St Ives September Festival 2012 - Blog

Festival Gallery - First Few Days

2011-09-15T12:28:00.001+01:00

St Ives September Festival 2011

I've been out enjoying the festival over the last few days, attending various events and viewing some of the many exhibitions.

Along the way I've been taking a few photos and compiling a Festival Gallery on FaceBook.

I'll keep adding to it as the festival progresses.

Take a look - hope you like it. Comments very welcome:

St Ives September Festival - Gallery

St Ives Cornwall - Open Studios

2011-09-14T13:00:00.000+01:00

Open Studios - St Ives September Festival

Open Studios today around St Ives - with many artists welcoming visitors to see their work.

Many of these are not normally open to the public - so a unique chance to see local artists at work.

Also on Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Wednesday 21st September 2011.

More details and a map are on:
St Ives September Festival - Open Studios

Free Speech - Cafe Art

2011-09-13T15:22:00.001+01:00

Free Speech - Charles Shaar Murray - Anna Chen

A new event to add to the festival calendar.

Free Speech at Cafe Art this Friday (16th September) will feature Charles Shaar Murray and Anna Chen - with readings from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Charles will be reading extracts from his recently published Blues-Rock Horror novel The Hellhound Sample.

Anna will be reading her unique brand of satirical poetry and some short stories from her forthcoming anthology Kicking a Dinosaur.

September Festival - Opening Day

2011-09-11T12:46:00.000+01:00

St Ives September Festival - Flags

I had a wonderful time on the first day of the September Festival.

Headed along the harbour to Norway Square for Poetry and Music in the Square. Saw performance by (among others) - Bob Devereux, Martyn Barker, Gerald Hull and Supurbia.

Poetry and Music in the Square - Martyn Barker

Took a look at the exhibition at St Ives School Of Painting - also enjoyed seeing the newly refurbished studio which looks superb.

St Ives School Of Painting

A "couple" of pints of Rattler at The Sloop and great chat in the company of Rod Bullimore, Charles Shaar Murray, Anna Chen and the guys from Superbia. Then on along St Ives Harbour - where I was hoping to see Boats In The Bay - but only spotted one boat !

St Ives - Boat In The Bay

After that I headed home, then out again to Cafe Art for the opening of their excellent exhibition - Roy Walker:Ten. Pictures of that coming soon.

Click on any of the above pics to enlarge. I've added more photos to:
St Ives September Festival - Gallery

September Festival - Ticket News

2011-09-08T16:16:00.000+01:00

St Ives September Festival 2011

Two event cancellations have been announced today:

The Brodsky Quartet and Jacqui Dankworth - Monday 12th September.
Stalag Happy - Sunday 18th September

In addition - three of the gigs at St Ives Guildhall are now completely sold out:

Show Of Hands - Friday 16th September
Seth Lakeman - Saturday 17th September
Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds - Friday 23rd September

More information on:
St Ives September Festival - Official Website

The Mex Restaurant - Festival Offers

2011-09-08T09:35:00.000+01:00

The Mex St Ives - September Festival Offers

The Mex Restaurant in St Ives have a special offer for festival-goers - a main course and a drink for just £12.95 - available every evening throughout the festival.

They also have a separate offer - 10% off your bill including drinks - available through September, October and November.

An ideal spot for a pre-show or after-show meal - the restaurant is on Gabriel Street just a stones throw from some of the main Festival venues including St Ives Guildhall, The Western Hotel, St Ives Theatre and and St Ives Arts Club. Open from 5.30 pm until late every day.

To cash in you'll need to download vouchers from:
The Mex Restaurant St Ives - September Festival Offers

Bobby Wotnot and Friends - Cafe Art

2011-09-06T12:54:00.000+01:00

Bobby Wotnot - Cafe Art - St Ives

An evening of Live Electronica by Bobby Wotnot and guest artists - plus guitarist / singer / songwriters Rogue Star.

Cafe Art, Royal Square, St Ives - Wednesday 14th September at 7.30 pm.

Candlelit gig, buffet and bar.

Tickets cost £5.00 (to include buffet).
Available in advance from Cafe Art - 01736 799 450.

More Info:
Cafe Art - FaceBook

Guided Tours Of St Ives

2011-09-05T14:44:00.000+01:00

Guided Tours - St Ives Cornwall

Local guide Valerie Hurry will be running Guided Tours Of St Ives throughout the festival.

Monday 12th - St Ives Then and Now - History.
Thursday 15th - St Ives In The Frame - Art and Artists.
Friday 16th - St Ives Then and Now - History.
Monday 19th - St Ives Then and Now - History.
Tuesday 20th - Literary Tour - St Ives Writers
Thursday 22nd - St Ives In The Frame - Art and Artists.
Friday 23rd - St Ives Then and Now - History.

Cost is just £5.00 per person and tours last about an hour and a half with plenty of opportunities to sit. The routes are as level and as easy as is possible in St Ives. No need to book, simply turn up at 11.00 am outside St Ives Guildhall on Street-an-Pol in the centre of town.

It is much more interesting to be shown round town by an experienced guide. You’ll learn things that you can’t pick up on your own and have some fun!

More information is on:
Guided Tours Of St Ives - Website

Live Music - Caroline Dexter - Seagrass Restaurant

2011-09-04T13:45:00.001+01:00

Caroline Dexter - Seagrass Restaurant St Ives

In association with The Unplugged Chameleon - Seagrass Restaurant will be staging Caroline Dexter on Thursday 22nd September at 8.00 pm.

A regular at the monthly Chameleon gigs at St Ives Arts Club - this singer / songwriter will be performing a solo acoustic set.

Seagrass serves modern innovative food using the best Cornish produce. Having opened in May 2011 - the restaurant is already rated by independent reviewers on TripAdvisor as one of the best in St Ives.

Advance booking is strongly recommended. To book a table go to:
Seagrass Restaurant - Reservations

St Ives Arts Club - Festival Events

2011-09-03T11:12:00.000+01:00

A Cornish Life - Tuesday 20th September

St Ives Arts Club have a wonderful and varied programme of events during the festival - encompassing art, film, live music, comedy, poetry and theatre.

One of my favourite festivals venues - atmospheric, small and intimate - plus you can bring your own drinks.

The Members Exhibition opens on Saturday 10th September at 7.00 pm with a party and private view. It is then open every day 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. Work in various media including paintings, sculpture, photography and textile art.

There is a short season of Film Noir Movies - The Maltese Falcon, Laura, Double Indemnity and A Touch Of Evil.

The Arts Club Theatre will be hosting three new productions - Botallack O'Clock, Stalag Happy and A Father For My Son.

Plus Comedy , Poetry and Live Music from - Abducted By Humans, The Unplugged Chameleon, Third Man Theatre Comedy and Music, Cafe Frug and A Cornish Life with Dee and Dave Brotherton.

Tickets are available from St Ives Holidays on St Ives High Street.

Full details of the programme - events and dates - on:
St Ives Arts Club Website

For a pre-show meal - with two special offers for festival goers - and just a one minute walk from the club - check out the great food at:
The Mex Restaurant

Textile Art and Craft Workshops

2011-09-02T12:05:00.000+01:00

Silk Paper Bowl - Jo McIntosh

Textile Artist Jo Mcitntosh will be running three Arts Workshops during the festival:

Papier-Mâché - Tuesday 13th September
Silk Paper Making - Friday 16th September
Simple Bookmaking - Friday 23rd September

A chance to l;earn a new skill, have fun and be creative.

More details are on:
Jo McIntosh - Knit One Weave One

Free Speech - Cafe Art

2011-09-01T11:59:00.000+01:00

Free Speech - Open Session - Cafe Art

Free Speech will be at Cafe Art on Royal Square - every Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the festival from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

An open floor for anyone wishing to share works, perform or do a reading. Come along and be entertained or join in - all welcome.

Also great coffee and cakes - plus the chance to see the exhibition Roy Walker:Ten.

More info on:
Cafe Art St Ives - FaceBook Page

Poetry And Music In The Square

2011-08-31T20:55:00.000+01:00

Charles Shaar Murray - Poetry And Music In The Square

Every day in Norway Square - outside The Mariners Gallery.

A cornucopia of live music, poetry, prose readings, comedy and performance art generally.

Starts at 12.30 pm and runs through to around 2.00 pm.
Traditionally followed by a "couple of pints" at The Sloop.

A free event and a great way to start each day of the festival.

Live Music - The Lifeboat Inn

2011-08-27T14:39:00.001+01:00

Sinpusher - Lifeboat Inn - Wednesday 21st September

The Lifeboat Inn on The Wharf St Ives have published their programme of live music for the festival - with something on every night.

The usual rather unimaginative line-up of mostly cover bands and tribute acts - similar to what they stage throughout the year as the punters munch their pie and chips or watch the football.

A couple of gigs stand out for me though:

The Hothouse Playboys bring their high energy Jive to St Ives on Saturday 17th.

A fantastic double bill of Heavy Rock and Blues - Sinpusher and Devil's Creek - Wednesday 21st.

More details on:
The Lifeboat Inn - FaceBook

Full listings of all the live music throughout the festival on:
St Ives September Festival - Live Music

Festival Competition - Luxury Apartment

2011-08-24T09:43:00.000+01:00

Hawke's Point - Balcony Apartment

Hawke's Point - luxury self catering apartments in Carbis Bay St Ives - are offering a great prize to festival goers - worth £750 !

A luxury balcony apartment (may differ from the one pictured above) for a long weekend during the festival. Check in is on Friday 16th September - check out on Monday 19th September.

The apartment can sleep up to three people and has an ensuite king bedroom and a single bedroom with separate bathroom. As a balcony apartment it boasts unforgettable views from an open plan living area and a large balcony - perfect for dining al fresco!

The competition is free and easy to enter. All you need to do is visit the Hawke's Point FaceBook page and click the "Like" button.

Full details of the competition are on:
Hawke's Point - St Ives September Festival Competition

Live Music - The Castle Inn

2011-08-22T11:43:00.003+01:00

The Crowns - Sunday 11th September

The Castle Inn on Fore Street have a varied programme of live music:

The Crowns - Beers, Beards and Banjos - Sunday 11th.
The Sidewynders - Hits 60's to 90's - Tuesday 13th.
Kola - Folk Collective - Thursday 15th.
The Dowling Thing - Bluegrass Jazz Folk - Sunday 18th.
Kaj - Singer Songwriter - Tuesday 20th.
The Shirts - Classic Rock Covers - Thursday 22nd

Plus the best range of real ales in St Ives on tap.

