Bristol Uncovered

Breaking The Chains Exhibition

2008-02-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last week I visited "Breaking the Chains", a £1 million, lottery-funded exhibition running at the Bristol Empire & Commonwealth museum until the end of this year. It celebrates the formal abolition of slavery, while acknowledging that slavery still exists today in other forms. This is a very informative exhibition, that presents plenty of interesting facts about the history of slavery, including Bristol's shameful involvement in it.

The exhibition is very varied and well worth visiting. There are authentic artefacts, film, music, photography, video and personal testimonies to provide visitors with an incredible multi-sensory experience. The entire top floor of the Museum has six dedicated galleries covering the following key areas:

Gallery 1. What is slavery?
Gallery 2. Africa and Europe
Gallery 3: The Caribbean
Gallery 4: The Age of Abolition
Gallery 5. In slavery’s footsteps

There is also a place where visitors are encouraged to record their own thoughts and responses in audio or video format to any aspect of the 'Breaking the Chains' exhibition, called the "Vox Box". This is a nice touch, but I doubt how many people have actually used this facility. In fact, I wonder how many people have actually visited this exhibition. It was very empty when I went there, although it was a weekday, but I get the feeling that it is not doing very well for itself. It would be a shame if the museum had to close it down prematurely, because it really is an engaging and educational exhibition, that I recommend highly to anyone interested in the history of the relationship between Africa and Europe.

Devil Kicks Dance Hall!

2008-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Devil Kicks Dance Hall is a live cabaret show, that has recently moved from the third Thursday of every month at Mr Wolf's, to the first Saturday of each month at the Attic, on Stoke's Croft. It's at once eclectic, subversive and raucous - what more do you need for a night out?

Since its debut in September, it has been the best value cabaret show in town, and has hosted some great burlesque dancers such as Lil' Miss Treated and the Blue Betties, as well as some brilliant music acts and DJs. The focus for the music is on Rockabilly and Psychobilly, which is usually the oeuvre of the headline act, but watch out for some really unusual and impressive support acts as well. The Dj spins uptempo swing, jazz, rock n roll and 60s garage music, so your feet are likely to get a good workout on the dancefloor.

Everyone is encouraged to dress up, and although this isn't essential, most people do. I always love to see lots of glamourously dressed divas and gentlemen - it all helps to create a special party atmosphere. Eye masks and other accessories are not out of place here.

Winter Walking On The Downs

2008-02-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Whilst Bristol residents often refer to The Downs, they may not realise that it actually consists of two adjacent downs, Clifton Down and Durdham Down - two large, historic, grassed green spaces of about 400 acres.

Although on the edge of the city, the Downs feels like open countryside, with their wide views of the Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods, north Somerset, the Severn estuary and across to south Wales, and as I have found out this weekend, are a great place to spend winter days.

The Downs covers a wide area north of Clifton Suspension Bridge, almost to Henleaze and Westbury on Trym. The wide grassy green spaces are edged with mature natural woodland and popular residential districts, and are so peaceful (and deserted!) in February that it feels like you're in the countryside. Wrap up warm and take a Thermos, and you could have a lovely day out, as I have found this weekend.

Nearly all parts of the grass areas of the Downs are flat and fully accessible to wheelchair users with no obstacles. A drawback for the wheelchair-bound is that many of the paths along the western edge of the Downs bordering on the Gorge are narrow and have steep inclines or steps, but you can actually plan a route using the Bristol City Council website, www.bristol.gov.uk.

I can't recommend it enough.

Spotlight on the Colston Hall in February

2008-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Colston Hall is one of Bristol's premier venues, and over the last 140 years has been host to many internationally-renowned performance artists.

Some of my favourite nights out in Bristol have been spent here, from Detroit-based prog rockers Pere Ubu performing a live soundtrack to classic B-movie "It Came From Outer Space" to a brilliant stand up performance from Dylan Moran of TV sitcom "Black Books" fame.

