20 things to do in Bristol this week, August 1-7 2022

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Now – September 11: Earth: Digging Deep in British Art: 1781 – 2022, RWA
Bringing together historic, modern and contemporary artworks spanning four centuries, RWA’s summer exhibition Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781 – 2022 invites us to consider our planet in all its abundance, precarity and preciousness. The family space, Spicer+Cole cafe, shop and Kenny Gallery are free entry, tickets to the main exhibition are £8.90 / £4.45 concessions, free for under 21s, students and Art Pass Holders.

The exhibition explores our natural world, and is open until September 11 – Photo: Alice Hendy

Monday: The Drag Dungeoneers, Cloak & Dagger
A combination that I can’t say I have ever conjured up in my mind before, the ever-inventive Cloak & Dagger brings you The Drag Dungeoneers, a crossover between their always electric drag performances and the classic roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. As ever, audience participation is encouraged – you might even get to be part of the final battle.

If there’s anywhere in Bristol that knows how to put on a drag night, it is the Cloak & Dagger – Photo: Miles Arnold

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Monday: Dustbowl Revival, Redgrave Theatre
After throwing five of their own virtual Sway-At-Home festivals during the shut-down featuring nearly forty artists, the always-evolving group of string and brass players are excited to welcome a new wave of talent to the band, after emerging from a pandemic touring hiatus.

Tuesday: Sunshine Corner, YardArts
Located in Kingswood, YardArts is a circus-based performing arts company, delivering performances and workshops suitable for the whole family. Anyone is welcome to get involved if you feel the pull of the circus, or simply observe if not.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaChKQJM4Nb/

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Now – August 14: 169 Annual Open Exhibition – Submissions Open
Submissions for the RWA 169 Annual Open Exhibition are open! The south west’s original Open Exhibition will be returning this year at the RWA between Saturday, October 8 2022 – Sunday, January 8 2023. Now is your chance to be a part of it. Enter your work for the chance to exhibit in the brand-new gallery spaces and online. Submissions open until August 14 2022.

The exhibition takes place every year, and is open to anyone – Photo: Martin Edwards

Wednesday: Open Mic Night, Hen & Chicken
The Hen & Chicken’s monthly open mic night sees some of the finest talent from across Southville converge on the boozer for a variety evening of entertainment. As with any open mic, you never know what you might get, so be sure to get down early and throw your name in the hat.

The North Street pub hosts it’s open mic on the first Wednesday of every month – Photo: Bristol 24/7

Thursday: Ambient Cafe Presents: Dau & Tina Hitchens, Friendly Records
What better way to spend an evening than getting comfortable in Bristol’s friendliest record store and enjoying the ambient acoustic sounds of Brighton & Bristol-based Dau & Tina Hitchens, delivering their melodic, peaceful sounds via guitar, flute, cello and via many other musical mediums.

Friday: Excess presents: Scar Duggy, Kouslin, Josi Devil, Loco Klub
Fans of the dance will know of excess and their many bass-driven exploits over the last couple of years. This one just might be their largest yet, though – taking over both rooms of the infamous Loco Klub, and bringing down some of the UK’s finest talent to pack it out. Expect an incredibly varied evening of a myriad of club sounds.

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Opens Friday: RRR, Watershed
The high-octane and action-packed story about two legendary revolutionaries and their journey away from home before they fight for their country’s freedom in 1920s India.

Friday: Bring Down the Haus: Poetry of Borders, Homelands + Revolution, Bookhaus
An inspiring evening of poetry and spoken word, themed around the idea of borders, homelands and conflicts that have altered the meanings of the two. Joined by some of the South West’s most exciting names on the circuit, it’s not one to be missed.

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Friday – Sunday: Cables & Cameras: Jamaican Independence 60th Anniversary, Watershed
A weekend of screenings and music celebrating 60 years of independence for Jamaica. Join us for Dancehall Queen, Marley, Playing Away and a reggae-inspired DJ set by DJ Style.

Saturday: Middle 8: Summer Sessions Day Party, Black Swan
Middle 8 bring the vibes to the fabled Black Swan this weekend, hosting a day party headed by UK bass titans Riz La Teef and Sam Binga. Cross your fingers for sun and this one should be a mighty vibe.

Saturday: Miya The Sun, Mr Wolfs
A combination of feel-good alternative jazz, soul and hip-hop, Miya The Sun are becoming fast known citywide for their crowd-pleasing sets, perfectly designed for the summer months.

Sunday: Mini Robot Wars BBB: Subterranean Showdown, Loco Klub
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to watch the UK’s finest miniature battle bot teams fight it out in the tunnels of the old ash pits under the train station? Brought to you by Bristol Bot Builders, the festivities kick off at 12:30 – may the best bot win!

And coming soon…

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August 11: MC Yallah & Debmaster, Trinity Centre
MC Yallah is a Kenyan artist based in Uganda, and an affiliate of the big Nyege Nyege crew. Her fierce and intense lyrics are drawn from real-life experiences and often address women’s issues, spreading a powerful message of integrity and self-determination. Plus support from Grove.

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August 16: Raise The Bar: Kat Lyons + Tom Sastry, Trinity Centre
Raise the Bar proudly presents a joint book launch from two of Bristol’s best-loved poets, Kat Lyons (Love Beneath the Nails) and Tom Sastry (You have no normal country to return to). Featuring support from Suzannah Evans and Saili Katebe.

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August 25: Gretchen Peters, St George’s
Beloved Nashville artist Gretchen Peters has been producing gorgeous country tunes for the better part of two decades. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2014, Peters has accumulated accolades as a songwriter for artists from the likes of Etta James to Bonnie Raitt as well as creating emotive solo material. It’s no wonder The Telegraph named her one of the greatest female singer-songwriters of all time. Support comes from Kim Richey.

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August 27: Luisa Omielan – Ten, Redgrave Theatre
Luisa Omielan creates iconic one woman shows. She was the first Comedian to receive a Bafta Breakthrough for stand up. Not the first female comedian. The first.

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August 31: Taraka, Dareshack
Formerly one half of underground cult duo Prince Rama with her sister Nimai, Taraka’s solo venture sees her create infectious and raucous psych-grunge. Last year the New York artist – full name Taraka Larson – released her debut album ‘Welcome to Paradise’: A full-throttle, kaleidoscopic release traversing surf-rock, psychedelia and bratty punk delivered with off-kilter charm and attitude. Carrying on the high-energy that Prince Rama was renowned for, Taraka’s vivid vision and creativity, plus the dynamism of her sound, undoubtedly makes for a compelling live show.

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December 1 – January 15: The Snow Queen, Tobacco Factory
Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best friend Kaj from the icy clutches of The Snow Queen. Bursting with rich acoustic music and brought to life by a multi-talented cast, this unforgettable folk tale is full of heart, courage, and a lot of laughter.

Book before July 31 and save 20 per cent on all tickets.

The Snow Queen is The Tobacco Factory’s Christmas production – Photo: The Tobacco Factory

Main Photo: Martin Edwards

Read more: Weston Wallz Street Art Festival Returns

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