info: 029 2048 3344 / www.thegate.org.uk (MM)
KOMMILITONEN!
Memo Arts Centre, Barry Wed 27-Sat 30 July One opera, three histories. Kommilitonen! is an historical journey consisting of 28 scenes, based on conflicts in which students have been involved in the past. Its three narratives – The Oxford Revolution, a story about the American civil rights figure James Meredith’s struggle to attend the University of Mississippi; Die Weisse Rose, in which students expose Nazi atrocities; and Soar To Heaven, which tackles the Chinese Cultural Revolution, – combine to create a powerful drama. Kommilitonen! is the Welsh National Opera’s Youth Production for 2016, by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and libretto by David Pountney. The opera premiered in 2011 and has undergone many different adaptations by many different companies, but the WNO Youth Opera boasts some of the best emerging talent in regards musicians, performers, and technicians. This opera highlights issues very much relevant in modern society, with Polly Graham’s direction giving the performance a contemporary feel. The exact German translation of Kommilitonen! is 'fellow students', highlighting the unity felt between students across the world. Tickets: £12. Info: 01446 400111 / www. memoartscentre.co.uk (FRJ)
THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff Tues 19-Sat 30 July This summer, the playful, family friendly, and magical adventures of The Hunting Of The Snark are coming to Cardiff. Based on the original poem by Lewis Carroll, this imaginative world is filled with puppetry, silliness and a delighting and exciting original soundtrack. The ragtag team of riotous and bold adventurers include the Boojum, the Banker, the Bandersnatch, the Boy, the Butcher, the Bellman, the Baker and the Knitting Beaver as they set off on their epic quest to catch the elusive Snark. Lewis Carroll, the same man who created the colourful worlds of Alice In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass, wrote the poem in 1876. This new musical comedy adventure, although based on Carroll’s original poem, was written by Annabel Wigoder. This show has won her five star reviews from Edinburgh Fringe and Latitude. Gareth Cooper, the composer and lyricist of The Hunting Of The Snark, was one quarter of the award-winning sketch group, Delete The Banjax, so with this creative team, the stage production should be a thrilling trip for the kids this holiday. Tickets: £9. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www. shermancymru.co.uk (MM)
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a se ing ca Br y in in oll ra br of
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COMING SOON to pembrokeshire ✴
For more info about upcoming films, venues, dates and to purchase tickets
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Visit sunsetcinema.wales or torchtheatre.co.uk BRING A BLANKET/CHAIR AND A PICNIC AND SOAK UP THE BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS BEFORE THE MAIN FEATURE
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BUZZ 33
COLOUR CLASH NEWPORT
clubs
FLOORPLAN
Delete @ Gwdihw, Cardiff Sun 31 July After Delete left a few people disappointed that last month’s booking of Ben Sims was under that techno mainstay’s house-anddisco-designated alias, Ron Bacardi, they’ve stuck to their guns and pulled the same trick again. Robert Hood was a founding member of the Detroit techno pioneers Underground Resistance with ‘Mad Mike’ Banks, in Detroit in the late 80s. The crew were the Public Enemy of the US rave era, black jumpsuits and facemasks a dramatic backdrop to the visionary futurism they created with synthesizers and drum machines. So Hood has long been a lynchpin of real techno, since its earliest days, and his solo career has never stopped innovating and setting the pace, while the Floorplan name gets used for his more exuberant and house-leaning stuff. Now he’s brought in his daughter, Lyric, to form a duo. (There’s precedent for family-run techno-soul outfits in Detroit; Octave One is the Burden brothers, Lenny and Lawrence, sometimes joined by Lynell, Lorne and Lance.) They’ve just put out the album Victorious, which has received enthusiastic acclaim and marks a new chapter in this story of musical genius. The first single from the album, Tell You No Lie, is a hi-NRG, strings’n’vocals disco track, pumped up with loopy editing and banging drums. That’s the right tone for a garden rave, surely. Tickets: £22. Info: 029 2039 7933 (GTDC)
BUZZ 34
Rodney Parade, Newport Sat 16 July In stark opposition to the rave era alluded to by one of this month’s other featured nights, Colour Clash is an entirely modern experience. It seems to be a riff on Colour Run, the phenomenon you might have seen on Facebook where students run a marathon or something and throw powder paint at each other, I think. Anyway, you can guess what the deal is, but the lineup’s pretty nice if gritty UK street beats are your ting. In headline spot are London rap duo Krept & Konan. Their sound is certainly influenced by the ballsy braggadocio of mainstream American rappers, as you can see from the artists who guest on their tunes, like Wiz Khalifa, French Montana and Rick Ross. They rep the UK hip-hop and grime, collaborating with Giggs, JME and Wretch 32 alike. The mixture of toughness and pop-friendly style has been working, with their debut album almost topping the charts last summer. Pirate radio hero DJ Cameo fills the event’s quota of bubbling old skool beats. The man’s 15-year DJ career kept him at the vanguard of the UK garage style of British music spawned by Tuff Jam and co, pushing into uncharted territory with the new sounds of grime and sublow. Artful Dodger put in an appearance too. Now comprised of MC Alistair and DJ Dave Low, it’s a different beast to the production outfit established by Cwmbran’s Mark Hill – master bootlegger and, famously, Craig David’s original partner-in-crime on the decks and the beats. But you’re still likely to hear Re-Rewind, Please Don’t Turn Me On and the brilliant Movin’ Too Fast, even if the original singers and producers won’t be there. Also on the bill are some deviations from the theme: Liverpudlian hard dance stars of the millennium, Ultrabeat, and also a member of Busted doing a DJ set – the less said about that the better really. Back to grime, the irrepressible personalities of both Lethal Bizzle AND Big Narstie [pictured] will be filling the place fit to bursting with banter and bangers too – can we handle both at once? Let’s find out at Newport’s biggest rave for ages. Tickets: £20/£27.50 VIP. Info: 01633 670690 GWYN THOMAS DE CHROUSTCHOFF
RAM RECORDS BBQ
Tramshed, Cardiff Sat 16 July Tramshed hosts another clubbing institution here, for a long day of grilled meat and sizzling beats. Founded in 1992 by the genre’s king DJ at the age of 16, Ram Records has been at the core of drum’n’bass since before it was even a twinkle in Goldie’s grills. Label founder Andy C got his sister to draw a logo and then cut four of his own unfeasibly sophisticated rhythm tracks to wax, and in doing so began a legacy that continues nearly a quarter of a century later – kind of surreal. His collaborations with Ant Miles under the Origin Unknown name took things even further, and their track Valley Of The Shadows became one of the scene’s ultimate classics. This won’t be just some misty-eyed look back at the past though – nu-skool headliner Wilkinson [pictured] produced one of the most successful d’n’b tunes of the last couple of years in Afterglow, which pushes the pop levels while retaining the breakbeat spirit. He’s joined by none other than Roni Size, the Bristolian legend who broke new ground in the 90s with iconic tracks like Brown Paper Bag and his live project Reprazent. Also on the bill are c contemporary heavyweights Spectrasoul and Delta Heavy, and there’s even more royalty in the shape of special guest DJ Zinc. The MC lineup is no less magnificent, with SP:MC, Dynamite, 2Shy and Ad-Apt. Tickets: £18. Info: 0117 9259273 (GTDC)
ROTARY CLUB
Undertone, Cardiff Sat 16 July Rotary Club haven’t been featured in these pages before, but that’s only because they’re a relatively new venture from some groove-happy Falmouth house heads who’ve relocated their base of operations, and very welcome they are too. Their previous Cardiff dates have seen them fill up the Undertone basement with leafy plants, creating a tropical sweatbox where brilliant local DJ/producers like Organ Grinder and Ratcatcher made bodies sway amongst the undergrowth. They’ve also had further flung talents like Bristol’s Jay L and, last month, their most high profile guest yet: Church’s Seb Wildblood. They’re bringing things home again this month with Kofi Tarris, aka Dave Little [pictured]. They’ve already booked his former partner in crime, Clare James – the two were notorious for being the resident DJs during the golden days of their Backroom parties at the vaults and elsewhere. Kofi Tarris is Little’s production alias, though the only thing to surface on vinyl so far is an excellent collaboration with one of the city’s house dons, Chesus (sometimes known as Earl Jeffers). Their track, Monster, is just that, a virulent, physical Theo Parrish-meets-Soundstream disco-house belter. This guy’s definitely got the experience and the good taste to make this night an essential one for anyone bitten by the deep house bug. Admission: £5/£3 before 12. Info: 029 2022 8883 (GTDC)
SASHA
Memorex @ Tramshed, Cardiff Fri 29 July Did you know Wales produced one of the first DJ superstars in the world? That’s right, it’s the trance and progressive house pioneer Sasha, from Bangor. That must make him the city’s second most prized and adored son, after Wayne Hennessey. After huge-scale performances, accepting tens of thousands of pounds of fees at a time and remixing the likes of Madonna, he’s got a reputation as one of the lasers-and-stadiums breed of DJs, and is ignored by the current generation of house and techno heads, but they’d do well to get themselves clued up. When his teenage years showed him to the Haçienda in Manchester, young Alex Coe couldn’t stop, and acid house became his bread and butter, as he started playing raves in northwest England. He partnered up with John Digweed in 1993, and the duo enjoyed respect for their technically advanced sets of melody-heavy house and trance. An underappreciated part of Sasha’s career, aside from scoring classic Playstation game Wipeout 3, is his 2002 debut album Airdrawndagger. Impossible to describe in generic terms, it must be heard at point of intoxication to let its emotive virulence and glistening beauty be properly absorbed. Sasha deserves a good reception for his first Welsh show in over a decade – whose midnight finish is offset by a Time Flies afterparty in Clwb Ifor Bach featuring Seb Fontaine, John Kelly and more. Admission: £20/£15 adv. Info: 0117 9259273 (GTDC)
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live
BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT
Gwyn Hall, Neath Sat 23 July Shunning bright lights from Cardiff to London and New York, this homecoming gig for Rod ‘Bright Light Bright Light’ Thomas sees the breakout synthpop artist launch third album Choreography and return to his roots in Neath. Growing up, most young children from the area performed at the original Gwyn Hall before it was badly damaged in a fire. No different in Rod’s case. “The (old) Gwyn Hall is where I got my first opportunity to perform. There was a weeklong drama course in the summer of 1997 and I met one of my best friends there. I was always really shy and too embarrassed to do anything in public, but this week kind of changed all that. That's why I wanted to do my big album show there, rather than in Cardiff or London, as that place means a lot to me.” Rod is possibly one of the most independent pop stars around: his own label boss, A&R, manager and tour manager. He publishes himself, organises all his own artwork and even finds the time to occasionally run a club, Romy And Michelle’s Saturday Afternoon Tea Dance, at the C’mon Everybody bar in Brooklyn. Whether Sir Elton John – mentor, friend and collaborator on Choreography – will be a special guest on the night is a mystery. Regardless, it will be a truly deserved welcome home for the boy from Neath. Tickets: £10. Info: 0300 3656677 (OS)
BUZZ 36
LOW
Tramshed, Cardiff Tue 2 Aug It seems perplexing that Low have never played together in Wales despite their 23 years as a band. Thankfully, the good people at Sound Nation have realised this and booked them for what is likely to be a triumphant debut at Tramshed. At the core of the band since day one are husband and wife Alan Sparhawk (vocals, guitar) and Mimi Parker (vocals, percussion), with Steve Garrington currently on bass guitar duties. Their brand of sparse, ethereal music is difficult to pigeonhole: some songs are pure indie rock, some may venture shoegaze but the band sure don’t like you calling it slowcore (difficult as it is to find a better description). Their 11 studio albums to date have highlighted the amazing bond between Sparhawk and Parker; the beautiful and yet often bleak soundscapes they produce are punctuated by stunning harmonies and solo efforts from both parties. Their style and sound has become somewhat heavier since 2005’s The Great Destroyer – their first on current label Sub Pop – which saw Sparhawk dealing with a breakdown and the subsequent departure of long-time bassist Zak Sally. Speaking of their latest record, last year’s excellent Ones And Sixes, Sparhawk says “I think the feelings we had, the desperation and the questions I was asking of things were similar when making this record as they were when making Drums & Guns”, their 2007 record which saw the band embrace more synthetic sounds than on previous records. So what should we expect on this momentous first performance on a Welsh stage? “A lot of the songs from Ones And Sixes we’re really happy with – they seem to go well with the way we play live so we’ll be playing a load from that. But we’ll change it up from night to night, mixing in different songs. Sometimes we’ll do requests, sometimes we’ll learn up a few obscure old ones.” Good news indeed for the die-hards, but anyone new to the band is likely to walk away as a convert. Let’s hope that the Cardiff crowd shush down and give this band and their tender, fragile songs the respect that they deserve. Tickets: £22.50. Info: 0117 9259273 BEN GALLIVAN
DE LA SOUL
Newport Centre Wed 3 Aug Anyone with a long-standing enthusiasm for hip-hop are certain to have De La Soul on their radar. From the late 1980s they've been synonymous with the culture, the sounds, the language and the way of life that embodies the genre. As part of the highly influential Native Tongues collective (with Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest) they pioneered forwardthinking, open-minded lyrics pushing social commentary, wit and positivity to the mainstream and challenging the more superficial ideas developing elsewhere in the genre. De La are famous for their love of sampling, frequently repurposing favourite artists – particularly from their jazz collections. Since finding commercial and critical success with their first three albums (all produced by lauded DJ Prince Paul) 3 Feet High And Rising, De La Soul Is Dead and Buhloone Mindstate, they’ve gone on to produce themselves, as well as collaborating with a plethora of artists and continuing to redefine and innovate their sound. Whilst they have not always maintained the commercial gain they once had, De La have consistently earned critical praise and kept a loyal fanbase making them the highly respected artists they are today. late August will see them release their ninth full-length studio album entitled And The Anonymous Nobody, so expect to hear plenty of fresh material amidst the classics. Tickets: £29.50. Info: 01633 656757 (CPI)
FOLK ON THE LAWN
Tintern Abbey, nr Chepstow Thurs 21-Sun 24 July It’s 10 years since the first Folk On The Lawn took place with one gazebo and a few local guitarists. The event has evolved considerably and now attracts musicians from as far away as Australia and Japan. The 'folk' in FOTL refers to the ‘homespun nature’ of the music. Founder Jon Airdrie says, “We want to include those artists who have a genuine, personal commitment to what they're producing rather than those who are ambitious in the music industry.” This year’s event starts on Thurs 21, with Robin & Bina Williamson supported by Avital Raz and Pamela Wyn Shannon. Tickets cost £10 and are limited, so it’s best to book in advance by emailing thursday@folkonthelawn. com. The lineup for the weekend includes harpist Anna my Charlotte, Soft Hearted Scientists playing ‘proper psychedelia’, Cardiff’s contemporary roots-rockers Whitehall Parade, American singersongwriter Steve Dan Mills, and East Anglian twentysomething Melody Causton [pictured]. Entry is free but donations are welcomed. As usual, local pubs will be hosting open mic sessions, so if you prefer your music undercover there's somewhere to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. Folk On The Lawn is a unique festival with a unique ethos where artists and audience mingle, relax and soak up the sounds – all in the stunning setting of Tintern. Admission: £10 Thurs 21/free Fri 22-Sun 24. Info: info@folkonthelawn.com (LN)
RED SUN FESTIVAL
The Full Moon / Fuel, Cardiff Fri 29-Sun 31 July To some extent, the Red Sun Festival is one which exists because of grassroots, do-ityourself principles, and possesses a punky fervour to match. Equally, it’s a weekend where bands can come to Cardiff and refer to the audience as “Cardiff!” without this being a lapse in taste and dignity. If Red Sun’s debut, in May last year, is anything to go by, “Cardiff!” will give the 60 acts playing a warm reception. Yep, with only three stages (the Moon’s bar and club spaces, plus adjacent metal haunt Fuel) and three days, it’s a right stuffed bill. As in 2015, the promoters draw on a wide pool of ‘heavy music’, with everything from dad-friendly retro-rawk (Honky, semi-regular Texan visitors to the Moon) to indisputably reprehensible goregrind (Mexico’s pithily named Semen). Sludgy doom, chunky stoner, psych-driven noiserock and metallic powerviolence are among adjective clusters I’ve chosen to pigeonhole Red Sun bands with. Of the out-of-town crop, this reporter recommends Slabdragger, Hag and Casual Nun, all from London (coincidentally) but all pretty different. Local talent is repped hard also, with notable turns including Thorun – Cardiff instrumentalists playing their final gig – Tides Of Sulfur, whose debut album of ripping doom/death will have just come out, and Lacertilia [pictured], whose full-length drops on Fri 29 itself. Tickets: £10 per day/£25 weekend. Info: www.redsunfestival.com (NG)
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BUZZ 37
reviews albums ANDERSON STOLT **** Invention Of Knowledge (InsideOut Music) Prog rock icon Jon Anderson is back and it’s like he’s never been away, his unmistakable vocals as strong now as they were in the 1970s. This time he’s joined forces with Flower Kings guitarist Roine Stolt. Invention Of Knowledge has that meandering concept album feel, being made up of four lengthy tracks. As Stolt says, “It is difficult to describe the way they sound. You'll have to hear for yourself.” This will no doubt prove a treat for Yes fans. LN
BEAR’S DEN *** Red Earth & Pouring Rain (Communion) Going through the motions seems to be the theme of this inert release from the London-based duo. In truth, it’s hard to shake a feeling of déjà vu with a second album that manages, in the first half, to sound like a piece of mid-00s folk balladry rehashed for a dwindling audience. The latter 30 minutes, with the neonsoaked Auld Wives and Broken Parable, does salvage this from feeling like yet another addition to a clichéd MOR folk collective. CP
BLOOD ORANGE ** Freetown Sound (Domino) Schmaltz is in the eye of the beholder. Dev Hynes’ Freetown Sound comes billed as a radically personal and political musing on modern identity. I’m intrigued. But what I hear evokes a hotel bar more than a counter culture meetup. Heavy on musical tropes from the dawn of the CD era, it feels too tasteful and bland to be funky or radical. I can’t get past the surface schmaltz to the deeper meaning. Is that the record’s fault or mine? APR
CLIMBING TREES *****
Gøggs (In The Red)
Temperate, spiritual and pensive, this followup album from Pontypridd’s self-proclaimed draughtsmen of Cymrucana is powerful and earnest from the opening bars. Lead single Tracks contains superbly charismatic lyrics which allows the narrative to arrive at its purest possible zenith. The delicate vocals – partnered with compelling piano and glowing melodies, notably on Coda – provide a glistening musical experience, which took my acquaintance with folk music and nurtured it into a whirlwind romance. RH
Not the North Walian/Danish rap troupe you might expect from the band name, Gøggs locks various In The Red garage rock rogues (Fuzz, Ex-Cult, Wands members represent; Cory Hanson, Mikal Cronin guest) in a studio for noisy and fun dicking about. Probably the best Ty Segall-featuring supergroup to release a song that sounds like an Earl Brutus B-side, Gøggs delivers through short and compressed rocking, playfulness and comedy misanthropy cutting through the inherent ridiculousness. One song is called Smoke The Würm. Cock on. WS
COWBOIS RHOS BOTWNNOG ** IV (Sbrigyn Ymborth) While there are some elements of splendour on Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog’s latest album, they’re laced with a sense of apprehension. Welsh language guitar music sometimes exhibits a tendency towards nostalgia, and the wistful tracks on this album are no different for the most part. This could possibly be down to the beguiling keyboards and raspy, semi-spoken vocals which imitate solitude and longing, but is more likely to be because any ardour this band had has vanished in a bid to be original. RH
DRCARLSONALBION ** Falling With A Thousand Stars And Other Wonders From The House Of Albion (selfreleased) Over his career Earth guitarist Dylan Carlson has donned many hats, his latest being esoteric English folklorist. Here he offers us instrumental takes on many Trad tracks from the great British songbook (ITV, 9pm). But as varied as his career has been, the same cannot be said for his guitar tone. Over the album’s length his technique and sound is so consistent as to become forgettable, one solo guitar piece blurring into the next. Disappointingly, the end result is a suite that sounds like the same song on repeat. AJ
FLOWDAN ***
BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT ****
Disaster Piece (Tru Thoughts)
Choreography (Self Raising)
Raised in the same area of East London as Dizzee Rascal, Flowdan has continued with the dark grime sound he started out with, rather than bothering the charts with throwaway pop fodder. Trials and tribulations of life growing up in Tower Hamlets are delivered in Flowdan’s resonating and considered low-end rhyming style, over dank instrumentals. Musically, the album takes elements of drum‘n’bass, dub and electro that are as varied as the subject matter Flowdan rhymes about. GM
Fresh from an appearance on the Graham Norton Show with friend and mentor Sir Elton John, Bright Light Bright Light – aka Rod Thomas – is back with his third album. Some famous friends come along for the ride too: album opener All In The Name features a cast of Elton, Alan Cumming, the Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears and Ana Matronic, as well as Del Marquis and Mykal Kilgore. Symmetry Of Two Hearts and Running Back To You stand out a mile as well. OS
GØGGS ****
Borders (Staylittle Music)
JESSICA SLIGTER ****
simple, unpretentious songs that feel like they’ve been rattling around in your head for decades. Brilliant. HR
M. CRAFT **** Blood Moon (Heavenly) Martin Craft left London to live in the Mojave desert a handful of years ago. This is not the first time that its isolation and sparseness has influenced the mood of the musical output – David Sylvian is someone else that comes to mind. Craft's piano improvisations form the basis of the 10 songs on {Blood Moon}, and the result is a vivid, subtle and beautiful. If Angelo Badalamenti is not available, then David Lynch can always give Mr Craft a call. DN
A Sense Of Growth (Hubro) Back in 2012 Norwegian composer – ‘singersongwriter’ is technically accurate, but feels inadequate – Jessica Sligter released an album, The Fear And The Framing, that marked her out as a genuinely original voice. It made very little apparent impact, and who knows if this followup will, but it’s again marvellous. Folkish frameworks are belied by all manner of experimental whizzbanging and the presence of viola champ Eyvind Kang and countrywoman Jenny Hval, but Sligter’s vocal and lyrical approach are what primarily makes this album captivating. NG
METRONOMY **** Summer 08 (Because) After the introspective Love Letters, Metronomy’s Joe Mount plays all the tunes on their fifth. Back Together plugs Bowie's Scary Monsters into an LCD Soundsystem, before a soaring hook, and a certain J Murphy also looms large over Old Skool – which lyrically skewers the so-called Notting Hill set, though Mount dials down the scathing wit, and adds more cowbell and turntablism. Night Owl has the sleaze of early Prince and Miami Logic shimmies up to Don Johnson in a Miami Vice disco. CS
MICHELLE STODART **** Pieces (One Little Indian)
Ex-Bikini Kill/Le Tigre vocalist Kathleen Hanna now performs with a band who have the same name as her 1998 solo record. Confused? Fellow Bikini Killer Kathi Wilcox is also on board and this second album is something of a natural progression after 2013’s Run Fast. While there is nothing here as playfully catchy as the last album’s lead single Oh Come On, there’s plenty more uptempo shouty vocals, scratchy guitars and pounding basslines. It’s Kathleen Hanna – what did you expect? BG
Pieces, the solo debut from The Magic Numbers’ Michele Stodart, is melodic and full of feeling. The music takes a back seat to Michele’s voice, which gives narratives like Oh By & By a haunting quality. Come Back Home shows glimpses of being a great rock track but stops short. The nine songs here are bigger than the confines of a CD allow – they need room to breathe and expand. The album feels like a taster and what a pleasant taste it is. LN
MARTHA *****
PURO INSTINCT ***
THE JULIE RUIN *** Hit Reset (Hardly Art)
Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart (Fortuna Pop!) Martha are a gem of a band. They proved on their debut, Courting Strong, their ability to write impeccably poppy, witty and relatable punk songs; with Blisters... they add a degree of maturity to their songwriting which elevates them to another level – the perfect harmonies on the chorus of Christine, for example. They also have an uncanny knack for writing songs you’d swear you already know inside-out:
Autodrama (Manifesto) Sisterly duo Puro Instinct are one of those bands who started out so young – 13 in the age of Skylar Kaplan – they’re likely doomed to be forever thought of as such. Both now in their twenties, second album Autodrama arrives five years after their debut and is a more polished affair, the shoegaze influence and wobbly tape-hazed feel of old giving way to a dreamy take on 80s radio-pop production. Puro’s pervy pal Ariel Pink contributes some studio touch-ups, if that helps sell it to you. NG
TERRY **** Terry HQ (Upset The Rhythm)
GAMES REVIEWS TOTAL WAR: WARHAMMER ***** Creative Assembly, PC For fans of the popular Total War series, this marks a move away from the history-based war games of the past. While titles like Rome 2 and Shogun 2 were extremely well made, and perfect for history buffs, Warhammer’s exciting ideas regarding the differences between the factions make this a game that keeps the player having to adapt. The fusion of the game style with the fantasy world is perfect, perhaps they’ll consider other universes? However, I hope they don’t move away from history entirely. LOB
KIRBY: PLANET ROBOBOT **** Nintendo, 3DS While Nintendo may have failed to create any half-decent new series recently and are very much riding on established series, games like Kirby: Planet Robobot are proof that they can still deliver. This game sees Kirby, a pink blob, fighting enemies in a huge mech suit in an addictive platformer. The mech suit adds a new element to the gameplay, and well thought out puzzles and attractive design make it a joy to play, but come on Nintendo, how about you try something new? LOB
BUZZ 38
Super-louche and horizontally-inclined garage pop from Melbourne is the latest dish served up from the highly dependable Upset the Rhythm. Featuring members of other (very good) scene bands Total Control, UV Race and Dick Diver, Terry mine a neat seam of lo-fi, Messthetics-style post-punk, hazy and primitive and tangential in the lineage of Swell Maps to Pavement. Moscow and Don't Say Sorry are your scrambled bangers, Hot Heads and Hang Men your comedown morning-afters, and all of it is pure oddball greatness. WS
SECULAR GHOST **** Secular Ghost (self-released) This solo mini-LP debut from Ryan James, one half of Welsh dreampop outfit Man Without Country, sees the glistening gravitas of the latter band’s earlier efforts augmented with a pulsating beat-driven dynamic. Dystopian electronica and celestial ambience are coupled with loose trip-hop
leanings, conjuring a shady Blade Runner-esque mood throughout. Often eerily austere and dark in scope, this bears a familiar ethereal tone but also a mind melting intensity that will unsettle and daze in equal measure. CP
VARIOUS *** Sherwood At The Controls Volume 2: 19851990 (On-U Sound) Adrian Sherwood’s On-U Sound productions peppered John Peel’s shows, and this second instalment of his prime cuts has matured pretty well. Tunes from Tackhead and Flux contrast his cut-and-paste, FX and percussive skills, and we can all thank Sherwood for resurrecting echochamber eccentric Scratch Perry's career with Music And Science Madness a highpoint. Bim Sherman’s Haunting Ground Dub and the Dub Syndicate’s Early Mafia surely inspired Primal Scream to hire Sherwood for their Echo Dek remix album. CS
singles ANI GLASS **** Y Dawns (self-released) Dark, pulsating synths and a haunting vocal soar across this track evoking a simultaneously vivacious and melancholic atmosphere. Whilst the music might urge you to prance around with abandon, closer inspection reveals the mourning of the collapse of industry in Wales as it’s being usurped by greedy corporations. CPI
DURRTY GOODZ *** Organise / BMP Not Been Televised EP (both Tru Thoughts) Two releases, respectively a two-track single and six-track EP, released within a fortnight of each other by grime OG Durrty Goodz. Organise finds the notoriously combative MC (who was briefly jailed in the mid-00s for his role in the murder of a rival) in more spiritual mood, paying tribute to Marcus Garvey and MLK. Not Been Televised, meanwhile, ropes in UK hip-hop producer Micall Parknsun and adopts that sound accordingly – explaining why he’s sacked off grime on Make A Change and taking time to exhaustively list his favourite rap duos on Grew Up Gangsta. NG
HOLOGRAM TEEN *** Marsangst / Hex These Rules (Happy Robots) Ex Stereolab keyboardist Morgane Lhote brings a sprightly electro disco mishmash to the fore as her second solo effort. Margasnt is lively and upbeat, designed explicitly for the dancefloor and glaringly repetitive with it. Hex These Rules, however, holds a satisfying melody and structure, leaving room for a longer lasting impression. CPI
NO JOY *** Drool Sucker (Topshelf) The sound of guitar feedback, or the feeling of winsomeness, will surely continue to be pleasurable to (some of) humanity for now, so the poppy 90s shoegaze styles of Canada’s No Joy can’t be dismissed as inherently retro. This three-song EP doesn’t push my buttons, honestly, but has the correct ingredients to do so for others. NG
PALACE **** Break The Silence (Fiction) The glossy, effortless guitar riff paired with Leo Wyndham’s raw, needy vocals allow perfectly for storytelling, and this lyrically sinister song about a cheating partner has left me feeling surprisingly tranquil. Sensations of indie romance are paired with iridescent, bluesy pop to form an eloquent hybrid which is truly quite stunning. RH
SCOTT & CHARLENE’S WEDDING **** Don’t Bother Me (Fire) More lackadaisical delivery and jangly guitars from Craig Dermody’s Melbourne-based outfit, who always sound as if they’ve just set up some amps on the beach and play the first thing that comes to them. An entertaining Pavement/Jonathan Richman-esque taster of their {Delivered} EP, out later in the summer. BG
YOUTH MAN ** Wax (Venn) A successful attempt to capture their furious live show, if their live show is a bit histrionic and tiresome. Birmingham’s Youth Man can’t be faulted for snarling intensity. Wax’s five songs bash you around with screamedout post-hardcore; they’re just fatally holed by repetition and turgid melodrama. Grrr indeed. WS
demos KRUPA www.krupa-music.com Newport producer Krupa informs me that his musical CV includes support tours with “Erasure, Hard-Fi, The Courteeners, Noisettes” – which is a healthy demographic spread. Seemingly staying pseudonymous online, I could probably figure out who he is with a bit more effort but it’s his current work that’s interesting. Footprints, Krupa’s first track to be formally released, is slo-mo gauzy electronics with crisp, off-kilter drums, echoing millennial r’n’b and Bristol’s briefly popular ‘purple’ dubstep scene. The locally-filmed video is nicely done too. NG
PINK GRAPEFRUIT pinkgrapefruit.bandcamp.com Pink Grapefruit are from the same quasi-scene of late teens/early twenties Cardiff DIY bands as, to name one whose demo I reviewed last month, The Bellamys. Their mode of expression is located somewhere in the realm of shoegaze and early wave lo-fi indie, with possibly divisive high-pitched vocals treated to ample reverb. idk (a very modern songtitle, written in lower case) amplifies their sweet side over the abrasive, and the highlight of three demo songs available to buy on cassette. NG
THIS MONTH’S DVD PICK HIGH RISE 15 (Studiocanal) A stellar cast including Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller and Luke Evans star in this adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s classic dystopian novel. Ben Wheatley’s direction is impressive, as Hiddleston’s brilliant Dr Laing becomes more paranoid and the world becomes darker, mirroring the frailty of modern society. Great for fans of films like A Clockwork Orange. ****LOB
WARSAW 1944 15 (Kaleidoscope) Poland’s history during the 20th century has got to be one of the most heart breaking, and Jan Komasa’s depiction of events during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising highlights both the sacrifice and hope of the era. As the Nazis flee from their invasion of the USSR, the Red Army is hot on their heels and set to push them out of Warsaw. To distract the Nazis, the Home Army launches an underground revolution against all odds. This is a stunning, and important war film. ****LOB
ZOOLANDER 2 12 (Paramount) As garish, frenzied, lurid and cringe-worthy as was expected, this tardy Ben Stiller sequel lacks the satirical genius and intelligentlyproduced taunts towards the fashion industry that made the first movie so enjoyable. Terrible plotlines recovered by a remarkable amount of celebrity cameos from Justin Bieber to Susan Boyle. **RH
THE HERE AFTER 12 (Soda) Recently released from prison for a violent crime, teenager John (played by Ulrik Munther) returns to his rural home to rehabilitate himself. Written and directed by Magnus von Horn, this Swedish dram looks into redemption and revenge as the townspeople and fellow pupils at his school turn against him. A little inconsistent at times, and fairly confusing, The Here After is still a tense film and an enjoyable watch. ***LOB
HAIL CAESAR 12 (Universal) This Coen Brothers dramedy stars the likes of George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Josh Brolin and Scarlett Johansson. Set in the 1950s Hollywood studios, Ed (Brolin) needs to return Baird Whitlock (Clooney) from kidnappers who are demanding a hefty ransom. While it’s enjoyable, it felt like more could have been made of it. ***LOB
10 CLOVERFIELD LANE 12 (Paramount) Despite bearing close to no similarity of any kind to Cloverfield, the narrative is gripping and along with the undemanding nature of the mise en scène, the trepidation is captured explicitly. An imposing account of the fine line between trust and suspicion is cleverly put to screen by budding new director Dan Trachtenberg. ****RH
HUMAN HEAT humanheatband.bandcamp.com Human Heat move in circles, and on gig bills, similar to the youthful Cardiff scene mentioned above, but are perhaps more adjacent to it; members are also in Masts (sort of twiddly posthardcore, reviewed here yonks ago) and Deadlines (melodic punk, for want of a less vague term). These songs, uploaded in June but recorded some months back, balance a weary-old-man indie/emo air with poppy punk sprightliness; triumphantly hollered backup vocals and lyrics lamenting a lack of human connection. NG
STRANGERLAND 15 (Kaleidoscope) An Australian desert thriller, Strangerland, follows Catherine (Nichole Kidman) and Matthew (Joseph Fiennes) as they are thrown into a nightmare of their two teenage kids disappearing as a massive dust storm rolls into the town. If you compare Strangerland to other stock standard thriller it holds up okay, but in all honesty there isn’t anything in the movie that makes it surpass its genre. **JM
BUZZ 39
music news EXTRA
one louder
The Festival Congress [pictured], a weekend of talks, symposiums and tipsy networky shenanigans organised by AIF (Association of Independent Festivals), is back in Wales this year. Debuting in Cardiff in 2014 and timed to coincide with the Swn Festival, that’s changing in 2016 as they’re on different dates: Swn runs from Fri 21-Sun 23 Oct, while the Festival Congress is on Tue 1 and Wed 2 Nov. Notable events confirmed so far include a talk by Brixton Academy entrepreneur Simon Parkes, a discussion on gender issues in the festival industry and AIF’s founder Rob Da Bank with a DJ-based tribute to Prince Describing itself as “Cardiff’s most credible music talent competition,” July will see another grand final showdown of The Big Gig. Now in its sixth year, entrants were first whittled down to two five-act semi-final bills on Wed 22 and Thurs 23 June, with five going through to the final. These are: Naomi Rae, The Moon Birds, The Himalayas, The Brwmys and Dave Morris And The Knock. The final, like both semis, is to take place at Clwb Ifor Bach