The schedule of events is always eclectic, and tries to appeal to as many people as possible. In February, the youngsters may well be overjoyed to see pop diva Natasha Bedingfield live in concert, whereas older pop fans will be scrambling for tickets to see the flamboyant Boy George and/or the butter-voiced, optically challenged Gabrielle. Fans of world music would adore Salif Keita, Tony Allen and Didier Awadi team up for the African Soul Rebels night on 16th, as well as Chambao's electronica/dub take on the flamenco genre, on Thursday 28th. Even if these great names don't appeal to you, a quick look at the full program of events for February should find something to whet your aural appetites:

Thu Feb 07 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Wed Feb 13 Boy George
Thu Feb 14 Bristol Choral Society & the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Sat Feb 16 African Soul Rebels
Mon Feb 18 Natasha Bedingfield
Tue Feb 19 Gabrielle
Wed Feb 20 Vienna Tonkunstler Orchestra
Sun Feb 24 'Pirates Ahoy!' with the Emerald Chamber Orchestra
Wed Feb 27 Fanfare for Fairtrade
Thu Feb 28 Chambao

Riverford Farm Shop

2008-01-15T10:37:00.003-08:00

We've just started getting vegetable boxes from this great place called the Riverford Farm Shop (http://www.riverfordfarmshop.co.uk/). It's absolutely wicked! The veg that we've got so far has been so fresh and tasty, and it's so easy to update the order online to include all sorts of other things...chutney, ginger, various puddings etc. The price is pretty much what you'd expect to pay at a supermarket as far as I can tell...but a little cheaper. Plus it's all locally sourced. The only problem I have with it is that the delivery time isn't specific enough - on Wednesdays, but any time on Wednesdays. Tip - if you're thinking of ordering from them, make sure you have a black recycling box, because the veg boxes fit perfectly in them incase you're not in when they call.

So, why order from here?

Good for the environment (although I suspect this one to be more complex than people make out)

Great food

Slightly cheaper

Seasonal veg, so you're encouraged to be more adventurous with you food...and more in touch with the seasons...which can be nice.

Less physical shopping

Less horrible supermarket atmosphere

Supporting small local business

Who wouldn't want to?

Stuff to do in January

2008-01-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Just copied this from December because...well...seemed like a good idea.

January 9th -

Farmers Market in Corn Street. All produce from a 40 mile radius, and all kinds of food. It'll make you feel healthy, and possibly more smug.

January 10th -

A new weekly beginners Salsa class starts today at St.Bonaventures Club, Berkeley Road, Bishopston. 7.45 - 9pm

January 11th - 13th

The Folk House Accoustic Festival. Google it for more details (cos I'm feeling lazy).

January 11th - 12th

Jesters Launch Weekend at their new venue (used to be The Magic Box).

January 17th -

The Devil Kicks Dancehall at Mr.Wolfs. Sumptuous burlesque acts and rockabilly bands. Dress to the nines so you don't feel left out!

January 18th -

Bristol's fourth silent comedy festival, hosted by Paul Merton, is screening "The Gold Rush" by Charlie Chaplin at Colston Hall. The music accompanying it promises to be great as it's a newly adapted score and will be performed by a 13 piece ensemble.

January 18th -

The Graffel draw at the Guerrilla Galleries (graffiti artwork) 140-142 Gloucester Road. 8pm. See http://www.graffle.co.uk/ for more info.

January 19 - ?

Love : National Gallery Touring Exhibition at the Bristol City Museum - http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Leisure-Culture/Museums-Galleries/exhibition-love---national-gallery-touring-exhibition.en

January 25th -

Fancy a Georgian meal whilst listening to traditional singers? If so, then mosey on down to the Grant Bradley Gallery in Bedminster. It's to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bristol twinning with Tbilisi.

January 25-March 9 -

Fair Trade Fortnight. See what's happening in your area at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

January 27th -

An evening with Sue Broadway: A Life & Love of Vaudeville at the Cube. 8pm
http://microplex.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl

One for the girls

2008-01-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

You won't believe how much fun poledancing and burlesque classes are until you try it. I promise. They're a great female-bonding experience, good excersize, and amazing for building up self-confidence (or so I found). Here are a couple I seriously recomend -

Central Chambers pole dancing course
http://central-chambers.co.uk/poleschool/index.htm

Pink Kitten Dance School - pole dancing, burlesque, lap dancing, and chair work (how intruiging) classes
http://www.pinkkittendanceschool.com/workshops.html

seriously, give it a go...you don't have to tell anyone ;)

Here are some Brilliant Bristol Bands to check out (and maybe when they're next playing)

2008-01-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

So me babbers. It's pretty hard to find some decent bands in Bristol. There is so...much...hip hop...that it makes me feel sad. Want something different? A little quirky perhaps? A bit fiesty? Or more relaxed? Or more melodic? Then check these bands out.