They also have a fun pub quiz every Monday night - during the festival and throughout the year.

More info on:
The Castle Inn - Website

Ticket News - Adrian Edmondson

2011-08-16T17:07:00.001+01:00

Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds

The festival have posted on Twitter that Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds - at St Ives Guildhall on Friday 23rd September - is heading for a sellout.

Also that tickets are selling fast for Barbara Dickson at The Guildhall on Sunday 11th September.

You can book tickets online using the links above - or call St Ives Visitor Information Centre on 01736 798 577. You can also buy tickets in person from The VIC or Lanhams on High Street.

Update 3rd September 2011: The Ade Edmondson gig is now sold out.

Live Music - Polly Money - Seagrass Restaurant

2011-08-04T14:25:00.000+01:00

Polly Money - Seagrass - Friday 16th September

A new addition to the festival programme today.

In association with The Unplugged Chameleon - Seagrass Restaurant will be staging Polly Money on Friday 16th September at 8.00 pm.

A regular at the monthly Chameleon gigs at St Ives Arts Club - this singer / songwriter is only 16 and just amazing. She will be performing a solo acoustic set.

Seagrass serves modern innovative food using the best Cornish produce. Having opened in May 2011 - the restaurant is already rated by independent reviewers on TripAdvisor as one of the best in St Ives.

Advance booking is strongly recommended. To book a table go to:
Seagrass Restaurant - Reservations

Movie On Porthmeor Beach

2011-08-03T15:30:00.000+01:00

Tate St Ives - Porthmeor Beach

One of the highlights of last year's festival for me was the outdoor screening of Hairspray on Porthmeor Beach outside Tate St Ives.

Great atmosphere, wonderful movie and above all - great fun!

This year's September Festival Film Programme does have a season of classic "Film Noir" movies at St Ives Arts Club. Penwith Film Society will probably be screening a couple of films at The Royal Cinema.

But so far - no movie on the beach - which to me is a great shame.

It would be great if Tate St Ives could organise something again this year. If you agree get in touch with them to let them know why:
visiting.stives@tate.org.uk

As for the choice of movie - for what it's worth - my vote would go to Mamma Mia - and in "Singalong" mode.

Any other ideas - post them below.

St Ives September Festival - Theatre

2011-07-29T10:58:00.000+01:00

Stalag Happy - St Ives Arts Club

The Theatre Programme this year is bigger and better than ever - with nine productions by various companies in a variety of genres at venues all around town.

Venues include St Ives Arts Club, St Ives Theatre, The Western Hotel, Shanty’s Miniature Victorian Toy Theatre and St Ives Society Of Artists. Also Street Theatre around St Ives itself.

Productions include:

A Slice Of Saturday Night - Kids Are Us
Botallack O’Clock - Third Man Theatre
Cornwall For The Cornish - Local Enthusiasts
The One That Got Away - Third Man Theatre
Travels With My Aunt - 4th Wall Theatre Company
Sherlock Holmes In The Cornish Horror - Shanty Baba
Common People - Withpen Theatre
Stalag Happy- Third Man Theatre
A Father For My Son - Jenny Coverack

See more about the Theatre Programme at:
St Ives September Festival - Theatre

Download the full Arts Programme and get details of tickets at:
St Ives September Festival - Official Website

Festival Tickets - Latest

2011-07-23T13:25:00.000+01:00

Show Of Hands - St Ives September Festival

According to the official festival website - the Seth Lakeman gig at The Guildhall on Saturday 17th September is now completely sold out.

Only a few tickets left for the Show Of Hands gig on Friday 16th. None available online - the last few are on sale at St Ives Visitor Information Centre.

I can't remember tickets selling out quite this early in previous years. If you're set on going to any of the Guildhall gigs it might be a good idea to get tickets soon.

Available from St Ives Visitor Information Centre - call in at The Guildhall or call 01736 798 577.

You can also buy online from:
St Ives September Festival - Official Website

The full programme of live music is also on my OneStIves website:
St Ives September Festival - Live Music

September Festival - Arts Programme

2011-07-08T09:09:00.000+01:00

September Festival - Arts Programme

The full Arts Programme for the festival has been published including:

Arts Workshops
Talks
Guided Walks
Exhibitions
Concerts
Theatre

Copies can be downloaded from the festival website:
St Ives September Festival - Arts Programme

Film Programme - Arts Club

2011-07-04T16:25:00.001+01:00

The Maltese Falcon

A short season of classic films will be shown at St Ives Arts Club
- with a theme of "Film Noir".

The Maltese Falcon - Monday 12th September
Laura - Friday 16th September
Double Indemnity - Monday 19th September
A Touch Of Evil - Thursday 22nd September

All start at 7.30 pm and tickets are £5.00

More details are on:
St Ives September Festival - Films

Music Programme - St Ives Parish Church

2011-06-12T13:54:00.001+01:00

St Ives Parish Church - September Music

St Ives Parish Church have announced a full programme of concerts for September.

These include:

The Organist Entertains.
Marazion Apollo Male Voice Choir.
An Evening With Duchy Opera.
Neil Shepherd And Friends.
Camborne Youth Band.
Baroque By Candlelight.
Last Night Of The ~~Proms~~ Festival.

Tickets for events will be available from St Ives Visitor Information Centre at The Guildhall.

More information and updates on:
St Ives Parish Church - Music Website

I've posted details of other music events on:
St Ives September Festival - Live Music

St Ives Jazz Club - Gigs

2011-02-25T12:13:00.000Z

Christine Tobin - St Ives Jazz Club - Tuesday 20th September

St Ives Jazz Club have announced their two Festival gigs at The Western.

Tuesday 13th September - The Nigel Price Trio
An organ trio that plays no-nonsense, deeply groovesome music with verve, humour and outstanding musicianship. Nigel plays guitar with a serene but wolfish instinct for what sounds right. Pete Whittaker's authentic Hammond provides an overwhelmingly gorgeous backbone alongside Matt Home's thoughtful and imaginative drumming. A superb trio.

Tuesday 20th September - Christine Tobin
One of the most gifted and original singer/songwriters in today's jazz world. Her style, although rooted in jazz, is steeped in the singer-songwriter tradition and draws on a broad range of influences from West Africa to Brazil. Her sound is rich, authentic and deeply expressive. Awarded Best Vocalist at the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards.

Tickets are £14.00 (door) or £12.00 (advance).

Doors open at 8.00 pm.

More info on:

St Ives Jazz Club Website

St Ives Arts Club Events

2011-01-30T16:11:00.000Z

St Ives Arts Club - Unplugged Chameleon

A few of the September Festival events at St Ives Arts Club have been scheduled already.

The annual Members Exhibition will start with a preview on Sunday 11th September at 5.00 pm. It will then be open daily throughout the festival from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, free entry. Work in various media including paintings, textile art, mixed media, sculpture and photography.

Live music, poetry, storytelling and other performances will feature at The Unplugged Chameleon on Saturday 17th September at 8.00 pm. All original - no covers. Tickets will cost £4.00 / £3.00 (Arts Club members).

The regular gathering of local performers - Cafe Frug - will be on Thursday 22nd September starting at 8.00 pm. This will feature poetry, prose readings, comedy, live music, film and anything else - depending on who turns up. Tickets prices TBC.

In due course more events and details will be posted on:
St Ives Arts Club Website

A few events elsewhere have also been scheduled including the September Festival Exhibition at St Ives Society Of Artists.

I'll post the latest news as I have it here and on my:
St Ives September Festival Page

More details and tickets will also be available on:
St Ives September Festival - Official Website

St Ives September Festival Tickets - Update

2011-01-25T18:19:00.000Z

St Ives September Festival

Its just been announced that festival tickets will be available from Saturday 26th March.

Details of ticket outlets and booking phone numbers will be posted on the festival website soon:

St Ives September Festival Website

St Ives September Festival - Tickets

2011-01-23T16:08:00.005Z

St Ives September Festival - Ticket Office

With all the uncertainty surrounding the future of St Ives Tourist Information - some are wondering if there will be a festival ticket outlet in St Ives.

The TIC is due to close at the end of March 2011 as Cornwall Council have withdrawn funding. Our county council urgently and quite rightly needs to redeploy scarce money to pay for vital front line services - such as Business Change Managers, Mountain Bike Outreach Workers and ~~Parking Wombles~~ Civil Enforcement Officers. St Ives Town Council and others in town are trying to save the TIC - but nothing is finally sorted yet.

I've had a message from the festival to say yes - at least according to latest news - there will be a ticket office at The Guildhall if possible - or at least somewhere in town.

Tickets will also be available to buy online on the festival website:
St Ives September Festival

The festival are also arranging a new ticket outlet in Penzance - following the closure of The Rainyday Gallery.

Tickets should be on sale from Easter and the first gigs have already been announced - see previous post:
St Ives September Festival - Gigs

Focus Gig - Special Guests

2011-01-20T10:27:00.000Z

The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown

Just announced on the festival Twitter Feed.

Special Guests for the Focus gig on Thursday 22nd September 2011 will be:
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown

First 2011 Gigs Announced

2011-01-06T09:18:00.000Z

Show of Hands - St Ives Guildhall - Friday 16th September

Some of the headliners for 2011 at St Ives Guildhall have been announced on the official festival website.

These include some old festival favourites such as Barbara Dickson, Show of Hands and Seth Lakeman, plus some acts new to St Ives.

More details are on:
St Ives September Festival Website

More announcements soon.

September Festival Opening Day

2010-09-11T12:00:00.002+01:00

St Ives September Festival

So - at last - the festival is here !

There is a huge amount going on today, starting at 12.00 with street entertainment throughout the afternoon. Various art exhibitions at galleries around town. Poetry and music in Norway Square at 12.30 pm.

A wide choice of live music tonight including Courtney Pine, Robin Williamson, Acoustic Cafe, Dirty Livin' Rhythm Band, Take Me To The City and Tracy Story.

I've put an events calendar on my St Ives website - helpfully broken down into listings for Live Music, Arts Workshops, Theatre etc. if you use the menu at the top of the page:
St Ives September Festival Calendar

For a day by day listings and tickets go to:
Official September Festival Website

For latest news visit:
St Ives September Festival Twitter Feed
St Ives September Festival FaceBook Page

I'm going to enjoy the festival so this blog is signing off for now. I also need to focus on my other blogs and web projects. So - thanks for reading, back next year.

