Funding for Writers + / The Past Week at the Festival / The Coming week / Masher on the Loose

I feel another mammoth Blog coming on.  A busy week has passed but for this little bee the week ahead looks just as active.

I’m going to jump round a bit this week, more so than usual, and there’s some important stuff amongst it all, probably deserving of a Blog in it’s own right, but time really does not allow.

So as per the default question of recent weeks where to start?

PARISH NOTICE:  ROTHERHAM OPEN ARTS FESTIVAL FEATURE EVENTS

This coming weekend the 19^th / 20^th November sees the feature events of this year’s Rotherham Open Arts Festival at MAGNA. On Saturday the Phoenix Dance Theatre, as part of this performance Phoenix Dance Theatre will be performing four of their most innovative pieces including the exciting Locked in Vertical and the recent hit Maybe Yes Maybe, Maybe No Maybe “a sparky, mischievous quintet. 

On Sunday The Retina Dance Company, including twelve guest Dancers from Rotherham who will be working with the Company throughout the week will be performing Skins a Dance that has received critical acclaim wherever it has been performed.

Even if you do not have a deep rooted interest in Dance I know you will find both performances stunning to the eye, along with some fantastic music.   Tickets are priced sensibly at £12, with concessions at £10 for each performance.   Go HERE to book on line or simply call in at The Gallery on Corporation Street to book your seats.

INNOVATION:  HOUSE GIGS – THE MASHER’S FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE

The concept of House Concerts has been around for a number of years now, and from the reports I have read appear popular with both artists and audiences.

On Friday The Masher along with the essential Sutherland roadies, had the opportunity to experience one for himself for the first time when invited to play for Hull House Gigs, set up by Richard. 

And what great fun we had.  It was a bit strange to start with as one was conscious of being in a Private Home, but as the room filled the Party atmosphere kicked in.

First up, as seems my role in life, The Masher launched into his standard set (minus Mrs Thatcher).  I really didn’t know what to expect, but was absolutely amazed when the room burst into voice during the choruses, creating one of those great atmosphere’s where even the Masher can gain inspiration.

So thank you Richard for inviting us, it was a great evening. 

Sharing the Bay Window stage were “The Heroes of The Mexican Independence Movement” a fine trio of musicians performing some very imaginative and thought provoking – even amusing – material.

Undoubted Stars of the night, for they paid me the most money to say it, were Cracktown, who launched into one of their trade mark sets with typical organisational gusto.  You’ll get a chance to see the King Rat and the Silver Fox performing at the Open Arts Festival on the 23^rd November.

And on Saturday making my way into Town for the Brunch Concert I was royally entertained by Cracktown’s new CD Boneless Roast, which features many of their classic songs, along with some new material.

Cracktown’s opening number, their tribute to the period of Remembrance the Country has been going through, really hit the spot for me.  It’s on the CD, and I hope they will forgive me for sharing it the Track HERE

So a super evening.  Thanks again to the Sutherland Roadie Services for transporting safely in the dead of Saturday morning back to my home base.   It’s fantastic to experience these different events with such good friends and supporters.

THE PAST WEEK AT THE ROTHERHAM OPEN ARTS FESTIVAL

It was the difficult second week at The Rotherham Open Arts Festival, the initial enthusiasm starts wear thin with some, yet the great music carries on regardless.  

Week night audiences were down, reflecting I fear the weather as the temptation of a warm living room and the sofa overtook the need to walk through the damp air of Rotherham, to a stool in The Gallery Bar to overdose on music. 

On Tuesday  there was a fantastic turn out for the first of the Festival Workshops, entitled The Gatty Collection and presented by Paul & Liz Davenport.  

This was a truly interesting evening as we learnt about the early twentieth century equivalent to download sampling exercised by Vaughan Williams and the Rev Gatty.  What a little bugger our Vaughan was heading off to collect songs and melodies later to feature in some of the works that were to make him one of our Master Composers.   

The work of love that Paul & Liz have put into bringing the collection together for publication in 2012 was oh so evident as we were introduced to the characters of Ravenfield, Treeton, Stainton and Hooton Roberts who had either written the songs or learnt them at their Parents knees.

The relationship between the good friends Vaughan Williams and Gatty was also an interesting one, apparently they would write letters to each other half in English and half in German; strange or what?  

Paul and Liz’s book will publish the full Rotherham area note books of the Gatty Collection for the first time and it should be a great local seller.  Watch this space. 

Many people at the Workshop felt that there was fantastic scope to produce a Theatrical Production exploring the relationship of the two central characters and their relationships with the people that they took their music from, inserting a few of the songs for good measure.  A small project for someone to pick up on.

You can find a lot more about Paul & Liz Davenport and the tremendous work they do for Traditional Music and customs in South Yorkshire HERE

WEDNESDAY

We had a great night of music from artists “collected” from the Steel City.

