Two extraordinary things happened in December. Anyone who has ever been to a Mopomoso event will know that the extraordinary is just normal practice, so it was a great privilege to join a spontaneous ensemble accompanying experimental videos and then offer a brief outburst of trombone poetry. A lot of filming and recording was going on, but so far I have no links to share.
The other extraordinary thing was to get a gig, at very short notice, in my hometown, Oldham, where I have barely ever played since escaping decades ago. Of course, this involved playing in the High Street to a small crowd of fanatics (i.e. family and others) who had to stand in the pouring rain. The good news was that it was a debut gig (and possibly finale, who knows?) with Hackney Colliery Band.
On the poetry front, the main development is the laboriously produced online shop, which is still not quite right but does work, at least for UK folk. A crack team of digital sales specialists is currently working on the postage settings for elsewhere. That hoarse bellowing over at HindQuarters will be coming from them.
It will be much easier and more congenial to just come to a gig.
The next book, Kneptune, should be unleashed in March, all being well. Marinets will be launched a couple of months after that.
This month there’ll be a few open-mic poetry events to help spread the words. It’ll be just like the old days (see ancient Chronicles).
JANUARY GIGS
Paperbacks at all these events!
Thursday 4 January, 20:00 start
Forty Feet Forward – big band playing original compositions
The Clarendon Hotel
Montpelier Row, Blackheath, London SE3 0RW
Sunday 7 January, 20:00 start
John Bennett Band – big band playing original compositions
Eleanor Arms
460 Old Ford Road Bow London E3 5JP
Wednesday 10 January, 19:00 start
Hundred Years Gallery
13 Pearson Street
London E2 8JD
Friday 12 January, 18:00 – 21:00
Trombone Poetry (short set) + sundry turns (poetry, songs)
Rotherhithe Voices 25 : Brave New World
Deli Felice
40 Albion Street
Rotherhithe SE16 7JQ
free admission
Thursday 18 January, 15:00 – 17:00
The Spice Of Life
6 Moor Street London W1D 5NA
Thursday 18 January, 19:00 – 21:00
Billie’s poetry open mic night
The Rocketvan Coffee Shop & Box Shop Bar
92 Brandon Street London SE17 1AL
Looks like a brilliant year for you. Wish we lived nearer London!
Paul and Anne
Hi Paul
yes, i’m the Flamenco dancer (and also visual artist) who was at Mopomoso and likewise was hoping to see video or some mention of our performances but never mind. I so enjoyed the involvement.
You sat behind me and mentioned to me your poetry and in particular i think a poem called Andalusia. i would love to see some of your poetry as my paintings are often inspired by poetry – as well as dance and music! :-)
Best
Chris
Hello Chris. See the latest blog entry for poetry news and subscribe for direct delivery of updates. The poems from Spain are in Better Late Than Sorry.
Happy hoofing (and reading)!