ART BEAT – E-NEWSLETTER – May 2010

This e-newsletter can also be downloaded from the council’s web site at www.shepway.gov.uk/arts, together with last month’s Art Beat.

ARTS/CULTURAL EVENTS IN SHEPWAY IN MAY 

Saturday 1^st May, 10am to 12noon: SANDGATE FARMERS & ART MARKET at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate High Street. Arts and crafts by local artists. Refreshments available at the hall. For more information or to book a stall, please contact mirandabest_at_talktalk_dot_net.

Saturday 1^st May, 7.30pm: HYTHE TOWN CONCERT BAND and HYTHE SALVATION ARMY BAND, plus cornet soloists, and SHEPWAY COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR at St Leonard’s Church, Hythe. Admission free – retiring collection.

Saturday 1^st May, 8pm: JAMES KIRBY at Home Ground Café Bar, 41 The Old High Street, Folkestone, Free entry. 01303 241079, www.homegroundcb.co.uk.

Saturday 1^st May, 8pm: Eric’s Tales of the Sea at Quarterhouse, Folkestone. Former submariner Eric’s ‘Tales of the Sea’ has taken the Edinburgh Fringe by storm for the last two years. £8, £7 conc.

Sunday 2^nd May, 2.30pm: Children’s Show – Long Nose Puppets Present: Penguin at Quarterhouse. £5 Adult / £4 Child / £15 Family (two adults and two children under 12); (11:00 - 13:00 free workshop). Penguin is exciting, surreal and full of surprises for all ages – especially 3-7 year olds! www.quarterhouse.co.uk.

Sunday 2^nd May, 10am to 4pm: FOLKESTONE ARTS, CRAFTS & FOOD FAIR in the harbour square, Folkestone. Starting this Sunday this event will take place on the first Sunday of every month offering quality goods, original artworks, local crafts and delicious produce from local businesses. Intervening weekends will feature live music, street theatre, demonstrations and workshops. For more information contact lucy_at_creativefoundation_dot_org_dot_uk or call 01303 245799For more information, please contact lucy_at_creativefoundation_dot_org_dot_uk.

Tuesday 4^th May, 7pm: THE DOVES at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. For more information and ticket prices, please go to www.leascliff.org.uk.

Saturday 8^th May, 10am to 4pm: SANDGATE ART & CRAFTS FAIR at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate High Street. New to Sandgate - a monthly fair to be held on the second Saturday of the month throughout the summer featuring work by local artists and craftspeople. Refreshments available at the hall. For more information or to book a space to show your work please contact mirandabest_at_talktalk_dot_net.

Saturday 8^th May, 11am: COFFEE CONCERT with MAGGIE DENHAM & STAN JAMES at the United Reformed Church, Radnor Park, Folkestone - presenting the classic songs of Rogers & Hart. Admission £3 at the door. Enquiries to Michael Foad on 01303 242694.

Saturday 8^th, 7pm: DIY CONCERT at Folkestone Methodist Church, Sandgate Road, Folkestone – an informal variety concert offering an opportunity for any form of performing arts by local/emerging talents. Featuring turns by The Diminished Tuesday Stompers, swing band; StageOne, Christian drama co-operative, mind-reader Dave Fowler, The Corner Boys acoustic guitar duo; ‘Blow and Pick’ guitar/clarinet duo;, the 4 x 4 paws dog display team; ‘The Shadows’ tribute act and more.  Entry is £3 on the door; all money will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Kent Nurse appeal. If you’d like to be involved in this or future DIY concerts email JohnSimpson_at_StageOne_dot_org_dot_uk. Local artist Mark Fletcher will be undertaking a work during the concert; the audience will be able to see this develop as the concert progresses.

Saturday 8^th May, 7.30pm: THE AMAZING HYPNOTIC WORLD OF CLIFFORD BLAKE at The Tower Theatre, North Road, Shorncliffe, Folkestone. This hilarious show needs audience participation; however, to take part you have to be over 18 years old. Although a local man, Clifford has taken his show all over the world. This event is to help raise funds for the Help for Heroes campaign. Tickets £6 / £5 concessions. Box Office: 01303 223925.

Saturday 8^th May, 8pm: ROB LEIGH at Home Ground Café Bar, 41 The Old High Street, Folkestone, Free entry. 01303 241079, www.homegroundcb.co.uk.

Sunday 9^th May, 2.30pm – 3.30pm: CAVATINA FAMILY CONCERT at The Tower Theatre, Shorncliffe, Folkestone. Free for everyone! This is a fantastic opportunity for children (5 years and above) and their parents to hear and interact with young world-class performers at close quarters. Join the Sacconi Quartet for games and music activities and exciting performances from their current repertoire. For programme details visit www.sacconi.com/festival; Box Office: 01303 858500, www.quarterhouse.co.uk.

10^th – 15^th May: Influx – The People’s Festival in and around Folkestone.

Most events are FREE. Please see below for further information.

Thursday 13^th May, 7.30pm: WHACK THE KETTLE at St Nicholas Church, Newington, Folkestone - instrumental folk music group. Let us take you back in time,

settle down in this historic building, to listen to a range of instrumental folk tunes from around Britain and Europe, including Finland, and the USA, as the musicians play accordion/concertina, two melodeons and fiddle, we might even be able to dance in the aisles. Take a step back in time … as such tunes may have been resonating in this building hundreds of years ago! There will be wine, juice and nibbles (donations appreciated) and a raffle. Please note that there is no toilet at the church - yet! With further fund raising we hope to provide one. Tickets £6.00 each on the door.

Friday 14^th, 7.30pm: JOAN ARMATRADING at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. For tickets prices and bookings, please go to www.leascliffhall.co.uk.

Friday 14^th May, 8pm: ONE PLAYER SHORT at Home Ground Café Bar, 41 The Old High Street, Folkestone, Free entry. 01303 241079, www.homegroundcb.co.uk.