Hope you enjoy the festival - have a great time !

More Ticket News

2010-09-06T17:57:00.002+01:00

The Imagined Village - St Ives September Festival

The latest news on tickets for gigs at St Ives Guildhall:

Fishermen's Friends - now sold out.
Also sold out - as reported previously - Donovan and Imelda May.

Eddi Reader - still available but going fast.

The Imagined Village - still available but going fast.

Tickets still available for all other gigs - but sales are brisk.
If you want to go to a particular gig it might be best to get your tickets soon.

Festival - Latest News

2010-09-01T22:04:00.002+01:00

Fishermen's Friends - St Ives Guildhall - Monday 20th September

A real flurry of news tonight on Twitter from the festival.

Fishermen's Friends close to selling out.

Eddi Reader selling fast (likely sell out).

Imagined Village also selling fast (as above).

Mediaeval Baebes gig cancelled.

Guildhall Gigs - Tickets Selling Fast

2010-08-26T17:04:00.003+01:00

Eddi Reader - St Ives Guildhall - Tuesday 21st September

The festival have just confirmed - with a post on Twitter - that the Imelda May gig (Tuesday 21st September) is now sold out.

Also that tickets for Fishermens Friends (Monday 20th September) are selling fast.

No reports from the festival yet - but my guess is that the ever popular Eddi Reader (Tuesday 14th September) will be the next to sell out. Also Mediaeval Baebes (Friday 24th September) as they are at a small venue - St Ives Society Of Artists.

If you are set on going to a particular gig it might be a good idea to get tickets soon:

St Ives September Festival Tickets

Imelda May - Close To Sell Out

2010-08-23T13:35:00.000+01:00

Imelda May - St Ives September Festival - Tuesday 21st September

According to the latest on Twitter from the festival organisers - the Imelda May gig is close to selling out.

So if that's on your list of gigs - might be a good idea to get a ticket soon.

The gig is on Tuesday 21st September and tickets are £16.00.

Available from St Ives Tourist Information at St Ives Guildhall.
Call in or phone - 01736 798 577.

In Penzance available from The Rainy Day Gallery on Market Jew Street.
Call in or phone - 01736 366 077.

Also available to buy online:
Imelda May Tickets

For latest info:
Follow St Ives September Festival On Twitter

For more gigs:
OneStIves - Festival Calendar - Live Music

Live Music - The Castle Inn

2010-08-20T09:30:00.000+01:00

St Ives September Festival - Live Music - The Castle Inn

The Castle have put together a great and varied programme of festival gigs:

Winter Mountain Band - Sunday 12th September
Kaj - Tuesday 14th September
Grey Dog - Thursday 16th September
Shiny Blue Crow - Sunday 19th September
Ryan Jones - Tuesday 21st September
The Shirts - Thursday 23rd Sep

All gigs are free entry, with a range of real ales on tap and a great atmosphere in one of the best pubs in St Ives.

More info:
Castle Inn FaceBook Page

More live music
St Ives September Festival - Live Music

LiveWire - AC-DC Tribute - The Guildhall

2010-08-13T17:39:00.001+01:00

LiveWire - St Ives Guildhall - Saturday 25th September

With some major exceptions I'm personally not mad keen on trib. bands - but LiveWire really are an exception.

I've been lucky to see the "real thing" twice - Birmingham Odeon in 1978 and Donington in1981. Its scary how quickly 30 years can pass by ! As most readers will know AC-DC were rated as one of the best "metal" bands of the 1970s - 1980s. For younger readers - in modern terms they would no longer be rated as "metal" - Chimaira they are not. But the band's music is still well worthy of the "two horns" salute.

The two gigs that I saw still rate among my top 10 gigs of all time. Others (if you're interested) include Iron Maiden, Bruce Springsteen, The Ramones, Rush, Bullet For My Valentine (HFC 2006 - not now!) and Thin Lizzy,

I saw LiveWire at the September Festival a few years back and they were truly excellent. As close to the "real thing" as possible in my opinion. Their show featured two halves - with "Bon Scott" fronting the first half of early AC-DC, followed by the "Back In Black" funeral bell and the appearance of "Brian Johnson".

AC-DC were reputedly paid no less than £3 million quids for their recent appearance at Download. I guess that promoter Mark Shaw will be paying LiveWire a bit less than that. The gig at The Guildhall offers pretty good value at £16.00 - especially as its a double header with Thin Lizzy trib. band Limehouse Lizzy.

Saturday 25th September - St Ives Guildhall..
Tickets from St Ives Tourist Information or:
September Festival Website

More info:
LiveWire Website

Festival Programme - Latest

2010-08-09T12:25:00.002+01:00

Poetry and Music In Norway Square - Daily at 12.30

The full programme of events - or as full as it can be for now - has been posted on the:
Official St Ives September Festival Website

Printed programmes are also available from tourist information and around town.

Inevitably a few events were not scheduled in time for the print deadline.
No doubt a few more will also be added over the next few weeks.
St Ives Times and Echo will be printing an up-to-date Festival Supplement on Friday 10th September.

Tickets for most events are on sale from St Ives Tourist Information -
01736 798 577.
Also - for Guildhall and Western gigs - online from the festival website.

There are also many free events such as Poetry and Music in The Square - where you don't need tickets. One exception - St Ives Library have advised people to book for their free talks and workshops as numbers are limited.

Latest news here and on:
September Festival Twitter

Festival Accommodation

2010-08-09T12:06:00.001+01:00

Courtney Pine - St Ives September Festival - Saturday 11th September

It looks like hotels, guest houses and self catering properties a getting heavily booked up for September.

Festival promoter Martin Val Baker has put out a request for help - he needs accommodation with three rooms for part of Courtney Pine's band on Saturday 11th September.

If you can help get in touch with Martin:
info@rainydaygallery.co.uk
01736 366 077

Its likely that there will other starving artists and musicians looking for somewhere to stay - so if you know of anything available post a comment below.

St Ives Arts Club - Theatre

2010-08-04T23:01:00.001+01:00

Bec Applebee - Oh Mary - St Ives Arts Club

The Festival Arts Programme has been published and is available from St Ives Tourist Information - as mentioned in the previous post.

There is a huge amount in it and so I'm going to do a series of posts highlighting different parts of it.

St Ives Arts Club are hosting three theatre productions. A good place to enjoy theatre - small and intimate, great atmosphere, bring your own wine.

Stalag Happy - Wednesday 15th September - 8.00 pm.
The true story of artists Terry Frost and Adrian Heath whilst interned in the WW2 German POW camp Stalag 383.

Oh Mary - Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September - 7.30 pm.
Bec Applebee presents a physical theatre show based on the amazing life of Mary Bryant - Cornish highwaywoman. 'Bec has managed to produce one of the most astonishing one woman performances I have ever seen ...... just plain bloody brilliant'. The Cornishman.

The Leonardo Question - Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th September - 8.00 pm.
Where can we go from here and who will be the next modern master ? To help answer this question we are taken on an enlightening and entertaining journey through the story of modern art from Cubism to now.

Tickets for all of these performances cost £8.00 and are available from St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 798 577.

The Arts Club will also be hosting talks, live music, comedy and cabaret. More details and other festival events on:
OneStIves - September Festival

Arts & Literature Programme

2010-07-30T12:14:00.000+01:00

Much Ado About Nothing - The Island St Ives - 15th to 18th September

The full September Festival Arts and Literature Programme has just been published.

A varied programme of events - with something for everyone - including:

Exhibitions - Various Venues.
Music and Poetry In The Square - Norway Square.
Art Workshops - St Ives School Of Painting.
Feltmaking Workshop with Jo McIntosh - St Ives Library.
Theatre - Various - St Ives Arts Club.
Theatre - Much Ado About Nothing - The Island.
Films - St Ives Arts Club.
Talks - Various Venues.
Walks - Around St Ives.

Printed copies of the programme and tickets are available from St Ives Tourist Information:
01736 798 577

I'll be posting more details and updates here - also on:
OneStIves - St Ives September Festival

For latest news also visit:
St Ives September Festival - FaceBook Page
St Ives September Festival - Twitter Feed
St Ives September Festival - Official Website

Battle Of The Bands - Latest News

2010-07-26T13:31:00.001+01:00

Shade Of Red - Battle Of The Bands - St Ives Cornwall

According to a post on FaceBook today - the line-up for the Battle Of The Bands gig will be:

Gary And The Minefield
Plastic Picasso
Shade Of Red

This is not yet confirmed by the organisers - so if you know any different get in touch.

Monday 13th September - St Ives Guildhall - 7.30 pm.
Tickets: £7.50
From: St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 798 577
Online From: September Festival Website

Live Music - The Lifeboat Inn

2010-07-22T22:01:00.001+01:00

Live Music - Lifeboat Inn - St Ives September Festival

The Lifeboat Inn have posted a list of gigs for the festival.

Live music every day at 9.00 pm, with additional gigs at 5.00 pm some days. Free entry.

Twenty two altogether including some new bands and some festival regulars such as Heart and Soul, Rudi's Message, Buffalo Bill's Blues Review and Devil's Creek.

See the full list in the pic above - click to enlarge.

More events and festival information on my:
St Ives September Festival Calendar

Also worth checking out:
September Festival FaceBook Page

New Gig Announcement - Mediaeval Baebes

2010-07-21T15:44:00.002+01:00

Mediaeval Baebes - Friday 24th September

The Mediaeval Baebes are stripping their set down to basics with a four date acapella tour - including a gig at St Ives September Festival on Friday 24th September.

Latest News: This gig has been cancelled, as well as the gig the previous night in Bodmin.
No reason given on their website - but refunds will be made.

Details:
Friday 24th September 7.30 pm.
St Ives Society Of Artists, Norway Square.

Mediaeval Baebes Website

Battle Of The Bands - St Ives Guildhall

2010-07-19T19:13:00.000+01:00

Gary And The Minefield - Ayr Field St Ives - July 2010

At least three young local bands will get the opportunity to play a gig at St Ives Guildhall during the September Festival - following a series of Battle Of The Bands heats.

It looks like one of them will be Gary and The Minefield who have posted the gig on their FaceBook and MySpace pages.