I don't really swing with the "these guys sound like a cross between Dolly Parton and The Clash" kinda stuff. So just have a listen. It is well worth it, and links are provided :). Even if you don't like the first one or two...please listen to THEM ALL...because they are all different. And have fun.

So...in no particular order -

Babel -

http://www.myspace.com/babelbristol

Playing 11th January at the Folk House.

Andy Marshall -

http://www.myspace.com/andymarshallmusic

The Zen Hussies -

http://www.myspace.com/thezenhussies

Playing 14th February at Jesters. 8pm

The Hot Potato Syncopators

http://www.myspace.com/hotpotatosyncopators

Julian Landau (lead singer from Zen Hussies doing wicked solo stuff)

http://www.myspace.com/julianlandauhales

Kid Carpet

http://www.myspace.com/kidcarpet

Stanley Forbes

http://www.myspace.com/stanleyforbes

Fuckknuckle and the bastards (sorry mother)

http://www.myspace.com/yupknuckleandthebaskets

7th March at the Fiddlers

David Sanders

http://www.myspace.com/davidsandersmusic

A List of societies in Bristol (technically student ones, but anyone can join I'm told)

2007-12-31T12:30:00.000-08:00

If you want to join one of them or want more info then click -
(taken from the University of Bristol Union webpage)

ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter Bristol
ACM Sigraph
Aerospaced

Afro-Caribbean Experience (ACE)

AIESEC
Would you like to work on an internship abroad? Would you like to attend conferences in the UK and Internationally with multinational companies, NGO's and charities? Would you like to interact with companies and build skills whilst working on issues that interest you? If yes... come along to our weekly meetings on Mondays, 6-7 pm, Social Sciences, Woodland Road, Room 4F2.
Alexander Technique
Alexander Technique
All You Can Eat
All You Can Eat
Amnesty International

Anime and Manga
Anime and Manga
Arabica

Archaeology

Art Official
Fine Art Society
Asian Cultural Society
Asian Cultural Society is one of the biggest non-subject societies at bristol. Our aim is to bring together people of similar interests so that they can enjoy themselves and more importantly, meet each other. Outside of your halls the society is one of the easiest places to meet people.
Association for British and Chinese University Students (ABACUS)

Atheist, Agnostic and Secular Society (AASS)

Ballroom and Latin Dancing (BULABDS)

Banking and Finance

BAPS
Anatomy and Physiology
BeNice

BEST (Economics)
BEST is a society made up of member from many faculties who share a interest in the broad field of economic issues. Over the past few years BEST has been rather inactive however this year a revitalised committee are planning a wide range of social, academic and careers orientated events. For more information on how to join or any suggestions and questions you might have, email ap6259@bristol.ac.uk or join the BEST facebook group.
Big Band

Biosoc

Breakdancing

BREATHE (Bristol Breaks, Techno, House and Electro Society)

Bridge

Bristol Debating Union
One of Bristol's oldest and most prestigious societies. We have a proud reputation for producing some of the sharpest minds on the international debating circuit. While our squad competes annually at World and European level, we seek to encourage debaters at all levels of competence – from the complete novice to the expert – in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Bristol Real Ale (BRA)
Bristol Real Ale Society
Bristol University Gavel Society (BUGS)

Bristol Volunteers for Development Abroad (BVDA)

Buddhist Meditation

BUGGS

BUMS (Bristol University Music Society)

BUVZS (Veterinary and Zoological)
The society for people who walk on the wild side of life...
Capoeira

Catholic Society (CASSOC)

Caving

Centaur (Vets)

Change Ringers

Chaos (Physics)
The society for physics students, and people interested in physics. We're a social and educational society, so visit our site to find out what's going on!
Chaps Society
Society Description We are living in a world where society's morals have become warped beyond recognition, pleasantness and civility being discarded as worthless remnants of a bygone age. However, all is not lost. There are still some in this world to whom common courtesy and immaculate dress are held in the highest esteem and it is these few to whom we say; “Stand up and be counted, enough is enough! Bring your panache, your pleasantries, your civility and your charm and go forth into this nation. Bristol shall be civilised again!”
Cheerleaders

Cheese

Chess

Chinese Chess and Calligraphy Society
Ni Hao!! Come and get your dirty mitts on some real culture!
Chinese Lion Dance Troupe

Chinese Society

Chinese Students and Scholars Association

Chocolate

Christian Union (BUCU)