Friday 14^th – Sunday 16^th May: The Sacconi Chamber Music Festival at the Parish Church of SS Mary & Eanswythe, the Bayle, Folkestone - six concerts in three days with a pronounced Czech theme featuring Dvorak, Smetana and Janacek. For more information, please see information section below or visit www.sacconi.com/festival.

Saturday 15^th May, 10am to 12noon: SANDGATE FARMERS & ART MARKET at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate High Street. Art and crafts by local artists. Refreshments available at the hall. For more information or to book a stall, please contact mirandabest_at_talktalk_dot_net.

Saturday 15^th May, 10am – 4pm: ARTS & FARMERS MARKET at Stop 24 Services (off M20) 01304 363710. Jewellery, photographic pictures and cards, wood turning, pottery and lots more. For full details on all stalls, please contact heathmor_at_btinternet_dot_com.

Saturday 15^th May, 7.30pm: ABBA FOREVER at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. For ticket prices and bookings, please go to www.leascliffhall.co.uk.

Saturday 15^th May, 8pm: ANNA STONE at Home Ground Café Bar, 41 The Old High Street, Folkestone, Free entry. 01303 241079, www.homegroundcb.co.uk.

Sunday 16^th May, 2.30pm: Children’s Show - Partytime with Boogie Pete at Quarterhouse, Folkestone. £8, £28 family (two adults and two children under 12); (11:00 - 13:00 free workshop). Partytime with Pete Hillier from Bafta award winning Cbeebies show Boogie Beebies.

Saturday 22^nd May, 2.30pm: Eric Knowles Antiques Antics at Quarterhouse, Folkestone - valuations, 3.30pm show. Antiques Roadshow favourite Eric Knowles hosts a valuation session followed by a talk about his fascinating life in the world of antiques. £15 show and valuation, £12, show only.

Sunday 23^rd May, 10am to 12noon: ELHAM FARMERS MARKET in the Rose and Crown courtyard, Elham. Come along to Annie Begley’s pottery workshop!

Thursday 27^th May, 8pm: FILM – Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll at Quarterhouse, Folkestone. £3.50adv / £4.50 on the door.

Sunday 23 May 3pm - CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES: Classic Arts Ensemble in a programme of vocal and piano music at SS Mary & Eanswythe Church.

Tuesday 25^th May, 2.45pm: FINAL OF FOLKESTONE READS at Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone. Join award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce for a behind-the-scenes chat about his bestselling books (in 2004 his book Millions won the 2004 Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year Award). Tickets are free and available from Quarterhouse – info_at_quarterhouse_dot_co_dot_uk or 01303 858500. This is the finale event for Folkestone Reads where the whole community was encouraged to read, listen and enjoy the same book, Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce. Frank joins us for a rare visit to Kent to meet his readers in Folkestone who enjoyed his book.

Tuesday 25^th May 7.30pm: Singakademie, Stuttgart at SS Mary & Eanswythe Parish Church, The Bayle, Folkestone. A fine semi-professional Chamber Choir visiting from Germany. Tickets £10 on the door.

Tuesday 25^th May, 8pm: WHITEHORSE FILM CLUB’S SHOWING OF L.I.E. (certificate 18) at The Bar Below, The View, Folkestone. Fifteen year-old, Long Island-resident Howie is a rich kid trying to find his identity. Ignored by his widower father and unsure of his sexuality, he hangs out with a group of delinquent housebreakers, which is how he meets one of the disgruntled victims of a break-in, Big John Harrigan. L.I.E fearlessly asks questions that other films don't dare to. To keep in touch with Whitehorse Film Club’s upcoming screenings email whitehorseevents_at_hotmail_dot_com to be added to the mailing list or find them on Facebook.

Wednesday 26^th May, 7.30pm: THE AGAPE CHOIR presents its May Concert at the United Reformed Church, Radnor Park, Folkestone. Admission free – retiring collection. Enquiries to Michael Foad on 01303 242694.

Friday 28^th May, 1pm and 5pm: TAKE THE POSE with ESTELLE ROSENFELD on the grass in front of the Gulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent, Canterbury. What’s Coming Out of the Box? Please join us, get dressed up and pose with the endearing puppets in this freshly developed outdoor piece. Take The Pose will be touring festivals and fetes throughout the summer Visit www.puppetsanddolls.org.uk for more information about the project, touring dates and contact details.

Saturday 29^th, 7.30pm: ‘DIVA DUETS’ performed by Hannah Mayhew (soprano), Helen Bailey (soprano) accompanied by Yu Su (piano) at St Leonard’s Church, Hythe. Tickets at £7 on sale at Brandon’s Music Shop, 55 High Street, Hythe, tel 01303 263108, or can be obtained at the door. (Admission free to those under 18 in full-time education).

28^th to 31^st May: STAND UP! COMEDY FEST at Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone. The annual comedy festival is back over Bank Holiday 28-31 May, featuring Chris Addison, star of The Thick of It, In The Loop, Skins and Lab Rats. Celebrated broadcaster, writer and cook Hardeep Singh Kohli presents “The Nearly Naked Chef”; there is late night comedy with Dave Fulton, a newcomers comedy event in association with Lone Star Comedy and a night with spoof DJ Ivan Brackenbury. Also Kent Circus School: free performances around Folkestone and Children’s Show – Stories and Fables for Kids that Like to Sit at Tables - new stories for children (aged 5+) written and told by comedian Patrick Monahan. Two adults and two children under 12. For ticket prices and bookings, go to: www.quarterhouse.co.uk

And coming up next month:

Tuesday 1^st June, 7.30pm: AN EVENING OF DANCE at Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone. First year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Dance Education students are providing an evening of dance that will include dance repertoire in different techniques and styles and their own choreography as well as a showcase inspired by the theme seven deadly sins and seven virtues.

