Dahdi (Granny) - Kirsten Tan, Singapore, 2014
F**CK UKIP
Our sentiments exactly. We find little to enjoy about the UKIP party. Farage reminds us of a grumpy toad who hates all the other frogs jumping on his lily pad. Somehow, the party has managed to weasel themselves into the consciousness of the general public, and there is now an actual possibility of the inherently racist bunch bagging themselves a couple of seats in our government. Nottingham Alternative Film Network have got summat to say about that, and they’re hosting a night of films from all across the world, starring people from all walks of life and a whole host of different nationalities. Round up yer mates you suspect might be turning to the dark side this election, pay what you want, and show ‘em how brilliant our world can be when we embrace diversity.
Monday 4 May, 4pm, pay what you want, Nottingham Writers’ Studio
The Apples
The Apples
Just two members off a fully-fledged football team, this fruity nonet are doing things a little bit differently. With a band that consists of turntables, drums, horns and bass, their eclectic mix of hip hop and soul-jazz is returning to the humble Bodega for some proper post-bank holiday fun. Calling Tel Aviv, Israel, their hometown on Facebook, these lot are descending on Notts as part of their spring tour. You might be back at work after an extra lie-in, but the prospect of gerrin’ your groove on to some proper beats in the evening will have the hours flying by. Why not pop down to Bodega a little earlier and stock up on all the happy hour treats money can buy? The two-for-one cocktails are sure to get you right into the swing of things. If you haven’t already overdone it at the weekend, that is.
Tuesday 5 May, 7pm, £15, The Bodega
Screenwriting Course
Film geeks who like a scribble, this one’s for you and your impending blockbuster hits. We love Graham Lester George, he’s got film nominations and awards for days. And now he’s running a screenwriting course at Broadway for all who are struggling to get those ideas ready for feature. It’s for intermediates, so you can’t just rock up and demand to be the next Spielberg, but this course is all about making those rusty scripts shine. Learn how to create that gripping title sequence, and how to let your drama unfold with the kind of wit only a Broadway screenwriting course can buy. The course is twenty hours across eight weeks and costs £130, so if you can handle that kind of commitment, get your pen sharpened up, duck. We can’t wait to review that fresh movie meat of yours.
Every Wednesday from 6 May, 6.30pm, £100/£130, Broadway
Nintendo madness at The Bodgega...
Sugar Ape
There be many a club night in Nottingham, but none quite like Sugar Ape at The Bodega. Beating its chest on the first Wednesday of every month, the madness comes all inclusive of a guestlist which, if you can be arsed to get your name on it, means you get some free alcohol slung down your neck. Not only that, but they’ll be playing the creme de la creme of all pop-punk rock anthems. You can expect to hear a hell of a lot of Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, and maybe even some Bowling For Soup thrown in for good measure. If you wanna get really into it, you can get all dressed up as your favourite Nintendo character and win some prizes for your efforts. All in all, it sounds like a cracker of a night to us, and it’s gonna be a late one so prepare your excuses for work in the morning.
Wednesday 6 May, 11pm, £2 entry on guestlist, Bodega
Vote
It’s too late to register now, but if you haven’t been an apathetic bogger, don’t be a lazy one either. Get out there. Even if you spoil the ballot, we need to shout about what we want from those pesky politicians. If you haven’t got a blinking clue who to vote for, take the survey at voteforpolicies.org and they’ll try to match up your beliefs to a party’s policies. From arts to our NHS, funding and services are quite important to say the least, so have your say in what’s happening. Plus, the walk to the polling booth is the perfect excuse to stretch your legs after a midweek Netflix binge, and it’s a socially responsible way to procrastinate. In the words of Lord Kitchener: your country needs you.
Thursday 7 May, free, local school or community centre
Nordic Giants
Nordic Giants
Can’t decide whether to go to the cinema, a gig, or a theatre show on a Friday night? Take those three birds out with one stone. A Séance of Dark Delusions, Nordic Giants’ latest album release tour, is a mythical wonder of film, music and performance. Dressed as folkloric Nordic giants, they’ll be playing guitars with violin bows and showcasing a variety of, err, interesting short films. All your dark, imaginative adventures will be fostered by costumes, lights, instruments and cinematography. Even if it is all a little bit scary. Apparently their gigs can be a metaphysical religious experience, so get down to Tempreh to embrace the spiritual cinematic world. It might not be one to take the kids to, but you can always bell up the babysitter and let loose. We should probs also warn you about the flashing lights. They can be a right bogger.
Friday 8 May, 7pm, £8.50, Nottingham Contemporary
Nepal Earthquake Fundraiser
This is your call to arms, ‘Lioners. Following the devastation that has ripped through Nepal, courtesy of a tremendous earthquake last week, the Guitar Bar are rallying the troops to raise much needed money for the rescue effort. They will be running an open mic night, of sorts, and are inviting anyone who can play an instrument, hold a tune or write a couple of lines of poetry, to perform. They will be donating 20% of the bar takings towards the cause, so gather up all your mates and make sure the tab's a hefty one. All they’re asking you to do, is rock up with yer pockets full and enjoy the night. You’ll get to make a conscious effort in raising money for the cause, while having yourselves a might fine Friday night. How brilliant is that, eh?
Friday 8 May, 7pm, donation, Guitar Bar
Haiku Salut
Haiku Salut
Ever been to a gig in the Galleries of Justice? Us neither, but it sounds like a right good bash, dunnit? Last time Haiku Salut were in town they hit up Nottingham Contemporary and Trinity Square with an orchestra of vintage lamps that all flickered in time to the music. Now, they’ve decided to play in the old Victorian courtroom. And why not? Expect a symphony of accordions, glockenspiels and many other weird instruments that can blissfully soothe the eardrums into magical delight. Also, anticipate a few poems along the way - they’re not called Haiku Salut for nowt. The female threesome will be enjoying support from Ultras and Inad, who add rockier and grungier dimensions to an otherwise melodic affair. No bog standard gig, it’ll make for a great story to tell the office on Monday morning.
Saturday 9 May, 7.30pm, £7, Galleries of Justice
Sunshine Vintage Bazaar
Bodega are proper treating us this week. They’re opening bright and early on Saturday morning to host the only vintage fair worth waking up on the weekend for. With contributions from Sue Ryder, you’ll be able to kit yersen out with a new-ish wardrobe, as well as grab a load of stuff for your house. It might prove to be a long day, what with all that shoppin’, but fear not cos Bodega have thought of it all. There’s gonna be a pop-up cafe, courtesy of Good Mood Food, who’re gonna be serving up some scrumptious snap to keep you going. Go on, loosen them purse strings and pop on down.
Saturday 9 May, 10am, free entry, Bodega
Bison
Bison
Hold on to your hats, folks, this one’s gonna be a messy ride. Inside the small but loud venue on Mansfield Road, the bull is rearing it’s head in the form of Sheffield band, Bison. The beast is back, so the Maze says. They’ll be kicking off an evening of proper tunes, including gypsy/ska/punk mash-up band, Hallouminati, and the blazing force that is Ashmore and Motormouf. Rounding up the night will be a reggae roots DJ set from Origin One, so make sure you whack on your dancing shoes and prepare for a right owd knees up. In a venue where a double will only set you back a mere £3.50, you know you're bound to have a proper good night.
Saturday 9 May, 8pm, £5, The Maze
For the motherload of everything else going on this week check out our comprehensive Nottingham events listings.
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