on the evening of Fri 15 July, and will also feature a guest performance by 2015 finalist Maddie Jones Carmarthen indie label I Ka Ching, whose roster skews towards Welsh language guitar music, is celebrating its fifth birthday this month. First up, on Fri 22 July, there’s a double compilation LP – yep, on all shiny vinyl and that – featuring new songs from IKC acts Jen Jeniro, Texas Radio Band, Sen Segur, Violas, Siddi, Clwb Cariadon, Yr Eira, Y Reu, Candelas, Swnami, Ysgol Sul, Palenco, Y Cledrau, Yr Ods, Huw M and Cpt.Smith. The next day, Sat 23, sees nine of those 16 bands play an alldayer at Bangor University. Which is outside the area Buzz covers, but what the heck – go for a drive! Live a little! A frequently echoed problem across the world – not just the first world but second, third and nether – is the difficulty one finds in purchasing a good, esoteric craft beer at gig venues. Can I get an amen!? Well, if you’re in Cardiff it just got a bit easier – The Gravity
Station, one of a few dedicated bottle shops in the city and possibly the best, have moved into the Loft area of The Moon Club on Womanby Street after a rent-based dispute caused them to leave their former premises. They’ve increased the number of beers on tap, kept hold of the weird kidney-shaped metal table and will be open for business while gigs take place next door Joanna Gruesome, indierock faves whose members frequently move around the UK but always leave their heart in Cardiff, have a two-song 7” released by the Fortuna Pop! label in early July. The first JG output to feature new vocalists Roxy Brennan and Kate Stonestreet, both Pretty Fucking Sick (Of It All) and B-side Occult Bookshop were written at the same time as second album Peanut Butter, and sound like it. Pretty... has the greater instant-hit appeal, a hectic punk rock intro giving way to a more jangly, contemplative verse. Its subject matter concerns non-binary gender identities, as well as the band being monitored by the CIA on their 2015 American tour, which – like all JG’s anecdotes – definitely happened
ONE TO WATCH... XY&O
For sure, south Wales likes a bit of straight-up pop music, just like any other city that’s made up of both cosmopolitan people and base pleasures. It’s not actually produced much of it, though. Still, there’s XY&O: Cardiffians who started out as a duo in 2013, added a third member and have recently been performing around the UK – most recently the Glastonbury Festival, on the BBC Introducing Stage – as a six-piece band. Electronic and beat-driven in essence, their songs to date sound like they’re pitching ferociously at the singles charts of the day. Skip Curtis, who had a mild rep as a producer before forming XY&O, has a voice that could have graced a 90s pop-house thumper (his songs are both pop and house in large measure, except they call it ‘tropical house’ now) or a boyband hit from the same era. {I’m Not Right}, released in April, is a mass of wriggling hooks and stirring choral swells. {Chameleon} boasts buoyant keys from other founder member, Tudor Davies, and that gloopy timestretched vocal thing that seems to typify neochart house. And {Every Single Second}, released this month, combines a sad-lad vocal and choppy 80s funk guitar to stirring effect. To date, XY&O’s songs have apparently been streamed around three million times – an impressive number for some Cardiff up-and-comers, and perhaps even enough of an earner to keep the {Lights On} (he said quoting one of their song titles). Right now, you’ll mainly encounter them online, but their sound is primed to fizz out of building site radios and clothing store playlists. www.xyando.com
BUZZ 40
ONE of the joys of editing a publication which comes out once a month, and has to have all of its content finalised several days before publication date, is the lack of opportunity to react quickly to the hot news stories of the moment. “Hmm, interes– wait, what does he mean JOYS?!” I hear people cry, illusions shattering like so many monocles. “Why would someone thumb their nose at the giddy thrill of tearing news from the wires as it breaks and shaping the public discourse with an ingenious angle?” There are a lot of answers to that question, but more than anything it’s because instant-reaction news culture is a toxic race to the bottom where everyone who ventures in almost always ends up looking stupider and feeling glummer. Were a south Wales-based listings and entertainment magazine to stick its oar in, it might not have much impact on the toxicity, but would scatter more and more seagull-strangling multipack rings onto the landfill of current events. So that’s why we don’t usually bother to tweet about things that you’ll have already seen on dedicated news sites or TV, and why the question posed in the previous paragraph was ripe for reply, even if it might have looked a little glib and selfserving. Speaking of glib and self-serving, by the time this is published the EU referendum results will be done, dusted and digested, yet still very much lingering in the air. However, I’m writing this shortly before they take place, at the very tail end of what is surely the most ceaselessly moronic, venal and truth-repellent period of political campaigning to have taken place in my lifetime. You may remember the runup to the 2015 General Election, where people nominally on ‘the left’ abandoned rationality and tried to earnestly talk up Ed Miliband as a great prime minister in waiting. Cringeworthy, wasn’t it? And now feeling like a golden age, after two In/Out campaigns about which virtually no-one, anywhere, has anything good to say. If the ascent of Jeremy Corbyn made remarkable strides in engaging young people in the political process, this shitshow has surely undone it and then some. Which is why I don’t wish to come off as a generic ‘how about those clowns in Westminster huh’ pub-table grumbler, or simply opine that they’re all as bad as each other. One of these haphazardly assembled ‘sides’ has been much more bad (read: racist, disrespectful, manipulative, racist, stirring, racist) than its opponent, and – as in 2015 – made me pleased, in a slightly uneasy way, that I don’t appear to be friends with anyone who vocally endorsed them. This rough data has been calculated via real-life conversations, a little, but mainly through observing the redder side of social media – which in the wake of the Conservative election win wrung its hands about the deluge of partisan tweets, memes, graphs, macros, jokes and takes, and how futile it all proved to be. Not only did it fail to stop the Tories, it didn’t even stop people doing exactly the same thing again in 2016. It rankles because the excellent polemicists and number-crunchers out there (I see you!) tend to get drowned out by slogan-shouters who couldn’t actually change a mind if their lives depended on it. Which they’d probably have you believe they do. I wanted to list some July gigs featuring European bands whose ability to play south Wales would be hampered in the event of an uncoupling from the EU, but there don’t seem to be any, so have SLUGFEST (Dolls House, Abertillery, Fri 1-Sun 3), MANDY (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Mon 4), FIGHT ROSA FIGHT, TRIGGER WARNING & THE SAFE SPACES and others (Gwdihw, Tue 12), BASEMENT (The Globe, Thurs 14), DALE BARCLAY (Clwb Ifor Bach, Wed 20) and EVANS THE DEATH (The Moon Club, Thurs 21) instead. NOEL GARDNER
UPCOMING SHOWS
O R C H A R D E N T E R TA I N M E N T. CO. U K
Plus
SPECIAL GUESTS
SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2016
CAERPHILLY CASTLE
of
SPANDAU BALLET
SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2016
CAERPHILLY CASTLE
SPECIAL GUESTS
+
& CHRIS SULLIVAN DJ SET
FRIDAY 19TH AUGUST 2016
CYFARTHFA CASTLE MERTHYR TYDFIL
SPECIAL GUESTS
GAZ COOMBES
FRIDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2016
SINGLETON PARK SWANSEA
WED
27 JUL
SAT
27 AUG
THUR
15
SEPT SAT
01 OCT
MON
10 OCT
AIRBOURNE
MON
VILLAGERS
TUE
Y Plas, Cardiff Students’ Union
Tramshed, Cardiff
BLACK PEAKS & HECK Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
HANNAH GRACE The Moon Club, Cardiff
CHRISTY MOORE
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
orchardentertainment
Buzz FP ad_14_06_16_v04.indd 1
17 OCT
18 OCT TUE
01 NOV SUN
13
NOV FRI
02 DEC
MICHAEL KIWANUKA Tramshed, Cardiff
GUN
The Globe, Cardiff
SUNSET SONS Tramshed, Cardiff
BEN MONTAGUE Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
THE ALARM
Y Plas, Cardiff Students’ Union
@OrchardEnt
orchardentertainment
20/06/2016 14:27:50
books
BOOK OF THE MONTH
FLORENCE GRACE Tracy Rees (Quercus)
Set in Cornwall and London during the late 1800s, Florence Grace is a charming and captivating tale. The title goes some way to give away the name of the main character, Florrie, as we follow her journey living a free and simple existence in Cornwall and moving to a wealthy family in London. As the strong willed 15-year-old struggles to adapt to her new life in the city, the plot explores the intricate relationships between her new found relatives, particularly Turlington and Sanderson Grace. Deep-seated secrets are revealed, although they are trying to remain in the past – and oh, how they have a habit of affecting events. Featuring themes of love and loss, the emotive novel also offers an insight into the usual family troubles and sibling rivalry to add to the drama. The uncomplicated natural dialogue also adds to the atmosphere, enabling a sense of place using local accents and keen observations that bring the characters to life. Following her bestselling debut, this is the second novel from Tracy Rees, who originates from South Wales. The Cornish moors have provided the backdrop to many a tale over the years, and the author succeeds in evoking a strong vision of the locations with her natural prose. If you’re seeking a haul of reading material for your summer break, whether it’s relaxing at the beach or the garden, this is the ideal book to add to your list. An immersing read, this character driven novel is perfect to escape into, especially if you’re a fan of historical fiction. RHIANON HOLLEY Price: £7.99. Info: www.quercusbooks.co.uk
THE HATRED OF POETRY
THE GREASY POLL
Ben Lerner (Fitzcarraldo Editions)
Mike Parker (Y Lolfa)
For generations, poetry has been said to be something of a dying art, but in reality it has changed and morphed with the times. Lerner looks at how the perception of poetry has changed along with the styles and fame that poetry presents. Some of the most prominent feelings around poetry are confusion, disinterest, and, as the title suggests, hatred. Even poets themselves have negative feelings about poetry, as Marianne Moore wrote “I, too dislike it.” Lerner talks us through the reasons why poetry is one of the most disliked forms of literature as well as examining close readings of Keats, Dickson, McGonagall and Whitman, in this beautifully written essay. This book, although hard to follow in the beginning, was written like poetry itself. The easily quotable essay should be in the hands of every aspiring artist. MM Price: £9.99. Info: www.fitzcarraldoeditions.com
The Greasy Poll is an insider’s account in diary form of the ups and downs of the murky world of Welsh political life, as Mike Parker goes from stand-up comedian to Plaid Cymru candidate for Parliament. Disappointingly the author neither gives us a comedic romp nor serious political insight. The flat tone and lack of either jokes or political views beyond being angry about things and how every other political party is terrible let this book down. It’s nice to know that Leanne Wood is wonderful (over and over) but it’s an opportunity missed when we don’t actually learn anything about her politics from someone who was her close confidant even before she was elected as Plaid Cymru leader. It improves when the author explores the clash of cultures with the Plaid elders of deepest darkest Ceredigion, but the standards set by John O’Farrell’s Things Can Only Get Better, which is clearly the inspiration, are never reached. JB Price: £9.99. Info: www.ylolfa.com
KICKING OFF IN NORTH KOREA Tim Hartley (Y Lolfa) For a book that literally has a football reference in the title, it’s about much more than just football. If anything, it’s a compilation of stories with teachings about travel, relationships and culture. Former journalist Tim Hartley said it himself, “It’s not a book about football”. In Kicking off In North Korea, Hartley bonds together two worlds. Through an array of tales with his family in curious corners of the globe, and with his passionate and familiarly British admiration for football. A great deal of his travelling is with his son, Chester, whose young mind, in many stories, translates wonderfully told chapters into a form that those who are less sports inclined can relate to. Hartley introduces us to thoughtful insights on foreign governments, which allow this book to expand the mind of anyone who picks up a copy. KG Price: £9.99. Info: www.ylolfa.com BUZZ 42
@mabjones
July looks set to be jam-packed for literary events. We begin the month with Caerleon Festival on Fri 1-Sun 10 July. As well as poetry readings from Mike Jenkins and more, there’s the live performance final of the All Wales Comic Verse competition, which will be judged by Jonathan Edwards, as well as the ever popular Lit On The Lawn. Find out more at www.caerleonarts.org. From Fri 1-Sun 3 July, over at St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan, you can enjoy the Beyond The Border International Storytelling Festival. Festival goers can expect an abundance of stories, music, theatre, literature, circus, dance, puppetry, food, drink, art, craft and fun for all. It’s filled with colourful and vibrant events, with a missing to bring Wales to the world and the world to Wales. Tickets and details available from www. beyondtheborder.com. At Seren’s First Thursday event in Chapter, on Thurs 7 July, Bethany Pope will be reading from her new novel Masque, alongside poet Caroline Smith and short story writer Alan Bilton. Get there for a 7.30pm start; entry is £2.50 but you can take this, then, off the cost of a book. Finally, then, on Sat 30 July, take a magical mystery trip around the South Wales Valleys on a creative writing workshop with a difference. Bring paper, pen, shoes for the hills, and a coat for the rain! This workshop lasts one full day and begins at Cardiff Central train station. Meet at 9.30am for a 10am start. Find out more at www.write.wales. From July by George Meredith. Sweet July, warm July! Month when mosses near the stream, Soft green mosses thick and shy, Are a rapture and a dream. Summer Queen! whose foot the fern Fades beneath while chestnuts burn; I welcome thee with thy fierce love, Gloom below and gleam above.
lifestyle SUMMER CHILL OUT GUIDE
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Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, having a brew with a BBQ, or going away on your summer holidays, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a few ideas to help you make the most of your summer this July.
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1. BARMAN’S COCKTAIL SET, Drinkstuff, www.drinkstuff.com, £19.99 / 2. PFINAL TOUCH FRUIT KEG TAPPING DRINKS DISPENSER KIT, Tesco Direct, www.tesco.com, £17.99 / 3. BBQ SWORD, I Want One of Those, www.iwantoneofthose.com, £13.99 / 4. KEYBOARD SANDALS, This Is Why I’m Broke, www.thisiswhyimbroke.com, £7 / 5. BREEZY BEDS, Menkind, St David’s Centre, Cardiff Breezy Bed, £39.99 / 6. GIANT INFLATABLE PIZZA SLICE, Find me A Gift, www.findmeagift.co.uk, £29.99 / 7. INFLATABLE BEER ICE BUCKET, Menkind, St David’s Centre, £17.99 / 8. LONGRIDGE POTTY PUTTER GOLF TRAINER, Amazon, www.amazon.co.uk, £11.99 / 9. ZOKU SLUSH AND SHAKE, Lakeland, St David’s Centre, £14.99 / 10. MAGIMIX ICE CREAM MAKER, John Lewis, St David’s Centre, £49.95 / 11. CHARCOAL BBQ SMOKER, Amazon, www.amazon.co.uk, £103.95
BUZZ 43
pic: WeLiveCricket
sport
CRICKET COMES TO CARDIFF International tests, T20 tournaments and more. Rachael Hutchings rounds up the cricket fixtures coming to Cardiff this summer.
E
ven though the chance of the weather backing up these claims for longer than a spell of a couple of days is dreadfully slim, believe it or not, summer is upon us and there is grand news for those amongst you who take pleasure in a bit of bowling action. This July marks an important cricket event taking place in the SSE SWALEC Stadium: England’s concluding Royal London One Day International test match against Sri Lanka on Sat 2 July. The series of test matches began on Tue 21 June, in what promised to be an experience set to be a good test of credentials for the experienced team, and a competitive and entertaining series of cricket matches for fans nationwide. Irish cricket legend Eoin Morgan will once again be captaining a competent ODI squad (all representatives have played at this level before), and former Leicestershire cricket player come national selector James Whitaker sees this as an “opportunity for players to showcase their skills at this level” as well as describing the experience as “an exciting blend of youth and experience”. As I’m sure many of you are aware, SSE SWALEC Cardiff is the home of Glamorgan Cricket and this season promises to be an attractive one for the club with another host
BUZZ 44
of NatWest sponsored T20 Blast matches continuing to take place here across the month. The earliest of those to grace the Sophia Gardens strip is Glamorgan’s clash against Sussex, a team which they have been in a nailbiting, neck-and-neck contest with for the majority of the competitions this year, with points remaining fairly equal in the tables. However, after Glamorgan went on to give Surrey a good hiding in the form of an eight wicket conquer in the opening T20 match back in May, it is clear that Glamorgan mean business and the game on Thurs 7 July is likely to showcase the talents of both the home and opposing teams in a flourish, and to make obvious once again the capabilities of Glamorgan. Sun 10 July offers another interesting confrontation with Gloucestershire (who are, at the point of writing this, five places below Glamorgan in the T20 league table). After beating them twice in one week following Colin Ingram’s skilful game-play in the One Day Cup, the question on every cricket enthusiast’s lips is whether or not Glamorgan have got what it takes to pull a hat-trick of victories out of the bag for the final leg of the Twenty-20 challenge. With Glamorgan’s proud fans taking to social media to describe their team’s league-topping
success as “stunning” and “a moment that never had any doubt”, the momentum surrounding this team is growing to match their accomplishments. The final team to encounter Glamorgan’s wrath at SSE SWALEC is Somerset, when our westcountry friends cross the bridge on Fri 22 July (two days ahead of their One Day Cup clash on the other side of the River Severn), in what could potentially be another effortless and uncomplicated triumph for the Welsh team based on leagues and points alone. However, the tables could turn if Somerset’s 14 men are able to pull off another last-minute breathtaking chase like they did in a match against Surrey. All really is to play for this summer, and Glamorgan’s potential victory is definitely something to keep an eye out for later this month. England vs Sri Lanka, Sat 2 July. Tickets: £10-£65; Glamorgan vs Sussex, Thurs 8 July. Tickets: £5-£15; Glamorgan vs Gloucester, Sun 10 July. Tickets: £5-£15; Glamorgan vs Somerset, Fri 22 July. Tickets: £5-£15. All fixtures take place at SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. Info: www. thesseswalec.co.uk
JUNE WINNER BY CLAIRE BEACH
Next month's theme is 'Oddities'.
are you a photographer? want to showcase your work? go to: www.buzzmag.co.uk
buzz online photography competition
Buzz’s photography section is an initiative to showcase Welsh photographers and their work. Photographers are invited to submit galleries by emailing (or sending via Dropbox) 5-15 pictures, numbering in the order they would like them to be displayed, along with a title of the gallery, and a subtitle. If you want more direction, please take a look at previous galleries on our site. Selected photographers will win exhibition space at a renowned gallery, a feature in Buzz and be featured as our Facebook and Twitter cover pictures. This month's theme was 'Summer'. If you have any queries, please email editorial@buzzmag.co.uk
BUZZ 45
sport
ADRIAN FLUX BRITISH FIM SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX In a summer that boasts the Olympics in Rio and the Euros in France, the Principality Stadium has something different that’s just as exhilarating, but local, to entertain yourself this July: the British FIM Speedway Grand Prix. The fifth round of the Speedway World Championship, the event has become an annual fixture for the Principality Stadium for over a decade, as it transforms its lush green grass into a dirty assault course for the riders to tackle as they strive for glory. The views available to witness the spectacle will be unrivalled. Just as the Six Nations is embraced earlier in the year for rugby, the same fanfare will be evident in the stadium this summer, with rider signing sessions, a fanzone and a fireworks display. The Grand Prix will also see Briton Tai Woffinden return to home soil for the first time following his Speedway World Championship win last October. His second World Title, Woffinden is a British favourite. With something for everyone, the day is both for the avid Speedway fan and family alike. Given the event’s pedigree in Cardiff, last year was no exception as thousands watched Niels-Kristian Iversen finish triumphant at the Principality Stadium, a race that also saw Woffinden finish fourth. With American Greg Hancock boasting an impressive record in Cardiff, with three wins in 10 years, he will look to put pressure on the pack as they speed through the dirt. The event looks good value for money with over 20 heats of action to witness throughout the day. Going wheel-to-wheel, rubber-to-rubber, elbow-to-elbow, it will be a thrilling exhibition of racing prowess as each rider rounds the Principality Stadium crowd in pursuit of victory. CONOR KNIGHT Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 9 July. Tickets: £25-£113. Info: 0844 858 8879 / www.principalitystadium.wales
As the dust settles on the Euro 2016 football tournament in France, another sporting event seems to have gone under the radar... just the small matter of the Olympic Games in Rio! As the summer of sports continues, elite athletes from across the world will arrive in Brazil with one thing in mind: gold medals. Feeling just like yesterday, London 2012 was a record breaking Games for Welsh athletes. Out of the 30 Welsh athletes that took part, a total of seven medals were won, including golds for Jade Jones in taekwondo and cycling’s Geraint Thomas. At the time of writing, there are 13 confirmed Welsh athletes on the way to Rio, but that’s quite confidently going to increase to 20 once trials and qualifying are complete. Triathlon stars Helen Jenkins and Non Stanford, sailors Hannah Mills and Chris Grube, shooter Elena Allen, rowers Graeme Thomas and Chris Bartley, boxer Joe Cordina and the swimming contingent of Jazz Carlin, Chloe Tutton, Ieuan Lloyd and Georgia Davies have already officially been selected by Team GB. Track athletes Seren Bundy-Davies, Rhys Williams, Dai Greene and a host of others will be gunning for a spot to strut their stuff, while sprint cyclist Becky James, who has made an amazing recovery from illness and injury joins another three or four vying for a space in the cycling team pursuit squad. Road bikers Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe should be in with a shout, as long as they get through the gruelling Tour de France unscathed. This year’s Games sees the addition of rugby sevens and golf to the mix. Currently there are five players in the extended 27-man sevens squad. Luke Morgan, Luke Treharne and Sam Cross keep Wales centre Cory Allen and Scarlets flanker James Davies company until the squad is whittled down in mid-July. Jasmine Joyce is the sole Welsh representative in the women’s squad. Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson as well as Becky Morgan and Amy Boulden will also be hoping to swing a club or two on the fairways of Rio. OWEN SCOURFIELD Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Fri 5-Sun 21 Aug. Info: www. rio2016.com BUZZ 46
pic: Phil Whitehouse
WALES AT THE OLYMPICS
listings
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STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL Hafod y Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale, Sat 23 + Sun 24 July Tickets: £80/£50 per day. Info: www.steelhousefestival.com At its zenith, rock music – classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, call it what you will – should sound like it’s being broadcast, triumphantly, from a mountain top. Rarely, though, it is given the chance to actually live this out – with one notable exception. The Steelhouse Festival returns this month for its sixth annual weekender, on a high-altitude farm near Ebbw Vale, and the organisers have assembled another crowdpleasing lineup over two days. Since debuting in 2011 with The Quireboys and Tigertailz in the headline slots, Steelhouse has established itself on the crowded festival circuit, and grown in stature while remaining true to its inherent spirit. For 2016, they’ve secured the services of probably their two biggest bill-toppers yet. Sat 23 is headlined by Thunder, a British hard rock institution who have graced arenas and grazed the pop charts since the late 80s, even while breaking up twice along the way. Also present that day: Thin Lizzy-esque UK bluesrockers The Answer, Swedish retro-riffers Blues Pills and five more up’n’comers. On Sun 24 solos will be longer, irony more pronounced and spandex stretched to squeaking point as The Darkness [pictured] finish the day off. Adored and derided in equal measure when they blew up in the early 00s, their appeal was always destined to become more selective, but Justin Hawkins and co have maintained a bigger fanbase than you might think. The six bands on the undercard include 90s-vintage pop-metallers Terrorvision and Hey! Hello!, in which the tireless Ginger Wildheart tries powerpop on for size.
CONTENTS pg 48 pg 50 pg 52 pg 59 pg 65
art clubs events live stage BUZZ 47
art
art Aberglasney House & Gardens
Llangathen, Carmarthenshire. Free. 01558 668998 / www. aberglasney.org Gower Crafts & Artisans High quality, hand made work which includes textiles, jewellery, fused and flame worked glass, ceramics, and leatherwork. (Until Thurs 14 July) Frances Payne Watercolours of plants and insects, all paintted at her west Carmarthenshire farm. (From Fri 15 until Thurs 28 July)
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre Screenprinted Textiles A range of work produced by participants of Becky Knight’s weekly workshop. (Until Sat 23 July) Jeremy Moore ‘Bird/Land’ Panoramic photographs, framed in sets of three, in which birds and their surroundings are integral to each image. (Until Sat 27 August) The Eye A rolling programme of
video art, notably including Robert Mapplethorpe’s Artist Rooms. (Until Sat 10 Sept) Flora Work by national and international artists, shown both in and outside the gallery itself, positing flowers as powerful commentators in art. (From Tue 12 July until Sat 17 Sept) Keith Morris A selection of performance portraits of music documenting the experience of the venue’s annual MusicFest by students, guest musicians and audience. (From Sat 23 until Sat 30 July)
Albany Gallery
74b Albany Road, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com Summer Exhibition A mixed and changing exhibition of new work by established and emerging artists. (Until Sat 13 Aug)
Andrew Lamont Gallery (Theatr Brycheiniog)
Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free. 01874 611622 / enquiries@ brycheiniog.co.uk / www. brycheiniog.co.uk Simon Royer & Morag Colquhoun ‘Natural History’ Fine art, photography and craft from two artists who take inspiration from unusual natural forms.
(Throughout July)
Arcadecardiff
Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. www.arcadecardiff.co.uk Sarah Rhys, ‘Coal Tree’ Work in development using coal and salt, created on the artist’s recent return from eastern Europe. (Until Sat 9 July) Lee Williams ‘100 Ships’ Installation which explores the movement of ships in and out of Welsh ports – related to, but different from, Williams’ recent Cargo exhibition at Swansea’s Elysium Gallery. (From Mon 25 July until Sat 13 Aug)
Attic Gallery
37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am-5.30pm, Sat 10am4.30pm. Free. 01792 653387 / www.atticgallery.co.uk Summer Group Show New work from over 50 artists represented by the gallery, mostly Wales-based or inspired by Wales. Paintings, sculpture, glasswork, pottery and original prints all feature. (From Sat 9 July until Sat 10 Sept)
Barker Gallery / Torfaen Gallery
Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm. 01495 752036.
Colour Vibrations Vision Arts presents a collection of mixed media work by eight well known Torfaen artists: Masae Takeuchi, Mark Medcalf, Jane Dorset, Patricia Clifford, Valerie Stewart, Joanne Price, Gillian Clayton and Aurelia. (Until Thurs 27 Oct) Donald Calway Exhibition of paintings. (Until Wed 31 Aug)
Blossoms Gallery
Park Avenue, Aberystwyth. info@blossomsgallery.co.uk / www.blosssomsgallery. co.uk Life In Our Seas An exhibition celebrating the diversity of life found in our seas whilst also exploring issues affecting the oceans such as plastic pollution, overfishing and global warming. (Until Sat 30 July) Ceredigion Art Society An exhibition celebrating the wealth of creativity in Ceredigion. This will, however, be the final show in this gallery, which is closing at the end of the month. (From Sat 2 until Fri 29 July)
Broadleaf Books
16 Monk Street, Abergavenny. Daily 10am5pm. Free. broadleafbooks16@gmail. com Jeff Nuttall ‘Quite Suddenly Your Smile Is An Architecture’ Archive show of books and publishing projects from an influential poet, artist and musician best known for his 1968 text Bomb Culture. Nuttall lived in the Black Mountains and died in 2004. (From Sat 30 July until Sat 6 Aug)
Cardiff Story
The Hayes, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Free. 029 2078 8334 / museum@cardiff.gov.uk Representing Butetown: The Caribbean Elders Project Exhibition spotlighting some of the people and community groups who have taken part in the Representing Butetown project – an effort to “listen, see and engage with the Elders of our community” – between 2013 and 2016. (Until Wed 31 Aug) When We Were young: Growing Up In Cardiff Discover how young people’s experiences of work, rest and play in the city have changed, and find out how they’ve remained the same. (From Wed 20 July until Wed 31 Aug)
WEAVE Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay, Sat 16 July-Sun 11 Sept Admission: free. Info: 029 2048 4611 / www.makersguildinwales.org.uk Makers Guild In Wales’ 2016 summer show is a typical example of their creative liaison between the practical and the artistic. Weave features submissions from 24 artists, their common factor being the use of weaving techniques somewhere in the creation of their pieces. These display varied levels of intricacy, some of which would have only been possible with the aid of a loom or similar mechanical device; others, instead of using fabric, weave baskets or use more sturdy materials. The results are frequently innovative, eye-catching in their geometric properties and flowing shapeliness, and visitors are invited to vote for their favourite piece on display. The winning artist will get their own exhibition here in 2017.
BUZZ 48
Chapter Gallery
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free. 029 2030 4400 / www. chapter.org Lorna McIntyre Art In The Bar exhibition for which Scottish artist Macintyre has taken a series of photographs of Nicholas Pope’s house and studio in Herefordshire. (Until Mon 25 July) Katie Cuddon, Emma Hart & Nicholas Pope ‘Sticky Intimacy’ Sculpture, drawings and glass models from three artists from three different generations, each aiming to be ‘unmonumental’ while tackling themes of gender, sexuality,
failure, rejection, loss and shame. (From Fri 8 July until Sun 8 Sept)
Coppertone Gallery
Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Free. 01792 293200 / www. coppertonegallery.com See California Landscapes, Like Never Before Large photography, ranging in size from 76 x 76cm up to 2.5m, from a recent road trip undertaken by Nigel J. Williams and Greg Jones around California. (Throughout July)
Craft In The Bay
The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk Beate Gegenwart A new set of inter-related artworks that make links to cloth, the body, movement, the small wearable and to architectural space, created with metal and virtuous enamel. (Until Sun 10 July) Shelley Doolan Glass-maker based on the Gower Coast, showing her glass sculptures as Guest Maker. (Until Sun 28 Aug) Weave Summer show featuring 24 artists, each featuring a weaved element in their designs. (From Sat 16 July until Sun 11 Sept)
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 Lee Williams New mixed media exhibition inspired by the town and docks of Port Talbot and its shipping industry. (Until Sat 16 July)
Mixed exhibition from the gallery artists including David Grosvenor, Martin Llewellyn and Nick Holly. (From Sat 9 July until Wed 31 Aug)
Futures Gallery
Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am-4pm. Free. 0845 010 5500 / www. pierhead.org Your Medicine Your Health Large screen-printed wall hangings depicting important messages about good medicine use, made by schoolchildren. (Until Thurs 14 July) Lads Of Wales To War: Rhondda Remembers Mametz Wood Community collaborative exhibition, created to commemorate the Battle Of Mametz in memory of those who made sacrifice to its cause. (From Sun 3 until Sun 10 July)
Y Galeri, Caerffili
Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www.ygalericaerffili. co.uk Barry Lewis Infamous local sculptor, specialising in large-scale animals made of reclaimed metal parts and the like, returns with another menagerie for summer. He also has a 15-foot dragon, made out of 100 satellite dishes, outside Caerphilly Castle. A lot of artists would attach a load of sociopolitical guff to this in an attempt to get it in a posh nob gallery, but I think Barry just likes making dragons out of satellite dishes. (From Tue 5 July until Sat 13 Aug)
Gallery/Ten
23 Windsor Place, Cardiff. Free. www.gallery-ten.co.uk Summer Annual seasonal exhibition featuring all manner of Gallery/Ten represented artists. (From Thurs 7 July until Sat 20 Aug)
The Gate
Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells. Daily 10.30am-5pm. Free. 01982 560674 / www. erwoodstation.com Summer Exhibition Contemporary applied craft, paintings and sculpture by over 50 of the very best artists working in Wales and the UK today. (Until mid-September)
Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@ thegate.org.uk When I Was A Kid Open exhibition inviting you to submit art based on childhood memories. (Until Mon 18 July) Timothy Ware ‘Colour Fields’ Ware, an art teacher working in south Wales, is influenced by artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Yves Klein Ware, and experiments with different materials to explore the principle of canvas-based work. (From Wed 13 July until Wed 3 Aug)
Fountain Fine Art
The Gate / Y Gat
Erwood Station Gallery
6-8 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. Tue-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www.fountainfineart.com Original Artist Posters Rare original posters from major exhibitions by Matisse, Picasso, Miro and Chagall et al. plus mixed work by gallery artists. (From Sat 2 July until Wed 31 Aug)
Fountain Fine Art
Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Summer Group Show
Pentre Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Free. 01994 232726 / thegate@carmarthenshire. gov.uk Gina Hughes Ceramics and photography. (Until Sat 23 July) Beverly Michael, Julia Hutchby & Barbara Hutchby ‘Three Of A Kind’ Beverley specializes in textile pictures, many featuring coastal themes; Julia uses acrylics and collage to create rural landscapes and animal portraits; Barbara also uses
art acrylics to depict local rural scenes. (From Tue 26 July until Sat 3 Sept)
Grand Pavilion
The Esplanade, Porthcawl. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www.grandpavilion.co.uk Art By Jane: Heart To Art South Wales-based painter, foregoing a surname here, offers “paintings which inform the mind, delight the eye and touch the heart.” (Until Sun 8 July) Porthcawl Art Society Celebrating their 50th anniversary with a selection of their finest art on display in the café bar. (From Tue 12 July until Sun 11 Sept)
In The Eyes Of The Animal
Bute Park, Cardiff. Daily 8am-7pm. Free. www.butepark.com In The Eyes Of The Animal Family-friendly (as long as all the family are five or older) virtual reality experience created by Marshmallow Laser Feast. Attendees are given sculptural virtual reality headsets, with which they can view the natural habitat from the perspective of a range of creatures. Or they can get wrecked and break in at night like my mate did with Tape, the equivalent show in Bute Park last year. (From Fri 15 July until Thurs 4 Aug)
King Street Gallery
33 King Street, Carmarthen. Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@kingstreetgallery. co.uk Tim Ap Hywel New paintings from an artist fascinated by ancient Welsh history both in its poetic, written form and its expression in painting. (From Fri 8 until Wed 20 July) Josef Herman Prints and drawings from several periods of Herman’s life, including previously unshown pieces from the seminal period of 11 years when the artist was living in Ystradgynlais. (Friom Fri 22 July until Wed 10 Aug)
16 July) Healing Words And Pictures Work shown in the Cafe Gallery – poems and art from Talygarn Ward, Country Hospital, Pontypool. (Until Sat 16 July) Anna Noel ‘The Language Of Clay: Part One’ The first of three solo exhibitions of work by three Wales based ceramic artists. (From Sat 30 July until Sat 17 Sept)
M.A.D.E. Gallery
41 Lochaber St, Cardiff. Free. 029 2047 3373. MADE’s Pick Of The Degree Shows Showcase of the best of this year’s creative graduates from three major arts education institutions in the South Wales region. (Until Sat 16 July) Summer Open Art Prize Works from selected artists in any medium based in south Wales. The winner will be rewarded with a solo exhibition in 2017. (From Fri 29 July until Sat 27 Aug)
Martin Tinney Gallery
18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2064 1411 / mtg@artwales. com Summer Show Selected by Wales’ leading artists past and present, for sale from £50 to £40,000. Gwyn John, Ceri Richards, Kyffin Williams. Gwilym Prichard. Shani Rhys James, Wilf Roberts, Harry Holland, look just think of a Welsh establishment artist and they probably have something here OK. (From Thurs 7 July until Sun 28 Aug)
Mission Gallery
Little Man Coffee Co.