Friday 4^th & Saturday 5^th June, 10.30am to 5pm: RENDEZVOUS ARTMARK in Rendezvous Street, Folkestone.

11^th to 13^th June: Sellindge Music Festival – see under ‘Notices’ below for more information.

For full details of all events in Shepway, visit: www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk 
OPEN MIC/STAGE NIGHTS IN SHEPWAY       
The Chambers, second Friday of every month, Cheriton Place, Folkestone. Open to local bands, acts and individuals. For more information phone Tony on 07790 264108.

Home Ground Café Bar, 7^th & 21^st, 8pm till late, 41 Old High Street. Folkestone. Singers, musicians and poets – turn up on the night or phone Roy Blake on 07941 693663 to book a slot; everyone else just turn up and watch! Also music nights Fridays and Saturdays; for programme info, call Home Ground on 01303 241079 or visit www.homegroundcb.co.uk

The Butt of Sherry, every alternate Thursday (May 6^th & 20^th), High Street, Hythe. Just go along and watch, or to participate, phone Jack on 01303 266112.     
ART EXHIBITIONS – SHEPWAY and EAST KENT
Ending tomorrow: BOB POLLARD and JOHN WHIBLEY – A RETROSPECTIVE at Church Mouse Studio, High Street, Hythe. Robert (Bob) Pollard developed his interest in art after his retirement as a lecturer at Christ Church College, Canterbury. He was for many years the Chairman of the Hythe Art Society and exhibited with them right up to his death in 2008. He and John Whibley were good friends. John Whibley was greatly involved in art throughout his life, running an art gallery in Cork Street, Mayfair, before he retired to Kent. He counted the Queen Mother as one of his patrons and started many well known artists on their career path. For further information, email richardcms_at_mac_dot_com.

Currently showing: New Works by Dee Taylor, Farid and John Sims at Cristus Gallery, Sandgate High Street. Farid works in a variety of styles and often paints local scenes (such as Folkestone Harbour and the Leas with loose, colourful and impressionistic brush strokes. John Sims paints striking mythological subjects that have a very modern feel and strike a chord with everyone who sees them. We also have a funky new Dee Taylor portrait of John Dillinger, part of a series that Dee is working on. www.cristus-gallery.com.

Currently showing: SPRING SHOW – GHOST SHIP/ACKERJACKERS by resident artist PADDY HAMILTON at Dungeness Open Studio, Dungeness. Paintings on line, drawings and prints. All work is directly inspired by the ebb and flow of life on the shingle at Dungeness – atmospheric colours and strong compositions infused by this numinous and unforgettable landscape. Situated at Marina - 'On the corner' opposite the Dungeness railway station - Directions and further information here -http://www.paintings-for-sale.net/dungeness-open-studios.html

Currently showing: ‘FOREVER ENGLAND’ at Chimaera Gallery, 42 Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1JU. Our featured artist is Glenn Fitzpatrick whose work is inspired by his experiences as a soldier in the Gulf War. Glenn will be donating some proceeds of sales of his work to Combat Stress, the leading charity specialising in the care of British Veterans who have been profoundly traumatised by harrowing experiences during their Service career. The show will also include the works of many other artists and will express views of England from a number of perspectives. Please contact allisonesson_at_aol_dot_com for details; www.chimaeragallery.co.uk.

Now to 3^rd May: WHITE CLIFFS CREATIVES’ GUILD SPRING EXHIBITION at The Charlton Art Centre, Dover – showing sculpture, photography and artworks of Kent-based artists. Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm – FREE entry. The Project Space also has gifts, cards, prints and jewellery for sale as part of the "Crafted in Kent" initiative.

Now to early May: ‘NOT WAVING’ images of the sea by DAVID LAY at Walletts Court Country House Hotel, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe CT15 6EW. For more information, call the artist on 07505 813297 or the hotel on 01304 852424.

Now to 9^th May: SPRING EXHIBITION by Martin Doran at 60 Castle Street, Canterbury CT1 2PY. Tel; 01227 767128; www.starkgallery.com. Martin has recently had confirmation of future shows in London and Chicago – Kentish and Donegal landscapes go global! Therefore, don’t miss this opportunity to see his work locally! He also has work on display at Peche Art Gallery in Sandgate.

Now to 17^th May: Paul Chester – Art Exhibition at The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone. This is the artist’s first public showing.

Now to 23^rd May: Thursday – Sunday 10am - 5.30pm. Opening Exhibition 2010 at the West End House Gallery, Water Lane, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QB. – work by Mandy Munroe, Liz Bradley, Anne Catherine Phillips, Cliff Howe, Annie Soudain, Kaija Bulbrook, Linda Warrick, John Pollex, Pauline Zelinski, Sarah Turrell, Jean McCree and Max Jacquard  Opening times: Telephone 01233 770261; www.wehg.co.uk.

Saturday 1^st to 14^th May: TONY BROOKS at Church Mouse Studio, Hythe. Local artist, Tony’s focus is on watercolour paintings with the local area being his favourite subject. Tel; 01303 237554.

1^st to 23^rd May: OUT OF THE ORDINARY at Peche Art Gallery, 55 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AH – five Kent artists have come together to exhibit their own individual interpretation of everyday vistas in an exciting visual collection ranging from abstract to reality art. www.pecheart.co.uk.

