April Showers

April Showers

Unexpected sunshine bursts over the horizon and spring is ushered in on incandescent wings.......good here, innit?

Arteria, Brook Street, presents

“FLOURISH” @GALLERY 23until 11^th June

New exhibition “Flourish” running till 11^th June bursts onto the scene with fresh spring excitement as recycled takes a new leap on the class stakes, a wonderfully ethereal quality is evoked by the lightest of brush strokes and artists sell out.

“Flourish” showcases a captivating and diverse range of subject matter ranging from vintage inspired flora, to knitted cacti, limited edition prints and abstract landscapes to recycled art, from Mexican festivals to Valencia architecture.  

Using recycled plastic true to the sense of the word, i.e. flexible, adapting, reforming, there is a sparkling intensity like sun playing on the bay in Katrina Barnish's textural beachscapes.  www.katrinabarnish.co.uk

Even more sensually touchable, felted flower pictures from “&made” incorporate antique buttons in multi layered warm wool tones.

Tracey Levine has a clean, bold approach in painting: uncluttered brush-strokes evoke the hidden spirit of our Palatine: wild nature softened by salt sea; harsh Atlantic caressed in earthy curves. www.tracylevine.co.uk

Niki J. Walters has created unusual glass and concrete bowls, crystals suspended in light.

Alice arrested by the looking glass: Scarborough beach huts, Blackpool rock and some elegant flowers captured in glass through which light may glow: Anne Somers elegant window hangings and candle stands are a quirky take on a familiar theme.  www.ark-glass.co.uk

Now surreally depicting underlying menace, now exulting in the mighty strength at play in cascading torrents, Ian McVety holds little back in his strong, clean, image interpretations of the North's hidden magnificence.

Celebrating their 25^th exhibition, Arteria is a commercial gallery which combines innovation and creative talent with affordable prices. Beautiful, treasured yet accessible art and craft pieces supporting artists in our local region (business woman of the year Jane Richardson, Managing director)

Arteria continues to lead the way, showcasing northern soul with an edgy new urban exhibition coming soon.....watch this space!

 www.arteriashop.co.uk

April 2^nd at The Stonewell Tavern, Matt Robinson, Robin Mason and friends The Initiative led Saturday night pazazz while newly escaped teaching fraternity could celebrate their release on the 8^th with Off The Rails on Friday 8^th.

Thursday afternoon jazz at The Stonewell Tavern. Ronnie French and The Connection. Say no more. No stopping those boys, as generous in encouraging new talent as they are in distributing their own. Joined last week by Phil of Bill and Phil, debut on bass guitar and doing very well indeed: confident, clear and competent.

Beer and pies at The Merchant et al...didn't they know I'd be in Dublin? Calling all loyal Lancastrians to bridge the deficit for a trio of excellent food venues...a prize for anyone who can eat the author's weight in pies. Runs 14^th to 17^th at The Merchant, Penny Bridge and The White Cross.

After which dedicated training, they will be fit for the Dalton Rooms' follow up: a themed beer and food festival, a kind of sup and munch/suck it and see to be held 20^th April onwards with guest and favourite beers chosen to match: you guessed it! Pies!

Life has meaning after all

Coming soon

Hard Times from the home of hard times, Belfast born and bred folk players extraordinaire, on Friday 22^nd at The Gillow

Now for a bit of rough:

Gran the Gusset Tester returns to The Stonewell with other members of her disreputable family, barely restrained by Sue Seddon. There'll be a run-through of material on Thursday so there's a chance to lock up your men-folk before Gran gets wind of any “nice young men”. A good tip: she's easily deflected by pies.

Performing some favourite numbers with a touch of burlesque (These simple Things will never be the same again), Gran also introduces her new Skerton Blue Cookery School, featuring Lard Pie (one slice and those with limp handshakes are forever cured) and Perfect Pastry: crimping the denture way.

Easter Sunday, music by Bill, Phil and Him with mayhem by Gran, 1.30 to 5pm at The Stonewell Tavern

Also on Easter Sunday, Comedy Club at The Borough, 8pm sharp, tickets £6 in advance, probably sold out if you wait, so go for it!

Right Royal Musicfest at John O' Gaunt, 29^th April to 1^st May, all weekend from 4pm. Many thanks Will and Kate for the extra day off.

Now for a touch of class:

Sensational jazz violinist Tim Kliphuis plays at Hornby Village Hall in May, duetting with the UK's finest, jazz pianist David Newton.