26 things to do in Bristol this week, June 20-26 2022

Monday: BLK JKS, Crofters Rights
After falling off the radar, the South African art-rock band are back, bringing their rock’n’roll style to Bristol. Mixing with everyone from TV On The Radio and The Roots to Pharrell Williams and Alicia Keys, the enigmatic band who released their second LP Abantu / Before Humans in 2021, prefer to remain underground. Expect monster grooves mixed with guitar and brass driven afro-rock, echoes of spiritual jazz, post-apocalyptic funk, renegade dub and kwaito.

The South African art-rock band are back – photo: Robin Laananen / Crofters Rights

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Until June 23: UWE Creative Industries Degree Show, Arnolfini
Discover the next generation of culture defining artists and designers at Arnolfini this week, as this year’s graduates transform the space, bringing you a showcase of works from across the creative disciplinaries. There will also be work from previous year’s graduates, who have not had the chance to exhibit their work due to the pandemic.

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Tuesday: Nightmares on Wax, Propyard
Nightmares on Wax has been a pioneer of British electronic music since the late 80s. The stage name of Warp Records-signed producer and DJ George Evelyn, his 1991 debut album A Word of Science: The First and Final Chapter saw him develop what has become Nightmare on Wax’s signature ‘chill’ trip-hop sound, employing hip-hop samples and dubbed out funk and soul loops to create a downtempo vibe. His most recent work Shout Out! To Freedom continues to bring the exuberant grooves he does best and features the likes of Greentea Peng, OSHUN, Shabaka Hutchings and Haile Supreme.

The producer and DJ is known for his  hip-hop samples and dubbed out funk and soul loops to create a downtempo vibe – photo: Bristol Sounds

Tuesday: Wander Gather: Summer Solstice, Springfield Allotments
Celebrate the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer with music, folktales, found sounds, poems, tea and more. Soak up the beautiful views of Bristol from around the campfire as the sun sets on spring, and expect music from folk singer/songwriter Eve Appleton, rituals rooted in ancient times, and an open circle for those wanting to share songs, poems or stories.

Bring your own songs, poems or stories to this special evening – photo: Springfield Allotments

Tuesday: Tirzah, Fiddlers
The English singer-songwriter will be performing her most recent album. The sound of recovery, gratitude and new beginnings, Colourgrade will take its audience on a journey of love similar to that of mother and child, elevating Tirzah’s artistic accomplishment to new levels after the success of her 2018 album Devotion, a melodic journey traversing instrumental experimentation and warm moments of contemplation.

Tirzah’s new album is the sound of recovery, gratitude and new beginnings – photo: Simple Things

Wednesday: Sophie Duker: Edinburgh Comedy Previews 2022, The Wardrobe Theatre
The 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown, Mock the Week and Jonathon Ross’ Comedy Club star joins Phil Ellis ahead of the Edingburgh Fringe. But their careers are at very different points. Duker won the Funny Women Best Comedy Writer in 2021, whilst Ellis is set to perform his latest final stand-up show ever. As the Wardrobe Theatre points out, not getting a ticket for this would be silly.

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Until Thursday: Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Watershed
The much anticipated return of Emma Thompson is not one to be missed. Thompson stars alongside Daryl McCormack in this feel-good sex-positive comedy about a retired schoolteacher yearning for some more adventure in the bedroom.

A feel-good sex-positive comedy – photo: Nick Wall

Wednesday-August 20: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Eastville Park Swimming Pool
Shakespeare’s comedy bursts to life this summer in Eastville Park as spectators witness the acclaimed production in an open-air swimming pool. Produced by Insane Root, the show promises to transport audiences to Athens through immersive lighting, a-cappella harmonies and belly laughs. Their performance of Romeo and Juliet was a huge success so be sure to get tickets early for the latest show.

Wednesday & Sunday: Elton John, Ashton Gate Stadium
Farewell Yellow Brick Road is the final tour for Elton John. “I’m going to go out in the biggest possible way, performing at my very best, with the most spectacular production I’ve ever had, playing in places that have meant so much to me throughout my career,” the artist born Reginald Dwight said as he announced this tour.

Wednesday-June 27: Bristol Sounds, Lloyds Amphitheatre
Following a two-year hiatus, Bristol Sounds is returning to the harbourside. Acts this year are Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The War on Drugs, Elbow, Paolo Nutini, Jungle and First Aid Kit.

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Thursday: Paolo Nutini, Lloyds Amphitheatre
Paolo Nutini’s vocal range continues to spellbind audiences globally. From the fast-paced up-beat sounds of Jenny Don’t Be Hasty to the raw and heartbreaking moans of Iron Sky, Nutini brings a depth of emotion and range to his performances that is matched by few. Watch him perform live as part of Bristol Sounds.

