25/04/11
Launching on May 19th, Art in the Underbelly at the Rumsey Wells is proud to present a solo photography show from Sam Capps. Sam’s work explores disused and forgotten spaces, documenting the detritus left behind by their previous occupants. Art in the Under Belly is a new creative space for Norwich curated by Luke Emery. Housed beneath The Rumsey Wells, its aim is to offer artists the opportunity to exhibit in an intriguing and unusual environment. Far from being another gallery, the space is a converted cellar packed into intimate surroundings. Its monthly private views are based not only around the art on show but also a program of live music and DJs, bringing another element to the burgeoning Norwich arts scene. For more info or to find out about how to apply for a show, email art@rumseywells.co.uk
Get ready for an appearance from the North East’s cult culinary combo The Hairy Bikers who bring their Big Night Out to Norwich Theatre Royal on May 3rd. The bearded duo are promising the city audience a night of cookery and fun live on stage with bikes and pans at the ready. The wow factor is guaranteed from May 19-22 when Tap Dance Fever takes to the stage. It promises to follow the history of the dance from the golden age of Fred and Ginger right up to date with the likes of Tap Dog and Stomp. You may have seen the movie The History Boys – but what about the stage version? Well, now is your chance as Alan Bennett’s classic tale of classroom conflict and adolescent angst runs at the Theatre Royal on May 24-29. And don’t forget, the month ends with the return of TV’s popular spirit medium Derek Acorah who made his name on Most Haunted. He is on stage on May 30th.
If you’ve been to Knowhere, the new bar on Queen St in Norwich, you’ll know they’ve got a special flavour of devilish going on. “From the bastards that brought you Havana”, there’s a new place to check out earlier on your night out. Just from the outside, you can see that these guerrilla revellers have taken over with their custom renegade attitude to going out. With all the kudos that racked up the long queues outside Havana, they bring that and more to Knowhere with new possibilities for live music and three floors of different music, giving each one an overwhelming distinct vibe. May welcomes local funk collective, Killamonjambo and the Proper Filthy Naughty crew and introduces their mighty Triples for £3.50 to get the party started. From discovering how to download ebooks to learning how to grow your own vegetables, Adult Learners' Week (15-21 May) celebrates learning and learners in all their diversity, inspiring people to try something new. Libraries are promoting the benefits of all kinds of learning with a special emphasis on communication and technology skills. During this week-long festival of learning, libraries will be holding a huge range of both fun and educational events to welcome new and existing customers. There’s something for everyone including; exercise classes and creative writing workshops. And to help us get to grips with new technology a number of events have been arranged including how to; download ebooks, manage your digital pictures, use a Nintendo Wii and many more. For a full list of events please visit the library website www.library.norfolk.gov.uk. When international DJ Joshua Roberts decided to share a studio with old skool legend Mr Natralist one rainy February morning, few could have imagined what the final result would be like…15 hours later and the pair were looking at their first joint release, club slammer ‘Musik Keeps Me Alive’. Joshua first featured in Outline just over 2 years ago after making some serious waves on the UK club scene and picking up a residency with Hed Kandi/Ministry of Sound out in the Red Sea and Mr Natralist heads up East Anglia’s largest and most legendary House night: Funked up*. Look out for 'Musik Keeps Me Alive' in stores from 24th May, and at www.deepredrecords.co.uk as well as iTunes / Beatport / Trackitdown. Get a flavour at the next Funked up* @ Mercy on Sunday 2nd May.What started out as a shared love of samba for Pete Murdoch, Emily Siddall and Ben Winn quickly turned in to the eclectic three-piece we now know as Sargasso Trio. Receiving attention from everyone from a devoted local fanbase to Steve Lamacq, their live show is unpredictable as they swap vocals, guitars, drums, keyboards, samples or saucepans, bottles or customised rhythm shoes! Witness the captivating experience as they come to the Norwich Arts Centre on the 9th May. Also at the NAC is Lightspeed Champion, who come to town on the 13th. Formerly of Test Icicles, the early split saw Devonte Hynes, as he was born, go down a solo route which has seen him release two indie pop albums, the latest of which, ‘Life is Sweet! Nice to Meet You’ was released earlier this year. For more info on all the events at the NAC, go to www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Stew Gallery is starting up an open access screen printing facility which will open this summer. In order to raise the last bit of cash needed, a fundraising event has been organised for Sunday 9th May, 10-4. Called 'Crumble', this craft fair / jumble sale will be an exciting mix of craft, vintage and jumble stalls with cakes and music thrown in for good measure. If you are interested in having a stall, all applications are welcome even if you just want to spring clean your house! The cost of a stall will be £5 (which will go towards the print rooms - you keep any profits). Anybody interested in having a stall or finding out more about the print rooms should email: print@stew.org.uk
This month, Israeli rock band Trademark celebrate the recording of their debut album at Leeders Farm recording studios with a gig at The Blueberry Music House on May 13th before returning to Tel Aviv. They’re not the only ones who’ll be gracing the Blueberry stage this year though as it plays host to a number of up and coming artists this year, as part of a new live circuit being developed by Exposure Music Awards® East. The Awards were held for the first time in the East last year, with award winning Metis being picked up by EMA® East sponsors KISS 105-108 before going on to pick up a distribution deal with Universal. For more info on forthcoming gigs at The Blueberry go to www.blueberrymusichouse.co.uk. Registration for EMA® East 2010 is open now, so go to www.exposuremusicawards-east.co.uk
2009 was a massive year for local promotion outfit, Roots ‘n’ Culture with a stack off events that rocked the foundation of Norwich’s venues and the launch of their website showcasing the best in their promoted acts and merch. Now, 2010 looks to be building something bigger. This month sees their 4th birthday party, with a stellar line-up at the UEA on May 21st of Newham Generals, Killa Kela (Battling a DJ and Drummer), Warrior Queen & the Heatwave and Phi Life Cypher. Looking forward to June 11th, RnC host Dub FX & the Flower Fairy at the UEA, so keep your eyes peeled for an interview next month. Pushing things forward, you can now book tickets for all the RnC events on their website at www.rootsnculture.co.uk