Church Choir

Circus Soc

Classics and Ancient History (CAAH)
The Classics and Ancient History Society is aimed at anyone studying within the department OR with an interest in the classical world. We welcome people of all degrees who are interested in the Graeco-Roman world! Our activities include socials (such as toga outings), dinners, meetings, occasional trip to the museums (in and out of bristol), as well as trips to the theatre etc..
Club Italia

Clubbers

Coalition for Tibet
We campaign for the human rights of Tibetans to be respected and for an end to the illegal Chinese occupation of Tibet. Tibetans should have the right to decide their own future. We also organise cultural and fundraising events to raise awareness of the Tibet cause.
Coffee Soc
Coffee Soc is the social society for coffee fans - we meet up for coffee in cafes, organise crazy espresso challenges and cafe crawls, tour coffee roasteries - anything that's fun and coffee-related! Our members also get discounts at coffee houses across Bristol.
Colombian Solidarity Campaign

Computer Gaming
Computer gaming in all its glorious forms! Online and in person, console and pc, strategy and shooter, new and retro!
Conservation Group

Conservative Association

DanceSoc

Dental Students (UBDSS)

DramSoc
Whether you want to act, write, direct or just watch, Dramsoc is the perfect society for all you theatre-lovers.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Society to help students complete their awards, including the organisation of expeditions.
ELSA
European Law Students Association
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)

Erasmix

Expeditions

Explorers

Fair Trade Society

Falstaff (English)

Fashion
Coming soon.
Film Making Society
UBFS
Fine Film Society

Folk Club

Football Supporters

French

Friends of Falun Dafa

Fusion (Chemistry)

Galenicals (Medics)
Bristol Medics' very own society
Game Soc
Game Society
GeogSoc (Geography)
Providing the social scene that Bristol geographers deserve...
German Soc
Carlsberg don't do societies. But if they did...
Gymnastics

HARTS (History of Art)

Helix
Biochemistry Society
Hellenic Society

Hindu Students Forum

HipHop

Hispanic Society

History Society
“ History Society attempts to foster an academic and sociable environment in which personal development and growth are encouraged, and intra-department relationships strengthened.” Our Aims: - We are attempting to foster a closer relationship with the History Department - In order to encourage a sense of continuity between students studies and the society, and to provide another source of contact between fellow history students and the academics too. - We hope to provide a valuable social and academic service to students.
Hong Kong Society
testing
Hot Air Ballooning (BUHABS)
Hot air ballooning Society
Howard League

HPAIR

Indie Soc

International Affairs
International Affairs Society
International Student's Society

Investment Club

Irish Society

J-Soc (Jewish Society)
Jewish Society for Bristol University and UWE (University of West England)
Japanese Society

Jazz Funk Soul Connection

Jungle Soc

Justice for Palestine Society

Knitting

Korean Society

Labour Club

Law Club

LDYS
The Liberal Democrat Youth and Students
LeRoc

LGBTsoc
The University of Bristol Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Society
LiveSoc

Madrigal Ensemble (BUME)
The most devastating choir in Bristol, fresh from a huge concert in St John's, Smith Square, London
Malay Cultural Society

Malaysian-Singaporean Students' Association (MSSA)

Marrow
Taking back lives from Leukaemia
Massage
Sore back from moving home? Feeling a little stressed out? Suffering from aches and pains after too many late nights? You could do with a massage! So why not come along and join in? See what your hands can do...
Massage (do not use)
UBU Massage Society
Matrix

medsin
"Medsin is a network of students with an interest in health, there are branches at universities across the UK. Medsin's activities aim to promote health as well as to act upon and educate students about health inequalities in our local and global communities. Our vision and mission statement are available on the site."
MethSoc (Methodist)

Middle Eastern Culture Appreciation Society

Model United Nations

Motor Club

Mountainboarding
Thinking of trying something new this term? Why not have a go at Mountainboarding, the most exciting new board sport around, a thrilling combination of skateboarding and snowboarding that's easy to learn and fun. We always welcome new members, no matter what your ability - We've got a wide range of abilities, from beginners to pros, and we all try to learn from each other. If you've already tried it and are keen to improve, you're in good company, and even if you've never been on a board before, you won't be alone and there'll always be someone to fall off with!
Music Theatre Bristol