Paolo Nutini will grace Bristol for the first time in around eight years – photo: Plaster

Thursday: The Sewer Cats, The Exchange
It’s a difficult thing to be able to marvel at the Davids and Goliaths in equal measure. Swinging way across the spectrum are The Sewer Cats, a Manchester-based punk duo delivering riotous tunes of patriarchy-smashing fury. Expect gnarly local doompunk and angular psyche in what is sure to be a ferocious performance.

Thursday: Cotham Club Presents: A flower is Not a Rat, Cotham parish church
In the latest instalment of Cotham Club’s nights, the “Jewish Geordie” Ruth Steinberg weaves stories from her Jewish culture to heal the world. With personal stories, folktales and Yiddish songs, be prepared to be immersed in a journey that will make you laugh and cry. Steinberg will be joined by Chai For All, a multinational, multilingual ensemble touring Middle Eastern and Jewish music sets, in what will be a truly special evening.

Thursday: Cheek2Cheek, Crofters Rights
In what will be Bristol24/7’s very own What’s On Editor’s first ever event for his garage label, Belters, Miles Arnold will be showcasing some of the finest talent in Bristol’s underground scene. Cheek2Cheek will take Crofters for their inaugural knees up, and will see Bristol’s finest selectors going head to head. Miles is driving the garage train and we’re all just passengers.

This will be Belters’ first event in Bristol – Photo: Miles Arnold

Friday: Sandor Katz, B&A Church Hall
The self-taught fermentation revivalist from rural Tennessee will be discussing his books, his travels, and his lifetime of experience with fermentation. Organised by Gloucester Road Books as part of Independent Bookshop Week, the talk will see Katz carry out a real life demonstration and a book signing of his most recent work, Fermentation Journeys.

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Friday: Little Amal, starts at Bristol Old Vic
A 3.5m tall puppet representing a Syrian refugee has walked nearly 5,000 miles across Europe. Little Amal comes to Bristol on Friday and everyone is invited to welcome her and walk with her around our city.

Friday: Our Skin: Film and Performance, The Cube
Director Yael Karavan returns to the independent cinema with an ambitious new project exploring the collective and embodied response to the ecological crisis, in collaboration with dancer Rita Vilhena. Filmed in the Portuguese wilderness of Coentral Grande, the artistic project composes images through micro and macro lenses of skin and trees, forcing us to question our innate connection to nature.

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Friday: The Dead South, Marble Factory
Hailing from the Canadian prairies of Saskatchewan, The Dead South have earned a strong reputation for their high-energy bluegrass and neo-folk concoctions. Since the release of their debut album Good Company in 2014 the quartet, helmed by singer Nate Hilts, has continued to hone their impactful sound that draws on everything from punk to classical delivered with a vivid, lilting dynamism.

The band’s sound draws on everything from punk to classical – photo: The Dead South / Marble Factory

Friday: ‘Human Sacrifice’, 12-16 Bond Street
Introducing work from two up-and-coming Bristol-based visual artists, this exhibition will delve into the human psyche for one night and one night only. Full of bold colour, emotion, eccentric imagery and multimedia work, artists Max Middlewood and James Watts will call into question everything we know about ourselves.

Forget everything you know about yourself… – photo: James Watts and Max Middlewood

Friday: Loam, Bristol Old Vic
Singing plants, menacing tree-kickers, armpit moss and useless executives collide in Bea Roberts’ timely, utopian eco-comedy, Loam. Directed by Marcus Romer, the graduating Professional Acting cohort from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School will present the production – originally commissioned in 2019 – on Bristol Old Vic’s main stage.

Bristol Old Vic’s first utopian eco-comedy – photo: Bristol Old Vic

Friday: Canapé presents: Jossy Mitsu, The Exchange
Watch out, it’s bounce time. Showcasing some of the UK’s finest garage, techno and breakbeat under one roof, Jossy Mitsu will be headlining Canapé Records latest event. Championing a vibrant UK Bass sound, Jossy Mitsu holds a residency at the famed Fabric nightclub in London. Mitsu will be joined by Bristol-based Longeez and Badnew.

Friday to Sunday July 10: Queer Vision Film Festival
As part of Bristol Pride, the Queer Vision Film festival will showcase a diverse programme of UK and International LGBT+ films including independently-made features, animation and award-winning short films. Highlights include Kajillionaire, a comedy-drama portrait of a family of desperate scammers directed by Miranda July.

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Friday: Elvis, Watershed
Director Baz Luhrmann explores the life and music of the hip-shakin’, pelvis-rockin’  Elvis Presley, seen through the eyes of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager.

