It was a great month, all in all.
The Blue Planet Orchestra played a life-enhancing gig at Verdict in Brighton, with last-minute sax dep Richard Exall doing a brilliant job with no rehearsal. A few weeks later, Snowboy & The Latin Section played a roof-loosening gig at the Fox and Firkin in Lewisham, with last-minute keyboard dep Gaz Buckland doing a brilliant job with no rehearsal.
Noise was provided in two clubs, three pubs, a gallery, a church and a barn. This month, for a change, there will be an event in a kind of place that used to be common: an arts centre.
The enterprising folk at Temple of Ideas have arranged an informal poetry event whereby I am invited to present a few short poetic forms that have been used in various books over here.
Bring a pencil.
GIGS
Merch available at all these events!
Monday 6th April, 20:00 doors, 20:30 start
Mick Collins Legacy Jazz Orchestra
Sundridge Park Working Mens Club and Institute
134 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley BR1 5AF
Wednesday 8th April, 14:00-17:00
BEYOND THE HAIKU : the marinet, beiku, tankard and kafkard
Temple of Ideas salon / workshop / open mic
In this informal session, Paul Taylor will share how constraints can spark creativity, drawing on inspiration from Oulipo, the Paris-based Workshop of Potential Literature (1960–present). After short readings from his published work, Paul will invite attendees to experiment with these invented forms, offering a playful alternative to yet more haiku. We’ll close the session with readings of your new poems created on the spot.
Free event but donations appreciated
Old Diorama Arts Centre
201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE
Wednesday 8th April, 19:00 start
13 Pearson St., London E2 8JD
near Hoxton Station
Monday 13 April, 12:30-15:30
Spice of Life Jazz Club
6 Moor Street, Cambridge Circus, Soho, W1D 5NA
Thursday 16th April, 14:30
Hugh Crozier’s Incomparables
Zelda’s Jazz Room at The Comrades Club
Newbury Street, Wantage, Oxon OX12 8DJ
Sunday 19th April, 15:00
Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters
Riverhead Jazz Club
Dunton Green Social Club, 159 London Rd, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks TN13 2TA