I saw part of their set at Ayr Field Day a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it - check out the video.

If anybody knows which other bands are playing let me know.

Monday 13th September 2010 at 7.30 pm.

Tickets £7.50 from St Ives Tourist Information or online:
St Ives September Festival - Battle Of The Bands

St Ives September Festival - Accommodation

2010-07-18T17:00:00.007+01:00

Lyonesse Seven - Luxury Apartment - Harbour View

Many places get heavily booked during the festival fortnight - so if you're planning to come down here it may be worth booking somewhere now.

These are some of the places that still have availability - get in touch with them for more information and to book. Obviously availability can change day by day:

Lyonesse Seven - a luxury apartment with three bedrooms sleeping six, great views over St Ives Bay and St Ives Harbour. They are offering a 10% discount if you book before the end of July.

Blue Horizon - a luxury apartment with ocean views, two bedrooms sleeping up to five people. Available from 18th - 24th September.

One Ayr Lane - a cottage near to the Hepworth Museum with two bedrooms sleeping four. Right in the centre of town and close to the main festival venues, but in a quiet location.

The Sail Lofts - a five star luxury apartment and a cottage. A few steps away from Porthmeor Beach and The Island.

2 Albany Terrace - friendly comfortable bed and breakfast with a double and a twin room. Overlooks Porthminster Beach, various dates available for any length of stay.

Art House - bed and breakfast run by a local artist with one double room - "artist friendly" but all welcome. In a quiet location but only a short stroll from the town centre and the main festival venues, various dates available for any length of stay.

Also - one thing worth noting. If you contact St Ives Tourist Information about available accommodation they are only allowed to mention places that have paid for a listing in the "official" Visit Cornwall guide. Many excellent places, including some of the above, have chosen to advertise elsewhere and are not listed.

The closest you will find online to a complete directory of St Ives Accommodation is: Open Directory - St Ives - Accommodation

St Ives Community Play

2010-07-16T13:00:00.000+01:00

St Ives Community Play 2009 - Romeo and Juliet

Tickets are now on sale for Much Ado Nothing - to be staged outdoors on The Island in St Ives.

Dates are Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September. Gates open at 6.30 pm. Performance starts at 7.30 pm. Bring a picnic and low seating if you want. Be prepared for all weathers !

Also running during August - Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th, Friday 20th, Saturday 21st.

Tickets are £6.00 in advance or £8.00 on the gate, children under 7 free.

Available from:
St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 796 297
Online - Cornish Riviera Box Office

St Ives Arts Club - Events

2010-07-11T11:56:00.007+01:00

Music of Aghanistan - Monday 20th September

A number of festival events have been announced at St Ives Arts Club.

On Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September Bec Applebee presents Oh Mary - a physical theatre show based on the amazing life of Mary Bryant - Cornish highwaywoman. Starts at 7.30, tickets: £8.00 - call Bed on 01209 612 980.

Something pretty special on Monday 20th September - Music Of Afghanistan - the latest in Will Sleath's World Classics Series. Five musicians from Afghanistan - the ensemble will be performing classical and traditional Afghan music. Featuring rubab (plucked short-necked lute), dutar (strummed/plucked long-necked lute), harmonium, tabla and voice. This concert is a very rare opportunity to hear music from this part of the world. Starts at 7.30 pm, tickets £16.00 from St Ives Tourist Information.

Thursday 23rd September sees The Big Frug. A cabaret style evening of music, poetry, prose, comedy film and anything else that happens on the night ! Hosted by St Ives poet Bob Devereux, starts at 8.00 but arrive early to get a good seat, bring your own wine. Tickets are £6.00, contact Bob on 01736 795 003. Performers wanting a slot should also contact Bob.

Rod Bullimore and Martyn Barker return with their popular show Back To Back - an evening of music, prose and comedy. Tickets and dates TBA.

A full programme of daytime events - including talks, readings and film - will be announced soon. plus more evening gigs.

More events on:
St Ives September Festival Events Calendar

Gorsedh Kernow In St Ives

2010-06-27T13:17:00.006+01:00

Gorsedh Kernow Procession Of Bards- St Ives

Not much news on the festival front lately - other than the Donovan gig selling out.

The Arts Programme should be published fairly soon - with details of events at St Ives Arts Club, St Ives Society of Artists, St Ives School Of Painting and other smaller venues. I'll feature that here when its out.

This is not strictly festival related - but one thing worth knowing is that Gorsedh Kernow, the full ceremonial Assembly of the Bards of Cornwall, will be coming to St Ives the week before the festival. The opening ceremony will take place on the Island on Saturday 4th September 2010 at 2.00 pm, with the sounding of the Horn of the Nation to the four points of the compass. There will also be a concert to celebrate Cornish culture at The Guildhall starting at 7.00pm.

St Ives Parish Church - Festival Events

2010-06-17T16:18:00.007+01:00

St Ives Parish Church - Festival Events

St Ives Parish Church - St Ia - is celebrating its 600th anniversary this year.

They have events planned throughout the year - many during the September Festival.

The first day of the festival sees the opening of the St Ia 600th Celebrations and Flower Festival by Lady Mary Holborow. Followed by a Celebration Concert with the award winning Camborne Youth Band. Saturday 11th September.

Other events incude:

Organ Concert - Stephen Cleobury - Friday 3rd September
Concert - Neil Shepherd and Friends - Sunday 12th September
Lunchtime Organ Concert - Peter Luing - Tuesday 14th September
Duchy Opera In Concert - Tuesday 14th September
Diocesan Songs Of Praise - Saturday 18th September
Parish Church and Afternoon Choirs - Sunday 19th September
Organ Concert - Neil Shepherd - Tuesday 21st September

Tickets are available from St Ives Tourist Information:
01736 796 297

More details are on:
St Ives Parish Church Website

Festival Stewards Wanted

2010-06-15T09:50:00.003+01:00

St Ives Guildhall - Main Festival Venue

The festival organisers are looking for stewards.

You are asked to commit for at least three events, although obviously you can do more if you want.

Unpaid - but a chance to see some of the gigs for free.

Get in touch via Twitter or Facebook if you're interested:

St Ives September Festival - Twitter

St Ives September Festival - Facebook

Tate St Ives Events

2010-06-07T14:48:00.005+01:00

Tate St Ives - September Festival

Tate St Ives have scheduled a number of events during the festival.

These include:

Tea and Tate - Wednesday 15th September
Talking Drawing - Saturday 18th September
Film On The Beach - Hairspray - Saturday 18th September
In Conversation - John Waters and Lily van der Stokker - Friday 24th September

I'm particularly looking forward to Hairspray - one of my favourite movies - and outdoors on my favourite beach.

More details on my:
St Ives September Festival Webpage

Also more information and online booking on:
Tate St Ives - Events

Festival Tickets - Latest News 2

2010-04-04T11:39:00.006+01:00

St Ives September Festival

Tickets are now available to buy online for Guildhall and Western gigs on the festival website:

www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk

You can pay via PayPal - using your PayPal account or a credit / debit card.

As mentioned in the previous post - tickets will be available to buy "over the counter" from Monday 12th April at St Ives Guildhall.

Festival Tickets - Latest News

2010-04-03T13:57:00.007+01:00

St Ives September Festival - Programme

I've just spoken to St Ives Tourist Information.

They will be selling tickets from Monday 12th April, not from this weekend as originally planned.

Printed festival programmes are available now.

Tickets were due to go on sale online today on the official festival website. But so far no sign of this.
September Festival Website

One message for St Ives Jazz Club members - if you want to buy tickets at the members' discounted rate of £6.00 you'll need to buy them via the club.

Some "very special guests" will be announced later (in May I think) - presumably for the one remaining Guildhall slot on 16th September. I wondeer if the committee have finally taken on board my hints about booking Iron Maiden, or if they're too pricey maybe Lacuna Coil ? We'll see.

The Arts Programme will be announced later. I've put a few additional events on my own festival page - ones that are already publicly scheduled - see link below.

No other news from official sources - either on the main website or TwitBook.

As ever I'll post any news that I hear on this blog and on:
OneStIves - September Festival Page

Western Hotel - Festival Lineup

2010-03-26T12:55:00.004Z

Carrivick Sisters - Western - Thursday 23rd September

Some of the gigs at The Western have been announced - in addition to the St Ives Jazz Club gigs featured in a previous post.

Saturday 11th - Robin Williamson.
Monday 13th - Martha Tilston.
Thursday 16th - Steele, Wing, Dowling.
Friday 17th - Gwelhellin Jazzz Hattt.
Saturday 18th - Pamela Wynn Shannon.
Monday 20th - A Band Like Alice.
Thursday 23rd - Carrivick Sisters.
Saturday 25th - Ken Nicol and Phil Cool

Tickets will be on sale from St Ives Tourist Information in April.

St Ives Jazz Club Gigs

2010-03-18T19:49:00.004Z

Edgar Macias - St Ives Jazz Club

The club are staging two gigs during the festival - as usual on Tuesday nights at The Western.

Tuesday 14th September - Sarah Gillespie Quartet.
A major new singer songwriter, Sarah Gillespie is one of the most individual yet recognizable voices to emerge in some time’ ...... All About Jazz.
‘Gillespie’s fiery originals offer a contrasting combination of sweet folkish melodies and a lyrically witty, street-talking attitude, that transports Lou Reed and Dylan to multicultural London’ ...... Jazzwise Magazine.

Tuesday 21st September - Edgar Macias Quintet.
A five-piece band that combines different jazz styles and rhythms from funk to South American. Edgar is a fantastic Venezuelan pianist and a great exponent of Latin jazz.
‘Latin-based but firmly in modern jazz territory, with any one of the five liable to reel off dazzling solos, it's a truly great band that you'd be daft to miss’ ...... Stratford Jazz.

For both gigs doors open at 8.00 pm and music starts at 9.00 pm.
Tickets available from Easter - £TBA.

The Fishermen's Friends

2010-03-11T15:23:00.002Z

Fishermen's Friends - No Hopers Jokers and Rogues

The latest gig announcement for St Ives Guildhall -
The Fishermen's Friends - shanty singers from Port Isaac:

'Rousing and joyful shanties and Cornish folk songs'.

Monday 20th September at 8.00 pm.

Tickets: £12.00 / £13.00 available from Easter.