14 May – 26 May: Martin Everett - Residence at Georges House Gallery, the Old High Street, Folkestone. The photographs on display form part of an ongoing body of work created at the homes of former artists and writers throughout the south of England, and were taken over a three month residency at Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. Martin Everett’s photographs “generate a powerful atmosphere and sense of place…infused with desire, uncertainty and expectation associated with darkness and the unseen”. www.strangecargo.org.uk

18^th May to 28^th June: SHEPWAY’S SOUTH EAST OPEN STUDIO ARTISTS at Lydd Library Gallery, Lydd – the participating artists will be giving a preview of the work that can be seen in their studios in June. The library is open Monday and Friday 9 am-5pm, Tuesday 2-5pm, Thursday 9am -1pm and Saturday 10am -2pm. Studios will be open from the 4th - 20th of June and guides will shortly be available, or visit: www.seos-art.org

19^th to 31^st May, 10am – 6pm: FOLKESTONE ART SOCIETY SPRING EXHIBITION at The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone. Over 200 works of art by professional and amateur artists. Free admission. Members will also compete in the art competition entitled ‘With Flying Colours’, which will be held separately in the Palm Court Restaurant. Also on Wednesday 26^th May, 2pm: The FAS presents a talk and presentation by Alan Luff - come and share Alan’s painting skills and his knowledge of jazz. Free to members, £5 for non-members.www.folkestoneartsociety.co.uk.

       
Influx – The People’s Festival 
Festival Dates: 10^th May-15^th May 2010- most events are FREE

Dedicated to promoting The Arts in Folkestone and the surrounding area, the level 5 students of the Performing Arts FD at University Centre Folkestone bring you a week-long festival.

Most of the events are free, unless stated otherwise-visit us at www.influxfestival.co.uk for more information on events and locations and where to pick up a programme!

DRAMA

Tuesday 11^th, 7 - 9 pm: Another Night at Daryl’s at Quarterhouse.

Thursday 13^th, 7 – 8pm: Hmmm at Quarterhouse; 8 – 9pm: Butterflies Don’t do Maths at Quarterhouse; 9 – 11pm: The Nothings at Quarterhouse

Friday 14^th, 7 – 11pm: Variety Night at Quarterhouse

DANCE

Tuesday 11^th, 10am – 12noon: Dance Visions at University Centre Folkestone; 10pm – midnight: Viata at Quarterhouse

Wednesday 12^th, 2 – 5pm: Dance workshop with David Echo at UCF

Thursday 13^th: 10am – 12noon: Dance workshop with Steph Clarke at UCF

Saturday 15^th, 6 – 7pm: Hip Hop session with Hannah Griffiths at Quarterhouse

MUSIC

Monday 10^th May, 7 – 11pm: Band Night at Homeground Café Bar

Wednesday 12^th, 8 – 11pm: Acoustic Night at The Bank, Tontine Street

Friday 14^th, 7 – 11pm: Variety Night at The Quarterhouse

Saturday 15^th, 7 – 10pm: Choir Event featuring University Centre Folkestone Choir at The Quarterhouse

WORKSHOP

Monday 10^th, 9am – 1pm: Art Workshop at the UCF

Wednesday 12^th, 9am – midday: Pantomime Workshop with Paliev Cristian at UCF; 2 – 5pm: Dance Workshop with David Echo at UCF

Thursday 13^th, 10am to 4pm: Mosaic Workshop with Jo Letchford at UCF

Saturday 15^th, 10am – 4pm: Film Workshop with Zachary Cooke at UCF; midday to 6pm: Musical Theatre Workshop with Max Reynolds at UCF; 6 – 7pm: Hip Hop Session with Hannah Griffiths atQuarterhouse.

       
THE THIRD SACCONI CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL – 14^th to 16^th MAY    
The 2010 Sacconi Chamber Music Festival has a Bohemian theme and features works by Smetana, Dvorak and Janacek – the three great names of Czech music. Not sure what to expect? Then come along to SS Mary & Eanswythe church in The Bayle, Folkestone on Saturday 8 May from 11am for a FREE TASTER of what is to come. The Sacconi Quartet will be there playing excerpts from some of the major works that feature in the Festival and other well-known classics and talking about the music. This is an informal event - please feel free to walk in and out!! Tea and coffee will be available.

This year’s Festival takes place from Friday May 14th to Sunday May 16th at the Parish Church of SS Mary & Eanswythe, The Bayle, Folkestone, CT20 1SW and will bring you chamber works by Smetana, Janacek and Suk as well as Dvorak's ‘American’ quartet, and his exuberant piano quintet. We will have contributions from eminent guest performers, including violist Jiri Zigmund from the renowned Wihan Quartet and phenomenal pianist Alasdair Beatson. Legendary actor Timothy West will be joining the Sacconis, as narrator, in Janacek's "Intimate Letters" - a specially commissioned work by Justin Pearson. We will also be joined by the wonderful Badke Quartet in a performance of Mendelssohn's sublime Octet.

Running alongside the performances is an extremely important thread of the Festival: the Outreach Programme. What the Sacconi wishes to achieve in Folkestone is a breaking down of barriers between people and classical performance. We aim to bring the whole community closer to this amazing art form that so many people still feel excluded from. With this in mind the Sacconi will take chamber music into schools, refugee centres, prisons and residential care homes, bringing music to those who might not otherwise come or be able to come to concerts. For programme details visit www.sacconi.com/festival

Box Office: 01303 858500, www.quarterhouse.co.uk

       
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND ASHFORD
Now to 12^th May: SEOS Preview Exhibition at The Art Room, 16 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR. For more information, email info_at_theartroomashford_dot_co_dot_uk; tel: 01233 665845.

For all the latest arts news in Ashford, visit: www.ashfordpresents.co.uk      
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND CANTERBURY     
Every Saturday from 1^st May, 9pm till late: Afro-Caribbean Party at Cromwell’s Wine Bar, 51 King Street, Canterbury CT1 2AR. For further information, contact Severin at dockyoko_at_yahoo_dot_fr or phone 07876 014391.

7^th to 16^th May: Sounds New Contemporary Music Festival.

