events
WHEREAS some musicians burst onto the scene, burn brightly for a couple of years and then disappear never to be heard from again, there are others who mature over years, improving as age and experience play their part, a case in point being the extraordinary guitarist Martin Simpson. Recognised as a singular talent since the release of his 1976 debut album, Golden Vanity, Martin has consistently outdone himself on subsequent recordings to the point where he’s now acknowledged as one of the world’s best acoustic and slide guitar players. He’s also a masterful interpreter of traditional British and American folk music and a songwriter of note, all of which is reflected in his track record at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. In the 11 years since they began Martin has been nominated an incredible 23 times, including nine consecutive nominations for Artist Of The Year, which he’s won twice together with a couple of Best Album gongs and awards for Best Original Song and Best Traditional Song. Now in his 60th year and celebrating 35 years as a professional musician, Martin continues to develop his skills and to push himself even further as a musician, whether playing solo, in combination with some of the folk scene’s finest, or in collaborations with artists as varied as Chinese pipa player Wu Man and Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo. Recently Martin released a new album, Vagrant Stanzas. Featuring nothing more than his guitar and voice, it’s a back-to-basics collection of traditional and contemporary songs that’s about as close to one of his live solo performances as is possible, and it’s those live performances where Martin Simpson really excels. Drawing on a vast repertoire of material that ranges from Bob Dylan songs through traditional British folk to AfroAmerican old time music and rarely performing the same set twice, he’s an unpredictable and enthralling presence, his astonishing guitar technique often leaving audiences speechless. Never less than utterly compelling, a Martin Simpson gig is a rare treat, and one that will be on offer at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall on Tues 10 Sept, when he’ll be kicking off the latest Roots Unearthed series. Buzz also recommends Alaw. Jamie Smith, Oli Wilson-Dickson and Dylan Fowler launch their debut album. Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. (Fri 6) Martyn Joseph. Solo outing for one of the hardest working musicians on the scene. Lyceum Folk Club, Lyceum Tavern, Newport. (Thurs 26) Kris Drever and DnA. Acclaimed Scottish singer/ guitarist with support from Welsh harp and fiddle duo. Rhosygilwen Manor, Pembs. (Fri 27) Please send your folk and roots listings to listings@buzzmag.co.uk or phone them in to 029 2022 7677
SATURDAY 7
Artist Talk: Fireworks Now Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. Free (donations welcomed). Info 029 2048 4611. Talk by Alex McErlain, who’s curating the exhibition of this name. Ask The Gardener: Pruning And Training Roses National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Badminton: Welsh 4 Nations Para-Badminton Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am8pm. Info 0845 0454301. (Until Sun 8) Beginners Screenprinting Workshop Weekend The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info info@theprinthaus. org. Limited spaces available. On tomorrow also. Collagraph Workshop Weekend The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info info@theprinthaus.org. Limited spaces available, again. On tomorrow also. Cuppa Cymraeg National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am, free. Info 01792 638950. Gallery tour aimed at Welsh learners. Family Ghost Walk Cathedral Close, Llandaff (meeting point). 6.30pm. Info 07538 878609. Every Saturday. Fire & Light Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. A look at fire, its uses, dangers, the diferent colours it comes in... (At weekends until Sun 20 Oct) Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 9.30am. Info www.funkypumpfitness. co.uk. Fused Glass Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £150 (three days). Info 029 2048 4611. (Until Sun 8) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends and local school holidays until Sun 20 Oct) India Dance Wales Classes IDW Studio, Bute St, Cardiff Bay. 10am. Info 029 2075 1158. Every Saturday. For students preparing ISTD examinations. Josef Herman: People In Pastels National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 638950. Family workshop focusing on learning how to draw hands, joints and heads. Inspired by the Josef Herman exhibition currently running. On tomorrow also. Literary Tourism: RS Thomas’ Eglwysfach With Damian Walford Davies And The Birds Of Ynys-Hir YnysHir Nature Reserve, Eglwysfach, Ceredigion (starting point). 2-5.30pm, £8/£6.50. Info 029 2047 2266. Walking around an RSPB nature reserve where RS Thomas once spent many hours birdwatching. Llandaff Ghost Walk City Cross, Cathedral Green, Llandaff (meeting point). 8pm, £10/£7.50 adv. Info 07538 878609. A walk through woodlands, ruins and graveyards, every Saturday. New Planetarium Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends and local school holidays until Sun 20 Oct) Right2Write Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry. 10am-12pm, £100 (10 weeks). Info 01446 738622. Classes for new and developing writers, every Saturday until Oct 19. Roath Real Food Market Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff. 9.30am1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Every Saturday. Roller Derby: Tiger Bay Brawlers v Crime City Rollers Talybont Sports Hall, Cardiff. 6pm, £10/£8 adv. Info www.tigerbaybrawlers.com. The Crime City Rollers are from Malmö in Sweden. I wonder how intimate a knowledge the team members have of the city’s notoriously spiralling crime rate. Saturd ay Morning Kitchen Special Llanerch Vineyard, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am12pm, £5. Info 01443 222716. Shabby Chic For Teens: Button Accessories National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1.30pm, free. Info 01792 638950. Join eco fashion designer Helen Stew for a series of upcycling workshops. SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Day tours from Cardiff, every Wednesday and Saturday. This one visits Caerleon, Caerwent, Tintern Abbey, the Wye Valley, Abbey Mill Craft Centre and Raglan Castle. Souls Awakening: Mind Body Spirit Fair Paget Rooms, Penarth. 