Nightline

Pagan and Earth Religions
The Pagan and Earth Religions Society organises regular speakers, workshops, trips, and rituals throughout the year. Pagans of all paths and non-Pagans alike are welcome.
Paintballing
BPS is a society set up primarily for people who have never played paintball and would like to go once… cheaply. To come paintballing with us is £30pp (members price) for every event… this is BY FAR the best deal in Bristol. Next Event: Bristol vs UWE - 26th November!!!!!!!! And BPS members get ½ price Domino’s Pizza WHENEVER they like!
Pantomime Society
The Best Performing Arts Society (UBU Society Awards 2006). Renowned as Bristol Uni's most friendly and fun society, Pantosoc puts on at least three shows each year (in which everyone is guaranteed a part) as well as having a thriving Improvisation troupe.
People and Planet

Philosophy

Photographic Society
The UoB Photographic Society are here for photographers of all abilities, providing the equipment, skills and inspiration to help you develop as a photographer.
PokerSoc

Polish Society
We are a society consisting of students and all interested in Poland. Polsoc welcomes all, irrespective of their nationality, command of Polish or English, or degree of identification with Poland!
Politics

Portuguese Society

Pottery

Power Kiting
Static kiteflying, landboarding, kitesurfing, kite buggying and snowkiting on the best beaches of Devon, Cornwall and South Wales
Rag Morris

Reggae Society

RESPECT
A campaigning political organisation, we believe in education not war; books not bombs. Student Respect is leading the way in the fight against war, privatisation, racism and climate change.
Revelation Rock Gospel Choir

Rock Soc
This society revolves around all aspects of Rock! Be it metal, punk, ska, anything, we love it all. Check out our website which is updated fairly regularly to check out events where you have the oppurtunity to take part.
Russian Society

Scandinavian Society
A friendly society for Scandinavians and those interested in Scandinavia!
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Science Fiction & Fantasy Society
Scrubs

Sign
Sign Soc
SlavSoc
Are you Russian, East European, a student of Russian or simply a lover of all things Slavic? Then you're invited!
Socialist Student's Society

Socialist Workers Students Society

Spotlights

St John Ambulance

Stage Technicians' Association

Stop AIDS Society

Student Action for Refugees (STAR)

Student Industrial Society (SIS)

Student Security
Student Security work throughout the University of Bristol providing security services to the Students' Union, Halls and other venues used by students and the public. The job is extremely flexible - you work when you want - and is therefore very well suited to students. We have good rates of pay compared to other more typical student jobs, as well as being more challenging and ultimately more rewarding. We are currently recruiting new staff.
Students Supporting Street Kids (SSSK)

Symphonia

Tai Chi

Taiwanese Society

Tea
Societea
Thai Society
A society for Thai students and people who're interested in Thai culture, have been to Thailand or simply love Thai food! You don't have to be Thai to join.. only about a third of our members are Thai!
The University of Bristol Islamic Society - [BRISOC]

TiTi Africa

TUBBS (The University of Bristol Barbershop Singers)
The University of Bristol Barbershop Singers perform a cappella and close-harmony concerts throughout the year.
TUBES

U8

University of Bristol Union Organ Donation Society (UBODS)

Unplugged

Vegetarian & Vegan
Vegetarian and Vegan
Welsh Society

Wilderness Medical

Wine Circle

Wing Chun

Woodstock

Yoga

Got the "Oh God it's still Winter" blues? Then here's some things to cheer you up this January :)

2007-12-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

January 9th -

Farmers Market in Corn Street. All produce from a 40 mile radius, and all kinds of food. It'll make you feel healthy, and possibly more smug.

January 10th -

A new weekly beginners Salsa class starts today at St.Bonaventures Club, Berkeley Road, Bishopston. 7.45 - 9pm

January 11th - 13th

The Folk House Accoustic Festival. Google it for more details (cos I'm feeling lazy).

January 11th - 12th

Jesters Launch Weekend at their new venue (used to be The Magic Box).

January 17th -

The Devil Kicks Dancehall at Mr.Wolfs. Sumptuous burlesque acts and rockabilly bands. Dress to the nines so you don't feel left out!

January 18th -

Bristol's fourth silent comedy festival, hosted by Paul Merton, is screening "The Gold Rush" by Charlie Chaplin at Colston Hall. The music accompanying it promises to be great as it's a newly adapted score and will be performed by a 13 piece ensemble.

January 18th -

The Graffel draw at the Guerrilla Galleries (graffiti artwork) 140-142 Gloucester Road. 8pm. See http://www.graffle.co.uk/ for more info.

