Ventnor Blog

It was Geri who represented the Jazzers on Radio 4 today.

You and Yours presenter, John Waite, did a telephone interview after some of the people who haven’t been paid put their feelings across, including Ian Shaw from this years Jazz Festival (although he’s been promised that the cheque is in the post).

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There is loads going on over the weekend, don’t forget tonight at Ryde Theatre you can catch The Gypsy Ladyland Experience.

If jazz is your thing, at Quay Arts tonight you can enjoy the delights of Philip Clouts Quartet with Carlos Lopez-Real as part of the Quay Arts Jazz Café.
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Don’t forget great live Island talent on stage tonight at Ryde Theatre.

Making Waves sees The Sessions, Drew, Spike Oatley and The Scores all live on stage being recorded for IW Radio Live and Local Show.

The recordings and interviews go out between 7-10pm on 102/7fm on Sunday nights. (more…)

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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At the beginning of last week we announced the winner of our Richard Studt ticket competition.

Unfortunately, the named winners were unable to attend, so we popped our hands back inside the hat and pulled out the next correct answer. Although they would prefer to remain anonymous, the new prize winners were very happy to let us know about their 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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Thanks to everyone who entered our ticket competitions this week.

The winner for the Koolwaters competition is Christian Harrison from Ryde who gave the correct answer that Marc Vedo’s hometown is Bristol.

Terry Watkis from Gunnard gave us the correct answer to the question for the DJ Format comp.
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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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Fancy going out for free on Friday night? Well you can with our two ticket competitions.

We have something for everyone with Hip Hop in the shape of DJ Format and Mr Thing in Ryde and house music with live percussion, vocals and saxophone supporting Marc Vedo (Koolwaters) in Newport.

The questions are pretty simple (hint if you use wikipedia or google) and you could bag yourself two tickets to either event. Follow the links and enter tonight - we’ll be choosing winners at lunchtime tomorrow.

Richard Studt on violin, Michael Thompson on horn and Tim Carey on piano will be entertaining the audience this coming weekend at St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor at The Ventnor Recital. The concert is in aid of the Ventnor Piano Fund. (more…)

Well done to Magic Octagon who wowed the judges sufficiently last night to gain themselves a place on the Bandstand at the Isle of Wight Festival next month (yes, it’s only six weeks away).

Commiserations to the other finalists, The Kurves, The Shanklin Freak Show, Siniez and Kids Will Be Skeletons who we hear put in fantastic performances, making it all the harder for the judges to come to a decision. (more…)

A quick reminder for anyone planning their weekend, that as rain is preduicted for Sunday why not make your way to Ryde Studio Theatre (Ryde High School), where you’re invited for some Tea and Cake.

But it’s not just a cup of rosy lee and an eccles you’ll get, but entertainment from a great selection of Island bands and musicians.
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For anyone still wondering whether to buy tickets for this Saturday’s recital at St Catherine’s Church in Ventnor, featuring world class violinist Richard Studt and friends (it’s being organised in order to raise funds for the Ventnor Piano Fund), perhaps this bit of background about Richard might help you make up your mind.

Tickets are still available for the evening performance which includes two hours of music with an hour interval when a finger buffet will be served.

Richard Studt, whose father owned the Gaiety at Ventnor, learnt the violin in Ventnor from the age of four. Since then, his fame has become worldwide.
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If a classical recital or bumping hip hop were not your thing, but you’re feeling lucky and fancy a damn good dance this Friday night, listen up, because Hold on Tight Promotions are giving away two tickets for what’s set to be a bonkers night (a few tickets still available).

They’ll be hosting a Koolwaters gig at Chicago Rock and have none other than Marc Vedo (checkout his tunes) gracing our shores with his tight set and live percussionists in tow.

Once again the Isle of Wight has been chosen by promoters to be included in a European tour. Other dates on his current tour include Seoul, South Korea; Heart Club, Russia; Italy with Boy George; Jakarta, Indonesia; Eden, Ibiza, Spain, the list, as they say, goes one.

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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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Following the announcement yesterday of the concert being held next week at Cowes Yacht Haven to celebrate the life of Anthony Minghella, we hear today that his sister, Jazz singer Edana Minghella, will also be making a special appearance at the concert. (more…)

This Friday, Ryde Theatre will be welcoming the rather incredible DJ Format to the stage for a bonkers four decks, two mixer show with Mr Thing.

Yet another coup for Ryde Theatre in managing to attract such a big name in the world of Hip Hop and with local support in the guise of Wills O’Steel and DJ Mewtant, this should be a night to remember for all hip hop lovers.

Those lovely people at Happyfeet Productions have kindly donated two tickets for the gig on Friday night which you could win if you enter our simple competition.
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Louis Lawrence, producer of the fabulous Easter Circus Variety Show is preparing for a summer show in Ventnor.

This time the theme of the event will be all things Country and Western and he’d love to hear from any Country and Western Singers, bands or individual acts (ropers etc) who might like to audition for the show.

If you fit the bill, get in touch with Louis by emailing louisonwight(at) yahoo.co.uk or send a txt to 07747668148

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)

Many thanks to everyone who entered the competition to win a pair of tickets to The Ventnor Recital taking place this Saturday night.

The answer to the question …

“Where did composer Edward Elgar stay when he visited Ventnor in 1889 for his honeymoon?”
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Nick Painless (pictured here in a lovely corset - reproduced courtesy of Charr) is a very busy boy.

As well as the gig tomorrow night at the Liquid Lounge he has a number of other gigs planned for Ryde and Ventnor over the coming month.

If you’re a fan of Carousel Era, Zombie Groove Machine or Twin Beretta (or all three) put this one in your diaries and make sure you show up for this cracking free gig.

It takes place at the Liquid Lounge, Union Street, Ryde. Over 18s only and you’ll need your ID if you got one of those cutesy baby faces