Ventnor Blog

Jan Harper, of Wihtyar Tree Essences will be running free introductory sessions in Newport next week.

On Tuesday there will be four one hour sessions that you can go along to at either 10.30, 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00 being held at Merlins in Holyrood Street, Newport.

If you love tress and would like to learn more about healing energy from trees and the benefits they can bring, either turn up for one of the free talks or call Jan on 520205 for more info.

One morning an ordinary man who minds his own business awakes to find a police inspector at the foot of his bed.

Inspired by Kafka’s The Trial, You Don’t Need to Know That is an exhilarating collision of comedy, drama, slapstick and puppetry.

Gonzo Moose is a Bristol based touring comedy company established in 1999 by Artistic Directors Mark Conway and Paschale Straiton who trained together at Circomedia, the UK’s premier centre for circus with theatre.
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A welcome return visit for Ashley Hutchings’ Rainbow Chasers, who sold out at Quay Arts last year.

“The Guv’nor”, as he is affectionately called, is joined by three highly talented musicians, Joe Topping (guitar and vocals), Jo Hamilton (viola, guitar and vocals) and Ruth Angell (fiddle, guitar and vocals).

Together they perform a repertoire of self-penned songs of the highest quality and sophistication, drawing from a broad range of ideas and influences.
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This week, there is another great lineup as The Development Suite presents … Making Waves.

On the bill tomorrow night will be a plethora of Island musical talent with Carousel Era, Al and Scott Watson, Nath Williams and Jord Pennant are no strangers to playing The Venue, and return for what looks set to be a great night of local live music.

Indie darlings Goodbye Stereo will be back again and joined by Ex-BoyRacer and Paul McCann

As usual all bands will be recorded and interviewed and you can hear the results on Live and Local Show on Sunday nights on IW Radio 102/7fm.

All this for only £3.

Kicks off at 7.30pm and you’ll need to order your pumpkins for 11pm.

Born in Seattle, USA and brought up in the UK, in Northamptonshire, alto saxophonist Allison Neale plays strongly in the melodic West Coast style of the 1950s, reminiscent of Art Pepper and Paul Desmond with whom she is often compared.

The Allison Neale Quartet, which features Dave Cliff on guitar, Simon Thorpe on bass, and Matt Skelton on drums, play at venues all over London and around the UK on a regular basis.

Allison is also involved in other ongoing bands and projects, including the contemporary Brazilian ensemble Caratinga and a quintet with trumpeter Gary Cavanagh.

The debut CD by the Allison Neale Quartet “Melody Express” was released in early 2004 on 33 records.
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Fire and plague hit Newport! Samuel Pepys? ….His Diary! ….His World!! ….His Women!!! How do you think his wife felt?

Fifteen figures of the Pepys circle from the highest in the land to the most menial of servants are brought to life as Elizabeth Pepys wrestles with the reality of her marriage: the joys and trials of their household, the gossip of the Court, the horrors of the Plague, the flames of the Fire of London and finally her traumatic discovery that her husband is a serial sex addict.
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As part of the great deal for Island bands and musicians to play Ventnor bandstand free of charge, gothic rock band, Electro Magnetic Workshop have taken up the offer and will be taking over Ventnor Park next month.

We caught some of their performance at the Shanklin Freak Show Album launch and were pretty impressed with lead singer, Lady Phaedie’s ability to convert a chair into a musical instrument.

The gig is free, all you have to do is turn up with a blanket, some refreshments and support this local band who are guaranteed to deliver an outstanding show.

Check out their MySpace to get a flavour of the music.

The three piece Acoustic Strawbs delighted two sell-out audiences at the Quay in 2006 and 2007 with their eclectic blend of vocal harmonies and classy instrumentation.

In partnership with Vaguely Sunny, Quay Arts are therefore very pleased to bring the full five piece electric band to the island for the first time.

The gig takes place at the Memorial Hall, Avenue Road, Freshwater and Island folk-rock favourites Smoke and Mirrors will be opening the show with five-part harmonies delivered acappella, that would make Steeleye Span proud.
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Quay Arts presents Still Moments, by Island Artist Eric Geddes.

Spread over three galleries, this extraordinary exhibition brings together an unprecedented range of work by Eric Geddes, marking the 30 years of his career.

Revealing the breadth and direction of Geddes’ most recent work, the works are given meaningful context by photographic archive material, video, documentary and journals from the artist’s career.

By charting significant and developing themes, the exhibition provides an opportunity to reassess the range of Geddes’ achievements and the scale and complexity of his work.
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Continuing the successful comedy nights at Quay Arts with more high quality acts, including Tony Law, Jo Bor and Stuart Hudson.

Tony Law’s infectious comedy will leave you stranded in a hilarious field of ideas. Half Canadian, half Trinidadian, Tony has been busy working hard on the circuit and creating a buzz for himself as one of the most exciting new comedy propositions around.

His laid back acid casualty approach, combined with scorching jokes and incisive remarks, have endeared him to both live and TV audiences here and abroad.

Tony has performed in New York, Aspen, South Africa, Ireland, The Netherlands and in his native Canada. He is a regular face at the UK’s biggest comedy clubs such as The Comedy Store and Jongleurs.
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The incredible Robert Mitchell in yet another incarnation!

Panacea are a unique band. They present a mix of original song, fierce improvisation, and no limit as being the only limit to musical possibility.

They have performed at North Sea Jazz Fest (Holland) and perform soon at Jazz A Vienne Festival (France). This is jazz at its best.
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A new, multi-media arts event is to take place at The Winter Gardens on Sunday 25th May (bank holiday weekend) from 6pm – 11pm.

