Click here for updates to this infomation.
| August 2012 |
|---|
| Mon 6th 7.30pm |
Puzzle Poets Live Each month we have a guest poet before our open mic session. Everyone is welcome to contribute their stanzas in the Open Mic that follows. We all get an enthusiastic encouraging welcome from the audience so why not give it a go? Very friendly atmosphere. Good quality beers and wines; over 14 as event is in the pub Things are a little bit different this month. Due to a minor organisational SNAFU and the confluence of unnamed and eldritch stars, we’ve decided that rather than bring a fantastic new poet to your attention, we’re going to give the whole evening up to everyone. To You. It’s an open-mic-ex-stravaganza! If you’re a poet, and you want to read your poetry, come along and we’ll give you a short spot. Read anything you like. Read your own stuff, or if you have a favoured poem by someone else, bring that along and read that.
|
| Mon 6th 8pm |
Open Mic The open mic is open to anyone and everyone (though it’s mainly musicians who play) – we have two mics and three DI boxes (for plugging in guitars etc). It’s been getting rather busy lately, so get there as early as you can (all the slots tend to go by 9pm-ish!) The slots are long enough to play 2-3 songs. The audience is really supportive and it’s usually busy, with a wide mix of people (musicians and non-musicians) in the audience. It’s run by Tom Kerswill, Ollie Smith and Josh McClurg…
|
| Mon 6th 7.30pm |
Stirred A pro-feminist night, men are welcome to perform as long as their material is female friendly; preferably their set could include a piece by a woman author. Performers can read current or forgotten female poets.
|
| Mon 6th 8pm |
Come Strut Your Stuff A long-running open-floor poetry and acoustic music night which takes place on the first Monday of every month at Liverpool’s Egg Café. There are no microphones involved, and the audience listens with enthusiasm, making this an ideal event for anyone wishing to perform for the first time. It is an entirely ‘open’ floor (anything goes), although the performance of original…
|
| Tue 7th 7pm |
Madlab Graphics Novel group For August, The #Mad_Gng’s theme is detective and crime fiction. The two books up for discussion are Whiteout: Volume 1, written by Greg Rucka and drawn by Steve Lieber, and The Spirit: Femme Fatales by Will Eisner.
|
| Tue 7th 7.30pm |
Writers’ Inc A writers’ forum for critique by a group of experienced writers. Invitation only: submit a piece of work (novel chapter, short story, poems)
|
| Wed 8th 7pm |
SpecFic Writing Group We are a group of writers interested in science fiction, weird fiction, slipstream, horror and fantasy. We meet on the second Wednesday of every month to critique a sample of each other’s work. Our members write everything from flash fiction to short stories to novellas to novels; single genre to cross-genre to subgenre (steampunk, urban fantasy, cyberpunk, hard-SF to name but a few).
|
| Wed 8th 7.30pm |
Hiya Luv A new poetry night is on it’s way – it’ll be gorgeous, it’ll be fresh, it’ll be hosted by Manchester’s adopted citizens Jackie Hagan and Gerry Potter. There’ll be glittery cake, guest poets, prizes and a first come/first served Open Mic. It will take place in the brilliant new performance space in the Crescent pub, a stone’s throw from Manchester city centre and near Salford Uni’s Peel Park & Adelphi campuses. .
|
| Thu 9th 8.30 pm |
Write Out Loud – Wigan At The Tudor Open Mic people crowd in to listen to bawling, drunken, old, young, new and subtle poets. Some funny, some melancholy, some political and some absurd. Come on down, all
|
| Thu 9th 7:30pm |
Lend Me Your ears A monthly night, which celebrates original creative writing and music as a whole. Original works from authors, poets, singer song writers, bands and film makers will be performed along with a broad spectrum of music being played in between acts from blues,jazz and folk to funk, hip hop and indie etc. Set in the beaufiful newly refurbished back room of the Castle Hotel.
|
| Sat 11th 12 noon |
Paper Planes: Second Saturdays Fun, professional, welcoming, and innovative creative writing workshop for poets, prose- and script writers of all kinds, whether you’re experienced or not, and however seriously you write. You’ll take home 5 or 6 new pieces of writing and a new, playful way of looking at creativity and craft. You can come along and see how much you enjoy yourself, or – if you’ve been before – come back and see what’s different. We start at noon in the side room, and finish at 4pm, with a break near the middle for lunch, and we hope you’ll come if you can.
|
| Sun 12th 1pm |
Writers Connect Regular twice-monthly writing workshop, involving a writing exercise and mutual critique of members’ work in progress. Please bring along 6 copies of any work you would like to share.
