Episodes
Michelle is joined in the studio by Simon Rea from Truman Falls* to talk about their upcoming Christmas event and new single. On the phone, is Isla Callister joining Michelle from Glasgow to chat about the Celtic Collaboration she is involved in. AND we meet the Village Blinger, also known as Annie Eastham. *NB: since this programme was recorded, sadly the Graih Christmas Concert that Simon Rea mentions has been cancelled due to Covid concerns.
Michelle is joined by Joff Whitten to talk about brand new musical arts project ‘Kitterland’ which will take place at the Erin Arts Centre at 7.30pm on Sunday 5th December. This week Michelle also jumps into the world of poetry and catches up with Island Poets Bridge Carter and Hazel Teare.
This week Michelle is joined by classical composer Eleri and learns about her unusual process of composing. Also featured is David Rowles, organiser Battle of the Bands 2022. For more information about the competition head to Battle of the Bands on Facebook.
You can’t hide from the C word any longer…… its CHRISTMAS! This week, Michelle James heads to Pooil Vaaish Handmade Christmas Fair in Ballasalla. Join over 40 talented local artists and makers as they showcase their latest designs and gifts under one roof. Featured on Spotlight – Isle be Creative, The Flower Studio, Wolly Made, Paint and Thimble and Jo Lewy Ceramics.
Michelle James looks after Spotlight this week, with a trip to Port Erin to check out new art and community hub 'Artea'; while she's there, she also meets the artists Clare Payne and Nathan Cardy who are behind the latest exhibition. She also catches up with Charlie Williams and Alex Armstrong, the theatre loving pals who are behind new classic company 'Parodos', who are starting their run with Shakespeare in the Spring.
Assistant Curator for Manx National Heritage Nicola Tooms shows us around the new exhibition 'Traders of the Lost Arts' at the House of Manannan - spoiler: it's super funky. Artist Dawn Kennaugh dorps by to tell us more about hwo she got into painting and what continues to inspire her, and Anumeha Kumar introduces us to the island's first Bollywood dance class which you can try for free all next week! For more info, contact the Theatrix Theatre Company ecaitlinc@gmail.com
Last week, Howard Caine and a merry band of local performers joined forces to stage the acclaimed film director Mike Leigh’s 1970s cult classic ‘Abigail’s Party’ in aid of the Roy Castles Lung Cancer Charity – he spoke to news editor Lisa Harding for this evening's show.
Out at the Hodgson-Loom Gallery at Laxey Woollen Mills, Julia Ashby Smyth is in the middle of hanging work for her joint exhibition with Neil Milsom who we know for his sculpture, but he’s been adding something completely new into the mix - paintings! The show launches on Friday with an open preview starting at 6pm.
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The Youth Arts Centre is a hive of activity this evening, with Art Tank, Soundcheck and National Theatre Connections activities taking place - we’ll be finding out what’s on when! I’ve also got the first single from ‘Broken Rainbow’, a collaboration between a local artist and a musician in Arizona!
On Spotlight this evening we’re looking ahead to the Isle of Man Film Festival! We’ll be joined by two of the festival directors, Dark Avenue's Bethany White and Patrick Crellin who have some special treats in store at their event tomorrow evening, and Liam Rice and Joshua Moore - stars of ‘Before You Go’ a locally-produced short film being screened on Sunday.
Find out more on Facebook or at isleofmanfilmfestival.com
This week we hear from artists, organisers and officials involved in the Isle of Man Arts Council’s exhibition and book Ellyn – a tale of contemporary art. To get hold of your copy of the book, just get in touch with the Isle of Man Arts Council by emailing iomartscouncil@gov.im or calling 694598
The exhibition is open daily from 10-4 until Sunday 10 October in the Villa Marina Arcade just next door to the Gaiety Theatre
This week, I'm finding out about a unique project featuring the work of over 60 Island artists in the form of a book and an exhibition which opens in less than two weeks time. Project creator, the Arts Council’s Arts Graduate Intern Olivia Savage will be joining me in the studio to tell us more about 'Ellyn – a Tale of Contemporary Art'
This week .. . .a dirigible balloon, an iconic 70s play - and the new Manx Bard!
This week, we’re meeting two of the three students awarded grants by the Isle of Man Arts Council to assist with their studies in creative fields – Kizzie Puzzar has been awarded The Isle of Man Arts Council Award and will be studying for a BA (Hons) in the Music Business and Event Management at the BIMM Institute (British and Irish Modern Music) in Brighton, and Joshua Morrison has been awarded The Jonathan Gollow Award for Performing Arts has been awarded to Joshua Morrison, who will be attending the Rambert Conservatoire in London to study for his degree in Ballet and Contemporary Dance....
