Friday, January 15
* EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS, last chance celebration of 40 years of work from the open access studio, closing this Saturday at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre.
* FORM & MOVEMENT, group exhibition of fantastic unseen and rarely exhibited works that score by being serious and funny, skillful, aesthetic and bold, on at the Maesmawr Art Centre, CAERSWS, open Thursdays to Sundays 11am to 4pm, until January 24.
More than 20 artists involved include strikingly beautiful bronze sculptures by Heather Burnley and John Lavrin cast at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant foundry, and Spike Blackhurst's aesthetic skeletal forms create a strong backbone to the exhibition alongside the permanent collection of enamels and bronzes by Stefan Knapp. They are supported by a unique collection of woodcuts featuring Jazz Greats by Jeb Loy Nichols from Cefn Coch and strong colourful paintings by Jenny Jones, Euryl Stevens, David Millward and many others that must be seen to be appreciated. Admission free.
* EDDIE GARTRY & BLUES STATE UK, at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* THE FLETCHER BROTHERS, at The Exchange, NEWTOWN, with free admission.
* OPEN ART COMPETITION 2009, winners and entries on show at the Theatr Hafren bar gallery, NEWTOWN, to January 31.
* BEYOND PATTERN, exhibition on until January 27, exploring the cultural meanings of pattern, through exhibition, commission, publication and debate, at the Oriel Davies Gallery, NEWTOWN. Artists include Catherine Bertola, Michael Brennand-Wood, Nisha Duggal, Leo Fitzmaurice, Doug Jones, Adam King, Steve Messam, Henna Nadeem, Pamela So, Andrea Stokes, and Angharad Pearce-Jones.
On Saturday January 16 between 2 and 4pm at the gallery there will be a free Conversazione informal event ‘Bluestockings, Magazines and Stitching’ bringing together artist Catherine Bertola, and academics and authors Margaret Beetham and Carol Dyehouse to discuss and draw out issues around Bertola’s work in Beyond Pattern.
On Friday, January 22, there will be a free ‘Unwrapping Contemporary Art’ event at 7pm at the gallery, with Michael Brennand-Wood in conversation with Andrea Stokes discussing issues relating to their Beyond Pattern work and the wider themes of the exhibition.
The renamed ‘Test Bed’ space encouraging more experimental use of the gallery space and its first exhibition is Alex Duncan’s Eocene inspired by the fragility and power of the natural world.
* MALTHOUSE GALLERY, new exhibition at the OSWESTRY venue with over 15 leading artists from across the region showcasing work including an exclusive world first showing of sculpture by Ursular Fels Eisenstien, As well as sculpture, textile and leather works there will be a select display of bespoke furniture by Vidal and Company. Open Monday to Saturday, to March.
* RHAYADER MUSEUM & GALLERY, new pictures of the Holy Wells of Wales, by south Wales photographer Phil Cope, on until April 12. Opening hours now Thursday to Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 2 - 4pm. For more information visit: www.carad.org.uk
* CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, playing works by Brahms and Sibelius, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
* WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALLS BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2010, this year’s competition is under way with further heats tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the new Little Civic venue at The Slade Rooms in Broad Street.
It’s not too late for more entries to the competition as the Little Civic’s January and February schedule is fully dedicated to accommodate as many heats as possible – so get your applications in to phil@wolvescivic.co.uk now!
The winners will get £1,000, a free recording session at M2 Studio, a photo shoot with a professional photographer, a bespoke website designed and hosted by Surge Music and more goodies.
Saturday, January 16
* CARMEN, live screening of the Bizet opera direct from the Met Opera House in New York to ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre, at 6pm.
* CANDLELIT BAROQUE CONCERT, held by Friends of St Michael’s, Discoed. at St Andrew’s Church. PRESTEIGNE. Tickets £12.50 are available from the Post Office or by calling Judy and David Hiam on 01547 560246 or visit davidhiam@aol.co.uk
* JAKE & ELWOOD, the Best Blues Brothers Show in the World, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Sunday, January 17
* SEVERN JESTERS, Greg Davies, Joe Wilkinson and Ed Gamble in new comedy club night at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Monday, January 18
* BUILTH WELLS MALE VOICE CHOIR, meet every Monday at 7.30pm for practice in the Greyhound Hotel Builth Wells. New members welcome.
* ACOUSTIC NIGHTS, singers and songwriters welcome at the Golden Lion Hotel, LLANDYSILIO, every Monday and Wednesday.
* SING YOUR HEART OUT, singing group meeting on Mondays at 7pm at MEIFOD Village Hall for all ages, abilities and experience, with Rosie McConnell, a member of the Natural Voice Practitioners Network. Further information from Kath on: 01938 500459.
* FFONIC, community world music band meets for sociable music making on Monday evenings at NEWTOWN. Call Steve for details on 01686 411366 or visit www.ffonic.co.uk
* BANDAMANIA, meetings of the popular folk community orchestra continue at PRESTEIGNE Assembly Rooms at 7.15pm on Mondays. New players are always welcome.
* OPEN MIC NIGHT, new singers and acoustic music welcome at The Horseshoe Inn, RATLINGHOPE.
* MODERN JIVE CLASSES, weekly classes on Mondays at 7.45pm for beginners; 9pm for intermediates, and freestyle from 10.30pm at the Lion Hotel, SHREWSBURY. Call 07812 369702 for details.
Tuesday, January 19
* MARTYN GERAINT A’R LOSIN HUD, one of Wales’ most loved children’s entertainers returns with friends to perform a new Welsh language pantomime at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre at 1pm and 7pm today, and at 10am on Wednesday, January 20.
Their story of Hansel and Gretel sees them call on Martyn to help them escape the horrible old lady who seeks to imprison them in the forest. Join in the interactive songs in this show aimed at primary school children and their parents.
