Friday, January 29
* NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES, first tour under its 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 which engulfs the expanse of the stage. The specially created inspiring new work focuses on his hallmark technical virtuosity and fluidity. Also new commission by Itzik Galili for 10 dancers incorporates a new score commissioned from Percossa and Steve Reich’s Six Marimba.
* THROUGH OTHER EYES: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM SOUTH ASIA, drawings, sculptures, photographs and films from emerging artists in India and Pakistan, on until February 27 at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre.
* FORM & MOVEMENT, new works Spring Cleaners life size ‘companion’ figures painted on and cut out of board by Euryl Stevens have waltzed into the group exhibition on at the Maesmawr Art Gallery, CAERSWS, comprising over 100 sculptures, paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles and glass works by more than 20 professional local artists exhibition. Open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Euryl is a prize winning artist whose work is highly inventive and energetic. Her insightful observations of Welsh women combine the hilarity of Beryl Cook and the seriousness and poignancy of Lowry’s Salford. Euryl will be giving talks and workshops at Maesmawr Gallery in April. For further info ring 01686 688369 or visit www.midwalesarts.org.uk
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.
* PAUL PARKER & FRIENDS, at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR, at LUDLOW Assembly Rooms.
* MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WALES, new exhibitions feature works by Peter Rossiter and the Cambrian Arts Society’s annual exhibition on until February 20; and The Circle Squared by Antonia Spowers and Bill Swann until February 27, at MACHYNLLETH.
* THE FLOK, 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.
* MALTHOUSE GALLERY, exhibition at the OSWESTRY venue with over 15 leading artists from across the region.
* 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
* AGATHA CHRISTIE’S WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, The Agatha Christie Theatre Company including Honeysuckle Weeks and Denis Lill in the latest production of their highly acclaimed series from the pen of the great British mystery writer, with final performances at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY, at 7.30pm tonight and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday January 30.
* HOT ROD 55, local rockers at the Boars Head, SHREWSBURY.
* WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALLS BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2010, this year’s competition is under way with further heats tonight and Sunday at the new Little Civic venue at The Slade Rooms in Broad Street. Latest qualifiers include the former Aberystwyth student trio PeopleAreThings who won last Friday’s heat. Line-ups are online on the website and remaining heats will be on February 4, 5, and 7. Semi-Finals will be on February 20 and 26, and March 19 and 27. The final will be on April 17.
Saturday, January 30
* AMY DOUGLAS , storyteller at BISHOPS CASTLE Library from 2.30pm.
* LATE IN THE DAY, live band at 1960s evening at The Baron of Beef, BUCKNELL, organised by Knighton and district Rotary club, in aid of Megan Baker House near Leominster.
* SCARECROW, 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 Wyeside Arts Centre, BUILTH WELLS, call 01982 552555 for bookings.
Also at the Ivor Jones Centre, PRESTEIGNE, on Saturday, February 6, call 01597 824444.
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 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
* ROB CHAPMAN MAGICIAN, at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* WIL TAN, popular Welsh folk singer with Lliwen, at Theatr Llwyn, LLANFYLLIN, in aid of local Ysgol Meithrin.
* 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.
* BARREL HOUSE BLUES BAND, at Bull Inn, SHREWSBURY.
Sunday, January 31
* BELLOWHEAD, 11-piece folk super group, at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre.
* MEGSON, BBC Folk Award nominees in both 2009 and 2010, duo playing live at The Hive, SHREWSBURY.
* WESTCOASTIN, California style jazz at the Old Lion Tap, SHREWSBURY.
* ALMOST BLUEGRASS, from 2,30pm at the Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.
* LAUGHTER LINES COMEDY CLUB, monthly show at the Old Post Office, SHREWSBURY.
* BUFFY SAINT-MARIE, songwriting legend of Soldier Blue and Up Where We Belong fame with new 18th album Running for the Drum and first UK tour since 1996, with date tonight at WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun Hall.
Monday, February 1
* ABERMULE QUILTERS, following their first ever exhibition in September, the group meets on the first Monday of the month at ABERMULE Community Centre and details can be had from Ann Edwards on 01686 627516.
* WINTER WARMERS, new exhibition of English crafts on until the end of the month at The Gallery, BISHOPS CASTLE.
* 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.
* 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 078123 69702 for details.
Tuesday, February 2
* STOP MESSING ABOUT, opening of a run direct from the West End of the hilarious comedy recreating the wit and outrageous sketches, parodies and songs of Kenneth Williams, at the New Theatre, CARDIFF to February 6.