A 10-day festival including: from Croatia: Cantus Ansambl; from Germany: Ensemble Modern (conducted by Ilan Volkov); from France: Ensemble Intercontemporain; from the UK the CBSO Chamber Players, the Aurora Orchestra (directed by Nick Collon) and  the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band - and much more. With films, workshops, a massive variety of education events, a major international conference, a residential course for contemporary music aficionados, an international composers' competition funded by the EU, installations, lunchtime concerts, outdoor events, evening performances and late-nite gigs, Sounds New has something for all tastes, be it seemingly conservative or just plain wild! The Festival is once again being recorded by BBC Radio 3; www.soundsnew.org.uk.

Saturday 22^nd May, 7.30pm: Tongue Tide at the Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable – an Apples and Snakes spoken word and performance poetry event. For further information, visit www.livelit.co.uk.

The Gulbenkian, for full programme information, visit: www.gulbenkiantheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office: 01227 769075.

Orange Street Music Club,15, Orange Street, Canterbury CT1 2JA

For info, visit:www.orangestreetmusic.com or phone 01227 760801
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND DOVER  
Saturday 8 May, 8.30pm: Façade: art in public spaces at the former Stagecoach depot site, Russell Street, Dover CT16 1PX - an evening of experimental projections, sound & performance. Artists: Sarah Broome, Roz Cran, Christine Gist, Sharon Haward, Jim Roseveare and Yumino Seki. For information, phone 0788 1441120 / 01304 372414 or email c_dot_gist_at_btinternet_dot_com or sharonhaward_at_hotmail_dot_com.

ASTOR COMMUNITY THEATRE – Stanhope Road, Deal CT14 6AB

Events in May include:

2^nd: Steve-Fest: a day and night of metal/rock/hardcore/punk/thrash bands

7^th: Classic Cinema: Casablanca, 2.30pm & The Hurt Locker, 8pm

8^th: Craig Sheridan EP Launch

16^th: Trains 4 Deal present: The Railway Children at 6pm

22^nd: Rockfest – monthly platform for live local rock bands

23^rd: Family Film Matinee: Fantastic Mr Fox

24^th: Film Club: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

29^th: Burlesque Workshop

29^th: Classified Theatre: A Glimpse of Stocking

For event details and ticket prices, please visit www.theastor.org.uk

The White Cliffs Creatives’ Guild: for an update on events & activities, visit: www.wccg.org.uk

Dover Arts Development (DAD), for up-to-date news visit: www.dadonline.eu/

The Roundhouse, for events info call Box Office 07788 497921.

       
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND THANET 
Saturday 1^st May, 3pm: Book launch: Maggie Harris’s 3^rd Collection of Poetry ‘After a Visit to a Botanical Garden’ at Ramsgate Library. 'Maggie's poems dart like hummingbirds: vivid, precise, lyrical, playful and singing with a chorus of voices.' Maggie Butt. '... a subtly orchestrated collection, telling of journeys and arrivals and dispersals. ... poems at times powerful and moving, at other times witty and tender, and always absorbing.' Abdulrazak Gurnah. Free tickets from Ramsgate Library.

Theatre Royal Margate for details of all events visit www.theatreroyalmargate.com or phone the Box Office: 0845 1301786 or 01227 787787.

       
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN OTHER PARTS OF KENT     
Now until 29^th May: Cross Purposes at Mascalls Gallery in Paddock Wood, West Kent. Since opening on 5^th March the current exhibition has received national publicity with Critic’s Choice in the Financial Times, Pick of the Week in the Times on Saturday, a feature on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour and on BBC Radio 3’s Night Waves as well as numerous articles in regional newspapers and magazines. Recently, there was also a review in The Spectator which is available to read online: http://www.spectator.co.uk/spectator/thisweek/5879613/time-for-thought.thtml

The exhibition continues until 29^th May, after which it is unlikely that Marc Chagall’s drawings for the windows of Tudeley church (included in Cross Purposes) will return to the UK. Make sure you don’t miss the gem on your doorstep. www.mascallsgallery.org.

Saturday 22^nd to 31^st May, 10am to 6pm: The Pilgrim’s Way Artists’ 13^th Annual Summer Exhibition in the 14^th century Tithe Barn, Lenham Village, near Maidstone. 30 local artists, potters and sculptors exhibiting over 300 works, entry free, illustrated catalogue £1. Wednesday 26^th, 6.30pm to 9pm: Artists ‘Demo’ Evening, admission £5 including refreshments. Enquiries: Yvonne 01233 770425 or Janet 01622 863554.

For information on arts events in and around Maidstone, including the Hazlitt Art Centre, Arts Programme at Maidstone Museum and other art venues, contact: EmilySmith_at_maidstone_dot_gov_dot_uk.

For information on all events at the Hazlitt Theatre, contact the Box Office on 01622 758611.  
GENERAL NOTICES

EVENTS AT THE AMPHITHEATRE

There are several events planned for this summer at the amphitheatre in Folkestone’s coastal park. For programme information, please go to www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk. In addition to the website for details of events across the whole district the council, in partnership with Discover Folkestone, is producing three summer events leaflets, one each for June, July and August. Contact arts_at_shepway_dot_gov_dot_uk if you would like to know where you can pick these up.

Anyone can apply to put on their own public event at the amphitheatre, or even elsewhere in the park. For information on this, please email beverley_dot_saunders_at_shepway_dot_gov_dot_uk or phone 01303 853464.

SELLINDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL – 11^th to 13^th JUNE

There will be five jam-packed music stages, a designated theatre and performing arts arena, an inspiring interactive children's play area, live comedy, an outdoor cinema, a marketplace, an enticing European food court and funfair rides at this year’s Sellindge Music Festival. Local collaborators include Sideways Recordings (Sandgate) who are returning with their chill-out area, The Side Lounge. Media production company Eighteen Seven (Folkestone) will also be on hand to film the event, while the BBC Introducing Stage will also return, featuring the best of Kent’s music scene.

