Lyric Lounge Leicester
This summer will see New Walk Museum transformed into ‘Lyric Lounge Leicester’ – an enchanting performance space celebrating the power of live literature. For three days and nights, July 30 – August 1, The Lounge will bring laughter, lyrics and musical magic to Leicester.
Lounge events are expected to attract hundreds of artists, young people, writers
and literature fans alike, through workshops, performance opportunities for local artists and appearances by established poets. Events are part of a region-wide series of mini-festivals taking place throughout 2010, following on from the sell
out success of last year’s ‘Lyric Lounge’, held in Leicester as part of the cultural programme for the Special Olympics.
Friday 30 July – 10am ‘til late
The day kicks off with a Masterclass from John Hegley; a series of mysterious and theatrical ‘poetry happenings’…and a marvellous ‘Knit and Think Poetry’ workshop, with ‘Book Doctor’ extraordinaire Alison Dunne. Later on, perform within a Lyrical Lunchtime, on the same bill as international Dub Poet and Lyric Lounge Patron Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze.
In the afternoon, hang out with John Hegley, or take part in an ILUVLYRICS urban poetry workshop. Friday culminates in ILUVLYRICS – a mighty competition for young lyricists, MC’s and spoken word artists, with a cash prize (compered by
Glastonbury slam champion Andy Craven Griffiths).
Saturday 31 July – 10am ‘til late
Start the day with a visual art workshop, led by Artist in Residence, Tim Clarke, a poetry workshop with Pam Thompson or a Book Doctor one-to-one. See Place Prize nominee Louise Katerega and Festival Director, Lydia Towsey fuse
dance and poetry in ‘At Your Own Pace’, and enjoy a Lyrical Lunchtime with singer/songwriter Kenny Wilson.
In the afternoon catch more poetic dance, more creative happenings, poetry films and writing surgeries. Saturday finishes in style, with ‘The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet’ – the latest show from Godfather of performance poetry, John Hegley.
Sunday 1 August – 11am ‘til late
The Lounge ends its Leicester stint with a day of mind-blowing creativity. The day begins with the renowned Mark Gwynne Jones, his band Psychicbread and a masterclass in putting your words to music. Mid morning, see a performance by musician Mike Soul and BASS Slam Winner Sureshot. Enjoy light bites alongside Lyrical Lunchtime, with a mystery act, then hotfoot it to a Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze Museum Workshop.
Leicester’s finale is WORD! with Mark Gwynne Jones and Psychicbread. Strut your stuff on the open mic, then tie it all up with the party to end all parties.
Tickets/ Info
All workshops are FREE and suitable for ages 7 plus (apart from ILUVLYRICS – ages 13 plus). You can also book a one to one with our Book Doctor Alison Dunne or Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze. FREE places for workshops and one to ones must
be booked in advance via word@wordpoetry.co.uk.
Lyrical Lunchtimes are FREE – just turn up.
Tickets for John Hegley – £10/£5 (suitable for ages 7 plus with guidance), ILUVLYRICS – £5/£3 (suitable for ages 13 plus)
and WORD! -£4/£3 (suitable for ages 13 plus), are available via The New Walk Museum Box Office: 0116 225 4900.
Read all about Lyric Lounge Leicester’s first Volunteer Session!
http://secretagentartist.wordpress.com/2010/06/27/lyric-lounge-lift-off/
Volunteers wanted!
Fancy being part of one of the biggest cultural events of the year?
Lyric Lounge Leicester will be an exciting weekend of live literature at New Walk Museum, following on from the success of last year’s Lyric Lounge. Taking place from Friday July 30th – Sunday 1st August 2010, it will feature live performance in poetry, spoken word and music.
Organisers are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help out on a range of duties, from back stage to front of house. You’ll gain free entry to a range of amazing events, including appearances by John Hegley, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Mark Gwynne Jones and ILUVLYRICS Urban Arts workshops.
You’ll also be given valuable training, experience and a reference at the end.
Daytime and evening opportunities are available and you can commit as much or as little time as you feel able to.
To get involved please contact Lauren Ramskir on Lauren@2funkyarts.co.uk / 0116 222 0639 with your contact details, a bit about yourself and why you want to take part in this opportunity.
Applicants must be aged 16 and over.
The Lyric Lounge is a groundbreaking, site specific festival of poetry and spoken word. Following its sell out success at The Y Theatre in 2009 and after 12 months of eager anticipation, this year it hits the rest of the region…!
Lyric Lounge Leicester
30th July, 31st July, August 1st.
10.00am – 10.00pm
New Walk Museum
For three days and three nights, New Walk Museum will become Lyric Lounge Leicester!
A whole range of free activities will run from 10am until 10pm and take place across the museum. In the day, chill out with coffee, books and films, draw with festival artist in residence, Tim Clarke; or choose from an impressive host of poetry workshops. Be entertained with music and poetry over Lyrical Lunchtimes and mid morning bites, chat to The Book Doctor, or take to the mic yourself.
In the evening catch everything from WORD! with Mark Gwynne Jones and his amazing band, to John Hegley; The Godfather of performance poetry. John will be performing his brand new show, ‘The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet’ – against a back drop of museum objects.
With a lineup that includes poetry from the internationally acclaimed, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze and music and lyrics from the likes of Kenny Wilson, Mike Sole and ILUVLYRICS, Lyric Lounge Leicester invites participation from people of all ages and is definitely not to be missed. For the full programme, visit www.lyriclounge.co.uk.
Lyric Lounge Leicester is part of the ‘Igniting Ambition’ programme. It is artistically directed by Lydia Towsey with patronage from Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze. ‘Lyric Lounge Leicester’ is managed by Writing East Midlands, in association with WORD! It is funded by MLA (Museums Libraries and Archives), with further support from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester Libraries, Phoenix Square and Leicester Arts & Museums Service. Its delivery group includes: The Literature Network, Find Your Talent and 2Funky Arts.
