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.
* WINTER REGGAE, with The Daughters, BC Allskas, and Louis and Whitty, at the Three Tuns, BISHOPS CASTLE.
*”FORM & MOVEMENT”, group exhibition of fantastic unseen and rarely exhibited works that score by being serious and funny, skilfull, 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 Llanrhaeder- 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 is free.
The centre was successful in being awarded a grant to establish the ‘Stefan Knapp Sculpture Shed’ which is scheduled to open in the early summer and provide a large scale space to exhibit sculpture and for workshops to take place.
The first Jazz Night at the Gallery organised by jazz enthusiasts Laurence and Debbie Grey of Pontrobert and Cathy Knapp of Maesmawr Art Centre, had to be cancelled due to weather conditions. it will now take place in April and hopefully will be an even bigger and better event.
Contact Cathy Knapp: 01686 688369/ 07970671819 or info@midwalesarts.org.uk.
The new art gallery opened last October featuring work by local artists.
* 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 0793 206 3563.
* MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WALES, new exhibitions feature works by Peter Rossiter and tthe Cambrian Arts Society’s annual xhibition on until February 20; and “The Circle Squared” by Antonia Spowers and Bill Swann until February 27, at MACHYNLLETH.
* MR BEAT, at The Exchange, NEWTOWN.
* 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.
Today, Friday January 22, there will be a free Unwrapping Contemporary Art event at 7pm at the gallery with Michael Brennand-Wood in conmversation 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.
* RHAYADER MUSEUM & GALLERY, new pictures of the Holy Wells of Wales, by south Wales photographer Phil Cope, on until April 12.
* MARK BROWN. talented Pembridge singer guitarist plays at Concern Universal in Gambia fund raising music evening at TITLEY Village Hall.
* “SCARECROW”, 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 7pm at TREFEGLWYS Memorial Hall. Call 01686 430644 for bookings.
Also this Saturday, January 23, at 7pm at ABERMULE Community Centre 01686 630240; on Thursday, January 28, at 7pm at LLANDINAM Village Hall 01686 688102; and at Saturday January 30, at 7.30pm at the Wyeside Arts Centre, BUILTH WELLS 01982 552555.
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 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
Saturday, January 23
* DOLFOR’S GOT TALENT 2010, Village Hall event cancelled due to lack of interest.
* MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL, mass rehearsal at NEWTOWN Methodist Church from 10am to 2.30am as work begins on this year’s festival performance to be staged at Newtown’s Theatr Hafren on May 8 with Faure’s Requiem and Mass of the Children by John Rutter. Contact concert secretary, Charles Gratrix on 01686 411028 email, sgratrix@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday, January 24
* RHYMES & TELLS, free open session of stories, poems and prose at the Six Bells, BISHOPS CASTLE at 8pm, this month with a Scottish theme for Burns Night.
* KNIGHTON & DISTRICT CONCERT SOCIETY, present young, international pianist, Edward Cohen at 3pm in St Edward’s Hall. At the age of 23, Edward already has a long list of achievements in national and international prizes, recitals and recordings. He is currently completing his Master’s Degree at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Renowned for his virtuosity, especially in contemporary works, 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.
* WIHAN QUARTET, playing the third in their series of the complete Beethoven string quartets, in the Shropshire Music series, at the Lion Hotel, SHREWSBURY.
* HARLEQUIN UNPLUGGES, from 2.30pm at the Wheatsheaf High Street, SHREWSBURY, followed by Daylevel at 8.30pm.
Monday,January 25
* MARCHES COMMUNITY CHOIR, rehearsal every week at 7.30pm on Mondays at BISHOPS CASTLE Community College. Call the choir secretary Philippa Whitaker, on 01588 680312.
* FOLK CLUB SINGAROUND, at the Admiral Rodney, CRIGGION.
* 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. 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
* OPEN MIC NIGHT, new singers and acoustic music welcome at The Horseshoe Inn, RATLINGHOPE.
Tuesday, January 26
* NEWTOWN MALE VOICE CHOIR, weekly practice now on Tuesdays with new members welcome at at the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. Looking forward to promoting their new CD with a wonderful mix of renditions. For more information ring secretary Enid Morgan on 01686 626894.
* 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 27
* GUILSFIELD SINGERS, enterprising local mixed choir’s weekly rehearsals at GUILSFIELD Old School at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, now rehearsing Karl Jenkins's 'Sacred Songs', for their Easter Concert in Welshpool on March 27. For more information secretary Pauline ring 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 on Wednesdays at NEWTOWN Evangelical Church at 7.30pm. Inquiries to secretary Gay Roberts on 01686 630678 or visit www-cor-Merched-Maldwyn.org. Now rehearsing for concerts starting at GUILSFIELD on 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 01547520843 or email welshmusicevents@yahoo.co.uk
* TONY SKEGGS, regular musician at the Horseshoe Inn, RATLINGHOPE
* HARMONY SINGING CLUB, first of a series of new fortnightly meetings at the United Church New Street, WELSHPOOL at 7.30pm for all interested in singing.
Also fortnightly meetings start at 7.30pm on Thursday January 28 at the United Reform Church, NEWTOWN. Call Dee on 01654 700028 for more information.
Thursday, January 28
* BERNADETTE O’GRADY, acoustic singer-songwriter performs at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre in 90 minute performance of mainly original material, which includes some new songs. Now based in West Wales, Bernadette is originally from Ireland and began writing and performing songs while living in New York City, where she was influenced by both Irish and American songwriters.
* YOUTH THEATRE. weekly meetings for ages seven and over from 3.45pm on Thursdays at the SpArC Theatre, BISHOPS CASTLE. Call 01588 630321 for details.
* NEWTOWN SILVER BAND, with 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 29
* NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES, first tour under their new name for the Welsh contemporary dance company previously known as Diversions, at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre tonight and on Saturday January 30. Includes performance of Greek choreographer Andonis Foniadakis’ debut with the Company, “Veil of Stars”, and new commission by Itzik Galili for 10 dancers.
* PAUL PARKER & FRIENDS, at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR, at LUDLOW Assembly Rooms.
* THE FLOK, at The Exchange, NEWTOWN, with free admission.
Saturday, January 30
* ROB CHAPMAN MAGICIAN, at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* HARP WORKSHOP, from 9.30am at Theatr Hafren, NEWTOWN, with tutors Amanda Munday and Jen Morris, All welcome from beginners to advanced players work open performance at 4pm. Also exhibition by Clive Morley and local harp maker John Letcher.
Sunday, January 31
* MEGSON, BBC Folk Award nominees in both 2009 and 2010, duo playing live at The Hive, SHREWSBURY.