Gloucester Place, Swansea. Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free. 01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Alana Tyson Maker In Focus show, a series of crochet and concrete sculptures attempting to document and confront the desire, frustration and failure of motherhood. (Throughout July) Sarah Rhys Work in the [...] space, a multi-layered work of film projections in the cave. (Throughout July)
Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
Priory Street, Monmouth. Mon- Sat 11am-1pm + 2-5pm, Sun 2-5pm. Free. 01600 710630. The Story Of Rockfield Infamous recording studio, also based in Monmouth, is celebrated here in the form of photos and other memorabilia from its innards. (Until Wed 31 Aug)
Ivor House, Bridge Street, Cardiff. Free. 07933 844234 / www.littlemancoffee.co.uk Philip Morgan ‘Black Coffee Blues’ Solo exhibition by distinctive, graffiti-influenced Welsh artist. (From Fri 8 July until Fri 5 Aug)
St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Rozanne Hawksley ‘Reflections’ A mixture of 3D work and self-portraits, imbued with a personal power and reflections on war and loss. (Until Sat 16 July) Paul Wearing Craft showcase of sculptural vessels with textures that manifest naturally on surfaces within diverse urban and rural landscapes. (Until Sat 16 July) Susan Kerr Jewellery showcase featuring original hand-crafted silver designs including earrings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets and pins. (Until Sat
Monmouth Museum
National Museum & Gallery
Cathays Park, Cardiff. TueSun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / www.museumwales.ac.uk/ cardiff War’s Hell!’ The Battle Of Mametz Wood In Art Discover the art and poetry created by those who witnessed this battle – one of the bloodiest of World War I – first-hand and the work it later inspired. (Until Sun 4 Sept) The Attraction Of Onlookers: Aberfan – An Anatomy Of A Welsh Village New York-based artist Shimon Attie shows a video
installation and photographs of the community, 50 years after the disaster that claimed 144 lives, supporting their desire to move on from this tragic event. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Augustus John In Focus A selection of paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints by this important Welsh artist. It will focus on images of his family, friends and celebrated sitters as well as his fascination with gypsy culture. (Until Fri 30 Sept) Treasures: Adventures In Archaeology Major exhibition showcasing artefacts from Egypt, Rome and more, with some Indiana Jones content to boot. Admission is £7, £5 concessions or free for under-16s. (Until Sun 30 Oct) Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Timeless illustrator of, most notably, kids’ books (and even more notably Roald Dahl books) is rewarded with a majot show here. See Art. (From Sat 16 July until Sun 20 Nov)
National Waterfront Museum
Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 638950. Portfolio 2016 Work by year 9, 10 and 11 students from Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. A Mission Gallery exhibition. (From Mon 4 July until Mon 1 Aug) Wales By Rail During the 1930s and 1960s, major railway companies promoted Welsh towns and cities as the place to visit on colourful, eyecatching posters. View some of them from the Amgueddfa Cymru collections. (From Sat 2 July until Sun 9 Oct)
Newport Museum & Art Gallery
John Frost Square, Newport.Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm. Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk The 1922 Newport Hospital Carnival Photos and film footage, more details TBC with this one (it was supposed to start in late May but was delayed due to technical issues) so check with the museum. (Until Sat 9 July)
Norwegian Church Arts Centre
Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. Daily 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2087 7959 / www. norwegianchurchcardiff.com Mike Jones ‘Wales In Colour’ “Wales is a country renowned for its diverse natural beauty and proud historic culture. Each piece expresses elements of the above that together builds a vivid contemporary narrative of Wales as I see it today,” Mike says. (From Mon 4 until Sun 24 July) Rhiannon Roberts ‘Colourful Wales’ Vibrant paintings of Welsh sceneries including Cardiff, Monmouth, Castell Coch, Barry Island and Newquay. (From Mon 25 until Sun 31 July)
Off The Wall
The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm.
Free. 029 2055 4469 / art@ galleryoffthewall.com Val Kosh ‘Accidental Horizon’ Staffordshire-born painter who works between Cheshire and Le Marche, Italy. This is her first exhibition in Wales and is inspired by both Italian and British landscapes. (Until Mon 12 July) Mixed Summer Show A chance to catch up on earlier exhibitions, highlighting our most popular artists as well as showcasing some new ones. (From Fri 16 July until TBC)
Oriel Bach
4 Dunns Lane, Mumbles, Swansea. Mon-Sat 11am4pm. Free. 01792 361012 / www.orielbach.com Cheryl Stone Paintings. (From Mon 4 until Sat 16 July) Jonathan Morris Paintings. (From Mon 18 until Sat 30 July)
Oriel Canfas
Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www.orielcanfas.co.uk Peter Sainty Recent sculptures and drawings. (Until Sat 23 July)
Oriel Davies
The Park, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@orieldavies.org Radical Craft: Alternative Ways Of Making Show featuring 34 artists who express their creativity beyond the bounds of convention. Miniature sculptures are carved into toothpicks; vehicles are made from recycled scrap; a bridal headdress is made from wrapped and embellished fabric. (Until Mon 29 Aug) Elizabeth Brickell ‘Moving On’ A collection of spoons, of varying size and dimension, each spoon clearly pronouncing its individuality and heightened by its recreation in thin latex. I wish this exhibition had been called Me And My Spoon instead. (Until Mon 29 Aug)
Oriel Joanna Field
Torch Theatre, St. Peter’s Road, Milford Haven. Free. 01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk Yma O Hyd Photographer Bruce Cardwell, with poet Elin ap Hywel and painter Rhodri Evans, offer a mosaic of the vibrant community of Borth, in Ceredigion. (Until Sat 30 July)
Oriel Lliw
Herbert St, Pontardawe. Free. 01792 863722 / www. pontardaweartscentre.com Criw Celf 2015/16 Work by year 5 and 6 students from Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. A Mission Gallery exhibition.. (From Tue 12 July until Fri 5 Aug)
Oriel Mwldan
Bath House Rd, Cardigan. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free. 01239 621200 / helena@ mwldan.co.uk Morgan Griffith (Sonomano) & Jo Hinchcliffe ‘The Dental Cosmos’ Griffith uses found
images to create unnerving collages, shown here alongside kinetic assemblages, created especially for Oriel Mwldan with his collaborative partner Jo Hinchcliffe. (Until Sat 6 Aug)
Oriel Myrddin
Church Lane, Carmarthen. 01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Dail Behennah ‘Fieldwork’
here, please. (Until Sat 27 Aug)
The Riverfront
Bristol Packet Wharf, Newport. Mon-Sat 10am8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Free. 01633 656757. Asha Bassi A series of artworks based on the artist’s experiences and travels, focuseing on her life in both India and Wales, with the artwork
The Redhouse in Merthyr Tydfil has an exhibition by Anthony Rhys running from now until the last weekend of August. Titled 1868, it scours the archives for first-hand accounts of the Merthyr of that year, when it was an industrial powerhouse – albeit a socially unruly one. Intricate works made from willow, wire and found objects. (Until Sat 30 July)
Oriel Q
The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www.orielqueenshallgallery.org.uk Summer Open Exhibition A mixed show by a variety of artists in many different styles and media. Oriel Fach: Tenby Stroll, a series of photographs by David Graham White. Stairs: photo-collages by Faya Lloyd and Steve Irwin. 3D area: assorted ceramics and jewellery by students and well-known artists. (Until Sat 30 July)
Oriel Y Bont
University Of South Wales, Pontypridd. Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5.30pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm. Free. 01443 480480 / www.gallery. southwales.ac.uk Abstraction In South Wales Since 1960 An exhibition of works from the university art collection. (Until Fri 18 Nov)
Penarth Pier Pavilion
The Esplanade, Penarth. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2071 2100 / info@ penarthpavilion.co.uk Liz West ‘Solstice Ritual’ Site-specific installation in which West has made a minor alterations to the Pavilion’s windows, thereby changing the perception of the audience. (Until Sun 10 July)
Redhouse
Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Anthony Rhys ‘1868’ A depiction of that same year in Merthyr Tydfil’s history, seen through the experiences of local people and at a time when it was Wales’ biggest town. Bare-fist boxers, child workers, town drunks, meanspirited officials, illegal pig keepers and bad singers all feature. No snarky punchlines
giving colourful glimpses into the cultural landscapes of the places she calls home. (Until Wed 27 July)
The Sho Gallery
Upstairs, The Castle Emporium, Womanby Street, Cardiff. Free. www. thesho.co.uk Summer Exhibition Group exhibition of illustrative works featuring a collection of contemporary design by local and national artists. This is the opening exhibition in the Sho’s new space, having relocated from Roath. (Until Wed 6 July)
Swansea Grand Theatre
Singleton St, Swansea. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01792 475715 / www.swanseagrand.co.uk Gowerton School Annual collaborative exhibition featuring mixed-media works from pupils’ A Level Art & Design / Design Technology portfolios. (From Tur 5 until Fri 15 July) Love The Words... And The Photos Personal photos inspired by Dylan Thomas’s life and words, created by Morriston Traumatic Brain Injury patients in conjunction with the Dylan Thomas Centre. (From Tue 19 until Fri 29 July) Llwchwr Art Group Works from a Welsh art group which was founded in 1960. (From Tue 19 until Fri 29 July)
Swansea Museum
Victoria Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Sun 10am5pm. Free. 01792 653763 / www. swanseamuseum.co.uk Mining Josef Herman A display of some of the work which resulted from the collaboration between the Tate’s Transforming Tate Britain: Archives And Access project and The Josef Herman Art Foundation. (Until Sun 10 July)
BUZZ 49
clubs Taliesin Arts Centre
Singleton Park, Swansea. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 12pm-6pm and performance evenings 6pm8.15pm. Free. 01792 295526 / www. taliesinartscentre.co.uk Joan Miro Original prints from famous, influential Spanish quasi-surrealist artist, who died in 1983. (Until Thurs 21 July)
Victoria Fearn Gallery
6B Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm, Sun 10am-3pm. Free. 029 2052 0884. Summer Exhibition Mixed exhibition featuring paintings alongside contemporary applied art. (From Fri 8 July until Sat 3 Sept)
Neath. 01639 635377 / www. thearchnightclub.com Sat 2 Memorex & Solo 10pm-4am, £8-£12. “A wide spectrum of house and techno” is promised from Lauren Lo Sung, Blake Parker, Scott Kerr, Sam Balla, Jason Wilkinson, Sean Morris and JV.
Wendrich Art House
The Attic
Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids. 01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Mark Raggett Fifty-six paintings and drawings in a variety of mediums, inspired by the dynamic of the Pembrokeshire coastline and its light, colours and mood. (Throughout July)
Temple Gallery, 1 Brickyard Cottages, Llanelli. 12-5pm. Free. 01792 295526 / www. wendricharthouse.com Open Studio Artists Harry and Nicola Wendrich display work in their tranquil garden studio, including a display of Temple Crafts including meditation aids, incenses, astrological birth charts and calendars. The opportunity to hear “the Music of the Plants” is also offered. (Every Sunday until Sun 28 Aug)
Theatr Hafren
Workers Gallery
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / boxoffice@theatrhafren. co.uk Peter Watson Painter who studied in Hull and Liverpool in the 60s and 70s, and nowadays takes inspiration from the landscape of Yorkshire. (Until Mon 18 July)
Third Floor Gallery
102 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Wed-Sun 1-7pm. Free. 029 2115 9151 / cardiff. thirdfloorgallery@gmail. com Europa Photography capturing the changing European Union over the last three decades, by three acclaimed documentary photographers: Martin Parr’s Common Sense (1995-1999), John Davies’ A26: Calais to Remy (1989) and Andreas Meichsner’s Costa Iberica (2009). (Until Sun 10 July)
Tower Gallery
49 High Street, Crickhowell. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01873 812495 / www. towergallery.co.uk Lesley Lillywhite & Carys Roberts Etchings, relief prints and collagraph prints from two contrasting printmakers, both of Swansea Print Workshop. Also showing work from all members of the Usk Valley Artists’ Co-operative. (Until Sat 30 July)
Tower Gallery
Oriel Y Parc Landscape Gallery & Visitor Centre, The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc. co.uk Elly Morgan Exhibition of recycled art. (Until Wed 31 Aug) Linda Norris Skokholm Island study exhibition. (Until Wed 31 Aug)
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.
99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, Rhondda Cynon Taff. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm or by appointment. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail. com Melanie Ezra ‘Methodology’ First solo exhibition by Workers Gallery artist. (Until Sat 9 July) Mates Beyond Wall Group show of artists from Cardiffbased Oriel Canfas. (Until Sat 23 July) Susan Williams ‘The Familiar Made Unfamiliar:Capturing Motion’ Photographic images of Wales. (Until Sat 23 July) Rhondda Fach Digital Photography Association Display of work by local photographers from this long established group – who are actively seeking new members, just so’s you know. (From Thurs 14 July until Sat 30 July) BIGsmallART Nation Group show by local and national ACEO artists of original art and limited edition prints and photographs. All artwork for sale. (From Thurs 14 July until Sat 27 Aug) Emma Bevan ‘Ffolkyffelt’ Work displayed on the Mates Beyond wall. (From Thurs 28 July until Sat 3 Sept)
clubs 10 Feet Tall
11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo.co.uk Fri 1 Afrofusion 9pm. Monthly night of music from Africa, or influenced by same. Fridays Soulection 9pm3am, £3 after 10. Soul, boogie and the like from Blue Honey DJs. Saturdays Under A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk, neo-soul and Motown with music from James Morgan-Rees & Alex Moxham. Sundays 10 Feet Tall Industry Night 5pm-3am, free. 50% off all drinks for industry staff with this venue’s Industry card, alongside late-night Blue Honey DJs.
The Arch
11 Commercial Street, BUZZ 50
5-6 Castle Bailey St, Swansea. www.facebook. com/ theatticswansea Fri 29 Criminal Hype & Friends 6pm-3am, £5-£9. Chunky upfront house from Ke-An, Hotted, Simon (Criminal Hype) and DJ Shaw, who’s on the rooftop terrace from 6-9pm.
Blind Tiger
49 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 243500. Fridays Shake It Off Alternative anthems, poppunk, hardcore and guilty pleasures. Saturdays Koncept & Friends House, techno and bass music with guest DJs, breaking producers and residents from Wales’ freshest nights: Sat 2 J Fader, Sat 9 Illa B, Sat 16 Dubzta, Sat 30 Newport Festival afterparty.
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. Fri 1 Aperture 10pm4am, £10 adv/£8 early bird. Monthly drum’n’bass blowout, headlined by the raggatastic Benny Page this month and also featuring Jimanoli b2b Ben Britton, Pablooo, Beeson, ERB and host XL. Fri 8 Heat Summer Sessions 10pm3am, £5/£3adv. Featuring a bashment/dancehall set from UK DJ Chimpo, Fri 29 Hideaway 10pm-4am. Jack J, from Vancouver. headlines with a set of blurry deep house stuff. He might have a very boring name but this could be good. Jack Siddall, WooHa, High For This and Van Pelt alsdo feature. Saturdays Shindig 10pm-4am, £3. Pop, chart, funk and soul from residents over two floors. Drinks deals.
Nicky G.
Clwb Ifor Bach
Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Fridays (bottom) Zerox 10.30pm-3am, £4/£3 NUS. A “party jukebox” night. With DJs, though, not an actual jukebox. Fri 1 Journey Free before 11. Regular trance night with a lineup TBC. The venue’s listings say this opens at 11pm, which would make the ‘free before 11’ offer a bit mean. Fri 8 Bullion 11pm4am, £13/£10. Drum’n’bass night featuring Heist and Serum plus a clutch of local DJs I shouldn’t wonder. Fri 15 Hey Mary Underwater Ball 11pm-4am, £4/£3. Cardiff’s newest alternative gay night serve up riot grrrl, disco, electro, punk, guilty pleasures and whatever you request. This month it’s chosen a sea-based theme, inviting fish-based humour which I am confident will stay within the boundaries of good taste. Fri 29 Time Flies Summer Ball Allnighter 10pm-5am, £20/£15 adv. An afterparty of sorts for Sasha’s appearance in the Tramshed this evening, Time Flies’ latest night of throwbacks boasts Seb Fontaine, Brandon Block, John Kelly, Craig Bartlett, Shane Morris, Footlong DJs and many more. Saturdays Dirty Pop 10pm-4am, £5. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl
Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter's proper disco. Sat 16 is an unofficial afterparty for the Kaiser Chiefs gig.
Colour Clash Newport
Whizzkid, Skoobi, DJ Burn and Chrisy B. Breathe Arena: Kutski, Alex Kidd, Andy Whitby, Mark EG, Cally, Juice, Frisky, Ed ET & DTR, MKN, MC Shocker, Jo9t, Mark M and Deimos. Black House & Subsonic Bass: TC & MC Carasel, Oxide & Neutrino, Annix and more TBC.
Rodney Parade, Newport. 01633 670690. Sat 16 Colour Clash 12-11pm, £20 adv/£27.50 VIP. Another of those things where everyone gets coloured powder paint dropped on them. More appealing, in this reporter’s opinion, is the lineup: Krept x Konan, Lethal Bizzle, Danny Jones (McFly) doing a DJ set, Big Narstie, Ultrabeat, Artful Dodger, DJ Cameo, Matt Lissack and a special guest TBC. There’s also a Disco Den stage with DJ sets from Luke Hubba, Luke Oakley, Koncept, Carey, Quadey, Gatesy, Beekay, Lyam Matthew, Owen Kilby and Ryan Howells. See Clubs.
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 Sunday Sessions DJs til late and the weekend’s sports highlights.
Colour Fest West Wales
Dempseys
Penparc, Cardigan. 01559 370861. Sat 2 Colour Fest West Wales 12pm-1.30am, £25 adv. Alldayer in the rolling greenery of Ceredigion, with various strains of raveable dance genres on offer. Main stage: Dr Meaker, Slamboree Soundsystem, Utah Saints, Dowsy, Kodia, Asteroid, Fusion Freaks, Daylight and Ape House Music. Bonkers Arena: Hixxy, Dougal, MC
Courtyard
Castle Street, Cardiff. 029 2023 9253 / www. dempseyscardiff.com 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
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. 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. Sat 9 Warehouse 10pm-5am, £10 adv. Featuring longstanding tech-house duo Prok & Fitch as top dogs here. John-E b2b Evs, Teri Simmonds b2b Kieran Lansley, Taz b2b Rob Illing, Vedra b2b Luca and Nicky G b2b Rob Lane are also in room 1, while room 2 coasts Rob Illing, Jamie Bevan and
STRICTLY TECHNO WAREHOUSE PARTY PART 2 The Unit, Swansea, Sat 23 July Tickets: £14/£12 early bird. Info: facebook.com/strictlytechnoevents If you want to party hard in an appropriated industrial setting, and I know you do, you need an appropriately industrial sound to match. The folks behind the justly-named Strictly Techno night are well aware of this, and have enlisted a bill of boshers for their second party in The Unit, a Neath Road warehouse. At the top is Stranger, a DJ from Rotterdam in the Netherlands making his Welsh debut. Both his productions (which have emerged at a healthy rate since 2014) and his sets (which have graced esteemed Euro clubs like Berghain) take few prisoners, but have a measure of techno’s crucial soul, rather than just being relentlessly banging. Luke Winds, Matthew Griffin and Blake Parker are among the local talent.
clubs tunes yadda yadda, selected by Chris PJ Martin.
The Duke
Old Market Street, Neath. 01639 643892. Sat 30 Hedone Opening Party 8pm-2am, £5. Underground house and techno from Dean Morgan, Nathan Lazda, JohnE, Evs and Joe Thomas. I think this has been rescheduled from earlier in July.
Eddie’s
4 Quay Street, Haverfordwest. 01437 779595 / www.eddies.co Wednesdays WTF 9pm2.30am. Drinks deals and the DJing presence of Chris Lee and Wayno. Fridays Stock Exchange 9pm-3am. Toby Ellis and TTD are the DJs as the drinks rise and fall in price according to some pseudo-stock exchange thing, inviting you to be the ‘Wolf Of Quay Street’. Topical reference. Saturdays The Main Event 9pm-3am. Three floors, three DJs, one venue. Amazing but true.
El Rio
19-21 Quay Street, Haverfordwest. 01437 765411. Fri 15 Powerjam 10pm, £5 before 11. Raucous-sounding hard dance bash out west with Andy Whitby, D-Grove, Narcotic Smugglers, Dark Stylerz (Dark Styler b2b Intense), Smart-E, Milsom, Kinky Beats b2b Smith-E and hosted MC Outbreak. Fri 22 Asylum Old Skool Summer Ball Special 10pm-3am, £5. Rave, house, trance and techno from Danny slade, David Jay, Mark M, Obelix, Collycol and Doghouse Al.
Freerotation Electronic Audio/Visual Festival
Baskerville Hall, Hay-OnWye. Members only event. www.freerotation.com Fri 8-Sun 10 Freerotation £125 adv (sold out). Back again for ‘16, amazing lineup of house, techno etc as usual, tickets handed out according to a strict member system with a 50/50 male/ female split again. Lineup: A Made Up Sound, About Face, Alex Downey, Altern-8, Andrew James Gustav & Gwenan, Batu, Beatroots, Ben UFO, Benjamin Brunn, Bill Kouligas (Pan), Blawan, BMO, Bovill & Murmur, Burnt Friedman, Cabannne, Cary Grace, Christina Wheeler, Cubic Space Collective, Dan Bean, DJ Bone, DJ Spider, Dr Nojoke, Duckett, DVS1, Earthdoctor, Fade 2, Frits Wentink - Grimes Adhesif, Hodge, Ilmajaam, Jakooky, Jane Fitz, Jenifa Mayanja, J-Lab, Jo Johnson, Joe Ellis, Joey Anderson, JuJu & Jordash, Jus Ed, Karenn, Kowton, Laurel Halo, Leif, Magic Mountain High, Mark Hand, McTurk, Midland, Miles Atmospheric, Monoak, MonoPoly & Osc1899, Move D, Mudkid, Munk, Neel, Objekt, October, Pangaea, Patricia, Pearson Sound, Pender Street Steppers, Peverelist, Reflektor, Reg Williams, Russ Gabriel, Sam Watson, Shackleton, Shanti Celeste, Simon Lynch, Steevio & Suzybee,
Steffen Bennemann, Suade Bergemann, Surgeon & Lady Starlight, Sven Weisemann, The Transcendence Orchestra feat. Anthony Child and Daniel Bean, Tom Demac, Tom Ellis, Tripcode, White Peak, Wolf Tech and XDB.
Fuel
5 Womanby Street, Cardiff. 07970 063107 / www. facebook.com/fuelcardiff 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 Thurs 28 Fusion 10pm-3am, £4. House and grime night, more details TBC. Fridays Gigantic Free. Funk, punk, rock’n’roll, hip-hop, indie, reggae, soul until 3am. Fri 8 Killing Moon 11pm, £4. Night celebrating 80s alternative music. Fri 22 Ultimate Power 11pm-4am, £4. Regular night of power ballads and silliness. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Free. DJ Puddlefunk with bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between. Sat 2 Mumbo Jumbo 11pm-4am. Funk, soul, hip-hop and house night with DJs Tbone, Shaun Llewelyn, Shanti Squire and Mr Styles. Sat 16 Synapse 9pm-3am. Psytrance clubnight.
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). Fridays Smack. 9pm-3am. This night has moved from, er, some other Cardiff club, I can’t be arsed looking up which one. Saturdays Vanity 9pm-3am, £5-£10. Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed.
Gwdihw
6 Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk Fri 1 Signor Funk 9pm2.30am, £3. Motown, northern soul and funk. Fri 15 Cafe A Go Go 9pm, £5 adv. James Parker, Mark Taylor and Eddie Crole play a vinyl mixture of mod, jazz, R&B, soul, Hammond groove and boogaloo, plus there’s a live set from The Firewalkers. Fri 22 Einbahn & City Bass 9pm-2.30am, £5/£4 adv. Glowing Palms, a nu-disco type producer with ties to Ruf Dug from Manchester, is the guest tonight. Fri 29 Pleasuredome 9pm-2.30am, £5/£3 before 11. Conroy, Deemo and Teoman play the electronic music of the 80s. Sat 2 Blue Honey 9pm, £3. Modern disco, electro, house and boogie. *Sat 9 Sure Shot 9pm, £4. A disco special as Dave Little, Andy Rich, Van Pelt and Miles Day select their
favourite Paradise Garage and Larry Levan cuts. Sat 16 Mise En Bouche 9pm. DJing from Gidge and Toclifrench. Sat 30 Hully Gully 9pm, £4. Details TBC. *Sun 31 Delete 1-10pm, £22 adv. Featuring the Welsh debut of Detroit techno ledge Robert Hood and his Floorplan alias, the new album of which I am listening to right now. It rips and so will this alldayer. Matt Owen, Lee Graves, Marc Parsons, Owain Kimber and Midge will help it along too. See Clubs.
Jacob’s Market
West Canal Wharf, Cardiff. 029 2039 0939. Sat 2 Babylon Cardiff Rooftop Party 2-10pm, £15 adv. DJs, cocktails, face painting and an afterparty somewhere. This event happened here last summer as well.
Ladybird
41 St Mary St, Cardiff. 029 2066 5500 / info@ ladybirdcardiff.com / www. ladybirdcardiff.com Wednesdays Cheeky 10pm-4am, £2. Tickets are £2, drinks (some of them) are £2 and there are two rooms of music. Thursdays Propaganda 10pm-4am, £4. UK-wide indie night’s Cardiff wing. You can tell it’s the Cardiff one becuse they list Stereophonics first on the list of bands likely to be played. Fridays Mi Casa 10pm-4am. House and techno every week, often with some pretty big names. They never announce them in time for these listings though. Saturdays Solution 10pm4am. A night whose flyer has a 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.
The Mackintosh Sports And Social Club
Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. 029 2049 4697 / www.mackintoshsportsclub. org Sat 9 The Saturday Social 7.30pm-12am. Acid house, new wave, funk, electro and techno from Jake Mercanoglu plus guest DJ Pascal Klein.
Mary’s
89 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am. 029 2066 8647 / www.maryscardiff. co.uk Fri 1 The Ab Fab Party Sweetie Darling 4pm-3am, £3/free before 10. Celebrating the premiere of the Absolutely Fabulous movie, which “limps to the big screen” in the words of our review this month. Sundays Mary’s Mad Sundays 12pm-1am, free. Cabaret and cocktails with Mary Mac.
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 Freespirit 9.30pm-3.30am, £3 with flyer before 10.30pm. Drinks promos, no dress code. Rock, punk, metal and alternative beats. Saturdays
Cherry Bomb 9.30pm3.30am. Indie, electroclash (!) and good time rock’n’roll.
Meze Lounge
6 Market Street, Newport. 01633 259144 / www. facebook.com/ theloungenewport Fridays The Friday Night Project Signature cocktails and a selection of retrocentric grooves from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Saturdays Live:Lounge Air guitar anthems and indie classics, along with live bands whose names you can hopefully find in the Live Music listings.
co.uk Sat 30 Penarth Soul Club 7.30pm-12.30am, £3 adv. A night of classic soul, northern soul etc, at this venue every other month (September and November are still to come).
Popworld
96 St Mary Street, Cardiff. Mon, Tue + Thurs 9pm3am; Wed 8pm-3am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 1pm-3am. 029 2023 5825. Mondays Candy Pop Karaoke 9pm, free. Does what it says in the tin I guess. Wednesdays Giggle Free
The Rainbow Rooms
12 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea. 07563 111225 / www.the-rainbowrooms.com Fri 1 Dirtbox 8pm-4am, £5. Hard dance pandemonium and all thanks to... Karlston Khaos, Re-Noise, Rob Davies, D Grove, Cut-Up, Leg3ndz, Emack, The Wikidz (ADHD & Hex), Butty, Percy and hosts K-Ner & Venom. Fri 15 Back 2 The 70s 80s 8pm-1.30am, £5. DJ Scotty is the tune selector for this self-explanatory, if slightly painfully named, nostalgic club night.
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 Dover.
Missoula
84-86 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 1315 / www.missoulabars.co.uk/ missoulacardiff Fridays Unfunkinbelievable Half price drinks from 5-10pm. What I find ‘unfunkinbelievable’ is that there’s a club night called ‘Unfunkinbelievable’ in the year 2016. Saturdays ‘Miss’ Behaviour Music, cocktails, party. All these things are found here.
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.
Monkey Bar
13 Castle Street, Swansea. 01792 480822 / www. monkeycafe.co.uk Wednesdays Drop 10pm4am. Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, house, garage, jungle and grime. Fridays Dime 10pm6am, £5/£3 before 12 or with a Kon Tiki stamp. Hip-hop, grime, house and drum’n’bass. Saturdays Get Busy £3 with a Kon Tiki stamp. Funk, soul, hip-hop, Motown, boogie and party.
Mozarts
Walter Road, Swansea. 01792 649984 / www. mozartsswansea.co.uk Fri 1 Hip-Drop 8pm-3am. Mod, Stax, reggae and northern soul. Fri 8 Yum Yum Club 8pm-3am. Funk, soul, reggae, disco and hip-hop. Sat 2 Rewind 8pm-2.30am, free before 12. Nineties revival night.
Penarth Ex-Servicemens Club
69 Windsor Rd, Penarth. 029 2070 7530 / www. penarthexservicemensclub.
Prok & Fitch are a British duo, and one of the most popular pushers of that big-room techhouse kinda sound, through releases on labels like Toolroom. They rock up at Club Oxygen in Swansea on Sat 9 for a headline DJ set, with lots of locals playing (mostly) b2b sets also. before 12. Student night. Thursdays Poptails. 9pm-3am. Non-stop pop with DJ Lyndon and 2-4-1 cocktails deals. Fridays + Saturdays Until 3am. Drinks deals from 5-11pm (Fri) and 3-8pm (Sat).
Popworld
Wind Street, Swansea. MonFri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676. 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 8pm-3am, £2-£4 (Fri)/£3-£5 (Sat).
Pryzm
Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. 029 2023 3854 / www. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Fridays + 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 10pm-4am. Join DJ Craig W on a journey through time with the best hits from the last two decades. Fridays Pulsetastic 10pm-5am, £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 Fridays + Saturdays 9pm3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.
The Robin Hood
16 Severn Grove, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 029 2037 8829 / www.robinhoodbar.co.uk Sat 2 + Sat 6 Aug Mod For It Free. Every first Saturday of the month, DJ 45 presents an evening of 60s/70s beat, rhythm & blues, soul, ska, 80s/90s Britpop and 2-tone.
Room 112
3-6 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 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. events@thesceneclub.co.uk / www.thesceneclub.co.uk Fri 1 Shikari Sound System 8pm, £9 adv. The guys from Enter Shikari doing a DJ set. Fri 22 Funktion Tek x Subversion 7.30pm, £7.50 adv. MC Devvo will be appearing earlier on in the evening, as part of what he solemnly promises will be his last ever tour. Later on, underground techno boshers Subversion will host room 2 – specifically, Rage N Tekhead, Bolchi, Suss Twins and George. Sat 2 + Sat 6 Aug Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month. Sat 30 Delusion 10pm-4am, £10 adv. Seventh birthday night BUZZ 51
events of trance fun with headliners Jordan Suckley and Will Rees, plus Big Al, Rhys Thomas and Callan Christie.
Sin City
Dilwyn Street, Swansea. 01792 468892 / www. sincityclub.co.uk Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am, £3/£2 before 12. Motown, r’n’b and hip-hop. Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm-3.30am, £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.
Soda
St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodacardiff.com Thursdays Thursday Club 10pm, £4. Live music, live DJ and live games. 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.tigertigercardiff.co.uk Every Day Lucky Voice Karaoke From £2.50 per session. The UK's leading private karaoke experience each day of the week. Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 10pm-3am, £5/£3.50. Exclusive midweek student party, now transferred from Revolution. You don’t need NUS to get in though. Fridays Tic Toc 10pm-3am, £4. Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc.
