MUSIC KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS @ BOILER SHOP

Words: Emily Ingram

Picture the scene: it’s a balmy Tuesday evening, you’ve just clocked off from a stressful day at work and now you’re looking for the perfect way to zone out into another dimension with your fellow music-goers. Luckily for you – and anyone else in need of an early week pick-me-up – Kurt Vile And The Violators are set to play Boiler Shop on Tuesday 20th June. Vile’s latest offering, a 15-track psych-country affair entitled Watch My Moves, has many of the hallmarks we’ve come to know and love about him. It also has a refreshing dose of maturity – the singer-songwriter has come a long way since his 2009 debut, growing into his lonesome raconteur image in the process. The album is a slow trip, by way of erudite monologues, hazy guitar and simple, toe-tapping melodies, into the foggy recesses of Vile’s subconscious, and seeks to tackle a lot of the big questions. Those attending this particular tour should expect reflection in all its forms, from tracks awash with simple joie de vivre (Goin’ On A Plane Today) to lo-fi melancholy and heartbreak (Wages of Sin). Kurt Vile And The Violators play Boiler Shop, Newcastle on Tuesday 20th June. www.kurtvile.com

MUSIC CALUM HOWARD @ COBALT STUDIOS

Words: Michael O’Neill

For the uninitiated, Cobalt Studios’ beloved Fresh Thursdays are an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the finest emerging talent from the region and beyond accompanied by a homecooked, plant-based meal, and a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. It’s an incredible alternative to the traditional live music environment in which most fledging artists cut their teeth, and an especially innovative approach for artists who deal in more left-field musical approaches. Take for instance, this upcoming instalment on Thursday 22nd June: headlining is renowned composer, producer, sound designer and music facilitator Calum Howard. He’s had quite the run so far, having collaborated with the likes of Minor Victories, Du Blonde and Ruth Lyon, as well as recently producing releases by Me Lost Me and Ceitidh Mac. His solo sets find him mining hidden gems from his back catalogue and also previewing unreleased music, which fuses elements of electronic music with cinematic and contemporary classical sounds, with improvisation and experimentation in equal measure. Support comes from Rhythm Section artist Contours, whose trail-blazing output merges delay-soaked balafon and homemade instruments with mechanical polyrhythms that glide on a sea of synth-soaked symphonies, which has earned him plaudits from the likes of Giles Peterson and Mr. Scruff. Calum Howard and Contours play Cobalt Studios, Newcastle on Thursday 22nd June. www.calumhowardmusic.com

MUSIC QUATERMASS III @ THE LUBBER FIEND

Words: Matt Young

Indulge in a day of psychedelia and pop-art rock on Saturday 17th June at your friendly neighbourhood Lubber Fiend. From the people behind World of Twist, Earl Brutus and The Dials comes a ubiquitous yet fresh incarnation; Quatermass III employ an age-old technique of providing infectious danceable rhythms, catchy hooks and lugubrious vocals all while keeping an eye on the cosmos and the grooving crowd out front.

Quarterlight, on the other hand, are a punkier prospect founded by former Penetration guitarist Gary Chaplin who blend sounds and images in a form of organised chaos to uncompromising effect.

Gordon King, author of When Does The Mind-Bending Start?, as well as guitarist in Quatermass III, will be doing a special Q&A about his new book which is about life and times of World of Twist (one of his former groups) prior to the live music on the night. Manchester’s most underrated group? Legends? What makes them and their legacy special? Ask any of these questions and more before he twists his fingers into intricate chords for the headliners. Top tune spinning duties for the evening are handled by another legend, DJ Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne, who will keep the energy high and the party going with his expansive record collection and impeccable musical taste sound tracking long into the night.

Quatermass III, Quarterlight, Gordon King Q&A and DJ Bob Stanley play The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle on Saturday 17th June. www.quatermass3.bandcamp.com

ART & LIT JONNY HANNAH: SHIPBUILDERS & FISHERFOLK @ HARTLEPOOL ART GALLERY & MUSEUM OF HARTLEPOOL

Words: Lizzie Lovejoy

Come and celebrate the hidden histories of Hartlepool as they are revealed in an exhibition of illustrated works by award winning and world renowned artist Jonny Hannah. This body of work showcases the depth of local memory, exploring strange stories from curious characters of the recent and distant past, as the mixed-media creative presents a vision of the town unlike any ever presented before. With the Tall Ships returning to this beloved Northern coastal town in July, this exhibition comes at the perfect time. Hartlepool natives may have noticed Jonny Hannah’s appearance at the most recent Hartlepool Folk Fest as he gathered tales through chats and created lino prints. These conversations have informed the creative work he will be showcasing this summer.

Both the Museum of Hartlepool and Hartlepool Art Gallery will showcase varied stories of shipbuilders and fisher folk; of colossal crustaceans, spectacular ships and local legends which Jonny Hannah brings to life through paintings, prints and cut-outs. As well as The Darktown Museum of Hartlepool Paraphernalia (or museum objects that don’t actually exist), visitors will be presented with Jonny’s selection of objects and artworks from the collection of Hartlepool Borough Council. Whether you’re there for a casual visit, or ready to welcome the ships in a celebration of local pride, witness Hartlepool heritage on display as you’ve never seen it before in this exhibition throughout the summer. www.culturehartlepool.com

Jonny Hannah: Shipbuilders & Fisherfolk is at Hartlepool Art Gallery and Museum of Hartlepool from Saturday 24th June-Saturday 4th November. The Tall Ships events run from Thursday 6th-Sunday 9th July.