This promises to be a show with a difference that will showcase contemporary and up-and coming artists from Ventnor and across the island.

As well as painting and fine arts, there will be a music tepee playing original electronica by Andy Jones and students. (more…)

Battle of the Bands Winners, Kosmik Debris will be playing at The Rose Inn a week on Sunday.

They will be warming up for their Isle of Wight Festival appearance on Sunday afternoon, and you can go along and listen to this band of great young musicians.

It’s all free of charge and we’re sure they’d love your support.

The band comprises James Thorpe lead on guitar, Sam Lawson on bass, Sean Barker on rhythm and Rob Berry on drums.

When we last saw them play together, which was some time ago, it was clear that they have a great bond and understand each other really well.

Those of a certain age might remember seeing Jimi Hendrix perform live on the Wight back in 1970, but for those of us a little younger, the closest we can get is by either watching videos or playing albums.

The Gypsy Ladyland Experience, made up of three Island Musicians are not a tribute band as such, but three musicians with a love of Hendrix’s music.

They’ve been performing together for several years (on and off) and Darren Cochrane, Al Gubbins and Rick Stanbridge explore the three stages of Hendrix’s career. They take their hybrid name from ‘The Electric Ladyland Studios’, ‘The Band of Gypsys’ and of course The Jimi Hendrix Experience’.
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Making Waves returns to Ryde Theatre this week with a superb lineup of local Island talent.

Nitonian, Drew will be gracing the stage once again at The Venue. He was one of the first artists to sign to IOW Music, and his second album, Songs From the Devil’s Chimney, has received some great reviews. He’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t seen him play live before, and supporting if you have.
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It may a while off yet, but this is one definitely worth sticking into your diary.

Near the end of June, St Catherine’s School in Grove Road, Ventnor will be holding it’s Annual Summer Fair.

If you want to see the Island’s High Sheriff, Alan Titchmarsh open the event make sure you are there by noon. (Door will be opening at 11.30am)
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Tomorrow sees the launch of the very first RiverFest.

It takes place in Newport by the quayside and surrounding river area.

There are tons of activities taking place over the day including a six mile river walk, street theatre, stilt walkers and fire show (with the amazing Matt Splatt) and even a mini beast safari. (more…)

If you liked what you read in Angie’s permaculture piece yesterday and fancy learning more about Permaculture, the next Island Permaculture meeting takes place tomorrow.

This time the meeting takes place at Pat and Pat’s. The meetings are very friendly, it won’t cost you a penny and you’ll get to meet like minded people with a common aim.
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The last in the list of gigs being organised by Nick Painless from Painless Parties (yes, ‘im again) takes place on the 23rd, this time at an altogether different venue.

On the bill are the usual suspects, The Shanklin Freak Show, Puritan Slain, Dirty Habit and the delightful Zombie Groove Machine.

It’ll certainly be poets day for some, as the action kicks off at 5.30pm.

If you want to enjoy a drink without having to worry about driving home, just pack your tent, because there’s free camping thrown in for the very reasonable £5 ticket price.
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BAFTA Award Winning, Pan’s Labyrinth is a fanciful and chilling story set against the backdrop of a fascist regime in 1944 rural Spain.

The film centres on Ofelia, a lonely and dreamy child living with her mother and adoptive father; a military officer tasked with ridding the area of rebels.

In her loneliness, Ofelia creates a world filled with fantastical creatures and secret destinies.
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Critically acclaimed international comedy theatre company Plested and Brown present Minor Spectacular.

A forgotten town is holding out for a superhero. Then Bosch! Terry arrives fixing washing machines and cleansing customer’s souls.

A comedy fantasy from the creators of hit 2005 show Hot Pursuit and directed by Amanda Wilsher.

With manual in hand he gets on his soapbox, rifles through the town’s dirty laundry and exposes mucky habits. No matter how deep the stain, he’s undeterred. But is Terry the angel he seems?
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Next week and then again at the end of the month, Age Concern will be holding their information and advice drop-in session at Ventnor Library.

If you have something worrying you and are looking for some advice, the Age Concern team will be there to help.

Just turn up between 9.30am and noon and let you friends know too.

Tuesday 6th May and again on Tuesday 27th May

Nick Painless is coming to Ventnor next month and bringing with him a great lineup if you like a bit of heavy grind.

As well as Nick Painless himself performing, and he certainly knows how to do that, you can enjoy the delightful tunes from one of the most enthusiastic performers on the Wight, Finger Monster as well as Prague Floor (pictured).

It all takes place at the The Rose Inn, Pier Street, Ventnor and entry is free. You can’t get much better than that! Over 18s only.

It’s that time of year, when there are competitions galore to play at the Isle of Wight Festival and this weekend it’s the turn for the Wightnoize Auditions.

Although we don’t have a full programme of who is playing, we do know that you can expect to see The Emily Jane Band, Skyline Heroes and Goodbye Stereo amongst others.

With industry experts on the judging panel, offering constructive feedback to the bands, this is a great opportunity for talented Island musicians, with the potential prize of playing at the festival being an added bonus.
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It’s nail biting stuff, last week Battle of the Bands winners, Kosmik Debris were announced, tomorrow night sees the finals of the Live Wired competition and this coming weekend sees the Wight Noize finals.

Up on stage tomorrow night will be Siniez, Magic Octagon, The Shanklin Freakshow, and in change to the line due to Goodbye Stereo being signed by IOW Music (nice one Rodders), Kids Will Be Skeletons and The Kurves will be taking their place.

Kicks off at 8pm and will cost thee only three quid to get in. Tidy.

(oh yeah, it’s at The Studio, behind the bus station, Newport)