* NEWTOWN MALE VOICE CHOIR, weekly practice now on Tuesdays with new members welcome at the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm. 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.
* BAHOK, choreographer Akram Khan’s innovative dance company at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Wednesday, February 3
* FEMALE COMEDY, triple bill of women stand-up comedians Josie Long, Maeve Higgins, and Issy Suttie, currently best known for playing Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show, at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre.
* BLACK DOG MUSIC & PERFORMANCE CLUB, monthly meeting of the new gathering point for musicians, singers, poets, stand up comedians, storytellers and other performers at the Red Lion, CASTLE CAEREINION, from 8pm with all welcome.
* GUILSFIELD SINGERS, enterprising local mixed choir’s weekly rehearsals at GUILSFIELD Old School at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, now rehearsing Karl Jenkins’ Sacred Songs, for Easter Concert in Welshpool on March 27. For more details ring 01938 559612.
* FOLK NIGHT, regular local gathering on the first Wednesday of the month at The Laughing Dog, HOWEY.
* 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. All choir enquiries to secretary Gay Roberts on 01686 630678 or visit www-cor-Merched-Maldwyn.org
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
* FOLK NIGHT, on the first Wednesday of the month at the Miners Arms, PRIESTWESTON. Call 01938 561352.
* TONY SKEGGS, regular musician at the Horseshoe Inn, RATLINGHOPE.
* ARMONICO CONSORT & ORCHESTRA, perform great French Requiems by Faure and Durufle, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Thursday, February 4
* WYRD SISTERS, opening night for new Castaway Community Theatre production of the Terry Pratchett comedy fantasy at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre with further shows at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday February 5 and 6.
* THE OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE, opening night for postponed local pantomime at LLANIDLOES Community Centre. Also on Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6. Contact Tony Orme on 01686 430707.
* THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN, opening night for Tanat Theatre Company’s pantomime production at LLANRHAEADR YM MOCHNANT Village Hall, tonight and on Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, with Will Ferguson as the Piper, Sophie Missen as principal boy Peter, Annie Guiler as principal girl Alice, Tony Sadler as the Mayor, and Phil, Ty Mawr, as the dame Lotty.
* 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,
* THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN, the great fun ensemble at Theatr Severn, SHREWSBURY.
* WELSHPOOL MUSIC CLUB, 67th season of concerts continues at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church, with a recital by the brilliant young pianist Robert Chester performing a wide range of music by Scarlatti, Haydn, Schubert, Debussy and Liszt.
Friday, February 5
* MURDER MYSTERY, evening hosted at Plas Dolguog Hotel, MACHYNLLETH, in aid of Diabetes UK Cymru. The event, which is being held from 7pm until midnight, includes a three course meal with tickets available on 029 2066 8276 or email wales@diabetes.org.uk
* ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER, Coleg Powys Performing Arts students evening of inspiring dance, innovative choreography and physical theatre, at Theatr Hafren, NEWTOWN, at 1.15 and 7.30pm today.
* COLOUR SUNDAY, popular local band playing at The Exchange, NEWTOWN, with free admission.
* NODDY IN TOYLAND, 60th year anniversary adventure for the children’s favourite at 1 and 4pm at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY, today and Sunday February 7.
* BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS, the longest running and greatest Holly tribute show, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Saturday, February 6
* AN EVENING WITH PETER KARRIE & FRIENDS, international star of such musicals as The Phantom of the Opera, Peter’s live show showcases his musical theatre career. Tonight at Wyeside Arts Centre, BUILTH WELLS. The show will also feature soaring duets with both his leading lady, the multi-talented Kate Quinnell and his ‘live & dangerous’ BBC Wales accompanist, John Quirk.
Should anyone fancy getting up to join Peter on stage for a number (and to win a prize), then call the Box Office on 01982 552555 and register your name for the ‘In the Spotlight’ challenge. To share a celebration or dedicate a song to someone special, let Wyeside know on the night.
* DERVISH, the Irish folk supergroup celebrating their 21st year with vocalist Cathy Jordan, at Theatr Hafren, NEWTOWN.
* ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY, opening of two new exhibitions at the NEWTOWN venue from 6pm today featuring The Scenery is Very Wonderful. The Weather is Good by Stuart Whipps, and Afield and Louphole works by Simon Whitehead, part of a series of concurrent exhibitions and events exploring mankind’s relationship with place, landscape and environment.
Monday, February 8
* MONTGOMERYSHIRE YFC DRAMA FESTIVAL, opening night for the triennial competitions on until Saturday February 20 at Theatr Hafren, NEWTOWN.
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