Ventnor Blog

Further to the post yesterday about Eric Geddes‘ exhibition having its opening preview at Quay Arts today.

Here’s a brief clip of a short film that will be shown about Eric Geddes - His life and work.

Come along. All welcome … and it’s free.

As part of the Eric Geddes’ residency at Quay Arts this summer, tomorrow sees a drinks reception open to all.

As far as we know, the man himself will be on hand to answer questions and discuss his works, as well as film-maker David George who will be presenting his short film (at 3.30pm) in the Anthony Minghella Theatre.

(more…)

If you fancy a good laugh tonight, get yourselves down to Quay Arts in Newport.

It’s that time again and open mic comedy night returns with the hilarious Richard Quigley and friends.

It’ll only cost you a fiver to get in and if you think you’ve got what it takes to make people laugh, you can even get up and have a go yourself.

Get in touch with Richard beforehand (quiggers(at)onwight.net) or on the night.

Image: Jason D’ Great

The Solace team, who provided free tea and cakes at the Isle of Wight Festival would like to say a big, big thank you to all those that baked cakes, came along and made the tent such a success at the festival last weekend. (more…)

If you fancy some free live music tonight, then head over to the Sun Inn in Calbourne.

Performing for your delectation with a mix of blues, funk and folk will be The Bohemian Blues Band, The WeatherKings and Tongue ‘n’ Groove.

Great Island music, free of charge from 8pm.

July’s Jazz Café at Quay Arts on Friday 11th July features the return of Italian saxophonist Tommaso Starace with a vibrant quartet.

Together they will be performing with an Anglo-Italian edge that brings newly composed pieces by Tommaso plus standards by composers such as Billy Strayhorn, Thelonious Monk and Cannonball Adderley.

Prepare yourself for a hard swinging evening!

‘Starace’s melodious originals offer good blowing potential for alto and soprano solos delivered in a cleanly articulate post-bop style reminiscent of Phil Woods…’ Jack Massarik, Jazzwise, April 2006 (more…)

A couple of weeks ago, along with about 300 other people, we made our way to the Medina Theatre to hear more about the fantastic St George’s Dragon Project.

Although we knew quite a bit about the great work of the project already - it was a real bonus to see the photos and hear directly from those involved about the impact that the project has had on the students at not only St George’s School, but students from other schools who benefit also.

Nigel George, founder of public artists Ecclestone George, who works closely with the school, talked us through how the project started. (more…)

Here’s a roundup of reviews of the Isle of Wight Festival that we’ve come across over the weekend.

We reckon NME win the prize for the most coverage, but check out Seattle PI for some great shots from beginning to end.

In no particular order:
Isle Of Wight Festival Round-Up: Gigwise Photo Review

The Music Storm Isle of Wight Festival - NME

New Young Pony Club - NME

The Zutons hail blow-up penis at IOW Festival - NME

Iggy Pop and The Stooges serenade security at IOW Festival - NME
(more…)

On the last day of the festival, the Platform One bandstand features pretty much all Island bands. Do go along and show your support for these talented Island musicians.

Highly recommended is the wonderful Becky Entwistle.

20 min set
12.00pm Acoustic Set Jamie Griffin
12.30pm Acoustic Set Becky Entwistle
1.00pm Acoustic Set Jon Roberts
1.30pm Acoustic Set E Double G
2.00pm Acoustic Set Paul Armfield
2.30pm Acoustic Set Gareth Icke
3.00pm Guy Page Trio
3.30pm IT Kids (more…)

We hear on the newswires that Kaiser Chiefs will be having to borrow equipment for their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival tonight.

It hasn’t gone missing, but apparently their crew and all the instruments, equipment, lighting etc is stuck in the fuel protests in Spain and won’t get to the Island in time.
(more…)

We all know the name Eddie Jordan from Forumla One racing, but did you know that he also travels the country with his band called Eddie and the Robbers?

This weekend, Eddie and his band will be down on the Wight playing in the Hipshaker tent as a four piece.

If you miss them tonight - they play at 11pm you can catch them again tomorrow night. Same place, same time.

11pm Hipshaker Tent in the Strawberry Fields.

Image: Rdikeman

Don’t forget to support the Island bands playing the Platform One bandstand at this weekend’s Isle of Wight Festival.

You’ll find many in the lineup such as Nitonians, The Sessions (pictured), along with other bands from around the UK. We’d highly recommend The Red Birds who open the bandstand at noon. Well worth making the effort to get there in time. Great vocals and brilliant lyrics.

(more…)

For those heading over to the Festival tomorrow, don’t just stick to the main stage, check out the Island talent on the Platform One bandstand.

Here’s the line-up for Friday - note the performance length - some bands are only on for 20 mins, so make sure you get there on time, otherwise you’ll miss them.