Tramshed
Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff. 0117 9259273 / www.tramshedcardiff.com Sat 16 RAM Cardiff BBQ 2-11pm, £18 adv. Drum’n’bass stable hits Grangetown for an alldayer. Eat burgers while givin’ it some to Wilkinson (DJ set feat. MC Ad-Apt, Roni Size, Delta Heavy, Spectrasoul and DJ Zinc. MCs: Ad-Apt, Dynamite, 2Shy and SP:MC. Fri 29 Memorex 7pm-12am, £20/£15 adv. Sasha, epic house pioneer nicknamed ‘God’ during an especially giddy point in the 90s, headlines tonight with a three-hour set. Dave Mills, Matt Joy and Neil Young also feature, with Cool House DJs hosting room 2. An afterparty is hosted by Time Flies at Clwb Ifor Bach.
Undertone (basement of 10 Feet Tall)
11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Fri 1 Groove Theory x Rotary Club 10pm-4am, £3. Cheap night featuring residents from both these promoters. Fri 8 La Fiesta 10pm, £4/£3. Guilty pleasures, commercial hits and BUZZ 52
traditional Spanish music. Fri 15 Selecta 11pm, £7/£5. Leeson, Onslaught and Woo Ha serve up classic garage and grime. Fri 22 Paranoize 10pm. “Dance music” say the venue listings. Sounds good! Fri 28 Temple 10pm. Monthly drum’n’bass night, lineup TBC as always. Sat 2 Graft x Leftback Records Party 10pm-4am, £5. Deep, house, dub techno and garage al promised from Leftback Records’ Dudley Strangeways and Michael Mclardy, alongside Richie Curran and The Organ Grinder. I really like the flyer for this night. Sat 9 Gangster’s Paradise 11pm, £5/£3 before 11.30. Pre-2010 hip-hop and r’n’b night. Sat 16 Rotary Club 10pm-4am, £5/£3 before 12. Disco, house and boogie with a headline set by Kofi Tarris aka Dave Little. See Clubs. Sat 23 City Bass 10pm-4am. First night in ages, don’t know who’s playing at the time of typing, hope it’s someone fresh and ace and that. Sat 30 Cardiff’s Finest 10pm-4am. House, techno and tech-house.
Unit
Neath Road, Swansea. www. facebook.com/ strictlytechnoevents Sat 23 Strictly Techno Warehouse Party 8pm-3am, £14/£12. All you need to know is in the event name, right? Well, that and the fact that Rotterdam technohead Stranger is the special guest, while Luke Winds b2b Matthew Griffin, Blake Parker, Sam Balla b2b Sean Morris, Jason Wilkinson and Nicky Hewitt b2b Lewis Elsey comprise the rest of the lineup.
The Vaults
The Old Natwest Bank, 113116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents.com Sat 2 Vaults Presents 10pm-5am, £13 adv. Drum’n’bass from Fred V & Grafix, Kooley, Ransom, Screwy, Sundance and Coop in room 1. Circle 8 and Sticky Lemons DJs hold down room 2.
Warehouse 54
Cambrian Rd, Newport. 01633 259144 / www.wh54. com Friday Aloha! Live sessions and drinks deals early on; club classics from residents later. Saturdays Old Skool Saturdays R’n’b, hip-hop and urban classics from Mr Ifsta and others. Sat 16 Summer Reggae Jam Featuring spots for Troy Ellis And His Hail Jamaica band live in session alongside Aleighcia Scott, Carl Bassett, Mista Ifsta, VJ Jordan and special guests.
Wow Bar
4 Churchill Way, Cardiff. Gay venue. Free all day Sun-Thurs; 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. Runs until Mon 22 July. Bharatanatyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting The Plum Tree, Canton, 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. Cardio Climb Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. High intensity workout combing cardio and climbing. 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. Runs until Mon 22 July. Children’s Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 4-7.30pm, £6.50/£5.50/£3 taster. Info 029 2048 3344. Ages 4-6 4pm; 6-8 4.45; grade 1 5.45; grade 3 6.45. Runs until Mon 22 July. 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 Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com. Every Monday. India Dance Wales Classes Highmead House, Lisvane, Cardiff. Info 029 2075 1158. For Grade 3 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. Making Music The Gate, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £7-£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. Runs until Mon 22 July. 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. Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 7.30-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285. One of the largest badminton clubs in South East Wales. Monday club nights have coaching with Carissa Turner, the current Ladies Welsh number one, for juniors and then senior club members. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today features Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 4.30-6pm); Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 5-6pm); Flying Trapeze L3 (6-8pm); Aerial Hoop L3 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L3 (6-8pm); Aerial Yoga (6.15-7.45pm); Aerial Hoop L2 (8-10pm); Flying Trapeze L1 (8-10pm); Static Trapeze L4 (8-10pm) and Flexibility (8-9.30pm). Taking place in a new venue for 2016. 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 Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745 / info@burlesquecardiff.co.uk. Mixed ability class with Steph; please bring your own mat. Running until Mon 18 July Pilates The Gate, Cardiff. 10.30am-1.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Gentle fitness for the first hour, general for the second two. Runs until Mon 22 July. 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. Runs until Mon 22 July. Ruff Folk Dance Club St Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Birchgrove, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2051 3440. With Ian Lewis. Salsa Classes Mischiefs, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-9.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/ intermediate. St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm. Info 01446 799100. Choir rehearsals. Tai Chi: Health Qigong
Glyndwr Community Hall, Penarth. 10.30-11.30am. Info 029 2020 6042. 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. 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.
EVERY TUESDAY
A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-11pm. Info 01495 243252. Acrobalance The Gate, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £7/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Combining elements of partner lifts, poses and transitions that involve two and sometimes more people. Runs until Tue 23 July. Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday. Advanced Belly Dance Cardiff Central Youth Club, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 5.306.45pm, £6/£30 for six ses-
POUTFEST Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 1-Tue 19 July Admission: £4.50-£7.90. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org Styled POUTfest, this trio of screenings arrive in Cardiff courtesy of film distribution specialists Peccadillo, who are spending summer promoting contemporary LGBT cinema. Chapter begins with Departure (Fri 1-Thurs 8 July), Andrew Steggart’s 2016 drama that juggles a mother-and-son French holiday, a painful divorce and blossoming boy-on-boy romance. Time And Tied (Tue 12), a collection of gay British short films, follows, with 2015 Iris Prize winner Closets on the menu along with unflinching chemsex portrait G O’Clock and saucy 1970s tailoring throwback Trouser Bar. Finally, Xenia (Tue 19): a Greek picture from 2014 that sees two teenage brothers combing the country for their long-lost father, after their Albanian mother passes away.
events sions. Info 07872 306745. With Steph. Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. Every Tuesday and Friday. American Line Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 2.454.45pm, £3. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Tue 23 July. Beth’s Buns Pilates Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Bring It Pong 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. New weekly session of table tennis, with two tables in the main bar (little known fact: table tennis is one of the best games to play while drinking). Circus Skills The Riverfront, Newport. 7-8.30pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. For ages 14 and up. Contemporary Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £5-£6.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Beginners 6-7pm; intermediate 7-8. Runs until Tue 23 July. Extend The Gate, Cardiff. 11am, £2.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Exercise to music, aimed at over-60s and people with a disability. Runs until Tue 23 July. 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 – Bharatanatyam Classes Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5-6pm. Info 07410 977427. Beginners’ class. India Dance Wales Classes Rubicon Dance, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2075 1158. From beginners to grade 2 and for all ages and abilities. Irish Dancing The Gate, Cardiff. 5.15-8.15pm, £6.50/£5.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Kids 5.15-6.15; adult beginners 6.15-7.15; adult advanced 7.15-8.15. Runs until Tue 23 July. Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717. All instruments and ages welcome. Karate Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15-8.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. With Emma Robins. Kizomba Tango Classes 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Learn African samba here. Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www.sparklylaughter.co.uk. “No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers. Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style JK Club, Neath Rd, Briton Ferry. 8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted by Frank, who also runs a similar class in Pencoed each
Thursday. Lessons are from 8-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. Life Drawing 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 5.30-7pm, £5. Info 029 2022 8883. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. There’s also an irregular meetup session afterwards where you can all go to the cinema (Capitol Centre) for £3. Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea. 6-10pm. Info 01792 475147. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Ground Skills – Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Youth Circus Padawans (age 9-11, 4.306pm); Hula Hoop (6-7pm); Performance (7-9pm); Circus Mishmash (6-8pm); Beginners Aerial L1 (8-10pm) and Static Trapeze L2 (8-10pm). Off Centre Silver Dragon, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Adult drama group meeting weekly to develop performance skills. 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. Pilates: Beginners The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs until Tue 23 July. Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@ omstudio.co.uk. Salsa Classes Kapu, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners’ class starts 7.30pm; improvers 8.30; bachata 9.30. Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £5. Info 07949 270618. Every Tuesday. Beginners 7.15-8pm; Improvers 8.30-9.30pm; dancing 9.45-10.30pm. 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 Continuation St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm. Info 029 2020 6042. 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, £9. 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. 7-8pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday and Wednesday. Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth.
8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@ yoga-works.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
Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252. Beginners Belly Dancing Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.157.20pm, £6/£30 for six sessions. Info 07872 306745 / info@burlesquecardiff.co.uk. With Steph. Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm, £30 (five weeks). Info 01633 656757. Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea. 7.45pm-12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. City Of Cardiff Rotoract Meeting Refectory Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 07768 108394. An 18-30s community group that integrates young professionals, students and refugees through community projects and social events. Contemporary Dance Youth Session The Gate, Cardiff. 5pm, £3-£6. Info 029 2048 3344. Runs from Wed 8 June until Wed 24 July. Creepy Carmarthen The Guildhall, Carmarthen (starting point). 7pm, £7.50/£5. Info 01267 231557. Take a trip through Carmarthen’s ‘horrible history’ and meet murderers and their victims; visit the sites of grisly executions; discover dark secrets from bygone days - and find out where ghosts walk. Every week until Sept 28. Drop-in Exploring Drawing Workshop Workers Gallery, Ynyshir, Rhondda. 7-9pm, £10. Info 01443 682034. With tutor Chris Williams. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Wake Up Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7.15-8am, £7/£6. Info 07774 601544 / sarasclasses4@gmail.com. Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.156pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.15-5pm; 14-18: 5-6pm. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Acrobatics Jedi (11+, 4.15-6pm); Adult Acrobatics (6-8pm); Creative Aerial L3+ (8-10pm). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. Pilates The Gate, Cardiff. 7-8pm, £5.50-£7.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Advanced fitness session. Runs until Wed 24 July. 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). 9am5.30pm, £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,
10.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com. Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252. 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. Hard Côr Japan Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, free. Info 029
On Sun 3, Swansea's National Waterfront Museum hosts a rally for owners of Gilbern cars, or those merely keen to look. Gilberns were built from 1959-74 in Pontypridd, and are noteworthy partly for their rarity and partly for being the only Wales-based car manufacturers. Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am, 1-2.15pm + 7-9pm, £9/£8. 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. 7-8pm, £5. 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.
EVERY THURSDAY
Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880. Alexander Technique & Yoga M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16/£80 for six sessions. Info 029 2047 3373. Art Club Penarth Pier Pavilion. 4.15-5.15pm, £5. Info 0844 8700887. Creative fun for 5-11-year-olds with tutor Becky. 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. Ceroc Dance Class Lysaght Institute, Newport. 7.30-
2063 6464. Join the Centre’s urban choir who blend choral singing with hip-hop. Every Thursday and Saturday; contact takepart@wmc.org.uk for further details. Hatch The Riverfront, Newport. 4.30pm, £8 per session/£60 per term. Info 01633 656757. New youth theatre programme organised by the Tin Shed Theatre Co. Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style Pencoed Rugby Club. 8-10.30pm, £5. Info 07400 080101. Hosted by Frank. Lessons are from 8-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. Newport Badminton Club Newport Active Living Centre. 7.30-9.30pm. Info 07789 965285. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Flying Trapeze L1/2 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L2 (6-8pm); Ropes & Silks L2 (6-8pm); Static Trapeze L3 (8-10pm); Ropes & Silks L3 + 4 (8-10pm). 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 / sarasclasses4@ gmail.com. Every Thursday. Quiz Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, £1. Info 029 2037 8866. With money, beers and pizza to be won. Salsa Buena Class Little Shop Of Calm, Cowbridge. 8.30-10.30pm, free. Info 07800 565651. Beginners 8.30pm; improvers 9.30. Salsa Classes La Tasca, Cardiff. 7-11pm, £5. Info 07949 270618. Beginners 7.158pm; improvers 8.30-9.30pm; Rueda 9.45-10.30pm. 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). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, Parc-Le-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more. Tai Chi / Qigong Shibashi Albert Road Church & Community Centre, Penarth. 6.30-9.15pm. Info 029 2020 6042. 6.30-7.30: Tai Chi/ Qigong; 7.45-9.15: Tai Chi Short Form. Tai Chi / Qigong St Albans Church Hall, Splott, Cardiff. 10.30-11.30am. Info 029 2020 6042. The Alexander Technique M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16. Info info@yogaskies.co.uk. Small group class hosted by Mike Young. Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7.15 + 7.15-8.30pm, £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 + 7.308.45pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. 11am: Mums & Baby yoga; 7.30pm: Pregnancy yoga.
EVERY FRIDAY
Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown. 8-10pm. Info 07790 167560. Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. This is now on every Friday and features street food, a wheel of fortune and “rubbish prizes”. Boys’ Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.45-5.30pm, £2.75 per session. Info 01633 656757. Taught by Rubicon, for ages 6-12. Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm. Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai. co.uk. Cardiff Table Tennis Community Club Upper Hall, Sport Wales, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. 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. Little’ns Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 9.4510.25am + 10.30-11.15am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm. Info 01633 400685. NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Aerial Jedi (11+, 4.156pm); Aerial Conditioning (6-7.30pm); Flying Trapeze Taster (6-8pm). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. BUZZ 53
events
It’s July, the sun is (hopefully) shining and across Britain the festival season is in full swing – and, for the discerning roots music fan, there’s a pretty good and varied selection of them here in Wales. The fun kicks off at the start of the month (Fri 1-Sun 3) with the Beyond The Border International Storytelling Festival at St Donat’s Castle in Llantwit Major with appearances from, among others, Indo-Cymru combo Ghazalaw and Robin & Bina Williamson. There are more aural treats in store during the rest of the month, peaking on the weekend of Fri 22-Sun 24 when Pamela Wyn Shannon, guests from Rumney Folk Club and numerous others appear at Folk On The Lawn at Abbey Mill, Tintern while Gower Bluegrass host the Gwaun Valley Pickin’ Weekend at Kilkiffeth Farm, Pontfaen, Fishguard. The month ends (Fri 29-Sat 6 Aug) with The National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny which this year features a week long yurt full of Welsh Folk Arts. There’s still plenty of great music to enjoy if the great outdoors isn’t your cup of tea and foremost among them has to be the visit to Cardiff by Irish singer Cara Dillon, the possessor of one of the most beautiful voices on the planet. From Dungiven, Cara Dillon was raised in a close musical family immersed in the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry. Having won the All Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy aged only 14, she went on to sing with Oige, De Dannan and then Equation, where she met her husband and musical collaborator Sam Lakeman. The beguiling combination of Cara's unrivalled vocal talent and Sam's musical and arranging skills that have seen them signed to various major record labels since they were 19, most recently Rough Trade Records whose releases have earned astonishing critical success and showering her with countless awards and accolades. Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or their original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer as you will discover when she and Sam perform as part of the Roots Unearthed series at St. David’s Hall on Tue 5 July. Buzz also recommends Stick In The Wheel. Rising stars of the folk world. Maindee Library, Newport. (Sat 9) Keith Christmas. Veteran blues and folk singer. Llantrisant Folk Club, Pontyclun. (Wed 13) Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar. Top notch musicianship from acclaimed duo. Lyceum Folk Club, Lyceum Tavern, Newport. (Thurs 21) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@ buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 6767
BUZZ 54
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. 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. 7.30-8.45pm, £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
African Drumming Sessions Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10.30-11.30am, £5. Info 0844 8700887. Ballroom Dancing Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am kids / 11am adults, £4 per class. Info 01685 384111. 10am: kids; 11am: adults; 12pm: private tuition. Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Clwb Drama The Riverfront, Newport. 11.30am-12.30, £5. Info 01633 656757. Welsh language drama group for ages 7+. Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Saturday and Sunday. Family Saturdays Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops for kids and parents. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 9.30am. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Hard Côr Sony Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Mini Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 10-11am, £5. Info 01633 656757. Run by Defying Gravity, professional tutors will teach ballet and drama to kids aged 3-6. NoFit State Circus: Youth Circus Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. 10.30am-12pm, £7/£6 per session. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today: Youth Circus Wookies (age 7-9, 10-11.30am); Youth Circus Ewoks (age 5-7, 10.30-11.30am); Youth Circus Padawans (age 9-11, 11.30am1pm). Performance Academy Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-1pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Offering professional theatre and performance coaching in dance, acting, musical theatre and singing. 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). 9am5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Sewing Workshops Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 10am-1pm. Info 01633 673739. Hosted by Ellery Design – see www. ellerydesign.com for details of how to book and/or contact them. 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, £8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi.
EVERY SUNDAY
Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351. 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. Cabaret And Showgirl Dancing For All Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 11am12.30pm. Info 07872 306745. With Steph. Beginners and mixed ability class. More info at www.cardiffcabaretclub. com. Children’s Climbing Classes Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Hosted by Ben Cooper. Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 1.30-3.30pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model. Family Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine's Park, Cardiff. 12, 2 + 4pm, £15. 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 Cardiff Central Sports And Community Centre, Ocean Way, Cardiff. Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today: Youth All Skills Jedi (11+, 12-2pm) and Youth Performance Jedi (11+, 2-4pm). Official Guided Tours – Every Day Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. £5/£4. Info 029 2063 6464. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am5.30pm, £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
Amy Wadge – Songwriters’ Workshop Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30pm, £15. Info 0845 2263510. Welsh folkpop type Wadge, now best known for co-writing hits for Ed Sheeran, takes up to 25 people through her nefarious methods. Art Lunchtime Talk – Rodin Revisited National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Anne Pritchard. Beyond The Border St Donats Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £120 weekend/£60 kids (£40 day/£20 kids; £15 evening only/£5 kids). Info 01446 799100. Biannual festival of storytelling and performance returns. Taking place in St Donats Arts Centre and various tents around the grounds, today features an opening ceremony plus performances from Marion Leeper, Mikael Oberg, Ben Haggarty, Robin & Bina WilliamsonMats Rehnman & Emma Reid, Sally Pomme Clayton, Fiona Collins & Peter Stevenson, The Flying Seaull Project, Circus Raj, Dafydd Davies Hughes, Jo Blake Cave & The Glowglobes, Peter Chand, Clare Murphy, Cath Little and Guto Dafis & Francis Maxey. Check out www.beyondtheborder.com for a full timetable. (Until Sun 3) Big Day Out Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 5pm, £40 weekend/£10 age 6-15/free under-6s. Info 01600 714595. Featuring food stalls and demos (from Matt Tebbutt among others); comedy on this evening from Miles Jupp, Justin Edwards, Lucy Porter and Ivo Graham; music from Gareth Malone, Grace Hartrey, Railroad Bill and Life Of Reilly; lidy hop dancers; welly wanging, kids’ activities, craft, massage, yoga and some other stuff. (Until Sun 3) 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. Crafty Devil’s Big 2nd Birthday Party Crafty Devil Cellar Shop, Llandaff Road, Cardiff. 6-11.30pm, £5 adv. Info info@craftydevilbrewing. co.uk. Canton-based craft brewers toast 24 months in the game at their bottle shop, with street food and live music mooted as well as the launch of a new beer. 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. Pembrokeshire Fish Week Various venues, Pembrokeshire. 9.30am, prices vary per event. Info 01437 776169. Featuring all manner of taster events, demos, workshops, coastal explorations and special meals all based around the locale’s wealth of seafood. Started on Sat 25 June; go to www. pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk for a full schedule. (Until Sun 3)
Poetry In The Pews St Cadoc’s Church, Caerleon. 6.45pm, £15. Info 07934 938250. Caerleon Arts Festival event featuring Owen Sheers, The Allegra Ladies Choir and Mike Jenkins. Rhymney Valley Literature And Art Festival 2016 Taraggan Educational Gardens, Bargoed. Info 07512 235758. Three-day festival organised by Julie Pritchard. Across the weekend it’ll feature storytelling, poetry and music from Pritchard herself, Mike Jenkins, Deborah Price, Mike Church, Gemma June Howells, Bel Blue, Jeff Hankin, Dojo, Barry Taylor, Rae Davies, Norman Hopkins, Sally Roberts Jones, Bob Walton, Robert Minhinnick and Cliff James. (Until Sun 3) Weightlifting: Gernau Cymru Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 029 2063 5688. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-2pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales.org. uk. Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10. On tomorrow also, and every Friday this month.
SATURDAY 2
Alfie-Fest The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 5-11pm. Info 029 2022 0349. Named in reference to Alfie’s Beer Bus, who host this evening of beer, street food, art, music and clothing. Alien Disco Masks And Hats YMCA, Swansea. 10am1pm, free. Info 07947 363441. Learn how to make shiny alien masks and headpieces using mirrors and glitter fit for an intergalactic party. Finally a Saturday daytime activity I can get behind!. With Megan Broadmeadow. Beyond The Border St Donats Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-11.30pm, £120 weekend/£60 kids (£40 day/£20 kids; £15 evening only/£5 kids). Info 01446 799100. Today features various yoga and craft sessions plus performances from Guto Dafis & Danny Kilbride, Tony Evans & Carl Gough, TUUP, Tyhai, Dau Dafod, Parveen Sabrina Khan, Emily Hennessy & Sheema Mukherjee, Milael Oberg, Daniel Morden & Hugh Lupton, Martin Maudsley & Ruth Wakefield, Robin Williamson, Sally Pomme Clayton, Andy Morgan and Ghazalaw, Joe Blake Cave & The Glowglobes, Paola Balbi & Davide Bardi, Peter Chand & Kamini Ramachandran, TUUP with Sheema Mukherjee, Dovie Thomasen, Rhian E Jones & Erica Wagner, Kamini Ramachandran, Tim Ralph, Megan Lloyd, Guto Dafis, Mats Rehnman & Emma Reid, Paola Balbi/Davide Bardi/Michael Harvey, Megan Lloyd & Francis Maxey, Clare Murphy, Cath Little, Jesper La Cour Andersen, Marion Leeper, Eric Maddern & Fiona Collins, Phil Okwedy & Mikey Price, Carl Gough & David Pitt, Fiona Collins & Peter Stevenson, Lynne Denman and the Smallest Theatre In The World. (Until Sun 3) Big Day Out Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. £40 weekend/£10 age 6-15/
events free under-6s. Info 01600 714595. (Until Sun 3) Colourful Chemistry Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. How do colour changes occur in chemical reactions, and how can chemistry provide us with colour, energy and light? (At weekends until Sun 10) Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island. 10am3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111. Every first Saturday of the month. Cricket: One Day International – England v Sri Lanka SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 10.30am. Info 029 2040 9380. Dewch Y Ganu National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. Sessions for Welsh learners. Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic.crafters@gmail. com. Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month. Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Millennium Centre, Barry. 10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149. Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. A walk through woodlands, ruins and graveyards, at a cheaper price than normal. Also on Tue 5, Thurs 7, Sat 9, Thurs 14, Wed 20 and Sat 23. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out about Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, aka the ‘gas giants’. (At weekends until Sun 10) Global Village Festival Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am-5pm, free. Info 01685 384111. Merthyr’s cultural diversity and heritage is celebrated via food, music, dance, art and performance. Gwent Drama League Awards Night 2016 Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01633 263670. Black tie evening. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Tue 5, Sat 16, Mon 25 and Sat 30. Herbivore Pop-Up Micro Cafe Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk. Offering a small, fresh. ever-changing menu using the best of local produce with an emphasis on vegan food. Book in advance please. Every Saturday this month apart from Sat 9. Kidsmarkets Family Sale Cowbridge Leisure Centre. 11am-12.30pm, £1/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 38 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items. Lit On The Lawn Priory Hotel Garden, Caerleon. 11am-5pm, £10. Info 07934 938250. Caerleon Arts Festival event featuring Angela V John, Peter Finch, Holly Muller, Richard King and Rachel Trezise. Meadows Family Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Open Haus The Printhaus / The Boneyard, Canton,
Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly open studios here, an opportunity to meet the artists and makers in this creative community. On the first Saturday of every month. Pembrokeshire Fish Week Various venues, Pembrokeshire. 9.30am, prices vary per event. Info 01437 776169. (Until Sun 3) Quilt Club National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Rhiwbina Summer Festival Various locations, Rhiwbina village, Cardiff. 12-7pm, free. Info www.rhiwbina.co.uk. [to the tune of We Didn’t Start The Fire] Donkey rides, crazy golf, climbing wall, children’s rides, stalls, food competitions, exhibitions, street theatre, dog show, book signings, live music, show tent, art, dance, face painting. Rhondda Rose Society Show National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also. Rhymney Valley Literature And Art Festival 2016 Taraggan Educational Gardens / Parc Cwm Darran / St Gwladys Church Hall, Bargoed. Info 07512 235758. (Until Sun 3) Saturday Craft Workshops For Adults Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10.30am1pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Steampunk At The Ironworks Blaenavon Ironworks. 10am-5pm, free. Info 01495 792615. Telling the story of industry through fun and games, music and fashion, art, comedy and good Victorian manners. On tomorrow also. Summer Spice Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Wales National Air Show Swansea Bay. 10am, free. Info 01792 637300. The Red Arrows will be here folks! On tomorrow also. Weightlifting: Gernau Cymru Urdd Sporting Event Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 029 2063 5688. On tomorrow also. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.
SUNDAY 3
Ab Fab Vegan Festival The Depot, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, £1/free kids. Info www.depotcardiff.co.uk. Follow-up to an event which launched in May and proved successful enough to have, well, a follow-up. All Wales Comic Verse Competition Live Performance Final Priory Hotel, Caerleon. 2pm, £5. Info 01633 432242. Caerleon Arts Festival event. Beyond The Border St Donats Castle, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-11.30pm, £120 weekend/£60 kids (£40 day/£20 kids; £15 evening only/£5 kids). Info 01446 799100. Today features various yoga, craft sessions and talks plus performances from Parveen Sabrina Khan, Peter Chand, Ghazalaw, Guto Dafis/Dafydd Davies Hughes/ Jez Danks, Glowglobes, Martin Maudsley & Ruth
Wakefield, Michael Harvey/ Stacey Blythe/Lynne Denman, Ben Haggarty, Hugh Lupton & Helen Chadwick, Emily Hennessey & Sheema Mukherjee, The Turbans, Kamini Ramachandran, Robin Williamson, TUUP, Dovie Thomasen, Clare Murphy & Tim Ralphs, Megan Lloyd, Fiona Collins/Cath Little/ Angharad Wynne, Sally Pomme Clayton, The Devil’s Violin, Horatio Clare, Megan Lloyd & Francis Maxey, David Pitt, Paola Balbi, Richard Berry & Steve Killick, Jesper La Cour Andersen & Troels
Giant Peach Penylan Pantry, Cardiff. 12.30 + 4.30pm. Info 07854 724980. Afternoon tea themed around the stories of Roald Dahl. Mindfulness And Life Drawing N Block, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff Metropolitan University. 10am-3pm, £170 (two days). Info 029 2041 6070. Through combining the increased focus attained by mindful meditation techniques with the development of drawing skills, this course aims to improve students’ ability to draw the human figure. With Ed Jeavons; also
Canton's Printhaus venue hosts another of its semi-regular Snapped Up Markets on Sat 9. Subtitled 'Jungle Fever', as well as the chance to buy locallydesigned clothes'n'crafts you can also have a go at designing, and printing, your own t-shirt. Then eat a burger. Kirk Ejsing, Triptych, Eric Maddern, Michael Dacre/ Hugh Lupton/Peter Stevenson, Phil Okwedy & Mikey Price, BtB Young Storytellers 2016 Comp, Carl Gough & David Pitt, Fiona Collins & Peter Stevenson, The Flying Seagull Project, Frankie Armstrong/ Bob Evans/Maryanne Roberts and a Festival Finale with Barracwda, Heritage Brass Band, Spiral Designs and Goffee. (Finishes today) Big Day Out Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. £40 weekend/£10 age 6-15/ free under-6s. Info 01600 714595. (Finishes today) Cardiff Storytelling Circle Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400. Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival Aberaeron Harbour. 11am. Info seafood@ aberaeron.info. Demonstrations, samples, chefs, live music, annual event. Colourful Chemistry Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 10) Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_ crafts@hotmail.co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. Festival Songs Of Praise St Cadoc’s Church, Caerleon. 4pm, free. Info 07934 938250. Caerleon Arts Festival event. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 10) *Gilbern Rally National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. This is a gathering of Gilbern cars, which were made in Pontypridd during the 1960s – the only such vehicles ever manufactured in Wales – until the company folded in 1974. I’m not that big of a ‘car guy’ but IMO this is pretty interesting and some of them look rad. James Sommerin & The
on Sun 10, then Sat 6 and Sun 7 Aug. Pembrokeshire Fish Week Various venues, Pembrokeshire. 9.30am, prices vary per event. Info 01437 776169. (Finishes today) Piggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Take a pair of friendly Kune Kune pigs (from New Zealand, look a bit like Ewoks) for a walk, then return to the smallholding for refreshments. Rhondda Rose Society Show National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Rhymney Valley Literature And Art Festival 2016 Taraggan Educational Gardens / Parc Cwm Darran / St Gwladys Church Hall, Bargoed. Info 07512 235758. (Finishes today) Rowing: Gemau Cymru Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am5pm. Info 029 2063 5688. Steampunk At The Ironworks Blaenavon Ironworks. 10am-5pm, free. Info 01495 792615. Wales National Air Show Swansea Bay. 10am, free. Info 01792 637300. Weber American Barbecue Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 5-9pm, £129. Info 01443 222716. A Grill Academy course. Weightlifting: Gernau Cymru Urdd Sporting Event Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-5pm. Info 029 2063 5688. Western Power 3K4Kidz Bute Park, Cardiff. 10-11.30am, £5/free under5s. Info info@gthc.org.uk. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event.
MONDAY 4
Gwd Mondays: Musical Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff.
7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Hockey: Presidents Cup Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 029 2033 4981. (Until Thurs 7) 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.
TUESDAY 5
Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. Explore Books National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am. Info 01792 463980. Frankenstein In Bath Drill Hall, Chepstow. 7.30pm, £5/£4. Info 01291 625981. Telling the story of Mary Shelley’s troubled time in Bath circa 1816, where she began work on the novel Frankenstein. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Hockey: Presidents Cup Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 029 2033 4981. (Until Thurs 7) Make Time Spent On Social Media Pay Foxy’s Deli, Penarth. 7-9pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2025 1666. A talk aimed at small business owners, by The Merchants of Penarth. One which I saw by chance while checking Facebook and have added to the listings accordingly. How about that folks!! Tony Stockwell Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £19.50 adv. Info 01834 869323. Psychic medium.
WEDNESDAY 6
Artist In Residence Melanie Bastier Creating In Willow Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4611. Also on Sun 10 and Tue 19. Hockey: Presidents Cup Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 029 2033 4981. (Until Thurs 7) Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every month. Skill Builder: Mediterranean Fish Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716. Summer Care Of Roses National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Tea Dance Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 2.30pm, £5. Info 0845 2263510. What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Open mic night incorporating music, poetry, storytelling, comedy, cabaret etc. Also on Wed 20.
THURSDAY 7
Cricket: T20 – Glamorgan v Sussex SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2040
9380. Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. Hockey: Presidents Cup Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-2pm. Info 029 2033 4981. (Finishes today) Kidz To Adultz Wales House Of Sport, Cardiff. 9.30am-4.30pm, free. Info www.disabledliving.co.uk/ kidz/wales. Event dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities, plus their families and the professionals who work with them in Wales and further afield. Over 100 exhibitors will offer advice, support and information. New Poetry & Fiction Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £2.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Featuring guest writers Caroline Smith, Bethany W. Pope and Alan Bilton. Poems & Pints Brown’s, Laugharne. 7.30pm. Info 01994 427688. With guest host Annie Buttler. Quiz, Pasta & Vino Penylan Pantry, Cardiff. 7.30-10pm, £15. Info 07854 724980. Selfexplanatory night in aid of Cardiff Food Bank. *The End Of Gender YMCA, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 07947 363441. LGBTfriendly creative workshop with Swansea artist Joan Jones. Also on Thurs 14 and Thurs 21.
FRIDAY 8
Beer N’ Ting: A Caribbean BB Urban Tap House, Newport. 12-11pm, free. Info 01633 252538. Featuring some questionably Caribbean food, drink, music and entertainment, plus the launch of a new Tiny Rebel beer. On tomorrow also. Bridgend County Show Felindre Road, Pencoed. Free. Info 07976 430086. Annual agricultural/family/rural fun show. (Until Sun 10) Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival Oval Basin, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2087 2087. Annual weekender. There’s normally some nice stuff to eat and drink here. (Until Sun 10) Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month. Essential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 10pm, £11.50. Info 07538 878609. Also on Tue 12 and Sat 16. Neath Round Table 2016 Carnival And Fun Day Little Theatre, Neath. 7-11pm. Info facebook.com/ neathroundtable. The opening night of this carnival features live bands, fairground rides and food/drink stalls. On tomorrow also. The Wales Swim North Beach, Tenby (starting point). 10am-6pm (expo); 7pm (race start), £60 to enter. Info 01437 765777. Entrants can swim a course of either 1.2 or 2.4 miles, in this annual race organised by Activity Wales Events. This is the first part of a weekend-long triathlon; the cycling part (The Wales Sportive) is tomorrow and the run (The Wales Marathon) is on Sun 10. BUZZ 55
events
BAFTA CYMRU JULY 2016
Toddler Days Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Monthly term-time events for toddlers and their parents, this month’s theme being ‘under the sea’. Toddler Time Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Dressing up, singing, dancing, crafts and story-time for young’uns. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.