Fishermen's Friends

Guildhall - More Gigs Announced

2010-03-06T11:20:00.009Z

Battle Of The Bands - St Ives Guildhall

Two more Guildhall gigs have been announced on the:
Official September Festival Website.

Monday 13th September: Battle Of The Bands - The Final Showdown.
Great to see young local bands given a showcase by the festival.

Sunday 19th September: Kila.
A fusion of Irish and World music.

See my earlier post for the rest of The Guildhall lineup.

St Ives Community Play

2010-03-04T15:28:00.008Z

Much Ado About Nothing - The Island.

Dates have been announced for this year's St Ives Community Play.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

To be staged - once again - in a spectacular outdoor setting on The Island.

September Festival dates:
Wednesday 15th September.
Thursday 16th September.
Friday 17th September.
Saturday 18th September.

The production will also have a run in August -
Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st.

Starts at 7.30 pm, tickets £TBA.

Tickets will be available from St Ives Tourist Information from Easter.

The company are still looking for volunteers.
You can audition for a role or help out with backstage / front of house.
Get in touch via the website (that includes you Johnny Depp!):

St Ives Community Play

The Imagined Village

2010-02-27T11:12:00.007Z

The Imagined Village - Tam Lyn Retold

When I saw the initial festival lineup The Imagined Village struck me as one of the more interesting gigs.

The Village are a diverse collective who aim to "explore their musical roots and identity as English musicians and music makers".

Many are stalwarts of the traditional music scene (Martin Carthy, Chris Wood) while others represent a range of genres including Rock/Pop (Paul Weller) and Bhangra (Johnny Kalsi).

The line up for their gig in St Ives on Friday 17th September is:

Martin Carthy- Vocals And Guitar
Eliza Carthy- Vocals and Violin
Chris Wood- Vocals, Guitar and Violin
Simon Emmerson- Guitar and Cittern
Andy Gangadeen- Drums
Ali Friend- Double Bass
Barney Morse Brown- Cello
Johnny Kalsi- Percussion
Sheema Mukherjee- Sitars
Simon Richmond- Keyboards and Live Electronics

With that many musicians on stage the gig should offer pretty good musical value and something a bit different from the standard "folkie" set.

There is lots more info on their website:
The Imagined Village

Tickets for the gig will be on sale from Easter - £TBA.

I'll be adding more news about the festival here and on my:
OneStIves - September Festival Page

Guildhall Gigs Announced For 2010 Festival

2010-02-21T11:44:00.009Z

Livewire - St Ives Guildhall - Saturday 25th September

Some of the main September Festival gigs at St Ives Guildhall have just been announced on Twitter and the official festival website:

Saturday 11th: Courtney Pine
Sunday 12th: The Unthanks
Tuesday 14th: Eddi Reader
Wednesday 15th: Altan
Friday 17th: The Imagined Village
Saturday 18th: Peco Pena
Tuesday 21st: Imelda May
Wednesday 22nd: The Mousehole Choir
Thursday 23rd: Robin Trower Band / The Hamsters
Friday 24th: The Beat / John Otway
Saturday 25th: Livewire / Limehouse Lizzy

The first gig in the line up at The Western has also been posted - Robin Williamson on Saturday 11th.

The programme does look a bit different this year - and a good mix of folk, jazz and rock. There are still a few empty slots so I guess that more Guildhall gigs will be announced in due course - I'll post details here.

Tickets will not be available until Easter - when you'll be able to get them from St Ives Tourist Information at The Guildhall. No further details of prices and outlets have been posted - but I guess that you will also be able to buy tickets from The Rainyday Gallery Penzance and online via the festival website.

The full programme will also be published at Easter with more details of the arts programme, films, theatre, talks and other events.

No doubt more will be added here in due course:
St Ives September Festival Website

Also - the festival finally seem to be getting the hang of online marketing - with their own Twitter feed which you can follow here:
St Ives September Festival On Twitter

I wonder if they'll also get themselves pages on FaceSpace and MyBook - if so I'll post links here in due course.

I'll also be adding stuff to my own Festival page:
OneStIves - St Ives September Festival

Final Day - Festival 2009

2009-09-28T09:41:00.004+01:00

Bob Devereux with Martyn Barker

Its been a great festival and for me has passed by incredibly quickly.

So this is the final post for now and I thought I'd leave you with a video shot at the final session of Poetry and Music in the Square - Bob Devereux.

This blog will return next year - first with details of the St Ives Literature Festival planned for May 2010 and then news about the September Festival 2010.

I'll continue to publish the latest news on my:

St Ives Cornwall Blog

Review - Last Few Days

2009-09-23T17:36:00.012+01:00

St Ives September Festival

Apologies for my lack of blogging over the last few days.

I've been having a manic time at the festival and really enjoying it.

On Friday night I went to see Romeo and Juliet with my friends Anna Chen and Charles Shaar Murry. Another great night on The Island - superb performance followed by an afterparty on Porthmeor.

On Saturday I caught some of Poetry In The Square then a couple of pints at The Sloop. In the evening I went to see Hydrae's Festival Of New Writing at St Ives Theatre. Four absolutely brilliant one act plays. I then headed down to Porthmeor again for another afterparty with the Romeo and Juliet cast. Looks like there will be another community play next summer, the play has not been decided yet but will probably be Shakespeare again.

On Sunday I was at St Ives Arts Club to help out with Anna Chen's show - Anna May Wong Must Die! We managed to get the technical arrangements - sound and light - sorted out thanks to my daughter Steph. I then helped Steph out on the desk during the show - I did some of the sound while she handled the lighting. Show was great.

On Monday I took a bit of a day off - there is only so much you can do!

Tuesday and I was helping out with Charles Shaar Murray's talk at St Ives Arts Club - Everything I Know About Rock and Roll Part Four. We got a good audience in and the talk about Woodstock and The Summer Of Love was fascinating. I ran the desk on my own and was chuffed that I managed to pull it off. Albeit on a fairly rudimentary basis - just two sound channels and two light dimmers plus DVD player. After that it was back to my friends' flat for chow mein, ribs and large amounts of Cava.

Wednesday - Jo had Open Studios here in Bedford Road which proved a great success, lots of visitors throughout the day. Next on to The Salthouse Gallery to hear Anna reading from her book in progress - Coolie - about Chinese workers on the transcontinental railway in the 1850s. That was followed by CSM reading from his soon to be published book The Hellhound Sample. Unfortunately I missed that because I had to head back down to St Ives Arts Club. Helped out with some of the tech set up for Rod Bullimore and Martyn Barker. The show that followed was a wonderful mixture of comedy from Rod and music from Martyn.

Today I've been working on various web site projects. Later on its Cafe Frug at the Arts Club again. Hope to make it down there later if I can stand the pace !

Anna May Wong Must Die!

2009-09-19T13:38:00.005+01:00

Anna Chen, Charles Shaar Murray, Buffalo Bill Smith

Don't miss tomorrow night's show by Anna Chen.

Anna May Wong Must Die!

A personal journey through the life and crimes of Hollywood's first Chinese movie star.

Lavishly illustrated with visuals and sound - more than just a talk.
Check out the preview above.

Sunday 20th September 2009.
St Ives Arts Club.
7.00pm.
Tickets: £6.00
From: St Ives Tourist Information.

Also on the door from 6.30pm.

Syd Lawrence Orchestra

2009-09-19T13:24:00.003+01:00

Here's a video of The Syd Lawrence Orchestra playing at St Ives Guildhall last night - Friday 18th September 2009.

Lets Face The Music.

Filmed by Alban Roinard of Eia Films.

Theatre - Phil Bowen

2009-09-17T14:26:00.005+01:00

Phil Bowen - Anything But Love

A few words from writer Phil Bowen about his play Anything But Love.

To be staged tonight - Thursday 17th September and tomorrow - Friday 18th September.

St Ives Arts Club. 8.00pm.

Tickets: £9.00 / £7.50 (concessions).

From: St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 798577.

Tonight is almost sold out but some tickets may be available on the door.

Tomorrow is selling well so I'd advise you to get tickets as soon as possible.

Boats In The Bay

2009-09-15T16:35:00.001+01:00

Boats In The Bay - St Ives September Festival

A wonderful short film by Alban Roinard of Boats In The Bay.

Filmed on the opening day of the festival - Saturday 12th September 2009.

The 4th annual celebration of traditional luggers reviving the maritime heritage of St Ives.

Alban Roinard - Eia Films

St Ives Jumbo Association

Caption Competition - Anna May Wong

2009-09-14T15:49:00.005+01:00

Anna May Wong Must Die!

Following the success of the Romeo and Juliet competition here is another.

Win two tickets for Anna May Wong Must Die!

Anna Chen's personal journey through the life and crimes of Hollywood's first Chinese movie star.

Sunday 20th September at 7.00pm.

St Ives Arts Club.

Early start time means that you can get to Guildhall or other gigs afterwards.

What is Anna saying ?

Post your answer below as a Comment or email to:

steve.mcintosh@onestives.co.uk

If you post anonymously please also email so I know who you are if you win!

Closing date is Friday 18th September.

We will then post the winning entry here.

If you want to buy tickets they are on sale at:

St Ives Tourist Information - The Guildhall

£6.00

Romeo and Juliet Competition - Winner

2009-09-14T12:28:00.001+01:00

Romeo and Juliet - The Nurse

The winner is Brian Stanley of St Ives:

'Woman begs for mercy after stealing Mondrian painting and extracting coloured bits to make necklace.'

Thanks for all your entries - they were great.

Romeo and Juliet is back on stage this week.

Wednesday 16th September - Saturday 19th September 2009.

If you want to buy tickets they are available from St Ives Tourist Information and from St Ives Theatre Box Office.

£6.00 - under 7s free.

St Ives Community Play

Art Exhibition - St Ives Bay Studio

2009-09-14T09:46:00.003+01:00

Chiaroscuro - St Ives Bay Studio Gallery

A late addition to the arts programme.

Chiaroscuro -
an exhibition of work by Anne Boss, Susan Camburn, Basma Ashworth and Mary Wastie.

It runs from the 21st to 30th September 2009.

St Ives Bay Studio Gallery, Wharf Road, St Ives.
On the harbour, up the steps above Court Arcade.

Open 10.00am till late.
Free entry.

Live Music - Sunday 13th

2009-09-13T11:43:00.011+01:00

Scaramoose - Queens Hotel

A quick round up of the live music on tonight in St Ives.