Some of the acts booked so far are: Reverend & the Makers, Sugar Hill Gang, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Goldie Lookin’ Chain Sound System, Johnny Foreigner, Liam Frost, Jack Beats, Qemists, Stenchman, JFB + Ed Solo (Battlejam), The Foxes, The Lowdown, Yousef, Meri Everitt, Heels Catch Fire, The Black Hats, Lostaura, The Reverence, Lee Westwood, Wasp Factory, Mean Poppa Lean and many more. For the full line up, go to www.sellindgemusicfestival.co.uk SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER: there is a special Bank Holiday Bonanza on Tickets - basically, bring a friend and get 50% off – only available if you book this weekend (Friday to Monday) http://sellindgemusicfestival.co.uk/news/bank-holiday-bonanza/

SHEPWAY FIND YOUR TALENT

Shepway Find Your Talent is distributing £145,870 to 43 schools across the district for pupils to participate in cultural activities in and outside the classroom. The funds are being spread across all the district’s schools in response to a survey of 12,000 young people carried out by Shepway Find Your Talent. The survey revealed the kind of cultural and creative activities young people in the area enjoyed and wanted to try. Each of the 43 schools is receiving £10 per pupil to help involve children and young people in art, music, film-making, photography, circus skills, dance and theatre. Pupils will be encouraged to develop their own professional skills under professional guidance, as well as travel to shows and exhibitions beyond the district and learn more back in the classroom.

FREE TASTER BELLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Thursday 20^th May, 6 – 8pm at University Centre Folkestone.

An introduction to gothic belly dance with Angela Wooi – in this highly stylised fusion dance form you will learn core steps and combinations and how to add theatricality and drama to some fantastic music. Suitable for all ages and those with no dance experience – as well as people who would like to try something new and give themselves a challenge. To book a place please contact Jane Seaman on 01303 760600 or email jane_dot_seaman_at_canterbury_dot_ac_dot_uk.

ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE CLASSES

For May and June, discover the Pilates and Yoga relationship in our Strictly Dance Steps programme. This sensual dance uses body strengthening, balance, co-ordination and shows you how to work with a partner (male and female) in precise body trimming movements to the tempo of this fascinating Argentinean music. Gain energy and friends from music and movement through the various tempos of Tango, Milonga and the use of alternative Pilatango every Tuesday from 8.00 pm to 11.00 pm at All souls Church Hall (entrance), Somerset Road, Cheriton, Folkestone. Price - £4.00 per session (first session free). Optional healthy snacks and drinks available to accompany your fitness levels. Call Michael on 01303 277715 or visit website www.ican-2.org for further details.

Our email address info_at_ican-2_dot_org.

FOLKESTONE DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

For our April lecture Dr Anne Anderson captivated us with a colourful roller-coaster ride through the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.  What a story!

Thursday 27 May at 2.30pm – DIEGO VELAZQUEZ, THE PAINTER’S PAINTER

It was Manet who thus described arguably the greatest Spanish painter of the Golden Age.  Tracing the artist’s early life in Seville and his distinguished career as pinto del rey to Philip IV in Madrid. Meetings are held at The Tower Theatre, North Road, Shorncliffe, Folkestone. Visitors are welcome at £5. Info: e-mail folkestone_at_nadfaskentarea_dot_org_dot_uk or telephone 01303 239530 or visit our website: www.nadfaskentarea.org.uk

VISIT TO THE CHURCHES OF ROMNEY MARSH – SUNDAY 1^st JUNE

The members of the Canterbury Historical Society have invited the ‘Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival’ to join them in a visit to the Churches of Romney Marsh on Sunday 13^th June. Anyone wishing to go on this visit or who wishes to join the Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival should contact info_at_friendsoffolkestonebookfestival_dot_co_dot_uk.

UPCOMING COURSES AT THE CUBE

Saturday 15^th May: Adult Learners Week Open Day

Free Taster Sessions for you to try something new in Spanish, French, Creative Writing, IT, Pilate, Textiles, Jewellery Making, Printmaking, Drawing. Receive Information on our new courses for 2010 - 2011. Charity Raffle with prizes donated by P&O Ferries, Cineworld, Cross's, Cotswold, Wyevale and Moda. For more information, visit: www.kentadulteducation.co.uk or phone 0845 6065606.

university centre folkestone (ucf) OPEN DAY

Tuesday 11^th May from 4-8pm: Open Day for Adults - an information afternoon/eve for adults interested in studying higher education locally. There will be a chance to look around the campus and talk to staff about the programmes we run here in Performing Arts, Dance Education, Visual Art and Design, Creative Writing and Early Years. There will also be info about finance and student support.  For more info on this event and on all the courses available, contact jane_dot_seaman_at_canterbury_dot_ac_dot_uk.

FRIENDS OF THE FOLKESTONE BOOK FESTIVAL

AGM: Members are reminded that the AGM will be on Sunday 6^th May at Keppels at The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone. Anyone wishing to join the Friends, please contact Jo Olliver on 01303 247775 or email: info_at_friendsoffolkestonebookfest_dot_co_dot_uk.

Short Story Competition: To coincide with the Roman Villa excavations on Folkestone's East Cliff, this year's short story competition subject will be entitled "Hidden Treasure."  Entrants should submit a fictional, historical story connected in some way with the Roman or Anglo Saxon settlements in Kent. It can involve love, mystery, crime, battles, or archaeology. You are invited to submit an unpublished piece of fiction of up to 1,000 words, and entry forms are available from Eve McBride - tel. 01303 243466 or email: evemcbride1_at_yahoo_dot_co_dot_uk.  There is no entry fee, and the competition is open to all. There are three age categories: 11 and under, 12 – 17 and 18 and over, with prizes of £100 for the over 18’s and £50 each for the younger categories.