SATURDAY 9
July is Awards jury month for the team at BAFTA Cymru, so you won’t see much of us! We will be busy gathering industry professionals to view and judge our entries across production, craft and performance categories. Mark the date of Thurs 1 Sept for the eagerly-anticipated announcement of the nominees and Sun 2 Oct for the ceremony. Our events programme this month will focus on {Blue Monday}, a new Welsh crowdfunded feature from Cardiffbased Suzanne Phillips. The film lifts a lid on the lives and loves of a similar community on one city street over the course of one single night. Looking towards the end of the month, we are coordinating an exciting new venture called Sinemaes, which will offer the 150,000 guests attending the National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny 50 events over eight days. Ranging from workshops for children and preview screenings to panel debates, Q&A sessions and archive screenings, the programme offers something for everyone. If you are interested in finding out more about what is being made by the Welsh film, television and games industry, and want to speak to representatives from a wide range of companies and organisations offering support pop in! Our new membership year kicked off on 1 June and we have added some great new partners to the free cinema, restaurant and retail partnership benefits, including the Tramshed in Grangetown – so take time to check out our membership offers for industry professionals, students and career starters and join our ever-increasing network across Wales! Find out more here: www.bafta.org/ wales
BUZZ 56
Beer N’ Ting: A Caribbean BB Urban Tap House, Newport. 12-11pm, free. Info 01633 252538. Bridgend County Show Felindre Road, Pencoed. Free. Info 07976 430086. (Until Sun 10) Build A Wood-Fired Clay Piza Oven Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am-4.30pm, £105. Info 01600 714595. Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.30-4.30pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month. Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival Oval Basin, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2087 2087. (Until Sun 10) Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free. Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Colourful Chemistry Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 10) Derek Acorah Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01792 475715. Drop-In Knotwork & Beadwork Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £5 per session. Info 029 2048 4611. With Suzen Millodot every month. Essential Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. Expose Compose Create – Mindful Photography Workshop 360 Cafe Bar, Swansea. 1.30-5.30pm, £30. Info 07952 747776. For photographers of all abilities with an interest in mindfulness and a curiosity about how this can be developed through photography. Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 10) Golf: Celebrity Cup Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 9am, £10-£35. Info 01633 413000. Annual event, on tomorrow also. It’s sponsored by a a sugary faux-cider whose name I sadly don’t have space to include here, and the teams are as follows. Wales: Rob Bryson, Ioan Gruffudd, Brydon, Jonathan Davies, Sir Gareth Edwards, Phil Glenister and Gethin Jones.
England: Mike Tindall, Lee Mack, Anton du Beke, Peter Jones, Ben Shephard and Denise Van Outen. Scotland: Rory Lawson, Greig Laidlaw, Michael Jamieson, Max Evans, Thom Evans and Dougray Scott. Ireland: Keith Duffy, Laurence Kinlan, Shane Byrne, Ronnie Whelan, Brian McFadden, Brian Ormond and Brendan O’Carroll. Handmade Arts And Crafts Market Tabernacl Chapel, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am4pm. Info uniquefairs@gmx. co.uk. Heroes & Villains YMCA, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 07947 363441. Learn how to make rod puppets for the parade and discover who were the ‘goodies and baddies of Swansea’, with artist Zanne Andrea. Jamboree And Family Fun Day Victoria Park, Cadoxton, Barry. 12-8pm, free. Info 01446 700111. Kidsmarkets Family Sale YMCA Plas, Roath, Cardiff. 11am-12.30pm, £1/kids free. Info 07760 802088. Featuring 35 stalls of great quality new and pre-loved baby and children’s items. Maindee Festival Maindee Primary School, Newport. 12-7pm, free. Info jane.baldwin@charterhousing.co.uk. Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles. 9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month. Neath Round Table 2016 Carnival And Fun Day Little Theatre, Neath. 4.30pm. Info facebook.com/ neathroundtable. Featuring live music, a fairground, Battlefield Live, zorbing and a petting zoo. Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month. Pennydarren Steam Loco National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Rhythmic Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127. On tomorrow also. Snapped Up Market: Jungle Fever The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2022 0349. A selection of Cardiff’s finest makers and designers participate in open studios with have-a-go printing activities. Spanish Supper Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Speedway: FIM British Grand Prix 2015 Principality Stadium, Cardiff. 5pm, £19£105 adv. Info 0844 8588879. Competition for daring riders of bikes without brakes, taking place here around this time every year. In fact I ccpied this listing from July 2015 and nearly left the venue as ‘Millennium Stadium’, risking the wrath of Brand Protectors in doing so. Spoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm, £3. Info 0845 2263510. The Wales Sportive Salterns Car Park, Tenby (starting point). 7am (race start), £60 to enter. Info 01437 765777. Entrants can ride 42, 70 or
112 miles in this one. Ty Hafan’s Rainbow Run Parc Bryn Bach Visitor Centre, Tredegar (registration point). 11.30am, £12 to register. Info events@tyhafan.org. Charity 5K run in which runners get their white clothes showered in bright colours. Minimum sponsorshop amount to raise is £50.
SUNDAY 10
Angela’s Summer Kitchen Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Artist In Residence Melanie Bastier Creating In Willow Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4611. Bridgend County Show Felindre Road, Pencoed. Free. Info 07976 430086. (Finishes today) Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival Oval Basin, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2087 2087. (Finishes today) Colourful Chemistry Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Craft Fair LC2, Swansea. 10am-4pm, £25 to set up a table. Info cottagecraftfairs@ gmail.com. Cricket: T20 – Glamorgan v Gloucestershire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 2.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. Giants Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Finishes today) Golf: Celebrity Cup Celtic Manor, nr Newport. 9am, £5-£155. Info 01633 413000. Lou Lou’s Cardiff Vintage Fair City Hall, Cardiff. 10am4pm, £2/free under-12s. Info info@thevintagefair.com. Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Mediterranean RAW PopUP Lunch M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 1-4pm, £18 adv. Info 029 2047 3373. Organic raw food night, menu TBC. Meet Mr Trevithick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. AKA the man who invented the world’s first steam locomotive. Mindfulness And Life Drawing N Block, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff Metropolitan University. 10am-3pm, £170 (two days). Info 029 2041 6070. Peloton Club Launch Party The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff (starting point), £12.50 to ride/£15 non-members. Info 029 2022 0349. Day of cyclingrelated activities including a ride with Mark Colbourne. You have to get an advance ticket for that part (see prices above). Rhythmic Gymnastics: Rhythmic Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127. The Wales Marathon Tudor Square, Tenby (starting point). 10am (race start), £60 to enter. Info 01437 765777. Full and half marathon options are available here.
MONDAY 11
Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class Plasnewydd YMCA, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £5.
Info elliecoptor@hotmail. com. Second Monday of every month. 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. Poetry Open Mic The Capel, Bargoed. 7-10pm, free. Info 01443 830272. With guest reader Patrick Jones. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 16)
TUESDAY 12
Carmarthen Storytelling Caffi Iechyd Da, Carmarthen. £3. Info 07752 438901. Monthly event featuring guest storytellers and tales from the floor. Commemorating The Battle Of Mametz Wood National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 12pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Essential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 10pm, £11.50. Info 07538 878609. Frank Thomas Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 0845 2263510. Local spoken word poet, with musical accompaniment from David Grubb. Meet The Curator: Natural Sciences National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Philosophy Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Second Tuesday of every month. Spirituality Cafe The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info 029 2048 3344. Second Tuesday of every month. Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995. Also on Tue 26. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 16)
WEDNESDAY 13
Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling: Chepstow Grand Prix Castle Car Park, Chepstow (starting point). 5.30pm, free to spectate. Info 01873 840530. First in a series of competitive cycling events in the region, running until Sun 17. Cutting Box Hedges National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Darts: Fosters Professional Masters SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 7pm (5.30pm VIP), £25 (£59 VIP). Info 029 2040 9380. Featuring Simon Whitlock, Mark Webster, Devon Peterson, Vincent van der Voort and Bobby George in the competition; Glamorgan cricketers Jacques Rudolph, Graham Wagg, Tim van der Gugten and David Lloyd playing exhibition darts. I thought the idea of exhibition games is that the people playing are good. Meet The Conservator: Industry National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Open Mic Spoken Word Extravaganza Ye Olde Murenger, Newport. 7.30pm,
events £5/£3. Info 01633 263977. With Newcastle poets Josephine Scott and Pauline Plummer, who are in Merthyr tomorrow. 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 27. Skill Builder: Knife Skills Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716. Vegan Pizza Company Takeover Brewdog, Cardiff. 5pm, free. Info 029 2023 1684. Great bunch of animal product-free lads from Cardiff give you something to chew on betwixt swigs from your fractionally-sized glass. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 16)
THURSDAY 14
Afternoon Dance Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 1.30pm, £4. Info 01792 475715. Archive Event Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 6-8pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Presentation and Q&A about an ongoing project based on the contents of Chapter’s archive, which dates back to the early 70s. Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984. Poetry open mic, every second and third Thursday of the month. Jay Rayner Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £18.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Food critic and occasional jazz musician, except not tonight, plugs his latest book, The 10 Food Commandments. Open Mic Night Imperial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, free. Info 01685 722555. Slapstick Comedy Masterclass Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £20. Info 029 2030 4400. With Kev McCurdy. The End Of Gender YMCA, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 07947 363441. Velotech Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £450 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Finishes today)
FRIDAY 15
Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling: Wales Open Criterium Neville Street, Abergavenny (starting point). 5.30pm, free to spectate. Info 01873 840530. Advanced Road Bike Maintenance Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £95. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Cricket: Pre-Season Friendly – Glamorgan v Pakistan Spytty Park, Newport. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. Meal Squared Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. £30. Info 029 2037 6249. The Dead Canary, Penylan Pantry, Brod, and Waterloo Tea them-
selves present a nine-course food and drink extravaganza, in aid of Noah’s Ark kids’ charity. Doesn’t seem to say anywhere what time it starts. Neath Real Ale And Cider Festival Neath town centre. 12pm. Info facebook.com/ neathrealaleandciderfest. Also featuring live music. On tomorrow also. So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month. Theatre Tours New Theatre, Cardiff. 12, 2.30 + 4pm, £7. Info 029 2087 8889. On tomorrow also. Vintage For Victory Library Gardens, Whitchurch Village, Cardiff. 5-10pm. Info events@ kmeevents.co.uk. “Inspired by the Romance and Glamour of Vintage Fashion & Nostalgia we are delighted to bring this new event to The Library Gardens in Whitchurch Village, a leafy suburb of Cardiff. Set in the past it celebrates all that was great
Future Open Workshops Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Informal workhops in physical theatre and movement. On tomorrow also. Great Baking Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Gymnastics: Tumbling Agility Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-6pm. Info 0300 3003127. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Herbivore Pop-Up Micro Cafe Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info simon@ theherbivore.co.uk. Learn How To Shear Sheep Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 9.45am-4.30pm, £105. Info 01600 714595. Merthyr Tydfil Food Festival Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil. 10am-5pm, free/£25 to set up a stall. Info 01685 725414.
For three Thursdays this month (7, 14 and 21), the Glynn Vivian Gallery (currently operating in Swansea YMCA) will be running workshops on LGBT-related issues, with local artist Joan Jones. They're promisingly – if provocatively – titled The End Of Gender. from the 1940s 50s & 60s.” Anyway, 10% of the takings go to Cancer Research Wales and The Saints Big Band are playing this evening. (Until Sun 17) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.
SATURDAY 16
Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling: Iron Mountain Sportif Bailey Park, Abergavenny (starting point). Free to spectate. Info 01873 840530. Featuring courses of 20, 40, 70 and 100 miles. Adventures In Archaeology:Idaho Evans And The Riddle Of The Roman Ruins National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. Join adventuring archaeologist, Idaho Evans, to solve clues around the Museum. On tomorrow also. Big Splash The Riverfront, Newport. 11am-6pm, free. Info 01633 656757. Two days of free outdoor street theatre. On tomorrow also. Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm. Info 01495 753782. Essential Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 10pm, £11.50. Info 07538 878609. Friends Lecture National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10.30am, £10. Info 029 2039 7951. Gavin Davies talks about Mametz Wood. Good News From The
Nantgarw Craft Fair Nantgarw China Works. 11am3pm, free. Info deb_0001@ hotmail.co.uk. Every third Saturday of the month. Neath Real Ale And Cider Festival Neath town centre. 12pm. Info facebook.com/ neathrealaleandciderfest. Parti Ponty Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. 10am-7pm, free. Info 01443 407570. Menter Iaith present a Welshlanguage-centric family festival with masses of stalls, food, arts, crafts, science, drama and tons more. Plus comedy/music/entertainment from Noel James, Heini, Heather Jones, Beti George, Gareth Potter, Bethan Nia, Mellt, Uumar, Ffa La La and Mei Gwynedd. Peace Festival 2016 Welsh Centre For International Affairs, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2022 8549. Family event. Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Family Fun Day National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Exhibition launch tie-in (see Art listings and previews for more on said exhibition). 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, on every day through the summer holidays. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. New Science Theatre
show inspired by the spectacular work of Roald Dahl, on every day through the summer holidays. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Swansea Vegan Festival 2016 Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 11am, £1/free under-18s. Info 01792 475715. From 6pm there’ll be films, live music and a bar. Talk: The Bayeux Tapestry National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. By John Richards and organised by the Historical Association, Swansea Branch. Theatre Tours New Theatre, Cardiff. 12, 2.30 + 4pm, £7. Info 029 2087 8889. Vdubs At The Castle Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 11am-5pm. Info 01291 420241. Hitler-prized environment swindlers aka Volkswagens (Beetles and camper vans specifically) will be on show here, tomorrow also. Vintage For Victory Library Gardens, Whitchurch Village, Cardiff. 10am-10pm. Info events@kmeevents. co.uk. Today features live music from Memphis Lee & The Creepers, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Like The Beatles and Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band. (Until Sun 17) Welsh National Homebrew Competition Public Awards Evening Urban Tap House, Cardiff. 6pm. Info 029 2039 9557. Ex-Buzz editor Gareth gifted me a bottle of porter that he’d brewed himself a few months back, and I thought it was very good. I don’t know if he’s entered these awards but if he had, and I could vote, I’d vote for him. Wild Crafty Brewing Adamsdown Community Garden, Cardiff. 10am12.30pm, £10. Info hannah@ greencityevents.co.uk. Scott, from the ReWild Project, teaches you how to make herbal beers. Ysbrydoli / Inspired In Spirit YMCA, Swansea. 10am1pm, free. Info 07947 363441. Create enlarged papier mache objects from the Gallery’s permanent collection which will be worn as headpieces, masks and costumes to form a ghostly procession. With Aled Simons.
SUNDAY 17
Abergavenny Festival Of Cycling: Grand Prix Of Wales / Para GP Of Wales Neville Street, Abergavenny (starting point). Free to spectate. Info 01873 840530. The Para GP starts at 11.15am; the Grand Prix 5.30pm. Adventures In Archaeology:Idaho Evans And The Riddle Of The Roman Ruins National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 11am-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3550. Big Splash The Riverfront, Newport. 12-5.45pm, free. Info 01633 656757. Cardiff Creative Writers Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 07830 381930. An open forum to discuss work, new reads, author news etc. Third Sunday of each month. Cricket: County Championship – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until
Wed 20) DanceSport Wales: Open Champs Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 9am-8.30pm. Info 01433 691978. Glamorgan Classic Car Show National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Good News From The Future Open Workshops Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Gourmet Vegetarian Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Vdubs At The Castle Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 11am-5pm. Info 01291 420241. Victorian Day The Old Station, Tintern. Free. Info 01291 420241. Archery, Punch & Judy, donkey rides, train rides and stalls are all promised. Vintage For Victory Library Gardens, Whitchurch Village, Cardiff. 10am-9.30pm. Info events@kmeevents.co.uk. Today features live music from Elle And The Pocket Belles, Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Like The Beatles and The Big What Band. (Finishes today)
MONDAY 18
2016 Royal Welsh Show Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £24 adv/£5 kids 4-16/under-4s free. Info 0844 5450517. All sorts of agricultural and/or countryside-related events, rendered family-friendly. (Until Thurs 21) Cricket: County Championship – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 20) Gwd Mondays Quiz Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Also on Wed 20, Sat 23, Mon 25, Wed 27 and Sat 30 Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Write On Writers Morganstown Village Hall. 6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758.
TUESDAY 19
2016 Royal Welsh Show Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £24 adv/£5 kids 4-16/under4s free. Info 0844 5450517. (Until Thurs 21) Artist In Residence Melanie Bastier Creating In Willow Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 11am-4.30pm, £5. Info 029 2048 4611. Cricket: County Championship – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Until Wed 20)
Robert Partman: I Am Not Rainman Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 6.30pm, free (donations welcomed). Info 01685 384111. Talk by a man detailing his experiences of living with high-functioning autism. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept)
WEDNESDAY 20
2016 Royal Welsh Show Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £24 adv/£5 kids 4-16/under4s free. Info 0844 5450517. (Until Thurs 21) Bronze Age Historical Day Caldicot Castle & Country Park. 11am-5pm. Info 01291 420241. Hosted by Monmouthshire Archeaology Society. Crafty Summer Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Family craft day. Also on Wed 27. Cricket: County Championship – Glamorgan v Derbyshire SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 11am. Info 029 2040 9380. (Finishes today) Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. Flying Start Family Fun Day Victoria Park, Cadoxton, Barry. 12pm, free. Info 01446 700111. Medical Prosthetics: Past, Present, Future National History Museum, St Fagans. 1.30-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Featuring a century or more of false limbs and their social/historical significance. Will any hook-handed preachers of hate make a guest appearance? I am guessing not. Natural Dyeing & Printing Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £10. Info hannah@ greencityevents.co.uk. With Cardiff textile artist Cat Lewis. Presented by Green City Events. Sheep Trekking – Day Walk To Ilyn Y Fan Fach Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £65/£45 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Skill Builder: Meringues Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6-9pm, £90. Info 01443 222716. 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. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) What Ya Got? 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883.
THURSDAY 21
2016 Royal Welsh Show Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £22 adv/£5 kids 4-16/under4s free. Info 0844 5450517. (Finishes today) Clear Cut No.6 M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 7pm, BUZZ 57
events £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2047 3373. Six new multi-genre performances pieces from artists TBC. Howl Mozarts, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 649984. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Teddy Bears Picnic National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-2.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Bring along teddy bears for a day of crafts and hands on activities. The End Of Gender YMCA, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free. Info 07947 363441. Wales Book Of the Year Award Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. £5 adv. Info 01685 384111. Organised by Literature Wales, who you are best off ringing about tickets: 029 2047 2266.
FRIDAY 22
An Audience With Frank Bruno MBE Tramshed, Cardiff. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273. British boxing icon talks about his life/ career, presented by the MJR Group and the (perhaps unfortunately named) Insanity Artists Agency. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 24) Cricket: T20 – Glamorgan v Somerset SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 6.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. Holiday Memory Drop-In Family Craft Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Also on Mon 25 and Fri 29. Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major. Free. Info 01446 792230. Weekend event showcasing various ale/craft beer producers. (Until Sun 24) Lunch Club Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-2.30pm, £37. Info 01443 222716. Sheep Trekking – Forestry Trail Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £45/£35 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Walk a sheep around a 200-acre farm along ancient drovers’ trails, and forestry paths. A Good Day Out event. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Wheelbuilding Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £95. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.
SATURDAY 23
Balloon Science Show National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1 + 3pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Join CBeebies’ Becky Kitter for this interactive show. Booklaunch: Carolyn Evans Brown’s, Laugharne. 11am. Info 01994 427688. Launching a mystery novel titled Martha. Boxing: Merthyr Mayhem Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre. 5pm, £35-£60. Info 0117 BUZZ 58
9496699. With a total of 15 fights (I think), top billing being given to Merthyr’s own Dai Davies. Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. (Until Sun 24) Breakin’ The Bay Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Annual event based rond breakdance battles but also featuring multiple other facets of hip-hop/’urban’ culture: exhibitions, live graffiti art, performances, DJs, MCs, cyphers, beatboxing, community sessions etc. On tomorrow also, then Sat 30 and Sun 31. Craft Fayre St David’s Church, Neath. 10.30am-4pm, free. Info ariancrafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Essential Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 9.30pm, £8. Info 07538 878609. Georgian Gents Cardiff Castle. 10am-5pm. Info 029 2087 8100. Themed games, nursery rhymes and captivating stories, falconry displays and SWORDFIGHTS. On tomorrow also. Gower Chilli Festival South Gower Sports Club, Scurlage, nr Port Eynon, Swansea. 10am, £5/£8 both days. Info 07854 319768. Two-day event with food, crafts, competitions, street food AND gourmet food, live music and a funfair. On tomorrow also. Herbivore Pop-Up Micro Cafe Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info simon@theherbivore.co.uk. Heroes & Legends Show Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10am-4.30pm. Info 01639 881635. Memorabilia show with guests from TV and screen. On tomorrow also.
Nautical Cushions National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1.30pm, £5. Info 01792 463980. Magic Realism: Fiction And Dream – A Workshop For Adults With Alan Bilton Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 10am-12.30pm, £1.60-£5. Info 01792 463980. Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Miss Universe Great Britain 2016 Grand Final The Riverfront, Newport. 7.30pm, £25.50. Info 01633 656757. “The top beauties in British pageantry from England, Scotland and Wales will take to the stage in three catwalk rounds celebrating the strength and beauty of femininity.” It’s about damn time! MTB Hydraulics And Suspension Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £95. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. Saturday Morning Kitchen Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am12pm, £15. Info 01443 222716. Shakespeare 400: The Fume Of Sighs Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1pm, £5/£1.60. Info 01792 463980. A look at the many and diverse sets of lovers that appear in Shakespeare’s plays. Presented by Fluellen. Sheep Trekking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Soldiering On National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3550. Join adventuring archaeologist, Idaho Evans, to solve clues around the Museum. On tomorrow also. Stargazing & AstroPhotography Evening Dark Sky Reserve, Brecon Beacons. £55. Info 01874 749092. A
Incandescent, a more-or-less quarterly literary meetup based in Cardiff, returns on Fri 29 July. You'll find it in its new venue, the lounge area of Waterloo Tea in Wyndham Arcade, and participants are asked to bring their favourite poems and/or lyrics to discuss with others. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Summer holiday kids’ activity. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major. Free. Info 01446 792230. (Until Sun 24) Lampeter Food Festival University Of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter. 10.30am. Info www. lampeterfoodfestival.org.uk. Featuring lots of stalls, chef demonstrations, live music, belly dance, circus performers and open mic. Lazy Crafternoons:
Good Day Out event. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Tattoo And Toy Convention 2016 Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 10am, £15/£25 both days. Info 029 2022 4488. “Featuring over 280 award winning tattoo and body modification artists from around the world and some of the best toy, collectables, clothing, ceramics, jewellery, bakery and tattoo accessory retailers in the UK today!” they say. Do that many comic-con nerd
types have tattoos? Help me, I don’t know. On tomorrow also. The Isle Of Fire Barry Island seafront. 9pm. Info 01446 704737. Annual event in which Barry Island is transformed into a firey landscape. In a good way. On tomorrow also. Thrifty Kids: Shell Necklaces National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am-12.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Wild In The City St John’s Churchyard Garden, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Presented by the nearby Cardiff Story museum. Worm Charming World Record Attempt National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Earthworm expert Emma Sherlock leads an attempt to charm a record number of worms to the surface. Wriggle! Family Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Emma Sherlock again, nipping back to Cardiff for lunch. Probably one of worms.
SUNDAY 24
Boutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959. (Finishes today) Breakin’ The Bay Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Gower Chilli Festival South Gower Sports Club, Scurlage, nr Port Eynon, Swansea. 10am, £5/£8 both days. Info 07854 319768. Heroes & Legends Show Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10am-4.30pm. Info 01639 881635. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Knife & Fork Beer Festival The Old Swan Inn, Llantwit Major. Free. Info 01446 792230. (Finishes today) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) The Big Feast Rodney Parade, Newport. 12-11pm. Info 01633 670690. Food and drink featival featuring a headline chef, food demonstrations, cook-offs, live music, DJs and more. Regional Indian: Goa Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Georgian Gents Cardiff Castle. 10am-5pm. Info 029 2087 8100. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) The Isle Of Fire Barry Island seafront. 9pm. Info 01446 704737. Tattoo And Toy Convention 2016 Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 10am, £15/£25 both days. Info 029 2022 4488.
MONDAY 25
Actorsworkhop Junior Summer School Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton,
Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £110/£60 (five days). Info junior@ actorsworkshop.co.uk. Learn activing, singing, dance and performance skills this week. (Until Fri 29) Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Holiday Memory Drop-In Family Craft Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Instructor Training Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £350 (four days). Info www.cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 28) Joy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.309pm, free (donations welcome). Info 07412 346054. Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Miners’ Fortnight Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3650. Come along and enjoy activities for the whole family including trails, soft play, dressing up and games. (On weekdays until Fri 5 Aug) Redhouse Performance Academy Disney Summer School Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am-4.30pm, £75 (five days). Info 01685 384111. Finishing with a show for the parents on the final day. (Until Fri 29) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept)
TUESDAY 26
Actorsworkhop Junior Summer School Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £110/£60 (five days). Info junior@ actorsworkshop.co.uk. (Until Fri 29) Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Instructor Training Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £350 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 28) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Miners’ Fortnight Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3650. (On weekdays until Fri 5 Aug) Museum Activity Lucky Dip Days National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 10am-12pm + 2-4pm, £3. Info 029 2057 3550. Two activities per week, featuring things like making pottery, jewellery or pizza, or trying archery or gladiator fighting. Also on Thurs 28 and multiple days throughout August. Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Family Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Thurs 28) Redhouse Performance
Academy Disney Summer School Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am-4.30pm, £75 (five days). Info 01685 384111. (Until Fri 29) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Tea Dance Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2-4pm, £4. Info 01656 815995.
WEDNESDAY 27
Actorsworkhop Junior Summer School Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £110/£60 (five days). Info junior@ actorsworkshop.co.uk. (Until Fri 29) Boxfull Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Variety show for actors, writers and directors. Crafty Summer Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2078 8334. Elliecoptor Hoops Hula Hoop Class Plasnewydd YMCA, Cardiff. 8-9pm, £5. Info elliecoptor@hotmail. com. Last Wednesday of every month. Games Wales 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly social meetup for video game developers. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Instructor Training Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £350 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Until Thurs 28) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Masterclass In Shakespeare’s Comedy Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £20. Info 029 2030 4400. With Emma StevensJohnson. Miners’ Fortnight Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3650. (On weekdays until Fri 5 Aug) Print A Vintage Railway Poster National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Tie-in activity relating to the exhibition launching here this month (see Art listings). (Until Sat 30) Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Family Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Thurs 28) Redhouse Performance Academy Disney Summer School Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am-4.30pm, £75 (five days). Info 01685 384111. (Until Fri 29) Scriveners Writers’ Group Royal Exchange, Brynmawr. 8pm. Info 01495 753629. Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Wriggle! Family Talk National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Marine Invertebrates Curator Teresa Darbyshire.
live music THURSDAY 28
Actorsworkhop Junior Summer School Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £110/£60 (five days). Info junior@ actorsworkshop.co.uk. (Until Fri 29) Design Stuff 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Monthly social event about design-related topics. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Instructor Training Cycle Training Wales, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £350 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk. (Finishes today) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Miners’ Fortnight Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3650. (On weekdays until Fri 5 Aug) Museum Activity Lucky Dip Days National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. 10am-12pm + 2-4pm, £3. Info 029 2057 3550. Print A Vintage Railway Poster National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 30) Redhouse Performance Academy Disney Summer School Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am-4.30pm, £75 (five days). Info 01685 384111. (Until Fri 29) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Taith Iaith National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1.05pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Monthly session for Welsh learners. Weber Seafood Essentials Course Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 5-9pm, £99. Info 01443 222716. A Grill Academy course.
FRIDAY 29
Actorsworkhop Junior Summer School Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £110/£60 (five days). Info junior@ actorsworkshop.co.uk. (Finishes today) Clay Extravaganza National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am + 2pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Inspired by the exhibition of work by Micki Schloessingk at Mission Gallery in Swansea. On tomorrow also. Dinosaur Encounter Cardiff Castle. £4. Info 029 2087 8100. Take a close look at the dinosaur models, their bones and eggs and meet a walking, growling T-Rex. 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. Holiday Memory Drop-In Family Craft Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980.
(Until Sat 13 Aug) Incandescent Hibiscus Lounge, Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff. 5.30-6.45pm, free. Info incandescentcf@gmail.com. The return of this quarterly literary meeting. Bring your favourite poems and lyrics for discussion. Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Miners’ Fortnight Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 12-4pm, £2. Info 029 2057 3650. (On weekdays until Fri 5 Aug) Print A Vintage Railway Poster National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 30) Quentin Blake: Inside Stories Family Workshop National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1pm + 3pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Also on from Tue 2-Thurs 4 Aug. (Finishes today) Redhouse Performance Academy Disney Summer School Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 9.30am-4.30pm, £75 (five days). Info 01685 384111. Featuring a performance based on what pupils have learned over the week. (Finishes today) Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) The Big Cheese Town centre, Caerphilly. 3-10pm, free. Info 029 2088 0011. Featuring the Great Cheese Race, entertainment programme, funfair and a firework display at 10pm. (Until Sun 31) Workshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 10am-12pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk.
SATURDAY 30
Breakin’ The Bay Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. On tomorrow also. Clay Extravaganza National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. Festival Of Archaeology Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire. 11am4pm. Info 01291 690228. Explore Vikings in Wales via Living History, demonstrations and activities with the “mainly peace loving” warriors. On tomorrow also. Hedgehog Helper Morning Venue TBC, nr Builth Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Herbivore Pop-Up Micro Cafe Embassy Cafe, Cathays, Cardiff. 7.30pm, pay by donation. Info simon@theherbivore.co.uk. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) National Eisteddfod Of Wales: Llwyfan Y Maes Castle Meadows, Abergavenny. 4pm, £4-£10. Info 0845 4090900. Featuring Gwerinwyr Gwent, Crickhowell Choral Society, Cyw & Friends, Olion
Byw and DJs Bar Syched. Print A Vintage Railway Poster National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 30) Stanhope In Focus: Meet The Curator National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 01792 463980. With Head of the Museum, Steph Mastoris. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Italian Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) The Big Cheese Town centre, Caerphilly. 11am, free. Info 029 2088 0011. Including reenactment displays, musical entertainment, educational activities, two food halls, craft stalls, animal marquees, a traditional funfair and more. (Until Sun 31)
SUNDAY 31
Breakin’ The Bay Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Festival Of Archaeology Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire. 11am4pm. Info 01291 690228. Hunt The Seagull: Summer Trail National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 13 Aug) Makers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. (Until Sat 6 Aug) National Eisteddfod Of Wales: Llwyfan Y Maes Castle Meadows, Abergavenny. 4pm, £4-£10. Info 0845 4090900. Featuring Dawnswyr Caerdydd, Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Cyw & Friends and DJs Bar Syched. Print A Vintage Railway Poster National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 463980. (Until Sat 30) Provencal Cuisine Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £170. Info 01443 222716. Star Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) Summer Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (Until Sun 4 Sept) The Big Cheese Town centre, Caerphilly. 11am, free. Info 029 2088 0011. (Finishes today)
live FRIDAY 1
Afternoon In Paris Carnegie House, Bridgend. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01656 815757. Albino Frogs The Bell Inn, Caerleon. 9pm, free. Info 01633 420613. Caerleon Arts Festival gig, If something in this month’s listings is in Caerleon, it’s probably related to the festival OK. Amy Wadge & Pete Riley Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. Anonymous Iconoclasts The Full Moon, Cardiff. 9pm,
free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Anthony Moulton Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 9pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Cancel The Transmission + Shaken And Stirred + The Guardians Of Public Morality Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £10. Info 07512 237983. Charity gig in aid of Sense Cymru. Cath Jones The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. DMA’s + Alex Stacey Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Henry Marten’s Ghost Diablo’s Gastro Pub, Carmarthen. Free. Info 01834 869944. Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month. Marie Batchelder Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Also on Fri 15. Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night. Pipe Dream The Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm. Info 01495 247178. Not to be confused with the Cardiff indie/punk band Pipedream, who I suspect would be given short shrift were they to take the stage in this joint. Rachel B The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Schoolboy’s Death Trio + Maddie Jones + Rainbow Maniac + Beatbox Hann The Moon Club, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Jazz-punk band from Bristol headline. Simon Trigg The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Slugfest The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm, free. Info 01495 213300. Punk and metal collide at this annual weekender, now in its ninth year. Tonight these acts are playing: The Guntys, The Setbacks, Desalvo, Pizzatramp, The Lash, Angry Itch, Crowsaw and the Chuck Norris Experiment. (Until Sun 3) Somme Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10-£12. Info 029 2063 6464. On the centenary of the first day of the Battle Of The Somme, music by composers who fought or died in the battle, and works in memory of them. Surplus Festival Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. 6pm, £55 weekend/£30 teens/free under-12s. Info surplusfest@hotmail. co.uk. Three-day weekender on a hippified, free festival tip. lots of fun last year by all accounts! Here’s who playing, running order TBC. Main stage: special guests TBC, Back To The Planet, The Sporadics, China Shop Bull, The Majestic, Grand Collapse, The Bus Station Loonies, Headgames, Autonomads, The Oppressed, Dogshite, The Rockin’ Sinners, Mad Dog Collective, Atterkop, Poetic Justice, Jugganote, Public
Order Act And Black Max And The Pirates. Levitation stage: Nik Turner’s New Space Ritual, Here & Now, AOS3, One Eyed God, Poisoned Electrick Head, Lacertilia, Sendelica, The Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, The Death Of Money, Akb’al, Black Light
Lauryn Hill. Venn St Fagans Village Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2023 2970. Playing the Pentreffest Noz monthly folk night. Unplugged And Acoustic Monthly Group Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £3. Info 07818 056599.