Good friend and Acoustic Rotherham regular, song writer Phillip Hartley set the night off with a set made up of his powerful songs.  He warmed the audience up nicely, as warming we certainly needed to be.  A truly professional set delivered as only he can. 

Why, why, why this guy does not get more recognition for his work I really don’t know.  If you are one of those who have not yet found his music head off HERE and then BOOK HIM.

 Another firm favourite of the local acoustic music scene Paul Pearson, accompanied by the magnificent Chris Treebeard, played through a typically thought provoking and entertaining set of songs mostly penned by Ron Trueman-Boarder who is a good friend of Paul.

Paul is the ultimate workaholic visiting many Clubs and sessions on the local acoustic scene, as well as becoming a firm favourite with Festival audiences around South Yorkshire.

Winding the evening up came the wonderful Charlie Barker.  Charlie has just released her CD “Ghosts and Heroes” (available from the Acoustic Rotherham Amazon Web Site HERE) and she did not disappoint by playing through several numbers from the Album.  The CD covers writers and performers who have had an influence upon Charlie’s music making, and the good news for music lovers, if personally disappointing, it does not include a Masher track.  Although the imagine of Charlie performing “Hairy Mary” still has an appeal to me.

But there were songs and tunes from a whole range of music influences, from the traditional to Northern Soul. 

A master set that no one wanted to finish, despite the cold. 

And all this after Charlie had managed to get lost by going to the Arts Centre and not the Old market Gallery, which involved a very long walk across Town carrying CDs and instruments.

My thanks to, to Christine and Carol for their poetical contributions to the evening.  Unfortunately Gav was tied up in Sheffield where apparently there was a minor crisis with the Occupy demonstration outside Sheffield Cathedral. 

And thanks also to Roy Blackman.  He remembered to arrive before the end this time!! And polished off the evening with a song for us all. 

SATURDAY

We need first to send out our condolences to poor Phoebe, currently suffering with Pleurisy which is making it impossible for her to sing at the moment. Let’s hope it won’t be long before she is again regaling the local scene with her music.

But never fear!  

Sister Sylvia opened the Brunch Concert in fine style with an entertaining set of songs and Monologues. 

It really is a pity that we don’t see more of Sylvia in show case performances of this sort more often, there is something for everyone and makes for a truly entertaining time.

Stepping in at very short notice local diehard of the local Folk scene Rob Slow, accompanied by first, John Statter, and then Dave provided us forty minutes of interesting tune and song. 

Thanks guys for a fine polished performance, including a magnificent demonstration of mandolin playing from aforementioned Mr Slow, it was brilliant.

Then a surprise and also stepping in at short notice from Featherstone came Pam and Peter, Keystone Acoustic.  

And what a surprise they were!   A brilliantly entertaining set that had the gathered folks pinned to their seats.  There was a complete mixture, from the comic, (was that opening song really about horses?) to more serious and beautifully performed songs.

Big thanks to you both for volunteering for this set, and what’s more, if you want to hear more of this duo you’ll find them at Acoustic Rotherham 14 in January.

What can be said about David Kidman that has not already been said?  You just never know what to expect from this fine singer, and Saturday was no different who gave us a fantastic selection of songs from his gander bag.   Everything from the dead serious traditional song, to some tremendous choruses plus a scattering of humorous and slightly unexpected contemporary songs. 

Our thanks as usual to a good friend of the Rotherham Folk scene and Acoustic Rotherham.

Then pure heaven.  The great “big” sound of Jack’s Rake.  Jack’s Rake have performed at Acoustic Rotherham on three occasions over the years and have never failed to entertain, but this performance was excellence beyond the call of duty and simply outstanding.  Proof positive that if you work hard you’ll get the rewards in terms of performance and I really hope in terms of recognition with high profile Gigs.  They certainly deserve it. 

Even our Leader, non Folkie Steve could be seen dancing around the Gallery, and the crowd they pulled in from outside was proof positive of the popularity of their sound. 

Very well done boys and girls, that was the best I have heard from you and I really look forward to having you back in Rotherham soon.

Winding up a Brunch of surprises came Ian Whitehead who gave us a short set of self-penned songs.  Ian represents everything that Acoustic Rotherham is about, raw talent looking for an outlet to develop.  He too will be making an appearance at Acoustic Rotherham 14 in January, when he has promised a full performance. 

And again we need to give our thanks to Christine for providing the poetical interludes throughout the Concert. 

Somehow we managed to hold Roy Blackman back on this occasion.

The Saturday Brunch Concerts are proving to have an interesting affect.  Over the two concerts two hundred people have passed through the doors of the Gallery.  Many have expressed their surprise at the incredible standard of the music and some have dallied to experience the full show, while others have taken the chance to look at the fantastic art on display from Rotherham artists and moved on.  It does get very cold, especially if you’re in for the full session, so if you’re coming down for any of our concerts make sure you wrap up warm and perhaps bring a flask of coffee laced with something nice. 