Art In The Park - Furniture- Art

Furniture-Art has now completed the sculptured play zone in Cheriton Park, commissioned by Shepway District Council as part of Phase 1 of the regeneration of the area. It is situated on the other side of the path below the new slide, swing and climbing installations. Its aim is to stimulate imaginative play through celebrating Folkstone and the Nepalese culture. Jason Harris, owner of Furniture–Art, held workshops with children at the local schools of Pent Valley and All Souls to get creative input to assist and influence the design. The children were given the themes of mountains (Nepal), sea (Folkstone) and sky as this links both places together. Furniture-Art has a wide portfolio of work and undertakes all types of creative projects that are wood-based. To find out more about the company, please go to www.furniture-art.co.uk or phone 01233 811884 and ask to speak to Jason.

Predicting The Fall

We are a pop-punk/hardcore band based in Canterbury for fans of A Day to Remember, Four Year Strong and Finch. We're looking to book gigs from May 2010 onwards and are flexible with dates and travelling. First recordings can be sent by request if you drop us an email through our website although they're only home recordings until we go into the studio in the summer. Anyone wishing to contact the band, please go to: www.predictingthefall.com.

New companY set up in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter

Pavement Pounders: Artist David Lay and writer Dr. Maryanne Grant Traylen are basing their business, which is now a Community Interest Company, in Folkestone’s Old High Street in the heart of the Creative Quarter. Their first local guided walk “Pavement Pounders at the Seaside” was commissioned by the Creative Foundation as part of the 2009 Folkestone Book Festival and they have been asked to devise another different walk for the 2010 Book Festival. Meanwhile they lead people on walks from Sandgate to the Creative Quarter, emphasizing the literary and artistic riches of the area. The walk finishes at the Chimaera Gallery in Tontine Street. Light refreshments are provided. These walks will be held on the last Sunday of each month through spring and summer. To book, contact David or Maryanne on 01303-227150, mobile 07505813297; e-mail: pavementpounders_at_gmail_dot_com.

NEW FINE ART SUPPLIES SHOP OPENS IN THE CREATIVE QUARTER

MK Artlab: Practicing artist Kate Knight has opened MK ART LAB, a new shop providing fine art supplies for professional, student and amateur artists. MK ARTLAB is open Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm, Sundays 10.30 – 4.30pm at 45 The Old High Street, Folkestone CT20 IRN. MK ARTLAB stocks A2, Bockingford, Esconda, Faber Castell, Golden Acrylic, Isabey, Lakas, Mabel, Michael Harding, Raphael, Roberson and Co, Sennelier, Spectrum, Unison, Windsor & Newton and more. Call 01303 245161 for information.

Lead artist required for watercolour workshops

Leysdown rose tinted is an ambitious approach to urban renewal, with arts as the driving force for transformational change and economic uplift in Leysdown in Kent. As part of this ambitious programme, a rose garden will be planted on the spinney in Leysdown to create both an air of abundance and a lavish scent to the area. The watercolour workshops will be used to produce a colour palette for the garden. The lead artist will need to demonstrate watercolour techniques and guidance, working with a maximum of 20 participants, in the locality and will be required to work on an evening, weekday and Saturday workshop. Budget including expenses £1,050. Contact for further information Louisefrancis_at_swale_dot_gov_dot_uk. Deadline 7^th May.

CREATIVITY & CREATIVE THINKING WORKSHOP – 17^th & 18^th MAY

Takes place in Maidstone - £199 per person; includes free Creative Thinking Toolkit. For further information, please contact niki_at_3sectorsolutions_dot_co_dot_uk or phone 07748 993473.

Tamalpa Life Art Classes - with Lian Wilson

“In each one of us lives a story, a palette of images and experiences stored in our muscles and bones, organs and body parts.” If your body could speak what would it say? Tamalpa Life Art Ò draws upon the wisdom of the body, generating new resources for creative expression and a healthier body and lifestyle. This 6six-week series of classes will introduce participants to this unique approach to Health & Expressive Arts. Each week participants will explore a different body part, through movement explorations, creative drawing and poetry; participants will tap into current life themes and find new ways to create a healthier life. Suitable for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of their own body: as a catalyst for their individual growth, creativity and wellbeing. Cost: £5; starting Friday 7^th May  7 – 8.30pm. Venue: Dance Easy, 19 The Bayle, Folkestone CT20 1SQ. For enquires and bookings, email lianvwilson_at_gmail_dot_com, phone 07971070620 or visit www.tamalpa.org.

AESTHETICA INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION

The competition is well on its way and Aesthetica has had a fantastic response from artists working in film and video. Although 30^th April was the deadline that the entry fee must be paid, Aesthetica is offering people a bit of leeway on the films and is accepting films up until 15^th May. For further information, contact bryony_at_aestheticamagazine_dot_com.

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2010 - Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 June

OPEN FILM PROGRAMME

The Village Screen project, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, is looking for a mix of inspiring, funny, original and challenging films made by people attending the Glastonbury Festival 2010 to show on our big screens (25²m) at the Meeting Point.

Anyone attending the festival this year, who has made a film or wants to make one in advance, is encouraged to bring a copy to the Village Screen organisers, who will consider it for the early evening (1800-1900) or after dark screening slots (2100-2230; 0000-0130) on Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 June 2010. The deadline for submissions is 4^th May. For further information, please email: caterina_dot_loriggio_at_london2012_dot_com.

THE WINNER OF SHOW:EDINBURGH

Canterbury-based Beady Eye will be the first recipient of Year One Consulting’s SHOW: fund and will receive up to £1000 towards expenses of taking their work ‘Senior Moments’ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010. Beady Eye’s performers create innovative contemporary theatre and performance projects, using puppetry, objects, projection, words, soundscapes, sport and the world around them. Their show, ‘Senior Moments’, is a live choreography event with a ‘cast’ of over 65s, who will be spontaneously encountered in Edinburgh streets, bingo halls, cafes and churches in the week leading up to the performance. After Edinburgh, Beady Eye will bring the project back to Kent to show across four venues. ‘Senior Moments’ is the first chapter of a body of work that will ultimately bring together elderly people and pre-school infants to work alongside each other. Beady Eye is currently touring ‘Everything Must Go’, a moving meditation on love, loss, memory and play, which won a Total Theatre Award in 2009. Visit http://kristinfredrickkson.mf.biz.com for dates and venues.

