Mission to the Land of Misplaced Words: “Shebeen Sounds” Shebeen Sounds research period will collect, via audio and photographs, folk songs, music and the associated memories that accompany them. The audio will form the basis of a soundscape that is played throughout the public residency and the images will form part of the visual projections […]
birmingham
the politics of friendship
many hands make light work is a piece about sharing the load. props to all musicians involved; loz, anton and james. thanks to cheryl at grand union and the grubby mitts for asking me to be the support act. for its first incarnation we did well in such a short space of time and yay we […]
Hiatus
Been a while since I have blogged. A lot has happened. Let’s keep it short and sweet:
Respek Vanley: Music Workshops 2 and 3 plus updates
Today’s workshop was great! 4 sessions to go before the big day! There is no shortage of energy with this group, loads of personalities and ideas. I’d definitely describe this group as like an over-excited puppy, wanting to greet every passer-by with a nuzzle.
Arts in a Cold Climate
This came through my inbox. If I wasn’t working in the capital I’d be all over this. Arts in a cold climate: Should we all jump into bed together? Date: 29th November, Time: 12-2pm, Location: Birmingham Hippodrome, Thorp Street, Pinsent Masons Suite. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Funding bodies are signalling that collaborative working […]
Soulful Summer
Just completed a week of workshops for THSH and UFA, project was called Soulful summer. I helped facilitate sessions based mainly on developing young people’s composition skills. I was blown away by the young people’s ideas and good vibes. Some of the feedback I got was great, and was nice to see some of the […]
Paganel Home Week Project
Today was the first of our “home week” sessions at Paganel school, and it was the first time I worked with Chris Bishop from BXL, who is a drama practitioner. This morning we worked with year 3, a lovely bunch of young people, with great ideas. We started with some icebreakers, bonding exercises, trying to […]
Youth Inclusion Project – Respect Phase 3
I am working with young people in Shard End (labeled disaffected, disengaged, at risk of anti-social behaviour – negative or what!!) Well, I think the young people are great, they make me smile loads!! We are in the early stages of bonding and music making. The aim of the project is to raise aspirations for […]
Touch by Benjamin Zephaniah
Really like this poem by Dr. Zephaniah! Like the play on words and the groove, reminds me of the deep, gravelly tones of Daddy G from Massive Attack.
Representing Me…
I stumbled upon a lovely stall of afro-centric art at the Drum a few months back. I found their business card today and have been mooching round the website. It’s always nice to find a big afro on a greeting card- don’t ya think?
Celebrating Sanctuary
I went along to the Yardbird, Birmingham to DJ in between bands from all across the globe; celebrating in style the end of Refugee week. It was a wonderful opportunity for the breadth of talent residing (unfortunately in exile) in the second city to share music. There was Kurdish and Albanian folk, Afro fusion an […]
Birmingham Bloggers Meetup- 29.4.08
Last night I went along to the Birmingham Bloggers Meet-up as I heard lots of interesting things about the last one via twitter feeds and Brum blogs. I wanted to rep the ladeez- since I heard few female bloggers had attended previous ones (for whatever valid reasons). I was also curious to meet other bloggers. […]