Rob Auton and Brighton Poetry Society

I'm still getting to know the Brighton spoken word scene but there are a couple events coming up in the next week.

On Saturday there's a chance to witness the surreal humour of yellow loving, blue sky thinking Rob Auton as he performs The Sky Show upstairs at the Three and Ten on Steine Street. It starts at 6pm and tickets are available here.

On Monday Brighton Poetry Society host an open mic event at The Victory Inn, Duke Street from 8pm. Entry by donation. More info here.

If you know of any other music or spoken word events in Brighton that deserve a plug get in touch.

The Return of Upbeat and the Cambridge Band Competition Final

A couple of events to check out this week. First the return of Up Beat Open Mic. This popular open mic night fronted by performance poet extraordinaire Alex Iamb makes a return this Thursday night to The Grapes on Histon Road. There will be open mic slots and these great headline acts ensuring things start off with a bang:

ALICEBAND
http://www.reverbnation.com/aliceband

An absolute stalwart of Upbeat from the beginning, if you live in Cambridge and don’t know who Alice Walker is then you need to get out more frankly. She’s been shivering spines around Cambridgeshire for what seems like forever and was recently featured on Joan Armatrading’s Radio 2 show. Soaring piano lines, cut-glass vocals and lyrics which actually make you think a bit form a sum greater than the individual parts. Add a super-tight band with some serious dancabililty going on and you really do have something special.

WILL VARLEY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMxwqZVL9L4

Will toured his first album by walking around the south of England. Yes, walking. The man has dedication to the cause to say the least. One of the best songsmiths you are ever likely to hear, he does words to guitar really well. Come buy his new album, he’ll need some shoes to walk home in.

FAITH TAYLOR
https://soundcloud.com/faithtaylormusic/

Super-astute politically conscious lyrics, spine-tingling vocals and finger-picking guitar that’ll set hairs on end. Beautiful stuff.

In between expect blasts of shouty performance poetry from the night's inimitable host. I might even get down to do a slot myself. Details here.


The following night it's the final of the Cambridge band competition. Get down to the Junction to hear five of the best from the Cambridge music scene battle it out for the title “Sound Clash Champion”. Special guests, Page to Performance poets led by Hollie McNish, will accelerate the pace with their rapid fire introductions before each band attacks the stage to give the performance of their lives. Great to see poetry getting a part in this mighty local event! Tickets available here.

If you can't make it down in person Cambridge 105 will broadcasting the event live.

Jazz, Comedy and Open Mic this week in Cambridge

Any budding writers should head to the Arts Picture House bar tomorrow night for Object Writing, a friendly writing group that involves various games and writing exercises to get the creative juices flowing. You can get more info and sign up here or just turn up at 8 and look for the table with all the pens and notepads. You can read writing by members of the group on the blog.
On Tuesday night The Junction plays host to UK contemporary jazz master Courtney Pine. I've heard great reviews and now I look forward to hearing the music. Tickets available here.
On Thursday there's a choice between Open Mic at Hot Numbers which is bound to attract a good audience and some great performers or comedy at The Junction with my guest on the last show Tom Stade. If anything else comes up I'll let you know, possibly via Twitter. Follow @headstandradio.

Events this week

Another action-packed week in Cambridge after another terrific Mill Road Winter Fair last Saturday. On Wednesday Malcolm Guite is launching his new book Sounding the Seasons at St Edward's Church from 7:30 details here. On the same night you can hear experimental electronic music at CB1 including Headstand favourite Tom Adams.
The following evening I look forward to doing at turn at the new open mic night at my favourite local cafe Hot Numbers. On Friday there is live music at the Cornerhouse headlined by The Scissors. Details here. The Scissors have just released a live album which you can stream and download here and get a taste of what's on offer on Friday.
Finally on Saturday it's Shindig at the Leper Chapel. The venue offers a wonderful atmosphere for concerts but wrap up warm.

Have a good week!