Poetry / Poetry
The community poetry events lifting the January blues
What better way to keep the January blues at bay than to dive into the flourishing Bristol poetry scene?
Founder of monthly sell-out night Under the Red Guitar (at El Rincón bar), Bob Walton is an instrumental figure in keeping the community connected and sharing community poetry events more widely.
Bristol24/7 rounds up some of the upcoming events he has cited, set to light up the darkest time of the year for poetry fans.
is needed now More than ever
Infringed Poetry, The Bristol Fringe, 7.30pm, January 9
There are 24 five minute slots at this regular open mic night, hosted by Max Hamlyn. New faces and first-time performers are encouraged.
Artwork: Infringed Poetry
Comfort in Chaos, The Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon, January 12
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1625 Independent People charity for young homeless people, this will be the first poetry and music event to be held at the newly refurbished Lantern Hall.
“It’s an amazing fusion of breathtaking poetry from Jj (an Under the Red Guitar regular) and Danni,” Walton expains, “folded into an uncategorisable mash-up suite of contemporary jazz, classical, ambient and experimentl music, composed by two of Bristol’s top musicians, Harriet Riley and Pete Judge, and performed by an astonishing seven-piece band.
“Start 2024 with a memorable poetry and music experience. Trust me.”
Poetry in Herons, Herons Bookshop, 5pm, January 13
Tucked inside the historic characterful Clifton Arcade, the small but perfectly formed Herons Bookshop plays host to regular book clubs, author events and a free monthly poetry event.
“It’s a fab little gig in a gorgeous, independent bookshop,” enthuses Walton.
Photo: Herons Bookshop
Melanie Branton: The Full English (hosted by Satellite of Love), The John Sebastian Lightship, 7.30pm, January 15
Linguistics expert and performance poet Melanie Branton explores the history of the English language through a quick-witted, surrealist lens and some silly hats.
Melanie Branton – photo: Satellite of Love
KERTECZ #3, L’Etoile Studio, 7.30pm, January 18
Mark Anthony Pearce hosts the latest iteration of a new monthly event in Old Market, that began in November 2023. Details are yet to be announced.
Satellite of Love, John Sebastian Lightship, 7.30pm, January 24
The monthly poetry night on the lightship features a raft of open mic slots, a community poem, and a platform for local and touring poets – the headliner for this event will be self-styled ‘stand-up poet’ and theatremaker, Johnny Fluffypunk, who has been making work and touring around ad-hoc spaces for 25 years.
Johnny Fluffypunk – photo: Satellite of Love
Silver Street Poetry, St Stephen’s Church, 12.30pm, January 26
On the last Friday of the month, this lunchtime poetry open mic provides enthusiasts with a chance to share their work, or just listen and get inspired. Morag Kiziewicz from Wells Fountain Poets will be guesting at the January event.
Berkeley Square Poetry Revue, Berkeley Square Hotel, 8pm, January 30
A bi-monthly poetry and music event in a cocktail bar setting. For January, poet, visual artist and Bristol Stanza Group coordinator Martin Reiser and award-winning poet Naomi Madlock will be joined on the bill by Jack Helme, with music provided by jazz-folk fusion outfit, Carmina.
Under the Red Guitar returns to El Rincón in February with Kaycee Hill, and then on the 3rd Wednesday of the month; tickets will be on sale from January 17 at www.wegottickets.com. March and April headliners are Manuagh Kelly and Rachael Clyne.
Main photo: 1625 Independent People
Read more: Bertel Martin to perform at monthly poetry night at El Rincón
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