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Our pick of some of the best events taking place across the region this week…
Image: Bis
Every week we pull together some of the best events taking place across the region, from music and theatre, to comedy, art and film. Read more on these, and other events, in the latest issue of NARC. magazine in print and online.
Image by: Lina Jusevičiūtė
MUSIC
Polly Paulusma takes to the stage to celebrate her latest album Wildfires, accompanied by the incomparable Jon Thorne (Lamb, Yorkston Thorne Khan) on upright bass. A mesmerising performance that weaves together deeply emotional songs and spoken word poetry, Wildfires is an extraordinary two-hour opus produced by the legendary Ethan Johns (Laura Marling, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams).
Released on One Little Independent, Polly’s haunting voice, combined with Jon’s masterful basslines, creates an immersive experience that resonates long after the final note. At their Cumberland Arms gig on Tuesday 25th March they will traverse the rich landscapes of Paulusma’s six studio albums, with a particular focus on the breathtaking narratives of Wildfires.
Audiences can expect a night of profound emotional depth, exploring themes of love, loss, grief, and philosophical reflection. Yet, amid the intensity, Polly and Jon’s signature bawdy humour and candid anecdotes bring lightness and laughter.
Tuesday 25th March @ The Cumberland Arms
MUSIC
Attention Middlesbrough: you’re in for an absolute treat on Friday 28th March, as two of the UK’s finest singer-songwriters are heading to the lavish setting that is St Mary’s Cathedral, where you’ll get to spend your evening tuning into their beautiful melodies and painstakingly well-crafted musings. Boo Hewerdine and Elaine Palmer are incredible in their own right, but their artistic collision at St Mary’s Cathedral will be one for the ages. Hewerdine – who you might be aware of as The Bible’s inimitable lead singer – is something of a national treasure for both his work with the band and on his lonesome. This show will present a careful combination of songs from his latest full-length record, as well as a number of favourites from his rich back catalogue. Palmer hails from North Yorkshire, but has passed by many a year travelling to see her family in Phoenix, Arizona. Her songs are influenced by both of these environments, with music being something that has surrounded the singer-songwriter since youth. Having played with the likes of KT Tunstall, Patty Griffin and Paolo Nutini, this is your chance to see what all the fuss is about. Two great songwriters, one great night – don’t hesitate.
Friday 28th March @ St Mary’s Cathedral
MUSIC
A two person orchestra might sound impossible, but Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington as the Blackheart Orchestra will prove you wrong as they flit between a ‘musical space station’ of instruments including guitars, mandola, omnichord, vintage synthesisers & more. The multi award winners take to The Forum’s stage, where they’ll have company from witch-pop support act Shannon Pearl.
Friday 28 March @ The Forum, Darlington
Image by: Tash Barker
MUSIC
Incredible north east-based singer, songwriter, and rock artist Ruth Lyon is heading to The Cluny 2 on Saturday 29th March, following a string of UK dates. She and her band have outdone their live performance every single time I have experienced them live, and this show will undoubtedly be no different. Lyon is a power figure who always makes for a mesmerising live show with her incredibly infectious alternative rock tracks such as Trouble, Stone and Paper Aeroplane. Despite being a wheelchair user since the age of 21, Ruth has forged an unstoppable career fronting her rock’n’roll band in countless basement clubs across Europe!
She’s been captivating audiences with singular sound, in which she expresses herself authentically and documents her own introspective journey. Ruth Lyon crafts unique and mesmerising songs built with an incredibly muscular groove, while lyrically she moves between the abstract, the archetypal and the naked truth. Transportive, vulnerable and honest, above all Lyon preaches beauty and self-acceptance in the face of loss, heartbreak and the mess of being human. Her show at The Cluny 2 will certainly be another for the books!
Saturday 29th March @ The Cluny 2, Newcastle
MUSIC
Last year Scottish indie pop band celebrated their 30th anniversary. 30 years of dance breaks, shameless funk and unrelenting punk euphoria.
Bis create infectious ear worms, with LPs and EPs including hits like Kandy Pop, Eurodisco and, of course, the undeniable force majeure which is the Power Puff Girls theme tune. The synth-heavy band have spent 30 years prioritising the same fun-fuelled excitement that harks back to The B52s or Devo. Touches of riot grrrl and Britpop all wrap into the tight and giddy package which is Bis.
With on-and-off careers, each return has been met with sell out shows and fantastic, elated sets, as well as a slew of singles. Having toured with bands ranging from Foo Fighters and Pavement to Bikini Kill, Bis are no stranger to a good time or a good show.
Making their Sunderland debut at Pop Recs Ltd. on Saturday 29th March, the band will no double perform the classics from their 1999 staple Social Dancing, as well as tracks from their 2022 project, Systems Music For Home Defense. They’ll be joined by local noise rockers Fashion Tips and Edinburgh’s Devo-inspired electro punks Hens Bens.
Sunday 29th March @ Pop Recs Ltd.
FILM
Italian giallo films of the 70s and 80s: if those words intrigue you, buy a ticket for either day (or both) of this two day film festival Strange Vices & Bloody Blades in Newcastle and get watching! Stylish, sleazy murder mysteries, plus guest speakers, a free zine, and a giallo bingo card. Film heaven.
Sat 29th – Sun 30th March @ Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle
