Saturday 25 January 2014

EVENT IN PROGRESS: The Edge of the world Exhibition

Greetings one and all. My staffing debut back in the shop started 29 minutes ago. It's the afore mentioned The Edge of the World exhibition and I am learning now why it's been such a hit. The second I walked in I found myself surrounded by some incredible pieces of individual and unique art. A moment in which I must pat somewhereto_ on the back, tonight our beloved shop is really a testimony and credit to talented 16-25 year olds and proof that the high street heist is such a wonderful, kind and fruitful project / movement. 

I write sitting and counting the intake of audience members. I may appear to be a bit rude and look like I'm texting but so be it, this needs to be advertised. 

Got a spare half an hour? Resist the pub for a bit to come and support young local aber talent. Not one to miss! 

Here are just a few examples... (Real creditations and information AND more examples to follow post-event) 


 






Thursday 23 January 2014

somewhereto_ return!

What's this I see before me? A blog? A bright, bright yellow blog?! Oh what a long time it's been! 

Frankly, I don't really think I need to ask if you've missed these (at times) incomprehensibly excitable posts because that really does go without saying! But as I have at times explained in previous posts I was doing the ever impossible task of being a graduate that doesn't sit about and complain about the job market. No no I did bigger and better things! I had to become a grown up, that's right friends, I have grown up (sort-of) sadly my job wasn't to volunteer in the shop full time, as lovely as that would have been, it was not! So instead of complaining about the job market I got myself a job. I drove to and from Cardigan everyday day for a few weeks (sadly didn't have time to say hello to the lovely somewhereto_ volunteers down there! But here is a belated greeting for yous love,Hello!) and became a fully trained, full time support worker. Three months down the line and I've had enough time to find my feet as a grown up (I've even had a hair cut so that it's, dare I say it 'more managable') and I'm now settled enough to get back on the somewhereto_ wagon! 

So! Well, guess who's back in the volunteer business! Your favourite friendly voice of the somewhereto_ restore shop here in aber, it's almost like a resurrection I suppose?! In which case, let's name today Easter Thursday, seems like the only logical and comprehensible thing to do to me. 

There's been many an exciting thing since I had my hiatus / evolution / ..growth spurt? Whatever it was, what I'm trying to say is that somewhereto_ did continue in my absence (how you ask? Honestly, I don't really know!) There's a whole other restore place here in Aberystwyth; next to boots just round the corner of the lovely deliverer of somewhereto_ in Wales, Arad Goch. There's been numerous successful events in the shop including a completely full and almost over loading house last Saturday for an exhibition which I hear was incredibly lovely. So lovely infact that this Saturday they're back to the original restore place of 4 Northgate Street. 

Journey to the Edge of The World art exhibition presents their last event in the shop, a night of spoken word performance, of poetry, story telling and film. If you're into contemporary art then dare I say it, as with all events the shop has ever homed this is not one to miss. Funded by O2 - Think Big. (Hey, if it's good enough for O2 then it's good enough for you.) you certainly need to postpone your already made Saturday night plans and take a few hours to get down to this event. Or you know, just to see my pretty face back in action with somewhereto_ that's fine as well. 

Here are the details for you to remember! 
SATURDAY 25th JANUARY 
7pm - 9pm 
4 Northgate Street.

Get involved! - https://m.facebook.com/events/282449785235439 

It's good to be back, hope to see you all soon! 

Peace. 




Tuesday 29 October 2013

somewhereto_ Strip!

Perhaps I've been neglecting you all of late?! But I must confess as previously stated in blogs I've been doing the ever increasingly difficult job of completing the task of somewhereto_ grow up. As much as I would like to think its my full time job to volunteer in the somewhereto_ restore space unfortunately that is not the case. Needless to say I've had my nose down and have been heavy on the job hunt. Three weeks later it was a success, I'm a big grown up and now a support worker! A lot of which, arguably is thanks to somewhereto_ and the experiences I've had here and on previous events with somewhereto_. BUT ENOUGH OF THE SMOOSHY THINGS.

What did I do on Sunday evening I hear you ask! - Well kind online reader chums Sunday evening was a little prologue to the intensive rehearsals we're soon to encounter with Educactus's production of 'Strip The Halls' they were there all day but after a long week of driving and training for work (did I mention I'd got a proper job..?) I only made it into the last few hours of their rehearsal. Considering I was tired, full of cold and had the habitual 'It's Sunday, tomorrow means I have to get up early and look presentable' hat on (we all get it, don't lie) I was so very pleased to have a group of people put a smile on my face with such ease. They're still in the organic and early blocking stages and yet my ability to remain quiet and professional in the rehearsal space was severely challenged, I have no doubt that the final result will be a proper little crowd pleaser!

What will definitely be an evening of hilarious (but I must add, PG) entertainment full of festive frivelties and wonderfully humerous misunderstandings isn't one to miss. Performances are in the Belle Vue hotel on 21st - 23rd of November at 7:30pm Tickets can be booked by emailing educactustheatre@gmail.com, stating what evening you wish to attend and how many tickets you require.

Written by a wonderful individual with the ability to fill any room with laughter, whom I have worked with very briefly previously, James Lawbuary. Directed by our very own local celebrity and accidental face of the restore shop, you will have noticed him pop up on your news feed if you've liked the Aberystwyth re:store page. (If you haven't why haven't you? Do it and do it now! re:store Facebook) RSC's very own, Paul Ditch. A good friend of mine with the ability to pin point the most acute of goings ons in ANY situation to make them entertaining, watchable and painfully yet hilariously realistic. With James's words and Paul's visions bringing them to life 'Strip The Halls' is going to be an all round winner.