We do hope to have heaters on the go in the week ahead.

Pictures from the week’s events can be found HERE

ARTS FUNDING

Funding To Support Poetry and Literature (UK)

The Clore Duffield Foundation has announced that the second funding round under its new £1 million programme to fund poetry and literature initiatives for children and young people across the UK is now open for applications. Through the programme, schools, FE colleges, community groups, libraries and other arts/cultural organisations can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to support participatory learning projects and programmes focused on literature, poetry and creative writing for under 19s. The programme is due to run from 2011 to 2015 with two funding rounds a year. The deadline for applications is 30th March 2012.

Go HERE for the full details and make your application. 

This One is Time critical as it is on WEDNESDAY

Creative Networks! Will be holding a major session on Wednesday 16^th November from 2:00pm through to 7:00pm.  The afternoon session is mainly made up by appointment only sessions with experts in the field of Arts Funding.  You can book a session with Stephanie Simm who is with the Arts Council Englan; Martyn Benson from the Business, Retail and Investment Team (RiDO); and Karen Sherwood Chief Executive of ROAR and Cupola Gallery on presenting work and portfolios. 

To book a session call Lizzy on 01709 823636 or Email community.arts@rotherham.gov.uk 

Additional information can be got from Liam on 01709 252535 Email liam@rotherhamroar.org

After refreshments from 5:30pm to 7:00pm the Meetings will continue at the Market Gallery with talks from local artists, a chance to talk about your particular Art group, some Performance Poetry, a presentation on the latest news of Rotherham’s Arts Strategy, more Grant Chat, this time about ACE Funding culminating in The Festival Wednesday Concert. 

It’s a full day.  Make the most of it.  If you have an idea that will help promote the Arts in Rotherham, be it general or more personal then make your appointment – it’s YOUR chance to find out what’s possible.

THE COMING WEEK AT THE FESTIVAL

This week at the Festival promises to be another “cracker”.

On Tuesday Ray Hearne will be hosting a Workshop exploring in words and music the affect Rotherham Utd has had upon the Town of Rotherham and it’s Community, besides personal reflections. 

This might prove to be the busiest session of the Festival to date, so get in early.  The serious work starts off at 7:30pm.

The weekly Wednesday Concert will get underway as soon as the Creative Networks! Meeting runs out of steam.  We’ve a great line up, Storm Trees (Eskimo Kissed!), The Troubadors and a surprise!   Yes the bug has struck again and I’ve learnt today that lead singer of The Backyard Buskers has been rushed off to Hospital in an Ambulance and is currently being fed anti-biotic’s by the pint.  Poor lad.  Our best wishes go out to other members of the Band Kathy and Jane, but particularly Richard who we wish a speedy recovery to.

And the Saturday Brunch Concert features two of Rotherham’s fantastic young talent.  Phil Sinclair a singer song writer of great promise; Catherine Bindon who is an amazing vocalist will be accompanied by Dad Andy Hoult.  Batting for the oldies although she won’t thank me for placing her in that category will be Heather Woodhead from West Yorkshire, and closer to home Swansong Acoustic, one member of which apparently places himself firmly in the “Old Bugger” camp – and it’s not Karen.

So a full week at The Rotherham Open Arts Festival.  If you’ve not yet visited the Gallery why not link up music and some great visual art.

The full programme for the Festival can be found HERE

OTHER STUFF GOING ON  

On Tuesday the Handsworth Writers and Folk Club are meeting with special guests Savant providing the music.  An excellent duo well worth hearing if you have not already found their music.  All goes off at The Cross Keys.

Paul & Liz Davenport will be holding their Ballads session at the Burton Street Foundation on Wednesday night.  A great place to sing and learn.

 And on Saturday Jack’s Rake will be playing The Shiny in Sheffield. 

All this in addition to all the regular stuff going on.  The full listings can be found HERE

Rumour has it that Pocketful of N’owt have been in the studio – we’re expecting good things from them soon.

And here’s a Rotherham based Heavy Metal Band new to the scene and well worth checking out for a good rock Final Strike…………………  not for the faint hearted but check out the video on their Facebook Fan page and judge for yourself.  Musicianship par excellence for the genre. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Final-Strike/231853420201353?sk=wall Looking forward to meeting up with Josh and the Boys when they’re ready for Gigging, I’m sure they are going to be a big hit with the head bangers amongst us.

And that my friend’s is that for the week.   Thanks for your continued support and I look forward to seeing more of you heading towards the Rotherham Festival in the week ahead.  And for you creative ones don’t forget the FUNDING help on Wednesday – you will not get if you don’t take the trouble to find out. 

Whatever you might be doing this week, support local LIVE MUSIC and KEEP IT LIVE.