Jill Cole.

Guitarist - covers including Joan Baez and The Eagles.

The Lifeboat Inn 5.30pm.

Free.

Billy Mac.
Folk, Blues, Country and Cornish songs.
The Castle Inn 6.00pm.

Free.

Arts Club Sundae.
Folkroots and contemporary.
St Ives Arts Club 8.00pm.

£7.00.

Bridge The Gap.

Traditional folk.

The Sheaf of Wheat. 8.30pm.

Free.

Scaramoose.
Infectious sounds and body moving grooves.
The Queens Hotel 9.00pm.

Free.

Michael Scorey.

Singer /songwriter.

Western Hotel 9.00pm.

£11.00.

The Hot House Playboys.

Jump jive doo-wop boogie.

The Lifeboat Inn 9.00pm.

Free.

Blues session.

Local musicians.

The Golden Lion. 9.00pm.

Free.

Live Music - Queens Hotel

2009-09-13T11:36:00.003+01:00

Here is the September Festival live music line up for The Queens Hotel on High Street.

Poetry and Music in the Square

2009-09-12T22:37:00.003+01:00

Charles Shaar Murray and Dan Smith

CSM - legendary rock journalist.

Dan Smith of the Noisettes.

Norway Square - St Ives.

Bird Call Blues.

Saturday 12th September 2009.

Enjoy.

Romeo and Juliet - Interview

2009-09-12T18:58:00.007+01:00

Interview - Sarah Lincoln and Nicola Wilkes

I headed to the harbour this morning and caught this on the West Pier.

Romeo and Juliet:

An interview by Denis Nightingale for BBC Radio Cornwall - featuring Sarah Lincoln (Director) and Nicola Wilkes (Juliet).

Some perceptive questions by Denis and some interesting insights from both Sarah and Nikky about the production.

Outdoors on The Island Wednesday 16th - Saturday 19th.

Tickets: £6.00 from St Ives Theatre and St Ives Tourist Information.

St Ives Community Play

Guildhall Gigs - Latest News - Tickets

2009-09-11T11:54:00.004+01:00

St Ives Guildhall

Bellowhead - Saturday 12th September - Sold Out.

Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain - Tuesday 22nd September - Sold Out

Show Of Hands - Wednesday 23rd September - almost sold out.
No ticket available online - Guildhall box office only.

September Festival - Free Events

2009-09-10T12:06:00.002+01:00

Most St Ives residents simply cannot afford

Guildhall tickets - please give generously.

In line with the current Zeitgeist (Spirit Of The Age for those who don't speak German or are less pretentious than me) I thought I'd do a cheapskate's guide to the festival. Money is still short for most of us and things are only going to get worse.

There are a surprising number of festival events that are completely free.
Some of these I've blogged previously so apologies for the repetition.

Poetry and Music In The Square.
Every day, 12.30pm - 2.00pm, Norway Square.

All live music at:

The Lifeboat Inn

The Castle Inn

The Golden Lion

The Queens Hotel.

For those who want a break from the relentless barrage of arty stuff the following pubs also show Sky Sports and are not staging festival events:

The Three Ferrets

The Sheaf of Wheat

Don't miss Birmingham City v Villa on Sunday 13th September, 12.00pm.

You can join Blues Supporters Cornwall at The Ferrets.

If you like art there are many free exhibitions:

St Ives Society of Artists Members Exhibition.

St Ives Arts Club Members Exhibition.

Also at many other commercial galleries including:

Open Studios on Wednesday 16th, Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Wednesday 23rd September.

Entry to the exhibitions at Tate St Ives is free on Friday 25th September.

Part of Late at the Tate - 7.00pm - 9.00pm.

There is a great programme of (mostly) free talks at St Ives Library - most afternoons during the week.

If you know of anything else add a comment below.

Arts - Additional Events

2009-09-09T22:15:00.005+01:00

Details of a couple of Arts events that are not featured in the official programme or website.

Lucie Bray is holding an Exhibition of her paintings as part of the Open Studios programme.

It'll be on Wednesday 16th and Wednesday 23rd September from 11.30am to 5pm.

14 Bedford Road - look out for the bunting opposite Treliska Guest House.

As well as paintings, there will be cards and prints for sale.

She will also be launching a short film about how she paints by Morag Robertson.The film will be available on her website after 23rd September.

Jo McIntosh has a Textile Art workshop on Tuesday 22nd September - Water Soluble Fabric.

Create an unusual bowl using this fabric, threads and fabric scraps (sewing machine required). Have fun! Learn something new! Beginners welcome.

Cost: £30.00.

Advance booking required.

More Info: 01736 797122

Knitweave Website

New Event Added To The Festival Programme

2009-09-08T19:08:00.006+01:00

Anna Chen reads from her novel-in-progress, Coolie. Her story about the Chinese workers on the transcontinental railroad who went on strike in the 1860s.

In a scintillating double-bill, she appears with Charles Shaar Murray who will be reading from his novel, The Hellhound Sample. A spooky tale about three generations of a black American music dynasty and an English guitar hero. The book is about to be published by Headpress.

Venue: The Salthouse Gallery, St Ives

Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2009

Time: 6:30pm

Details to be confirmed.

Romeo and Juliet - Caption Competition

2009-09-06T15:06:00.002+01:00

Romeo and Juliet - The Nurse

Win yourself a pair of tickets for Romeo and Juliet on The Island in St Ives.

A fantastic open air performance by St Ives Community Play.

Your choice of date:

Wednesday 16th September - Saturday 19th September 2009.

Send in your caption for the picture above.

I will judge the best with director Sarah Lincoln.

Add it as a comment below or email to:

steve.mcintosh@onestives.co.uk

Closing date is Saturday 12th September 2009.

We will notify the winner and publish their caption here shortly after that.

If you want to buy tickets they are available from St Ives Tourist Information and from St Ives Theatre Box Office.

£6.00 - under 7s free.

St Ives Community Play

Silent Movie - With Live Music

2009-09-04T16:41:00.008+01:00

Wurlitza

This is something really different - a chance to see a classic silent movie with live accompaniment.

Sunrise - Director F W Murnau (1927).

In this fable-morality tale, the evil temptress is a city woman who bewitches farmer Anses and convinces him to murder his neglected wife, Indre. After Anses comes to his senses - just as he is about to kill Indre - the married couple renew their love in the city.

The Cornish five piece band Wurlitza will be adding a modern twist to Murnau’s silent film masterpiece, with their unique soundtrack -an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, pop,improvisation and sublime harmonies.

Friday 25th September 2009. 8.00pm.

St Ives Arts Club

Tickets: £8.00

Available from

St Ives Tourist Information Centre

01736 798577

Also on the door if available.

Other events that may be of interest to movie lovers:

Anna May Wong Must Die! - an illustrated talk about Hollywood's first female Chinese movie star. St Ives Arts Club Sunday 20th September.

Classic black and white movies:

On The Waterfront - Monday 14th September. 7.30pm.

Casablanca - Saturday 19th September. 7.30pm.

Some Like It Hot - Monday 21st September. 7.30pm.

All at St Ives Arts Club. Tickets £5.00.

St Ives Cinema will be screening a programme of mainstream movies.

Open Studios

2009-09-02T09:48:00.004+01:00

Open Studios St Ives - Video By Anna Chen

Various artists studios in St Ives will be open on:

Wednesday 16th September
Saturday 19th September
Sunday 20th September
Wednesday 23rd September

Standard opening times are 10.00am to 5.00pm but this may vary for each studio.

This is one of the highlights of the festival for many people.

A chance to see a variety of St Ives artists at work and visit studios not often open to the public.

Many of these are in the historic Porthmeor Studios complex, where some of the great names in St Ives worked. These include Patrick Heron, Ben Nicholson, Brian Pearce, Julius Olsson and Borlase Smart. The studios are still in use today and many will be open. These include Naomi Frears, Sax Impey, John Emanuel, Richard Knott, Clare Wardman and Iain Robertson.

Porthmeor Studios is also home to St Ives School Of Painting - their programme of classes was previewed in an earlier blog post.

Many other studios around town will be open as well. These include Seb West, Angela Diggle, Trevor Price, David Holmes, Leslie Silver, Andrea Carr, Jo McIntosh and Sally MacCabe.

The programme with list and map is now available:

Download Open Studios Programme

Festival Of New Writing

2009-09-01T09:19:00.005+01:00

Hydrae Productions led by director Steve Tyrell recently held an international competition for new short plays.

Four short plays that have never been publicly performed were chosen.

These will be on show and 14 actors will be giving it their best.

The Lazar House
Set in a room in a scientific research establishment, two young people wake up and find themselves prisoners, but don’t know why.

Kaye’s Adventures in Ukplc
Kaye is an ordinary man with financial problems. And on this day, he discovers the consequences he must pay when confronted by the increasingly hostile establishment.

Enigmatic Lucidity
A man wakes from a nightmare, where his wife is trying to stab him. But is he awake, or is the nightmare still on.

The Couldabeen Hamlet
What might have happened prior to the first production of “Hamlet” in 1604.

They will be performed over two nights at St Ives Theatre.

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September 2009.
Doors open at 7.30pm, performance starts at 8.00pm.

Tickets:
£7.50, £7.00, £5.00 (concessions).

Box Office:
St Ives Theatre, The Stennack, St ives.
Open 10.30am - 4.00pm weekdays.
01736 797007

Please do come along to support this. Steve has twelve more plays from the competition that are of a high enough standard to produce. So if this production is successful these will be on stage in the coming months.

Poetry and Music In The Square

2009-08-29T15:02:00.008+01:00

Sarah Lincoln - Poetry and Music in the Square

This is one of my favourite ways to start the festival day.

Every day from 12.30pm to 2.00pm a diverse collection of poets, writers, musicians and other performers gather in Norway Square or in The Salthouse Gallery if its raining.

The event is led by Bob Devereux - but this year only during week 2.

Bob is away during the first week of the festival and so Rod Bullimore and Anna Chen will be stepping in to conduct proceedings.

Anybody is welcome to perform, if you make yourself know to Bob / Rod / Anna when you arrive they will add you to the list for the day if they can.

I particularly enjoy this as I never know what to expect - there is a great variety of performers and there are always surprises.

Its also a free event - although donations are requested.

Myself and Anna will be filming some of the performances and posting them here.

See you there.

Everything I Know About Rock And Roll Part 4

2009-08-28T16:00:00.005+01:00

The Who at Woodstock

A talk by legendary rock journalist Charles Shaar Murray.

Woodstock 40 Years On And The Whole Hippie Thing - Charles marks the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival.

St Ives Arts Club.

Tuesday 22nd September, 7.00pm.

Tickets: £6.00.

From: St Ives Tourist Information.

Or From: Steve McIntosh - 01736 797122.

The latest in his explorations into the history of rock and its attendant culture traces rock's hippie dream from the Monterey Pop Festival in the 1967 Summer of Love to its bloody death at Altamont with The Rolling Stones. A euphoric moment in which rock music briefly embodied the highest ideals and aspirations of the human spirit, or just a bunch of middle-class white kids let off the parental and social leash and using the opportunity to have sex, drugs and rock and roll in a muddy field?

Charles Shaar Murray, "the rock critic's rock critic" (Q Magazine), "front-line cultural warrior" and "original gunslinger" (Independent on Sunday) is the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award-winning author of Crosstown Traffic: Jimi Hendrix And Post-war Pop, and Boogie Man: The Adventures of John Lee Hooker in the American Twentieth Century, short-listed for the same award. The first two decades of his journalism, criticism and vulgar abuse have been collected in Shots From The Hip (Penguin).

A founding contributor to Q and Mojo magazines, he made his print debut in 1970 in the notorious "Schoolkids Issue" of underground magazine OZ, and became a frequent contributor to IT and Cream magazines before going mainstream with NME in 1972. Since launching his freelance career in 1980, his work has appeared in newspapers like The Guardian, The Observer, The Independent, The Independent on Sunday, Evening Standard, and magazines including Vogue, MacUser, Guitarist, Prospect and New Statesman. He has written and presented several shows for Radio 3 and BBC World Service Radio, and supplied TV punditry to Channel 4 News and Newsnight, as well as appearing on numerous rockumentary programmes, most recently as series consultant for BBC2's Seven Ages Of Rock.

As a musician, he currently terrorises London gig-goers as singer/guitarist for blues band Crosstown Lightnin' , also featuring harmonica maestro Buffalo Bill Smith and the all-female New York rhythm section Queens Of Funk. His first novel, The Hellhound Sample, is due for publication in 2010.

Charles will also be reading extracts from The Hellhound Sample at The Salthouse Gallery - date tba. He'll be making a guest appearance at Buffalo Bill Smith's gig at The Lifeboat on Wednesday 16th September with steel guitar and / or Stratocaster. You will also catch him playing most days at Poetry In The Square.

Tate St Ives

2009-08-26T19:08:00.002+01:00

St Ives September Festival - Tate St Ives

The main exhibition from now until September is Contemporary Fine and Applied Arts: 1928–2009. Open daily 10.00 - 17.00.

This includes work by Katy Moran (artist in residence), Carol Bove, Barbara Hepworth, Lucie Rie, Alfred Wallis, Bojan Šarčević and Lawrence Weiner. I haven't had a chance to visit yet but it looks like an interesting combination - apart from the inclusion of the ridiculously overrated Wallis.

Tate St Ives - Current Exhibition

Talking Painting - Saturday 12th September 11.00 - 12.30.

Explore new perspectives on work in the current exhibition through picture description, discussion and practical art activities. Designed for visitors with visual impairment but open to all. Free but booking required.

Talking Painting

Tea and Tate - Monday 14th September 13.30 - 15.30.

A regular event for seniors, explore the exhibitions led by artist educators and take part in lively discussion. No knowledge of art required. Refreshments provided.

Free with gallery admission, booking required.

Tea and Tate

Hepworth Garden Walk and Talk - Monday 14th September 18.00 - 19.00.

Join Head Gardener Chris Green for an insightful tour of sculptor Barbara Hepworth's sub-tropical garden.

Tickets: £7.00 or £5.00 for Tate members.

Hepworth Walk and Talk

Late at the Tate - Friday 25th September 19.30 - 23.00.

An evening of poetry and blues with Billy Childish - "A cult figure in America, Europe and Japan, Childish is by far the most prolific, painter, poet, and song-writer of his generation."

In the café which will be serving food and drinks.

Tickets: £15.00.

Free entrance to the gallery exhibitions and shop which are open until 21.00.

Late at the Tate

For more information or to book tickets visit the Tate website via the links above or call:

01736 796226.

Anna May Wong Must Die!

2009-08-23T13:40:00.004+01:00

Anna May Wong Must Die!

Anna Chen's personal journey through the life and crimes of Hollywood movie legend Anna May Wong.

This multi-media solo show grew from A Celestial Star In Piccadilly - written and presented by Anna Chen - a BBC Radio 4 programme about Anna May Wong, Hollywood's first Chinese film star, broadcast in January 2009.

Glamour, sex, beauty, fame - Hollywood legend Anna May Wong had it all. She was the most famous Chinese woman in the world during the 1920s and 30s, and yet she struggled to get decent parts while white actors played the juiciest Chinese roles in "yellowface".

Born in Los Angeles in 1905, during the height of the Yellow Peril fears about the Chinese, she overcame prejudice and racism enshrined in US law to become Hollywood's first Chinese screen legend, making more than 60 movies.

Artists painted and sculpted her, photographers immortalised her, composers and songwriters were inspired by her, philosophers wrote about her. She starred alongside Douglas Fairbanks, George Raft, Warner Oland, Sessue Hayakawa, Marlene Dietrich and a young Laurence Olivier. And yet she all but disappeared for nearly half a century since her death in 1961 at the early age of 56.

Part comedy, part social critique, this funny, fascinating look at the movie icon takes a wry look at her career and reveals the human side of the dragon lady of dragon ladies.

St Ives School Of Painting - Art Classes

2009-08-22T19:54:00.003+01:00

The school will be running classes every day during the festival.

These are suitable for all levels of ability and beginners are especially welcome.

As an added bonus these are held in the historic Porthmeor Studios - so you can enjoy the atmosphere of an authentic St Ives studio and follow in the footsteps of Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron and others.

Tuition is from experienced professional artists.

Subjects include life drawing & painting, watercolour, collage and printmaking.

There is no need to book - just turn up ten minutes before the scheduled start time.

You can call them or visit their website for more information.

They are really friendly and helpful - they'd be delighted to hear from you.

Call James or Sarah: 01736 797180.

www.stivesartschool.co.uk

St Ives Jazz Club

2009-08-21T17:06:00.003+01:00

Empirical - St Ives Jazz Club - Tuesday 22nd September

St Ives Jazz Club are staging two gigs during the festival -

as usual on Tuesday evenings at The Western Hotel.

On Tuesday 15th September - Partisans.

Reviews:

'Partisans continues to thrill audiences with its ferociously energetic performances.'

'With its tightly knit themes and a great freedom coming from the years of playing and gigging together their visceral, groovebased sound combines bop lines with rock riffs and flowing melodies, bridging the gap between New York swing, UK rock energy and the US jam-band scene.'

'One of the first of the new wave of UK jazz bands to be influenced as much by Jimi Hendrix as by Miles Davis or Sonny Rollins.'

On Tuesday 22nd September - Empirical.

Empirical scooped the title of Jazz Ensemble Of The Year at the 2008 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.The line-up's front-line features two of the UK's brightest hopes for the future. Trumpeter Jay Phelps and alto saxophonist Nathaniel Facey are both acrobatic solo displayers, cutting and fiery, and certainly not afraid of extended bouts of self-expression.

This is a great night out - cabaret style seating, drinks at regular pub prices, quality sound system and a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

For both gigs doors open at 8.00 - get there early for the best seats.

Music starts at 9.00, two sets running until around 11.30.

Tickets are £6.00 for Jazz Club members, £10.00 for non-members.

Available from St Ives Tourist Information at The Guildhall:

01736 798577

Outside the festival -

the club stage gigs every Tuesday night at The Western Hotel.

Its run by an enthusiastic bunch of unpaid volunteers and on a not for profit basis.

They've been "keeping it live" in St Ives for more than ten years.

So they deserve your support - be there!

More Info:

St Ives Jazz Club Website

St Ives Arts Club - Members Exhibition

2009-08-20T15:49:00.006+01:00

The exhibition opens on the first Sunday (13th) of the September Festival and runs until the final Saturday (26th).

Daily 10.00am to 4.00pm - free entry.

There is always a great variety of work in various media - paintings, sculpture, textile art, other stuff.

Most work is for sale.

Obviously art is subjective and you're bound to like some things more than others.

Well worth a visit.

St Ives Arts Club

Live Music at The Castle Inn

2009-08-19T16:43:00.005+01:00

The Castle Inn on Fore Street have announced their programme for the festival on Facebook.

Castle Inn Facebook Group

Provisional - so may change (please let me know Val!).

Fri 11th Sept - Ceilidh Band.

Sat 12th Sept - Cadgewith Singers.

Sun 13th Sept - Billy Mac.

Mon 14th Sept - Fun Quiz.

Wed 16th Sept - The Shirts.

Thurs 17th Sept - Sugar Mama.

Sun 20th Sept - Billy Mac.

Mon 21st Sept - Fun Quiz.

Tue 22nd Sept - Steph Newton.

Thur 24th Sept - The Lime Green Trevenas.

A pretty interesting line up.

Good to see Sugar Mama back in St Ives - haven't seen them for ages.

All free entry and a great range of real ales on tap.

Theatre - Anything But Love

2009-08-17T12:47:00.007+01:00

Anything But Love - St Ives Arts Club - 17th and 18th Sep.

A unique meeting in 1930s New York between the great wit, poet, dramatist and adventuress Dorothy Parker and the equally hard drinking Dorothy Fields - the greatest female lyricist of all time.

The two Dorothys laugh, drink, reminisce and bitch, whilst romping through songs that include:

I Won't Dance.

A Fine Romance.

The Way You Look Tonight.

I Can't Give You Anything But Love.

"Absolutely brilliant! Funny, moving, totally absorbing with feather-light direction, great writing, performance and playing."

Dave Woolley - Director - Dylan Thomas Festival.

An original play by Phil Bowen.

Starring: Rhian Edwards and Kali Hughes.

Directed by Dominic Brewer.

Musical Director: Peter Williams.

Thursday 17th and Friday 18th September 2009. 8.00 pm.

Tickets: £9.00 / £7.50 (concessions).

From: St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 798577.

Get your tickets early - St Ives Arts Club only has space for 40 - 50 people.

Likely to sell out in advance.

Live Music at The Lifeboat Inn

2009-08-15T16:20:00.004+01:00

The Lifeboat Inn on the harbour are staging their usual programme of gigs.

Some regular festival favourites including Buffalo Bill Smith, Hot House Playboys, Rudi's Message and 4 Tons Of Funk.

The full list is above - click on the image to enlarge it.

Textile Art Workshops - Jo McIntosh

2009-08-14T09:47:00.002+01:00

Jo - St Ives September Festival 2007.

Film by Anna Chen.

Jo is a textile artist based in St Ives and is an inspiring and imaginative tutor.

Her approach is centred around her students and she loves passing on her skills:

"I get as much satisfaction from seeing my students realise that they too can be creative given the right help and support, as I do from making something myself."

Have fun ! Do something different !

She's running a series of textile art workshops during the festival.

Please book if you want to learn something new and creative.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Saturday 12th September. 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Felt Making.

Learn to make felt from first principles from merino fleece.

Then design and make your own unique seamless felt bag.

More Info ....

Tuesday 15th September. 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Silk Paper.

Imagine being able to make handmade paper in amazing colours and a lustrous sheen.

This is what silk fibres will produce when used for papermaking.

During the workshop you will learn how to make a sheet of silk paper and how to mould around an object to create a 3D piece.

More Info ....

Tuesday 22nd September. 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Water Soluble Fabric.

Learn how to make a bowl from this amazing material.

More Info ....

All these workshops are at Bedford Road in St Ives.

Cost is £30.00 per person including materials.

To book a place contact Jo:

01736 797122

07500 274601

jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

Friday 25th September. 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Beadwork.

Learn how to make beaded jewellery and create your own design.

St Ives Library.

Cost: £10.00 per person.

To book contact the library: 0300 1234 111.

Jo runs workshops in St Ives throughout the year.

Dates and more about Jo and her work on her website:

Knitweave - Jo McIntosh Website

Contributions Welcome

2009-08-13T10:12:00.013+01:00

We want to make this blog as good as it can possibly be - so would like to invite you to send in content for inclusion - before, during and after the festival.

Please do submit anything relating to the festival that might be of interest.

We're particularly looking for good quality content - well written previews / reviews, photos, videos or anything else interesting and informative.

If you upload photos to Picasa and videos to YouTube or Vimeo (preferred as quality is better) that will help. If you send in written content please include a photo for illustration if you can.

During the festival we'll be posting daily so do send in anything topical - images of the daily events, reviews of what you've seen, latest news or just your own thoughts on what's going on.

Contact Steve via the blog or email:

steve.mcintosh@stivescornwallblog.co.uk

Also please do subscribe, comment on the posts and send in any ideas that you have - your input is welcome!

St Ives Arts Club Events

2009-08-12T15:27:00.011+01:00

A Thousand Knitting Needles Falling Down A Well - Trailer.

The Arts Club on Westcott's Quay overlooking the harbour is one of my favourite venues.

A small theatre with space for only 40 - 50 people which creates a great atmosphere. Tickets are generally reasonably priced and you can also take your own wine / drinks.

The programme for September is really varied - talks, walks, music, movies, theatre and cabaret.

Here is a selection of them.

Tickets for all are available (except where noted) from:

St Ives Tourist Information - 01736 798 577.

Saturday 12th and Wednesday 16th September at 8.00 pm.

(Also Wednesday 9th and Friday 11th September at 8.00 pm).

The Cook, The Thief, The Plot and One Other.

An original play performed by Withpen Theatre Company.

Six novice writers attend a retreat in a secluded location. as they learn more about themselves and each other, the classical unities of action, place and time begin to creep from the notebook and into real life.

Tickets: £5.00

Tuesday 15th September at 7.00pm.

A Thousand Knitting Needles Falling Down A Well.

Filmmakers Nick Duffy and Anne Marie Carty take a look at life with The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. The Orchestra’s diverse members reflect on 21 years of aimless strumming, while their distinctive band of aficionados pitch in with philosophical asides on the pivotal role of the ukulele in everything from brain chemistry to regime change.

Free Entry.

Thursday 17th and Friday 18th September at 8.00pm.

Anything But Love - a play by Phil Bowen.

Charts a unique meeting in 1930s New York between the great wit, poet, dramatist and adventuress Dorothy Parker and the equally hard-drinking Dorothy Fields - the greatest female lyricist of all time. Performed by Rhian Williams and Kali Hughes.

Tickets: £9.00

Sunday 20th September at 7.00 pm.

Anna May Wong Must Die!

Anna Chen's one woman show about Hollywood's first Chinese movie star.

Based on her BBC Radio 4 broadcast and complete with a multimedia presentation and the Anna May Wong rap! Previewed at St Ives Literature Festival 2009 to great acclaim.

Tickets: £6.00

Anna May Wong Must Die!

Tuesday 22nd September at 7.00 pm.

Everything I Know About Rock and Roll Part 3.

A talk by legendary rock journalist and author Charles Shaar Murray.

Woodstock Forty Years On - What It Meant - What It Didn't Mean.

Charlie continues his popluar series of talks - taking us to 1969 and the "Summer Of Love".

Tickets: £6.00

Charles Shaar Murray

Wednesday 23rd September at 8.30 pm.

Back to Back - Rod Bullimore and Martyn Barker.

What happens when two Northeners meet for a drink in St Ives ?

Find out when , for the third successive festival, St Ives poet/comedian Rod Bullimore, and Goole based singer songwriter Martyn Barker meet for another laid back evening of original comedy and music.

Tickets: £6.00

Rod Bullimore

Thursday 24th September at 8.00 pm.

The Big Frug hosted by Bob Devereux.

The usual mixture of local performers - poetry, prose readings, comedy, music, film and anything else anybody wants to do.

Tickets: £6.00

From: The Salthouse Gallery

The Big Frug - Video

The Black and White Movie Show.

A short season of classic movies on various dates.

Monday 14th September - On The Waterfront.

Saturday 19th September - Casablanca.

Monday 21st September - Some Like It Hot.

Friday 25th September - Sunrise.

There is the usual programme of talks, walks and short documentary films and as details are on the official festival website I won't repeat them here.

St Ives September Festival Website - Arts Club

The Arts Club Members Exhibition is also open every day - free entry.

St Ives Arts Club

Please do let me know if I've got any of these details wrong or I've missed anything. As ever - in line with my shameless blagging policy - comp tickets are much appreciated.

Guildhall Tickets - Latest News

2009-08-10T15:13:00.009+01:00

Show Of Hands - Country Life

Tickets for The Ukelele Orchestra Of Great Britain - Tuesday 22nd September - are now completely sold out.

I've just checked at The Guildhall and they reckon that Elkie Brooks - Friday 25th September - will be the next gig to sell out.

My guess is that Bellowhead and Show Of Hands will follow, quite possibly before the festival starts.

So if you really want to go to any of these gigs it would be a good idea to get your tickets now.

Box Office - St Ives Tourist Information:

01736 798 577

As far as I know there are still plenty of tickets left for other events - but you might want to check if there is something you particularly want to see.

Leach Pottery Otters

2009-08-09T16:52:00.010+01:00

Leach Pottery Otters - Amazingly Talented

The printed copy of the official Arts and Literature programme has a few errors.

Be clear that most of it is correct - although many events are not listed at all.

But I thought it would help festival visitors to point out the ones I've spotted - there may well be a few others - please let me know.

Daily - Poetry In The Square.

Led by Rod Bullimore.

Should Read: Led by Rod Bullimore and / or Anna Chen during week 1.

The inimitable Bob Devereux will be back at the controls for week 2.

Tuesday 15th September -St Ives Library.

The Leach Pottery - local author Marion Whybrow gives an illustrated talk on the otters and their work.

Should Read: Not sure - but I suspect that it should be "potters" unless Paradise Park have instigated an amazing training programme for the little furry creatures.

Wednesday 16th - Saturday 19th September - The Island.

Romeo and Juliet.

Tickets: £6.00 (advance), £8.00 (door).

Should Read: £6.00 (advance), £7.50 (door), under 7s free.

Tickets - St.Ives Theatre 01736 797007 or Tourist Information 01736 796297.

Friday 18th September - St Ives Library.

Workshop with Jo McIntosh - Knitting With Wire.

Should Read: Sorry - this event has been cancelled.

Sunday 20th September - The Island.

Romeo and Juliet.

This performance will not take place as the production closes on the 19th.

Saturday 26th September.

Several events are listed under this heading which actually take place on Friday 25th.

The heading is printed in the wrong place - should be one column to the right.

Welcome

2009-08-09T15:21:00.001+01:00

September Festival 2008 - A Midsummer Nights Dream.

This year's play will be Romeo and Juliet. 16th, 17th, 18th ,19th September.

Welcome the the St Ives September Festival Blog - 100% Unofficial.

We aim to feature daily live updates during the festival - which runs from Saturday 12th to Saturday 26th September 2009 in St Ives Cornwall.

We'll also be previewing a range of events beforehand.

From our unofficial headquarters at Norway Square, The Sloop Inn and various secret locations around town we'll be filming, checking out what's going on and generally keeping you informed and entertained. Footage and copy will then be rushed to our production suite near Porthmeor Beach for editing and posting online.

If you're attending the festival you'll find this a useful source of information, gossip and news as things progress.

If you can't be here you can at least follow events from your PC, Mac or laptop.

Content will include the latest news from the underbelly of the festival and any "official" news that the festival organisers choose to send our way. If any events change or are cancelled we'll do our best to let you know. If any new events pop up we'll post details here.

We'll be filming at locations where we can - a mixture of live performances, interviews with key players and general scenes from St Ives.

We'll shamelessly plug events that we have a particular interest in of course.

But to be fair we'll feature lots of other stuff as well.

If you want to feature please send in the usual offers of free tickets, bribes or whatever.

If your event has artistic merit in our expert opinion - we'll consider it.

If you're event has no artistic merit and you make a good enough offer - we'll definitely feature it.

Do send in anything you'd like to see posted.

Feedback is welcome - please do add comments.

As ever, if we get anything wrong, blame Rod Bullimore.