On Fri 8, These Brittle Bones makes his Welsh debut at the unconventional venue of Cardiff Cineworld. TBB is a Welsh teenager living in Singapore, whose sparse take on folk has already seen him support Perfume Genius back home. His gig here is presented by Iris and Newsoundwales. Secret, Heil Zilla, Radioactive Bones, Deviant Amps, Milk, Desalvo And Monsterometer. The Incubator (dance tent): special guests TBC, The Anxious, Dare & Haste, Gizelle Rebel Yelle, Owen Acid, OB1, DJ Redmond, 4G, Twospeed, Alan Badger, Iolo, Angel Actual, Robi Suss, Ceri Suss, Winds, Zebadee, Carl Toothdust, DJ Biri Night, 3phaze Generator, Blap, Mazar And K.T.C. The Stumble Inn: Pizzatramp, Gung Ho, Ratbag, Buff, Doozer Mcdooze, Reality Attack, Pokemon Liberation Army, Travchav, Ini Jungle, Viva Zapata, Doghouse, Chuck SJ Hay, Their Own Masters, Bungle Cult, 12 Bore, Beatbox Hann, Black Cohosh And Black Jam Circus. Chill-out tent: Digital Skunk, Pickle, Trans Irie Nation, Mosienko Project, Mr Chuffed, Rev Dread, Warren Roots, Dizzy, Slamfish And Thoby. More TBC on all stages. (Until Sun 3) Talon Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £21/£20. Info 01646 695267. Eagles tribute band. In Porthcawl tomorrow; Brecon on Sun 3. Tcha Limberger’s Kalotaszeg Trio Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01792 602060. The Gate Crashers The Hanbury Arms, Caerleon. 9pm, free. Info 01633 420361. Caerleon Arts Festival gig. The Journeymen The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. The Kenny Driscoll Band Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Shakes The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free. Info 029 2070 8675. Tom Roynon-Blake + Amor Vincit + Eleri Angharad The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. EP launch gig for headliner. Toot De Musique Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026. New weekly house band (on every Friday except Fri 29) tackling hiphop-meets-jazz fusioneers from Robert Glasper, Gretcher Parlato and Jill Scott to Erykah Badu, D’angelo and
SATURDAY 2
Band Pres Llareggub + Omaloma + Anelog Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 9pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Billy Club Sandwich Le Pub, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 221477. Tough guy New York hardcore band. Not thought about their (gently amusing) name for years. Blair Dunlop All Saints Church, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2055 5560. Singer-songwriter plays here as part of the Llandaff North Festival Of Music. Broken Lines Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 8pm. Info 07818 056599. Bristol rock band. Catching Kate Meze Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. Elvis In Concert Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £12.50. Info 01600 772467. Keith Davies in concert, strictly speaking, but he’s trying to raise money for charity here so don’t grass him to the ASA alright. Farm Hand + Parcs + Aled Rheon + Stephen Light The Bell Inn, Caerleon. 7pm, £5. Info 01633 420613. Caerleon Arts Festival gig, presented by Diverse Music. Funkifize Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Good Vibrations Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £38. Info 029 2070 5391. Beach Boys tribute. A five-course meal is included in the price. Grand Concert: A Night To Remember! Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £15/£12. Info 0845 2263510. Featuring Lleisiau’r Cwm, Cadi Lois, Gruff Sion Rees, A Cappella, Gildas, Sara Mair a Carys Haf, Samuel Morris and Sophie Evans. Proceeds in aid of the Breast Care Unit at Llanelli Hospital. Junior Conservatoire Advanced Course Summer Festival Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 3 + 5pm, £7/£3.50. Info 029 2039 1391. 3pm: free foyer recitals; 5pm: concert in the Dora Stoutzker Hall (Junior AmserJazzTime during the BUZZ 59
live music interval). Maddie & The Pandas Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Mr Woodnote & Lil Rhys The Globe At Hay, Hay-OnWye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. Paul Dark + The Acoustix + Finding Fiona + Sophie Hansen The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 3pm, free. Info 01446 773592. On at 9.30, 7, 5 and 3pm respectively. Plainsong West End Club, Barry. 7pm, £15 adv. Info 07561 143114. Folk trio performing the songs of Richard Farina. Rachel B The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Ragsy The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 9pm, £2. Info 01685 387925. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Every Saturday. Rhythm Bombers The Patriot, Crumlin. 9.30pm. Info 01495 247178. Rockabilly. Sertraline + The Eighth Bridge + The Boom Sons Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107. Simon Trigg The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319.
Slugfest The Dolls House, Abertillery. 1pm, free. Info 01495 213300. Today features Bay City Roiders, Smiler, Bag Of Bones, Trackstar/Pornstar, Trigger McPoopshute, Cydernide, We Come From Ashes, St Pierre Snake Invasion, Doomchild, Grandmother Suplex, The Breakdowns, Born To Destruct, Brassick, The Sick Livers, Bar Stool Preachers, Chuck Norris Experiment, Hip Priests and Razorbats. (Until Sun 3) Special Kinda Madness The Globe, Cardiff. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. A tribute to both The Specials and Madness. Steve Finn The Three Horseshoes, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Surplus Festival Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. £55 weekend/£30 teens/free under-12s. Info surplusfest@hotmail.co.uk. (Until Sun 3) Tafwyl Cardiff Castle. Free. Info 029 2068 9888. Multifaceted day of entertainment aimed at Welsh speakers, and those who want to learn. As well as stalls promoting Welsh produce, workshops, literary sessions, music, cookery, art and drama ses-
sions, live music today will come from Maffia Mr Huws, Band Pres Llareggub, Swnami and Candelas (main stage); Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Colorama, Alys Williams, Ani Glass and Plu (acoustic stage). See www.tafwyl.org for more info. On tomorrow also. Talon Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18.50£20.50. Info 01656 815995. The Attix + Crisis Talks + Hide Your Eyes The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com. The Machine Rages On Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. RATM tribute. The Revolvers Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale. 8pm, £12. Info 01495 355800. Sixties covers band.
SUNDAY 3
2016 Welsh Musical Theatre Young Singer Of The Year Final Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12/£6. Info 01792 602060. Alexander Bone All Saints Church, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2055 5560. Teenage saxophonist plays here as part of the Llandaff North Festival Of Music.
EDD BATEMAN’S WEST AFRICAN LOVE AFFAIR The Queens Hall, Narberth, Fri 22 July; Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea, Sat 23 July Tickets: £8-£12 (Fri 22); £12.50/£10.50 (Sat 23). Info: 01834 869323 (Fri 22); 01792 475715 (Sat 23) Edd Bateman is a British bass player who, over the last seven years, has divided his time between his home in Bristol and various African countries, where he moonlights in various bands as well as promoting their UK tours. Senegal has been a frequent recipient of his visits, and the dance music style of mbalax – wildly popular in both Senegal and its border nation, the Gambia – is a major influence on the band he’s assembled for this run of dates. Bateman is joined by some of West Africa’s most esteemed musicians, playing an eclectic, soulful and socially conscious style of music: rock, jazz, soukous and Senegalese sabar drumming are all present in the mix.
David Grubb & Borderline The Old Station, Tintern. 1-4pm. Info 01291 420241. Part of a succession of Music On The Platform sessions going on throughout summer. Kevin Jones The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Nigel Dee & Selyf Edwards Sunflower & I, Cardiff Bay. 5.30pm, £15 adv. Info 029 2048 4211. Folky singersongwriter accompanied by violinist Edwards. Price includes food. *Please Mind Your Head VII Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 2pm, £7 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Annual event in aid of Headway Cardiff, previewed in the June issue of Buzz. Full lineup: Euros Childs, Simon Love & The Old Romantics, Gindrinker, Oh Peas!, Rogue Jones, Roundheels and Francesca’s Word Salad. Slugfest The Dolls House, Abertillery. Free. Info 01495 213300. Today features a selection of acoustic sets, bands and times TBC. (Finishes today) Spellbound St Julian Inn, Caerleon. 4.30pm, free. Info 01633 243548. Surplus Festival Porthkerry Leisure Park, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan. Until 11pm, £55 weekend/£30 teens/free under-12s. Info surplusfest@ hotmail.co.uk. (Finishes today) Tafwyl Cardiff Castle. Free. Info 029 2068 9888. Music programme for today is Y Niwl (get in! I thought they’d broken up), Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Palenco, Bryn Fôn, Elin Fflur, Ar Log & Dafydd Iwan, Alun Gaffey, Rogue Jones and Y Gerddorfa Ukulele (main stage); Al Lewis, Huw M, Colorama & Plu, Huw Chiswell, Meric Stevens, Carreg Lafar and Sera (acoustic stage). Talon Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £20/£19. Info 01874 611622. The Hepburns + Rudolf Rocker Brown’s, Laugharne. 3pm. Info 01994 427688. The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band + Railroad Bill + Capra Mamei The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com.
Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2025 0731. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings.
MONDAY 4
WEDNESDAY 6
Ceredigion Primary Schools Prom Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7pm. Info 01970 623232. Gwent Music Summer Showcase St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £7.50-£11.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Every Monday. Mandy Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7. Info 029 2030 4400. Launch gig for an album written by the duo of Mel Fung, who has since passed away, and her husband Andy. It’ll be performed here with the aid of nine guest artists. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Local singersongwriters perform in the main bar every week. Open Mic Night Ex
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. Cara Dillon St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £17.50/£16.50 adv. Info 029 2087 8444. Cefn Saeson Summer Showcase Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £9. Info 0300 3656677. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Llanfrynach Village Hall, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Every Tuesday. Eleri Angharad + John Adams + Bryony Sier + Owain Whatley Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7933. EP launch for Eleri. Fit For An Autopsy + From Sorrow To Serenity + The Dweller + Sodomized Cadaver Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Moon Hooch Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Live jazzy dance stuff from New York. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Now on every Tuesday. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Every Tuesday. The Billy Fury Years Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01792 475715. Tribute act with Michael King playing Billy. The Memphis Six Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Three Cane Whale Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2030 4400. Bristolian folk trio. Acoustic Open Mic Night Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7-11pm, free. Info 01685 384111. Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. Every Wednesday. Aled Rheon + All Things Considered + Clarkstein Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. A Folk In The Owl’s Nest night. Aubrey Parsons The Star Inn, Treoes. 9pm, free. Info 01656 658458. Also here on Wed 27. Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.” Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm.
Info 029 2038 7026. Smooth/ mellow jazz while you eat your tea, every Wednesday this month. Cardiff And Vale Music Service Summer Showcase Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2039 1391. Michael Janisch Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Acclaimed jazz bassist, playing here as part of a trio. New Orleans Swamp Donkeys Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Wednesday. Expect to hear jazz, blues, rock or ska here. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday. RWCMD Big Band with Magan Thomas Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. TaffyWasAThief Olde Bull Inn, Caerleon. 7.30pm, free. Info 01633 420583. The Bute Clarinet Quartet Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £5.50 adv. Info 01656 815995. The Morriston Orpheus Choir St Cadoc’s Church, Caerleon. 7.30pm, £12. Info 07934 938250. Caerleon Arts Festival event. The New Amen Corner Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £18.50. Info 01792 475715. Playing as part of a night called Bringing On Back The 60s. I’m guessing the name is the result of some kind of split in the ranks with the members of Amen Corner but I’m going to use my valuable time writing these listings rather than finding out.
THURSDAY 7
Blacklicious Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £16 adv. Info 01792 468892. Top backpack-friendly rap dudes, active since the early 90s. Catrin Finch’s Classical Cafe Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv/£7.50 early bird. Info 029 2089 0862. Four emerging artists from the classical world each performing a 20-minute set in a relaxed environment. In Abergavenny on Tue 26. Fraccalvieri/Long Quintet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Hannah Griffiths + Georgia Nicole Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm. Info 01685 722568. I Am I The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £7 adv. Info 07730 432166. Band featuring former Dragonforce singer ZP Theart. Not sure how to pronounce his surname. JimJam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. Every Thursday. This week’s guest band is Sudden Impact. New Orleans Swamp Donkeys Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Groovy jazz stuff.
JUST ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST: RYLEY WALKER (The Globe, Cardiff, Mon 8) PHAROAHE MONCH (Clwb Ifor Bach, Fri 12) YEARS & YEARS (Coopers Field, Cardiff, Fri 12) MEWITHOUTYOU (The Globe, Fri 26) VILLAGERS (Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 27) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER: OCEAN COLOUR SCENE (Caerphilly Castle, Sat 17) PRETTY VICIOUS (The Globe, BUZZ 60
live music Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Every Thursday except when there’s a guest on. Reuben Richards Llandaff North Rugby Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2055 5560. UK soul singer who emerged in the 90s and who plays here as part of the Llandaff North Festival Of Music. The Chicago Blues Brothers Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £23/£19.50. Info 01792 475715. Two hours of blues/soul songs, some or all of which were in the Blues Brothers movie. The Dole Agw + Himalayas Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2039 7933. Tom Williams Jazz & Blues Band St Julian Inn, Caerleon. 4.30pm, free. Info 01633 243548. Torque + Diamond City + The Kinky Wizzards The Full Moon, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Presented by Pi & Hash.
FRIDAY 8
3 Amp Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. 3 Bucket Jones Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01600 772467. Local band launch their second album – all profits from which will be going to Water Aid. Maybe they should donate one of their buckets instead!! Thanks to Your Dad for contributing that joke. Affinity Female Voice Choir The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2048 3344. Aubrey Parsons Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Also on Fri 22 and Fri 29. Average White Band Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Interesting to note that not all the members of this band are actually white. I haven’t worked out why I find this interesting yet, but rest assured I will. Ballsdeep + Lifer + Internal Conflict Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £4. Info 07970 063107. Birds, Beasts & Basilisks All Saints Church, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info www. welshcamerata.org. Featuring the Welsh Camerata choir, directed by Andrew WilsonDickson, performing a sequence of madrigals, partsongs and poems for summer celebrating birds and animals. Captain Accident + Tree House Fire + Junior Bill The Globe, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07590 471888. Launch gig for Wake & Break, Captain Accident’s new album. also featuring Reggiments DJs. Cath Jones The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Chris Kelly The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Crazy Town The Scene Club, Swansea. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 07730 432166. Since this band’s early-00s heyday
we have entered a new PC age, meaning that Shifty Shellshock is now known as Shifty Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Crimson Tide The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Federal Charm Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Bluesrock. Free Beer The Hanbury Arms, Caerleon. 9pm, free. Info 01633 420361. Can’t believe pub cover bands are still calling themselves Free Beer. How To Build A Rocket The Bell Inn, Caerleon. 9pm, free. Info 01633 420613. Just Mark The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free. Info 029 2070 8675. Lisa Mottram The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. Vocalist from the band Cherryshoes. Night At The Opera Paget Rooms, Penarth. 8pm, £13.50. Info 029 2070 0721. Queen tribute. Peter Andre Chepstow Racecourse. 4.05pm, £27 adv/£34 VIP. Info 01291 622260. Skechers ambassador and devoted dad sings his roots and culture hit Mysterious Girl, plus others, after a day of punishing horses so they run as fast as they can. Rae & The Rays Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Swing and jazz. Secular Ghost + BLAP Hobo’s, Bridgend. 8pm, free. Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com. Album launch gig for SG, and you can read a review of said album in this issue. Welsh hard techno duo BLAP support. Simon Trigg Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Starman – The David Bowie Story Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18-£21. Info 01656 815995. One of two tributes to Davey tonight, the other being below. The Bowie Xperience + The Guardians Of Public Morality Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7.30pm, £12.50/£10 adv. Info 07512 237983. Tribute act. The DeRellas + Trigger McPoopshute The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. The Shakes The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. These Brittle Bones Cineworld, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 0871 2002000. Presented by Newsoundwales in conjunction with the Iris Prize. TBB is a Welsh teenager living in Singapore and making his live Wales debut here. Toot De Musique Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026. Traffiker + Duo The Met, Abertillery. 8pm, £10. Info 01495 355800. Opening event of the Rock & Blues Weekend here, which is specifically an alldayer tomorrow.
SATURDAY 9
Ashesfest 2 The Dragonffli,
Pontypool. 2pm. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Gig in aid of Cancer Research UK Relay For Life, featuring Chaos Trigger, The Dweller, We Came From Ashes, A Vulgar Picture, Beneath The Divine and Pizzatramp. Borough Blues Club Summer Festival Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. 12pm, £10. Info 01633 483238. Featuring a headline set by Dani Wilde from 7.30pm plus sets earlier in the day from (in this order) Workshop Band, Glas, Lol Goodman Band, Mark Davies Band, Jack The Biscuit and Luke Doherty Band. Cariad + Martyn Ashe Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. City Voices Cardiff Presents Sing The Musicals – Encore St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 6pm, £10-£20. Info 029 2087 8444. Climbing Trees + Tendons St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2056 2022. Album launch gig for headline band. Gala Concert To Mark 100 Years Of The Battle Of The Somme Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01646 695267. Presented by the Haverfordwest Branch Of The Royal British Legion. Goodwick Brass Band, Tessa Rees and more. Hip Route The Full Moon, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Jamie Pugh Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, £6/£5. Info 01495 243252. Charity gala concert in aid of Velindre. Junior Chamber Music Competition Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 1.45pm, free. Info 029 2039 1391. Matthew McGinleyHolister The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Moose Blood + Muncie Girls + Colours Of One Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £13/£11 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. Punk and stuff, presented by Imperial Music. Mydy Rabycad Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £13.50/£11 adv. Info 01834 869323. Electroswing band headline a charity night in aid of Narberth swimming pool. Papillon Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £12.50 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Cinematic world music, they reckon. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Rock & Blues Weekend The Met, Abertillery. 1-11pm, £15.50 adv. Info 01495 355800. Featuring The Revolutionaries, Roscoe Levee And The Southern Slide, Vincent Flatts’ Final Drive, The Delray Rockets and Andy Twyman. Roots & Dub – This Side Of The Moon The Moon Club, Cardiff. 9pm-3am, £15/£10 adv. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Featuring night feat: Wayne Mcarthur (live), Aqua Livi And African Simba backed by The Universal Players. Roots Sounds by Royal Ascension
Sound and Cardiff Roots Ambassadors. Sebastian The Fairwater, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2033 3049. Silurian The Old Station, Tintern. 1-4pm. Info 01291 420241. Music On The Platform session. Sophie Hansen The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Soul Lotta Funk Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. *Stick In The Wheel Maindee Library, Newport.
Park Belle Vue Park, Penarth. 2-6.30pm, free. Info 01446 700111. Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Also on Sun 24. Remi Harris Gypsy Jazz Trio Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, £5/£4 musicians. Info 029 2038 7026. Hot Club Swing night. Rob Lane Brown’s, Laugharne. 3pm. Info 01994 427688. Newport singersongwriter. The Big Free – Music
The third instalment of the annual Teenage Gravediggers indie/punk/DIY subculture alldayers lands on Sat 9, at Cathays Community Centre in Cardiff. This one's a fundraiser for a DIY space elsewhere in the city, and sets by Sauna Youth, Joanna Gruesome, Bad Vibes and five more will feature. 8pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 01633 309443. London folk ensemble who I rather like, playing in a library (its debut as a live music venue, it says here). Tarantino X Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. A rock show celebrating the works of Quentin Tarantino, I know not how. *Teenage Gravediggers #3 Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 4-11pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 029 2037 3144. Annual show of local and indeed national indie/punk/ DIY scene bands returns with a sterling lineup: Sauna Youth, Joanna Gruesome, Breakfast Muff, Rice Milk, The Worms, Bad Vibes, Van-illa and Towel. It’s also a fundraiser for a planned DIY space/venue type thing in Cardiff. The Big Free – Music And Dance Festival Field / Hanbury Quay / Hanbury Arms / The Ship Inn, Caerleon. 11.50am, free. Info 01633 420361. Caerleon Arts Festival event featuring sets from Keith Christmas, Ragsy, Jack Perrett, Rogora Khart, TaffyWasAThief and many more. On tomorrow also. The Navarones Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Revamps Meze Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. The Shakes Bonvilston Reading Rooms, Cowbridge. 9pm, free. Info 01446 781012. The Three Welsh Tenors Cardigan Castle. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 01239 621200. Presented by Theatr Mwldan. The ZZ Tops Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 8pm, £10 adv. Info 07970 063107. Gosh honey, I hope The ZZ Tops don’t play too loud.
SUNDAY 10
Belle Vue – Music In The
And Dance Festival Field / Hanbury Quay / Hanbury Arms / The Ship Inn, Caerleon. 12pm, free. Info 01633 420361. Featuring Rokgrass, The Plucking Fourstrings, Drumazepam and various dance troupes.
MONDAY 11
Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.
TUESDAY 12
Bruce Barthol Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £5. Info 07818 056599. This guy was in the original lineup of Country Joe & The Fish apparently. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Easy Star All Stars The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30-10pm, £18.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Popular ‘rock albums covered in dub reggae style’ band with a set focusing on Radiodread, their OK Computer retool. Fight Rosa Fight + Will Wood + Dancing Queer + Trigger Warning And The Safe Spaces + Tim Loud Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3-£5. Info 029 2039 7933. Noson Afiach present a benefit for Stop Cardiff Arms Fair. The bands are variously folk punk and riot grrrl kinda stuff, plus Dancing Queer, who is a dancer rather than a band. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.
The Dave Smith Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.
WEDNESDAY 13
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. Aubrey Parsons The Ivor, Pontyclun. 8pm, free. Info 01443 222287. Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Efa Supertramp + Cosmo Wells Hotel, Riverside, Cardiff. 8pm. Info folkpunkclashes@ gmail.com. The first in what’s planned to be a series of nights, Folk Punk Clashes – “acoustic lyrical battles with string instruments”. Folk Night Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7pm. Info 01443 491424. Second Wednesday of every month. Keith Christmas Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night. Keith is in Cardigan on Fri 22. Kevin Figes, Jim Blomfield, Mark Whitlam & Riaan Vosloo Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Jazz quartet. Liberty Big Band Show with Allyson Cox & Mervyn Hill Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With host Grace Hartrey. Free drink for performers. Robben Ford The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £25 adv. Info 07590 471888. Bluesman. The Budapest Ragtime Band Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. The Maccabees Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £23 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Who knew The Maccabees were a £23-a-ticket-sized band? Not this guy, I can tell you. We Rob Banks + The Back-Up Plan + Matt Leaman The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising gig.
THURSDAY 14
1940s Evening And Singalong Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8. Info 01633 263670. Alma + Joby + Mute Group(s) Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2039 7933. Basement + Dinosaur Pile-Up + The Sun Days The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 07590 471888. Pop-punk and grunge revivalist type stuff. Celebrating Cilla Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.
Sat 17) TONY HADLEY (Caerphilly Castle, Sun 18) DILLY DALLY (The Globe, Tue 20) RAY QUINN (Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, Thurs 22) THE HUNNA (The Globe, Sun 25) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER: THE CHRISTIANS (Acapela, Pentyrch, Sat 1) DEAN FRIEDMAN (The Gate, Cardiff, Tue 4) JEAN-MICHEL JARRE (Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Tue 4) KATE RUSBY (Wales BUZZ 61
live music 7.30pm, £22.50/£20. Info 0845 2263510. Brenda Collins will be honouring the memory of Cilla Black’s 1960s pop hits, rather than her groundbreaking TV shows or famously charming behaviour on aeroplanes. David Miller Bop Quintet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Forte Paget Rooms, Penarth. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2070 0721. Cabaret band. Georgia Davey + Bryony Sier Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm. Info 01685 722568. JimJam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is Bobbie Jo. Mass Collective Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636. Penarth Chamber Music Festival Penarth Pier Pavilion. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 0844 8700887. Opening event of this year’s festival features performances of Haydn’s String Quartet Op.20 no.2 in C major, Beethoven’s Sonata for violin and piano op.24 in F major and Mendelssohn’s String Quintet in Bb major Op.87. (Until Sun 17) Peter Bruntnell & Band + Little Arrow + Tom Ap Dan + Tigana The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £10/£8 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff.com. Open Mic Night The Open
Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 763752. This month’s edition of the Open Hearth Acoustic night.
FRIDAY 15
6foot7 + Twisted Ankle The Moon Club, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Costa Foundation fundraiser night, also featuring DJ Zerostar until 3am. Abba Revival Pembroke Castle. 4pm, £19.50 adv. Info 01646 695267. Tribute band. “This is NOT a picnic Style Concert. NO food, drink or picnic style furniture will be permitted into the concert arena. NO dogs – Only Guide dogs permitted.” Alan Barnes with Jim Barber, Ashley & Martin The Open Hearth, Sebastopol, Pontypool. 8.30pm, £10. Info 01495 763752. Playing this venue’s monthly jazz night. A/M/B/E/R + Judas + Wetpainttt + Jack Perrett Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2022 8883. Animals And Friends Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £22 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Sixties rock band with some scratch members keeping the dream alive. Animals As Leaders + Intervals + Plini The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 07590 471888. Cath Jones Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Chris Kelly The Cornwall,
Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Crossing Borders Jazz The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. From The Jam Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £20. Info 0845 2263510. Geckgo Fest Parc Penallta, Cafn Hengoed. £19.99 weekend/£17.99 per day. Info 07780 462810. A family-friendly festival of extreme sports and music. Here’s who’s playing over three days, schedule TBC. Main stage: Jack Ellis Band, The Undivided, Quincy Tambo & Smalls, The Lash, Downfall, Atterbury & Gibbz, Old Samuel, Revival Band, Single By Sunday, Johnny Trashed Band, Wise Intentions, Harry Baker Band, Sicknote Steve & Friends, The Attix, Bakestones, Skatatones, Regime, The Underclass , We’re No Heroes, Late Night Breakfast, Jubilee Park, Martyn Peters Band, Nia Ann Band, Lonesome Stampede, Smokestack Lightnin’, The Spitting Pips, Peur, Dave Morris & The Knock, Fingertrap and WhiteHall Parade. Lizard Live Lounge: A3, Rhiannon Spencer, Evie Rowlands, Violent Hearts, Tom Auton, Emi McDade, Owain Whatley, Bryony Sier, Rainy, Ben Stancombe, Before She Calls, Gareth Howatson, Sarah De Warren, Alex Dobson, Seabass?, Henry Adams, Lee Blackmore, Jamie Borrowdale, Juliette Bell, Barrow Dog, Tobias Robertson, Shimai, Joe Bayliss, Sandy Lamb, Josh Kemp and Ernie Jackson.
Dance stage: DJ sets from Scotty Beats, Tony Phillips, Elfiness, Madame Twisted, Bond, JustMyDay and Cod & Zippy. (Until Sun 17) Hamptons Birthday Party Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £38. Info 029 2070 5391. With guest vocalist Samantha Link. A five-course meal is included in the price. Hells Bells Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 01495 243252. AC/DC tribute band. Jon Langford’s Men Of Gwent + Bedford Falls Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01633 221477. Le Bistro Jazz Washington Buildings, Penarth. 8pm, free. Info 029 2070 9600. Free for customers and diners at this eaterie. Like A Lion The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Marie Batchelder Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Nicky Taliesin The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free. Info 029 2070 8675. Open Night The Ivy Bush, Pontardawe. 8pm. Info huwpudner@ntlworld.com. A Valley Folk Club night. Paul Ashton The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Penarth Chamber Music Festival Penarth Pier Pavilion. 7 + 9.30pm, £15 adv (7pm)/£10 adv (9.30pm). Info 0844 8700887. 7pm: performances of Dvorak’s Miniatures op.79a, Janácek’s Intimate Letters and Dvorak’s
Piano Quintet in A major op.81. 9.30pm: performances of Bartok’s Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano Sz.76, Kurtag’s Signs, Games and Messages for string trio and Adès’ Piano Quintet. (Until Sun 17) Simon Trigg The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Swanisphere Tribute Festival 2016 The Scene Club, Swansea. 6-11pm, £7/£15 weekend. Info 07730 432166. Today features tributes to Limp Bizkit (by Counterfeit), Korn (by Untouchables), System Of A Down (In With The Jellyfish), Motörhead (by Helldown), Bring Me The Horizon (Koshiro), Avenged Sevenfold (End Of Daze), Every Time I Die (Constructor) and Wednesday 13 (Dominic Nation & The Dirty Dead). (Until Sun 17) The Big Gig Final Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. The Firewalkers Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £5 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Playing as part of the Cafe A Go Go club night. The Happenings Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Toot De Musique Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026.
SATURDAY 16
Anthony Moulton The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Blackhouse Meze Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633
259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. Buttonsville The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01792 473276. Cadstock Victoria Park, Cadoxton, Barry. 1pm, free. Info 01446 700111. Pop, rock and blues acts playing on the bandstand. On tomorrow also. Chris John The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Chris Kelly The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Cory Band Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 01874 611622. Donna Marie The Three Horseshoes, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Dom Flemons Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. Former singer from American old timey string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Always meant to listen to them. Embassy FEST CCYCP Youth Music Provision Fundraiser Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff. 2.30-10pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 029 2037 3144. Geckgo Fest Parc Penallta, Cafn Hengoed. £19.99 weekend/£17.99 per day. Info 07780 462810. (Until Sun 17) Girlband Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Insuna + Scarsun + Asylem The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info
live review BEN FOLDS
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sun 12 June Bringing the first Festival Of Voice to a close was American singer-songwriter Ben Folds, in his first visit to Wales. The concert hall was packed, with a buzz hanging in the air as the support act Lera Lynn entered the stage. Her set was remarkable, featuring haunting original songs, like her most famous track My Least Famous Life, written for the second series of True Detective, which she had also acted in. Her sound is a mix of styles: Elliott Smith creepy vocals, Twin Peaks-esque darkness, and a Johnny Cash sense of country cool. Fitting, then, that she finished her set on an innovative rendition of Ring Of Fire. After a short break, yMusic, a critically acclaimed New York classical chamber sextet, enter the stage and let out a hypnotic mix of strings, flute, trumpet and clarinet, setting the scene for Ben Folds’ entrance. When he entered, the stage exploded in a cloud of sound and if you were to look around the room, you’d see the audience completely under their spell. After a few brilliant songs, Folds began his classic Rock This Bitch routine, but had a go at it in Welsh, singing “Rociwch yr ast”, much to the audience’s delight. Folds is a charming showman, and within minutes the audience was completely his. The rest of the set was brilliant as expected, playing a mix of songs old and new. However, the true highlight of the evening came at the end where he turned the Welsh audience into a sort of large theremin, moving his hands for different parts of the audience to sing different parts. The result was stunning, and created a sound that was truly worthy of a Festival Of Voice. words LUKE OWAIN BOULT photos OWEN MATHIAS
Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 6) THE DIVINE COMEDY (Tramshed, Sat 8) OF MICE & MEN (Cardiff University Students Union, Sun 9) PETULA CLARK (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sun 9) CHRSITY MOORE (Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Mon 10) THE TUBES (The Globe, Fri 14) KERBDOG (The Globe, Sun 16) RICHMOND FONTAINE (Clwb Ifor Bach, Sun 16) STEEL PANTHER + BOWLING FOR SOUP (Motorpoint BUZZ 62
live music gigs@thedragonffli.com. Jamie Lawson Pembroke Castle. 4pm, £22 adv. Info 01646 695267. Ed Sheeran protege headlines second of three gigs here this weekend. Not sure if they’ll be firing flaming arrows at anyone who tries to bring in a folding chair or pork pie (see yesterday’s listing). Jess + Clustiau Cwn Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7.30pm. Info 01443 491424. Afterparty type thing for Menter Iaith’s Parti Ponty event from earlier today (see Events listings). Johnny Seven Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4. Info 029 2025 0731. Kaiser Chiefs + Dizzee Rascal + Everything Everything + Nature + Tibet SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 2pm, £45/£85 VIP. Info 029 2040 9380. See Upfront. Little Arrow West Coast Arts, Penally, Tenby. Free. Info 01834 219128. Little Lapin + Frozen Houses Snails Deli, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. 7pm, £20 inc buffet. Info 029 2062 0415. Maya Mitten Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Penarth Chamber Music Festival Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10am, £5 adv. Info 0844 8700887. Kid-friendly performance promising a “musical journey around the world”. (Until Sun 17) Raging Speedhorn + Stoneghost + By Any Means Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Northamptonshire metal band’s second appearance at this venue in 2016, having supported Funeral For A Friend here in April also. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Rudry Festival Rudry Parish Hall, Caerphilly. 12am-11pm, £25 adv/£20 under-14s. Info www.rudryparishhall.org. A day of folk, Americana and other acoustic stuff, with sets from Lewis And Leigh, Climbing Trees, Sion Russell Jones, Maddie Jones, Luke Jackson Trio, Little Folk, The Minerals and more TBC. Skin Flint Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Swanisphere Tribute Festival 2016 The Scene Club, Swansea. 6-11pm, £7/£15 weekend. Info 07730 432166. Today features tributes to Blink 182 (by 182, who are a Blink tribute band), Sum 41 (by Who Saves The Hero?), Tenacious D (Seven Stories High), Paramore (Pavilions), Enter Shikari (Clear The Auditorium), Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Static Fires), Black Stone Cherry (Everyday Heroes), Bowling For Soup (Curious Orange), The Stone Roses (Bandicoot), Kings Of Leon (The Caspiens), Wolf Alice (Celestial), Alkaline Trio (Grim Citizens) and Brand New (A Night Like This). (Until Sun 17) Tredfest Mini-Festival The Olde Red Lion, Tredegar. 4pm, £5. Info 01495 724449. Stage 1:Buffalo Summer, The
Johnstown Flood, Argument City, Stay Voiceless and Bankrupt Pug (an ‘unpugged’ set, wahey). Stage 2: Tobias Robertson, Bryony Sier, Joe Kelly, Craig Watkins Music and Tom Crow. The Blims + Rye Milligan + Baked Goods Queens Hall, Narberth. 8.30pm, £9 adv. Info 01834 869323. Album launch gig for local lad-folk band The Blims. Welsh Proms: Verdi Requiem St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£30.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Opening event of the Welsh Proms, running until Sat 23. Owain Arwel Hughes conducts a programme led by soprano Rebecca Evans.