* SCARECROW, opening date for new community tour by the region’s professional drama company Theatr Powys with a passionate, humorous and intensely human play for children and their families, written by Chris Cooper, at 7.30pm at the Drama Centre, LLANDRINDOD WELLS. Also at 1.20pm on Wednesday, January 20. Call 01597 824444 for bookings.
Scarecrow explores what it is like to grow up here and now. It’s a play about young people in a Welsh community attempting to make sense of their experiences of friendship, family, identity, kindness and cruelty.
Tour dates continue to February 27 and include Friday January 22 at 7pm at TREFEGLWYS Memorial Hall (01686 430644); and Saturday January 23 at 7pm at ABERMULE Community Centre (01686 630240).
Also visiting Llandinam, Builth Wells, Presteigne, Welshpool, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llanfair Caereinion, Brecon, Aberystwyth, Erwood, Llangadfan, Machynlleth, and Rhayader,
For further information, contact Theatr Powys on 01597 824444/ theatr.powys@powys.gov.uk
* NEWTOWN MALE VOICE CHOIR, weekly practice now on Tuesdays with new members welcome at the United Reformed Church, at 7.30pm. Looking forward to promoting their new CD in January with a wonderful mix of renditions. For more information ring secretary Enid Morgan on 01686 626894.
* BORDER FOLK COMMUNITY NIGHTS, musicians and singers welcome at weekly sessions from 9pm at The Grapes, NEWTOWN.
* RHAYADER JAM, session at The Cornhill Inn every Tuesday from 8pm for performers of all types. Call the pub first for confirmation on: 01597 810029.
Wednesday, January 20
* GUILSFIELD SINGERS, enterprising local mixed choir’s weekly rehearsals at GUILSFIELD Old School at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, now rehearsing Karl Jenkins’ Sacred Songs, plus shorter pieces by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Wesley, for their Easter Concert in Welshpool, on March 27. For more information ring the secretary on: 01938 559612.
* ACOUSTIC SESSIONS, informal folk, blues and jazz every Wednesday from 8.30pm now at the Elephant, LLANIDLOES. Musicians welcome.
* LIVE JAZZ, informal music sessions with local musicians at the Dragon Hotel, MONTGOMERY, from 9pm on Wednesdays.
* COR MERCHED MALDWYN, the Montgomeryshire ladies’ choir weekly rehearsals resume on Wednesdays at NEWTOWN Evangelical Church at 7.30pm. All choir enquiries to secretary Gay Roberts on: 01686 630678 or visit www-cor-Merched-Maldwyn.org. The choir are now rehearsing for concerts starting at GUILSFIELD on Saturday, March 6.
* OPEN MIC NIGHT, every Wednesday at Norton Manor Hotel, PRESTEIGNE, from 8pm. Entry is free and all ages and abilities are welcome. To book a slot call 01547 520843 or email welshmusicevents@yahoo.co.uk
* TONY SKEGGS, regular musician at the Horseshoe Inn, RATLINGHOPE.
* IMAGINED VILLAGE, the stunning new folk project including Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, and Chris Wood, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY, with new album launched this month to accompany the UK tour.
Thursday, January 21
* NEWTOWN SILVER BAND, with their latest CD Adventures in Brass and plans for concert at Theatr Hafren on Saturday, April 17, with special guests Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd School Choir, practices are at the NEWTOWN Band Room every Thursday from 7.30pm with all welcome. Also Junior Band practices at 6.30pm every Thursday.
Friday, January 22
* WHO’S BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR? Freehand Theatre’s playful and musical tale of the Three Bears, at the SpArC Theatre, BISHOPS CASTLE, at 6pm.
* ALBERNI STRING QUARTET, return of one of the outstanding chamber ensembles of our time to play the traditional curtain raiser concert to the annual GREGYNOG Festival which is to be held this year from June 11 to 20 and will have the theme of ‘Pleasure Gardens’.
Gregynog Hall Music Room is ideal to enjoy the Alberni’s all-Beethoven programme of three Quartets, Opus 18, No 2, Opus 74 (nicknamed The Harp) and Opus 131.
Book seats via the Festival’s website www.gwylgregynogfestival.org and by telephoning the Festival’s new ticketline on 01686 207100.
Details of the festival programme will be launched tonight together with booking for members of the Festival’s Patrons Circle. General booking opens from February 15. For further information please contact Dr Rhian Davies on: 07932 063563.
* MR BEAT, at The Exchange, NEWTOWN.
* MARK BROWN. talented Pembridge singer guitarist plays at Concern Universal in Gambia fund raising music evening at TITLEY Village Hall.
Saturday, January 23
* DOLFOR’S GOT TALENT 2010, local talent competition with prizes for first, second and third places, at DOLFOR Village Hall, starting at 7pm. For more details of how to enter contact Gemma Davies on: 01686 629715.
Sunday, January 24
* KNIGHTON & DISTRICT CONCERT SOCIETY, present young, international pianist Edward Cohen at 3pm in St Edward’s Hall, KNIGHTON, in place of the original pianist, who is unfortunately indisposed. Edward has been hailed as a pianist of limitless potential with real emotional sensitivity. At the age of 23, he already has a long list of achievements in national and international prizes, recitals and recordings. Edward is currently completing his Master’s Degree at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Edward is renowned for his virtuosity, especially in contemporary works and his recital will contain some fascinating pieces by modern composers such as Cage, Rautavarra and Gubaidulina as well as works by more well-known composers such as Rachmaninov and Debussy. Later this year he will return to the USA, at the invitation of the Chopin Symposium, to give a recital in Boston.
* WIHAN QUARTET, playing the third in their series of the complete Beethoven string quartets, in the Shropshire Music series, at the Lion Hotel, SHREWSBURY.
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