Image: Svaiga Seliokaite
Trent Depot
Svaiga Seliokaite is a talented and diverse Nottingham photographer who turns a curious eye in the direction of urban decay. Previously located on the edge of the River Trent, the depot was once used as a warehouse and transit shed. Looking like something out of a zombie film, its worn and torn exterior breathed history. Unfortunately, it was never listed and was finally torn down, so Svaiga has documented its life and demise through rain, snow and shine. An exhibition to stir the mind of anyone who feels the lure of derelict buildings, well worth getting down to.
Monday 12 – Saturday 31 May, 11am – 4pm, free, Real Lives Gallery
Nottingham on Camera
When you’re jetting off on holiday, have you ever looked out the window as you leave East Mids? If you have, you’ll know that Nottingham has a rather beautiful skyline and as part of Trent’s celebration of 170 years of Art and Design, Hopkinson are dedicating an entire exhibition to the amazing buildings that make up Nottingham’s skyline. All of the photos showcased are the work of acclaimed architectural photographer Martine Hamilton Knight D.Litt. She’s been in the game for over twenty years, so she knows a thing or two about architecture and how to take the most stunning of photos.
Monday 12 - Thursday 15 May, 9am, free, Newton Building, Nottingham Trent University
Light at the End of the Tenner
Andrew Graves, the one and only ‘MulletProof’ poet in Nottingham, has new work that he’s bound together in the form of a shiny book - his first ever full length collection of poetry. Published under Burning Eye Books, the pages will surely take on MulletProofPoet’s straight up, societal subject matter we’ve come to love chuckling at so much. Luckily for us, he’ll be performing a selection of his work and if you haven’t clocked him before, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to get to know. There will be free refreshments available, so you can nip in for a sausage roll if nowt else, ya greedy bogger.
Monday 12 May, 7pm, free, Five Leaves Bookshop
Hush #2
After the success of their first musical congregation, Hush are back with another selection of some of the best acoustic musicians that Midlands has to offer. Jamie Beau, a Newton Faulkner-esque singer-songwriter will be headlining the night. He’ll be joined by some ace local talent including Adam Clarkson (of Captain Dangerous fame), Anwyn Williams, Raph Achache, James Gooch and Connor Spray. With so many different styles here, you’re bound to find something to tickle your fancy - unless you don’t like the sound of an acoustic guitar, in which case, you’re kind of screwed.
Wednesday 14 May, 7.15pm, £3, The Maze
Bo Ningen
The Social plays host to loads of different bands over the course of the year - some popular, some not. Some easy listening, some not so much - but we doubt they’ve had anyone quite as mental as this next lot. Bo Ningen are a self-proclaimed bunch of “enlightenment activists from the far east psychedelic underground,” who make acid-punk full of screaming and squalling. Probably not the best band see on a first date, but they’re certainly worth checking out if you like getting rowdy and having a bit of a mosh.
Thursday 15 May, 7pm, £10, The Bodega
Under The Tree
We have loads of great singer-songwriters here in Hoodtown, and Under The Tree are one of the best promoters for bringing these great talents together. This week they’ve gone and got six ace local acts from every end of the acoustic spectrum, so we’re sure you’ll find something to whet your appetite. With performances from Joy Mumford, Ben Haynes, John Hardy, Robyn Hughes-Jones, Artit Aukko and Luke Whittemore, it’s sure to be a great night. Oh, and it’s free, so you’ve got no excuse not to at least pop your head in for a bit.
Thursday 15 May, 7pm, free, Malt Cross
Nottingham Writers’ Studio Launch
As part of The Howie-Smith Project, the old pram shop at the bottom of Hockley has been magically transformed into a colourful haven for the scribblers of Nottingham. NWS is a collective of novelists, publishers, journalists, poets – you name it - they’ve been going since 2006 now, and finally have a dedicated space they can open up to the public. With new writing areas, underground performance spaces and workshop rooms as just the foundation of the place, it’s up to the rest of Nottingham’s wordsmiths to make the building come to life. Join the opening celebration, have a nosey round and get creative.
Friday 16 May, free, Nottingham Writers’ Studio, 25 Hockley
Pulling Your Cosmic Trigger
If you’ve ever heard of Cosmic Trigger, the series of books by Robert Anton Wilson, then you’ll know that they kicked off the fashion of illuminati spotting. If you’re more of a fan of the incredible story itself as opposed to the trend it started, you’re going to love this. Daisy Campbell and John Higgs will be delivering their stage adaptation of the book, local improv comedy stars MissImp will get you right in the funny bone, and Adrian Reynolds will be doing a talk on madness, magic, mesmerism and medicine. All of this will be hosted by Anna Reynolds, who will also be delivering a modern day fairy tale to our enchanted tabs.
Saturday 17 May, 5pm, £5 suggested charity donation, The Corner
MC Spyda’s Birthday Bash
When was the last time you went to a dutty rave? This one’s gonna send you round the twist. The legendary MC Spyda is returning to his hometown to deliver a massive jungle and drum ‘n’ bass skanking session across two rooms, with the mighty RC1 Soundsystem to blast everyman into next week. The ones and twos are getting taken over by Grooverider, Logan D, Jumpin Jack Frost, Annix, Phantasy, Alpha, Slipz, C-Tex and T-Flex. MCs on the night include Bassman, Trigga, Evil B, IC3, Harry Shotta, Nutcracka, Bomma, a shedload more and of course, the birthday badboy himself.
Saturday 17 May, 9.30pm, £15+, The Irish Centre
The Architecture of Desire
Isn’t it funny how two people can have completely different perspectives on exactly the same thing? Especially when it comes to art - two artists could be given the same brief and end up with completely unique pieces. That’s the loose concept of this exhibition. Damien McGinley and Bob Evans are both resident Nottingham artists and for this exhibition, they’ve both given their own take on how they see Nottingham. Damien uses collage and the distortion of curved lines, whereas Bob sticks to paints and a rectilinear perspective. Whether you’re a collector, or you just appreciate art, it promises to be very exciting.
Sunday 18 May – Tuesday 20 May, free, Nottingham Society of Artists
For the full motherload of everything else going on this week check out our comprehensive Nottingham events listings.
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