|
| Sun 12th 7.30pm |
Another folk n’poetry night Just Poets offer you poetry, prose, folk song and the fun of making it up on the spot. We have rant and rhyme, monologue and dialogue, and we move from Yeats and his mythologies to Keats’ copies of everything he fancied. We listen to the poetic precision of “laughing Lenny” Cohen and to the street – speak of Tom Waits. These sessions are good for the soul, and are always uplifting. The upstairs room has a great atmosphere and the last session turned into a beautifully intimate chat about the power of poetry, interspersed by strong examples of that power from the likes of The Rochdale Ranter, and from Clare, a sweet rapper, and from Michael and Paul and Keith, Val and Pam and Danny and Katie and Julia. Hosts, Just Poets, offer you History re-written in Robin’s parodies, and homage to songwriters like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt from Norm.
|
| Mon 13th 7pm |
Read Out Loud Stockport Come and share your poems at this fantastic, friendly open-floor poetry night set in the wonderfully stimulating environment of Stockport Art Gallery. Beginners especially welcome.
|
| Mon 13th 7pm |
OpenMind 2nd Birthday/Anniversary Special OpenMind return to Fuel Bar to celebrate our 2nd anniversary, exactly 2 years since the first ever OpenMind event at Earth Cafe. To celebrate our 2nd anniversary we’ve created a few elements that pay homage to this number. we’ve got 2 headliners, 2 guests per genre, and raffle tickets will be 2 for the price of 1. As always we’ll begin the evening with the most diverse open mic in town – the anything goes OpenSpace where performers and artists of all kinds can strut their stuff in 5 minute slots. Our guests:
|
| Mon 13th 5.30-7.30pm |
Weaving Words Rochdale’s own creative writing group. Anyone interested in any genre of creative writing is invited to attend. Refreshments are provided
|
| Mon 13th 8pm |
Bards of New Brighton Quickfire open-mic poetry hosted on the second Monday of each month at New Brighton’s historic Magazine pub overlooking the mighty River Mersey. Hosts are Steve Regan and Dave Costello – both prize-winning and published poets. All visiting poets get TWO 4-minute slots each – so at the Bards, effectively, EVERYONE IS A GUEST POET. Usually there are a couple of slots for singer-songwriters too, but this is primarily a poetry venue. The Bards is ALWAYS lively and friendly. Humorous, philosophical and spiritual material is particularly welcomed – but basically, anything goes! The atmosphere at The Bards is best summed up by the phrase ‘Magic Realism’ … or perhaps the word ‘Karnivale’.
|
| Mon 13th 8pm |
Open Mic The open mic is open to anyone and everyone (though it’s mainly musicians who play) – we have two mics and three DI boxes (for plugging in guitars etc). It’s been getting rather busy lately, so get there as early as you can (all the slots tend to go by 9pm-ish!) The slots are long enough to play 2-3 songs. The audience is really supportive and it’s usually busy, with a wide mix of people (musicians and non-musicians) in the audience. It’s run by Tom…
|
| Mon 13th 1-3pm |
Darnhill Scribblers We run Story Groups in all of the listed areas for adults aged 18+ to have a go at storytelling, writing activities and workshops, meet writers and poets and, most importantly, have loads of fun! We will also run a variety of mini projects, publish a quarterly magazine and hold annual writing festivals over the next three years. If you would like to get involved in the project, simply come along to a story group
|
| Mon 13th 7pm |
Magical Animals A night of spoken word, comedy, poetry and motivational cakes magicked up by Jackie Hagan. Open Mic, Guest Performer, and the chance to win the coveted Magical Animals Tiara.
|
| Tue 14th 7pm |
Other Room
|
| Wed 15th 6pm |
Writing Discussion & Workshop at BLANKSPACE Join us for relaxed arty discussion and plenty of tea and cake! Two discussion groups: Creative Writing and Fine Art We think talking about art is as important as making it. We don’t think you need to be a graduate to do either. Everyone can make and talk and we do a lot of both, so why don’t you join us? It’s a once-monthly discussion in two groups on the hot creative topics of the day, le…
|
| Fri 17th 8pm |
Shangri la! Cabaret Shangri La!Cabaret, a kind of modern-day review show held once monthly in Prestwich. La! hosts talent from wherever it emerges, featuring music, short theatre pieces, spoken word, standup comedy, drums, mime and puppets to name but a few. We also dabble with a rubbish raffle, a dynamic D.J and an organic disco at the end. Usually takes place on the 3rd Friday of the month and always is a fab, friendly night out.
|
| Fri 17th 7.50-9.30 pm |
Manky Poets monthly open mic plus guest, run by Copland Smith.
|
| Sun 19th 7pm |
WriteOutLoud New look WOL, still welcomes and supports new and experienced but moving with the times! – Guest poets, new comperes, book launches and music if time permits! We want Bolton WOL to be an event – be part of it! Guest poet Ash Dickinson, guest MC Jeffarama!