Starring some very good friends of mine as well as some other extremely large talent including, Marianne Hayes, David Dixon, Katie Littlewort, Marcus Dobson, Norma Izon, Guy Taylor, Owen Watts and Sam Sherlock. If this isn't enough to get you interested there's to be a few half naked guys and girls treading the boards. What more can one show offer?
 

Educactus will be taking over the restore space soon for an intensive rehearsal period of 'Strip The Halls' so I shall keep plugging when that happens. Until I can do that, get involved and keep up to date through their Facebook.. Educactus Theatre Company Facebook

The somewhereto_ restore space has turned into a creative space which is full of creative possibilities and talents, I for one am very over excited!!

Don't be a stranger, get involved and support the local talents we're so lucky to have.

 

Wednesday 16 October 2013

EVENT: OPEN MIC


Everyone loves an open mic and in a town like this which loves all things peformative and theatrical; there's plenty of hidden musical talent waiting for a chance to perform. We have a modest little stage here, a stage none the less, with a few lights (some are even flashy!), plenty of sound equipment and a stool for the inner singer / song writer in you. Our open mic last Friday (The 4th) we were really pleased with! - so pleased in fact that they're now becoming a fortnightly event. It was a real tribute to the young talent of today, to see artists coming to perform both original music and covers. But even more of a tribute to see them all support one another.

Here's a little shout out to all of the lovely artists we had in the shop for the evening:


LLEW + LOWRI EVANS:
Brother and sister duo Llew and Lowri were up first with a mixture of both original and song covers. I've always been sceptical about families forming artistic bonds but these two really did present a strong argument to prove me wrong! Entirely in tune with one another, superb harmonies. I've been promised a link to a sound cloud as soon as they get it sorted, watch this space to hear about them for yourself. No confirmed dates as yet, but what I can tell you is that Llew / Lowri have two gigs in The Druid Inn, Goginan in the upcoming weeks.




GEORGE HIGGINS:
Somewhereto_s favourite boy George Higgins came back to serenade us again (complete with own loyal fan club) Giving a wonderful performance as ever with all original work, plenty more heart stealing and plenty of light hearted humour during and between songs.

GEORGES SOUND CLOUD     GEORGES YOUTUBE    GEORGES TWITTER





ARTHUR BATES:
After having graced us with some lovely sounds at the previous weeks Paper Club both alone and with company, Arthur came back to give us a full set of what he can do. Having spoken to him after the event I've discovered that he doesn't have any recorded material yet, such a shame. Get on it Arthur, I heard some really, genuinely beautiful stuff last week.




CHELSEA ORME - WILLIAMS:
Another Paper Club discovery of ours, Chelsea came back to give us some of her original pieces again. I've found myself humming 'Crazy Sue' ever since last Friday only having heard it performed live twice. Certainly an act to keep an eye on. Remain up to date on Chelsea by searching 'Chelsea Orme-Williams' on vimeo, soundcloud and youtube.



FRANK GREENWOOD:
We found Frank a week before open mic during The George Higgins and Friend (s) weekend acoustic session. He was both Charming and lovely then and even more so during his set in the open mic event which, in my opinion was at it's best during his cover of The Stranglers, 'Golden Brown'
FRANKS SOUND CLOUD          FRANKS TWITTER




GEORGE JONES:
Wonderful playwright and singer song writer George just finished writing his second album sang us a variety of his songs all with a wonderful narrative and story within it. Returning back soon to do some more, definitely worth checking out!        
GEORGES BANDCAMP




ILYA:
Ilya, the pirate, ran into the shop to give us a sing song and then out again to lead his society Broad-ways theatre and film society on their social, hence the attire. He did, quite frankly a brilliant job of putting a smile upon all our faces. Giving us a few up beat and happy go lucky songs. Including the Pokémon song, I could not have been happier.

ILYAS SOUNDCLOUD              THE POKEMON SONG


ADRIAN PIGGOT:
'Hi my names Adrian, and I'm not a pirate' used - to - be local boy Adrian came into the open mic night on his weekend visit to Aberystwyth. A few nights of sofa surfing / drinking and an open mic. True musician style. Played us a few great original tracks, yet to be recorded. He ought to get on that.








EMILY FARR:
Emily of Aberystwyth rewired comes in every week on a Wednesday for 'Workshop Wednesdays' and the more she comes in / the more I hear her vocal styling's. The more I fall in love with her. Come down every Wednesday and have a jam with her and her people! Rewired do open mic nights in rummers every Sunday. Definitely a space to watch! - and I most definitely want her to record some stuff! Soon! Not a voice to miss.

EMILY COVERING 'SWEET DREAMS'







Wednesday 9 October 2013

somewhereto_ Review

We have been open for two weeks and what a successful and busy two weeks it has been! I have genuinely lost count of how many people we have signed up to somewhereto_ and the ever growing amount of exciting things that are on their way to happen in here.

This week is quietening down so I will actually have time to keep chatting to you guys through this blog. I have however been working hard and attacking the social media relms via Facebook and the amount of likes we're getting now is getting bigger and bigger, it is all going well, but we want to reach more people in Aberystwyth! We want everyone involved, and everyone to have a chance to put their creative ideas in this shop. Share Share Share. 

 
HERE'S OUR FIRST TWO WEEKS SUMMED UP IN PHOTOGRAPHS