Club, Swansea. 6-11pm, £7/£15 weekend. Info 07730 432166. Today features tributes to Killswitch Engage (by Killswitch UK), Suicide Silence (by The Dweller), Parkway Drive (Conflicts UK), Alexisonfire (SWMC), Beartooth (Alive In Salem) and Northlane (Nycosia.) (Finishes today) The Dreamers Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.45pm, £19.50/£17.50. Info 01874 611622. Minus Freddie but still rocking, or popping or whatever. Welsh Proms: A Day At The Movies With Mike Doyle St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11.50/£7.50 under-16s/free under-5s. Info 029 2087 8444.
SUNDAY 17
MONDAY 18
Bratislava Hot Serenaders Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £20/£18. Info 01792 602060. Seventeen-piece orchestra. Buttonsville Trio Brown’s, Laugharne. 3pm. Info 01994 427688. Cadstock Victoria Park, Cadoxton, Barry. 1pm, free. Info 01446 700111. Chepstow Town Band The Old Station, Tintern. 1-4pm. Info 01291 420241. Music On The Platform session. Crime & Punishment 2011 + Lauren Pryke + Luke Rainsford Music Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £4 adv. Info 07970 063107. FVK Hobo’s, Bridgend. 12pm, £12 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. FVK, FKA Fearless Vampire Killers, headline an alldayer called Shield Fest II that doesn’t have any other bands announced yet. Geckgo Fest Parc Penallta, Cafn Hengoed. £19.99 weekend/£17.99 per day. Info 07780 462810. (Finishes today) Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Pembroke Castle. 4pm, £39.50 adv. Info 01646 695267. You CAN bring folding chairs, blankets, food and drink to this one, but NOT “large outdoor furniture”. Making Minds, Giving Voices Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Quarterly event providing a platform to up-andcoming musicians and spoken word artists in Cardiff. Penarth Chamber Music Festival Penarth Pier Pavilion. 10.30am. Info 0844 8700887. 11am: performances of Poulenc’s Sonata for cello and piano FP 143, Ravel’s Sonatine for Piano and Debussy’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor L.140. 2pm: highlights of the festival in a supportive environment. 4.30pm: Young Musicians Showcase. 6pm: closing concert featuring performances of Beethoven’s String quartet in Eb Major op.74 “Harp” and Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor Op.34. (Finishes today) Simply Red + Ben Montague + Nathan Ball SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. 8pm, £45/£85 VIP. Info 029 2040 9380. Swanisphere Tribute Festival 2016 The Scene
Black Nevada + Godsticks + Alter Eden + Giving In To Ghosts The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £3 adv. Info 01685 387925. Altrock and prog bands. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Six Counties Youth Music Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm. Info 01970 623232. Wind band recital. The Tuttles The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01792 473276. Bluegrass band made up of family members. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Welsh Proms: Organ Prom St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £7. Info 029 2087 8444. With Richard Hills. Wisdom In Chains Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. American metalcore band.
TUESDAY 19
2016 Principality Only Boys Aloud Academi Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8pm, £5-£12.50. Info 029 2039 1391. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Jamie Lawson + Jodie Marie + Into The Ark Pembroke Castle. 4pm, £20. Info 01646 684585. Presented by Orchard. Moonshine Boulevard Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Normandie + Breathe In The Silence + Nineteen Fifty Eight Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5 adv. Info 07970 063107. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Philip Clouts Welsh Quartet Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 8pm, £7. Info 01874 611622. Brecon Jazz Club gig. In Cardiff on Fri 22. Stealing Sheep + R. Seiliog Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Not seen this formally announced yet but it’s pre-
sented by Make Noise, who put on gigs for which you have to (a) register for a free ticket and (b) bring along something electronic and broken to be recycled. The Fused Undertone, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2022 8883. The Hyena Kill + LTNT The Scene Club, Swansea.
Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Capital City Jazz Orchestra Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. South Wales Big Band Society gig. Dale Barclay + False Hope For The Savage +
Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 01639 843163. Live dance music from Bogotá, Colombia. Ty Hafan Charity Metal Alldayer The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 6.30pm, £4. Info 01685 387925. I don’t think the word ‘alldayer’ means what you think it means, but it’s for charity so
BRECON JAZZ Various venues, Brecon, Fri 12-Sun 14 Aug Tickets: TBC but will very per event. Info: www.breconjazz.com Brecon Jazz, a festival which since the mid-1980s has brought the music of its name to the town of its name, is to return to its roots as a communityrun event next month. Although it was previously expected to take a year off, a collective of Brecon representatives have made funding applications (some still TBC at press time) and plan over 20 concerts in five Brecon venues across the weekend. The venues in question are Guildhall, Theatr Brycheiniog, the Cathedral, Muse and Castle Of Brecon Hotel, and the popular (and free) Fringe events will pop up across town and in the Market Hall. The headliners have been confirmed as Tina May, Geoff Eales and Trefor Owen; lineup and ticket info will appear at www.breconjazz.com.
7pm, £6 adv. Info 07730 432166. Welsh Proms: Soundworks Concert St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 1pm, £7.50/£2.50 Soundworks members. Info 029 2087 8444. Welsh Proms: The Planets / The Shadows Of War St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50-£30.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Owain Arwel Hughes conducts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Military Wives Choir, Cardiff Ardwyn Singers and Cardiff Polyphonic Choir. Wonderbrass + Capra Mamei Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253.
WEDNESDAY 20
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. Blue Note Bistro Sessions
Sweaty Palms + Milk Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. Headliner guy used to be frontman of Scottish band The Amazing Snakeheads. Gwd Jams Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3/free for performers. Info 029 2039 7933. Monthly open jam session. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Paolo Nutini Newport Centre. 7.30pm, £40 adv. Info 01633 656757. A charity/memorial gig for Bevlee Jones, a south Wales mother and PN fan who died in March. Tickets sold out very quickly however. Remi Harris Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Sidestepper The Welfare,
hey. The bands Upon Those Dying, Defeatist, Teacher and Incursion are confirmed so far. Welsh Proms: Classical Extravaganza St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50£30.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Opening event of the Welsh Proms, running until Sat 23. Owain Arwel Hughes conducts the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
THURSDAY 21
BJ Barham The Chattery, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12. Info 01792 473276. Americana. Blake Street Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. Bootleg Cash Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £15/£12. Info 01633 868239. Johnny Cash tribute. Callum Walsh + Ofelia Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm. Info 01685 722568.
Arena, Sun 16) BAD COMPANY + RICHIE SAMBORA (Motorpoint Arena, Mon 17) MICHAEL KIWANUKA (Tramshed, Mon 17) AKALA (Clwb Ifor Bach, Wed 19) THE HOLLIES (St David’s Hall, Wed 19) UB40 (Tramshed, Sun 23) BILLY TALENT (Tramshed, Mon 24) FOCUS (The Scene Club, Tue 25) STEVE MASON (The Globe, Thurs 27) EZRA FURMAN (Tramshed, Sun 30) LLOYD COLE (Glee Club, Cardiff Bay, Mon 31) BUZZ 63
live music Evans The Death + Porridge Radio + Neurotic Fiction The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Indietastic lineup presented by Oddbox. Follow My Lead + Values The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, £4 adv. Info james@ thebunkercardiff.com. Hardcore and metalcore. Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8pm. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night. Jessarae Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £7.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. JimJam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is The Mistaken. Kadia Newport Fugitives Athletic Club, Rogerstone, Newport. 8.45pm. Info 01633 897923. A Newport Folk Club night. Moongazer + Slipstone Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.50. Info 01656 815995. Acoustic Club folk night. Philip Clouts Quartet Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth. 8pm, £8/£7. Info 01834 869323. A Spanjazz night. Robin & Bina Williamson + Avital Raz + Pamela Wyn Shannon Tintern Abbey Mill, nr Chepstow. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info info@ folkonthelawn.com. Opening event of this year’s Folk On The Lawn festival, which starts in earnest tomorrow and runs until Sun 24. The Welsh-Argentine Guitar Duo Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. Welsh folk songs and Argentine tangos combine. Welsh Proms: Celebrating The Great American Songbook St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £15.50/£13.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Featuring the Capital City Jazz Orchestra with special guest Claire Martin. Welsh Proms: The Magic Flute – The Musical St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2087 8444. Mozart opera performed by Performed by the Unknown Theatre Company. (Until Sat 23)
FRIDAY 22
Anthony Moulton The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Aubrey Parsons Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Dickie Heart & The Murmurs The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. Now that’s a proper pub band name. Diego Sebastian & The Wild Fangs The Full Moon, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Edd Bateman’s West African Love Affair Queens Hall, Narberth. 8pm, £8-£12. Info 01834 869323. Edd and band play the music of Senegal and the Gambia – soukous, mbalax, mandingue etc. In Swansea tomorrow. Folk On The Lawn Tintern Abbey Mill, nr Chepstow. 5.30pm, free (donations BUZZ 64
welcomed). Info info@ folkonthelawn.com. Over three days (running order TBC) there’ll be sets from Anna my Charlotte, Avital Raz, Cassia, Causton And Walker, Jack Harris, Jon Airdrie, Lief, Melody Causton, Pamela Wyn Shannon, Peter Gowen, Robin & Bina Williamson, Rumney Folk Club, Serpentyne, Soft Hearted Scientists, Sproatly Smith, Steve Dan Mills, The Adventures Of Bert & Henry, The Astrakan Project, The Face That Boils Itself, The Hittites, The Mourning Moon, The Rarebits and Whitehall Parade. (Until Sun 24) Geraint Jarman + Gareth Bonello St John’s Church, Canton, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2056 0222. Welsh rock elder statesman Jarman launches his latest album. Hide Your Eyes The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. Alt-rock from Hereford. Hot 8 Brass Band + Afro Cluster Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £11.50 adv. Info 029 2023 2199. This is a launch gig for Fiesta Bombarda, who host carnivalesque parties it seems. It also seems to be sold out. You can read an interview with Hot 8 Brass Band Upfront, though. Just Mark The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. Kadia Cwtch Coffee, Pembroke Dock. 8pm, £14 adv. Info 01646 687635. Folk trio from Dorset. Keith Christmas Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Kitty & The Purramours Carnegie House, Bridgend. 8pm, £8 adv. Info 01656 815757. Swing, jive, jazz and blues. Music Over Mind Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, £6 adv. Info 01792 468892. Charity night in aid of Swansea Mind and Shelter Cymru, and featuring sets from The Riff, Bandicoot, Soundwire, Spaceage, Fossette, The Heavy Flames and Sean Penhale. Philip Clouts Welsh Quartet The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2048 33447 Propella Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Rachel B Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. That’ll Be The Day 2016 Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £24.50. Info 01646 695267. Hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. On tomorrow also. The Acoustix The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free. Info 029 2070 8675. The Blow Monkeys St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01446 799100. Alt-pop types from the 80s, except actually they still make new albums on the reg and therefore can’t be tied down to one decade, idiot! The Bohemians Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £19. Info 01792 475715. Queen tribute. The Boogie Men The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Them & Us + Flameholder The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info info@
thefullmooncardiff.com. Remember Killa Kela the beatbox guy? He’s one half of Them & Us. Flameholder is also known as Ruffstylz, veteran Welsh rapper. The Moment + Deep Six Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 8pm, £1-/£8 adv. Info 029 2025 0731. The Polecats The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Rockabilly revival band from the early 80s, now reformed and thus a rockabilly revival revival band. Toot De Musique Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£2. Info 029 2038 7026. Ultimate Floyd Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 8pm, £8/£6 adv. Info 01495 243252. Pink Floyd tribute band. Up The Creek Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. A ChapterLive gig. Welsh Proms: Brass & Voices St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£23. Info
Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. Edd Bateman’s West African Love Affair Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 01792 475715. Folk On The Lawn Tintern Abbey Mill, nr Chepstow. 11.30am-11pm, free (donations welcomed). Info info@ folkonthelawn.com. (Until Sun 24) Heavy On The Ride The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com. Homes The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£3 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Single launch for local indie band. Jodie Marie West Coast Arts, Penally, Tenby. Free. Info 01834 219128. Jumpin’ Jimmy & The Nice Guys Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@porterscardiff.com. Mike Dennis The Full Moon,
The Penarth Chamber Music Festival returns to the delightful seaside town, specifically its Pier Pavilion venue, from Thurs 14-Sun 17. It will feature performances of string and piano-centric classical works by accomplished players of such: Haydn, Beethoven and Mendelssohn feature on the opening night's event, Brahms and, again, Beethoven on the closing evening. 029 2087 8444. Featuring the Cory Band, Pendyrus Male Choir, Dunvant Male Choir and conductor Owain Arwel Hughes. Welsh Proms: The Magic Flute – The Musical St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 23) Whitney Houston Tribute Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £38. Info 029 2070 5391. Courtesy of Nya King. A fivecourse meal is included in the price.
SATURDAY 23
A Foreigner’s Journey The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Double tribute to Foreigner and Journey, two bands who don’t really have enough well known songs to sustain a whole tribute set on their own, I suspect. Bright Light Bright Light Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 0300 3656677. Full performance of local synthpopper’s new album, covered in this issue in both review and preview form. Death To The Duke Fest 2 The Duke, Neath. 7pm, free. Info 01639 643892. Featuring metal bands Blasphemer, Trivas, Agrona, Helldown and Skullthrone. Dictaphone Devil Kiwis,
Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Solem Quartet plus piano/clarinet duo John Flinders and David Campbell. Opening event of this year’s Musicfest, which runs until Wed 3 Aug. Nick Ross Orchestra Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £18-£20. Info 01656 815995. Performing the music of Glenn Miller. Nicky Taliesin The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. Rachel B The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Rusty Shackle + Sion Russell Jones Le Pub, Newport. 8pm, £7 adv. Info 01633 221477. Sonic Highways Meze Lounge, Newport. Free. Info 01633 259144. Playing as part of the Live:Lounge night here. Sophie Hansen The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Sounds Of Harlowe Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Live funk band who played here some months back and went down well. Steelhouse Festival Hafod-
Y-Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale. £50/£80 both days. Info 01495 616363. This year’s opening day of hard rock features Thunder, The Answer, Blues Pills, Von Hertzen Brothers, Tax The Heat, Vega, Dirty Thrills and Big Foot. On tomorrow also. Summertime Sessions M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 029 2047 3373. Featuring live bands TBC and a chef cooking out in the yard. Summer Vibes Festival The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 6pm, £7/£10 both days. Info 01685 387925. Two-day event which today features Florence Black, Local Enemy, The Dole Age, SA/Collective, Argument City, Tracy Island and Plasterscene. On tomorrow also. That’ll Be The Day 2016 Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £24.50. Info 01646 695267. The Wren Songbook Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Welsh Proms: Last Night Of The Welsh Proms St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7-£30.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Welsh Proms: The Magic Flute – The Musical St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today)
SUNDAY 24
Chapter Four Jazz Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar. Dick Valentine + Nightmares From The Discotheque + Quiet Marauder The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£5 adv. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. Frontman of Electric Six makes his yearly solo appearance in Cardiff. Folk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm. Info 07477 627267. Folk On The Lawn Tintern Abbey Mill, nr Chepstow. 11am-5.30pm, free (donations welcomed). Info info@ folkonthelawn.com. (Finishes today) Mostly Autumn The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 07590 471888. UK proggers. Musicfest: Early Evening Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm, £10-£12. Info 01970 623232. Featuring pianist Gamal Khamis. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Magnard Ensemble. Red Shoes Brown’s, Laugharne. 3pm. Info 01994 427688. Steelhouse Festival HafodY-Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale. £50/£80 both days. Info 01495 616363. Today features The Darkness, Terrorvision, Hey! Hello!, The Dead Daisies, Toseland, Hand Of Dimes and Last Great Dreamers. Summer Vibes Festival The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 6pm, £7/£10 both days. Info 01685 387925. Today features Ofelia, Bandicoot, Eady Crawford, Bryony Sier, Against The Grain, Josh Garratt and Naomi Rae.
MONDAY 25
Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Live Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. MC Devvo + Teenage Mutant Single Mothers The Scene Club, Swansea. 7pm, £7.50. Info 07730 432166. Part of a club night presented by Subversion and Funktion Tek (see Clubs listings). Monday Club 10 Feet Tall, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2022 8883. Musicfest: Chamber Masterclass Old Hall, Old College, Aberystwyth. 2.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Musicfest: Early Evening Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. The free evening concerts feature students from the various music classes at Aberystwyth University. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Solem Quartet. Musicfest: Lunchtime Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Featuring a trio led by harpist Gwenllian Llyr. Musicfest: Morning Concert For Children Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth. 11.30am, £5/free under-3s. Info 01970 623232. Ukulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509.
TUESDAY 26
Andy Leggett & His Spike Island Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026. Ashley John Long Dempseys, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5. Info 029 2023 9253. Catrin Finch’s Classical Cafe The Hardwick, Abergavenny. 7pm, £60. Info 01873 854220. Price includes a three-course meal (The Hardwick is a highly-rated restaurant, y’know) and drinks reception. Community Samba Band – Practise Dates Westenders Hall, Llanfaes, Brecon. 6-8pm, £4/£2 under-16s. Info sambabrecon@yahoo.co.uk. Jazz Workshop And Jam Session Jazzland, Swansea. 7pm, free. Info 07802 912789. With Greg Abate, who is playing here tomorrow. The workshop is at 7pm, the jam session at 8.30. Musicfest: Clarinet Masterclass Old Hall, Old College, Aberystwyth. 2.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Musicfest: Early Evening Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Featuring pianist Tom Poster. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. A performance of songs that Strauss wrote for Pauline, his wife. Musicfest: Lunchtime Recital Old Hall, Old College, Aberystwyth. 1.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Open Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free. Info 01497 821762. Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. String Theory Gwdihw,
stage Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2039 7933. “All strings classical, melodic and experimental,” says the description. The Mavron Quartet The Gate, Cardiff. 1pm, £4/free under-16s. Info 029 2048 3344.
WEDNESDAY 27
Acoustic Open Mic Night The Bunker, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info james@thebunkercardiff.com. Airbourne Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union. 7pm, £20 adv. Info 029 2078 1458. Australian hard rockers. Aubrey Parsons The Star Inn, Treoes. 9pm, free. Info 01656 658458. Blue Note Bistro Sessions Café Jazz, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Greg Abate with Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30-11pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. Koshiro + Guilt City Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 07970 063107. Musicfest: Early Evening Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Orion Orchestra. Musicfest: Lunchtime Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Featuring a trio led by Ásdis Valdimarsdóttir on viola. Musicfest: Viola Masterclass Old Hall, Old College, Aberystwyth. 2.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Open Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Open Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. TJ Johnson Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £12 adv. Info 01656 815995. Jazz Club gig. Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With host Tony Hands. Free drink for performers.
THURSDAY 28
Craig Watkins + Chris Astley Belle Vue, Merthyr Tydfil. 8pm. Info 01685 722568. Happy Accidents + Honey Pot Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2039 7933. Presented by DIY Cardiff. JimJam Open Mic Session The Claude Hotel, Albany Road, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 07557 505123. This week’s guest band is The Kenny Driscoll Band. Musicfest: Early Evening Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring performances of works by Mozart, Husby, Hesketh and Brahms. Musicfest: Lunchtime Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Featuring saxophonist Andy Scott. Musicfest: Saxophone Masterclass Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Open Mic Night Lyceum Tavern, Newport. 8.30pm. Info 01633 858636.
Quintessential Groove Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. The Cradles Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.
FRIDAY 29
Alex Ishmael + Henry Blight The Old Station, Tintern. 1-4pm. Info 01291 420241. Music On The Platform session. Aubrey Parsons Tempus Bar, St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 0844 8246171. Ben Creighton Griffiths The Clink, Cardiff. 6-8.30pm, £20. Info info@gthc.org.uk. Electroacoustic harp recital at acclaimed jailbird restaurant. A George Thomas Hospice Care fundraising event; price includes buffet. Diamond Nights Hamptons, Penarth. 7.30pm, £38. Info 029 2070 5391. Neil Diamond tribute. A five-course meal is included in the price. Faith No More Or Less The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Faith No More tribute band who I recently saw play on my birthday. As someone who has spent a lot of time in these listings taking the piss out of tribute bands, I actually quite enjoyed it. Jive At Five Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Kazabian The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 07590 471888. Kasabian tribute band. Keith Rock The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free. Info 029 2070 8675. Mellt + Rifleros + Uumar Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199. Midnight Hour Band The Black Lion, Llandaff, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2056 7312. Musicfest: Early Evening Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. New works composed by members of the composition course. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring British cellist Guy Johnston. Musicfest: Lunchtime Recital Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01970 623232. Featuring a trio led by Ásdis Valdimarsdóttir on viola. Musicfest: Masterclass Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Featuring Guy Johnston (cello) with Tom Poster (piano). New Wave Festival 2016 The Garw + The Bear, Abertillery. 7pm, £5. Info www. thebear.co.uk. Everything from acoustic to pop-punk, they say. Stage 1 (The Garw Floor 3): Stay Voiceless, Calling Apollo, The Loved And Lost and Led By Lions. Stage 2 (The Garw Floor 2): The Dharma Violets, Arcadian Heart, Death By Disco, Drown and Sticks And Stones. Stage 3 (The Garw Floor 1): Dan Newman, Spctrm and Anticip4te: Stage 4 (The Bear): acoustic sets from Sarah Brown, Sian Richards, Natalie Jones and Eleri Angharad: Only Men Aloud + Gwawr Edwards + Rebecca
Trehearn Abergavenny Pavilion. 8pm, £25/£12.50 kids. Info 0845 4090900. Opening concert of the 2016 Eisteddfod, held in Abergavenny this year until Sat 6 Aug. Organ Recital National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. *Red Sun Festival The Moon Club, Cardiff. 5pm, £10/£25 for three days. Info info@thefullmooncardiff. com. See Music for a short preview which will mention some but not all of these bands: Honky, Hark, Desert Storm, Slabdragger, Iron Witch, Wizard Fight, Gurt, XII Boar, Sedulus, Thorun, Nomad, Elephant Tree, Akb’al, Florence Black, Baron Greenback, Lacertilia, Grifter, Heil Zilla, Pizzatramp, Gulah, Piss Viper, Death Pedals, Clay Statues, Vails, Tides Of Sulfur, Old Man Lizard, Cybernetic Witch Cult, Chubby Thunderous Bad Kush Masters, Trevor’s Head, Estuary Blacks, Milk, Marshland Massacre, Victorian Whore Dogs, Mower, Sergeant Thunderhoof, Godbomber, Jøtnarr, Cheel Ghar, Barbarian Hermit, Cowboy And The Corpse, Fetus Christ, Pilgrim, Sex Injuries, Hag, Casual Nun, In The Hills, The Sonny Bonds Duo, Camel Of Doom, Black Moon, Oblong, Regulus, Tradish, Husk, Ghosts As Alibis, Your Protected, Semen, Sodomized Cadaver, Anal Floss Is Boss, Ironbird, Beneath The Divine, Kurokuma, Grey Mondeo and RedEye Revival. Running order TBC. (Until Sun 31) Simon Trigg The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge. 9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Sound Of The 50s Live Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15.50-£21.50. Info 01792 475715. Hosted by Leo Green from Radio 2. Submarine Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Bella Blues Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 9pm, £4. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues. The Brothel Creepers The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194. The Cellar Bards Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. The Doors Alive Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £17 adv. Info 029 2089 0862. Doors tribute band. The Shakes The Cornwall, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2030 3947. The Twerzels The White Horse, Coychurch, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 652583. Wurzels tribute band. It occurs to me that, based on their name, they might cover their country bumpkin hits while performing the suggestive dance known as ‘twerking’! However I cannot promise anything. The Wonder Years Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £15 adv. Info 01792 468892. US poppunk type band.
SATURDAY 30
37th Annual Patrons Concert Great Hall, Bay Campus, Swansea University. 7.15pm, £20/£18. Info kevin. fitzgerald1@hotmail.co.uk.
Featuring the Dunvant Male Choir and international guest artists. A Diamond Experience Ex Servicemens Club, Taffs Well, nr Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9/£7 adv. Info 029 2025 0731. Neil Diamond tribute. A Wilhelm Scream + Masts + American Graffiti Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2023 2199. Fuelled By Jealous Lovers present a trio of bands who variously play emo-rock, math-rock and pop-punk. I’m sure they’d consider all those terms inadequate. Benn Willis The Three Horseshoes, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Big Band Night Abergavenny Pavilion. 8pm, £20/£10 kids. Info 0845 4090900. Featuring Rhys Taylor’s Big Band, Caroline Sheen, James Williams and the Eisteddfod Choir. GlastonBARRY Romilly Park, Barry. 12-9pm, £28 adv (two days). Info www. mackeventspresents.com. Featuring tributes to Guns N’ Roses (Guns 2 Roses), Michael Jackson (James Aston), ska and 2-tone (2 Rude), Kasabian (Kazabian) and “the best bands in the world” (The Valli Boys). On tomorrow also. Joe Filisko & Eric Noden West End Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 07561 143114. Blues. Junior Bill The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £3. Info 01497 821762. Musicfest: Early Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 6pm, £10-£12. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the National Youth Choir of Wales. Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £12-£14. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Orion Orchestra. Musicfest: Lunchtime Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2pm, £12/£10. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the National Youth Brass Band Of Wales. Musicfest: Showcase Concerts Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 9pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Performances by students from MusicFest International Summer School at 9am, 12pm and 3.30pm. Palestine Youth Orchestra St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 5pm, £6-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Red Sun Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm. Info 07818 056599. Italian psych band, no relation to the festival listed below. Red Sun Festival The Moon Club, Cardiff. 2pm, £10/£25 for three days. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Until Sun 31) Resident House Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £2. Info 029 2038 7026. Simon Trigg The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Sophie Hansen The Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Legends Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14.50. Info 029 2064 6900. So You Want Punk???? You Got It!!!! The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 4pm, £5. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com. Featuring Wilson, Dodgem-X, The Renegades, The
Delinquents and more TBC. The Acoustix The Twelve Knights, Margam. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381. The Big What!? Band Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@porterscardiff.com. The Hit Kings Kiwis, Cardiff. 10pm, free. Info 029 2039 8965. The Underdogs Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767.
SUNDAY 31
Cymanfa Ganu Abergavenny Pavilion. 8pm, £10. Info 0845 4090900. GlastonBARRY Romilly Park, Barry. 12-9pm, £28 adv (two days). Info www. mackeventspresents.com. Featuring tributes to Queen (by Flash), Bob Marley (Legend), The Rolling Stones (The Rollin’ Clones), Bon Jovi (Bon Giovi) and Arctic Monkeys (Antarctic Monkeys). Mad Toms Crowd The Old Station, Tintern. 1-4pm. Info 01291 420241. Music On The Platform session. National Youth Choir of Wales Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30pm, £5-£12.50. Info 029 2039 1391. Red Sun Festival The Moon Club, Cardiff. 2pm, £10/£25 for three days. Info info@ thefullmooncardiff.com. (Finishes today) Reg Meuross Brown’s, Laugharne. 3pm. Info 01994 427688.
stage FRIDAY 1
Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. Hit musical based on hit film here for a month (having started in mid-June). (Until Sat 16) Blithe Spirit Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £9.50-£16. Info 01792 475715. Noel Coward’s classic comedy, presented by Talking Scarlet. On tomorrow also. Bounds Of Love The Gate, Cardiff. 8pm, £7. Info 029 2048 3344. Debut production from TimeVoid, created by Cardiff Metropolitan University students. It’s about a couple who decide to get married, one of them suffering from terminal cancer. Dance Showcase The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £5/£4. Info 01495 355800. Featuring dancers from Junior Move and The Move, Blaenau Gwent’s junior and senior dance companies, plus members of community classes in the County Borough. Drones Comedy Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Also on Fri 15. El Espejo + Bailo... Luego Existo Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Double bill of flamenco dance courtesy of Danza Mobile. On tomorrow also. Falling In Love With Frida Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £10/£6 under-16s. Info 029 2063 6464. Dance production from Glasgow’s Caroline Bowden.
On tomorrow also. Into The Woods Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. This Sondheim musical is the first outdoor theatre production by Everyman this summer; they have events here until late July. Letters Home Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7.30pm, free. Info 01792 863722. A theatre piece in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Battle Of The Somme. Martin Huburn + Andrew Rutledge + Coral Halliwell + Nick Hiscott + Alf Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.45pm, £5 adv. Info 01495 708022. Medea Redux + Iphigenia In Orem + A Gaggle Of Saints Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Three dark one-act plays by Neil Labute. On tomorrow also. Meet Fred The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. Hijinx, in association with Blind Summit, present a Unity Festival event. On tomorrow also. Oklahoma Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. Musical presented by Stars Musical Theatre. On tomorrow also. Ratburger Chepstow Castle. 7pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Open-air theatre, the first of several here this month. This one is for kids, and is presented by Heartbreak Theatre. Romeo & Juliet Allotment, Crickhowell. 6.30pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Presented by Taking Flight Theatre, and touring throughout Wales during July: Tretower (Wed 6), Bargoed (Sat 9), Bridgend (Tue 12), Cilgerran (Tue 19), Stackpole (Wed 20-Sat 23), Haverfordwest (Sun 24), Swansea (Tue 26), Bridgend again (Wed 27), Penarth (Sat 30) and Llanarthney (Sun 31). Tickets are all booked through Chapter Arts Centre, whose number that is above. Seren Summer Show Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 0845 2263510. End of year showcase from Seren Performing Arts. On tomorrow also. ‘Stute Comedy Nights Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 8pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 01495 227206. With standups TBC. The 83rd British Final Festival Of One-Act Plays Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2064 6900. Two-day event, today featuring plays from Wales and Northern Ireland; Scotland and England are tomorrow. The Blues Brothers... Approved New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13-£25. Info 029 2087 8889. “Featuring original members from the many West End runs the production has endured,” the blurb says, sounding slightly weary itself. On tomorrow also. The Chambermaids + Street Heroes + En-tyre Life The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. Unity Festival event featuyring three plays presented by (respectively) BlaumeierAtelier, Theatr Glad and ZimZam. Tom Allen + Carey Marx BUZZ 65
stage + Joe Bor + Keith Farnan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also.
SATURDAY 2
Back To The 80s The Muni, Pontypridd. 5pm, £7/£6.50. Info 01443 490390. Presented by RSD Performing Arts Academy. Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £18.50£62.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Blithe Spirit Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 7.30pm, £9.50£16. Info 01792 475715. Dance Blast Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £6/£4. Info 01873 850805. El Espejo + Bailo... Luego Existo Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Falling In Love With Frida Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £10/£6 under-16s. Info 029 2063 6464. Into The Woods Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. John Simmit + Chris Purchase + Robert White Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. L’Hotel Parc Penallta Events Arena, Blackwood. 2pm, £5/£3 kids. Info 01495 227206. Family-friendly circus fun. Presented by Blackwood Miners Institute and Circo Rumbaba. Medea Redux + Iphigenia In Orem + A Gaggle Of
Saints Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Meet Fred The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5-£12. Info 029 2128 0189. Oklahoma Gwyn Hall, Neath. 2 + 7pm, £12/£10. Info 0300 3656677. Seren Summer Show Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 11am + 2pm, £8/£6. Info 0845 2263510. The 83rd British Final Festival Of One-Act Plays Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7pm, £15. Info 029 2064 6900. The Blues Brothers... Approved New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £11£25. Info 029 2087 8889. The Cantervbille Ghost Chepstow Castle. 7pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Don’t Go Into The Cellar! Theatre. Tom Allen + Carey Marx + Joe Bor + Keith Farnan Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Unity Festival The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. This day doesn’t seem to have a formal name but what you need to know is that it features openair performances of Romeo & Juliet, Pin, Curl & Dyesome, Sleepwalkers, Sprung, The Chambermaids, Street Heroes, Jessie Brett, Suitcase, En-tyre Life and a Hijinx Odyssey at the end. Wild! Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 2pm, £8. Info 0800 0147111.
New play by Evan Placey, informed by intensive research into the condition of ADHD in children.
SUNDAY 3
Chris Purchase + Samantha Baines + Eleanor Conway NRG, Neath. 5pm, free. Info 01639 644888. Neath Comedy Festival fringe gig. Ed Gamble + Robin Morgan Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £8/£5. Info 029 2031 0312. A brace of Edinburgh preview shows, presented by Buffalo Comedy – who have another test markety show here on Sun 24.. Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday.
MONDAY 4
Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18.50-£62.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Diwrnod Hyfryd Sali Mali Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 1pm, £6. Info 01239 621200. Presented by Theatr Arad Goch. On tomorrow also. Future Blood Pontardawe Arts Centre. 7pm, £3 adv. Info 01792 863722. #JC4PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01792 475715. A bunch of comedians, musicians etc do a turn each in support of Jeremy Corbyn. Rufus Hound, Josie Long, Francesca Martinez, Boothby Graffoe,
HAMLET Roman Amphitheatre, Caerleon, Fri 8 July Tickets: £13/£10. Info: 01633 430194 / www.caerleon-arts.org A Shakespeare classic, performed outside among the trees and earthworms, is as much a mainstay of the Caerleon Arts Festival as the Festival itself is in Gwent’s events calendar. For 2016, the Festival Players – 30 years old this year as a company – will be tackling Hamlet with the verve and practise that comes from bringing the Bard to bespoke outdoor locations on an international scale. Hopefully, you’re already familiar with the plot, or are at least willing to bone up on the basics before you strap in for the Players’ two-hour rendition. Oh, and if you want to sit on an actual chair, you have to bring it yourself – or murder your treacherous uncle for it (only serious Shakespeare fans will get this!).
BUZZ 66
Attila The Stockbroker, Angela Barnes, Grace Petrie and Clare Ferguson-Walker are the confirmed names, plus trade union bigwig Mark Serwotka, who is compere. And no, I have no idea if this will still go ahead should JC get binned off between now and this date. Ted Shiress + Dan Mitchell The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Cardiff Comedy Festival event, one of several here this month, with two local standups.