|
| Sun 19th 8pm |
Shut the far cupboard Showcasing folk, spoken word and all sorts of shenanigans.
|
| Mon 20th 7pm |
Beatification John G.Hall presents: “Beatification” A homage to Beat poetry, music & film. A Beat film at 7pm then poetry and music from 8pm till 11pm. Open mic and open mind. Beatification is a happening inspired by the ancient and modern beat poets of the USA & UK. Manchester’s own beat revolt no less. Evenings of film, poetry & live music for all.
|
| Mon 20th 8pm |
Open Mic The open mic is open to anyone and everyone (though it’s mainly musicians who play) – we have two mics and three DI boxes (for plugging in guitars etc). It’s been getting rather busy lately, so get there as early as you can (all the slots tend to go by 9pm-ish!) The slots are long enough to play 2-3 songs. The audience is really supportive and it’s usually busy, with a wide mix of people (musicians and non-musicians) in the audience. It’s run by Tom Kerswill, Ollie Smith and Josh McClurg…
|
| Tue 21st 7:30pm |
Write Out Loud A great event at the Waterside with an open mic and regular guests. First time readers are especially welcome. Open mic spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. If you want a space, get there early as spaces go quickly! All that, and your host Rod Tame will try to not get in the way too much… Our fabulous guest this month are:
|
| Tue 21st 7pm |
Sci Fi Book Club – Embassytown
|
| Tue 21st 7pm |
DEPT/zimZalla Experimental press DEPT meets avant objects imprint zimZalla uptown for an evening of poetry and performance, featuring Matt Dalby, Jo Langton and Wayne Clements, who will be launching his new book, Archeus. Publications from both presses will be on sale, together with others from Manchester’s ever-growing experimental poetry scene.
|
| Wed 22nd 7.15pm |
Bad language at Manchester Museum Over the month of August, acclaimed writers Jenn Ashworth and Helen Mort will be working with the museum to develop new writing based on the exhibits. On the 22nd of August they will perform these pieces to a live audience in the heart of the museum, The Living World gallery, as part of an evening of new writing featuring work from emerging writers in the r egion. The project has been funded through Arts Council England and ARC as part of their Northern Elements series of events.
The event will also feature performances by some fantastic emerging writers, who were selected through a call-out. They are:
|
| Sun 26th 7pm |
Write Out Loud – Middleton This is the première poetry open mic night in Rochdale and Middleton! Everyone is welcome to read their poems in a supportive and encouraging environment. Free cakes from Gemma, raffle, lots of fantastic poetry.
|
| Mon 27th 5.30pm-7pm |
Weaving Words Rochdale’s own creative writing group.
|
| Mon 27th 8.30pm |
Inn Verse Inn Verse returns, at it’s new venue The Sandbar on Grosvenor Street, and with it’s new hosts Anna Percy and Dermot Glennon. Inverse is the friendly no microphone read-around where you can read your own poetry or someone else’s, or just listen and meet and chat with some of Manchester’s finest poetry talents. If that all sounds like the strangest late night should have gone to bed TV phone chat adverts you’ve ever heard, then why not come down and meet local poets in your area looking for love (or approval, whichever’s more attainable). And, in these times of austerity there’s 10% off food and drink for all attendees so you won’t have to make the sort of budget cuts that stifle your growth.
|
| Mon 27th 7.30 |
Mouth of the Mersey Storytelling The Mouth – A great nights entertainment, where you could be travelling on magic carpets or dockers umbrellas. True stories, nearly true stories and down right lies. Ancient and modern stories and tales of the yet to be. ‘The Mouth’ aims to combine traditional and modern storytelling, to be a platform for established storytellers from around the world and to encourage and support new talent.
|
| Tue 28th 7pm |
The Poetry Society Wigan Stanza Wigan Stanza meet every 4th Tuesday in the month to share writing, reading and enjoyment of poetry. If you love poetry, this is for you!
|
| Tue 28th 7:30pm |
WORD WIZARDS One of the best things about a slam is the range of performers it attracts. On any night between 7:30 and 10:30pm (ish) you may hear heartfelt love poetry, searing social commentary, uproarious comedy routines and bittersweet confessional pieces. Poets are free to perform in any style on any subject and everyone gets the opportunity to read in round one, before the audience votes on whom they want to hear again through a simple points system. So what’s in it for the poet? Winning a slam requires some measure of skill and a huge dose of luck as what is popular with an audience one month might not get their vote next time. There’s no winning formula but Word Wizards provides a regular platform for experimentation and practice. Last Tuesday of every month and a Buxton Festival Fringe special in July. Introducing factors such as performance technique and audience mood means that the `best` poem may not always win, but as one slam motto puts it, “The points are not the point – the poetry is the point”. Performers are advised to book in advance and obtain slam rules. Entry on the night cannot be guaranteed.