10am-5pm, £2. Info 029 2070 0721. A day of holistic therapies, tarot, clairvoyant and palm readers, jewellery, crystals etc. St Fagans Food Festival National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. See our double page roundup of food festivals for more. On tomorrow also. St Mary Street Cardiff Market St Mary Street, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, free. Info 029 2019 0036. Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and bric-a-brac. Every Saturday. Tales Of Old Cardiff: Cardiff And The World Wars St John’s Church Tower, Cardiff (meeting point). 10.30am, £5. Info 07538 878609. On every week, with a different subject. Taster: Pukka Pies Llanerch Vineyard, Vale Of Glamorgan. 2-4.30pm, £70. Info 01443 222716. Tudor Tastes: Cooking In The Age Of Henry VIII National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. On tomorrow also. Unusual Plant Fair Old Hall Gardens, Cowbridge. 10am-4pm. Info 01446 774036. Wales For Christ St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 10.30am, £15. Info 029 2087 8444. Welsh Tapas Festival King Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. 10am-6pm, free. Info www.welshtapas.co.uk. See the food festival double page for more. On tomorrow also. White Water Fest Cardiff International White Water, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2087 2087. A chance to try out a range of activities for the very first time, including canoe, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Yu Gi Oh Rules Of Play, Castle Arcade, Cardiff. 1pm, £5. Info 029 2022 1695. Every Saturday. (Finishes today) Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351. Beginners Screenprinting Workshop Weekend The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info info@theprinthaus.org. Bridgend Undercover Car Boot Sale Multistorey Car Park, Bridgend Town Centre. 7am-12pm, free (selling cars £6; selling cars with trailers £10). Info 01656 661338. Cardiff Theosophical Society 206 Newport Road, Cardiff. 3.30pm, free. Info 029 2049 6017. Collagraph Workshop Weekend The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. Free. Info info@theprinthaus.org. Deborah Nadoolman Landis In Conversation With Sammy Sheldon Differ Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30-4pm, £6. Info 029 2039 1391. Two esteemed costume designers have a natter. A World Stage Design festival event. Fire & Light Techniquest, Start Select Sunday The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 12.30-3.30pm, pay by donation. Info 01497 821762. Afternoon of new and retro console gaming. St Fagans Food Festival National History Museum, St Fagans. 10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Thanksgiving Service National History Museum, St Fagans. 3-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Trinity Act. The Royal Opera House Costume Department: A Journey Between The Past And The Future Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 4.30-6pm, £6. Info 029 2039 1391. World Stage Design festival event hosted by Ilaria Martello. Tudor Tastes: Cooking In The Age Of Henry VIII National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am-1pm + 2-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Welsh Tapas Festival King Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. 10am-6pm, free. Info www.welshtapas.co.uk. Ballet The Gate, Cardiff. 4.15-8.30pm, £60/£54 kids; £48/£42 adults. Info 029 2048 3344. Bharata Natyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158. Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Churchill’s Hotel Bar, Llandaff, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. Catapult Production School Catapult Records, Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £180 (eight weeks)/£25 (one week). Info lucy@catapult. co.uk. Every Thursday until Oct 28. Eight-week course teaching you how to make music using Ableton Live. Ceroc Dance The Gate, Cardiff. 8pm, £7/£5 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. Ceroc Dance Class Odyssey Nightclub, Swansea. 7.4510.45pm, £5. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail.com . Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-9pm. Info 01495 243252. Climbing Class For Adults Boulders, St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £12. Info 0845 0347791. Freestyle Fitness Yoga Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £6. Info 07774 601544 / serenhealth@hotmail. co.uk. Funkypump Fitness Universal Gym, Cardiff. 5.30 + 6.30pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk. Inside The Isles Of Wonder – Lighting The London 2012 Ceremonies Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 2.30-4pm, £6. Info 029 2039 1391. World Stage Design festival lecture by Tim Routledge. Making Music The Gate, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £9.50/£8.50 (£96/£84 12 weeks). Info 029 2048 3344. Monday Night Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 6.15-
MONDAY 9
Meet behind Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum at 6pm on Thurs 12 for a cruise along the River Tawe on a boat called The Black Prince, which is moored behind the museum.
Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends until Sun 20 Oct) Fused Glass Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. £150 (three days). Info 029 2048 4611. (Finishes today) Guardians Of The Solar System Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends and local school holidays until Sun 20 Oct) Josef Herman: People In Pastels National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 638950. Little Writers: Claire Potter Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 2pm, free. Info 029 2063 6464. Bilingul workshop. New Planetarium Show Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. Info 029 2047 5475. (At weekends and local school holidays until Sun 20 Oct) Reel People: Character, Cinema And Costume Design Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £6. Info 029 2039 1391. Masterclass with Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis. A World Stage Design festival event. Riverside Real Food Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Roald Dahl Day Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11.30am-4.30pm, free. Info 029 2087 7959. Featuring storytelling, arts and crafts workshops and much more. Rules Of Play & Chapter Games Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 5.30pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.
SUNDAY 8
Ask The Gardener: Grapes For Sale! National History Museum, St Fagans. 2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Autumn Italian Kitchen Llanerch Vineyard, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-4pm, £160. Info 01443 222716. Badminton: Welsh 4 Nations Para-Badminton Championships Welsh Institute Of Sport, Cardiff. 9am-8pm. Info 0845 0454301.
BUZZ 64