London, England. nov. 10th, 2011
We eventually made way to the busy city of London. We performed at a poetry series called Bang Said The Gun. Probably the most exciting poetry slam I’ve ever been to. Audience members dance, make tonnes of noise and get really involved. In fact, the show is so energetic Daniel Cockrill and the rest of the organization team managed to film a pilot of the show for a major network in England.
Check out our time at Bang. Bang Said the Gun – Atomic Wednesday.
nov. 12th. 2011
During our first London show we ran into an old friend, promoter who invited us to perform at a Palestinian solidarity show. The show featured a number of prominent poets including Remi Kanazi, Zita Holbourne and Rafeef Ziadah. I was blown away by the talent and really inspired. The night reminded me how poetry is a tool for action and critical thought.
The whole night was spectacular but I was particularly blown away by Rafeef Ziadah, please check this poem. Shades of Anger
Here is a performance of Kay we did at that show. Kay
nov. 14th. 2011
Keeping it moving we had two shows this day. One at Spanish-English poetry reading put on by Farrago Poetry. We represented the English part. The other, a short set at the finals of another fantastic poetry series in the city, Hammer and Tongue. The slam was won by Charlie Dupre’ and also featured the very hilarious Tim Claire. Check out his work here. How To Save Your Girlfriend
Wales. nov. 17th. 2011
We took a 3 hour train from London to Bangor Wales. On the map, it almost looks like the city is touching Ireland. Although we were very tired, we managed to take in the remarkable scenery on the way up. As the cobblestone roads and brick-layered houses departed behind us a deep, dark-forest green approached on the horizon. And sheep, lots of sheep.
There are big trees, rivers, small-narrow, slate-paved roads. The kind of places where poets think they can write. The kind of place children create stories of faries and witches and talking animals and underground cities.
We were met at the train station by fellow poet, MC, promoter Martin Daws, his lovely wife and genius children. We drove another 30 minutes to Bethesda. The city is built on an old village. there are castles, remnants of a fuedal era and the smog is thick. There is also a bold made entirely of slate (material used for the rooftops there). It rests beside a graveyard of houses.
In addition to being an incredible host and effective promoter he is a very talented artists who we first met in Scotland. Please watch one of his performances here. Martin Daws in Scotland
On our first night we performed a show back in Bangor at a small restaurant. There was maybe four people in total there for the night but it was a very nice, intimate, humble setting (video coming soon). In the middle of our set a group of young drunken party-goers came in and we had a short, 4 minute dance party. It was a little overwhelming. After we hit an open mic which was just as exciting and full of debauchery. Unfortunately video and photos from that evening are not appropriate for the web. lol
nov. 18th, 2011
The following evening we had a show in Bangor. The event is called Poetica and is run by Martin Daws and a handful of other dedicated individuals. The night was packed, vibrant and well received. Unfortunately I don’t have any video or photos from the night (sometimes it’s like that) but when I do, you will know.
Manchester. nov. 19, 2011
It was long 4 hour drive to Manchester for our next show but we toughed it out. I was excited to meet my cousin from Ghana who I hadn’t seen in years. The event was in a library dressed up to resemble a chic jazz lounge. It featured a number of amazing local poets, Martin Daws and one of the most interesting poetical experiments I’ve ever seen.
There was a poet by the name of Onashile who recited a freestyle poem while creating a charcol portrait. The poem was related to the subject he was drawing in some way. He spoke of a forest in his eyes and the animals of his soul. This is his creation.
Here is a photo he drew while Brad and I were doing our thing.
Cardiff. nov. 20, 2011
The next day we headed out to Cardiff but before we took to the road we made a pit stop for Martin’s daughter’s birthday party. She was having her party in a beautiful place called Portmeirion. The village is located in North Wales and was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. Apparently Sir Ellis wanted a city to resemble the best of Italian architecture. It seems as though he also included some images from his dreams and fantastical musings. The place looks like a blend of Disney World, Lord of the Rings and Amelie.
We arrived in Cardiff with enough time before our set to eat some tasty minced meat pies. The show was average, not many people. And those that did come were had no idea what was to be expected.
However we always have fun on stage so it didn’t really matter. There were also a few patrons who really dug the set.
Video Drop
The next couple of days we spent writing and taking in the wonderful scenery of Wales. We also randomly connected with Paul Higginson, talented, humble videographer. We jumped in his van and drove around shooting a short performance video called The Path. Enjoy.
Atomic Wednesday – The Path
I love me some music videos.They say TV killed the radio star – I say TV saved its life. I think they are the perfect marriage of the aesthetic and the sonic. It really doesn’t matter what style,what genre of music I love it all; from Spike Jonze to Hype Williams. It makes me very excited to see artists take their art to a whole other level using the music video platform. Bjork does this well, Busta Rhymes always has amazing videos, Missy Elliot, Sigor Ros, and the list goes on.
