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Family Fundraising Day – activities for children and young people at OPEN Ealing on Saturday 11am – 3pm

Sally Shrubsall-4

OPEN Ealing Family Fundraising Day – Activities for children and young people

 

Saturday 21st July

11am – 3pm

Drop in anytime, no booking required.

Minimum donation to access all activities: £5

Free for parents or guardians

Drop in anytime from 11am to 3pm and join us for a series of activities for kids and the rest of the family. We’ll have:

  • Drawing activities
  • Bead work
  • Printmaking
  • Dance

We will also have a book sale to raise additional funds for OPEN Ealing with a share of the proceeds going to the local Ealing group of Cancer Research UK.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be available on a donation basis.

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A night of poetry, jokes and near death at OPEN Ealing on Wednesday evening

18th July 7.30pm

Tickets: £5

Big Heart – a poetry show about surviving a heart attack (with jokes!)

How do you fight back when your own heart tries to kill you?  Get a sneak preview here .

In 2010, for his thirtieth birthday Richard Tyrone Jones, the healthy, gym-going ‘Ringmaster of Spoken Word’ (ThreeWeeks) got a rather unexpected present. Heart failure.

Having battled back from the brink of death to (almost) full-health, armed with a pen and a pacemaker, he has now written a show about his experiences, which he describes as ‘a unique prescription of cardiomyopoetry, animation and anecdosage.’

Richard will expand on the lurid details of his near-near death from dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure), atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and atrial thrombosis (blood clot in the heart), his convoluted convalescence and living everyday life with the condition that will almost certainly kill him. Here is truly a show for anyone who ever had a heart. Or failure. Many Fringe acts consider their show to be a matter of life and death. This one literally is.

What had caused this triple-decker of misery? And can being so dangerously ill actually improve your life?

Richard Tyrone Jones is a poet, writer and founder of spoken word clubnight ‘Utter!’, celebrating its 10th birthday in 2013, and is also Director of Spoken Word for PBH’s Free Fringe. Germline, his first book of stories, poems and art was published by Vintage Poison Press in 2009. Big Heart (& other sickness) is published summer 2012 as an e-book and paperback.

‘Raw, at times graphic, and very funny’ BBC Ouch!

‘Fascinating, sobering, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting’ New Scientist

‘Masterfully manages the listeners’ mood as it oscillates between laughter and despair… It is a big-hearted show, and a valuable lesson in making the most of whatever life throws at you. Highly recommended.’ Fringe Guru

BIG HEART earned recommendations from Time Out and New Yorker for preview performances in London and was nominated for ‘Best spoken word show’ at the Buxton Fringe. Following Edinburgh it tours the UK this Autumn. See www.richardtyronejones.com for details.

Richard Tyrone Jones’ BIG HEART is supported by The Wellcome Trust and aided by Apples & Snakes, The British Heart Foundation and the Cardiomyopathy Association.

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Stories, songs, music, poetry, comedy and near death coming soon to OPEN Ealing

It’s a busy couple of weeks at OPEN Ealing. A few dates for your diaries, Blackberries, iphones and any other digital devices!

Still Life – Thursday 12th July at 8pm – entrance free

Still Life

Following a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival in 2011 this production is touring the UK in June and July.

Three months, two human rights observers and countless accounts of occupation distilled into an hour of story, song and image. Catch a glimpse of the struggle and humour or village life under occupation.

More details – http://www.openealing.com/?m=20120712&cat=5

Big Dance: Regeneration 2 – The Mountain on Friday 13th July 7.30pm Tickets £8

An intergenerational dance inspired by mountain themes and images, incorporating electronic music, live music and original artwork – http://www.openealing.com/?m=20120713&cat=5

Big Heart –  a poetry show about surviving a heart attack (with jokes!) Wednesday 18th July  8pm  Tickets £5

Big Heart cropped

How do you fight back when your own heart tries to kill you?

In 2010, for his thirtieth birthday Richard Tyrone Jones, the healthy, gym-going ‘Ringmaster of Spoken Word’ (ThreeWeeks) got a rather unexpected present. Heart failure.

Having battled back from the brink of death to (almost) full-health, armed with a pen and a pacemaker, he has now written a show about his experiences, which he describes as ‘a unique prescription of cardiomyopoetry, animation and anecdosage.’

Richard will expand on the lurid details of his near-near death from dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure), atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and atrial thrombosis (blood clot in the heart), his convoluted convalescence and living everyday life with the condition that will almost certainly kill him. Here is truly a show for anyone who ever had a heart. Or failure. Many Fringe acts consider their show to be a matter of life and death. This one literally is.

What had caused this triple-decker of misery? And can being so dangerously ill actually improve your life?

Get a sneak preview on Richard’s show here

Richard Tyrone Jones is a poet, writer and founder of spoken word clubnight ‘Utter!’, celebrating its 10th birthday in 2013, and is also Director of Spoken Word for PBH’s Free Fringe. Germline, his first book of stories, poems and art was published by Vintage Poison Press in 2009. Big Heart (& other sickness) is published summer 2012 as an e-book and paperback.

‘Raw, at times graphic, and very funny’ BBC Ouch!

‘Fascinating, sobering, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting’ New Scientist

‘Masterfully manages the listeners’ mood as it oscillates between laughter and despair… It is a big-hearted show, and a valuable lesson in making the most of whatever life throws at you. Highly recommended.’ Fringe Guru

 

BIG HEART earned recommendations from Time Out and New Yorker for preview performances in London and was nominated for ‘Best spoken word show’ at the Buxton Fringe. Following Edinburgh it tours the UK this Autumn. See www.richardtyronejones.com for details.

Richard Tyrone Jones’ BIG HEART is supported by The Wellcome Trust and aided by Apples & Snakes, The British Heart Foundation and the Cardiomyopathy Association.

 

 

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OPEN Ealing – free music this Friday lunchtime

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Friday 6th July 12.30-1.30pm  free admission

Garry Smith plays a resophonic guitar and plays mostly with a slide but isn’t primarily a Blues performer. Instead he relies mostly on self-penned songs and instrumentals and covers of songs by such people as Tom Waits, Steve Earl and Richard Thompson. Of course, there may be SOME Blues. There may also be English or Irish folk music. His aim is to go beyond the repertoire expected of the instrument and to explore the possibilities open to the slide guitarist. He has recently performed at the Bracknell Guitar Festival and supported artists such as Steve Tilston, Sarah McQuaid and Peter Case.

For more details and to listen to Gary perfom, visit his My Space page.

Refreshments will be available to purchase. We will be serving sandwiches, quiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks.

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Fundraising comedy night at OPEN Ealing on Friday at 8pm

As part of its fundraising for the move to new premises in West Ealing this summer OPEN Ealing presents its second comedy night this Friday at 8pm with:

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John-Luke Roberts

Writer of Spats on BBC Radio 7. Time Out says ‘constantly inventive and playfully mischevious … a talent to watch’.

Nathaniel Metcalfe

‘Brilliant and unusual and very funny’ – Josie Long

Phil O’Shea

‘Fantastic newcomer with a surrealist bent’.

 

Tickets £5. Students £3. To book call OPEN on 020 8579 5558

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Post Jubilee blues? – Music at Drayton Court on Friday and comedy at OPEN Ealing next week

I’ve booked my ticket to see Simon Townshend play at Eel Daddy’s gig on Friday at the Drayton Court. (Unusual name Eel Daddy but I think there’s a reference back to Eel Pie Island which was a big jazz and blues venue in the 60s). I’m curious to see Simon Townshend play. He’s the younger brother of The Who’s Pete Townshend and Simon has played with The Who and has a good track record in his own right. The event is organised by local group Blushing Bones who are well worth a listen as well – saw them at OPEN Ealing a while back. Should be a good night. More details – http://www.facebook.com/events/222263417884216/

Then next Friday (15th) a Fundraising comedy night at OPEN Ealing.  I’d better declare an interest as I’m involved with OPEN but take a look at the website for details – www.openealing.com Tickets £5 or £3 for students.

 

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Toe tapping Cajun and soaring folk music – Ealing is getting better and better for live music

I’ve been lucky enough to go to two live music events in Ealing in the last 24 hours and I’ve really enjoyed both. Last night I was at the Ealing Club to see the Creole Brothers play their version of Louisiana Creole music. The Ealing Club has a key place in the history of British Blues Music and these twice monthly music nights are beginning to reestablish the club as an important part of Ealing’s cultural scene.

Back to the music. If you’ve been to the club you’ll know it’s tucked away down the steps by an estate agent opposite Ealing Broadway station.   As we walked down the steps to the entrance I could hear the sound of Cajun music.  It was a great sound to hear and got even better when we went inside.  Sitting in a circle were musicians of all ages thoroughly enjoying playing their music. Their joy spread to everyone listening and before long people were up and dancing.

The main event of the evening was the Creole Brothers. Without realising it we happened to be sitting near them as they waited their turn to play. One played the accordion and the other a fiddle. Cajun music has a powerful driving rhythm that soon has your feet tapping and the singing in French seems to fit the rhythms so well.  A great night out.

This lunchtime at OPEN we had the soaring voice and very skilled cello playing of Laura Victoria. Laura should have been joined by Sarah-Jane Miller but Sarah was ill so Laura played solo. At first the cello seemed an odd choice of instrument to accompany her modern take on folk music but it worked beautifully. Her voice is so expressive and soars and dips, delighting the audience. Laura’s hour long set included many of her own songs interspersed with at least one jazz classic. Whether singing unaccompanied or making the cello fill the air with multiple sounds, Laura was compulsive listening. I thoroughly recommend you give her a listen –    www.lauravictoriamusic.com

 

 

 

 

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Free folk music at OPEN Ealing next Friday lunchtime

OPEN Ealing, a new arts centre and creative arts platform in West Ealing, is proud to present folk musicians, Laura Victoria and Sarah-Jane Miller for a free lunchtime concert on Friday 1st June, from 12.30 to 1.30pm.

Sarah-Jane Miller’s Northumbrian roots and love for Romany and English traditions influences her musical style and she captivates audiences with her poignant songwriting and high-energy delivery. www.myspace.com/sarahjanemillermusic

Laura Victoria also originally from Northumberland performs original and traditional songs of love and life. Along with her striking ability to play the cello, Laura has been quoted as having a “powerful and individual vocal presence” (fRoots). Furthermore, Bob Fischer of BBC Radio Tees recently described her musical style as “absolutely unique – a brilliantly strange and haunting take on folk music”. www.lauravictoriamusic.com

United by their interests of exploring and interpreting traditional folk materials both Sarah-Jayne and Laura and will be performing a special set of solo and duo pieces for OPEN Ealing.

Join us on Friday 1st June 2012 for lunchtime music and snacks from 12.30 to 1.30pm
At OPEN Ealing 113 Uxbridge Road, London, W5 5TL
0208 579 5558  |  www.openealing.com

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West Ealing craft market on Saturday and free music on Friday and Saturday lunchtimes

Craft Market on Saturday with free music from 12.45

Saturday (5th May) is the next monthly craft market in West Ealing. The market will be in St James Ave from 10am – 3pm and will have a range of stalls from cosmetics, candles and jewellery to wood turning, toys and leather goods. This time we also have some music at lunchtime with Greenford musician Steven Boyle playing his own songs and some favourites from down the years from 12.45-1.45 and WEN committee member Gill Adams playing folk with some friends from 2-3pm. As before, St James Church will have a stall offering free teas and coffees.  Do please come along and support us and enjoy some free music.

Our website has the full list of stalls – www.westealingneighbours.org.uk

 

OPEN Ealing free music at lunchtime this Friday 12.30-1.30pm

Friday 4th May sees OPEN Ealing’s next regular First Friday music event venture in to the world of Broadway musicals. May’s  free concert at lunchtime from 12.30-1.30  will see OPEN host 3rd year music students from the University of West London playing excerpts from their forthcoming production of Kander and Ebb’s Flora the Red Menace.  Best known for writing the hugely successful musical Cabaret, Flora the Red Menace was the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s first Broadway musical.

There will also be an exhibition of artwork from local art group 4020 on display.

Details at www.openealing.com.  OPEN Ealing is at 113 Uxbridge Rd W5, opposite the fire station.

 

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Poetry evening at Waterstones in Ealing with Michael Horovitz and Pitshanger Poets on Wednesday from 7.30pm

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OPEN Ealing in conjunction with Waterstones in Ealing Broadway Centre present an evening of poetry with ‘beat’ poet Michael Horovitz, word artist Ursula Troche and guest appearances from the members of the Pitshanger Poets.

Tickets £5 (£3 standing) from OPEN and Waterstones. Starts 7.30pm. Call OPEN on 0208 579 5558 or visit Waterstones.

Michael Horovitz is an internationalist polymath, who has edited and published New Departures and coordinated the Poetry Olymics festivals for 50 years (http://www.poetryolympics.com). his magnum opus, A New Waste Land: Timeship Earth at Nillennium, was selected as Book of the year by D.J. Taylor in the Independent as “A deeply felt clarion call from the radical underground”. His artworks and picture-poems continue to be exhibited internationally, and he currently performs in a jazz poetry duo with Stan Tracey, as well as fronting the ebullient William Blake Klezmatrix band.

Paul McCartney has remarked that, “in addition to producing many notable poetic and musical works of his own, Michael Horovitz has worked tirelessly and selflessly over the past five decades to ensure an audience for his contemporaries. He’s lively, he keeps poetry accessible, and more than that… He’s a good laff!” And Margaret Drabble, that “Michael is an original poet, with an original voice. he’s always been an innovator, and is honoured as a free spirit and a creative force throughout the literary world. He also has persistence and stamina. Those of us who heard him upholding the standards of poetry and the praise of of Byron on the BBC ‘Today’ programme were delighted to witness that the hardened ‘Today’ interviewers had met their match. Horowitz is neither diplomat nor politician. He speaks from the heart. He has left an indelible mark on the course of British literature.”

Ursula ‘Equinox’ Troche: Word Artist with a motto: From Identity to Liberation poetry. Has performed at various venues eg. Greenwich Jazz festival, Arts for Human Rights Festival, the Colour of London Festival, Happy Soul Festival. Part of collectives like WAPPY, Theatre for Mankind, The Change Collective, Ibeji, etc. Poetry collections: Embraceable – Notes from Different Places called Home; origins and Other Issues. Performs for International Women’s Day 2012 at Charlton House.

 

Guest poets: From Pitshanger Poets in Ealing: James Priestman, Daphne Gloag, Nick Barth.