|
| Tue 28th 7.30pm |
Chorley & District Writers’ Circle We have speakers, workshops and info sessions as well as giving members opportunity to read each others’ work, should they want this. We also send out a monthly newsletter and publish Aware, an annual compilation of members’ work.
|
| Tue 28th 5.30-7pm |
‘Igniting the spark’ Creative writing ‘Igniting the spark’: weekly creative writing workshops with Gaia Holmes. The workshops will discuss craft and technique and include lots of stimulating and inspiring writing exercises to generate poetry or prose.
|
|
Wed 29th |
Day of the Disappeared Community Art Exhibition The British Red Cross in Manchester is holding a Community Arts Exhibition, to take place on WEDNESDAY 29TH and THURSDAY 30TH AUGUST at BRIDGE 5 MILL, (22a Beswick Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M1 7HR) in order to commemorate the International Day of the Disappeared (August 30), a United Nations recognised annual commemoration day for individuals who have gone missing in armed conflicts or other situations of violence and whose fate is unresolved. A diverse group of artists, amateur and professional, living in the Greater Manchester region have contributed to the exhibition and have joined us in commemorating the Day of the Disappeared and remembering ‘The Missing’. The Exhibition will include a variety of mediums, including poetry, short stories, pen and ink drawings, and paintings amongst many others! At the launch event, some of the artists will be performing their poems and stories. We are also looking for groups to contribute short performances (e.g. songs, dances, spoken word performances) for the opening event on WEDNESDAY.
|
| Thu 30th 12noon |
Discussion: The Art Of Success We often have romanticised preconceptions of artists as impoverished yet passionate creators, but how does this work under the monetary and social influence of collectors, commercial galleries and institutions? This event, the first of the AND Festival salons for in 2012, will question the hierarchies of success within the cultural world, uncovering the degrees of artistic achievement through conversations with both creators and cultural brokers. Panel includes artists Jennifer Chang, Zach Blas (Queer Technologies) and Brett James. Part of the AND Festival 2012.
|
| Fri 31st 7pm |
kaleidescape To coincide with the “late evening” activities taking place throughout the city . We launch our family music/poetry and performance event here at The Walker Art gallery . To be followed by the last sunday afternoon of each month 1pm/4pm (24th june/29th july). 1st time and established performers welcome , original material encouraged .
|
| Fri 31st 12noon |
Discussion: The Beautiful and Damned ‘A good face is a letter of recommendation,’ novelist Henry Fielding wrote, before going on to curse the false recommendations of Nature. The Beautiful and the Damned will ask to what extent ‘erotic capital’ – beauty, good dress sense, physical fitness and sex appeal – still opens doors to people that are locked to others. Should the beautiful be damned? The panel includes artist, performer, director and writer Scottee (who stars in the Online Project Follow) and Catherine Hakim, academic and author of Honey Money: The Power of Erotic Capital. Part of AND Festival 2012.
|
| September 2012 |
|---|
| Sat 1st 12 noon |
Discussion: Too Big To Fail? The Olympics brings with it a host of successes and failures for the athletes and countries taking part. But what of the host country? Join us for a post-Olympic debate on the cost of successful Games. Featuring James Kennell – who writes and studies regeneration, tourism and the Olympics – and Jennifer Jones, visiting lecturer at Birmingham City University and coordinator for #media2012, a national-wide citizen media network for London 2012. In association with #media2012. Part of AND Festival 2012.
|
| Wed 12th 6pm |
POETICA
|
| Mon 17th 7-9pm 10 weeks |
With Mandy Coe.
|
| Mon 24th 7pm |
Booklaunch: Jeffrey Wainwright, Jon Glover and Evan Jones Join Carcanet Press to celebrate the launch of three new collections by distinguished local poets: Jeffrey Wainwright, Jon Glover and Evan Jones. A unique reading which will re-unite two leading figures of the 1960s Leeds School of Poetry with a new generation of poetry. Each of the poets will read and discuss their work with Carcanet’s Michael Schmidt. The event is free and refreshments will be available.
|
| October 2012 |
|---|
| Wed 10th 6:30pm |
The Bad Bugs Bookclub presents…ARROWSMITH by SINCLAIR LEWIS The Pulitzer Prize winning Arrowsmith (an award Lewis refused to accept) recounts the story of a doctor who struggles to plot the correct course for his career: dedication to slow pure scientific research in the name of progress, or the quest for the money and rewards that hasty mock trials and early publication bring? The life of the dedicated scientist, or the society man? The Bad Bugs Bookclub is a friendly group of scientists and non-scientists who enjoy reading novels where infectious disease play a key part in the narrative. Come along, relax and meet some new friends. Everyone is welcome!
|