Buzz Magazine Buzz Magazine - July Issue | Page 62

events QUITE regularly in this column we bang on about the diversity of the ‘roots’ music scene, and this month we’re going to do it again because Cardiff’s St David’s Hall have, in their July programme, a microcosmic cornucopia of roots music that’ll set the pulses racing of any fan of the genre. The entertainment kicks off on Tue 8 when Flook return to the Welsh capital as part of the Roots Unearthed series. Driven by the flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen ably supported by Ed Boyd’s understatedly brilliant guitar and the genius bodhran playing of John Joe Kelly, Flook’s take on Celtic-influenced instrumental music is one of contemporary folk music’s most thrilling sounds, one that has won them fans around the world and has established them as firm favourites on the live circuit. Since 2008 Flook have taken a temporary sabbatical from live performance, so it’s a rare treat to have them back together again for an evening of stunning music. Later in the month St David’s Hall plays host to the Welsh Proms which this year includes plenty of musical surprises among the usual classical concerts including, on Sun 20, a one day Festival Of Folk featuring some of the Principality’s finest. A mix of concerts, workshops and master classes it promises to be a varied and exciting snapshot of the burgeoning Welsh folk scene. Daytime concerts from artists including DnA, Haddo, Allan Yn Y Fan and Olion Byw, interspersed with workshops on everything from learning to play the spoons to clog dancing guarantee a great day out, capped off by an evening concert from the mighty Jamie Smith’s Mabon. A few days later, on Thurs 24, the mighty Tinariwen will bring their loping desert blues to the party, more of which you’ll find elsewhere in this issue. The month of exceptional music comes to a close on Tue 29 when Sarah Jarosz hits the Roots Unearthed stage with her trio (cellist Nathaniel Smith and fiddler Alex Hargreaves). A rising star of the American roots scene, the 22-year-old multiinstrumentalist and singer has drawn favourable comparisons to the likes of Gillian Welch for her bluegrass-inspired music. Having just finished college at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Sarah has honed the song writing skills that she uses to great effect on her latest album, the critically acclaimed Build Me Up From Bones,. Buzz also recommends Beyond The Border Storytelling Festival. Music and stories. St Donats Castle (Fri 4-Sun 6) www.beyondtheborder.com The Gower Reel. Dance-based festival organised by The Corelw Collective. Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill (Fri 11 + Sat 12). www. thegowerreel.moonfruit.com Fake Thackray. Tribute to the much missed songwriter Jake Thackray. Llantrisant Folk Club, Pontyclun. (Wed 16) Please send your folk and roots listings to [email protected] or phone them in to 029 2022 7677 BUZZ 62 Cardiff. 3.30pm, free. Info 029 2049 6017. A varied programme of events including talks, meditations, workshops and discussion groups, every Sunday. Creative Approaches To Dementia MADE Gallery, Cardiff. Info 029 2047 3373. Weekend of art based work and talks around experience of living with dementia. On tomorrow also. Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@ hotmail.co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. Doggy Days National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Carmarthenshire. Info 01558 667149. Normally dogs aren’t allowed in here, but lots of people asked, so they’re doing a few special events, for which they politely ask that people be non-terrible dog owners. Dry Stone Walling Course Venue TBC, Blaenavon. £65. Info 01874 749092. A Good Day Out event. Golf: Celebrity Cup Celtic Manor, nr Newport. £20/£15. Info 01633 413000. (Finishes today) Hangover Lounge Spit & Sawdust, Cardiff. 12pm, free. Info 029 2049 4741. Cardiff’s latest skatepark, on Rhymney River Bridge Road, offers you help recovering from the night before. Fun on offer includes DJs and and various art type happenings including a playing of The Flaming Lips’ Zaireeka. It’s Electric Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. Interactive show about electricity. (Finishes today) Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre. 6-10pm. Info 01792 863722. Every Sunday. Manipulation Techniques Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am-4.30pm, £25. Info 029 2048 4611. With Stella Jose. This is about how to embellish fabric, in case you were wonderin