Showcases highlight the depth of talent
THIS year’s Literature and Ideas Festival Fringe presented two Writers Showcases at SWCT HUB VIBE.
I had the pleasure to host the events and introduce nine performances that highlighted the breadth and depth of talent in our borough.
Seamus Kelly delivered a selection of his poems including some very well-received new poems that tackled hard issues.
Seamus’s current work includes writing, performing and delivering workshops in creative writing for schools, writing groups and community organisations.
He has previously worked in photography and graphic design and has taught and led workshops in both areas.
Dave Condon played some of his own stunning compositions on acoustic guitar. Dave has been playing guitar for 25 years and has a degree in Composition and Performance.
He is an experienced musical director and theatre musician, who has worked with young people and adults with mental health issues for more than 10 years.
Ian Aitchison gave a highly entertaining homage to his home town and raised many a chuckle with his cleverlycomposed limericks.
Wordweaver Writing Group members led by Eileen Earnshaw entertained with some of their poetry. They meet fortnightly on Mondays in Riverside at 5.30pm and they welcome all writers of any discipline.
Sue Devaney, hot-foot from pantomime rehearsals at Oldham Coliseum, movingly gave us an insight into depression and anxiety illustrated by her anecdotes and choice of poems.
Touchstones Creative Writing Group’s Pulling Threads performed their fifth and final First World War show, Fit For Heroes, songs and poetry.
Between the Vines played acoustic versions of songs from their debut album, 50 Ways to Beautiful.
They also gave the first ever live performance of Rebecca’s latest composition.
Recorded in Gracieland Studio, Rochdale, it is an album of 13 original songs written and sung by Rebecca. Between the Vines are Rebecca - lead vocals and guitar - her husband Kev - percussion.
Kev is the, extensively touring, drummer in rock band Dare and, also plays with John Lee’s Barclay James Harvest.
Rebecca herself also performs extensively as a solo singer/songwriter.
Eileen Earnshaw who has recently achieved a 2:1 BA Hons in creative writing showed yet again what an amazing talent she is through her powerful poetry.
Robin Parker’s Sonnets to Van Gogh with projected images were in tribute to this year’s theme, The Year of the Woman.
Mayor of Rochdale, poet, writing group facilitator, performer and social activist, Robin entertained with his sonnets and highly informative anecdotes.