Get your dancing shoes on for Baz Luhrmann’s latest release -photo: Watershed / Warner Bros.

Saturday: Health and Beauty – ambient babestation and more, Strangebrew
Health and Beauty are returning to the dance floor for a night of house, techno and electro. With ASMR-fuelled beats, VHS soaked dug samples and sensual vocal performances, expect a night of queer euphoria and angel delights. Ambient Babestation Meltdown, Henderson and Ophanim will all be welcomed to the stage showcasing their unique takes on the queer club night.

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Saturday: Downs and Gorge (Eastern Side) Wild food foraging, Alderman Proctor’s Drinking Fountain
Local forager and organic vegetable grower Heath Bunting will lead a two hour walk exploring the eastern side of the Downs and the gorge. Budding foragers will be able to learn, identify and forage the surprisingly abundant array of edible foods Bristol’s rural spots have to offer.

The gorge’s hidden nature spots are plentiful at this time of year – photo: Heath Bunting

Sunday: Tour of the caves and bunkers of eastern Avon Gorge, The Lookout Lectern
In another wholesome weekend activity by Heath Bunting, adults and children alike will be taken on an exciting tour of the eastern side of the Avon Gorge, through caves, forts, tunnels and bunkers, including the council nuclear bunker, ‘Jack’s Hole’ and the School Room Cave. Be prepared to scramble, duck and wind through Bristol’s hidden past.

Be prepared to scramble, duck and wind – photo: Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project

Sunday: Traditional Sunday Quiz, The Inn on the Green
What’s a Sunday without a pub quiz? This week’s quiz is brought to you by The Inn on the Green. It’s time to forget that hangover you’ve been nursing in bed all day and head down to the Inn to restart your brain ready for Monday morning, with the help of the pub’s very own landlord Owen as quiz master.

A lighthearted quiz can’t hurt… photo: The Inn on the Green

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Roxy Lanes now taking bookings
Roxy Lanes – which opened in May – boasts a huge variety of games, and massive rock and indie tunes. Including ten pin bowling, duck pin bowling, American pool, batting cages, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, beer pong, basketball and private karaoke rooms. The new location on Union Street also shows live sports.

The Union Street location is your one stop shop for all kinds of games – photo: Roxy Lanes

And coming soon…

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June 29: Judy Collins – SpellBound, Redgrave Theatre
In her 50-plus years in music, Judy Collins has always exhibited impeccable taste in songcraft. Now, in her sixth decade as a singer and songwriter, Judy is experiencing a profound level of growth and prolific creativity.

Experience Judy Collins in her sixth decade of singing – photo: Judy Collins / Redgrave Theatre

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June 1: Wall of Floyd, Redgrave Theatre
For those Floyd fans who have not seen The Wall of Floyd perform before, be prepared for a spectacular show that will remain in your hearts long after the event has ended.

You’ll hardly be able to tell the difference – photo: Wall of Floyd / Redgrave Theatre

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June 13: A Brighter Future: Improving mental health for children and young adults, University of Bristol
The growing pressures of social media and the impact of the pandemic are taking a toll on the mental health of children and young adults today. University of Bristol’s panel of researchers will explore ground-breaking solutions with the potential to create a brighter, healthier future for a generation of young people facing more challenges than ever before. Wine and nibbles are included with your free ticket.

University of Bristol’s panel of researchers explore ground-breaking solutions for a brighter future – photo: University of Bristol

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July 12: Reasons to be Hopeful: Working together to tackle the climate crisis
The next generation of researchers from the University of Bristol will share their reasons to be hopeful in the face of the climate crisis, from tackling climate injustice to detecting climate-related disasters before they happen. Join them at this interactive event to find out more about the latest developments in tackling climate change and get involved in the discussion. Wine and nibbles are included with your free ticket.

Find out about the latest developments in tackling climate change  – photo: University of Bristol

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November 29: Oscar Jerome, Trinity Centre 
Oscar Jerome brings an intoxicating blend of jazz, hip hop, and neo-soul to Trinity. This funky jazzy musician has been carefully honing his skills with Afrobeat group Kokoroko and has collaborated with other jazz giants such as Moses Boyd and Shabaka Hutchings.

‘An intoxicating blend of jazz, hip hop, and neo-soul’ – photo: Oscar Jerome / Trinity Centre

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November 8: Zeal & Ardour, Trinity Centre
Ranging from blackened metal to soaring gospels, country to the darkest blues, and even electro; Zeal & Ardor are a masterful blend of assorted sound.

‘Blackened metals to soaring gospels, country to the darkest blues’ – photo: Zeal & Ardour / Trinity Centre

Main photo: Bhagesh Sachania

Read more: Full lineup announced for Bristol Sounds

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