Great to see that Ventnor lads, Kosmik Debris will be playing the bandstand as well as the main stage.

(more…)

If you’re interested in coastal images, why not pop along to Quay Arts tonight where you’ll be able to chat with Bembridge photographer Luke Ellison.

His exhibition, Coastal Extractions is currently running in the Cafe and tonight there’ll be a drinks reception to which all are welcome.

In this recent body of photographic prints, Ellison has selected texture, contour and colour to create this visual palette of works. (more…)

If you’re going to be camping at the festival tomorrow night, you’ll be able to enjoy an evening of music on the Platform One bandstand.

You’ll find the bandstand in the Strawberry Fields and action kicks off at 6pm going up til midnight.

We’re pleased to see that The Shanklin Freak Show are in the lineup, as well as Lucky Elephant who we saw and really liked, at the Big Green Picnic.

Check out the list below to find out when your favs are playing. Also, in the Hipshaker tent, another Island export, The Brilliant Apple Beatles will be playing at 8pm. (more…)

If you happen to forget your sunnies for the festival this weekend, fear not as designer eye wear brand, Ray-Ban will have its very own tent at the festi.

Their reason for being there? To showcase their new Wayfarer Colourize range. It seems that the classic frame, as worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has gone all colourful!

But it won’t be just Ray Bans that you get in the Ray-Ban Rooms, they will be entertaining you too with DJ sets by The Cribs, Mystery Jets, Kate Nash, New Young Pony Club and The Teenagers.

If you’re already happy with the sunglasses you’ve got, you could still enter a comp to win jewellery from London-based designer Anna Lou.

The Requestival team will be heading over to Joe’s this Thursday for a festival warm-up gig.

Many of you may already have your tents set up for the festival, but why not head back to Newport town centre to catch some of that special Requestival action at Joe’s?

(more…)

Anyone planning on going to the Festival this weekend, the message coming out from Hampshire Constabulary is loud and clear.

NO DRUGS PLEASE.

The drugs detection dogs will be back on the main gates and officers will search anyone suspected of being in possession of drugs.

We’re told by the police that … (more…)

John Otway and Wild Willy Barratt will be heading over to Quay Arts tonight. If you didn’t buy your tickets in advance, hard cheese, because they’ve not only sold out, but there’s a huge waiting list.

For those crying into your keyboards, fear not, you can get your John Otway and Wild Willy Barratt fix through the power of the YouTube. Let us take you back to Top of The Pops 1977 …
(more…)

Described as possibly the greatest voice in UK soul ever, Ola Onabule makes his debut IW performance at the Quay next month.

OLA spent his formative years in Nigeria, West Africa. An artistic kid who knew he would be an entertainer of some kind, saw the legendary James Brown live in concert in the early ‘70s – this immediately inspired him to pursue a career as a singer.

OLA returned to Britain, to pursue an education that ultimately should have lead to a degree in law, however it was not the Bar that had the strongest hold on OLA’s attention but the jazz bars and music venues of London. (more…)

After a threat from his wife to do it properly or ‘give me a rest’, Richard Quigley initiated the open mic comedy at Quay Arts and now, eight months on, it’s going from strength to strength and still making the Island laugh.

(more…)

Many of you will be aware that the Isle of Wight Council are in the process of selling off land and properties that they currently own as part of the capital receipts programme.

Three of these are coming up for consideration under delegated powers next week.

We thought you might interested to see the details.
(more…)

Last reminder for tonight’s event at Medina Theatre.

For three quid you can find out first hand about the novel and exciting education project, St George’s Dragon and then be entertained by two of the Islands best loved bands! Lucid and The Wild Oats.

As organiser Nigel George says …

If you have children that go to school on the Island they will benefit from this project…..turn up on the 5th June and be the first to discover how.

All profits made from the evening will go to the project. You can still book tickets by calling (01983) 527020

There’s been much written about the £325 million pounds that have been raised through Private Finance Initiative (PFI) for roads on the Wight.

From what we’ve read, nothing has really explained what it meant and how it works, so when we met up with David Pugh, Leader of the IW Council, there was chance for getting some clarification.

The rest of the info below gathered from the discussions with David Pugh (DP).
(more…)

Continuing its successful run at growing the original music scene, Acoustic Originals invites songwriters and anyone interested in acoustic music to come along for FREE on Monday 23 June in the Café at Quay Arts.

The evening is hosted by the Centre Director, Mick Smith, a songwriter himself and last months was particularly well–received.

It featured Australian singer-songwriter Andrea Soler, who currently lives in Bournemouth – she came over to the Island and wowed the audience at Acoustic Originals on 19th May with her up beat delivery and strong song writing skills.
(more…)