January 19 - ?

Love : National Gallery Touring Exhibition at the Bristol City Museum - http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Leisure-Culture/Museums-Galleries/exhibition-love---national-gallery-touring-exhibition.en

January 25th -

Fancy a Georgian meal whilst listening to traditional singers? If so, then mosey on down to the Grant Bradley Gallery in Bedminster. It's to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bristol twinning with Tbilisi.

January 25-March 9 -

Fair Trade Fortnight. See what's happening in your area at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

The Pirate Tour

2007-12-31T11:26:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered about Bristol's pirate past? No? Well you should probably do this anyway -

Click on this link and download the MP3 for free - http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/bristol-quayside-adventure-mp3-tour-p448303

When you have a free hour or so, take you and your MP3 player to the Merchants Ventureres Almshouses, King Street (pretty much next to the Old Vic).

Listen to the tour, following the instructions - you don't need to bring a map.

Not convinced? Want more information? Well it's about 18th century Bristol and is sort of based a little on the book "treasure island". It tells you about the history of the dockside, some old pubs, queens square, and a few other places.

Still not convinced? You can hear some old sea shanty's being sung...which personally I think is pretty cool. And the best bit is that you can pretend to be a pirate...but I would recommend that you only do this in your head.

The Bristol Community Festival is dead. Long live The Bristol Festival!

2007-12-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

I know, a bit long-winded...but you get the idea.

Following the sad but inevitable demise of Ashton Court Festival (actually named the Bristol Community Festival), a group of very enthusiastic (some say naive) volunteers are setting up a brand spanking new festival for summer 2008.

So what's so different about The Bristol Festival? An opportunity for public involvement. It seems that anything is up for consideration - where it should be, who should play, who should sponsor (if anyone), and even what it should be called. In this climate of cultural apathy, they;re certainly very brave! So give them a hand and tell them what you want from the festival here - http://www.thebristolfestival.org/forum

Good luck to them!

The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year

2007-12-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

I went to the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Museum of Bristol (next to the Wills Memorial Building on the top of Park Street) a few days ago. It was excellent! I’m not usually into photography, but I found the images to be very compelling - such beautiful and rare glimpses of the world around us. The have definitely stayed with me, especially the one with all the butterflies. I was surprised to learn that it has been running for over forty years, and that there is an under 10s section of the competition. Even more surprisingly, the photographs in that section where well worth seeing, and quite inspiring…it gives me hope for my own efforts if I ever have the money to buy a decent quality digital camera!

It was really nice to read a paragraph of the photographers own words about their work under each photograph, as well as the thoughtfully written information about the particular animal in the shot - it really added to the experience.

I urge you to get yourself down there before the exhibition moves/closes…it’s definitely worth it…and completely free!

For those particularly interested in photography, I recommend listening to the exhibition pod cast that you can download here -
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/competition/podcast.jsp
It’s partly about the rise of digital photography, and it’s good points and bad points, and partly a platform for debate and extra information from some of the successful entrants.

shiney upcoming events in Bristol

2007-12-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Go Go Fandango Cabaret Funfare at Native - a charity event for TEMWA
I'm going especially to watch the fantastic Zen Hussies
Friday 14th December. £5 entry
for more info - http://bristol.gumtree.com/bristol/84/16296884.html

Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year
At the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery on Park Street (Next to Wills Memorial Building)
From 15th December - 13th January. Free entry

Clockworks 1st Birthday Bash. Fancy dress "hat party" (Trying to figure out why people go to clockwork...I've never seen much point...but now...)
Kid Carpet among many others will be playing. Woohoo!
Saturday 15th December. £5 entry
for more info - http://www.clockworkclub.co.uk/

A Christmas Cube TV
Nostalgic christmas special.
Monday 17th December. £2 entry
for more info - http://microplex.cubecinema.com/cgi-bin/diary/programme.pl#3476

And...the Pirate Tour of the Waterfront (available on MP3)
When? Whenever you like, and absolutely free :)

The Bang Bang Club Cabaret

2007-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Firstly let me say that there will be an account of naked dancing ladies in swimming goggles and a man pretending to be a puppet playing the musical saw with another man pretending to manipulate him. If you can't be bothered to read all of it, I've highlighted these bits for you!

...................................................................................................................................................................

If you still haven't tried to find out more about the art space life space group, then hopefully this should persuade you.

