In the words of Joss Whedon, you can’t stop the signal – and in these gloomy times, oodles of creative comrades of mine are moving their gigs online to keep us connected and smiling.
I’ll be doing the same myself where possible. Understandably, most (I’m anticipating all) of my gigs have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, but that’s no reason to stop sharing stories and, basically, sharing GOOD TIMES together; so I’m taking part in any way I can. Stay tuned for future posts, I’ll do my best to keep listings up to date alongside working for the Med School from home and family life with the kids off school – BUT, for now:
Here’s a round-up of all the online gigs that myself and friends of mine have going on. Not all of them have the luxury of a day job, and so like all creative workers they’re taking a big hit – so please support the where you can. As Dr Zhivago said, the arts always bind us together and help us make sense of the times we’re living through, so let’s make as much as we can of them now when we’ll need them most.
Without further ado:
TONIGHT, Sat 21st Mar – Pog, live streaming gig from their house – a superb acoustic folk-punk-pop band who have always epitomised the community spirit of music – voice/guitar and violin Paul and Bethan will be streaming an hour’s gig from their home to all comers: expect infectious melody, anarchic humour and wry indisputable social observation.
Mon 23rd Mar – Jason Buck, “The Staffordshire Clay Dragon” – storytelling by a masterful performer and wordsmith, sharing one of his own original tales, plus holding a question and answer with the audience
Wed 25th Mar – Hammer and Tongue at a Social Distance – first group I saw to take to the internet this week, this cracking regular poetry night were straight out the gate to keep creativity alive. OPEN SLAM performance poetry if you want a go (see the link) plus headline act and reigning champion the fantastic Alyssia MacAlister.
Sun 29th Mar – Sunday Stories ONLINE – Me! My semi-regular Sunday afternoon storytelling sesh, shifted to the ether for all who’d like some tales.
Mon 30th Mar – Worthing Storytellers – Feast of Fools – always-amazing monthly night run by my friends Amy and Josh, shifting online for your entertainment! This month, of course, it’s a celebration of all things Foolish!
Wed 1st Apr – South Downs Storytellers – another wonderful regular night, my friends Rachel and Becky host this storytelling open mic and are likewise hopping online. As they actually fall on 1st Apr, expect plenty more Foolishness among all that everyone brings!
And ongoing things:
Fernee Forest Club – my friend Sara is posting a series of #KeepingWild videos to share inspiration and Things To Do in the outdoors just outside your home. And some of them even involve storytelling from me! Follow her page for each instalment.
1-a-day-creative-inspiration – a wonderful Brighton-based FB group started by my friend Alex, sharing ideas and encouragement for creative expression we can ALL do if we’re having to stay at home. Get creating!
That’s all for now – but I’ll keep posting as I hear of stuff. Best wishes, take care and look after yourselves!
Jon the Storyteller 