DANCE GRAND PRIX ITALY – 24^th to 27^th JUNE

Are you interested in performing? The Dance Grand Prix Festival draws thousands of people from all across Europe and other parts of the World. For further information, contact awarddance2010_at_tiscali_dot_it.

SANDGATE ART & CRAFTS FAIR

New to Sandgate and starting on Saturday 8th May from 10.00am until 4.00pm at The Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate – The Sandgate Art and Crafts Fair - to be held monthly on the second Saturday of the month from May to September. Stalls cost £10 per day, refreshments and facilities are available at the Hall. Fair dates: Saturday 8th May, Saturday 12th June, Saturday 10th July, Saturday 14th August, Saturday 11th September and Saturday 11th December. For more information or to book a space to sell your work on one or more of the above dates please contact mirandabest_at_talktalk_dot_net

Dealing with Writing

Writing Plays for Young People - Weekend workshops by the sea for every writer

Saturday June 5^th 11.30 - 6.00pm and Sunday June 6^th 10 - 4.30pm, at the Royal Hotel, Deal, Kent. Workshop leaders: Lin Coghlan and Philip Osment. Cost: 175. Bookings: info_at_dealingwithwriting_dot_com and 01304 367625;

www.dealingwithwriting.com.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS (16-25) IN SHEPWAY!

Bluesky Pie is staging the Folkestone Fringe Festival from 11^th-13^th June 2010 and requires the assistance of 24 young volunteers for the organisation/co-ordination of this three day event. The 24 young volunteers will be divided into 3 working groups; each group will have responsibility for the co-ordination of one out of the three days of the festival. These three working groups will be given guidance and support from experienced Events Managers and staff from Bluesky Pie. The young volunteers will be expected to commit to one meeting a week, from the week commencing 26/4/2010 until the week of the Fringe Festival. Bluesky Pie is offering fantastic training opportunities to young volunteers, which will include: first aid, skills in customer service, IT, marketing, event management, and event marshalling. Bluesky Pie has created these opportunities in the hope that young volunteers will have the confidence and ability to create and promote their own events/gigs in the future. Anyone interested please contact Jessica Twydall, Youth Volunteer Advisor, vinvolved team (Shepway) on 07702 502407 or 01227 455187 or email her at jessica_dot_twydall_at_vsuinkent_dot_org.

H.G. Wells Festival – SHORT STORY COMPETITION – reminder!

This competition has a prize fund of £1,250!.Stories must be sent to Somerville Lodge, Hillside, Sandgate, CT20 3DB by July 20. Entry forms are required and can be downloaded from www.wellsfestival.comm.

ARTS ON PRESCRIPTION – SEMINAR SERIES 2010 – reminder!

Now to 8^th June, 1pm – 3pm at University Centre Folkestone

The Sidney De Haan Centre is exploring the possibility of an ‘arts on prescription’ scheme in Folkestone and these events will help to develop proposals for such a project. For further details of the Centre’s work, please see: www.canterbury.ac.uk/centres/sidney-de-haan-research/index.asp

       
FUNDING INFORMATION    
For the latest ‘Inside Track’ newsletter produced by Kent County Council External Funding Unit, please go to www.shepway.gov.uk/arts

       
WEB LINKS      
Shepway District Council – Arts & Culture: www.shepway.gov.uk/arts

Performing Arts Network Kent (PANeK is funded by EKLAAP, KCC, Arts Council England and Future Creative): www.panek.org.uk

Performing Literature : East Kent Live Lit: www.livelit.co.uk

Club Shepway: www.clubshepway.com

FAC (Folkestone Artists Cooperative): www.folkestoneartists.org.uk

FAS (Folkestone Art Society): www.folkestoneartsociety.co.uk

DFAS (Decorative & Fine Arts Society): www.nadfaskentarea.org.uk

Folkestone Camera Club: www.folkestonecameraclub.co.uk
Folkestone Film Factory: www.folkestonefilmfactory.com

Folkestone Fringe: www.folkestonefringe.com

FHODS (Folkestone & Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society): www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk

FHOS (Folkestone & Hythe Orchestral Society): www.fhos.co.uk

White Cliffs Creatives’ Guild: www.wccg.org.uk

White Shed (artists): www.whiteshed.co.uk

Shepway venues:

Leas Cliff Hall: www.leascliffhall.co.uk; on-line brochure link:

http://www.livenationstheatres.co.uk/uploads/documents/doc_839.pdf

Quarterhouse: www.quarterhouse.co.uk

The Tower Theatre: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk

Live music at Hayne Barn, email: haynebarn_dot_events_at_gmail_dot_com

Music events at The Grand: www.grand-uk.com

For information on many events and activities in Shepway:

DFHRM: www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk

Send information about your events & activities to:

DFHRM: www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk

Tourist Information Centre _at_ Stop 24: TIC_at_howletts_dot_net

KmFm: Shepway events slot every Friday at 09.30am during the Adam Dowling breakfast show 96.4 FM on DAB digital radio and on-line at www.kmfm.co.uk

FUSE EAST: www.fuseeast.co.uk

Togogo: What’s On activities: www.togogo/info

Channel Web Scene: www.channelwebscene.co.uk

       
If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email: amanda_dot_oates_at_shepway_dot_gov_dot_uk

Amanda Oates

Arts Development Officer

Community Regeneration

Tel: 01303 853464

Fax: 01303 853502

Email: amanda_dot_oates_at_shepway_dot_gov_dot_uk

Shepway District Council

Civic Centre

Castle Hill Avenue

Folkestone. CT20 2QY