TUESDAY 5
Brendon Burns + John Hastings Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £8 adv. Info www. hobosmusicvenue.com. Edinburgh preview comedy double header thing. Bristol Underground Comedy Club The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Featuring Peter Dobbing and other standups TBC. Crafty Laughs The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952. Free standup comedy of the night every first Tuesday of the month. This one features Mike Reed, Gareth Thomas, Andrew Rutledge, Nathan Webb, Riordan Deehan Jackson, Darren Hoskins, Bex Blundy, Louis Brackley and Charlie Smith. CSSA Got To Dance Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 6.30pm, £4. Info 01495 227206. Dance showcase featuring local youngsters. Diwrnod Hyfryd Sali Mali Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 10am, £6. Info 01239 621200. First Date The Gate, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2048 3344. A very modern play about online dating etc, presented by the Clock Tower Theatre Company kicking off their new KILN season of plays. Guys & Dolls New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17-£38. Info 029 2087 8889. Venerable musical, courtesy of London’s Savoy Theatre in this instance. (Until Sat 9) Les Miserables Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01873 850805. Presented and performed by King Henry VIII School. (Until Thurs 7) Nansi Tymbl Village Hall, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01269 841213. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru present Angharad Price’s play, touring Wales for the second time. On tomorrow also. The Welsh Unsigned Standup Award Semi Final 1 Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01656 655015. The second semi-final is on Tue 12; the final is at the Glee Club on Sun 31.
WEDNESDAY 6
Andrew Lawrence Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.45pm, £14/£12 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Garden variety UK circuit comedian whose unique selling point, postimage rejig, is his lack of time for that political correctness stuff – unlike all other British standups. Quite cringeworthy in truth. Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18.50-£62.50.
Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Guys & Dolls New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12-£38. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 9) Hay Fever YMCA, The Walk, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01656 865989. Noel Coward play in which the bohemian Bliss family invite four guests to spend the weekend at their country home. (Until Fri 8) Les Miserables Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01873 850805. (Until Thurs 7) Murder On the Terrace Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Murder mystery presented by Heartbreak Theatre. Nansi Tymbl Village Hall, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10-£15. Info 01269 841213. Primary Ballroom Tournament Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 1-4pm, £1. Info 01685 384111. Featuring pupils from Merthyr primary schools. Romeo & Juliet Tretower Court, nr Crickhowell. 6.30pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. The Fabulous Bacon Boys Llanddewi Velfrey Hall. 7.30pm, £3.50-£8.50. Info 01834 869323. Span Arts present a comedic theatre show based on the story of the Three Little Pigs.
THURSDAY 7
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. Another Everyman open-air theatre production. Not to be confused with the ‘Allo ‘Allo! production where you get a meal as well. (Until Sat 16) A Salute To The 1940s: The Dad’s Army Variety Show Special Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 2.30pm, £13/£11. Info 0845 2263510. Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £18.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Dau Parc & Dare, Treorchy. 7.30pm, £8. Info 0800 0147111. New Welsh language play, directed by Gareth John Bale. Guys & Dolls New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12-£38. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 9) Hay Fever YMCA, The Walk, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01656 865989. (Until Fri 8) Kate Lucas The Duke, Neath. 8pm, £7. Info 01639 643892. Neath Comedy Festival show, titled Whatever Happened To Kate Lucas? Laffty Devil Comedy Night Crafty Devil Cellar Shop, Llandaff Road, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info info@ craftydevilbrewing.co.uk. Third in a series of monthly comedy nights in this Canton bottle shop. Features a ‘comedy speakeasy’ where the audience talk about whatever the audience suggest. Les Miserables Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £10/£8. Info 01873 850805. (Finishes today) Noel James + Ali Hancock + Samuel Lloyd + David Forentin + Al Gordon + Jethro Bradley + Chris Chopping The Gravity Station, The Moon Club, Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info info@
thefullmooncardiff.com. Standup comedy in the new bar area. Once On This Island Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.15pm, £7. Info 01633 868239. Presented by Congress Junior Theatre. (Until Sat 9) Step By Step Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 7.45pm, £8.50/£6.50. Info 01792 475715. Presented by The Performance Factory Dance School. Thursday Night Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Featuring Clint Edwards, Robin Morgan and one more comic TBC.
FRIDAY 8
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Guys & Dolls New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £22-£42.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 9) Hamlet Roman Amphitheatre, Caerleon. 6.30pm, £13. Info 07934 938250. Caerleon Arts Festival event with the Festival Players. Hay Fever YMCA, The Walk, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01656 865989. (Finishes today) Jonnie Price Neath Cricket Club. 8pm, £6. Info 01639 643719. Neath Comedy Festival show. Lights Camera Dance Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50. Info 01633 263670. The Sharon Fitzgerald Dance School present their end-of-year spectacular. (Until Sun 10) Once On This Island Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.15pm, £7. Info 01633 868239. (Until Sat 9) Roy Chubby Brown Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £21.50. Info 01792 475715. Sol Bernstein + George Egg + Gordon Southern + Allyson Smith Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £13/£11. Info 029 2030 4400. Presented by Le Navet Bete and Barbican Theatre Plymouth. On tomorrow also.
SATURDAY 9
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) A Midsummer Night’s Dream Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Illyria. Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Dance Days Various locations, Swansea. 11am-5pm, free. Info 01792 602060. Annual two-day extravaganza, with over 50 dance performances in multiple locations. On tomorrow also. Disney’s Alice In Wonderland Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 2.30pm,
stage £5. Info 0800 0147111. Presented by Arius School Of Performing Arts. Grand Theatre School Of Drama And Musical Theatre Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 6pm, £7/£5.50. Info 01792 475715. Guys & Dolls New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22£42.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Ian Smith + Trevor Crook + Philberto Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Ignacio Lopez Little Theatre, Neath. 8pm, £8.50/£7 adv. Info 01639 643462. Neath Comedy Festival event. I Merlin Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. Dramatised journey through the Mabinogion legend, narrated by Merlin himself. On tomorrow also. Lights Camera Dance Dolman Theatre, Newport. 7.15pm, £8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Until Sun 10) London’s Calling Tramshed, Cardiff. 7-10.30pm, £16/£14 adv. Info 0117 9259273. Cardiff Cabaret Club with a show of burlesque and the like, with these performers: Rubyyy Jones, Dis Charge, Regina, Pearl Grey, Barry Island, FooFooLaBelle and the Cardiff Cabaret Troupe. Mametz Wood National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1, 3 + 6pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. The Battle Of Mametz Wood, a significant WWI skirmish that happened 100 years ago, is dramatised onstage in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre. On tomorrow also. Once On This Island Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.15pm, £7. Info 01633 868239. (Finishes today) Ribbons & Mid Wales Dance Academy Annual Show 2016 Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 6pm, £10/£9. Info 01874 611622. On tomorrow also. Romeo & Juliet Parc Cwm Darran, nr Bargoed. 6.30pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Roy Chubby Brown Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01600 772467. Rubicon Dance 2016 The Gate, Cardiff. 2 + 7.30pm, £6/£4.50. Info 029 2048 3344. Kids’ dance showcase. Sol Bernstein + George Egg + Gordon Southern + Allyson Smith Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7pm, £13/£11. Info 029 2030 4400.
SUNDAY 10
Bethany Black + Milo McCabe + Kiri Pritchard McLean NRG, Neath. 5pm, free. Info 01639 644888. Neath Comedy Festival fringe gig. Dance Days Various locations, Swansea. 11am-5pm, free. Info 01792 602060. I Merlin Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2 + 7pm, £15. Info 029 2063 6464. India Dance Wales: Shishya Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 2.30pm, £9 adv. Info 0333 6663366. Gala event showcasing the classical Indian dance style Bharatanatyam. India Dance Wales:
Shakuntala Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £17 adv/£15 under-18s. Info 0333 6663366. Drama, also performed in the Bharatanatyam style. Lights Camera Dance Dolman Theatre, Newport. 2.15 + 7.15pm, £8.50. Info 01633 263670. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Mametz Wood National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 1, 3 + 6pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. Ribbons & Mid Wales Dance Academy Annual Show 2016 Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 2 + 5pm, £10/£9. Info 01874 611622. Summer Showcase 2016 Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 6pm, £6.50/£5. Info 01873 850805. Presented by Mayzmusik Performing Arts Academy.
MONDAY 11
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18.50-£62.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by James Dunn. Danielle Ward + Jordan Brookes Chapel 1877, Cardiff. 7pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2022 2020. Cardiff Comedy Festival event. First Lady The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Cardiff Comedy Festival event in which George Orange tells the story of Joan Jett Black, a Chicagoan who ran for US president in 1992 to publicise HIV-related causes. Save The Last Dance For Me Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12-£29. Info 01792 475715. Early 60s rock’n’roll musical. In Cardiff for the last week of July. (Until Sat 16)
TUESDAY 12
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18.50-£62.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Dynamix: Five Years On Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01239 621200. Musical highlights package. (Until Thurs 14) Gulliver’s Travels Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Pantaloon Theatre. Mark Thomas Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7 + 9.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. Work in progress shows for a new set titled Red Shed. Mrs Beeton, My Sister Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01685 384111. Play that debuted in Radio 4’s Saturday afternoon slot. Pete Dobbing The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Performing his show Armchair Futurologist III. Cardiff Comedy Festival event. Romeo & Juliet Bryn Tirion
Comprehensive, Bridgend. 7pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Save The Last Dance For Me Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12-£29. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 16) The Welsh Unsigned Standup Award Semi Final 1 Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, £5. Info 01656 655015.
WEDNESDAY 13
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £18.50-£62.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Carri Munn Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. With a show titled Cardiff Minger Of The World. Dynamix: Five Years On Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01239 621200. (Until Thurs 14) Les Miserables Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. Presented by The Performance Factory Stage School. (Until Sun 17) Oh Hello! Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.45pm, £7-£12. Info 01646 695267. Jamie Rees stars as Charles Hawtrey off of the Carry On movies. In Blackwood on Sat 16; Ammanford on Tue 19;
643892. Neath Comedy Festival show. Dynamix: Five Years On Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan. 7pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01239 621200. (Finishes today) Into The Woods Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £11/£9.50. Info 01873 850805. Sondheim fairytale, presented here by the VIG Theatre Company. (Until Sat 16) Les Miserables Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 17) Let’s Go To The Movies Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9. Info 01633 868239. On tomorrow also. Mitch Benn Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 029 2030 4400. Edinburgh preview show. Oh Hello! Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2.30 + 7.45pm, £7-£12. Info 01646 695267. (Until Fri 15) Save The Last Dance For Me Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12-£29. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 16) That’s My Material Exit 7, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 029 2022 4488. Cardiff Comedy Festival show where comedians perform five-minute versions of each other’s sets. Will hopefully all start with the words “Helloooo! Look at meee! I’m [name]” in a silly high-pitched voice. Thursday Night Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff
Cardiff Cabaret Club, popular local promoters of burlesque shows and related sauce, have a show subtitled London's Calling on Sat 9 – their first in Cardiff's Tramshed venue. It's set to include turns from Ruby Jones and Pearl Grey among others. Cardiff from Wed 20-Sat 23; Brecon on Wed 27; Porthcawl on Thurs 28. (Until Fri 15) Open Rehearsals Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Held in the Dance House, view Caroline Finn and dancers creating a new work. Book in advance please. Also on Wed 20. Save The Last Dance For Me Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12-£29. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 16) The Meads School Summer Spectacular Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 6.30pm, £3.50. Info 01646 695267. Singing, actin and dancing by kids from Year 2.
THURSDAY 14
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Christian Reilly + Tony Jameson + Robin Morgan Queens Hall, Narberth. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01834 869323. Comedy Club night. Dane Baptiste The Duke, Neath. 8pm, £7. Info 01639
Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Featuring Clint Edwards and one more comic TBC. Young Artists Festival The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2128 0189. Seven short plays by some of the greats of the British arts scene, put together and performed in a week by young artists in Wales. The plays are: Blue Sky Thinking by Alun Saunders, A Play That Isn’t About Sex by Joel Horwood, You Make Me by Joel Horwood, Mirror Loop by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, The Ugly Pen by Sam Burns, Frozen by Lisa Jen and Untitled by Nicola Reynolds. (Until Sat 16)
FRIDAY 15
‘Allo ‘Allo Pontardawe Arts Centre. 2pm, £53.70. Info 01792 863722. Dining theatre special. ‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 16) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £22.50-£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 16) Drones Comedy Club
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £3.50. Info 029 2030 4400. Gary Delaney Miners Welfare, Resolven. £10 adv. Info 01639 710320. Neath Comedy Festival event. Into The Woods Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £11/£9.50. Info 01873 850805. (Until Sat 16) Les Miserables Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 17) Let’s Go To The Movies Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £9. Info 01633 868239. Madama Butterfly Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 6-9.30pm, £17 adv. Info 01239 841387. Summer opera, written by Puccini and directed by Henry Ward. On tomorrow also. Matt Price + Phil Cooper Exit 7, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8. Info 029 2022 4488. Cardiff Comedy Festival show. Oh Hello! Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.45pm, £7-£12. Info 01646 695267. (Finishes today) Save The Last Dance For Me Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £12-£29. Info 01792 475715. (Until Sat 16) Stephen Carlin Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. One of several standups shows here today and tomorrow, presented by Little Wander and ahead of the relevant comedians’ stints in Edinburgh. Stuart Laws Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Stuart Mitchell + Phil Nichol + Andy Robinson Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Young Artists Festival The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 16)
SATURDAY 16
‘Allo ‘Allo! Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Finishes today) Bad Guys Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 1.30pm, £10.50/£6.50 kids. Info 01792 475715. Featuring the Three Half Pints from Cbeebies. In Milford Haven on Sun 31. Beasts Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 6pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Comedy sketch troupe. They want me to write it BEASTS – sorry guys, not happening. Apart from just then. Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. Welsh Proms event for kids, on for another week (apart from tomorrow). (Until Sat 23) Billy Elliot Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £22.50£65.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Finishes today) Birthday Girls Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Sketch troupe who have been on TV and that with a show titled Sh!t Hot Party Legends. Chaplin Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £7-£16.50. Info 01646 695267. Musical about titular comedian’s rise to stardom, with Steven Arnold and Nicole
Faraday in the lead roles. Into The Woods Borough Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm, £11/£9.50. Info 01873 850805. (Finishes today) Les Miserables Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2 + 7pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sun 17) Lloyd Langford Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Lucky Trimmer Does Wales Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Berlin dance company presents brings to Wales seven dance talents from around the world, with pieces of 10 minutes or less. Held in the Dance House. Madama Butterfly Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 6-9.30pm, £17 adv. Info 01239 841387. Nick Page + Barry Castagnola + Robert White Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Oh Hello! Miners’ Institute, Blackwood. 7.30pm, £14/£12 adv. Info 01495 227206. Peter Brush Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4.30pm, £6. Info 029 2030 4400. Standup show titled Dreams With Advert Breaks. Save The Last Dance For Me Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £12-£29. Info 01792 475715. (Finishes today) So You Think You’re Funny Sitcom Trials Exit 7, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2022 4488. Cardiff Comedy Festival event, one of four UK heats before a final in Edinburgh next month. Stuart Mitchell + Phil Nichol + Andy Robinson Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Young Artists Festival The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2128 0189. (Finishes today)
SUNDAY 17
Les Miserables Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2pm, £14/£12. Info 0845 2263510. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Tudur Owen + Georgie Morrell + Steffan Alun NRG, Neath. 5pm, free. Info 01639 644888. Neath Comedy Festival fringe gig.
MONDAY 18
Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 23) Chris Stokes + The Death Hilarious The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Edinburgh preview shows. Cardiff Comedy Festival event. Xscape To The Beat Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7pm, £10.50/£8 kids. Info 01792 475715. Dance school revue.
TUESDAY 19
Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 23) Fame Factory The Muni, Pontypridd. 7.30pm, £11.50/£10.50. Info 01443 BUZZ 67
stage 490390. Musical based on a Disney Channel movie. Holly Burn + Steffan Evans + Drew Taylor The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Cardiff Comedy Festival event. Mike Bubbins + Jamie McGowan Chapel 1877, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9/£7. Info 029 2022 2020. Cardiff Comedy Festival event. Oh Hello! Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. Romeo & Juliet Cilgerran Castle. 7pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Sense & Sensibility Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre. The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 4.30pm, £8.50 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. Musical comedy adaption of the famous Lewis Carroll poem. (Until Sat 30)
Sat 30) Thursday Night Comedy Carousel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £10/£5 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Featuring Clint Edwards, Robin Morgan and one more comic TBC.
WEDNESDAY 20
Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 23) Gwyn Hall, Neath. 3pm, £10. Info 0300 3656677. Neath Comedy Festival event. Fame The Musical Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Until Sat 23) Fantasy Feet – Perfect Ten Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare. 5.30pm, £12.50/£10. Info 0800 0147111. Celebrating 10 years of Fantasy Feet Dance Academy. Flossie & Boo’s Curious Cabaret Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2030 4400. Edinburgh preview show Julian Deane + Annie McGrath + Frank Honeybone Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £9. Info 01656 815995. Comedy Network night of standup. Looking For Lansbury Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 0845 2263510. One-woman show concerning the life, work and influences of Dame Angela Lansbury. Matt Reed + Rudi Lickwood + Michael Fabbri + Andy Askins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Musical Allsorts The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £8/£7. Info 01495 355800. Songs from the musicals. On tomorrow also. Oh Hello! Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Romeo & Juliet Stackpole, nr Pembroke. 7pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) The Canterbury Tales Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Pantaloons Theatre. The Gruffalo’s Child New Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 4.30pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. Stage adaption of the kids’ book. (Until Sun 24) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info
Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 23) Comedy Den Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2128 0189. Much Ado About Nothing Cardiff Castle. 6.30pm, £9-£16. Info 029 2087 8100. Presented by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. On tomorrow also. Oh Hello! Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) Open Rehearsals Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Romeo & Juliet Stackpole, nr Pembroke. 7pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £8.50 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30)
THURSDAY 21
Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Until Sat 23) Much Ado About Nothing Cardiff Castle. 6.30pm, £9-£16. Info 029 2087 8100. Fame The Musical Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. Presented by CAST Theatre Company and for ages 11+. (Until Sat 23) Oh Hello! Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) Paul F Taylor The Duke, Neath. 8pm, £7. Info 01639 643892. Neath Comedy Festival show. Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. An Everyman open-air production. (Until Sat 30) Romeo & Juliet Stackpole, nr Pembroke. 12 + 7pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 23) Ruddigore Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Illyria. The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 6pm, £8.50 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until BUZZ 68
FRIDAY 22
Ellie Taylor + Carey Marx
029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30) Torrential Brain M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 7.30pm. Info 029 2047 3373. Mental health-themed comedy night with Payton Quinn, Trevor J. Williams and host James Dunn.
SATURDAY 23
Did you see Swansea-based musical Cappuccino Girls back when? Keen to know what the three female protagonists did next? Yes? Then Cappuccino Girls 2: The Paradox Of Choice (Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli, Fri 29 JulySat 6 Aug) is for you! Bert’s Magical Musical Kitchen St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £7.50. Info 029 2087 8444. (Finishes today) Danny The Champion Of The World Chepstow Castle. 7pm, £11-£15. Info 0300 3656677. Presented by Illyria. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 11am + 1pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. It’s Disney’s but it’s also Everyman Theatre’s, and if you attend this open-air summer special, it can also be yours, in a way. (Until Sat 30) Fame The Musical Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01685 384111. (Finishes today) Matt Reed + Rudi Lickwood + Michael Fabbri + Andy Askins Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Mike Wilkinson + Damian Clarke Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Musical Allsorts The Met, Abertillery. 7pm, £8/£7. Info 01495 355800. Oh Hello! Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5 + 8pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Romeo & Juliet Stackpole, nr Pembroke. 2 + 7pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) The Amazing Adventures Of Wallace & Bates National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1.30pm + 3.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Fri 29) The Gruffalo’s Child New Theatre, Cardiff. 11am + 2pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sun 24) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30)
SUNDAY 24
Christian Talbot + Athena Kugblenu + Sooz Kempner + Fern Brady NRG, Neath. 5pm, free. Info 01639 644888. Neath Comedy Festival fringe gig. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 12
+ 2.30pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Leroy Brito + Ignacio Lopez + Simon Emanuel Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £10. Info 0871 4720400. Presented by Comedy Sheep. Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Lloyd Langford + Rhys James Buffalo, Cardiff. 7pm, £8/£5. Info 029 2031 0312. A brace of Edinburgh preview shows, presented by Buffalo Comedy. Romeo & Juliet Hilton Court, Haverfordwest. 6.30pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. The Amazing Adventures Of Wallace & Bates National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1.30pm + 3.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Fri 29) The Gruffalo’s Child New Theatre, Cardiff. 11am, 2pm + 4.30pm, £8.50-£12.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) The Ugly Duckling + Showtime + The Big Bad Wolf Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 4pm, £10/£8.50 kids. Info 01633 868239. Triple bill presented by Children’s Ballet Wales.
MONDAY 25
2 Men – One Pub Chapel 1877, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2022 2020. Live version of a podcast featuring Eggsy from Goldie Lookin Chain plus Mike Bubbins. Cardiff Comedy Festival event. Chicago Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£47.50. Info 029 2063 6464. See Stage. (Until Sat 30) Jonathan Pie + Andrew Doyle The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£7 adv. Info 029 2128 0189. Cardiff Comedy Festival event with Pie, an embittered news reporter character. LazyTown Grand Theatre, Swansea. 1.30 + 4pm, £13.50/£10.50 kids. Info 01792 475715. Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Save The Last Dance For Me New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9.50-£25. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30) Yuri Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. August 012 present a showcase for a play which ‘goes to Edinburgh’ next month. (Until Sat 30)
TUESDAY 26
Chicago Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£47.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 12 + 2.30pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) James And The Giant Peach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £16-£20. Info 01970 623232. Sell A Door Theatre bring Dahl, R to the stage once again. (Until Sun 31) Romeo & Juliet Clyne Gardens, Swansea. 6.30pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Romeo & Juliet Sophia
Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Save The Last Dance For Me New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Sweeney Todd Paget Rooms, Penarth. 6.30pm, £16.50. Info 029 2070 0721. Musical presented by Pukka Productions. (Until Sat 30) The Amazing Adventures Of Wallace & Bates National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1.30pm + 3.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Fri 29) The Calm Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 8.45pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2039 1391. Play by Who Said Theatre, set in a miltary hospital. The Hollywood Special Effects Show Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £14.50/£13. Info 01792 475715. Family show that demonstrates the science of creating all the bangs and kerblammos you love in the movies. On tomorrow also. The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30) Two And One More Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2039 1391. New play by Tom Hampson, presented by What Might Have Been Theatre. Yuri Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30)
WEDNESDAY 27
Alix In Wundergarten Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. Pre-Edinburgh showing for a play developed by Cardiff’s difficult|stage. (Until Sat 30) Chicago Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£47.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Criminology 303 Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 7.15pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2039 1391. New murder mystery by Rose Miller, presented by Tangent Theatre Company. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 12 + 2.30pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) James And The Giant Peach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £16£20. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sun 31) Kommilitonen! Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 01446 738622. See Stage. (Until Sat 30) Oh Hello! Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01874 611622. Romeo & Juliet Parc Calon Lan, Bridgend. 6pm, £6-£14. Info 01656 729246. Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Saturday Night Forever Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.45pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. Another pre-Edinburgh run, this time for a play set in Cardiff’s gay club scene and which has already garnered plaudits. (Until Sat 30) Save The Last Dance For Me New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10-£29.50. Info 029
2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Shakeshafte Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 473238. A new play by Rowan Williams, presented by Swansea Little Theatre and set in the 1581 of Shakespeare and Elizabeth I. (Until Sat 30) Sweeney Todd Paget Rooms, Penarth. 6.30pm, £16.50. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sat 30) The Amazing Adventures Of Wallace & Bates National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1.30pm + 3.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Fri 29) The Hollywood Special Effects Show Grand Theatre, Swansea. 2 + 6pm, £14.50/£13. Info 01792 475715. The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. The afternoon show is a ‘relaxed performance’. (Until Sat 30) Tales Of Peter Rabbit And Benjamin Bunny Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 2.30pm, £9/£6 kids. Info 01639 881635. Kids’ production of Beatrix Potter’s stories, adapted by Michael Whitmore. Yuri Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30)
THURSDAY 28
A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2128 0189. Bilingual play by Alun Saunders. (Until Sat 30) Alix In Wundergarten Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.45pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30) As You Like It Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4-£8. Info 029 2064 6900. This is part of the RSC Open Stages project and features the venue’s Sherman Players performing Shakepeare’s text. (Until Sat 30) Chicago Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17.50-£47.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Cold/Warm The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2048 3344. Florence Read’s dark comedy about a man who lives with a microwave. On tomorrow also. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 12 + 2.30pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) James And The Giant Peach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £16£20. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sun 31) Kommilitonen! Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 01446 738622. (Until Sat 30) Love’s Labours Won Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7.30pm, £7-£10. Info 01685 384111. Avant Theatre Company present a Shakespearean-style comedy set in a pub garden in 2016. Oh Hello! Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £11/£10. Info 01656 815995. Pitschi – The Kitten With Dreams Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.45pm. Info 01834 869323. Swiss-originated kids’ show. In Ammanford tomorrow. Rob Deering The Duke, Neath. 8pm, £7. Info 01639 643892. Neath Comedy
stage Festival show. Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Ruddigore Cardigan Castle. 6.30pm, £11-£15. Info 01239 621200. Presented by Illyria and Theatr Mwldan. Saturday Night Forever Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30) Save The Last Dance For Me New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £9-£29.50. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Shakeshafte Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 473238. (Until Sat 30) Sweeney Todd Paget Rooms, Penarth. 6.30pm, £16.50. Info 029 2070 0721. (Until Sat 30) The Amazing Adventures Of Wallace & Bates National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1.30pm + 3.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7951. (Until Fri 29) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30) The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show Congress Theatre, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £20. Info 01633 868239. Tony Jameson + Andy Furey Chapel 1877, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£5. Info 029 2022 2020. Cardiff Comedy Festival event featuring two standup shows with a football theme. Use this information as you see fit. Yuri Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30pm, £8-£12. Info
029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30)
FRIDAY 29
A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2128 0189. (Until Sat 30) Alix In Wundergarten Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30) As You Like It Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4-£8. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30) Bob The Drag Queen + Laila McQueen Mary’s, Cardiff. 6pm, £25 adv/£40 meet and greet. Info 029 2066 8647. Two Drag Race stars, presented here by Holy Trannity. Cappuccino Girls 2: The Paradox Of Choice Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 0845 2263510. Sequel to Mal Pope’s womenbe-shopping musical, which catches up with the girls five years on and enjoying highflying careers in this and that. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Chicago Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30 + 8.30pm, £10.50-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Cold/Warm The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 029 2048 3344. Comedy Shed The Riverfront, Newport. 7.45pm, £12.50. Info 01633 656757. With standups TBC. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 12 + 2.30pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30)
James And The Giant Peach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £16-£20. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sun 31) Jason John Whitehead + Junior Simpson + Rob Deering + Mick Ferry Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15/£7.50 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also. Jethro Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £20.50. Info 01656 815995. The official Jethro Facebook page is so poorly spelled and punctuated I have a feeling it may actually be maintained by the man himself. Kommilitonen! Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 01446 738622. (Until Sat 30) Paul Sinha Little Theatre, Neath. 8pm, £13 adv. Info 01639 643462. Neath Comedy Festival event. Pitschi – The Kitten With Dreams Miners Theatre, Ammanford. 1 + 3pm, £5/£4. Info 0845 2263510. Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Until Sat 30) Saturday Night Forever Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.45pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30) Save The Last Dance For Me New Theatre, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £11-£32. Info 029 2087 8889. (Until Sat 30) Shakeshafte Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 473238. (Until Sat 30) Sweeney Todd Paget Rooms, Penarth. 6.30pm, £16.50. Info
029 2070 0721. (Until Sat 30) The Amazing Adventures Of Wallace & Bates National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff. 11am, 1.30pm + 3.30pm, £5/£4. Info 029 2039 7951. (Finishes today) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am + 2pm, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Until Sat 30) The Tommy Cooper Experience Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly. 7pm, £12.50/£10 adv. Info 07512 237983. Yep, it’s that rare and peculiar animal, the tribute act to a comedian. Many would crack under the pressure of doing said act in the shadow of said comedian’s statue, but let’s hope it won’t happen here, or can be passed off as part of the set. Yuri Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Until Sat 30)
SATURDAY 30
A Completely Professional Person Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 12.30pm, £6.50/£4.50. Info 01792 475715. Lunchtime theatre presented by Fluellen. A Good Clean Heart The Other Room at Porter’s, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2128 0189. (Finishes today) Alix In Wundergarten Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8.45pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) As You Like It Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4-£8. Info 029 2064 6900. (Finishes
Sweeney Todd Paget Rooms, Penarth. 6.30pm, £16.50. Info 029 2070 0721. (Finishes today) The Hunting Of The Snark Sherman Cymru, Cardiff. 10.30am, £9 adv. Info 029 2064 6900. (Finishes today) Tim Clark + Wayne Deakin Jongleurs, Cardiff. 7pm, from £16. Info 08700 111960. Westenders Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £17-£20. Info 01656 815995. Songs from the musicals. Yuri Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.30pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today)
today) Cappuccino Girls 2: The Paradox Of Choice Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £16/£14. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 6 Aug) Chicago Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2.30pm, £22.50-£52.50. Info 029 2063 6464. (Until Sat 30) Disney’s Peter Pan Jr Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 11am + 1pm, £9. Info 0333 6663366. (Finishes today) James And The Giant Peach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £16£20. Info 01970 623232. (Until Sun 31) Jason John Whitehead + Junior Simpson + Rob Deering + Mick Ferry Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £16.95/£10 NUS. Info 0871 4720400. Kommilitonen! Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 2.30 + 7pm, £12 adv. Info 01446 738622. (Finishes today) Romeo & Juliet Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 3 + 8pm, £15/£13. Info 0333 6663366. (Finishes today) Romeo & Juliet The Kymin, Penarth. 5.30pm, £6-£14. Info 029 2030 4400. Saturday Night Forever Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £8-£12. Info 029 2030 4400. (Finishes today) Save The Last Dance For Me New Theatre, Cardiff. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £10-£32. Info 029 2087 8889. (Finishes today) Shakeshafte Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £10/£8. Info 01792 473238. (Finishes today)
SUNDAY 31
Bad Guys Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 2pm, £8.50/£7.50. Info 01646 6952673. Cappuccino Girls 2: The Paradox Of Choice Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2.30pm, £16/£14. Info 0845 2263510. (Until Sat 6 Aug) James And The Giant Peach Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2.30 + 7.30pm, £16-£20. Info 01970 623232. (Finishes today) Live Cabaret Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863. Romeo & Juliet National Botanical Gardens, Carmathenshire. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. The Welsh Unsigned Standup Award Final Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. Info 0871 4720400.
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BUZZ 69
TWO TICKETS TO SIMPLY RED
TWO TICKETS TO KAISER CHIEFS In what has to be one of the most bizarrely eclectic lineups of the year, mid2000s favourites Kaiser Chiefs are playing Cardiff’s SSE SWALEC on Sat 16 July with support from grime MC Dizzie Rascal and hipster artpopsters Everything Everything. Heck, with such a mix I predict a riot (I am so sorry). For your chance to win a pair of tickets, answer the following question by Sat 9 July: Q. Why is their keyboard played called Peanut?
TWO TICKETS TO CHICAGO
The classic Prohibition-era musical, starring John Partridge, Sam Bailey and Hayley Tamaddon is coming to Cardiff Bay’s Wales Millennium Centre from Mon 25-Sat 30 July. For your chance to go, answer the following question by Wed 20 July: Q. In which State is Chicago?
EVENING AT MOJO THE FOODBAR
Mojo The FoodBar is bringing a taste of Dubai to Newport, setting up shop in Clarence Place with the launch of its Bottomless Brunch on Sat 6 Aug. For your chance to gorge yourself silly and taste the extravagance of Dubai, answer this question by Fri 29 July: Q. What is the capital city of the U.A.E.?
The day after Kaiser Chiefs play SSE SWALEC for the On The Pitch mini festival (that’ll be Sun 17 July by the way), pop soul group Simply Red are joined by singer songwriters Ben Montague and Nathan Ball (a more understandable lineup). For your chance to win a pair of tickets, answer the following question by Sun 10 July: Q. Who is the lead singer of Simply Red?
TWO TICKETS TO EASY STAR ALL STARS
Well known for their reggae covers of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Radiohead albums, Easy Star All Stars are one of the most enjoyable cover bands around. For your chance to see them at Cardiff’s The Globe on Tues 12 July, answer the following question by Mon 11 July: Q. What is Radiohead’s third album called?
TWO TICKETS TO HOT 8 BRASS BAND
The New Orleans brass band like no other, Hot 8 Brass Band, are coming to Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach on Fri 22 July. Mixing hip-hop, jazz, funk and traditional New Orleans brass, the group have become legends in their field. For your chance to see them, answer the following question by Fri 15 July: Q. Where is Orleans?
TWO TICKETS TO THE WELSH PROMS
With orchestras, choirs, jazz, folk, roots and more, St David’s Hall is home to the Welsh Proms from Sat 16-Sat 23 July. For your chance to go for an evening at the Proms, answer the following question by Wed 13 July: Q. What is prom short for?
Please email your answers, name, address, Twitter username (if you have one) and contact number to competitions@buzzmag.co.uk by Sun 31 July unless another date is stated. T&Cs: WE DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THESE COMPETITIONS TO BE REPLICATED OR SHARED ANYWHERE ONLINE. BUZZ 70
IMAGINE DESIGN SKETCH EDIT MOULD FORGE PAINT THINK MAKE CHANGE. cardiffmet.ac.uk/csad BUZZ 71
IN THE STADIUM IN THE PARK IN THE CITY
CARDIFF’S SUMMER CELEBRATION OF MUSIC & MORE
SATURDAY 16 JULY
SUNDAY 17 JULY
PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUEST
PLUS SPECIAL GUEST
BEN MONTAGUE WITH
NATURE AND TIBET
WITH
NATHAN BALL
THE SSE SWALEC CARDIFF ON SALE NOW THESSESWALEC.COM/PRESENTS - 02920 419 311 - TICKETMASTER.CO.UK TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM TICKETLINEUK.COM / SEETICKETS.COM AND IN PERSON FROM MOTORPOINT ARENA CARDIFF, 029 2022 4488 SATURDAY TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM SPILLERS RECORDS, CARDIFF / DERRICKS RECORDS, SWANSEA / DIVERSE, NEWPORT
BUZZ 72