Culture Diary w/c 28-08-2017
Our pick of this week’s arts, design, film and music events from around the North of England and the rest of the UK – and most of it’s free!
Tuesday – The Momentum Simpsons Quiz 8–11pm @ Fuel Cafe Bar, Manchester — £2 Donation
“What’s the point of going out? We’re just gonna wind up back here anyway.” Don’t be like Homer – get down to tonight’s quiz from Manchester Momentum and help them to raise funds for upcoming events. Jezza-themed prizes to be won by Springfield’s top experts.
Wednesday – Exhibition Opening: In Quotes: Collage And Assemblage In Contemporary Art 12—5pm @ East Gallery NUA, Norwich — FREE
Featuring a heap of recognisable names in collage and assemblage, this is an intriguing look at how postcards, books, altered photographs and illustrations can make us think differently about materials and perception. Expect Susan Hiller’s British coast scenes hand painted in gold ink; to John Stezaker’s hugely popular Masks series; to Linder’s (pictured) flower portraits. Until 7 October 2017.
Thursday — Lost Property: Film Screening & Reflections On Chinatown 6—7.30pm @ Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool — FREE
Sound Agents (Moira Kenny and John Campbell) have been working with Liverpool’s Chinatown — the oldest Chinese community in Europe — for over 15 years now, producing projects that range from newspapers to photography to opera. Presenting a series of short films tonight plus a live, participatory discussion, expect a timely dialogue about the area’s current, sad state (empty restaurants, a deserted building site), proud heritage, and how its culture could be a vital part of its future. To secure a place, email info[at]openeye.org.uk
Friday — Robert Webb: How Not To Be A Boy 7.30–10pm @ HOME, Manchester – £15/10
“I remember the summer’s day when I was watching the Six Million Dollar Man batting with Sasquatch and the following moment I was being lifted an impossible number of feet into the air and thrashed… Telling a child why he was being physically punished was somehow beneath the dignity of Paul’s parenting style.” Comedian Robert Webb’s new memoir (pictured) superbly articulates what it was like to experience a childhood with an unpredictable, alcoholic father. Expect an entertaining and at times painful insight into his formative years.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On 7–8pm — FREE
Boldly going (geddit) with a Star Trek-theme and staged in association with MTV, expect the seaside resort’s famous light show to be a typically crazy affair this year. Diversity, Example, and Club MTV DJs R3wire and Varski will be providing dancing and club-classics for an hour-long party under the dazzling street sculptures. Good fun.
Saturday – Manchester Psych Fest 2017 3pm Til Late @ Band on the Wall, Night & Day Cafe And Soup Kitchen — £25
Its fifth instalment, and hosted in the brilliant Northern Quarter, expect a very cool selection of music from across the broad psych spectrum: including a tapestry of international flavours from Flamingods (pictured), sampling percussion instruments from Tanzania and the Amazon, to a post-punk barrage of noise from Evil Blizzard’s four bassists.
KITCHEN Workshops / Grrrl Power 12—2pm @ Wild Loaf, Liverpool — FREE
What better place to debate identity politics and workplace politics than in a bakery ran by women? Expect plenty of chat about these issues plus your favourite food and family recipes. And a sampling of some top baked treats, of course.
PICK OF THE WEEK: Sunday — The Magnetic Fields 8pm @ The Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool — £37.50 For Both Nights Or
£22.50 Individual Nights
Celebrating his 50th birthday by writing a song for each year, songwriter, composer and founder of The Magnetic Fields, Stephin Merritt (pictured), will perform the result in Liverpool: his entire new album, 50 Song Memoir, tonight (tracks 1 to 25) and tomorrow (tracks 26 to 50). Expect autobiographical songs that reflect the people and cities important to him, expressed via a huge set of musical instruments, including new inventions to reel-to-reel tape decks. UK tour continues to Brighton and London: see dates here.
Laura Robertson, Editor
Images from top: Linder, Elysium II, 2006, copyright the artist, 2017. Robert Webb: How Not To Be A Boy, 2017. Flamingods. Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields
