Lyrical Lounging - September 17th 2011



Jess Mayhew and yours truly, Maria Taylor

I've been quiet of late. The last few weeks have seen me head down over a desk whenever the chance arises editing, reviewing and writing at the cost of enhancing my social life. However, last Saturday meant a trip down to Northampton to perform at the Lyric Lounge with CCC pamphlet winner, Jess Mayhew. Jess is a very talented discovery, at only 21 she writes with an authority and maturity which is quite startling. We both had an opportunity to share our work with a very receptive crowd. Ok, I had a cold and was dosed up with various superdrugs but it went well. The event was held at The Fishmarket, an art gallery which was indeed a fishmarket in years gone by. There were still a few marble tables where the fish were sold, to mark this. This intriguing and idiosyncratic arts venue is unfortunately going to be shut down next year. Not your best move Northamptonshire council, methinks. The venue was full of very eager and enthused artists, writers and performers and there was also a free lunch!

Jess and Maria

                  The 17th of September is also my dad's birthday. He turned 74, he won't be reading this blog as most of his reading matter consists of the sports pages, but Happy Birthday Papa!

There were felt tips, so I used them.

Another contribution by myself.

Lyric Lounge Leicester - July 30th

Last Friday managed to get down to the Lyric Lounge,  in Leicester's New Walk Museum. In the morning went to a reading by Fatima Al Mattar, who is a local poet I've admired for a while. She manages to weigh intellect and sensitivity in the right doses. Her readings are full of depth and sincerity, and she also has the most beautiful voice. After lunch it was Jean Binta Breeze who I think is currently writer in residence at New Walks, so her reading tended towards heritage and culture, delivered with her trademark energy and spirit. In the afternoon attended John Hegley's workshop and did some very intriguing things with pens and felt tips accompanied by the man himself on the mandolin.

Wished I could have got to more. Thank you to the organisers, especially Lydia Towsey who seemed very busy, (seeming to be everywhere at once I think), the energy of that woman!