This week we wend our way round Peel, speaking to a whole host of local artists exhibiting their work as part of the Creative Network's Isle of Man Art Festival
This week, I venture into the wilds of Ravensdale with poet and performer Jackie Morrey-Grace to discuss the tale she's written, 'On Ravensdale Hill', inspired by this almost-secret beauty spot
Our guest this week, is interior designer (among many other things) Rumana Swinton, who’ll be telling us about some of her past projects, inspirations and her creative practice in this intriguing creative profession
This week on Spotlight, we’re talking to local singer songwriter Callum Brew who is releasing his very first single 'Maple Spirit' on Spotify this Friday, and we look back on a conversation I had with the incredible Yola a few years ago, who shared her advice on maintaining your voice under pressure
This week we’re out and about at the new ArtReach Studios in Peel, we hear what’s going on at Yn Chruinnaght this week, and we find out more about the Secret Stitch Society
This week, we’re finding out more about a children’s book raising money for charity, Robert Cowley's rainbow series of books has been a real hit with young people and his most recent book 'Pink the fairy' has already raised over £1,000 for Breast Cancer Now. Find your copy at the Lexicon in Douglas or contact Rob at manxman57@live.com
Also, would you like the opportunity to lead a new choir? If so, your fate may be tied to the Jurby Community Centre! To get in touch, give them a search on Facebook or call 818015
Tonight, we're talking to scientist and animator Max Tate who is bringing the periodic table to the masses with his fun and quirky videos - get your element on here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYRFpw_N4_cMeFrcYqYCew
This week on Spotlight we’re joined by Manx Radio’s classical music maestro Maurice Powell, who’ll be discussing the stars of the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Concerts; from Mozart to Mendelssohn, Maurice, who is the orchestra’s conductor has tales of wonder and woe to wow us all
Get your tickets at the Lexicon Bookshop, Bridge Bookshops, or by emailing paulawadsworth@manx.net
More information can be found at www.iomso.im
This week, we're talking to students of UCM's Arts Foundation and Music, Performance & Production courses about the work on show in their end of year exhibition, and we hear more about the Isle of Man Choral Society's Big Sing happening this weekend!
This week, Wendy Shimmin of the One World Centre is here to speak to us about the charity’s exciting new art competition open to everyone, and artist and former teacher Ian Coulson shares insights into the inner world of his good friend, artist Kevin Atherton whose retrospective exhibition is currently on display at the Manx Museum - https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/detail/kevin-atherton-the-works/
On Spotlight this week, we’re at the launch of ‘Boundaries’ with our roving reporter Dollin Mercer. He speaks to Kirsty Neate of MNH, Carola Rush of the Creative Network, and two of the show’s curators Ian Coulson and Helen Fox, plus artists Beth Louella, Janet Lees, and Janet Corrin, at the exhibition now on display at the House of Manannan until October.
H is Hendo for the last week and is delighted to hear about a new jazz club on the island, Sarah speaks to the cast and director of an exciting theatrical project on the Island and all roads lead to Laxey for the Great Laxey Brass Band Festival
Howie's in again, looking at sold-out short films about everything from micro-cars to murder, another short, recognised by two cinematographic titans, which was inspired by . . . . . soup spoons and a classic novel, taking to the Gaiety stage.
Howie stands in for Hendo . . Christy chats to a great bunch of skankers, we hear about the IOM Arts Council Student Awards and look over the rainbow for a brilliant version of The Wizard of Oz!
This week, we’re joined by the creators of a charming animation based on the Isle of Man, ‘Gladys and Luna’. I also have news for any poets among us who’d like to enter the 2021 Triple Poetry Trail! Visit your local library or email bethany@manxcat.org.uk to get your entry form
On the programme this week, we’ll be finding out about a new music competition for young people on the island - the Manx Virtual Music Competition (find out mroe at facebook.com/mvmciom or email mvmciom2021@gmail.com), Christy and Howard speak to some of the cast of Shrek the Musical (tickets available at villagaiety.com), and we look ahead to the next AcousticMann concert – this time in Peel! Find tickets here: etickets.im/bjm
Today, we speak to theatre director Caroline Devlin about her adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry V for Zoom! The Guildford Shakespeare Company have adapted to these strange times in such an exciting way and are asking you to get involved by creating artworks, props, pieces music or creative writing to be featured in this live online performance. The deadline is Friday March 26th though, so don't miss out!
For more info, follow this link: https://www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/yourimaginaryforces/?fbclid=IwAR34OrsDtbRrPoVozpbBJL021QqiGEy8GKH4I1wpcuWMOCGDP_uUeJZdim8