I went to one of the last events at the pro Cathedral last night -- The Bang Bang Club, Cold Turkey Cabaret. In their own words it was "an evening of desperate decadence and delirious indulgence featuring the Zen Hussies, Hot Potato Syncopaters, The Perverted Turkeys, Roller Disco, speed dating and DJ Wifey."

The reason I was there was because the Zen Hussies had to pull out at the last moment (although Jonah still did some excellent DJing), and Stanley Forbes (who I live with) was asked to step in. Woohoo!

The evening started out with a roller disco and a balloon release, before Jake the saxophone player from Stanley Forbes's band led the disco divas, Pied Piper style, into the theatre. I have no idea about sound engineering, or how hard it might have been in such an echoey space, but I have to admit that the sound was rubbish. (Why oh why is it so hard to find a venue that actually produces a good sound from the performing band?) The audience (some doled up in vintage and cabaret clothes) started shouting that they couldn't hear, and eventually the Forbes band got off the stage to do some acoustic numbers in between the tables, to the amusement and bemusement of the audience.

Not a particularly good start to the evening, but all was forgotten once the next act started (I can only presume that they were the Perverted Turkeys?). There were two completely naked ladies on stage apart from swimming goggles and swimming caps, who started dancing, mirroring each other's movements, to the whole of Bohemian Rhapsody. At one point two beach balls were involved. I'm not quite sure what more to say about it, apart from the fact that I've never seen a stranger act in my life! It completely cheered me up! They were definitely not afraid of displaying their genitalia...to full (ahem) effect... and the result was strangley un-erotic. I don't think it was meant to be though...I think it was for comedy/novelty value?

Next up were the Hot Potato Syncopaters http://www.myspace.com/hotpotatosyncopators - three men all dressed in suits and bow ties (the lead singer with a handlebar moustache and a monocle), singing 20s-40s type songs in harmony, playing ukuleles, an assortment of whistles and a tea-chest bass (one of those strange instruments with only one string...I now have a distinct crush on the player of that bass!). They are my new absolutely favourite band -- their performance was amazing, complete with goofy grins and making eyes at the audience. At one point the lead singer (known to some as Duke Marmapants (sp?), writer of the Genital Mutilation Opera...not for the faint hearted,) pretended to hypnotise the other uke player into being a ventriloquist doll, who then sat on the bassists knee and sang a song. It was amazingly well done - I can't help but think that they've all been to some kind of drama school. The bassist then took out a wood cross (the kind that operate the strings of a marionette) and pretended to make the hypnotised man play the musical saw for the next song. All in all their act was absolutely fantastic! Although the sound still hadn't been completely fixed.

There were so many other things going on that I didn't get to take part in because I can't be in two places at once! But I did notice two women acting the part of little old ladies who were going about the place harassing young men.

God do they know how to throw a party!

Ending on a sad note though - as I said, this was one of the last events at the pro Cathedral. It is destined to be turned into flats soon. Oh the humanity! But they are also putting on events in an old police station...I haven't been yet, but it sounds promising.

The Insect Circus at the pro-Cathedral

2007-12-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

I went to one of the Art Space Life Space venues last night - up at the old cathedral just off the Clifton triangle. It was amazing! The venue is surprising in itself because what they call the theatre (which I think is the main part of the church) is decorated with graffiti to make it look like a crumbling ruin with plants and butterflies around the base, and a sky overhead fading into a storm where the stage is. It is so well done!

Now, imagine sitting there, watching various circus acts involving some people dressed as insects and some pretending to be their trainers, and you'll come to understand how surreal my night was. The act that I enjoyed the most was the mayfly and her trainer, who was dramatically unhappy about the fact that this would be the mayfly's first and last performance. It was such a nice touch. A perfect event for both adults and children (although don't let the children bit put you off). And it really made me giggle...even though I'm not usually a giggler.

It's on tonight and tomorrow night in Bristol, and is touring around England at the moment so you should definitely check it out! So much better than a night in front of the telly or down the pub.

Ticket prices are £9 which initially I thought was a rip off but having seen it I would gladly pay more. They also have their own bar...so don't worry about getting the pints in before the show.

Visit their website for more pictures and information - http://www.insectcircus.co.uk/index.php
And check out the Art Space Life Space group for amazing and quirky cabaret, burlesque and circus events at squat venues (mostly legal I think?) - http://www.artspacelifespace.com/Home.html