I’ve Only got a few more shows left this year then I’m pretty much on lockdown until Verve Festival in February. Other than my monthly Word Wise commitments (which features a rather awesome line-up in January that I’ll announce at a later date) I’ll be taking a break from performing and will be taking an even longer break after that to get a new set of material together and focus on other projects and commitments. So far this year I’ve done 64 gigs; by the end of the year I’ll have done over 70. This doesn’t include all of my educational performances, workshops in schools, prisons, referral units, colleges, universities community projects.
I’d like to think I’m seeing the year out on a high though. In a few hours a have the pleasure of hosting Tony Walsh a.k.a. Longfella Poet at the opening event of the first ever Derby Poetry Festival. I’ll also be hosting one of my biggest influences in terms of my poetry in the Master Dub Poet Linton Kwesi Johnson.
I feel grateful for the progress I’ve made over the last year but I’m always striving to move forward and develop as an artist, that’s why I’ll be going out on a high this year!
One of my poems ‘ANYWHERE STREET DE1’ was put with some music by a great producer based in Belfast called Bloque Capitals. It got played on BBC Introducing Ulster, a few weeks back; the link can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09d3hjz
It’s all been a bit hectic here (in a good way). Had a brilliant night performing for the first time at ‘Unity Words’ in Wakefield. Was great to see Maria Ferguson for the first time, she’s an ace poet, so if you haven’t checked her out yet then do it!! Also enjoyed plenty of other great shows throughout June including my hometown launch of my book which I’m pleased to say was a rowdy and rammed event!!
In terms of the education stuff I’ve just started doing the summer course along with my good buddy Rhythmical Mike for Derby County Community Trust and NCS. I also held some brilliant workshops with the year 9’s from Noel Baker Academy as well as doing a motivational Speech for ex-offenders with the fantastic High-5 Recruitment. Plenty more work lined-up and some exciting times ahead. Get in touch if you need any creative workshops running.
I have some great gigs coming up this month including a headline slot @Word Life in Sheffield, Check the live section for more information. The awesome Raymond Antrobus also visits Word Wise in Derby this month along with Antony R. Owen and many other great poets.
Finally there’s a couple of nice new reviews of my collection ‘The Best Of A Bad Situation’ from the lovely people at ‘The Morning Star’ and ‘The Triumph of Now’ Head over to the reviews section to see more!
I also got commissioned to write a piece for the heritage Lottery funded THI (Townscape heritage initiative) in the Green Lane area of Derby. You can view the video here:
